Popular Destinations For Budget Travelers
Let’s dispel the myth that you need to spend loads of cash to travel around the world. You can travel just about anywhere on a budget. You can pretty much travel anywhere and not spend too much just by using a few travel hacks. I’m all about getting good deals and finding resources, the best part is with your laptop/phone this information is easily accessible anywhere.
You can travel have fun and fill your life with new experiences in just about anywhere in the world without having to spend extravagantly.
I’m going to focus on the destinations that are designed for the budget traveler. I was fortunate enough to visit these countries that offered cheap accommodation, cheap and delicious food, plenty of activities, and excursions that can be enjoyed without draining your wallet.
7 Best Kept Secrets For Budget Travelers:
Cambodia
Several years ago I lost my job and became self-employed so I had to travel on a shoestring budget (frankly I was broke a/f). The only thing I knew about Cambodia was the Khmer Rouge. Then I watched some travel channel showing the temples of Angkor Wat, and at that moment I said to myself, “Wherever that is I’m going!” Angkor Wat became my bucket list trip so I simply planned ahead of time and made it happen. You can seriously live very well with $50 a day, hostels are insanely cheap and getting a single room may cost $20 a day while street food be as little as $1 to $3. The local beer I remember was about $1, I mean at that point you can make it rain…..I did.
The most expensive thing to see in Cambodia is Angkor Wat but it’s a World Heritage site so it’s worth the day trip. Expect to pay about $40 for a day pass.
Thailand
If you’re a beach bum and a party animal then this is your spot! This destination ranks for me as one of the very best New Year’s Celebrations I’ve ever had. I had the very best time meeting new people eating the local food and yes partying. Backpackers flock here from all over for a simple reason…. it’s fun and affordable. Street food is insanely cheap and delicious and the hostels and hotels are also VERY affordable.
Hot Tip: Don’t ignore Koh Phi Phi! I spent New Year’s in Koh Phangan and had the time of my life!
| Thai Island Hopper (East) | Trip Details |
|---|---|
 | Thailand holds a special place for me frankly, it's one of the best vacations I've ever had. The best part is that it doesn't cost much at all to have a great time. There is so much to do and experience I highly recommend you consider this awesome trip. For more details and pricing click here. |
Morocco
Here’s a destination you probably wouldn’t think of but Morocco is very charming. Lots to see from the medinas, Roman ruins, the hectic bazaars and we can’t ignore the fact that it doesn’t cost much to get around. The two very best things for me in Morocco were Moulay Idriss and Chefchaouen (aka the ‘blue city’)…just beautiful! For those looking to party, there are some spots, especially in Marrakesh where you can enjoy great food and drink. It’s not exactly party central so it’s a little more subdued but still loads to do.
Colombia
Full disclosure, my family is from Colombia so I’m a little biased here. That being said Colombia in particular the city of Medellin is ranked as one of the best travel destinations in South America. The other location in Colombia not to be ignored is Cartagena, the fireworks display for New Years’ is truly incredible. The current situation in Colombia is that the US dollar is very strong so everything is dirt cheap there.
I felt very safe since there was a strong military presence just about everywhere I went. However, that doesn’t mean you can walk about with your 70-liter backpack and stand out. Being a minimalist backpacker and using common sense in Colombia will pay off.
Budapest
This was the very last country I visited in Europe and fell in love instantly with Budapest. The youth had their own style going the nightlife was the absolute best, especially in the Jewish Quarter. What makes this European city so much better is it’s very inexpensive. Hostels can range from $25 USD to $50 USD If you want to live large and get your own room, then expect to pay from $60 USD and up.
Hot Tip: I can’t stress how much fun Budapest is at night with the “ruined bars” in the Jewish Quarter.
Prague
I loved it so much that I visited twice! There are so many free activities in Prague and the food is insanely good and cheap. Prague is truly an old-world treasure rich with history, culture and food. The highlights are Old Town Prague, Jewish Quarter + Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock and St. Vitus Cathedral which are FREE to enjoy. Also, there are a couple of free museums you can visit as well. For you Beatles fans there is the ‘Lennon Wall’ to see as well. Did I mention cheap street food….there’s that as well.
Hot Tip: Avoid the tourist trap with all the weed shops, it’s not even real weed because THC is illegal there. Another rip-off that tourists are the bottles of Absinthe you see for sale. Hint….about 90% is not even the real thing.
Mexico
Where should we start? Mexico is truly a foodie’s paradise; Mexican food is delicious and cheap and there’s lots to see and visit while there. Accommodations are very inexpensive and you can probably get by with just $40 a day. You wouldn’t think it but Mexico has 4 different climates all within hours of each other, and each region has its own subculture and unique foods as well.
I heard some travelers call Mexico the “Italy” of the Americas. It has a diverse climate, history, great food, awesome beaches, and ruins….lets’ not forget great people. That being said, Mexico is plagued at the moment with terrible violence so if you value your safety don’t look for trouble and go to the violent plagued areas or try to score some cannabis.
If you’re a savvy budget-minded traveler you already know how to stretch your dollar. It doesn’t matter where you go, there are so many ways to save money. All you need is an open mind and do a little bit of homework. Well, there you have it! An epic list of cheap places to travel globally.
Final Thoughts
This is just a short list of 7 budget-friendly destinations at your fingertips. If you’re really on a tight budget consider Asia as your first destination, especially Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and India. There are plenty of VERY cheap accommodations, incredible food, and outdoor activities all at your fingertips.
