If you want to make up for lost travel time to the pandemic, but don’t have enough funds to afford a dream destination – you’re not alone.
Any traveler who has seen half the world with a backpack claims that there is no place that is too expensive. And after several hours of market research, it turns out to be true; there are new and cheap offers.
We have collected the best travel destinations you can visit on a budget. Let’s get more insight into how accommodation, food and transport prices vary from country to country.
Top destinations to travel on a budget
Before we start with the list, go and check yours traveling the documents. Is your passport still valid? If not, don’t be discouraged because you can speed up the process online.
Once your passport is ready, you may need a visa photo perfectpassportphotos.com
But first, you’ll need to decide which country to visit next.
Thailand
The Thai islands look almost unrealistic in movies or Instagram photos, but to our surprise, Thailand is one of those destinations that anyone can afford.
With a flight ticket (depending on where you depart from) booked several months in advance, you can experience Thailand on a budget.
And unlike the southern part, the opposite pole is quite affordable. If you just want to experience the life of Thai culture, this is no luxury; you can find dorms for $5 or less a night.
Street food is also affordable, and so is sightseeing. You can go hiking, stroll around the city or visit the famous White Temple for dirt money.
The locals here are very friendly and happy to help or keep you company.
South Africa
If you are a wildlife lover, then South Africa should be at the top of your list.
Although it looks luxurious, prices in South Africa are quite affordable. You can find a safari and share a sunset with wildlife for a low price. Apart from safari, you can also go hiking.
Cape Town has great nightlife that you shouldn’t miss, and being one of the most affordable is the best part of the story.
You can find good apartments for low prices, such as $9 on Booking or Airbnb.
India
India, the country with one of the most favorite cuisines in the world, also belongs to the places you can visit on a budget.
You can find rooms for as little as $3, but expect to shower with buckets or alternatives. However, you can find some decent rooms for a fair price, or if you’re traveling with friends, you can split the bill and get a fully furnished apartment.
One of the best ways to explore India on a budget is to arrange everything yourself – no agents, no guides.
You can find good accommodation just by walking the streets – the owners offer accommodation at any time, so you can’t miss them. The same goes for city tours or excursions – you can even get half the quota in person, unlike booking online.
The northern area is more affordable than the southern one, but you shouldn’t miss the beaches in the south. You can take a train or rent a car to see the beaches.
Romania
For all lovers of the Middle Ages and Goths, Romania is one of the most affordable destinations to visit that should already be on your list. Although you may know the place for Dracula, the medieval villages and architecture have such an alluring charm that it’s hard to miss.
You can get good deals on Booking or Airbnb or by going around town to look for accommodations in person. Some hostels start at $10 a night, or around $15, but include breakfast.
If there’s one thing you should know about tourism in Romania – the food is always delicious, whether you eat street food, a restaurant or a hostel.
It is also advisable to find a room with a kitchen where you can cook lunch and dinner, because groceries are cheaper than in most places.
Apart from hostels, public transport is also very cheap and you can explore the cities for 60 cents for 90 minutes ride.
Georgia
If you want to experience the European spirit, then Georgia is one of the places you can visit on a budget.
Here you can eat for less than $3 and take a minibus for less than $1, which is impressive for a tourist note.
But what’s even more exciting are the tickets to museums or historical sights, as you can learn more about the country with prices starting at just $2.
Plus, if you want to explore the city, the locals are totally welcoming and willing to accept any tourist they meet. You can even walk or tour the town with the locals.
Mexico
As a place with cost-effective deals, enjoying authentic Mexican food on a budget makes the whole meal more delicious. Mexico has rich culture and nature that must be seen and experienced.
If you’re a fan of tacos, tortillas or quesadillas in Mexico, you can find them on the street for $3 or less. And they taste amazing.
What’s more, you can visit the beaches for free and steal a sunset or two while enjoying your favorite tacos.
However, the cost of accommodation varies in Mexico. You may have to look deeper to find a good room or apartment at a low price, but you will find it.
Just don’t settle for low prices because, most of the time, they are scams. On that note, read the reviews before booking a room/apartment.
The final word
Many avid travelers are stuck between their tight budget and a bucket list of favorite trips. But not every destination in the world requires thousands of dollars in savings.
So to all wanderers – your trip is always a good plan and a conscious deal away.
Photo by Sumit Chinchane on Unsplash