Top Cheap Destinations to Travel or Visit in 2024

Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank. In 2024, numerous destinations offer incredible experiences without a hefty price tag. From the bustling streets of Southeast Asia to the historic sites of Eastern Europe, you can explore diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes on a budget. This guide highlights some of the cheapest places to visit in 2024, ensuring your travel dreams become a reality without draining your savings. 

Table of Contents

Southeast Asia

Vietnam

Vietnam is a haven for budget travelers. The affordability here is astounding, allowing you to stretch your budget while experiencing rich culture and stunning landscapes.

Affordable Accommodation: Whether you choose to stay in the bustling cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a wide range of budget-friendly hotels and hostels. You can find comfortable accommodations for as low as $10 per night. For a slightly higher budget, boutique hotels offer a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.

Low-Cost Dining: Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its flavor and affordability. Street food is where you’ll find the best bargains – think bowls of pho, banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls for just a few dollars. Don’t miss out on the vibrant night markets where you can sample a variety of local delicacies.

Budget-Friendly Activities: From exploring the ancient town of Hoi An to cruising through the limestone islands of Halong Bay, Vietnam offers a wealth of budget-friendly activities. Renting a motorbike to explore the countryside or taking a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels are both exciting and economical options.

Cambodia

Cambodia’s affordability is matched by its rich history and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Inexpensive Hotels and Hostels: In cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you can find plenty of budget accommodations. Hostels and guesthouses often cost less than $15 per night, and many include free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

Economical Food Options: Cambodian cuisine, with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, is both delicious and affordable. Street vendors and local markets offer meals for as little as $2. Must-try dishes include amok (a traditional coconut milk curry) and nom banh chok (Khmer noodles).

Must-See Sights on a Budget: Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of Cambodia’s attractions, and while entrance fees apply, the experience is worth every penny. Other budget-friendly activities include visiting the Royal Palace, exploring the Killing Fields, and relaxing on the beaches of Sihanoukville.

Indonesia

Indonesia, with its thousands of islands, offers a plethora of budget-friendly travel experiences.

Cost-Effective Stays: From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the tranquil beaches of Bali, Indonesia provides numerous affordable accommodation options. Hostels and budget hotels start at around $10 per night, with many mid-range hotels offering excellent deals.

Cheap Eats: Indonesian cuisine is a feast for the senses and your wallet. Street food stalls and warungs (small family-owned restaurants) serve up delicious meals like nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay for just a few dollars. Don’t miss the vibrant food markets where you can sample a variety of dishes.

Affordable Attractions: Visit the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, hike up the majestic Mount Bromo, and enjoy the stunning beaches of the Gili Islands. Many attractions in Indonesia are either free or very low-cost, making it easy to explore without overspending.

Eastern Europe

Romania

Romania is an underrated gem in Eastern Europe, offering a rich cultural experience without the high costs associated with Western Europe.

Budget Lodging: Romania provides plenty of budget-friendly lodging options, particularly in Bucharest and Brasov. You can find comfortable hostels and guesthouses for under $20 per night. For a more unique experience, consider staying in a traditional Romanian guesthouse.

Wallet-Friendly Meals: Romanian cuisine is hearty and affordable. Local restaurants and cafes serve dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mămăligă (polenta) for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe. Don’t forget to try the local wines, which are both excellent and inexpensive.

Affordable Tourist Spots: Explore the medieval towns of Transylvania, visit the stunning castles like Bran Castle (associated with the Dracula legend), and hike in the Carpathian Mountains. Many of these attractions are free or have minimal entrance fees, making Romania a budget-friendly destination for history and nature lovers.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities, all at very affordable prices.

Low-Cost Accommodation: Bulgaria offers numerous budget hotels and hostels, especially in Sofia and Plovdiv. You can find comfortable lodging for as little as $10 per night, and even mid-range hotels are reasonably priced.

Inexpensive Dining: Bulgarian cuisine is both delicious and affordable. Traditional dishes like banitsa (a pastry filled with cheese) and kavarma (a meat and vegetable stew) can be enjoyed at local taverns for very reasonable prices. Street food is also a great option for budget travelers.

Budget-Friendly Activities: Visit the ancient city of Nessebar, explore the stunning Rila Monastery, and enjoy the beautiful Black Sea coast. These attractions are either free or very low-cost, allowing you to experience the best of Bulgaria without spending a fortune.

Serbia

Serbia is known for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and affordable prices, making it a great destination for budget travelers.

Affordable Stays: Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, offers numerous affordable accommodation options, from hostels to budget hotels. Prices typically start at around $10 per night, making it easy to find a place to stay that fits your budget.

Economical Food Choices: Serbian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with many affordable options. Local kafanas (traditional Serbian restaurants) serve up dishes like ćevapi (grilled minced meat) and sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) for a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere in Europe.

Cheap Things to Do: Explore the historic Belgrade Fortress, enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, and take a day trip to the picturesque town of Novi Sad. Serbia offers a wealth of budget-friendly activities, ensuring you can experience its rich culture without overspending.

 

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Top Cheap Destinations

Latin America

Bolivia

Bolivia is a fantastic destination for budget travelers, offering stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost of other South American countries.

Budget-Friendly Hotels: Bolivia’s accommodations are incredibly affordable, with budget hotels and hostels available for as low as $5 per night, especially in cities like La Paz and Sucre. For a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional guesthouse or a community-run eco-lodge.

Affordable Local Cuisine: Bolivian cuisine is hearty and diverse. You can enjoy traditional dishes like salteñas (savory pastries) and silpancho (breaded meat with rice and potatoes) for just a few dollars. Street food and local markets are great places to sample authentic Bolivian flavors on a budget.

Cost-Effective Attractions: Bolivia offers a wealth of affordable attractions, from the surreal landscapes of the Uyuni Salt Flats to the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku. For adventure seekers, trekking in the Andes or exploring the Amazon rainforest are both cost-effective and unforgettable experiences.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, with its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Inexpensive Lodging: Nicaragua offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations, particularly in cities like Granada and León. Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful and often cost less than $10 per night, providing excellent value for money.

Cheap Eats: Nicaraguan cuisine is both delicious and affordable. You can enjoy traditional dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and vigorón (a dish made with yuca and pork) for just a few dollars at local eateries and street vendors.

Affordable Sightseeing: From the colonial charm of Granada to the volcanic landscapes of Ometepe Island, Nicaragua offers numerous budget-friendly attractions. Don’t miss the stunning beaches of San Juan del Sur, where you can relax and soak up the sun without breaking the bank.

Colombia

Colombia has emerged as a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and culture on a budget.

Affordable Accommodation: Colombia offers a variety of budget accommodation options, particularly in cities like Bogotá and Medellín. You can find comfortable hostels and guesthouses for under $15 per night. For a more unique experience, consider staying in a finca (a traditional coffee farm).

Budget Dining Options: Colombian cuisine is diverse and affordable. Street food and local markets are great places to sample dishes like arepas (corn cakes) and empanadas (stuffed pastries) for just a few dollars. Don’t forget to try the local coffee, considered some of the best in the world.

Low-Cost Activities: Explore the historic district of Cartagena, hike in the beautiful Cocora Valley, and visit the coffee plantations in the Coffee Triangle. Many of these activities are either free or very low-cost, allowing you to experience Colombia’s rich culture and natural beauty on a budget.

Africa

Morocco

Morocco is a treasure trove of affordable travel experiences, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

Budget Stays: Morocco’s cities, such as Marrakech and Fes, offer a variety of affordable accommodations. Riads (traditional Moroccan houses) and budget hotels often cost less than $20 per night, providing a unique and comfortable stay.

Economical Food Options: Moroccan cuisine is both flavorful and affordable. You can enjoy traditional dishes like tagines and couscous at local markets and street vendors for just a few dollars. Don’t miss the opportunity to try fresh mint tea, a staple of Moroccan hospitality.

Affordable Attractions: Explore the bustling souks, visit the Sahara Desert, and tour the historic medinas. Many attractions, such as the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech and the ancient city of Volubilis, have minimal entrance fees, making them accessible to budget travelers.

Egypt

Egypt, with its ancient history and vibrant culture, offers numerous affordable travel experiences.

Cost-Effective Accommodation: Egypt provides a wide range of budget-friendly hotels, especially in Cairo and Luxor. Prices start at around $10 per night for hostels and budget hotels, making it easy to find a comfortable place to stay.

Cheap Dining: Egyptian cuisine is both delicious and affordable. Street vendors and local eateries offer dishes like koshari (a mix of rice, pasta, and lentils) and falafel for just a few dollars. Dining in Egypt is not only a culinary delight but also a budget-friendly experience.

Budget-Friendly Tourist Spots: Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile River, and explore ancient temples like Karnak and Luxor. Many of these attractions have low entrance fees, and guided tours are often very affordable, allowing you to delve into Egypt’s rich history without overspending.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, with its unique culture and stunning landscapes, is an ideal destination for budget travelers seeking adventure.

Affordable Lodging: Ethiopia offers numerous budget accommodation options, particularly in Addis Ababa and Lalibela. Guesthouses and budget hotels typically cost around $10 per night, providing comfortable and affordable stays.

Economical Meals: Ethiopian cuisine is both flavorful and affordable. Traditional dishes like injera (a type of flatbread) and doro wat (spicy chicken stew) can be enjoyed at local restaurants for just a few dollars. Eating out in Ethiopia is a culinary adventure that won’t strain your wallet.

Inexpensive Things to Do: Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, explore the stunning Simien Mountains, and discover the rich history and culture of Addis Ababa. Many of these attractions are free or have minimal entrance fees, making Ethiopia an affordable destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Tips for Budget Travelers

Finding Cheap Flights: Use flight comparison websites and book in advance to secure the best deals. Consider flying during off-peak times and using budget airlines to save money.

Budget Accommodation Hacks: Look for hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options for affordable lodging. Consider staying in less touristy areas to find better deals.

Saving on Food and Drink: Eat at local markets and street vendors to save money on meals. Take advantage of complimentary breakfasts at hotels and hostels.

Economical Transportation Options: Use public transport and consider walking or cycling to explore destinations. Look for travel passes and discount cards to save on transportation costs.

Free and Low-Cost Activities: Take advantage of free walking tours, visit public parks, and explore local markets. Many cities offer free or low-cost museums and cultural sites.

 

Before you take off make sure to check with local government of the travel status.

FAQs

What are some tips for saving money while traveling?

Use public transport, stay in budget accommodations, and eat at local markets.

How can I find cheap flights to these destinations?

Use flight comparison websites, book in advance, and be flexible with travel dates.

Is it safe to travel to these budget destinations?

Most of these destinations are safe for travelers, but always research and follow local advice.

What is the best time of year to visit these places?

The best time varies by destination; research the climate and peak travel seasons.

How can I find affordable accommodation?

Use platforms like Airbnb, Hostelworld, and booking sites to compare prices and reviews.

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