Cheapest Places to Travel in [2025]

Travel in 2025 doesn’t have to drain your savings. If you’re craving new adventures but want to stick to a budget, there are destinations where your money goes much further—without sacrificing amazing experiences.

This guide is all about real value: beautiful places, great food, rich culture, and welcoming people—at prices that make travel accessible.

Below you’ll find 7 destinations where you get incredible bang for your buck, plus practical tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to get there.

Vietnam

If you’re looking for somewhere that blends buzzing cities, peaceful countryside, and beach towns—without blowing your budget—Vietnam keeps coming up on everyone’s list. It’s known for having great food, dramatic scenery, and some of the most reasonable prices in Asia.

• Typical meal: $1–2 from local eateries
• Accommodation: $10–$30 per night in most cities
• Transport: Trains and buses are cheap and easy to book

What makes it budget-friendly:

Meals are famously inexpensive, and hotels—even private ones—can be surprisingly affordable. Travelers tend to stretch their money further here compared to nearby countries.

Portugal

Portugal is often suggested as a more affordable way to experience Western Europe. While not ultra-cheap, it offers solid value—especially compared to its neighbors. From ocean views to old towns full of character, it tends to offer more for less.

• Average meal: $10–15 at casual local spots
• Hotels: $50–$80 per night in major cities
• Transport: Trains are budget-friendly for longer distances

What makes it budget-friendly:

Local food, public transportation, and smaller hotels are generally more reasonable than in places like France or Italy.

Easy Day Trips and Tours

Explore Lisbon’s winding streets or the Douro Valley on guided trips that reveal local history and scenery without the guesswork.

Mexico

Mexico often ranks as one of the top choices for value. It has a little of everything—historic cities, beaches, markets, and a food scene that’s both famous and affordable. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a mix of experiences without a steep cost.

• Meals: ~$1–3 from street vendors or small restaurants
• Stays: $20–$50 for basic hotels or guesthouses
• Getting around: Local buses and shared vans keep costs down

What makes it budget-friendly:

Street food is widely available and very inexpensive, and transportation options are flexible and affordable across regions.

Albania

Albania tends to fly under the radar, but it’s been gaining attention as a lower-cost alternative to places like Croatia or Greece. You’ll often find scenic beaches, small towns, and fewer tourists.

• Meals: Around $5–10 at local restaurants
• Accommodation: Guesthouses from $20–$40/night
• Transport: Buses between cities are cheap and frequent

What makes it budget-friendly:

The cost of living is relatively low, which helps keep accommodation and food prices manageable—even near the coast.

Tours for Exploring More

A guided trip to Gjirokastra gives you a chance to explore stone-built alleys and mountain views without needing to figure out tricky public transport.

Indonesia (Outside Bali)

While Bali gets most of the attention, other islands in Indonesia—like Lombok or Java—tend to offer a similar vibe at lower costs. These destinations are known for beaches, rice terraces, and a quieter pace.

• Meals: Local food can cost around $2
• Stays: Bungalows and guesthouses for $10–$30/night
• Transport: Inexpensive ferries and domestic flights

What makes it budget-friendly:

The farther you get from Bali’s main tourist areas, the cheaper things get—from food to accommodation to activities.

Morocco

Morocco’s mix of city life, mountain scenery, and desert experiences tends to appeal to travelers looking for something different—without spending too much.

• Food: Street eats for $1–3, sit-down meals under $10
• Lodging: Riads and small hotels from $20–$50
• Transport: Trains and buses cover most major cities affordably

What makes it budget-friendly:

Daily costs like food and transit stay relatively low, even in larger cities like Marrakech or Fes.

Local Tours That Add Insight

An evening in the Agafay Desert with dinner, a show, quad biking, and a sunset camel ride is a simple way to take in Morocco’s landscapes and culture.

Guatemala

Guatemala stands out for its mix of lakes, volcanoes, and colonial towns. It’s often mentioned by budget travelers looking for somewhere scenic and less polished.

• Meals: $1–2 at markets and local diners
• Hotels/hostels: $10–$30 per night
• Transport: Local buses are very low-cost (though basic)

What makes it budget-friendly:

Guatemala offers a high experience-to-cost ratio. Whether it’s a lakefront hotel or a volcano hike, you often pay a lot less than in more developed tourist destinations.

Activities to Help You Explore

A boat trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán with visits to Maya villages offers an easy way to see local culture and stunning lakeside scenery in one day.

Wrapping Up Your Budget Travel Adventure

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. With smart planning and a few well-chosen tours, you can explore amazing destinations, experience local culture, and create unforgettable memories — all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cruising through Vietnam’s stunning bays, wandering Portugal’s historic streets, or trekking volcanic landscapes in Guatemala, there’s a budget-friendly adventure waiting for you.

Be sure to book your accommodations early, consider guided tours for easier exploration and local insight, and keep an eye out for great deals on flights and hotels. Your next great trip is closer — and more affordable — than you think!