Traveling for the first time on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or fun. There are plenty of countries that are easy to navigate, full of culture, and won’t empty your bank account. Whether you’re looking for a sunny beach vacation or a cultural getaway, here’s a list of the best Budget-Friendly Countries for First-Time Travelers, with some tips on where to stay and how to save on flights.
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1. Thailand
Thailand has long been a favorite destination for budget travelers—and it’s easy to see why. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers something for every kind of traveler. Best of all, it’s incredibly affordable.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Accommodation: Budget hostels and guesthouses start around $10-15 per night. If you prefer something more private, you can find decent hotels starting at $30-50 per night, especially in tourist-friendly areas like Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
- Cheap Eats: Street food is delicious, and you can enjoy a meal for as little as $2-5, which is perfect for travelers on a tight budget.
- Transport: Getting around Thailand is easy and cheap. Tuk-tuks, buses, and trains are available, and short flights between cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are often priced around $20-40.
2. Portugal
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Europe on a budget, Portugal is one of the best options. With its stunning coastline, historic cities, and rich culture, Portugal offers the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Hotels: Budget accommodation in cities like Lisbon and Porto starts at around $40-60 per night for a private room in a guesthouse or budget hotel. If you opt for a hostel, you can often find beds for as low as $15-25 per night.
- Transportation: Public transportation is reliable and affordable. A metro or bus ticket in Lisbon costs around $1.50, and trains to cities like Porto or Coimbra are typically $20-30 one way.
- Delicious (and Cheap) Food: Portugal is known for its fresh seafood and pastries. A meal at a local restaurant typically costs $10-15, and you can grab a pastel de nata for just $1-2.
Best Budget Hotel in Lisbon:
HI Vila Nova de Cerveira
- Price: Around $70–90 per night
- Right in the heart of Vila Nova de Cerveira, this laid-back youth hostel puts you close to local shops, the riverfront, and scenic walking trails. A solid base if you’re exploring northern Portugal on a budget. Check prices and availability for this Portugal stay
Alternative in Porto:
Lunar Guesthouse
A cozy and affordable guesthouse in central Porto, just a short walk from local cafes and public transport. Great for travelers who want comfort without spending much. Check prices and availability here
Price: Around $80–90 per night
Flight Tips:
Trip.com makes it simple to book flights to Portugal, whether you’re heading to Lisbon or Porto. Their platform offers clear options and easy comparison of airlines and schedules.
3. Mexico
Mexico is a fantastic first-time destination for travelers looking to experience rich culture, history, and amazing food without spending a fortune. From the beaches of Cancun to the historic streets of Mexico City, there’s plenty to see and do.
Why It’s Great to travel here:
- Low-Cost Accommodation: You can find budget-friendly hotels or hostels starting at $15-25 per night. Mid-range hotels in tourist areas like Playa del Carmen or Mexico City range from $40-60 per night.
- Cheap Flights: Mexico is one of the most affordable international destinations from the U.S. Flights from major U.S. cities to Mexico City or Cancun are often under $300 if you book early.
- Delicious Street Food: Tacos, tamales, and tortas can cost as little as $1-3 per meal, making it easy to enjoy local flavors without spending much.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia is amazing for budget travelers, especially in places like Bali and Yogyakarta. The country offers stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, all at a very low cost.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Accommodation: You can find basic hotels and guesthouses in Bali starting around $15-30 per night. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, boutique hotels and resorts typically start at $50-70 per night.
- Cheap Flights: Flights from the U.S. to Bali or Jakarta can range from $600-900, depending on the season. However, once you’re in Indonesia, domestic flights are very affordable—expect to pay $20-40 for a flight between Bali and Jakarta.
- Low-Cost Eats: Indonesian food is delicious and very affordable. You can easily find meals for as low as $3-5 at local warungs (small family-owned restaurants).
Best Budget Hotels in Bali:
Royal Regantris Kuta
- Price: Around $30–45 per night on Trip.com
- Located just a short distance from Kuta Beach, the Royal Regantris Kuta is ideal for first-time visitors seeking an affordable and comfortable stay. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel offers an on-site spa, restaurant, and convenient access to local shops and attractions. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy the lively Kuta area, with easy access to the beach, vibrant cafes, and scooter rentals for exploring Bali.
Flight Tips:
With Trip.com, you can easily find flights to Indonesia, whether you’re heading to Bali, Jakarta, or beyond. Their user-friendly interface helps you compare flights and find the most convenient schedules.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, and it’s perfect for budget travelers. Whether you’re in the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City or exploring the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has something for everyone.
Some reasons why you should go:
- Super Cheap Accommodation: Budget hostels in Vietnam start at around $10-20 per night, while mid-range hotels in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cost around $25-40 per night.
- Affordable Transportation: Buses and trains are the most budget-friendly ways to get around. A bus ride in Ho Chi Minh City costs about $0.50, while a train ride from Hanoi to Hue can be as low as $15-20.
- Inexpensive Food: Street food is a must-try in Vietnam, with meals starting at just $1-3.
Flights:
Booking flights to Vietnam with Kiwi.com gives you flexible options, including multi-leg flights and combinations of airlines that may not be available elsewhere. It’s perfect for budget travelers heading to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
6. Greece
Greece, with its picturesque islands, ancient history, and vibrant culture, is a must-visit for any budget traveler. While popular spots like Santorini can be pricey, there are plenty of affordable options that still offer stunning views and unforgettable experiences.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Accommodation: You can find budget hotels and hostels starting around $30-50 per night, especially on less touristy islands like Crete or Naxos.
- Inexpensive Dining: Greek cuisine is not only delicious but also affordable. You can enjoy a satisfying meal at a local taverna for as little as $10-15.
- Budget-Friendly Transport: Greece has affordable public transportation, with metro tickets in Athens costing around $1.50. Ferries between islands are reasonably priced, especially if you book in advance.
Flight Tips:
Trip.com offers a variety of options for flights to Greece, from Athens to the islands. The site is easy to navigate and provides flexible schedules and clear details on airlines and layovers.
7. Colombia
Colombia is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for travelers on a budget. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture, Colombia offers fantastic experiences at an affordable price.
Why It’s Great to travel to:
- Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Hostels in cities like Medellín or Bogotá start around $10-20 per night, and mid-range hotels are available for $30-60 per night.
- Cheap Public Transport: Getting around cities is easy and inexpensive, with metro tickets in Medellín costing about $0.75 and buses in Bogotá priced around $0.60.
- Affordable Meals: You can enjoy hearty Colombian dishes like arepas and empanadas for as little as $2-5 per meal.
8. Morocco
For those looking for a unique cultural experience on a budget, Morocco is an excellent choice. With its bustling souks, ancient cities, and beautiful landscapes, it offers plenty of adventure without breaking the bank.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Accommodation: You can find budget hotels and riads in cities like Marrakech or Fes for around $40-60 per night. Even in the heart of the medinas, prices for a basic stay are low.
- Cheap Street Food: Morocco is famous for its street food, and you can grab a delicious meal like tagine or couscous for around $5-10.
- Low-Cost Transport: Buses and trains are affordable and an easy way to get around. A train from Casablanca to Marrakech costs about $10-15.
Flight Tips:
Trip.com makes booking flights to Morocco hassle-free, with a wide range of options to cities like Marrakech or Casablanca. You can easily compare airlines and schedules to find the most convenient flight for your trip.
9. Turkey
Turkey offers a great mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a wonderful destination for budget travelers. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, there’s something for everyone.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Hotels: Budget accommodations start at around $20-40 per night in cities like Istanbul, and even more rural destinations offer affordable options.
- Inexpensive Food: Turkish food is delicious and cheap, with meals like kebabs or meze costing around $5-10 at local restaurants.
- Public Transportation: Turkey’s public transportation system is affordable. In Istanbul, a metro ticket costs around $0.50, and buses between cities are priced between $10-20.
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10. Philippines
The Philippines is a tropical paradise with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s also one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re in Palawan or Cebu, the Philippines is perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Travelers:
- Affordable Accommodation: Budget hostels and guesthouses are available starting at around $10-20 per night. In more tourist-heavy areas like Boracay, you can find options starting around $30-50 per night.
- Low-Cost Transport: Public transportation is cheap, with jeepney rides costing as little as $0.30. Flights between islands are also affordable, often ranging from $20-50.
- Inexpensive Meals: Filipino food is delicious and incredibly cheap, with meals often costing $2-5 at local eateries.
Flight Tips:
Booking flights to the Philippines with Trip.com is easy, and the site provides flexible flight options to popular destinations like Manila and Cebu. You can easily compare airlines and find the best schedules for your trip.
Destination Comparisons
| Destination | Best Time to Visit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | November to February | Cooler, dry season with less rain and fewer tourists. |
| Portugal | March to May & September to October | Mild weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices. |
| Mexico | November to April | Dry season with pleasant temperatures, great for beach destinations. |
| Indonesia | May to September | Dry season with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities. |
| Vietnam | February to April & September to November | Best weather and fewer rains, ideal for exploring cities and countryside. |
| Greece | April to June & September to October | Mild weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer. |
| Colombia | December to March | Dry season with sunny weather and perfect for beach or city exploration. |
| Morocco | March to May & September to November | Pleasant weather, ideal for desert and city exploration. |
| Turkey | April to June & September to November | Comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists than the peak summer months. |
| Philippines | December to May | Dry season with great weather for beach vacations and island hopping. |
Conclusion
Traveling on a budget as a first-timer doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right planning and the help of affordable travel platforms, you can visit amazing countries without overspending. From budget accommodations to cheap flights and delicious, low-cost food, destinations like Thailand, Portugal, Mexico, Indonesia, and Vietnam offer everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
