Inexpensive places to travel aren’t just budget options—they often offer more culture, flavor, and connection than the usual tourist hotspots. From Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe and Central America, there are hidden gems that give you more experience for less money. Discovering inexpensive places to travel opens up your journey to authenticity, affordability, and deeper cultural connections.

Oaxaca, Mexico (Approx. $35 USD/day)

Oaxaca is a cultural feast, from its colonial architecture to its lively indigenous traditions. Street food here—think tlayudas, tamales, and freshly squeezed juices—is incredibly cheap and flavorful. Museums, markets, and artisan workshops keep days full without draining your wallet. The exchange rate for the Mexican peso makes travel even more accessible. This is one of the best inexpensive places to travel for those who love art and cuisine.

For an immersive experience, you can also book a guided tour of Oaxaca’s top cultural sites to dive deeper into its rich local traditions.

Tip: Visit during the Guelaguetza Festival for a cultural celebration at little or no cost.

Kraków, Poland (Approx. $40 USD/day)

Kraków feels like a medieval fairy tale that doesn’t charge admission. Cobblestone streets, majestic castles, and cozy milk bars offer history and hearty food on a budget. Public transport is efficient and low-cost, and attractions like Wawel Castle or Schindler’s Factory are affordable. The Polish zloty goes far for backpackers. Among inexpensive places to travel in Europe, Kraków ranks high for charm and value.

For even more insight, consider booking a guided tour in Kraków—many are budget-friendly and cover key historical landmarks.

Tip: Buy a Kraków City Card for cheap access to multiple sites and public transport

Hanoi, Vietnam (Approx $25/day)

In Hanoi, you can feast on pho for under $2 while soaking in French colonial charm. Street vendors sell everything from egg coffee to spring rolls at unbeatable prices. Attractions like the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake are either free or cost a few dong. It’s a sensory-rich city without the cost. No wonder Hanoi is a favorite among inexpensive places to travel in Asia.

You can also book authentic cooking classes and street food tours

Tip: Stick to street stalls for the best and cheapest meals.

La Paz, Bolivia (Approx $30/day)

La Paz is breathtaking—both in altitude and affordability. Ride the Teleférico cable cars for panoramic views at pocket-change prices. Museums, markets, and even guided day trips to the Moon Valley or Death Road are accessible and budget-friendly. Bolivia’s low cost of living makes it ideal for long stays. As one of South America’s most inexpensive places to travel, it delivers high value with minimal expense.

Tip: Book intercity buses in advance for better rates and reliability.

Tbilisi, Georgia (Approx $25/day)

Tbilisi is where ancient history and budget wine collide. The local currency, the Georgian lari, offers strong value, and meals of khachapuri and khinkali often cost less than $5. You’ll find welcoming guesthouses, sulfur baths, and wine bars all for a fraction of Western prices.

For deeper cultural immersion, consider booking a local tour in Tbilisi—from food tastings to historic walking routes. Tbilisi is becoming one of the top inexpensive places to travel for adventurous food lovers.

Tip: Use the city’s marshrutka vans for cheap local transport.

Sofia, Bulgaria (Approx $30/day)

Sofia offers a unique mix of Roman ruins and Communist architecture, all without the tourist prices. Entry to many attractions is under $5, and the Bulgarian lev holds strong against the dollar. Enjoy traditional banitsa pastries or a sit-down meal without spending more than a few bucks.

To explore more while staying on budget, consider booking a guided walking tour or local experience in Sofia. Bulgaria’s capital is among Europe’s underrated, inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Visit the Free Sofia Tour for a high-quality, no-cost guided introduction to the city.

Granada, Nicaragua (Approx $25/day)

Granada’s bright colonial buildings and lakeside beauty make it a magnet for budget travelers. Tour the nearby Mombacho Volcano or take a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua for cheap.

For convenience and safety, you can also book affordable guided tours in Granada to explore the area with a local. Local food like gallo pinto is filling and inexpensive. Accommodations include charming guesthouses under $20 per night. It’s truly one of Central America’s most beautiful, inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Stay outside the central square to find lower lodging prices.

Colombo, Sri Lanka (Approx $20/day)

Colombo combines tropical beaches with bustling markets and historic temples. The Sri Lankan rupee gives travelers a big bang for their buck. You can enjoy curries, tuk-tuk rides, and beachfront views without splurging. For more structured exploration, you can book budget-friendly tours in Colombo—many include local markets, temples, or day trips along the coast. Train rides across the island start at under $1. This capital city is an excellent base among the inexpensive places to travel in South Asia.

Tip: Take second-class trains for comfort at the lowest fare.

Tirana, Albania (Approx.. $25/day)

Tirana’s colorful buildings and lively café culture charm visitors. Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with generous hospitality and meals under $5. Museums and art galleries are very affordable.

To explore more while staying on budget, you can book guided tours or cultural experiences in Tirana—many are surprisingly inexpensive. The city feels European without the euro prices. It deserves its rising reputation as one of the top inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Visit the local markets for unique crafts and budget souvenirs..

Cusco, Peru (Approx $30/day)

Cusco is rich with Incan history and easy on the wallet. Though Machu Picchu can be pricey, many ruins around the city are free or cheap.

For deeper exploration, you can book budget-friendly guided tours in Cusco that include sacred valleys, ancient temples, or cultural experiences. Local hospedajes offer cozy stays for less. Peruvian cuisine—like lomo saltado or chifa—is both tasty and budget-friendly. It’s one of Peru’s most inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Buy a Boleto Turístico pass for access to multiple attractions at a discount.

Many ruins around the city are free or cheap, and you can find affordable guided tours to explore the Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Approx $20/day)

Phnom Penh blends royal palaces and sobering history with some of the cheapest travel costs in Asia. You’ll find hostels for $5 and delicious street food for less. Visit the Killing Fields or the Royal Palace without spending much—or book a guided tour in Phnom Penh for added context and local insight. The Cambodian riel is incredibly budget-friendly. For historical depth and savings, it’s among the top inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Negotiate tuk-tuk fares beforehand to avoid tourist markups

Belgrade, Serbia (Approx $30/day)

Belgrade is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic fortresses, and Danube views—all on a shoestring. The Serbian dinar stretches far, and hearty Balkan meals are cheap. Riversides buzz with activity, and many museums have free days or low entrance fees.

To make the most of your visit, consider booking a walking tour or river cruise in Belgrade—many options are affordable and offer a local perspective. Belgrade earns its spot as one of Europe’s most exciting, inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Take advantage of local bakeries for filling snacks at minimal cost.

Medellín, Colombia (Approx. $30 USD/day)

Medellín has transformed into a modern, green, and affordable hub. The metro cable connects hilly neighborhoods to the center for pennies. Enjoy arepas, museum visits, and guided day trips to coffee farms or nearby towns without straining your budget. The weather is mild year-round, so no extra packing is needed. A must on any list of inexpensive places to travel in South America.

Tip: Use the Metroplus bus for fast, cheap travel across the city.

Ubud, Bali (Approx $25/day)

Ubud is a peaceful, budget-friendly haven surrounded by rice fields and temples. Villas and homestays offer luxury at low prices. Street food like nasi campur or satay is incredibly cheap. Wellness retreats, yoga classes, and affordable cultural tours or nature excursions in Ubud all come at great value. For soulful travelers, it’s one of Bali’s top inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Book longer stays with guesthouses for deep discounts.

Lviv, Ukraine (Approx $20/day)

Lviv feels like a slice of old Europe—cobblestones, cafes, and Baroque churches—without the hefty cost, making it one of the best budget destinations. Meals and accommodations are among the cheapest in Europe, making it a favorite destination for budget travelers. Tip: Travel by overnight train from Kyiv to save on both travel and accommodation.

Penang, Malaysia (Approx $25/day)

Penang offers an unbeatable mix of cultural heritage and foodie delights. Hawker stalls sell dishes like char kway teow for $2. Explore George Town’s street art, temples, and colonial buildings for free or low cost—or join a guided walking tour or food experience in Penang to dive even deeper. The Malaysian ringgit favors budget travelers. Penang is easily one of Southeast Asia’s most inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Use the free CAT shuttle bus in George Town for easy local transport.

Guatemala City, Guatemala (Approx $30/day)

Guatemala City is an underrated hub for reaching Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Mayan ruins. Local buses and lodges are incredibly cheap. Street food is flavorful and safe.

For deeper exploration, you can book budget-friendly tours from Guatemala City to nearby cultural and natural attractions. The quetzal is stable, and shopping in local markets is a fun, low-cost activity. Central America offers many inexpensive places to travel, and Guatemala City leads the pack.

Tip: Travel via ‘chicken buses’ for ultra-budget travel between towns.

Rabat, Morocco (Approx $30/day)

Rabat is calm, authentic, and budget-friendly. It’s less touristy than Marrakesh but equally rich in culture and architecture. The Moroccan dirham offers excellent value. Visit kasbahs, gardens, and beaches without spending much—or book a guided tour in Rabat to uncover local history with ease and affordability. Morocco’s capital is a top contender among North Africa’s inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Eat where locals dine to get the best flavors and prices.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Approx $25/day)

Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy, and it’s a feast for budget travelers. From banh mi to rooftop cafes, prices stay low. Explore French architecture, museums, and bustling markets for a few dollars—or book a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City to dive deeper into the city’s history and hidden gems. Vinasun and Grab make getting around easy and affordable. This vibrant city is one of Vietnam’s most dynamic and inexpensive places to travel.

Tip: Use Grab for reliable, cheap rides instead of haggling with taxis.

Kathmandu, Nepal (Approx $20/day)

Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas and a haven for budget-conscious explorers. Temples, trekking gear, and local meals are shockingly cheap. Guesthouses are cozy and start around $6. For added convenience, you can book affordable tours in Kathmandu—from guided temple visits to day hikes and cultural walks. The Nepalese rupee stretches nicely, even for longer stays. Among Asia’s inexpensive places to travel, Kathmandu is a timeless favorite.

Tip: Eat dal bhat—unlimited refills make it the best value meal in town.

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

It does t need to be expensive. A little savvy and a little research, and you can discover new territory on the cheap. The bottom line is to look for ways to reduce expenses both pre-trip and on your trip, so you get the highest bang for your buck.

For one, destination choice still counts. Certain countries or cities have a cheaper cost of living, so your cash stretches farther. Think Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia – or Eastern Europe – Bulgaria, Romania – which all have daily costs way less than Western Europe or North America. In these locations, food, transport, and accommodation can be fairly inexpensive relative to more developed areas.

If you can book in advance, this can make a huge difference. Planes and trains typically cost less if you book early, especially with flight comparison tools like Aviasales or WayAway, which help you find the best budget airfare globally, and some discount airlines even have their own special, if you book multiple months ahead.

If your dates are open, consider going during the off-season. Flights, hotels, and even attraction prices all go down when fewer people are willing to make the trip. This can translate into quieter streets and shorter lines as well.

Lodging is a huge component of any trip budget. Hostels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals via global booking sites can save you money. In most places, you can find private rooms or shared apartments for less than a hotel. Others opt for homestays or volunteer swaps, where you work a handful of hours a day in return for a free room and board. This applies in most of Asia and South America. For consistently cheap lodging, check Hotellook, Trip.com, or Hostelworld for last-minute deals and private rooms at hostel prices

For meals, local food stands and markets are usually less expensive and more genuine than tourist-oriented restaurants. Most cities have street food culture—food carts in Thailand, night markets in Taiwan, where you can sample local fare for a fraction of the cost. While we’re on the subject of food, shopping at supermarkets and cooking your meals is a great way to save money, particularly on extended trips.

Public transport extends your budget. Buses, trains, and metro systems are typically a lot less expensive than taxis or private rides. Most cities have travel cards or passes that give you unlimited rides for a certain period. Walking and biking cost nothing, but provide an up-close view of the city.Need a fast airport ride or hotel pickup? Use KiwiTaxi, Welcome Pickups, or Blacklane to book reliable transfers in over 100 countries—often cheaper than taxis

Final Thoughts on Inexpensive Places to Travel

Inexpensive places to travel, such as budget destinations, don’t just stretch your wallet—they expand your world. Skip the tourist traps and consider affordable destinations where the food is local, the smiles are real, and every dollar goes further. It’s not about spending less; it’s about experiencing more. Enjoy your next journey into the rich and rewarding world of budget travel destinations, making memories, not credit card debt. Want to explore these destinations more deeply? Browse local tours and activities you can book in advance or on arrival