Exploring the Cheapest Places to Travel in United States allows budget-conscious travelers to enjoy memorable experiences without breaking the bank. Cities like Albuquerque, New Mexico, offer affordable accommodations and unique cultural attractions, such as hot air balloon festivals and historic landmarks. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, provides beautiful beaches, budget-friendly resorts, and free boardwalk activities. St. Augustine, Florida, known as the nation’s oldest city, is rich in history and offers affordable tours and attractions.
Cheapest Places to Travel in United States
Travelers can also visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, one of the Cheapest Places to Travel in United States, where admission is free, and nature trails abound. Austin, Texas, is another gem for budget travelers, with its lively music scene, food trucks, and low-cost outdoor activities. These Cheapest Places to Travel in United States ensure a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture without overspending. Planning a trip to these destinations can make exploring the Cheapest Places to Travel in United States both fun and economical.
1. Thailand — For Food, Beaches, and Road Trips
It’s packed with beautiful islands, beach huts galore, delectable food, and adventure. And all of these experiences are often surprisingly affordable.
Despite the well-trodden routes through the country, it’s not hard to get away from the crowds, at least if you rent a bike and hit Thailand’s winding roads.
For example, you can travel 600 kilometers along the Mae Hong Son Loop through the jungle-covered northern mountains.
We recommend checking out Nakhon Si Thammarat for some of the best — and very affordable — food the country has to offer.
Need more convincing? Maybe our Thailand itinerary can help you plan your perfect trip. Also, be sure to read all about the best time to visit Thailand.
2. South Africa — For great value safaris
Apart from the beautiful landscapes, one of the great things about traveling to South Africa is that it’s possible to enjoy a safari experience — complete with the Big Five — and go on epic hikes without facing budget-breaking bills.
For example, you can head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi to see white rhinos and avoid the crowds of Kruger, while the Drakensberg delivers excellent hikes.
Beyond bush exploring, be sure to factor in at least a few days in Cape Town or Johannesburg to experience South Africa’s cities.
Inspired to visit? Start planning your trip by reading the best time to visit South Africa and get inspired by our suggested South Africa itineraries.
3. Vietnam — For Affordable Diversity
The country’s greatest attraction is its exquisite countryside — from the limestone karsts of the north to the waterways and rice fields of the Mekong Delta — surrounded by delightful beaches and bustling cities.
But don’t just take our word for it — discover the most beautiful places in Vietnam, as voted by Rough Guides readers.
Then there’s the cuisine — pull up a stool at a pho stall and for a few dollars you can rub shoulders with locals and eat some of the best food on offer.
Sold to visit Vietnam? Read our tips for backpacking Vietnam, and discover the best time to visit Vietnam as you plan your trip.
4. Uruguay — for happy beaches on a budget
If you’ve already visited Brazil and Argentina — or are just looking for a better value destination in South America — head to neighboring Uruguay instead.
And the reasons? First, it’s loaded with lovely beaches, including Cabo Polonio, which offers a laid-back experience and plenty of wildlife.
We really appreciate the gorgeous old capital of Montevideo, which offers a great mix of historic architecture, modern culture, and coastal landscapes, including Playa Pocitos beach.
If your heart is set on a combination of beaches, culture, and adventure, there's plenty more to do in South America. Take Costa Rica, for example. Known for its lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife, a well-planned 7-day Costa Rica itinerary lets you travel through pristine beaches, exotic animal spots, and cloud forests—all while staying within budget.
5. Cuba — Ultra-affordable, with few tourists outside the big resorts
Cuba is changing, and so are its prices, but rest assured that it’s a great place to travel on a budget, while still experiencing the best that this unique Caribbean island has to offer.
While you might want to get away from the resort areas and avoid the tourist season — to do so, read up on the best time to visit Cuba — budget travelers can find very affordable places to stay near the island’s picture-perfect beaches.
The same goes for Havana — Cuba’s intoxicating capital is home to cheap casas and bars where you can enjoy local rum and salsa beats for a low price.
We really appreciate the city of Santiago de Cuba for its sparkling coastline, carnival, and charming architecture.
Dreaming of Cuba? Get smart with our tips for backpacking Cuba, and get inspired by our suggested Cuba itineraries.
6. Prague - Still one of Europe's most affordable capitals
It's still possible to enjoy hearty Czech food for very little money, washed down with excellent local beer, of course.
The city itself is a beauty, steeped in history and perfect for leisurely exploration on foot, so you won't have to worry about running out for a taxi.
Before you visit the Czech Republic, find out how to avoid the crowds in Prague.
Thinking of traveling further afield? Take inspiration from a top train travel itinerary that starts in Prague and discover how to mix hiking with history in the Czech Republic.
7. Greece — For popular hotspots on a budget
If you steer clear of the big resort areas, look into traveling off-season, and stay in local guesthouses or hostels, even the most popular Greek islands can be visited on a tight budget.
In fact, several of the best things to do in Greece are free, including climbing Mount Olympus and hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete.
Take your time researching where to stay, and you could find yourself within reach of some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches.
In more good news, you can enjoy the best Greek food at pocket-pleasing prices if you eat at local tavernas.
Editor’s Tip: Before you head to Greece, find out how to plan a Greek island vacation and read our Greece itineraries.
8. Guatemala — One of the Cheapest Countries to Learn Spanish
It’s hard not to fall in love with Guatemala and its captivating mix of natural beauty, Mayan heritage, and colonial legacy, with rock-bottom prices also making it one of the best places to study Spanish in an extended stay.
Once your language skills are up to scratch, hop on the country’s famous camionetas, or “chicken buses,” to explore beyond your base.
We recommend soaking up the sights of elegant Antigua in the south, exploring Guatemala City, and taking a road trip to the monumental Mayan temples of Tikal.
Before you plan your trip, read up on the best time to visit Guatemala, decide how many days to spend in Guatemala, and check out our Guatemala itineraries.
9. Morocco — for bustling markets and desert landscapes
For an affordable getaway filled with culture and scenery, Morocco ticks all the boxes. The medinas of cities like Marrakesh and Fez are filled with lively markets (souks), where you can find spices, textiles, and handmade crafts at reasonable prices — perfect for a budget-friendly shopping experience.
From the vibrant energy of the city markets to the peaceful silence of the desert dunes at sunset, Morocco is a destination that stays with you long after you’ve left. Be sure to visit at the best time and read all about the best things to do in Morocco.
One of the best ways to explore Morocco on a budget is to follow a structured itinerary. For example, our 7-day itinerary could take you through Marrakesh, the Atlas Mountains, and the sands of the Sahara, with stops in historic towns like the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Aït Benhaddou.
10. India - A perennial budget travel favorite
The vast country of India is one of the ultimate destinations for traveling on the cheap. It's fair to say, few countries enable budget travelers to cover vast swaths of land — and eat so well — for such minimal costs.
If you're after a budget beach break, ditch Goa for the gorgeous beaches of the temple town of Gokarna.
For amazing food, it's hard to beat the puris and kebabs from Mumbai's street stalls. You'll save cash here by living like a local.
Want more India inspiration? Discover our favorite itineraries and get smart with our tips for first-time travelers.
11. Portugal — For affordable food
Portugal is one of the best bargain destinations in Western Europe, and it's especially worth considering if you're looking to avoid the more crowded resorts and cities of Spain.
We also recommend skipping the Algarve for the ruggedly beautiful Alentejo coast, known for its affordable fresh seafood and inviting exploration through food.
Vibrant, uber-cool Lisbon is also perfect for budget travelers, and there’s no shortage of great things to do for free.
12. Bolivia — For natural beauty on a budget
Traveling here takes some effort, and can be a little uncomfortable at times, but it’s worth it for the wealth of amazing sights on offer.
Top of the list is undoubtedly the amazing Salar de Uyuni salt flats - a two or three day tour will usually set you back under £100/$150.
Plan your trip with our rough guide to South America on a budget and don't miss out on trying at least a few of the best things to do in Bolivia.
13. Mexico - one of the cheapest places to visit, period
Your budget will definitely stretch to tacos and tequila galore in Mexico, which is great news as there's a lot to cover in this vast and vibrant country.
Use the extensive bus network to get around for little and travel overnight when covering long distances to save even more money.
If you travel during the off-season of May-October, you’ll get more bargains on accommodations.
Whether you want to string your hammock along the sparkling white sands of Mexico’s best beaches, sample some of the country’s best street food in Oaxaca, or cool off in a crystal-clear cenote (sunken swimming hole), you’ll likely leave wanting to come back for more.
To kick off your wanderlust, take inspiration from our 12 favorite places to visit in Mexico and some of Mexico’s best itineraries.
14. New Orleans – One of the Cheapest Major Cities in the U.S.
You can’t avoid the music in New Orleans. And, with buskers on every corner, and music coming from every courtyard and bar, it’s not hard to experience the city’s musical heritage without spending much more than the price of a beer.
The city is best experienced slowly and on foot. For example, it’s hard to beat people-watching over a cup of coffee and a plate of sugar-dusted beignets at Café du Monde.
15. Laos — For National Parks and Authentic Experiences
Even in one of the world’s cheapest places to travel, Laos stands out for its low-cost offerings.
It’s also the ideal destination for slow travel — it’s hard not to be seduced by Laos’ relaxed pace.
Head to the Nong Khiaw River, just north of elegant Luang Prabang, where for a change you can bag a waterfront bungalow and cruise boats up and down the karst-fringed river over a cold bottle of Beer Lao.
Get the lowdown on this charming and obscure corner of Southeast Asia with The Rough Guide to Laos.
16. Gambia - Spectacular wildlife and beaches on a budget
While Africa's smallest country is known for its beautiful beaches, it's worth going beyond them to enjoy Gambia's other delights.
Topping the list is the Baobolong Wetland Reserve — one of the best places on the continent for birdwatching and one of its most atmospheric at sunset.
When it comes to cost, Gambia offers a variety of affordable guesthouses, hostels and lodges.
Instead of staying in popular tourist areas like Kololi and Bakau, head to quieter towns or villages, where accommodation, food and activities will be cheaper. We recommend browsing in Tanji, Kartong and Brufut.
Also note that Gambia has several affordable — or free — nature reserves. For example, the Abuko Nature Reserve has a low entry fee, as does the Bigilo Forest Park — a small forest reserve near the beach where you can see tons of monkeys.
17. Shanghai, China — For delicious street food
Shanghai's biggest appeal for budget travelers — if not all travelers — is arguably the abundance of amazing street food — from Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings to scallion pancakes and sticky rice parcels (zongzi).
It’s still possible to find bargain accommodation at the lower end of the scale, and much of the city’s appeal lies in exploring its bustling streets on foot. There’s no better way to experience the fusion of old and new China.
In The Rough Guide to Shanghai, you’ll find recommendations for the city’s best street food and where to sleep on a budget.
18. Istanbul, Turkey — For rich culture on a budget
Istanbul — a city where East meets West — offers a wealth of budget-friendly travel opportunities for those looking to experience its vibrant culture, history, and cuisine.
For example, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) — one of Istanbul’s most iconic sites — is free to enter. Just keep in mind the prayer times, as it’s an active place of worship. The same is true of the Hagia Sophia, where you can admire stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics.
Arguably the best way to really soak up the city is through its great food, and it’s very easy to save cash by eating like the locals.
From sensational street food (don’t miss the simit, a sesame-covered bread ring), doner kebabs and midiye dolma (stuffed mussels) to dining at family-run lokantas, you can eat very, very well even on the tightest of budgets.
19. Indonesia — For budget beach stays and low-cost culture
Despite its recent popularity, Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations, offering a wide range of experiences on a budget — from island-hopping to idyllic beaches to exploring temples and jungles.
If you’re ready to hit the best beaches in Bali, the good news is that you can still find bargains on accommodation in this popular destination.
For example, Kuta — known for its lively atmosphere — offers plenty of cheap hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels.
The same goes for Ubud — a cultural and artistic hub with plenty of budget homestays and hostels.
Outside of Bali, check out Lombok, a laid-back alternative with beautiful beaches and cheap accommodation, especially in areas like Kuta Lombok.
Meanwhile, Sulawesi is ideal if you’re looking for pristine nature, wildlife and off-the-beaten-track adventures, with trekking and diving, along with affordable homestays in areas like Tana Toraja and Bunaken.
We’ve put together a selection of the best itineraries in Indonesia. From 7 days in Java to 10 days in Bali.
20. Egypt – One of the Most Memorable Cheap Travel Destinations
Considering the abundance of mind-blowing ancient sights, you’d be looking to spend a lot more than a trip to Egypt would cost.
Of course, if you tick off all the major attractions – including the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel – then the costs are going to add up, but with cheap (and great) food and decent budget accommodation it’s not hard to temper that. It feels like you’re able to live almost like a pharaoh.
When it comes to keeping accommodation costs down, downtown Cairo and areas like Garden City and Zamalek offer affordable hostels and budget hotels.
There’s also budget accommodation near the Giza Pyramids, with some offering views of the pyramids for just $15-30 USD per night.
Another cost-saving tip is to travel to Egypt during the shoulder seasons (March-April and October-November), when the weather is milder and accommodation costs are lower than during the peak winter months (December-February).
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