Best Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Globally

The world is a big place with many destinations to choose from. Here are some of the cheapest places to travel in the world:

- Thailand

- South Africa

- Vietnam

- Uruguay

- Cuba

- Prague

- Greece

- Guatemala

- Morocco

- India

- Portugal

- Bolivia

- Mexico

- New Orleans

- Laos

- The Gambia

- Shanghai, China

- Istanbul, Turkey

- Indonesia

- Egypt

Thailand: For food, beaches and road trips

Thailand is the second most visited country in Southeast Asia, known for its tropical beaches, bustling city of Bangkok, jungle temples and delicious street food.

Food

Thailand is famous for its street food and restaurants, with dishes like pad thai and tom yum goong. The street food is not only tasty but also cheap, with meals costing as little as $1.50.

Beaches

Thailand has some of the world's best beaches, with soft white sand and turquoise waters. Some of the most popular beaches include Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui.

Road Trips

Thailand is a great country for road trips, with well-maintained roads and moderate car and motorcycle rental costs. Here are some of the best road trips to take:

• The Mae Hong Son Loop: This 600-kilometre route is one of Thailand's most famous motorbike trips, taking you through the northwest region's green paddy fields, hidden waterfalls and mountain scenery.
• Bangkok to Chiang Mai: This 583-kilometre journey from the capital to the historic city of Chiang Mai includes stops at ancient sites like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, as well as natural attractions like Doi Inthanon National Park.
• Hua Hin to Surat Thani: This 580-kilometre trip along the southern coast offers a mix of low-key beach towns and island-hopping opportunities around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao.
• Krabi-Phuket-Phang Nga: This route treats you to towering limestone cliffs, pristine beaches and vibrant coastal towns, with plenty of chances for snorkelling and diving in turquoise waters.
• Bangkok to Kanchanaburi: This day trip from Bangkok takes you to Kanchanaburi, where you can enjoy white water rafting, golf and historical attractions like the Bridge of the River Kwae and the Erawan Waterfall.
• Chiang Rai to Phayao: This 250-kilometre trip from Chiang Rai to Phayao takes you through the region's rolling hills and ancient ruins, with stops at unique temples like Wat Rong Khun and natural wonders like Phu Chi Fa viewpoint.

Costs

Thailand is a budget-friendly destination, with daily costs averaging $102, including $39 for accommodation and $30 for food.

South Africa: For great-value safaris

South Africa is one of the world's best places to see the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) and has several national parks and game reserves to explore. Here are some tips for planning a budget safari in South Africa:

Fly to major airports

Internal flights in South Africa, especially to airports close to remote bush destinations, can be expensive. Picking a safari close to a big city airport served by local low-cost airlines will bring the cost down significantly. Car hire is also reasonably priced.

Explore the national parks

South African National Parks (SANParks) is responsible for 20 parks across the country, and its properties are much cheaper than privately operated lodges. The Kruger National Park, for example, offers a traditional South African family holiday experience. Entrance for foreign adult visitors is £18 a day, and accommodation options range from campsites to guesthouses. Bookings should be made online in advance.

Travel out of high season

Rates for most lodges are significantly cheaper off-peak. South Africa's dry winter, between May and September, is considered low season, even though it's the best time for game viewing in the north of the country. During this time, animals congregate around waterholes, making them much easier to spot.

Stay just outside the national parks

It is often more affordable to stay outside the parks and self-drive or book guided game drives once inside. Addo Elephant National Park, for example, is just an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth and its airport, and offers plenty of restaurants and supermarkets in the area. Stylish B&B Halstead Farm is just 10 minutes' drive from the park gates, with rooms for £60 per person per night.

Book directly through an online discount site

Discount sites act as a clearing house for unsold rooms in some of the country's best lodges. BushBreaks, for example, recently offered a 41% discount at boutique Elephant Rock Lodge in KwaZulu Natal's Nambiti reserve.

Vietnam: For affordable diversity

With its bustling cities, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and amazing architecture, Vietnam is a great choice for travellers on a budget. The country offers a wide range of activities, from exploring bustling cities like Hanoi and Saigon to enjoying the beaches of Da Nang and the beauty of Hoi An. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend during your trip to Vietnam.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Vietnam is generally affordable, with prices ranging from $5 per night for a dorm bed in a well-reviewed hostel to $15 per night for a private room. For those seeking more comfort, mid-range hotels can be found for around $20-$60 per night. It is also possible to find luxury accommodations, such as a five-star hotel in Hoi An, for as little as $35 per night.

Transportation

Travelling by bus is a cost-effective way to get around Vietnam, with prices ranging from $6 to $17 per person for longer journeys. Trains are another option, with slightly higher prices. For shorter distances, Grab is a popular app-based transportation service similar to Uber, offering scooter and car rides at affordable rates.

Food

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours and street food culture. A typical meal can cost as little as $1.50, with dishes such as Banh Mi (a baguette filled with BBQ pork, pâté, herbs, chilli, and pickled vegetables) available for around $1.30. Other popular dishes include Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (a tangy broth with grilled pork patties, rice noodles, and fresh herbs), and Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes filled with vegetables, pork, and prawns).

Activities

There is a wide range of activities to suit different interests and budgets in Vietnam. Here are some examples of costs for popular activities:

• Halong Bay boat tour: $144 per person for a two-day/one-night trip.
• Hoa Lo Prison entrance fee: approximately $1.50.
• Scooter food tour in Hoi An: $35 per person.
• Saigon Pho Trail (food and walking tour): $55 per person.
• Mekong Delta boat ride: $18 per person.

Overall Costs

According to a detailed budget breakdown by a traveller who spent almost a year in Vietnam, the average daily cost for one person is approximately $41, including accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and drinks. This makes Vietnam an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a diverse range of experiences.

Uruguay: For blissful beaches on a budget

Uruguay is a South American country known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast. The capital, Montevideo, is a stable, safe, and culturally sophisticated city that revolves around Plaza Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel.

The best time to visit Uruguay is between October and March when the sun shines and temperatures are mild. During this period, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Uruguay, with the peak tourist season falling between December and March.

• Accommodation: Uruguay offers a range of options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Prices vary depending on location and comfort level. In popular tourist areas like Punta del Este or Montevideo, prices tend to be higher, especially during peak seasons.
• Transportation: Getting around Uruguay is generally affordable. Buses, taxis, and shared taxis called "remises" are readily available. Renting a car is also an option but will add to your expenses.
• Food: Dining out in Uruguay can be reasonably priced, especially if you stick to local eateries and markets. Uruguay is famous for its beef, so trying local specialties like "asado" (barbecue) is a must. However, dining at upscale restaurants or international chains can be more expensive.
• Activities: There is a variety of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in Uruguay. You can go wildlife-watching along the Atlantic coast, visit museums, explore national parks, or stroll along the beachfront in Montevideo.
• Money-saving tips: Consider visiting during the shoulder season (October to December) to avoid the highest prices. Eating at local eateries, using public transportation, and comparing prices for tours and activities can also help you save money.

Cuba: Super-affordable, with few tourists beyond big resorts

Cuba is a great choice for a super-affordable holiday, with few tourists beyond the big resorts. Here are some suggestions for places to stay and things to do.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria

This resort is highly rated for its friendly staff and excellent services. It is described as a "5-star experience" and offers good value for money.

Memories Jibacoa Adults Only

This resort is praised for its great scenery, friendly staff, and good range of food and drinks. It also offers lots of activities, including snorkelling and water sports.

Hotel Roc Arenas Doradas

This hotel is known for its comfortable beds and beautiful grounds. It has two massive pools and is well-located at the beginning of the downtown area in Varadero.

Starfish Varadero

This resort offers cheap and enjoyable massages, and is described as a "budget-friendly hotel".

Memories Varadero Beach Resort

This huge resort (1,035 rooms) is family-friendly and has Varadero's only waterslide. It also has a beautiful beach, and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria

This resort is described as offering "good value for money". Jet boat activities are available at a low cost.

Iberostar Bella Costa

This smaller-size beach resort is praised for its exceptional staff and excellent customer service. It also offers a nice variety of freshly prepared food.

Hotel Club Tropical

This hotel is described as "cozy and affordable". It has beautiful grounds and is well-located.

Hotel Los Delfines

This hotel is praised for its delicious and inexpensive food.

Brisas Guardalavaca Hotel

This hotel is known for its friendly staff and excellent service. It also offers improvements and upgrades since previous visits.

Hotel Club Kawama

This hotel is recommended for families seeking a safe and affordable stay in Cuba.

Club Amigo Mayanabo

This hotel is praised for its friendly and helpful staff. It is described as "5-star" despite being rated as 2.5-star.

Muthu Playa Varadero Hotel

This older, budget resort is praised for its staff, who "work their best to ensure you will enjoy".

Memories Paraiso Beach Resort

This hotel is described as one of the best in Cuba, with friendly staff and a beautiful beach. It is also good value for money.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort

This resort is described as "pleasant" and "ideal" for a beach holiday. It is also good value for money.

Playa Paraiso - Cayo Coco Beach Resort

This resort is described as "enjoyable" and "budget-friendly".

Hotel Marea Del Portillo

This hotel is praised for its staff. However, it does not have a gym.

Frequently asked questions