15 Surprisingly Cheap Places to Travel This Year
Travel dreams don’t have to drain your bank account or leave you stuck with sad instant noodles for weeks.
There are plenty of cheap places to travel across the world where your money goes further and local experiences come easy.
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1. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cambodia’s gateway city is a budget traveler’s playground, packed with temple adventures and cultural thrills.
Angkor Wat is just outside town, and the night markets and street food scene keep things lively after dark.
Beer is often less than $1 at local bars, and tuk-tuks make getting around a breeze.
Best For: Ancient temple wandering, street food, and anyone craving culture on the cheap.
Where to Stay: Mad Monkey Hostel Siem Reap—rooftop bar, pool, and an amazing kind of social energy.
2. Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng is all about jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and river fun, minus the price tag. Budget-friendly hotels make it easy to stay a while.
River tubing is the classic move—float past caves and cliffs, maybe get a little sunburned.
There’s rock climbing, kayaking, and even hot air ballooning for those who want a new perspective.
The new high-speed railway makes the journey here way smoother than the old bus days.
Best For: Anyone chasing adventure, epic scenery, and prices that leave room for another round.
Where to Stay: Thavonsouk Resort—riverside rooms with mountain views, no luxury markup.
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3. Krakow, Poland
Poland’s second city oozes fairy-tale vibes and medieval history, but your wallet won’t notice.
The UNESCO Old Town is all cobblestones and spires, and hearty Polish eats cost way less than in Western Europe.
Loads of free things to do, from wandering the Main Market Square to exploring Wawel Castle (which you can visit free on Mondays 10am-4pm).
Best For: History deep-divers and budget travelers wanting that classic European charm for less.
Where to Stay: Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel—quirky themed rooms and a nod to Polish brewing culture.
4. Dhermi, Albania
On the Ionian Sea, this coastal spot gives you turquoise water, dramatic mountains, and a lot more peace than Greece or Italy.
Beaches are clean, nightlife is lively, and prices are almost suspiciously low. The village mixes classic Albanian charm with modern beach bars.
Seafood feasts and beachfront stays won’t wreck your travel budget—, you might feel like you’re cheating the system.
Best For: Travelers who want beautiful beaches, authentic Balkan culture, and prices that leave room for dessert.
Where to Stay: Hotel Luciano—sea views, main beach access, and easy strolls to the best eats in town.
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5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is two cities in one: castle hills and buzzing cafes, all split by the Danube.
Thermal baths are cheap, and there’s something magical about soaking in a century-old pool with snowflakes falling outside.
Plenty of free things to do—think Castle Hill strolls and gawking at the Parliament building. Food, transport, and beds all come at a price that feels almost retro.
Best For: History buffs and spa-goers who want European style without the sticker shock.
Where to Stay: Aria Hotel Budapest—music-themed rooms and each floor has its own groove.
6. Antigua, Guatemala
Nestled between three volcanoes, Antigua’s colonial streets and Spanish-era buildings are a visual treat—at a price that’s hard to beat in Central America.
Cobblestone walks and volcano views are the norm. Cheap eats, budget-friendly activities, coffee tours, and market strolls all make for busy, wallet-happy days.
Best For: History explorers and coffee aficionados craving adventure and volcano scenery for less.
Where to Stay: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo transforms a 17th-century colonial convent into a hotel-museum.
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7. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is a whirlwind of temples, markets, and mountain views—all incredibly affordable.
Walking clockwise around the massive Boudhanath Stupa is a must, and you’ll probably get lost in Thamel’s maze of shops and food stalls.
Cheap things to do are everywhere—local meals, temples, and easy transport keep your budget in check.
Best For: Travelers wanting culture, spiritual sites, and that Himalayan mountain town energy—without the altitude of Everest.
Where to Stay: Hotel Marshyangdi—right in Thamel, backpacker prices, solid comfort.
8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
HCMC is a street food paradise—$2 for a meal, motorbike taxis for under $1, and enough buzz to keep you awake for days.
Ben Thanh Market, temples, cooking classes…you’ll never be bored or broke here.
It’s one of the cheapest cities in the world for travelers. Banh mi for about $0.60? Yes, please.
Best For: Foodies and history nerds who want a real taste of Vietnam without splurging.
Where to Stay: Mai House Saigon Hotel—boutique style, rooftop views, District 1 location.
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9. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo brings together colonial buildings, Buddhist temples, and street eats that barely dent your wallet. Mosques, markets, and sea breezes are all part of the experience.
Plenty of things under $10—temple visits, spicy curries, and more. Budget beds are everywhere, so you can save your rupees for extra samosas.
Best For: Travelers chasing authentic Asian culture, delicious food, and a walk through colonial history.
Where to Stay: Seconds Hostel Colombo—friendly atmosphere, communal kitchen, lounge, garden, and an outdoor pool.
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
Your budget will breathe easy in Tbilisi, where cheap eats and drinks are the norm. The Old Town is a jumble of colorful balconies and a mashup of Soviet history and street art.
The cable car to Narikala Fortress is dirt cheap, and the views are priceless. Sulfur baths, quirky art, and hearty Georgian food keep things interesting (and affordable).
Best For: Culture explorers wanting European vibes, Georgian cuisine, and a dash of historic weirdness.
Where to Stay: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi—industrial-chic, set in a former Soviet print house.
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11. La Paz, Bolivia
At 12,000 feet, La Paz is the world’s highest capital and one of the best deals in South America. Meals under $3, hostel beds for $8—you get the idea.
Cheap things to do are everywhere. The Witches Market is wild—llama fetuses, potions, and a total sensory overload.
Best For: Travelers craving South American culture and mountain views without blowing their budget.
Where to Stay: Hotel Rosario—colonial charm, and coca tea for the altitude.
12. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town feels straight out of a storybook, but costs way less than most of Western Europe. Budget-friendly things to do and cheap eats are easy to find.
Wander ancient city walls, Gothic churches, and squares for free. Food is a bargain—so go ahead and order dessert.
Best For: History lovers and travelers wanting fairy-tale charm without the fairy-tale prices.
Where to Stay: Hotel Telegraaf—restored 19th-century post office, a little luxury for less.
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13. Marrakech, Morocco
The Red City is a sensory overload—in a good way. Affordable adventures and cheap street food are everywhere. Haggle in the souks, sip mint tea on a rooftop, and get lost in palace courtyards.
Morocco’s always been good value if you know a few tricks. Jemaa el-Fnaa square is free to explore, and riads offer authentic stays at prices that make you want to extend your trip.
Best For: Culture chasers craving Moroccan adventure and color without the high price tag.
Where to Stay: Riad Yasmine—classic courtyard vibes, modern comfort, right in the medina.
14. Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second city delivers serious charm without the hefty price tag. Affordable restaurants hide down cozy side streets, and there are plenty of wallet-friendly bites if you know where to look.
The steep, winding alleys, all dressed up in colorful azulejo tiles, turn every stroll into a bit of a treasure hunt.
Port wine tastings and river views somehow come cheap here too. Budget activities pop up all over—it’s a city that lets you play and eat well for less.
Best For: Anyone after historic charm, riverside walks, and a glass (or three) of wine—without blowing their budget.
Where to Stay: Pestana Vintage Porto serves up vintage luxury in a restored 16th-century building, right in the heart of the action.
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15. Yerevan, Armenia
Armenia’s capital is a goldmine for anyone traveling on a shoestring—$1 USD gets you about 380 Armenian Drams, so your money stretches far.
You can roam ancient monasteries, sample some surprisingly good brandy, and get lost in lively markets without sweating your budget.
The city’s pink stone buildings set a gorgeous scene while you hunt down affordable bites and quirky attractions.
Street food rarely costs more than a few bucks, and plenty of the old historical sites are free to enter.
Best For: Travelers on a budget who want deep history, bold flavors, and genuine hospitality in a place most people overlook.
Where to Stay: Envoy Hostel–very affordable dorms and private rooms, plus free breakfast and a friendly community atmosphere.
