Travel on a Budget

21 Cheapest and Safest Places to Travel in 2024

Quick answer

The destinations are Laos, Georgia, Macedonia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Albania, Philippines, Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Thailand, Panama, Malaysia, Hungary, Costa Rica, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Spain, and Portugal.

🌍 Budget Travel Overview

Everyone has a budget when they travel. Even Elon Musk can't buy plane tickets for everyone. Finding your next destination first involves listing the options that are within the budget and then narrowing it down from there.

🚨 Important Notes

Sources
Travel advisories were sourced from Travel.State.Gov and travel costs were sourced from BudgetYourTrip which collects real prices from past travellers. All prices are in USD.


🏆 The Official List

1. Laos: $20/day 🇱🇦

Meals: $6
Local Transport: $2
Hotels: $12

Laos greets you with a serene smile and a slow pace of life that's like a deep, cleansing breath. 🌬️ Visit the enchanting temples of Luang Prabang – it's like stepping into a living, breathing postcard. Take a boat ride down the Mekong River, where the rhythm of the water tells a timeless story. 🚣 Don't miss the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues have been chilling for centuries. And when in Vientiane, indulge in some sticky rice and laap – it's not just food, it's a Lao ritual! 🍚

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest.

2. Tbilisi, Georgia: $39/day 🇬🇪

Meals: $8
Local Transport: $6
Hotels: $25

Wander through Tbilisi's charming old town, where the buildings look like they're sharing centuries-old secrets 🤫. Sip on some fine Georgian wine, it's grape therapy for the soul! Don't miss the sulphur baths, where you can soak like a Georgian king or queen. 🛁 The quirky Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater is a must-see, and yes, it's as whimsically wonderful as it sounds. Wrap up with a cable car ride to Narikala Fortress for breathtaking views over a city that's as warm as its khachapuri! 🎈

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

3. Macedonia: $47/day 🇲🇰

Meals: $10
Local Transport: $12
Hotels: $25

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid, and you might just find yourself time-traveling back to ancient Macedonia! 🏊 Explore the narrow, winding streets of Ohrid's old town, then treat yourself to some mouthwatering ajvar – it's a red pepper delight. Don't forget to catch a sunset at the Kale Fortress; the views are history and beauty rolled into one! Take a vineyard tour and toast to the good life with a glass of Vranec wine. 🍷 Finally, whisper your deepest secrets into the ear of the Great Mother Teresa in Skopje. She won't tell a soul! 😉

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

4. Nepal: $48/day 🇳🇵

Meals: $9
Local Transport: $11
Hotels: $28

Nepal is where adventure whispers your name, and the mountains dare you to climb higher. 🏔️ Trek to Everest Base Camp, or at least tell your friends you're considering it. Wander through the streets of Kathmandu, where every temple and marketplace is a kaleidoscope of colors and chaos. 🛍️ Don't miss the serene beauty of Pokhara, with its tranquil lake and backdrop of snowy peaks. And if you're feeling adventurous, try some momo – they're like dumplings, but with a Nepalese kick!

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to isolated political violence.

5. Kyrgyzstan: $52/day 🇰🇬

Meals: $10
Local Transport: $12
Hotels: $30

Gallop across the vast, unspoiled landscapes of Kyrgyzstan on a horse; it's the local way to roll! 🐎 Get lost (not literally) in the celestial mountains, where the air is as fresh as the nomadic lifestyle. Yurt camping under the stars is an absolute must – it's like Airbnb, but with more felt and less Wi-Fi. 🌌 Don't leave without trying beshbarmak; it's not just food, it's a meaty, noodly ceremony! Lastly, engage in some eagle hunting; it's like Pokémon Go, but with real birds and no phones. 🦅

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

6. Belgrade, Serbia: $76/day 🇷🇸

Meals: $9
Local Transport: $6
Hotels: $61

Belgrade is where history meets a wild night out – think ancient forts and electrifying clubs! 🎉 Take a walk along the Sava and Danube rivers, where the views are as captivating as the city's tales. Visit the imposing Belgrade Fortress and pretend you're a medieval warrior (just for fun). Don't miss trying a pljeskavica – it's like a burger, but with a Serbian twist! 🍔 And if you're brave, delve into the world of rakija – it's not just a drink, it's a cultural experience! 🥃

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to crime.

7. Vietnam: $81/day 🇻🇳

Meals: $14
Local Transport: $12
Hotels: $55

Zip through the bustling streets of Hanoi on a motorbike – it's like the city's unofficial rollercoaster! 🏍️ Savor the pho-nomenal flavors of pho; a soup so good it has its own sound. Cruise along Halong Bay and pretend you're in a movie about an epic quest for dragon pearls. 🐉 In Hoi An, light a lantern and make a wish, because, why not? And finally, descend into the Cu Chi Tunnels, but watch out for the history bites! 🐍

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

8. Indonesia: $88/day 🇮🇩

Meals: $16
Local Transport: $8
Hotels: $64

Indonesia is a sprawling archipelago where each island whispers a different secret. 🌴 Dive into the underwater paradise of Raja Ampat, where fish gossip about the beauty of the coral. Climb the mystical Mount Bromo at sunrise, and watch the world awaken in hues of orange and pink. 🌅 In Bali, swing over the jungle and feel like a celebrity on a budget. And let's not forget about Indonesian food – it's a spicy, sweet, and savory symphony for your taste buds. 🍲

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and natural disasters.

9. Albania: $88/day 🇦🇱

Meals: $21
Local Transport: $15
Hotels: $52

Albania is Europe's best-kept secret, but with more bunkers and less tourists. 🕵️ Explore the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, where the sand whispers tales of undiscovered gems. Step back in time in Gjirokastër, a city of stone and stories. Climb to the fortress of Krujë, where every stone is steeped in legend. And when in Tirana, indulge in some byrek – it's like a pie, but with more layers and less guilt. 🥧

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to organized crime.

10. Philippines: $89/day 🇵🇭

Meals: $16
Local Transport: $22
Hotels: $51

The Philippines is a tropical wonderland, but with more karaoke and less quiet beaches. 🏝️ Swim with the whale sharks in Cebu; it's like snorkeling with gentle giants. Discover the ancient rice terraces of Banaue, and wonder how on earth they were made. Sing your heart out at a local karaoke bar – it's the Filipino way to bond! 🎤 In Palawan, explore the underground river; it's like a dark, mysterious adventure, but with more paddles. And of course, indulge in some adobo – it's like a hug in a bowl, Filipino style! 🍜

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to terrorism, civil unrest.

11. Poland: $91/day 🇵🇱

Meals: $16
Local Transport: $6
Hotels: $69

Take a walk through Krakow's Main Square; it's like stepping into a fairy tale, but with more pigeons. 🕊️ Munch on some pierogi; they're like little pillows of happiness filled with cheese. Pay your respects at Auschwitz, a sobering reminder of the past that shouldn't be missed. Wander through the ancient Wieliczka Salt Mine, licking the walls is frowned upon, but you'll be tempted! Finally, embrace the chaos of Warsaw's nightlife – it's like a party, but with more history and vodka! 🍸

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

12. Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina: $93/day 🇧🇦

Meals: $31
Local Transport: $7
Hotels: $55

Sarajevo is a city where East meets West, and history is written on every wall. 🕌 Wander through the Baščaršija, and lose yourself in the labyrinth of history and strong coffee. Don't miss the Sarajevo Roses; they're not flowers, but poignant reminders of the past. Visit the Tunnel of Hope and feel the weight of resilience and survival. And end your day with some ćevapi – it's like a meaty handshake from the heart of Bosnia. 🍖

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and land mines.

13. Thailand: $101/day 🇹🇭

Meals: $17
Local Transport: $12
Hotels: $72

Bangkok's streets are a symphony of chaos, flavor, and tuk-tuks that ignore the rules of physics. 🛵 Visit the majestic Grand Palace, where every wall is a storybook in gold. In Chiang Mai, chat with a monk for some enlightening convo – it's like a TED Talk but more zen. 🧘 Get your beach bum on in Phuket or Koh Samui, where the sand is as soft as the smoothies are sweet. And don't forget to party like a local at the Full Moon Party – it's a glow-in-the-dark, dance-till-dawn kind of deal! 🌕

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

14. Panama: $103/day 🇵🇦

Meals: $23
Local Transport: $11
Hotels: $69

Where jungle meets city 🌆🌴. Stand at the Panama Canal and watch as ships shrink and grow through this marvel of engineering. 🚢 Head to Casco Viejo, where every crumbling building has a story to tell. Take a trip to the San Blas Islands, where the water is so clear, you'll doubt its reality. Try some ceviche at the fish market; it's like a fresh, zesty party in your mouth. And let's not forget about Panama's coffee – it's like a warm, aromatic embrace for your taste buds. ☕

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to crime.

15. Malaysia: $119/day 🇲🇾

Meals: $19
Local Transport: $12
Hotels: $88

Ascend the ancient steps of Batu Caves, watch out for the cheeky monkeys; they've got an eye for shiny things! 🐒 In Penang, become a street art hunter; it's like a treasure hunt, but cooler and with more Instagrammable moments. Don't miss the chance to feast at a hawker center; it's like the United Nations of food. Take a stroll through the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands; it's like walking inside a giant, green, leafy postcard. 🍃 Finally, admire the futuristic glow of the Petronas Towers at night – it's like gazing into the future, but with more selfies. 🌆

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

16. Budapest, Hungary: $137/day 🇭🇺

Meals: $24
Local Transport: $11
Hotels: $102

Soak your worries away in one of Budapest's legendary thermal baths – it's like a hot tub time machine, but more communal. 🛁 Stroll along the Danube River at sunset; it's like a live painting with a side of romance. Climb up to the Fisherman's Bastion for a fairytale view of the city. Don't forget to try some goulash; it's comfort food with a paprika punch! 🍲 And for a touch of the underground, explore the ruin bars, where the vibe is as cool as the recycled décor. 🍸

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

17. Costa Rica: $164/day 🇨🇷

Meals: $24
Local Transport: $25
Hotels: $115

Costa Rica is nature's playground, but with more monkeys and less swings. 🐒 Zipline through the cloud forests of Monteverde, where each whoosh is a thrill. Spot sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park; they're the original slow-living influencers. 🦥 Take a dip in the thermal springs of Arenal Volcano, and let Mother Nature cook you to perfection. And let's not forget about the beaches – they're like postcards, but better because you're actually there! 🏖️

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to crime.

18. Kotor, Montenegro: $165/day 🇲🇪

Meals: $47
Local Transport: $10
Hotels: $108

Enter the Bay of Kotor and feel like you've just sailed into a medieval fantasy novel. 🚤 Hike up to the Fortress of Kotor for views that will make your Instagram followers jealous. Wander the old town streets, where every corner is a postcard waiting to happen. Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, and discover why this tiny island is big on stories. And don't leave without trying some Njeguši prosciutto; it's like the Montenegrin handshake, but tastier. 🥓

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

19. Prague, Czech Republic: $175/day 🇨🇿

Meals: $27
Local Transport: $8
Hotels: $140

Prague is like an open-air museum, but with more beer and less quiet signs. 🍺 Walk across the Charles Bridge early in the morning, and you'll have the Gothic statues all to yourself. Don't miss the Astronomical Clock strike an hour; it's the original puppet show! 🕰️ Explore the quirky art of David Černý scattered around the city – it's like a scavenger hunt, but with more giggles. And finally, end your day with a hearty plate of svíčková – it's like a hug for your stomach. 🍽️

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.

20. Valencia, Spain: $192/day 🇪🇸

Meals: $45
Local Transport: $20
Hotels: $127

Prague is like an open-air museum, but with more beer and less quiet signs. 🍺 Walk across the Charles Bridge early in the morning, and you'll have the Gothic statues all to yourself. Don't miss the Astronomical Clock strike an hour; it's the original puppet show! 🕰️ Explore the quirky art of David Černý scattered around the city – it's like a scavenger hunt, but with more giggles. And finally, end your day with a hearty plate of svíčková – it's like a hug for your stomach. 🍽️

Safety level 2: Exercise increased caution due to political unrest and terrorism.

21. Porto, Portugal: $206/day 🇵🇹

Meals: $40
Local Transport: $23
Hotels: $143

Sip on some port wine in Porto; it's like regular wine, but with a kick and a wink. 🍷 Stroll along the Douro River, and watch the rabelo boats glide by with their cargo of wine barrels. Climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views, but beware, it's a workout disguised as a tourist attraction! 🏃 Visit Livraria Lello, the bookstore that inspired Harry Potter, and feel the magic in the air. 📚 And don't miss a francesinha sandwich; it's like Portugal's answer to the question, "How many calories can we fit in one dish?"

Safety level 1: Exercise normal precautions.