How to Travel on a Budget (15 Best Places & 9 Tips)

👉 Jump to: Places to Travel On a Budget | Budget Travel Tips | FAQ

It’s completely possible to travel on a budget around the world. 

I’m an extreme budget traveler who’s been to five continents and traveled from Mexico to Argentina for a year with only $5,000. So I know a thing or two about traveling with limited funds! 

I’m also the author of Travel Lemming’s first eBook, Budget Travel 101, which is my most detailed breakdown of traveling on the cheap.

Don’t let fear or the assumption that “travel is too expensive” keep you from hitting the road! I’m going to clue you in on some of my favorite cheap destinations that make budget travel easy. Stick around to the end of this article for some of my major money-saving travel tips too.

Here are the best places and tips to travel on a budget!

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

15 Best Places to Travel On a Budget

Puerto Rico

📍 Google Maps | Puerto Rico Website | Browse Guides to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the most affordable places to travel in Latin America. There’s no limit to the fun things to do in Puerto Rico.

Searching for iconic landmarks? Check out San Felipe del Morro or Cabo Rojo’s Los Morillos Lighthouse. Walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan or try the cuisine in Pinones if you’re looking for city activities. 

Nature enthusiasts can hike dozens of trails in El Yunque National Forest or check out the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay.

For more, see Vanessa’s guide to doing Puerto Rico on a budget.

Mexico City

📍 Google Maps | Mexico City Website | Browse Guides to Mexico City

Mexico’s capital, Mexico City, is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. Be a part of the archaeological past at sites like Templo Mayor and Teotihuacan. Or visit Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s old house, which is my personal favorite Mexico City attraction. 

The big city also has some of the best food in the state, so travel with an appetite! Grab churros from Churrería El Moro and traditional Mexican cuisine from Páramo, two of the top restaurants in Mexico City.

For more, see Sky’s guide to doing Mexico City on a budget.

Hungary

📍 Google Maps | Hungary Website | Browse Guides to Hungary

Hungary is an Eastern Europe destination that’s catching widespread popularity. The country is famous for its colorfully rigid architecture. Hungary also boasts one of the biggest European backpacker populations.

You’ll likely start your Hungarian travels in Budapest. This capital city has vibrant neighborhoods and affordable activities like St. Stephen’s Basilica. Architecture lovers shouldn’t miss the stunning historical sites like the Buda Castle, which was #2 on our list of things to do in Budapest.

Georgia

📍 Google Maps | Georgia Website | Browse Guides to Georgia

Georgia is one of the most underrated destinations in Eurasia. That means you’ll probably be able to visit this budget-friendly country without crowds.

Fun fact: Georgia is the birthplace of wine. You read that right – that sweet grape elixir was first concocted as early as 6,000 B.C. in Georgia. 

The Kakheti province, considered “Georgia’s Napa Valley,” is the best place to go wine tasting.

Utah

📍 Google Maps | Utah Website | Browse Guides to Utah

Utah is the epitome of Southwestern desert beauty. Navajo Sandstone spires and canyon walls found only in Utah are ideal for rock climbing, canyoneering, and backpacking.

It’s incredibly easy to camp for free in most Utah counties because of the abundance of BLM land.

Plan to visit Utah’s national parks, which are big tourist attractions. Access Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in the south via St. George. Stay in Moab to be close to Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Park.

Morocco

📍 Google Maps | Morocco Website

Morocco is one of the most popular budget-friendly destinations in northern Africa. Visit to experience unique culture, vibrantly-colored tiled architecture, and national treats like tajin. Morocco is as rich in experiences as its baklava.

Marrakech is the most frequented backpacker destination. But I recommend checking out Chefchaouen and Fes for an equally delightful experience.

Asheville, North Carolina

📍 Google Maps | Asheville Website | Browse Guides to Asheville

Asheville is one of the top destinations on the American East Coast for budget travel. Cheap flights are easy to find from almost anywhere in the U.S. to this North Carolina town. That alone is a major perk to exploring Asheville.

Asheville has unmatched outdoor activities. Blue Ridge Parkway is the best place for scenic drives. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a day trip away. It’s an incredible place to hike and one of the most visited national parks in the country. 

Make sure to check out the River Arts District after spending time in the great outdoors. It’s one of the top Asheville Attractions and a great place to experience the city’s local flavor.

For more, see Lea Rose’s guide to doing Asheville on a budget.

Denver, Colorado

📍 Google Maps | Denver Website | Browse Guides to Denver

Denver is a northeastern Colorado town with affordable big-city amenities. 

The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a can’t-miss Denver icon. This concert venue is one of the most unique in the world. It’s surrounded by giant red rocks, and music sounds angelic as it bounces off them.

Larimer Square is another top attraction in Denver. String lights illuminate this cosmopolitan block, creating a romantic atmosphere. Window shop or grab dinner from Tamayo for a fun and relaxing evening in Denver.

For more, see Laura’s local guide to doing Denver on a budget.

Thailand

📍 Google Maps | Thailand Website | Browse Guides to Thailand

Thailand is a famous stop along the backpacker’s Banana Pancake Trail. This backpacking superhighway route encompasses four major Southeast Asia countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Accommodation in Thailand is unbelievably cheap. We’re talking hostel dorms for as low as $4 a night! Food in Thailand doesn’t break the bank either. You can eat the best Pad Thai or mango sticky rice of your life for as little as $1-2 a meal.

👉 Read Next: My budget for Vietnam: What I spent, line-by-line

Peru

📍 Google Maps | Peru Website

Peru is the ultimate budget backpacker destination in South America. 

Fly down sand dunes in Huacachina and trek in the Andes Mountains right outside of Cusco. Side-step anacondas in the Amazon, and splurge on cute artisan crafts at a Lima market in this incredibly diverse country.

Don’t leave without visiting Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. Overnight adventures and day trips will bring you to this mystifying archaeological wonder.

Tanzania

📍 Google Maps | Tanzania Tourism Website

Tanzania is one of the most thrilling countries in Africa. The flight is the most expensive part of organizing a trip to Tanzania. But the cost is incredibly affordable once you’re there.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro or go on a safari in places like the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These are the highlights of any Tanzania adventure. It’s strongly encouraged to do either with a tour guide. Luckily, these Tanzania excursions are well-priced for what’s included.

I did a 7-day guided tour up Kilimanjaro that included 3 meals a day, guides, porters, and hotels before and after the climb. It all cost under $2,000!

Orlando, Florida

📍 Google Maps | Orlando Website | Browse Guides to Orlando

Orlando is the entertainment capital of Florida. This family-friendly central Florida city is most well known for its theme parks. But Orlando also hosts an eclectic array of beaches, and cool restaurants, bars, and shops.

Free things to do in Orlando include Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, Old Town, and Disney’s Boardwalk. Orlando visitors can also ride the Disney Monorail and view the Disney parks from new heights.

For more, see Katie’s guide to doing Orlando on a budget.

Atlanta, Georgia

📍 Google Maps | Atlanta Website

Atlanta is nightlife central. Georgia’s capital city is the place to go for clubbing and bar hopping. Head to Midtown or West Midtown to experience this. These are two of the best areas for nightlife.

There are hundreds of other fun things to do in Atlanta for travelers of all demographics if going out at night isn’t your thing. Visit the Centennial Olympic Park and the breathtaking Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Both are perfect attractions for saving money in Atlanta.

Also, check out our guide to where to stay in Atlanta to start planning your trip.

Guatemala

📍 Google Maps | Guatemala Website | Browse Guides to Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the most affordable destinations in Central America. This ultimate budget travel destination is home to rich culture and cheap yet mouth-watering food.

Looking for affordable things to do in Guatemala? Try hiking in Tikal National Park and swimming in Lake Atitlan.

The hostels are so inexpensive in Guatemala that it almost feels like free accommodation. I once stayed in my own room in Atitlan for only $3 a night.

Sri Lanka

📍 Google Maps | Sri Lanka Website | Browse Guides to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the top destinations in Asia for budget travelers. 

Take a free walking tour around Colombo or visit the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa Buddhist temple. Marvel over native elephants at Minneriya National Park. The choices practically are endless because there are so many affordable places to visit in Sri Lanka.

The flight is the most expensive element of visiting Sri Lanka. I recommend opening up an airline credit card to receive one of the sign-up bonuses. This way, you can eventually score some free flights across the Atlantic.

9 Tips to Travel on a Budget

Set Flight Trackers to Secure Affordable Flights

Sites like Airfare Watchdog or Going do the hard work of tracking flights for you. Simply input the city you’re flying from and your destination to track the prices of the flight as they fluctuate daily. 

Make sure you have email alerts on because Airfare Watchdog will email you every time your flight’s price drops. Act fast, though, because that affordable price is never set in stone.

Cook Meals at Your Destination

Eating out is one of the quickest ways to diminish your travel funds. Skip fancy sit-down restaurants to save loads of money while exploring another side of your destination. 

Local market prices often fit into every travel budget. Buy in bulk and cook at your accommodation to make a few meals for the entire week. Affordable staples to shop for include rice, bread, pasta, and fresh fruits and veggies.

Eat Street Food

Eat street food when you don’t feel like cooking to save money on food at your destination. Depending on the location, street food can be purchased for as little as $1 a meal.

Street food is also exponentially cheaper in metropolitan cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix. Just be sure to have cash on hand as many street food vendors don’t accept cards.

Take Local Transportation

Cut transportation costs in half by taking local transportation. Avoid paying extra service and tipping fees on rideshare apps. Opt for the local bus or train instead of a private ride.

Always check the walking distance between you and your destination before boarding local transportation. Walking is the ultimate mode of cheap transportation. 

Stay in Hostels to Save Money

Save money on accommodation by staying in hostels. For readers unfamiliar with hostels, this type of accommodation is one of the cheapest on the market. Most rooms are dorm-style with anywhere from 4 to 20 beds per room.

Hostels also have shared kitchens, making it easy to cook your food and save on meals. Curious about safety? Check out Sky’s article to get all the info you need on staying safe in hostels. Or check out some tips from Ruthie based on her stays in more than 50 hostels!

And be sure to read customer reviews before you book! It’s important.

Consider Work Exchange Programs

Work exchange programs are some of the best ways to save money abroad. Hosts offer free accommodation and sometimes even meals on the house in exchange for a few hours of work a day.

Popular work exchange jobs include hostel work, au pair, teaching abroad, restaurant jobs, and house sitting. Workaway, Worldpackers, and WWOOF are among the top work exchange programs on the market. 

Bookmark Vanessa’s comprehensive Worldpackers review for an honest look at this work exchange program.

Refrain from Buying Souvenirs

One of the best budget travel tips I can give you is to refrain from buying souvenirs. This may be hard for shopaholic travelers. But souvenirs are truly a waste of money if you’re on a budget.

I recommend taking tons of photos instead. This way, you have lasting memories of your destination (and more cash in your pockets too).

Travel With a Tent and Stay in Campgrounds

Why pay tourist prices for a hotel when you can camp for half the price? Travel with a tent to save more money than you can imagine on accommodation.

You can stay in affordable established campgrounds at your destination or on free public land in places like North America. I use the iOverlander app whenever I take a road trip to camp for free on Bureau of Land Management land.

Only Drink During Happy Hour

Spend as little money as possible on alcohol by only drinking during happy hour. Most drinks are discounted during happy hours and many businesses even offer a two-for-one deal.

FAQs About Traveling On A Budget

Which is the cheapest way to travel?

The cheapest way to travel is by taking public transportation. Cooking meals instead of eating out and traveling during shoulder seasons are other cheap ways to travel.

What does traveling on a budget mean?

Traveling on a budget means saving as much money as you can on the road. Budget travel means not spending lavishly on first-class tickets or 5-star resorts. Instead, traveling on a budget often entails backpacking and taking public transportation.

How can you travel on a budget as a couple?

You can travel on a budget as a couple by splitting the cost of accommodation and food prices. Couple budget travelers can also take advantage of free activities like walking tours, hiking, and no-cost museums.

How can you travel on a budget with kids?

You can travel on a budget with kids by visiting destinations with a more affordable cost of living than your home. It is also possible to travel on a budget with kids by cooking your meals instead of eating out.

***

That’s it for my guide on how to travel on a budget! Want to learn even more budget travel hacks? Take a look at my Budget Travel ebook for dozens of other tips, places to travel, and the best budget travel resources.