Are you daydreaming about traveling but you’re scared that your money won’t get you far? Don’t worry, we got you covered! You don’t have to be rich in order to travel and see the world, you just have to know where to go. There’s some incredible budget travel destinations that won’t break your wallet. Some are a bit more off the beaten path, while others are renowned tourist destinations. Let’s take a look at the most budget friendly travel destinations 2019.
Phong Nha, Vietnam
Vietnam has long been known as one of the most budget friendly countries in the world and you’ll find that your money will take you far here. Not only does the country have the cheapest beer in the world(!), you could also eat for less than one dollar per meal, if you avoid the touristic restaurants. However, as tourism is growing and the economy is becoming better, you might find that some places in Vietnam have become a bit more expensive. Still, it’s incredibly cheap, especially for those who are used to Western prices, but Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City are three good examples of cities where you might spend a bit too much if you’re not careful. Enter Phong Nha, a quaint little town that has recently been discovered by tourism due to its grand caves and lush, green landscape. There’s already established hostels, cafĂ©s and even bars there, but even so, it’s still quite the hidden gem and therefore, the prices are cheaper. It only costs about 50-100,000 dong to rent a scooter for one day and is arguably the best means of transportation to get around the national park. Don’t forget to explore the caves too – they’re a true wonder of the world.
Himara, Albania
This small, sunny and gorgeous town in Albania is still, for some odd reason, a rather unexplored destination. But perhaps that works in its favor. For the ones who are looking for a quiet, untouched place where you can swim in turquoise water, enjoy delicious Mediterranean food and watch the sunset on top of a rooftop bar. The beaches here are some of the finest in Albania and during peak season, you’ll see lots of locals who come here to enjoy everything that Himara has to offer. Albania is also an incredibly budget friendly destination, especially for being a European country. You can get a meal for less than two dollars here! The friendly locals, gorgeous settings, stunning riviera, delicious food and the fact that it’s low-priced, makes Albania one of the best travel destinations, period.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Europe is known to be a fairly expensive continent to travel around in and people who are on a budget might not be keen on traveling in Europe if they want to be away for a long time. But there’s so many places in Europe where you can come far with your money, and Cluj-Napoca, or simply Cluj, in Romania is one of those places. It’s the historical capital of Transylvania, which is mostly known for the story about Dracula, and is one of the most budget friendly cities in Europe. What makes Cluj one of the best cities to visit in Romania is the charm it exudes. Wander in the cobblestoned streets, have a coffee in one of their bohemian cafés, go to music festivals, hike in the nearby mountains and enjoy the art scene. If you want to grab a beer in the evening, it will cost you less than 2 USD. The nightlife is dynamic and the city becomes full of life as the sun goes down. It’s both an exciting, cultural and beautiful place to visit that will make you fall in love with Romania.
Sucre, Bolivia
Traveling in South America can be expensive – especially if you go to countries such as Argentina and Brazil. So if you’re looking for a country that holds just as much history, stunning landscapes and culture, but without breaking the bank, Bolivia is a must. In Sucre, you can marvel at old colonial architecture, visit museums and one of the oldest universities in the Americas, the San Francisco Xavier University, and look at the crafts and goods made by the indigenous population. Beware though – you will be tempted to buy a lot of the beautifully made goods. But that’s the good thing about traveling in Bolivia, it’s one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world, so you can splurge from time to time.
Rajasthan, India
If you really want to travel to a country where your money will take you far, head over to India. If you don’t mind a bit of chaos, contrasts and colors, you will love Rajasthan. This northern crown in India has become a favorite amongst travelers in India, thanks to its fascinating sceneries, ancient forts and palaces. Rajasthan is not for the faint hearted though – you shouldn’t come here if you want to relax and unwind. It’s more of a place you go to when you want a bit of a challenge (and delicious vegetarian food!). Rajasthan is regarded as one of the most alluring and charming cities of India, and is a must visit when you’re traveling in India.
Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is certainly one of the most budget friendly travel destinations and perhaps the most underrated country on this list. Kyrgyzstan is a destination for those who love nature and embarking on a journey into the unknown. Although tourism is growing steadily, it’s still not as developed as many other countries in Asia. If you’re looking for a real, authentic travel experience, where you can stay in traditional yurts, go hiking, horse riding through the mountains, and enjoy some fantastic landscapes. Song Kul is one of the highlights in Kyrgyzstan and is a freshwater lake which stretches for 20 km. Trekking there is nothing but exceptional and you’ll come home with memories you’ll never forget.
Kiev, Ukraine
Kiev has a long and very interesting history, and is actually one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. Nowadays, you can walk amongst majestic Soviet architecture, visit their many churches, monuments and the delightful street art that you can find in many places in Kiev. All of this can be done at a very low-cost since Ukraine is one of Europe’s cheapest countries to visit. Doesn’t that sound like a sweet deal?
