It’s a new year, and you know what that means it’s time to plan our new travel destinations without breaking the bank. I consider them to be some of the absolute best travel destinations to visit on a budget in 2023. By budget, I mean anywhere between $20 and $50 per day. Remember that if you’re willing to get creative with your travels, every destination can be budget-friendly. With that in mind, here’s a list of the best budget travel destinations to cross off your bucket list of dream vacation spots this year. Depending on what areas of the country you want to explore.
Turkey
Turkey is a great choice for budget travel. Certain experiences here can be pricey, but if you’re committed to planning Turkey, it can be done relatively cheaply. If city life is more your speed, you can’t miss the capital. Istanbul travels alone to save money and have a great experience. You can visit the Air Force Museum. Visit Galata Tower and have a picnic in front of the mosque, overlooking the city skyline filled with so much rich history and natural phenomena.
Another place you should visit is Cappadocia, which is located in the country’s south-central region and is home to some of nature’s most unique architecture. You might be tempted to jump on one of the many hot air balloon rides that are popular around Cappadocia, but for about $150, there are better ways to see the views on a budget. For example, you can get up close to the land during a one-hour horseback riding tour for about $30. You won’t have to worry about finding inexpensive foods, as Turkey is home to what I consider some of the best and cheapest foods in the world. You will be filling up on Turkish delight and donor canvas, which you can’t skip.
Vietnam
Vietnam comes in as one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia, and it’s also one of my favorites because of how unbelievably beautiful the landscapes. There are the limestone islands of Hạ Long Bay, exploring Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi, among other beautiful places to see along the coast. The variety of transportation options, from sleeper buses to trains, makes it a great place for backpackers looking to explore for less. Although it can get pricey to get to Vietnam from the US, once there, you can expect to pay an average of $5 to $10 a night for accommodation, $10 a day on food, and $5 on transportation.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a great budget destination and option if you are planning to travel to Europe this year. Besides having walkable cities, there are plenty of places to explore for free while hiking in the northwest corner of the country. Head to Lake Bled, nestled among some of the most stunning mountain ranges in Slovenia. Here you can hike, relax, and take in views that feel magical. One of Slovenia’s jewels has to be the Soca Valley. This area draws so many hikers because of the clear blue rivers and rocky mountain terrain. I’d say don’t underestimate this country if you’re looking for an outdoor escape. If you visit Ljubljana, make sure to pick up a lobby card, which is your ticket to getting the most out of the city on a budget. It offers free tours, transportation, bike rentals, and a funicular ride. It costs under $40 and comes in 36–72 hour card options. Let’s just say you won’t go hungry on a budget here. Meals vary between $8 and $20, and if you stop at a grocery store, you can expect to pay around $40. Accommodation is also very cheap in Slovenia. A hostel can cost around $16 per night, whereas a hotel can cost around $40 per night.
Colombia
Let’s jump back to the next destination on our list, Colombia. If you’re ready to explore nature, consider adding Colombia to your budget bucket list. Did you know that it’s home to 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity? Especially if you love coffee, you can take a tour of the country’s coffee bean region while taking in views of rolling mountains and farmland. One city you have to see is Cartagena. The entire city is considered a world heritage site, and it’s full of historic architecture. It’s also one of the most visited cities in Colombia, making it a great place for backpackers to make some friends and find some cheap eats for those of you who want to work remotely.
Mein has become a hotspot for digital nomads, and of course, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the country’s capital, Bogotá, where you will also fall in love with the city’s architecture and charm. If you’ve got some extra cash on hand and want to take in what the country has to offer, then I recommend renting a motorcycle. Colombia is also suitable for just about any budget for accommodation. You can expect to spend between $7 and $12 per night on food, around $8 for transportation, and about $4 for lodging.
Montenegro
If you haven’t already heard, Montenegro is becoming more and more popular. From its charming Kotor Old Town on the coast to the caves in the mountains, it’s easy to understand why it’s becoming a must-visit for so many tourists. In Montenegro, you can soak up the coastal life and visit quaint little cities like Budva or enjoy the historical towns scattered throughout the country. The best part is that you can experience this slice of Europe on a backpacker’s budget. You should expect to spend about $40 a day on accommodation, $7 on food, and about $5 on transportation.
Peru
When you think of Peru, you probably think of Machu Picchu. This wonder of the world can be done on a budget, but so can the rest of the country. There’s so much more to see in Peru, and you could easily spend a month or more deeply exploring. What most visitors miss about Peru is that it is rich in history, there are archaeological sites, and it feels like a rediscovered city. The Changan destinations are built amid the Haukana sand mountains and the etched Nazca Lines in the desert. There’s a lot to see in Peru, but it can be done for cheap. If you want to keep the cost of travel down. While traveling in Peru, make sure to eat locally. Peru is full of street food that’s inexpensive and delicious.
Mexico
Mexico is a classic destination. If you want to get away on a budget, it’s a huge country with a rich culture and some of the best food in the world. There are beaches with deep blue water, beautiful rolling mountains, and even Mayan Ruins. Mexico is such a large country that you’ll never run out of places to explore, from cities to outdoor adventures. Any budget traveler is bound to have a great experience while traveling here for safety. There are plenty of places in Mexico that are very safe to visit, but before you go, make sure you do your research and check local guidance on the current safety situation in any areas that you may want to explore. As always, one of my biggest pieces of advice for keeping your costs down is to live like a local, which may mean eating way too many street tacos and finding hole-in-the-wall places to use as a way of exploring Mexican culture. Traveling between big cities in Mexico is where things start to become pretty pricey. So I recommend spending as much time in one place as you can to cut down on that kind of cost. Also, I highly recommend avoiding touristy areas like Tulum for the best budget prices.
Philippines
The Philippines is made up of over seven thousand islands. Which makes it a destination. You’ll want to visit again and again to truly soak up the Philippines. I recommend leaving the city behind and exploring the many hidden gems throughout the country. If you’re planning on visiting the Philippines on a budget, then make sure to add some time to relax. I recommend visiting the islands of Palawan or Cebu for a few days to unwind with incredible views for around $25. You can even book a boat experience to snorkel with whale sharks. As for accommodation, hostels are the cheapest at around $7 a night. Food and transportation are also very budget-friendly. For meals, depending on where you go you can expect to spend about $4. In transportation up to $10 a day.
Laos
One of the things that makes Laos so unique is that it isn’t overrun with tourists. what Laos las in tourism makes up for about 70 percent of coverage. So if you’re looking for another amazing place to explore in nature. A trip to allowance is definitely for you. When you go, don’t miss the Kuang Si waterfall in Luang Prabang, kayaking on The Mekong River, or exploring the capital city, Vientiane. When you’re ready to return to city life, the best part is that you’re not going to have to break the bank to make this trip happen. You can expect to spend around $30 in total for accommodation food and transportation per day. So if you’ve already traveled to Thailand and you’re looking for a new adventure, then nearby Laos is a great place to go.
Thailand
Thailand is just about at the top of everyone’s bucket list. because of its affordability, culture, food, and beauty. It’s easy to see why Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Have quickly become some of the biggest destinations for digital nomads. It’s here that your money will stretch far enough for luxury to become affordable. My biggest recommendation is to go island hopping in a Paquete and dive into all of the street food. Visit unique markets and explore the ancient temples for a daily price. You can easily keep your daily costs between $20-$30 a day or less.
Cambodia
You may have heard about it, but the rumors are true. Cambodia has it all, and on a budget, you can explore its regions for months. It’s possible to trek through Cambodia on a total daily budget of $25. Cambodia is home to islands that are beautiful, not highly visited, and cheap. If you’re looking for a trip that isn’t completely beachside, the unique fusion of Buddhist and Hindu religious sites makes temples like Preah Khan or Banteay Samré more interesting. You can explore these ancient places for about $40 a day, but if you plan on being in that area for a bit, then I recommend getting a 3 to 7-day pass. Because, believe me, you’ll want to return, and of course, you can’t miss the world’s largest religious complex or what this stunning temple will leave you wanting to learn more about this country’s mysterious hidden history.
Greece
I know most people don’t associate Greece with budget travel. But I’m here to show you just how possible it can be. Keep in mind that the time of year you plan on traveling to Greece makes a big difference. When it comes to price, the summer months are always the most expensive. So stay away from June and August, which also happen to be the hottest. I recommend planning your trip for the spring. That way you can soak up as much of what makes Greece so special without breaking the bank for a secret Greece money-saving tip. Buy your produce from markets and do some of your cooking. In Greece, restaurants can be pricey, so cutting down on small costs like this can help you stick to a budget. If you’re traveling to Greece, then don’t miss out on ancient ruins in Athens and avoid the overpriced and overcrowded islands like Santorini and Chios Island, Greece. Instead, they sailed to lesser-known islands such as Catalonia and Paros.
Sri Lanka
One of the many reasons Sri Lanka is so easy to visit is that it’s a really small country. This makes it a great place to kick off your adventures. If you’re new to backpacking, stay away from the south coast of the country, which is the most touristy, and head to Candy to take the train to Ella. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train routes. You’ll get sweeping views of the lush countryside during the 6-hour ride past tea plantations and waterfalls. You can discover what makes Sri Lanka so special for yourself for about $40 a day.
Guatemala
Most visitors come to Guatemala for the lush ecotourism and wildlife, which allow them to get up close and personal with nature. You can hike one of the country’s 37 volcanoes or visit the Titan National Reserve. If you want to dive headfirst into Guatemalan food culture, don’t miss out on any of the fresh markets. There are plenty of cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare traditional meals with the guidance of a local. There are endless things to discover in this pocket of Central America, and for about $30 a day, you can weep your way through Guatemala’s unbeatable landscapes.
Malaysia
You can experience what Pura Vida truly means. Malaysia is often used as a stopover point for travelers. On their way to other areas of Asia, I’m here to prove that it’s not only another destination that has it all, but it can be done on a budget, from the urban life of Kuala Lumpur to the island life to the many tea plantations scattered throughout the country. There are endless ways to stretch your money in this Asian country. To save as much money as possible, dive into the world of street food. You’ll be able to enjoy cuisine from Malaysia’s surrounding countries, which weave their way into the food here. You can expect to spend between $1 to $3 on street food, that you can eat during your entire visit. For around $30 a day, you can fall in love with this underrated piece of Asia that you’ll likely want to return to again and again.
Romania
I hate to break it to you, but you won’t find any vampires in Romania, but you will find amazing European budget travel. If you do want to get close to the dark history of Romania, You can visit Brașov, in Transylvania, known as Dracula’s castle, for only $17. In comparison to other European destinations, Romania is waiting to be discovered by the the-budget conscious traveler. I’d recommend taking advantage of free walking tours in the main cities or just creating your own there is so much stunning architecture to be discovered throughout the country. You could spend weeks just roaming the streets for just about $30 a day. You can explore one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Belize
If you love exploring the underwater world, then it’s time to move to Belize. To the top of your bucket list, one thing that no one can miss is The Great Blue Hole. It’s a giant marine sinkhole where you can snorkel, swim, and dive, and even if you’re new to snorkeling and diving, there are plenty of beaches where you can also relax. Belize’s affordability is hard to turn down for about $30 a day. You can have some unforgettable experiences and with this money recommend touring the ancient ruins seeing iguanas and sea turtles in their natural habitat and visiting one of the many vibrant markets.
Morocco
The most inexpensive time to soak up this central American destination is from May to November. Backpacking through Morocco is the cheapest way to experience this slice of Africa. One of the best places to visit in Marrakesh, but there are so many activities that you can experience here. There’s hiking, exploring dunes, surfing, and so much more. Architecture to admire there are so many other amazing cities like Fez and Chefchaouen.
Poland
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Poland has everything you’ll find in western Europe, but for half the price. If you’ve spent any time in Europe, including Poland on your bucket list is a must. It’s so easy to have an authentic local experience in Poland because there are more ways for tourists than in most other countries in Europe to truly get a feel for the country. I recommend taking in the mountainous countryside, soaking in the colorful architecture in Warsaw, and spending time at any of the free museums you can find for about $40 a day. Poland is a top destination for experiencing Europe without breaking the bank.
Costa Rica
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or simply a break on the beach, Costa Rica is the place to be for both. Costa Rica has some of the best national parks and wildlife in the world. It’s also an incredible place to experience how coffee is made. To chase waterfalls Hang out in one of the many surf towns and catch a break from the fast-paced life. If you’ve saved up the cash to splurge every once in a while on your budget trip, using that money to go zip lining through the canopy of the cloud forest we’ll be money well spent for as little as $45 a day.
Uzbekistan
Okay, I know we’ve talked a lot about underrated countries, but I have another one for you Uzbekistan. You’ve probably become used to thinking of modes of transportation as nothing special, but not in central Asia’s largest city. Each metropolis is decked out in different types of architecture and art. It’s almost like commuting through a modern art museum for locals. If you’re on the hunt for more jaw-dropping architecture, then don’t miss out on one of the oldest cities in central Asia. That’s still inhabited by Samarkand. For history buffs, experiencing this piece of The Silk Road in person is way better than any textbook. Because of unique experiences like this, the sand-colored region of Uzbekistan should edge just a little bit higher on your must-see list. For an average price of $40 a day, you can uncover everything this country has to offer.
El Salvador
El Salvador is one country that’s always overlooked when it comes to central American adventures, and it’s also another destination that’s jam-packed for outdoor lovers. So by visiting national parks, hiking, visiting volcanoes, and surfing on the beautiful beaches, it’s a great place to soak up the tropics on a budget. Since this place is still hidden, you can get by on about $35 a day, which includes accommodation, food, and transportation. It’s also incredibly inexpensive to travel between cities. The average price of an inner-city bus ticket is $2. There also aren’t big price differences between the high and low seasons. Which makes El Salvador a great place to visit. Just about any time of year.
Jordan
Ancient places Jordan has to be one of the coolest places to visit if you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins and diving into hidden history with places like Petra’s Treasury and The Wadi Rum desert. Jordan continues to astound visitors not only with its incredible heritage sites but also with its low prices of up to $60 a day. You can explore all the hidden features of a country that’s coated in history for cheap.
And there you have it my top recommendations for places to see in this world on a backpacker’s budget. Let me know in the comments these destinations will make it onto your 2023 bucket list so we can share these top travel destinations with even more people but until then let’s push our limits.
Here are more top places to visit in 2023 to add to your dream destinations bucket list.
