Top 6 budget travel destinations of 2024

One of the best budget-friendly travel locations in the world is Thailand. It is affordable without compromising on the experiences you can enjoy here. It has a blend of tropical beauty, rich culture and a dynamic nightlife. It has emerged as one of the most economical travel destinations in 2024 because it offers inexpensive yet luxurious stays, cheap yet delicious local street food and a plethora of activities to indulge in. It is one of the few countries that even has low-cost international flights.

Thailand is home to many historical places like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok and mountain temples in Chiang Mai. If you are a beach lover, head straight to Phuket and Krabi for beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets or island hop to spots like Koh Phi Phi and Railay Beach. For activities you must try out - you should visit the floating markets and night markets to shop for some affordable yet unique pieces. Another unique experience we recommend is visiting elephant sanctuaries (make sure to do your research and only visit the ethical ones) and making everlasting memories with these gentle giants.

Another inexpensive international destination to visit when travelling on a budget in 2024 is Vietnam. It is a gold mine when it comes to the amount of experiences you can enjoy at a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations. It has beautiful natural beauty along with a rich history and arguably some of the most delicious food in the world, making it one of the most cost-effective vacation destinations. 

On your visit to Vietnam, ensure you visit the beautiful Ha Long Bay for limestone karsts and the capital Hanoi to walk around the famous Old Quarter. Ho Chi Minh City is known for its mammoth war history and Hoi An is a paradise for Instagram enthusiasts with its lantern-lit streets and colourful street food stalls. If there's one big activity you would like to invest in, please let it be the cruise along Ha Long Bay which will be well worth the money. You can also explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and sign up for street food tours and motorbike trips through rice terraces in Sapa.

Next up we have one of the best cheap travel destinations - Indonesia. Bali, the capital of Indonesia, is a cultural hotspot and home to stunning beaches and world-famous wellness retreats that attract travellers from all over the world. The reason everyone loves this destination is because it is affordable and does not have to compromise on the quality of experiences. It also offers a wide range of activities for budget-conscious travellers making it inclusive and overall a welcoming place to be. 

There are a lot of inexpensive things to do in Bali such as trekking Mount Batur or relaxing on Kuta Beach. You can even visit traditional Balinese temples or explore the vibrant local markets during the downtime. If you are seeking a peaceful trip, you may want to consider booking a yoga retreat and getting a mind, body, and soul reset. Some of the must-visit places in Indonesia are Ubud for its rice terraces and art, Uluwatu for its cliffside temple and the beaches and the dynamic nightlife in Seminyak and Canggu. So, book a cheap hotel in Bali and get your tickets booked well in advance for an affordable international trip.

Mexico is famous for being affordable and budget-friendly, making it a must-visit for everyone willing to explore a new country. It also has a vibrant culture and rich history that you can immerse yourself in like the Mayan ruins and sites like Zocalo and Chichen Itza. Mexico is also known for its world-class beaches like Cancun or Tulum and has amazing cuisine that’s easy on the pocket.

Budget travel is possible in Mexico City since there are inexpensive hotels and cheap food like street-style tacos and activities like exploring cenotes, swimming in pristine blue waters and strolling through old towns like San Miguel de Allende.

Budapest is a city that has everything you will need from a travel destination. Be it history, architecture, culture or cuisine, Budapest offers the best of it all at an affordable cost. Known as the "Paris of the East", this city is not as expensive as Paris and has unique experiences such as the thermal baths and ruin bars. The city is also home to historical marvels like the Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, St. Stephan Basilica and natural wonders like Fisherman's Bastion. 

There are a lot of affordable things to see and do in Budapest along with cheap hotels and hostels, making it perfect for a solo as well as a friends' trip. You’ll even be surprised to find delectable Hungarian food at low prices and reasonably priced public transport. If you are looking for cost-effective Budapest travel tips, we'd say spend your time walking along the Danube River, visit the City Park (a green space with museums and castles) and take a stroll in the Great Market Hall where you can find local produce and souvenirs to take back home at reasonable prices.

Prague, a city with medieval charm and beautiful architecture is one of the more affordable cities in Europe. It has a series of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque buildings that often lure travellers in but what truly makes it stand out is the cobbled streets and lively squares where the community thrives. There are a lot of cheap accommodations in Prague, along with affordable dining options with delicacies like goulash and trdelnik and low transportation costs, making it one of the most budget-friendly destinations. 

Our budget-friendly Prague travel tip would be to find inexpensive things to do in Prague such as visiting the famous Old Town Square and Charles Bridge for free and spend hours immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere and witnessing the street acts. You can even visit the Prague Castle for panoramic views of the city and Vysehrad for stunning views of the Vltava River. If you are a music lover, make sure to visit the famous Lennon Wall. Some other highlights are the Astronomical Clock Show, exploring the Prague Beer Scene and witnessing the Czech cultural shows.