Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations in 2024
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Did you know there are many budget-friendly destinations to consider in 2023 for your next adventure?
When determining what destinations will fit your budget for 2023, there are multiple factors to think of. Affordable accommodations, inexpensive airfare, and on-the-ground expenses must factor into your overall budget.
Budget vacation destinations are filled with options to spend a night in the town or a day hiking through different terrains. Check out these international and domestic budget-friendly destinations that I recommend you put on your 2023 bucket list.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations in 2024
Spring Travel
1. Cocoa Beach, FL
Florida is a cheap country to visit with beaches. Florida beaches generally maintain warm and enjoyable temperatures throughout the Spring months. In the Spring, you do not have to worry about the chillier breeze or the scorching summer heat.
The quickest way to arrive at Cocoa Beach is by flying through Orlando. Since Orlando is a large international airport, there are relatively affordable flights throughout the entire year. With options to stay at large resorts or family-owned inns and motels, plenty of accommodations will suit the needs of you and your loved ones.
Besides inns and motels, many condominiums available for rent have a kitchen and which won’t break the bank. Hunkering down at a condominium with a kitchen allows you to cook at home rather than eat out for every meal.
Like many beach destinations, Cocoa Beach offers many activities, and things to do that are free or affordable. There are many public beaches to visit and beautiful shorelines to see. Since Cocoa Beach is a fairly common destination, the options for dining out are highly varied, so you can find meals at the price point you are looking for.
The average cost per day ($50-60)
Meal: $10-35
Transportation: To get to Cocoa Beach, FL, by bus or taxi from Orlando, FL, will cost you $75-100; car rental starts from $6; trolley ride is $1.25 one-way
Accommodation: $40 and up
Note: Price per person and everyday spending vary. This is just an approximate cost for minimalists.
Best Budget Places to Stay
2. Milos, Greece
The weather in Milos is delightful throughout the Springtime months. When the Spring showers are coming across many cities, you can hop on a plane to see a place where the sun is shining. With cheap rental fees for cars and Airbnb, Milos is waiting to host you in the Spring months!
Milos is less crowded than other coastal Greek towns like Santorini and Mykonos. The best way to arrive in Milos is by flying into Athens, Greece.
Stay on the lookout for flights because flights from the United States to Athens go on sale at a significantly discounted rate periodically. Traveling on Tuesdays or other weekdays allows you more flexibility to find quality flights at a great price. In addition, Milos has many markets that will enable you to purchase fresh produce and souvenirs for a small cost.
The average cost per day (€45)
Meal: €10-15
Transportation: Bus – €1.60 to 2 euros; Car rent from 10 euros.
Accommodation: €33 and up
Best Budget Places to Stay
3. Colombia, Bogota and Medellin
Colombia is the most incredible, cool, fun, and cheapest travel destination in South America to explore. With discovering beautiful beaches, cute colorful streets, eating delicious food, and visiting the fantastic parts of Bogota and Medellin on a budget, you will never get bored and want to stay there longer.
You can find pretty good deals by booking tickets in advance and flying in the off-season (March is the best month). When searching for tickets, check Avianca Airlines, as they offer good direct flights from the USA and Europe.
You can take advantage of the cheap accommodations by staying in Hostels, Budget Hotels, short-term rooms, or rentals.
Your daily expenses will be low, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Country and the most scenic city views.
The average cost per day ($33)
Meal: $7 -10
Transportation: Buses – less than $1; Car rent from $18.
Accommodation: $8 and up
Best Budget Places to Stay
- Hotel El Dorado Bogota $62
- Hyatt Place Bogota/Convention Center $67
- Cassa Luxury Homes $116
- Salvio Parque 93 $127
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Summer Travel
4. Cape Cod, MA
With secluded towns and beaches, Cape Cod is the perfect summer getaway. As many people are jet-setting abroad and to Southern shores throughout the Summer, there are many options for discounted flights to Massachusetts.
With Airbnb, nestled on the beach, you can rent bikes and travel from the coast to the bar. You will save on travel expenses by staying at a place where you can easily walk or bike to the beach and the nearby shops.
In addition, daily expenses in Cape Cod are more affordable than in many other touristy beach destinations. Therefore, Cape Cod is the perfect place to visit if you want to relax, reset, and refresh your mind and body.
The average cost per day ($50-60)
Meal: $15-35
Transportation: Bus – $1 per ride, $3 unlimited pass per day; Car rentals from $15
Accommodation: Around $35 and up
Best Budget Places to Stay
- Hyannis Inn $99
- InnSeason Resorts HarborWalk $107
- The Cove at Yarmouth, a VRI resort $152
- Colonial-style home $194
5. Budapest, Hungary
The streets of Budapest are lined with vibrant and colorful buildings rich in architecture and history. More affordable than many European destinations, Budapest offers many free and inexpensive activities to do in and around the city. From walking tours to thermal baths, Budapest allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s character without a high price.
This cheap place to visit internationally has its all. Budapest is home to many local vendors, museums, ancient streets, and buildings full of character and can be a great budget destination in Europe. The city is centered around the Danube River. You could spend hours taking in the views of the city, walking along the riverside, and people-watching as the locals meander through their daily affairs.
Flights are relatively affordable directly into Budapest, Hungary. There are many accommodation types, including hotels, hostels, Airbnb’s, and quaint inns. Make sure to research the affordable places to stay and if there are places that offer tours, complimentary breakfast or happy hour, or dining reservation services as a package.
The average cost per day ($20-30)
Meal: $10-20
Transportation: Bus – $1-2 one-way; Car rentals from $19
Accommodation: $10 and up
Best Budget Places to Stay
- Danubius Hotel Erzsébet City Center $93
- D8 Hotel $106
- Danubius Hotel Helia $121
- Hotel Palazzo Zichy $132
- Continental Hotel Budapest $138
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If you like these budget-friendly destinations in 2023 so far, read further to get more ideas about where you can go this year for cheap.
Autumn Travel
6. Portland, OR
Portland is a city that is saturated with sights to see and places to visit. You can spend your day reading in a bookstore, hiking through various terrains, or eating your way through the various districts. There are tons of affordable dining options throughout Portland from all different cuisines that are very affordable.
Whether you are looking for a spicy Thai, an organic green smoothie, or an indulgent chocolate chip cookie, plenty of vendors are creating incredible dishes throughout the city.
You can easily find yourself in the wilderness for hours with many hikes nearby. In addition, there are city parks, botanical gardens, and nearby trails that will captivate your attention. Many Airbnb and hotels in the city are within walking distance from popular attractions, allowing you to get around without needing a rental car.
The average cost per day ($50-60)
Meal: $20-35
Transportation: Bus – $2.50 per 2.5 hours ride or $5 per day; Car rentals from $10
Accommodation: $32 and up
Best Budget Places to Stay
- Lolo Pass $44
- Multnomah Gem $110
- Crowne Plaza Portland Downtown $170
- Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland $189
7. Mozambique, Africa
Mozambique is a beautiful country that is located in Eastern Africa. Since it is not a frequented tourist destination, you can enjoy many experiences at a low cost. Your dollar goes far each day in Mozambique. This is the ideal budget destination.
The most common type of accommodation in Mozambique is guesthouses. Indigenous people operate guesthouses, and they can accommodate many groups.
Many times, they offer you food and coffee during your stay. The standard travel methods between cities and villages are shuttles, inexpensive Chapas, and rental cars.
Your type of transportation will vary based on if you are going to a nearby town or a remote village. Portion sizes are enormous in Mozambique, and the dining options are generally extremely affordable. In addition, thereiful beaches and culturally rich towns will fill your days with beauty and joy.
The average cost per day ($20-30)
Meal: $5-8
Transportation: Bus from 11.5 to 16.4 cents; Car rentals from $30
Accommodation: $15 and up
You might be interested in How to Travel to Singapore on a Budget
8. Indonesia, Bali
Another great cheapest travel destination for 2023 is on this list. Bali is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, fantastic nature, a famous place for surfers, and a perfect retreat. And it is my best travel destination on this list, by the way:). Visiting Bali on a budget is possible for everybody and at any season.
Bali is amazing and a dream for many people. Also, it’s so affordable.
The best time you can find the cheapest tickets is considered to be Fall (October specifically). As it is the low season, it is less crowded, and flights and accommodations are much more affordable than in the hot season.
You can find affordable places to stay for a very low price in Bali, making it great. You can easily find accommodation of 5-star quality for the price of 2 or 3 stars.
The cheapest way to get around Bali is by public transport, but there are so many other options for you to choose from, such as traveling by bicycle, scooter, car rental, hiring a personal driver, and more.
Once you visit Bali, you fall in love. And not just because it’s super cheap compared to other countries, but because it is just a beautiful place to be. Bali is the perfect place to relax, explore magical temples, do yoga, and do other activities. It is the most exciting place to be and not expensive to live in.
The average cost per day ($20-25)
Meal: $7-10
Transportation: Bus from $1-5 depending on the type of transport; Car rentals from $5
Accommodation: $4 and up
Best Budget Places to Stay
- Alaya Ubud $40
- Four Points By Sheraton $43
- Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu $110
- Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites $158
Winter Travel
9. Catalina Island, CA
Catalina Island is a quaint island off the coast of Southern California that is the perfect budget destination for a winter getaway. Winter is the “off-season” for the island, which means many resorts and hotels are offered at a discounted rate.
If you pay attention to flight costs, you can frequently find discounted fees to Los Angeles. In addition, you will travel via boat for approximately one hour from Long Beach to Catalina Island.
With fewer options because of the island atmosphere, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the local cuisine. While on the island, you will travel on foot or by bike to the places you want to visit. The coastline is incredibly gorgeous. So instead of getting bogged down in the dreariness of winter, take a few days to enjoy the crisp air of the West Coast.
While this destination is not that budget-friendly compared to the other places, it is still an excellent place to visit, costing you less than $100 per day.
The average cost per day ($70-80)
Meal: $10-20
Transportation: Bus $2 per ride; Car rentals from $19
Accommodation: From $60
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10. Tokyo, Japan
Winter tourism in Japan is roughly 40% less than in summer. Lessened tourism means more affordable options for accommodations and flights are available. In addition, the streets of Tokyo are filled with buzzing bars and street food galore.
You will be able to spend as much or little as you like during your time in the city because of the variety of available options. There are many shopping districts where you can find excellent bargains on popular merchandise for every budget. In addition, the locals are friendly and are excellent at welcoming guests into their home country.
The average cost per day ($30-40)
Meal: $10-20
Transportation: Bus around $2 per ride; Car rentals from $10
Accommodation: From $12
Best Budget Places to Stay
- Grids Tokyo Asakusabashi Hotel & Hostel $15
- APA Hotel TKP Tokyo Nishikasai $33
- APA Hotel Kanda Jimbocho Ekihigashi $41
- Hotel Gracery Tamachi $48
Final Thoughts
No matter the season, you sometimes need to get away for a few days. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a new perspective, this world has many unique destinations you can visit on a budget.
You can have the vacation of your dreams by thinking ahead and planning wisely without hurting your bank account. Daily life can be chaotic; it is essential to prioritize stepping away from your day-to-day rhythms to refresh your perspective.
Find a sandy beach, a rigorous hike, or a bustling city, and make 2023 a year for travel without breaking the bank.
I hope these top 10 budget-friendly travel destinations were added to your bucket list in 2023. Happy travel!
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