8 Affordable Destinations to Travel in 2025
Travelling to your dream destination doesn’t have to drain your savings. By choosing wisely, you can stretch your budget further and explore incredible locations without overspending. Whether it’s lounging on a beach in the Philippines, sightseeing in Bali, or exploring the streets of Spain, smart choices can make all the difference.
Would you prefer four days in Paris or two weeks in Sri Lanka? To help you decide, here’s a list of some of the best affordable destinations to travel in 2025. And the best part? Saving enough money to start planning your next adventure!
1. Turkey
Turkey’s unique position across Europe and Asia gives it a cultural richness that’s also surprisingly budget-friendly. Getting around Turkey is economical too, with budget-friendly internal flights connecting its key attractions.
In addition to providing free sightseeing, cities like Istanbul also have affordable lodging options and delicious street food! Turkey vacation packages are a great way to experience this vibrant and diverse country if you're thinking about taking a trip there soon.
Attractions in Turkey
The stunning beaches in the south and the moonlike landscapes of Cappadocia are two more must-see locations in Turkey. Despite the size of the country, flying within Turkey is inexpensive! Now let's explore the top five tourist destinations in Turkey that every visitor should not miss.
- Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: A Monument of Architectural Genius
- Cappadocia: The Land of Fairy Chimneys
- Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle of Turkey
- Ephesus: A Journey Back to Ancient Rome
- Blue Mosque, Istanbul: A Symbol of Ottoman Splendor
2. Thailand
Thailand is a backpacker favorite for good reason – it is a haven for budget travellers, offering affordable luxury and incredible experiences. For instance, lovely beachside hotels and island getaways are frequently available for as little as $10 USD per night!
Affordable place to travel for the food
It’s also a hotspot for street food. Travelers can enjoy chicken satay skewers on the streets of Bangkok, noodle soup served at the edge of the jungle, or fresh fruit sold on the beach. The street food culture is an important part of Thai culture, and a dish can be enjoyed for just $0.50.
Transport in Thailand
The country is huge! However, it’s super easy to get around; famous for its cheap buses and trains, as well as the tuk-tuks (small taxis). Tuk-tuk prices can be negotiated, so if you don’t get offered a fair price the first time, keep trying.
3. Indonesia
Laidback beach vibes, stunning rice paddies, epic volcanoes, luscious jungles, and paradise islands – Indonesia has it all! Its diverse ecological landscapes and cheap prices make it an incredible place to travel.
It’s also a paradise for foodies! Especially in places like Canggu (Bali), you can find incredible restaurants and bars serving great veggie/vegan options. Head to Warung Bang Mi: a buffet-style restaurant where a full plate of deliciousness will set you back $1.70 USD.
Where to Stay in Indonesia
Whether you’re a backpacker looking for an island hostel close to the beach, or a honeymooner looking for a luxury jungle retreat, Indonesia offers cheap accommodation. One of our favorite places to stay in the beautiful island of Bali, are places like Canggu or Ubud.
Transport in Indonesia
Although the country is big, it’s affordable to travel around, with its cheap internal flights and boat island boat services. Take a flight from Bali to Yogyakarta or a ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands for around $30-40 USD.
4. Philippines
Island vacations don’t get much better, or cheaper, than in the Philippines! The huge archipelago of over 7,000 islands is home to white-sand beaches, palm tree forests, and the clearest ocean you’ve ever seen. You don’t need much money to explore this tropical paradise, as you can hike in the jungle, snorkel in the oceans, and relax on the beaches for free!
Where to Stay in the Philippines
Accommodation prices may be a little higher than in other countries, but it’s still possible to find hostels/hotels at a low price. Some of the best accommodation is on the islands of Siargao and El Nido.
Traveling cheap in the Philippines
The main expense in the Philippines is hiring a motorbike to explore (approximately $9 USD per day) and taking boats/planes to move between islands. Internal flights can be bought for between $25-50 USD. For a cheaper option, take overnight ferries, which also reduces your travel budget by eliminating one night of accommodation costs.
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an incredibly special part of Asia and a really cheap place to travel! The trains here are famous, taking you through luscious tea plantations, over viaducts, and across rolling hills. Aside from being a must-do on your trip, the trains are also cheap. You can travel on a 6-hour train journey for just $6 USD (2nd class) and $12 USD (1st class).
A popular choice in Sri Lanka is to hire a driver for the day to take you to remote places, such as waterfalls or secret beaches. The price is very reasonable, at around $50 USD per day. Split between a group, this is a super affordable option to help you get from A – B in Sri Lanka!
Eating Out in Sri Lanka
Food is a huge part of Sri Lanka’s culture, and its proximity to India makes for an incredibly flavorsome experience. Best of all, you can get a bowl of rice and curry for between $1-3 USD! Make sure to try the snacks that are sold on the trains: fiery samosas and flatbreads that cost less than a dollar.
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka
Where you stay in Sri Lanka will depend on the season of that side of the island. If you choose to visit in the rainy season, you can still have a really enjoyable time, and prices will be much lower. Consider staying in places like Kandy or Arugam Bay for budget-friendly accommodation.
6. Vietnam
Street food is king in Vietnam! Part of any trip to this amazing country is pulling up a stool and eating a delicious Banh Mi sandwich or a steaming bowl of noodles. Much like the rest of Asia, this way of eating makes it one of the cheapest countries to travel to; a bowl of food costs anywhere between $2 USD – $5 USD.
Cheap Places to travel to in Vietnam
The fascinating history of Vietnam means that it’s bursting with unique sights to visit, a lot of which can be entered for free or for a low price. For example, Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi costs just over $1 USD to enter. If you want to join an organized tour, such as the one to Ha Long Bay (one of the seven natural wonders of the world), you can book a day trip for $25 USD.
7. Cambodia
Cambodia is less developed than some of its neighbors, and because of that, the range of accommodation is less diverse. However, the plus is that its prices have not caught up yet with tourism, so you can stay in beautiful guest houses for ‘hostel prices’. Even in the island paradise Koh Rong, you’ll still find plenty of affordable options.
Transport in Cambodia
The country is incredibly rural and doesn’t have a modern infrastructure which means the only option is to travel by bus. However, you can take a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for between $8-$10 USD (make sure to check your bus has air conditioning).
Cambodia Attractions
The one thing you must budget for in Cambodia is your entrance fee to Angkor Wat: the largest temple complex in the world and a once-in-a-lifetime experience! There are around 70 temples to visit in this huge 400 square kilometers park. Because of this, many people choose to buy the 3-day pass or, for ease, join an organized tour.
8. Egypt
Egypt is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Africa. From the pyramids of Giza to the Red sea, there are endless wonders to see in this fantastic country.
Attractions in Egypt
Seeing the sights in Egypt is the biggest cost, but it’s all down to whether you choose to take an organized tour or self-guided. An organized tour can save you money and time, as they will pre-book all your accommodation and activities for you. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history from a certified guide and to meet other people.
Alternatively, you can book your own travel and entrance fees for each site.