Budget Destinations
Discover amazing destinations where you can travel further, experience more, and make your budget go further.
TRAVEL FURTHER FOR LESS
Choosing the right destination can make one of the biggest differences to your travel budget. In some places, accommodation, food, transport and activities cost far less than in others, which means you can often stay longer and experience more without spending more.
A budget-friendly destination isn’t necessarily the cheapest place in the world. Good value comes from the balance between cost, quality, transport, things to do and the overall travel experience.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BUDGET-FRIENDLY DESTINATION
1. Compare Everyday Travel Costs
Before choosing where to go, look beyond the flight price. Research the typical cost of accommodation, meals, local transport, attractions and other daily expenses.
A destination with a slightly more expensive flight can sometimes work out cheaper overall if everyday costs are much lower once you arrive.
2. Look at Accommodation Prices
Accommodation is often one of the biggest parts of a travel budget, so compare hotel, hostel and guesthouse prices before booking your flights.
Some destinations offer excellent-quality accommodation at reasonable prices, while others can become expensive very quickly during busy seasons.
3. Consider Food Costs
Food prices can vary enormously between destinations. Places with affordable local restaurants, markets and street food can help you keep your daily spending much lower.
You can still enjoy occasional more expensive meals, but having plenty of good-value everyday options makes budgeting much easier.
4. Check Local Transport
A destination with good and affordable public transport can save you a lot of money compared with somewhere where you constantly need taxis or private transfers.
Research metro systems, buses, trains and transport passes before travelling. Also consider how easy and affordable it is to travel between cities if you plan to explore more than one place.
5. Travel Outside Peak Season
Even traditionally affordable destinations can become expensive during their busiest periods.
Travelling during the shoulder season can often give you lower accommodation prices, fewer crowds and better availability while still offering good weather and plenty to do.
6. Choose Places With Plenty of Free Activities
Destinations with beaches, parks, markets, historic neighbourhoods, viewpoints and walkable city centres can offer plenty to experience without constantly buying tickets.
The more free and low-cost activities available, the easier it is to enjoy your trip without feeling restricted by your budget.
7. Think About How Long You Want to Stay
For a short trip, the cost of the flight may be a large part of your budget. For a longer trip, everyday expenses become much more important.
A destination with affordable accommodation and food can be particularly good value if you want to travel for several weeks rather than just a few days.
8. Don’t Assume Popular Means Expensive
Some very popular destinations still offer excellent value if you know where to stay, eat and travel.
Look beyond luxury hotels and tourist-centre restaurants. Local neighbourhoods, public transport and smaller businesses can make even well-known destinations much more affordable.
9. Compare the Total Trip Cost
Instead of asking only, “Where can I get the cheapest flight?”, estimate the full cost of the trip.
Compare flights, accommodation, food, transport, attractions and any visa or entry costs. This gives you a much clearer idea of which destination actually offers the best value.
10. Choose a Destination You Actually Want to Visit
Saving money shouldn’t be the only reason you choose somewhere.
A cheap destination isn’t good value if you have little interest in being there. Find somewhere that fits both your budget and the kind of experience you want — whether that means cities, beaches, food, culture, nature or nightlife.
GOOD-VALUE DESTINATIONS TO CONSIDER
These destinations can offer excellent value for travellers, with affordable food, accommodation, transport and plenty of memorable experiences.
Thailand 🇹🇭
Great-value food, accommodation and transport, with vibrant cities, temples and tropical beaches.
Vietnam 🇻🇳
Affordable food, accommodation and transport, with fascinating cities, culture and beautiful landscapes.
Cambodia 🇰🇭
Good-value accommodation and food, with ancient temples, fascinating history and local culture.
Malaysia 🇲🇾
Excellent food, modern transport and plenty of accommodation options for different budgets.
Tunisia 🇹🇳
Mediterranean beaches, historic medinas, local food, and good-value accommodation.
Morocco 🇲🇦
Colourful markets, historic cities, local food, and plenty of affordable travel experiences.
START PLANNING YOUR NEXT BUDGET TRIP
The best budget destination is one that gives you the experiences you want at a price you can comfortably afford. Compare the full cost of the trip, travel at the right time and choose somewhere that gives you good value rather than simply chasing the lowest price.