2025's Most Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations, According To Travelers

Our fabulous planet is teeming with bucket list destinations that everybody should visit at least once, but the truth is that traveling is not always cheap. According to a report by CNBC, airlines expect to increase ticket prices in 2025. Considering the fact that hotels, restaurants, and activities are already pretty costly, this can pose a huge barrier to otherwise enthusiastic travelers. Due to the challenge of planning an affordable vacation, some tourists may even think twice before booking that special trip abroad.

The good news is that it's still possible for Americans to find cheap places to visit in 2025. We have taken the time to outline some of our favorite affordable destinations and examine the price projections for the next year, pouring over hundreds of traveler reviews to determine what kinds of experiences other people have had in these destinations. All in all, we were able to compile a list of countries poised to offer fantastic food and lodging deals this year. From South America to Southeast Asia, with plenty of spots in between, these are our top picks.

Known among travelers as one of Europe's best-kept secrets, Slovenia is a gorgeous country packed with spectacular scenery and scrumptious eats. With its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich wine culture, and unbeatable charcuterie boards, Slovenia has a whole lot to offer. The best part? Travelers don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy this unique country. A stay in a three-star hotel can cost as little as $20 per night, while four-star lodgings will set you back around $100 per night. Food prices are just as reasonable, with $40 per day covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an adult.

As wonderful as these prices may already seem, visitors can shave their costs even further by avoiding big cities and exploring Slovenia's magnificent small towns. One satisfied traveler was so impressed with the affordability of these hidden gems that they shared their experiences on Reddit. "But some villages are super cheap (like €13 for [a] starter, meal and a beer)," they wrote. The same user also recommended trying the villages' special desserts for a taste of local culture.

Another traveler noted that Slovenian wine prices are incredibly reasonable. Writing on her travel blog (Never Ending Footsteps), Lauren Juliff explained, "When it comes to drinking in Slovenia, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the prices. I usually paid around €3-4 for a glass of wine in a casual restaurant, and a bottle of local wine from a supermarket is typically around €6-8."

If you are looking for a sunny getaway in a country known for its outdoor markets and delicious eats, consider spending your vacation in Morocco. Known as "The Land of the Sunset," this country boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, and in cities like Chefchaouen or Marrakech, visitors can take advantage of the good weather by perusing spices, clothing, and jewelry in a fun local bazaar. While it is still enjoyable to visit the markets without buying anything there, there are deals to be had. Shoppers will be thrilled to know that Morocco's huge haggling culture means you have the chance to negotiate better prices as you go.

Hotel rates and tour prices are also great in Morocco. Three-star hotels in Chefchaouen are available for as little as $40 per night, while a four-star experience can cost just $50. As for activities, a three-day excursion into the Sahara Desert will set you back $100 per person. One former visitor enthusiastically disclosed their own traveling experience on Reddit, "Museums are roughly 100dh entry ($8.50). Quad biking and cooking class was about ($25) per person for each activity."

Other visitors yet applauded the inexpensive food options. One Redditor reported, "You could lunch on cheap popular dishes that everyone likes like a dish of lentils or beans for as low as $1.50 (up to like 3$ for a tangine in some places), which includes bread and a tomato salad and a cup of tea." 

Argentina has experienced rampant inflation in the past few years, creating a favorable exchange rate for people visiting from abroad. This means anyone looking to save money on all aspects of their trip can look to Argentina for some fantastic deals. Previous travelers report finding great deals in Buenos Aires. As one recent visitor shared on Reddit, "[At] a highly rated downtown restaurant, we shared an appetizer, two wonderful steaks, 2 sides, and a liter of beer. Was $28.00. I felt bad paying so little ... Airport to downtown taxi $24.00. Downtown hotel $65 per night. Yes, it's cheap."

However, because Buenos Aires is a major urban center, it's one of the pricier places to visit in Argentina. Folks looking to find the best possible deals can head to the country's gorgeous countryside. Talampaya National Park offers an otherworldly landscape in a crowd-free environment, and it's located near a number of inexpensive towns. Airbnbs in the nearby Córdoba cost as little as $26 per night for an entire apartment, while upscale flats in Salta go for about $30 per night. Even Mendoza (the wine capital) boasts affordable lodging at the same rate. Plus, nearby wine tastings come at affordable prices — just $22 per person. 

To experience mind-boggling natural beauty without breaking the bank, visitors should head to Vietnam. This country boasts hundreds of limestone islands along its long coastline. One of the best places to soak up this unique geography is Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can see stunning islets surrounded by turquoise waters. While experiencing this view may seem like a luxury experience, a visit to Ha Long Bay is actually quite affordable. For less than $20, tourists can enjoy a boat ride, kayak tour, and lunch in this amazing location. Lodging nearby is practically a steal. For $50 a night, travelers can guarantee a comfortable hotel room in the city of Ha Long.

The Ha Long region is not the only part of Vietnam to offer fantastic prices. Previous visitors have raved at the affordability of lodging, food, and drinks across the country. As one Redditor wrote of his own trip to Vietnam, "In total, I spent $1,202.91 over 29 days, or $41.48 per day. You can easily travel through Vietnam for under $20 a day. I am quite surprised at how high my average was but I did a lot of activities and even got some clothes custom-made." He went on to share that hostels often cost less than $7 per night, a bowl of pho costs $1.50, and a beer costs around $1. These prices make Vietnam one of the most budget-friendly destinations of 2025.

Since joining the Schengen Zone in January 2025, beautiful Bulgaria has become extremely accessible from other parts of the European Union. Thanks to the country's fabulous ski resorts, vibrant summer festivals, and romantic fall colors, it's always the best time to visit Bulgaria, and it doesn't hurt that vacationing there is super inexpensive. A lift ticket to hit the slopes of Bansko — Bulgaria's largest ski resort — costs just BGN 110 ($58). A five-hour pub crawl of Sofia will set you back about $20. Plus, there are several archeological sites where you can walk among ancient ruins at no cost whatsoever.

Hotels and Airbnbs in Bulgaria are reasonably priced compared to what you might find in other European Union countries. A beautiful apartment in central Sofia can set you back just $28 per night, while a unit with a private sauna will cost $67 per night. One recent visitor raved about these prices on Reddit, writing, "Bulgaria is CHEAP. Everything is affordable. Ubers, lodging, meals, beer, etc. This is one European country that you could easily do on €50 ($52) a day. Less if you wanted to. Part of the draw for the short-term tourists from Western Europe is that they can fly to Bulgaria and have a much cheaper weekend than spending it in their own city."

It's no secret that Egypt boasts a rich cultural history. Because of its fascinating past, the country of pharaohs, hieroglyphics, and pyramids has always enchanted tourists from around the world. Like many popular tourist destinations, Egypt offers a number of luxury experiences at extraordinarily high prices. However, just because some Egyptian tours are pricey doesn't mean that all of them are. In fact, the country's iconic Nile River region offers several high-quality cruises at great prices.

Anyone hoping to explore the ancient ruins along the Nile can sign up for a 4-day river cruise from Aswan to Luxor through Viator. Priced at just $360 per person, this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience takes visitors from one historical site to the next, accompanied by an experienced Egyptologist. The tour even includes a hot air balloon ride and a tour of the Abu Simbel temples. While the price is low, the ratings are not, and 96% of past travelers have recommended this trip to others. One even wrote, "It was amazing value for money ... The hot air balloon was the highlight of the trip. Would recommend this tour."

Landlubbers can still explore Egypt in style, and hotel stays close to the ancient ruins are very affordable. In the nearby town of Aswan, three-star lodging costs less than $50 per night, while some four-star hotels book for less than $100 per night. Private excursions — like a guided tour of Abu Simbel, also through Viator – cost $55 per head.

Nepal has long attracted visitors from all corners of the world. Its palaces, temples, and thriving food scene have created an environment that mingles past and present. To soak up this combination of Nepal's ancient history and modern culture, visitors need not strain their wallets. Travel in the region is famously affordable, and many tourists report spending less on their vacations to Nepal than they normally would in their own cities. Writing on Reddit, one previous traveler shared, "Nepal can be super cheap. $10 a night for accommodation. $10-15 for food. Transport around the city $10-15 per day. Sightseeing $10-15 per day. Traveling between towns $10-15 per trip."

As with most countries, big cities in Nepal tend to be pricier than smaller towns and villages, and hotels in Kathmandu usually cost much more than lodging in quieter parts of the country. Commenting on the price of hostels in more rural areas, one Redditor on the same thread explained, "In the villages it can be as cheap as $3, just talk to people and be nice, but make them understand that you know that $10 is expensive for Nepal." Folks looking for a more traditional travel experience can still stay in nicer hotels for a reasonable price. A night at a three-star or four-star establishment in a rural area generally costs less than $50.

Peru is most famous for the ruins of Machu Picchu, but there's far more to this fascinating South American nation than iconic Incan citadels. After all, the capital of Lima is one of the top foodie destinations on the continent. The city is also home to a thriving surf scene and Bohemian arts culture. And yes, there are plenty of pre-Incan ruins in the area, allowing visitors to dig deeper into one of the less famous elements of local history. 

It certainly helps that spending time in Lima is not particularly expensive. An upscale apartment with rooftop pool access can go for as little as $36 per night. Hostels are even cheaper, with some bunks going for less than $10 per night, and activities and culture are also relatively affordable. Surfing classes cost about $30 per head, while surfboard rentals are even less expensive, sometimes costing about $14 for an eight-hour experience on the waves. A visit to a pre-Incan pyramid like the Huaca Pucllana will set you back 15 sols — just $4.

Food prices in Lima are also affordable for Americans. As one previous visitor shared on Reddit, "In my experience, prices for a street food meal in Peru can range from $1-$3, whereas a cheap restaurant can be $5-$10 per meal. For nicer restaurants, meals can be around $15-$25." This means that dining out in one of the world's great food cities is a seriously budget-friendly experience.

Despite its popularity, Spain has long been viewed as an affordable travel destination, but recent price increases in major urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona have encouraged some tourists to go elsewhere. While Spain's big cities aren't as price-friendly as they used to be, travelers only need to go to one of the country's many smaller towns to enjoy fantastic deals. In the beachside town of Benalmádena, you can rent a flat with panoramic ocean views for just $46 per night. In nearby Málaga, three-star and even some four-star hotels are available for less than $100 per night.

Food and activities in Spain's smaller towns and cities are also very reasonable. Tickets to Málaga's Wine Museum cost around $5 and include a complimentary wine tasting, and the massive Museo de Málaga offers free visits to all residents of the European Union (folks from outside the EU pay less than $2 for their tickets). When it comes to meals, you can always enjoy the reasonable prices of Spanish tapas culture. Several restaurants in Málaga and surrounding areas sell $1 tapas. Breakfasts are also cheap, with some restaurants offering a full spread for as little as $5.50. 

The country of Georgia makes for one of those unexpected getaways that stick with you forever. As one of the first regions in the world to ever cultivate grapes, Georgia is sometimes called "the cradle of wine," but viniculture enthusiasts are not the only ones who would enjoy a trip to this beauty in the Caucasus. Foodies will also find that the region abounds with fresh bread, homemade cheeses, and dumplings galore. And while the local food and wine are certainly world-class, the prices are very much on the affordable side of the ledger. As noted by Lauren Juliff on her Never Ending Footsteps blog, a high-quality glass of Georgian vino will set you back about $4. Hot meals, meanwhile, often sell for about $2.

Oftentimes, the most expensive part of traveling to Georgia is finding flights. According to some previous travelers, the best way to get around this is to research your airline carefully. One Redditor explained, "As a resident of MI and frequent flier to Georgia I can tell you from a comfort perspective, by far, Qatar [is the best]. But Lufthansa is pretty cheap too, not very comfortable though, and Turkish is a middle child." Another recommended getting an inexpensive ticket to anywhere in Europe and then transferring to a budget airline. "You also visit another European city. You can fly relatively cheap to Kutaisi with Wizzair from many EU cities," they advised.

Putting together this list of the most affordable travel destinations of 2025 was a bit of a balancing act. Although each of the above countries offers fantastic deals, we wanted to offer travelers a wide range of locations from all around the world. As such, the list covers multiple continents, we are very confident in our selections. Having visited these destinations, we took measures to ensure that other visitors' feedback was taken into consideration. We perused hundreds of traveler reviews to get a good idea of the destinations where people were finding the best deals. Any country where others reported paying excessive prices was discarded from this list. Locations where an overwhelming number of visitors paid low prices were, in turn, added to our recommendations.