10 Affordable Travel Destinations That Make The Middle Class Feel Rich
Are you like me? I often catch myself in la la land, where I’m sipping cocktails on a tropical beach, dining like a queen, and exploring cute streets that feel like a fantasy novel!
But, what if I tell you that this la la land is very affordable? You don’t need to win the lottery to live like the rich and famous. In fact, there are places around the world where your dollars stretch so far, you’ll feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury.
Are you ready to live like a VIP, without the VIP price? These destinations are proof that you don’t need a million dollars to feel like a million bucks. Happy travels and thank me later!
1. Bali, Indonesia
Let me tell you why Bali is the ultimate “live like royalty on a budget” destination. You can rent a private pool villa! Yes, your own pool, for the price of a basic hotel room back home.
Seriously, I’m talking about gardens, Instagrammable infinity pools, and room service that doesn’t make your wallet cry.
Meals are ridiculously cheap too. Think gourmet dishes at trendy cafés for under $10 or full-blown feasts at local warungs for just a few bucks.
Transportation? Rent a scooter for the price of a coffee, and you’re free to explore the island without expensive tours. From the terraced rice fields in Ubud to the stunning beaches of Uluwatu, nothing is off-limits. Tanah Lot temple.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you want to feel rich on a budget, Chiang Mai is the place. I’m talking about staying in boutique hotels with rooftop pools for less than $50 a night. And if you’re okay with cozy guesthouses, you can easily find a nice room for $20.
The best part? You don’t have to skimp on food. Street food here is dirt cheap but insanely delicious!
Everything is budget-friendly, from renting a scooter to exploring the temples. You don’t need pricey tours when you can ride up to Doi Suthep on your own or wander through the Old City on foot.
And don’t even get me started on the massages—one-hour Thai massages for $6. It’s basically luxury at backpacker prices.
It’s the perfect place to treat yourself without worrying about blowing your budget.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of those European cities where you can live it up without burning through your savings. Luxury hotels here are reasonably priced, but even if you go for budget accommodation, they’re clean, central, and way cheaper than in Western Europe.
You can have a fancy dinner with wine for under $20, or just hit up the ruin bars and grab a beer for a few bucks.
A day pass costs next to nothing, letting you explore all the stunning landmarks like Buda Castle and the Parliament Building. And here’s the kicker! Those grand thermal baths? Entrance fees are ridiculously affordable. You get to soak in historical grandeur without the luxury price tag.
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is probably one of the cheapest capitals you’ll ever visit. A comfortable hotel room or Airbnb? Around $20 a night.
And the food—oh man, you’ll be eating like a king for just a few bucks per meal. Pho for breakfast, bánh mì for lunch, and a sit-down dinner with drinks for less than $10. You’ll wonder why you ever paid more back home.
Even the experiences are budget-friendly. Want to visit the ancient temples or take a day trip to the stunning Ha Long Bay? It’s all affordable, especially if you book locally.
Taxis are affordable, but if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a motorbike taxi for pennies. It’s fast, fun, and gets you into the heart of the action. You’ll leave feeling like you gamed the system.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a dream for budget travelers who want to live large. You can stay in beautiful boutique hotels or charming Airbnbs for a fraction of what you’d pay in other major cities.
Tacos for a dollar, churros for pocket change, and authentic meals at local markets for just a few bucks. Almost too good, to be true!
Shopping at local markets is another steal. From handcrafted souvenirs to artisanal goods, you can bargain your way to great deals. You’ll feel like you’re splurging, but your wallet will tell a different story.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is where you get European charm without the European price tag. Accommodation is surprisingly affordable, even in centrally located neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
You can find beautiful guesthouses or Airbnbs for a fraction of what you’d pay in Paris or London. Those iconic yellow trams cost less than a cup of coffee.
Eating out won’t hurt your budget either. You can have fresh seafood, local wines, and mouth-watering pastries without breaking the bank. Even at sit-down restaurants, the prices are refreshingly reasonable.
Pastel de nata is a must-try, and you’ll find them everywhere for just a euro or two. Don’t blame me if you get addicted.
7. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of those places where you can have a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Seriously, the exchange rate works so much in your favor that you can afford luxury without blinking an eye.
Eating out is a treat. You can dine at world-class restaurants, sip on local wines, and still walk away with change to spare.
Even better, Cape Town’s street food is legendary and super cheap. You have to try a gatsby (it’s basically a giant sub stuffed with fries and meat), which could feed two people for the price of a coffee.
What’s amazing is that most of Cape Town’s highlights are either free or really low-cost. You’ll feel like you’re on a millionaire’s vacation, but with a twist!
8. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is straight out of a fairy tale, but the prices are more like a budget traveler’s dream. You can stay in charming, historic buildings without paying a king’s ransom. And food? You’ll get full-course meals, including beer. It’s cheaper than water here!
The city itself is walkable, so you’ll save on transport while soaking in the medieval charm. From the iconic Charles Bridge to the stunning Prague Castle, most of the best experiences don’t require a ticket.
Even the museums and galleries are budget-friendly compared to other European capitals.
Quick tip: Explore the neighborhoods outside the tourist zones for even better prices on food and drinks. You’ll find authentic Czech experiences without the tourist markup.
9. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket might sound like a luxury beach destination, but trust me, it’s easy on the wallet if you know where to look. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to fancy resorts with ocean views. All prices are way lower than you’d expect.
Eating out is practically a steal. You can have a feast at local night markets for just a few dollars. Fresh seafood, spicy Thai curries, tropical fruit smoothies—it’s all delicious and ridiculously cheap.
And drinks? Happy hours are everywhere, so you can sip cocktails by the beach without worrying about the tab.
Phuket proves that luxury doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.
10. Colombia (Cartagena & Medellín)
Colombia is seriously underrated, and the prices are proof of that. In Cartagena, you can stay in gorgeous colonial-style hotels or Airbnbs with rooftop pools for a fraction of what you’d pay in other Caribbean hotspots.
Medellín is just as affordable. The city is modern, vibrant, and super budget-friendly. You can find hotels in trendy neighborhoods like El Poblado without burning through your savings.
Wondering about the food? Oh man, you’ll eat like a king. Street food is dirt cheap and even sit-down meals at upscale restaurants are shockingly affordable.
Take advantage of the free walking tours! They’re amazing and only require a small tip. Honestly, Colombia gives you a taste of luxury travel without the luxury prices.