16 Affordable Travel Spots To Visit In 2025

You don’t need a huge budget to have a trip worth remembering. I’ve come across places where your money goes further – and the experience feels richer. Some are tucked-away European towns, others are laid-back tropical escapes, but all offer something special without the high price tag.

If you’re looking to travel smarter in 2025, these 16 destinations are a great place to start.

1. Tbilisi, Georgia

You’ll fall in love with Tbilisi’s cobblestone streets and colorful architecture the moment you arrive. This Caucasus gem offers incredible value with meals costing around $5-10 and comfortable guesthouses under $30 per night.

The blend of European and Asian influences creates a unique cultural experience unlike anywhere else. Don’t miss the sulfur baths, a local tradition dating back centuries that costs just a few dollars.

2. Hoi An, Vietnam

Walking through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets at night feels like stepping into a fairytale. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers incredible food for just $2-3 per meal and hotel rooms starting around $15.

Rent a bicycle for $1 a day to explore nearby rice fields and beaches at your own pace. The famous tailor shops can create custom clothing for a fraction of Western prices, making for practical souvenirs you’ll actually use.

3. Mérida, Mexico

If you’re seeking authentic Mexican culture without tourist crowds, Mérida should top your list. The colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and nearby Mayan ruins create an enriching experience that won’t drain your wallet.

Street food here costs as little as $1-2 per item, while boutique hotels go for $30-40 nightly. The city serves as an ideal base for day trips to cenotes (natural swimming holes) and lesser-known archaeological sites where entrance fees rarely exceed $5.

4. Kotor, Montenegro

Nestled between dramatic mountains and a stunning bay, Kotor offers Mediterranean beauty without the Italian or Greek price tags. This walled medieval town feels straight out of Game of Thrones, with accommodations starting around $25 per night.

Hiking the city walls costs just a few euros and rewards you with breathtaking views. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and traditional dishes for $5-10, while nearby beaches provide free entertainment during summer months.

5. Kuching, Malaysia

Most travelers overlook Malaysian Borneo, making Kuching a perfect off-the-beaten-path choice. The city blends colonial architecture with vibrant Chinese and Malay influences, creating a fascinating cultural mix. Street food markets offer delicious meals for $2-3, while comfortable hotels start around $20.

From here, you can easily access orangutan sanctuaries and national parks with entrance fees under $10. The lack of mass tourism means experiences feel more authentic and prices remain reasonable.

6. Brasov, Romania

Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, this Transylvanian city offers fairy-tale vibes without Western European prices. Medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and nearby Bran Castle (of Dracula fame) create an atmospheric experience.

A hearty Romanian meal costs $5-8, while charming guesthouses go for $25-35 nightly. Public transportation is reliable and affordable, making day trips to nearby castles and mountain trails easy. Winter visitors can enjoy some of Europe’s most affordable skiing just minutes from the city.

7. Arequipa, Peru

Often overshadowed by Cusco and Machu Picchu, Arequipa offers a more affordable Peruvian experience. The “White City” features stunning colonial architecture built from volcanic stone against a backdrop of three impressive volcanoes.

Stay in family-run guesthouses for $15-25 per night and enjoy traditional Peruvian meals for $3-5. The nearby Colca Canyon provides world-class hiking opportunities at a fraction of the cost of more famous Peruvian treks. Plus, fewer international tourists means more authentic cultural interactions.

8. Split, Croatia

While Dubrovnik’s prices have skyrocketed, Split remains relatively affordable while offering similar Adriatic charm. The ancient Diocletian’s Palace forms the city center, where you can literally live within 1,700-year-old Roman walls.

Visit in May or September to find accommodations for $30-40 per night and avoid summer crowds. Local konobas (taverns) serve fresh seafood and Croatian specialties for $8-12 per meal. Public ferries provide cheap transportation to nearby islands with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

9. Antigua, Guatemala

Surrounded by volcanoes and filled with colorful colonial buildings, Antigua combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site, prices remain surprisingly reasonable. Spanish language schools offer week-long courses with homestays for around $150-200.

Street food costs $1-3 per meal, while mid-range restaurants charge $5-10. The surrounding region offers hiking, coffee plantation tours, and indigenous markets all accessible by cheap local buses called “chicken buses.”

10. Lviv, Ukraine

This charming Ukrainian city feels like a hidden European gem with its well-preserved medieval center and vibrant cafe culture. Despite its beauty, Lviv remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Coffee houses dating back centuries serve specialty brews for $1-2, while full meals cost $4-7.

Boutique hotels in historic buildings go for $25-35 per night. The city’s renowned opera house offers world-class performances for under $10, making cultural experiences accessible even on tight budgets.

11. Luang Prabang, Laos

Morning mist rolling over the Mekong River as orange-robed monks collect alms is just one magical scene you’ll witness in Luang Prabang. This former royal capital blends French colonial architecture with traditional Lao temples.

Guesthouses with tropical gardens charge $15-25 per night, while street food costs just $1-2 per dish. Rent a bicycle for $2 daily to explore nearby waterfalls and villages at your own pace. The relaxed atmosphere and genuine local interactions make this UNESCO site a soul-enriching budget destination.

12. Essaouira, Morocco

Game of Thrones fans might recognize Essaouira as “Astapor,” but this coastal Moroccan town offers much more than filming locations. The laid-back atmosphere contrasts with Marrakech’s intensity, while blue fishing boats and ancient ramparts create picturesque scenes.

Riads (traditional houses) offer rooms from $25-35, including breakfast. Fresh seafood grilled at the port costs $5-8 per meal. The consistent winds make this a world-class windsurfing destination with equipment rentals and lessons available for reasonable prices compared to European spots.

13. Valparaíso, Chile

Known for its colorful hillside homes and bohemian vibe, Valparaíso offers an affordable alternative to Santiago. The city’s historic funiculars (cliff railways) transport you up steep hills for panoramic Pacific Ocean views for less than $1 per ride.

Street art tours, often free or donation-based, showcase the city’s creative spirit. Seafood empanadas and other local snacks cost $2-3, while full meals run $5-10. Family-run guesthouses charge $25-35 per night, often including homemade breakfast with views of the colorful cityscape.

14. Penang, Malaysia

Food lovers, I’ve found your paradise! Penang’s street food scene ranks among the world’s best, with incredible dishes costing just $1-3. This Malaysian island blends Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences in its cuisine and culture.

George Town’s UNESCO-protected streets feature colonial architecture alongside vibrant street art. Accommodations range from $15 hostels to $40 boutique hotels in restored shophouses. The island offers both beach relaxation and jungle hiking, with public buses connecting major attractions for less than $1 per ride.

15. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

As Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv offers remarkable history without the crowds or prices of more famous ancient sites. The well-preserved Roman amphitheater hosts summer performances under the stars for ticket prices around $10-15.

Bulgaria’s currency (lev) gives travelers excellent value, with full meals costing $5-8 and quality local wines for $3-4 per glass. Guesthouses in the charming Old Town charge $25-35 nightly. The pedestrian-friendly city center makes exploration easy, while nearby mountains offer hiking opportunities just a short bus ride away.

16. Zanzibar, Tanzania

White-sand beaches and turquoise waters typically come with luxury price tags, but Zanzibar offers tropical paradise at reasonable rates. This semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago features pristine coastlines alongside the historic Stone Town.

Simple beachfront bungalows start around $30-40 per night in less developed areas. Fresh seafood dinners cost $5-10, while spice farm tours run $10-15. Public transportation via dalla-dallas (minibuses) costs pennies, though distances are often walkable.