14 Affordable International Destinations for Budget Travelers

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the world without draining your savings account? Travel doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Across continents, there are places where your dollar goes surprisingly far—where you can enjoy local culture, delicious meals, and scenic beauty without constantly checking your bank balance. Whether you’re into beaches, historic cities, or mountain retreats, this list has a little something for every kind of traveler who values both experience and affordability.

1. Oaxaca, Mexico

If you’ve never been to Oaxaca, this is your sign to go. Known for its bold flavors, bright streets, and deep-rooted traditions, this southern Mexican city welcomes travelers on a budget. Meals from local markets cost just a few dollars, and boutique stays often come with rooftop views. The city blends ancient Zapotec ruins with a thriving arts scene. Even better, walking is the best way to explore—no pricey taxis needed. Between sipping rich mole and admiring handcrafted textiles, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into something special without overspending.

2. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia might not top every travel list, but it should if you’re watching your wallet. This capital city is filled with parks, Roman ruins, and quirky cafés—all surprisingly affordable. You can grab a hearty Bulgarian meal for less than $5 or take in stunning architecture like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for free. The metro is cheap and easy to navigate, and many attractions are walkable. Plus, the surrounding mountains offer great hiking without the tourist crowd. With so much charm and such low costs, Sofia makes every dollar stretch just a little further.

3. Hoi An, Vietnam

Stepping into Hoi An feels like flipping through a postcard—lantern-lit streets, yellow facades, and riverside markets set the tone. But the real treat? Everything is budget-friendly. Tailor-made clothes cost less than a dinner back home, and street food—think bánh mì or white rose dumplings—rarely exceeds $2. Many guest houses come with bikes, so you can ride to An Bang Beach or pedal through rice paddies at no extra cost. Even with its popularity, Hoi An stays remarkably affordable, making it a perfect stop for budget-conscious travelers seeking history, beauty, and flavor in one place.

4. Kraków, Poland

Kraków delivers a rich European experience without the steep prices. Cobblestone squares, medieval castles, and hearty pierogi meals keep travelers coming back. A full lunch might run you just $6, and you can walk from Wawel Castle to Kazimierz with ease. The city also offers affordable tours, including day trips to salt mines or WWII sites. What stands out most is how generous the city feels—welcoming, well-preserved, and easy on your wallet. Whether you’re wandering through Planty Park or sipping espresso in a centuries-old café, Kraków gives you more than you’d expect for less.

5. La Paz, Bolivia

High in the Andes, La Paz surprises visitors with its rugged beauty and low costs. Cable cars double as public transport, offering jaw-dropping views for mere cents. You’ll find street food like salteñas and anticuchos that fill you up without draining your pocket. Markets sell handmade goods at negotiable prices, and budget hostels often come with mountain views. Despite its altitude, the city pulses with energy—from bustling plazas to vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track but easy on your bank account, La Paz is worth the altitude adjustment.

6. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is one of those places that feels like a secret—affordable, beautiful, and full of personality. Cobbled streets wind past colorful balconies, and sulfur bathhouses offer a spa experience for just a few dollars. Meals are both hearty and cheap, with khachapuri and khinkali stealing the show. Public transport is reliable and inexpensive, and many guest houses include homemade breakfast. Add in a thriving arts scene and friendly locals, and it’s easy to see why more travelers are heading here. Tbilisi proves you don’t need to sacrifice culture or comfort when traveling on a budget.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon might be one of Europe’s most photogenic capitals, but it’s also more affordable than you’d think. A tram ride through its seven hills costs under $2, and fresh seafood dinners by the Tagus River won’t break the bank. Budget travelers can find hostels with rooftop terraces and even free walking tours led by passionate locals. Despite its popularity, the city retains a laid-back feel. Fado music drifts through alleyways, tiles glint in the sun, and pastries like pastéis de nata go for less than a euro. Lisbon offers the magic of Western Europe at half the price.

8. Medellín, Colombia

Once known for all the wrong reasons, Medellín has transformed into one of South America’s most budget-friendly cities. With its year-round spring weather, clean metro system, and affordable meals, it’s a dream for long-term travelers. You can enjoy a bandeja paisa feast for under $6 or ride a cable car to hillside neighborhoods for stunning views. Parks, museums, and cultural centers often have free or low-cost entry. Even accommodations in trendy areas like El Poblado are surprisingly reasonable. Medellín makes it easy to enjoy city life with a budget that still leaves room for fun.

9. Kathmandu, Nepal

For travelers seeking both adventure and affordability, Kathmandu is a natural fit. The city offers an immersive experience—from ancient temples to chaotic, colorful markets—and it does so at a fraction of the cost of similar destinations. Accommodations range from modest guesthouses to welcoming hostels, and meals rarely top $3. Even permits for treks like Langtang or Annapurna are budget-conscious. Walking is your best friend here, and with so much to see, you won’t want to stop. Despite its intensity, Kathmandu offers moments of quiet beauty—for less than the price of a takeout meal.

10. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade doesn’t often make bucket lists, but maybe it should. This capital offers riverfront views, a rich café culture, and an edgy nightlife scene—all for impressively low prices. You can sip Turkish coffee in a historic kafana or enjoy riverside meals with live music, all on a backpacker’s budget. Street art and fortresses blend into daily life, and many museums charge just a few dollars. Even stays in central neighborhoods stay affordable. Belgrade’s bold mix of history and modernity makes it a destination where your money stretches far without sacrificing experience.

11. Penang, Malaysia

Penang is where flavor meets affordability. This island off Malaysia’s northwest coast is known for its street food, and some say it’s the best in Asia. A bowl of char kway teow or nasi kandar rarely costs more than $2. Budget hotels line George Town’s heritage streets, and local buses are cheap and efficient. Beyond food, you’ll find street art trails, historic mansions, and serene beaches. The island combines old-world charm with coastal beauty, all while being kind to your wallet. If you love eating well and spending less, Penang is about as close to paradise as it gets.

12. Tirana, Albania

Tirana is one of Europe’s least expensive capitals, and possibly one of its most surprising. Colorful buildings, quirky museums, and a coffee scene that rivals Italy’s define the city’s vibe. Meals at local restaurants cost just a few dollars, and taxis and buses won’t leave a dent in your budget. Travelers often rave about the warmth of locals, many of whom are eager to share their history. You can even take a day trip to the Adriatic coast without spending much. Tirana may not be on everyone’s radar, but that’s exactly what keeps it so refreshingly affordable.

13. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a feast for the senses—bustling souks, fragrant spices, and stunning courtyards—and it’s more affordable than most expect. Street food like tagine and mint tea comes cheap, and riads offer cozy stays right inside the medina for less than hotels in Europe. Haggle for souvenirs or soak in the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa. Museums and gardens usually charge a few dollars, and walking is often the best way to explore. For travelers craving color, culture, and savings in one place, Marrakech delivers in a way that’s hard to match.

14. Guatemala City, Guatemala

Guatemala City might not get the same love as Antigua, but it’s worth a second look—especially for budget travelers. With its eclectic markets, accessible museums, and hearty dishes like pepián, you get a lot for very little. Buses are inexpensive, and accommodations in safe zones like Zona 4 and Zona 10 stay reasonably priced. Day trips to volcanoes or Mayan ruins are easy to arrange without breaking the bank. While a little rough around the edges, the culture, kindness, and affordability make Guatemala City a wallet-friendly base to explore from.