10 Destinations Where Budget Travelers Can Live Like Royalty
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean giving up comfort or culture. In some parts of the world, you can stay in beautiful places, eat the local food, and explore without constantly stressing out about overspending. This is because these destinations have been set up to give you more for less.
If you know where to go, your travel dollars can stretch into private accommodations, spa treatments, and rich experiences.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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Daily life in Ubud includes private villas surrounded by rice fields, which go for about $35 and come with daily housekeeping. Restaurants serve flavorful local dishes for a few dollars, and massages can be purchased for less than a movie ticket. The city also has inexpensive yoga classes, along with access to traditional villages within walking distance.
Lisbon, Portugal
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Budget tourists tend to overlook Lisbon, but what they don’t realize is that it offers a strong mix of value and experience. This coastal capital gives you access to castles, historic neighborhoods, and city views without the typical Western European prices. Accommodations near the center can be rented for $50–$70, and meals with beverages typically cost under $15.
Mexico City, Mexico
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The food alone makes Mexico City worth visiting, and the good news is that it will not harm your budget. Tacos from skilled street vendors are typically priced at $1, and even upscale restaurants charge around $30 per person. Public transportation is reliable and extremely cheap, since metro rides are priced at less than 30 cents. You only have to pay a few dollars to enter museums, and on Sundays, the cost is often waived entirely.
Hanoi, Vietnam
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In Vietnam, you can enjoy pho, spring rolls, and strong coffee for just a couple of bucks a day. Hotel rooms with modern amenities and rooftop pools go for nearly $40 per night. Transportation options include overnight buses and budget flights between cities. Activities like junk boat cruises and motorbike tours remain well-priced.
Budapest, Hungary
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Budapest makes it easy to enjoy history without feeling like you are walking through a museum. You can spend hours soaking in its famous thermal baths, many of them centuries old, for about the cost of a casual meal. When evening comes, abandoned buildings across the city turn into ruin bars filled with music, conversation, and character. With Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city offers plenty to explore at a pace and price that feel approachable.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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The low cost of living in Chiang Mai makes it one of the cheapest places to enjoy a high-quality travel experience. Labor, food, and services are priced for locals, not tourists, which keeps expenses down without sacrificing comfort. Traditional Thai massages cost around $6, and boutique hotels with gardens and modern amenities often stay under $30.
Medellín, Colombia
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Over the past two decades, Medellín has transitioned from a turbulent to a thriving city and has become one of South America’s most livable cities. Guests can rent modern Airbnb apartments in El Poblado for approximately $35, many of which feature balconies and high-speed Wi-Fi. Additionally, the clean and reliable metro makes it easy to navigate the city with no extra charges.
Jaipur, India
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Heritage hotels in Jaipur, many of them converted palaces, now serve as budget accommodations. For $30, you can sleep in rooms that once hosted nobility. Conventional Indian meals throughout the city are fresh, filling, and can be found for less than $5. Individuals interested in classical music, ancient rituals, or regional crafts can experience them firsthand at affordable rates.
Marrakech, Morocco
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A night in a traditional riad in Marrakech offers architectural beauty and comfort for under $40. Many include breakfast in lush courtyards and access to rooftop lounges. Hammams around the city provide full treatments for less than $30. On the other hand, tagines and grilled meats are available at far less than their Western equivalents.
Göreme, Turkey
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Staying in a cave hotel in Göreme provides a unique experience at an accessible price point. Rooms carved into rock walls mostly feature heated floors and stand at nearly $40. Turkish breakfasts with bread, cheeses, and olives are typically included. The town’s layout and natural scenery make it easy to explore on foot.