Best Cheap Travel Destinations Under $50/Day

Why These Destinations Are Affordable

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great adventure when you travel; you just need to know where to find it. While $50 a day won’t get you far in Paris or Tokyo, plenty of places around the world let you stretch your dollars without missing out on incredible experiences. These destinations offer a perfect mix of cheap accommodations, affordable street food, and low-cost activities, all while immersing you in local culture and stunning scenery.

So, where should you go when your wallet is light but your wanderlust is heavy? Let’s dive in.

Daily Costs Breakdown

Here’s what you can expect to spend per day in each of these budget-friendly hotspots, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

Vietnam – The Land of Coffee and Motorbikes

• Accommodation: $7–$15 (hostel dorms, budget guesthouses)
• Food: $5–$10 (pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls will keep you full)
• Transport: $1–$5 (local buses, motorbike rentals)
• Activities: $5–$10 (temples, markets, motorbike tours)
• Total Daily Budget: $30–$50

Best Things to Do: Take a cruise in Halong Bay, ride a motorbike across the Hai Van Pass, explore the ancient streets of Hoi An, and sip the world’s strongest coffee in Hanoi.

Budget Tip: Stick to street food—it’s fresher, tastier, and way cheaper than sit-down restaurants. Also, night buses are a great way to save on a night’s accommodation while covering long distances.

Guatemala – Volcanoes, Lakes, and Mayan Ruins

• Accommodation: $10–$20 (hostels, budget hotels)
• Food: $5–$8 (hearty meals of rice, beans, and tortillas)
• Transport: $1–$5 (chicken buses, shared tuk-tuks)
• Activities: $5–$10 (hiking, lake excursions, ruins)
• Total Daily Budget: $35–$50

Best Things to Do: Hike up Acatenango Volcano for a sunrise view of erupting Fuego, kayak on Lake Atitlán, and wander through the colonial streets of Antigua.

Budget Tip: Learn some Spanish—it’ll help you bargain and avoid “tourist prices.” Also, traveling by chicken bus (colorful local buses) is an adventure in itself and a huge money-saver.

Albania – Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

• Accommodation: $10–$20 (guesthouses, budget hotels)
• Food: $7–$12 (fresh seafood, traditional byrek pastries)
• Transport: $3–$7 (furgons, local buses)
• Activities: $5–$10 (beaches, castles, hiking)
• Total Daily Budget: $40–$50

Best Things to Do: Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ksamil, explore the historic town of Gjirokastër, and hike through the beautiful Albanian Alps.

Budget Tip: Visit in shoulder season (May–June, September–October) for lower prices and fewer crowds. Local transportation (furgons) is cheap, though schedules can be unpredictable—go with the flow!

India – A Budget Traveler’s Paradise

• Accommodation: $5–$15 (budget hostels, guesthouses)
• Food: $3–$8 (delicious street food, thalis, curries)
• Transport: $2–$10 (trains, rickshaws, buses)
• Activities: $2–$8 (temples, markets, cultural sites)
• Total Daily Budget: $25–$50

Best Things to Do: Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, explore Jaipur’s pink-hued palaces, take a ride on Kerala’s backwaters, and get lost in the chaos of Old Delhi’s spice markets.

Budget Tip: Overnight trains save money on accommodation and transport. Street food isn’t just affordable—it’s often the best way to experience India’s diverse cuisine.

Final Recommendations for Cheap Travel in 2025

• Be Flexible: Flights can be your biggest expense. Use budget airlines, travel in shoulder season, and be open to last-minute deals.
• Stay Local: Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays not only save money but also offer authentic experiences.
• Eat Smart: Stick to street food and local markets—it’s fresher, cheaper, and way more flavorful than touristy restaurants.
• Use Public Transport: Skip taxis and Ubers—buses, trains, and tuk-tuks are far cheaper and often a part of the adventure.
• Plan Wisely: Some destinations are naturally more affordable than others. If you want to stretch your budget without sacrificing experiences, places like Vietnam, Guatemala, Albania, and India should be at the top of your list.

Traveling under $50 a day isn’t just possible—it’s an opportunity to experience some of the world’s most fascinating destinations without breaking the bank. With the right approach, you’ll have richer experiences, meet more locals, and make memories that are priceless (even if your daily budget isn’t).