One must travel far enough to meet themselves! But in today’s economy, travelling isn’t right up one’s alley anymore. However, this skyrocketing inflation shouldn’t restrain our beloved travellers from exploring the world. You may not be able to visit all the places you want on a tight budget, but there are many places around the world with equally or even more scenic beauty. So without further ado, let’s jump into the budget-friendly places you can explore around the world.

Portugal 

Portugal is renowned for being an affordable travel destination year-round, but for those particularly mindful of their budget, spring is the most cost-effective season to visit. During this time, Portugal basks in abundant sunshine, with rainy and cloudy days being rare exceptions. This delightful weather enhances the experience without significantly impacting your wallet. For budget-conscious travellers, a daily expenditure of approximately $60 is realistic, amounting to around $420 for a week-long stay, not including the cost of flights. This budget allows you to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities without financial strain. You can deliciously eat and drink your way through the country for a few euros. The food and wine are very good, and the portions are large, even by American standards. The combination of beautiful weather, low costs, and rich cultural experiences makes Portugal a spot in the list of budget-friendly places.

Brazil

Brazil is one of the most pocket-friendly places to visit, with an average daily cost of around $20. Spending two weeks in Brazil comes to about $280, making it an incredibly budget-friendly adventure. Affordable accommodation is available in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and careful planning can further stretch your budget. For those looking to save money, planning a trip during the Brazilian winter is a smart choice, particularly in the northeastern regions where the beach weather remains consistently pleasant. Finding a quick and cheap bite in Brazil is not that difficult; you can find a cafe around every corner that will sell salgadinhos, as well as savoury and usually cheesy treats like po de queijo, coxinha, and pastéis. Exploring other big cities, such as Florianópolis, can also yield even better deals, ensuring you make the most of your budget while experiencing the diverse flavours and vibrant culture Brazil has to offer

South Korea

Our next destination, Dreamy Land of K-Pop and K-Drama, may be a dreamland for all age groups, but especially Gen-Zs. With careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to enjoy a memorable trip to South Korea without overspending. December to March is a very affordable time to visit the country, as you will find cheaper air flight tickets for South Korea. You can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, and use public transportation and intercity buses if you are on an even tighter budget. Seoul is a relatively pricy destination, particularly for accommodation. But just like most other countries, most of South Korea is affordable compared to its capital. In cities such as Busan, Daegu, and Gyeongju, you can get a spacious room for two in a four-star hotel, including breakfast, for as little as US $70 a night. These various reasons earn South Korea a spot in our list of budget-friendly places to visit around the world

Hungary

Hungary, one of Europe’s most underrated gems, is not only less visited than other European destinations, but it’s also quite affordable. Hungary is exceptionally affordable when it comes to eating out and buying groceries, so you won’t need to budget a huge amount for food; for example, a three-course meal at a decent, mid-range restaurant will cost you just €15 each! Outside the capital, you will discover friendly people, cheap living costs, and stunning historic towns. One of the biggest reasons that travellers love Budapest is its reputation as a budget-friendly place to visit. Although Budapest is suffering from over-tourism and has become more expensive over the years, many visitors still find it cheaper than other European capitals. Surprisingly, the buses in Hungary are usually more expensive than the trains as they cover more routes, but a traveller on a budget can always opt for a train instead. Overall, visiting Hungary is still cheaper than Western Europe; thus, Hungary gets a place in our list of international budget-friendly places to visit

Mongolia

Despite being home to some wonderful places and experiences, Mongolia is the least-travelled and most affordable destination in Asia. It’s perhaps a choice so offbeat that it does not come to a regular traveller’s mind easily. In terms of affordability, it ranks among the top 10% of countries in the world. Many budget travellers enjoy spending long periods exploring this country in depth. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Mongolia. The average price paid for one person’s accommodation in Mongolia is $11 (₮37,095). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Mongolia is $22 (₮74,190). The most pleasant time to visit Mongolia is in the summer from June to August, when it’s warm and dry. September and October are a favourable option but offer unpredictable weather and possible rain. So you can consider this place amongst budget-friendly places you can visit next

Mexico

Mexico would bestow you with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine without draining your wallet. Not only is Mexico full of beautiful scenery, world-class beaches, and wonderful locals, but it’s relatively inexpensive, too. The bus is one of the cheapest ways to explore the country. Budget travellers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Mexico has a thriving hostel scene, offering budget travellers clean and comfortable dormitory-style accommodations. Not only are hostels affordable, but they’re also fantastic places to meet fellow travellers and share experiences. 

South Africa

South Africa is one of the most affordable travel destinations. Budget travellers can always visit during the off-season, as the country offers year-round destinations that align with their plans, despite its high season during the summer months being relatively expensive. A mid-range budget traveller can expect to spend about $180 per day in South Africa. If you want to experience the best combination of wildlife and cosmopolitan regions, September is the best time to visit, as the weather is almost good everywhere. Visiting South Africa can be relatively affordable, especially when compared to many other popular travel destinations. South Africa offers excellent value for money, with a favourable exchange rate, a wide range of accommodation options, and budget-friendly activities. The overall cost of your trip will depend on your travel style, the regions you visit, and the activities you choose to engage in. Still, South Africa gets a spot in the list of budget-friendly places.

North-Macedonia 

North Macedonia is considered one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and you will be able to last a while here with a tight travel budget. There are numerous reasons to visit North Macedonia, including its friendly people, rich history, beautiful cities, delicious food, and, of course, our topic of discussion today, the “Cheap Lifestyle,” which is the very reason this destination is on our list of budget-friendly places. North Macedonia is great to visit most of the year, but it is more welcoming during spring and autumn, outside the high tourist seasons, and when the weather is at its most pleasant. Visitors to Macedonia usually spend between $44 and $179 per day on average for one person, and $88 to $358 for two people. Although Skopje and Ohrid can be relatively expensive, there are many other cities where you can stay.

As essential as it is to travel once in a while, travel is still a luxury for most of the population. With this list of budget-friendly places to explore around the world, you can also enjoy this luxury. So pack your bags and leap into your next adventure!