Travel is to the soul what food is to the body. It rejuvenates the mind, refreshes the core of the self and re-energizes the form. But to travel is to fork out money – lots of money! However, traveling need not necessarily mean going overboard on the expenses. What are cheap places to travel to in 2018? How about some cheap holiday destinations?
“Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind”
– Marty Rubin
There are many ways in which a person may go on vacation for minimal costs. And we don’t mean that you NEED to stay at student hostels, or only go backpacking. The trick is to find places that are not only cheap to vacay at but also easy to travel to. Let’s be honest, we only have so much time off. We need to be efficient with our travel schedules, so all of our destinations are world-renowned locations. I don’t want to give you a cheap destination that happens to be in the middle of nowhere! That’s too easy.
Find Your Wanderlust: Cheap Places to Travel to in 2019
I’m a pretty frugal person. I like to travel and see the world, but I also do not want to break the wallet to do so. That is why I love credit card churning so much. I am able to use travel hacking to travel around the world for little to no cost. It’s time to find the best holiday and budget destinations, so you can kick back and relax from all your hard work.
What is credit card churning and manufactured spending?
Credit Card Churning is the act of repeatedly opening and closing credit cards so that you can earn the sign-up bonuses over and over. If you’re able to do this with several cards it will allow you to build up many more rewards than using just one card.
With credit card manufactured spending, you spend money (with credit cards) in ways that allow you to get the money back as cash. You then use that money back as cash to pay of the credit card you used. Thus, generating significant rewards points along the way.
There are several ways you can get involved in credit card manufactured spending.
Budget Destinations Are Easy to Find
How has travel been so cheap? Airfares have been at an all-time low since 2017 due to falling oil prices, and the dollar (despite recent pullback) is really strong relative to other countries. Airfare is no longer a luxury item.
It is a part of everyday life and the globe is more connected than every before. Go out and find your wanderlust by finding cheap places to go on vacation.
So break out those suitcases, and get ready to travel the more than every before! There are so many cheap places to travel!
How to find cheap places to travel to in 2019
In order to find cheap travel, it usually all starts with airfare. Airfare tends to be the highest input cost for your trip. After airfare, lodging is the next expensive item for your travel destinations.
Both of which are somewhat tricky because you want to find the cheapest option for both, but you also want to have a good experience.
There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a flight with terrible service, limited options and no comfort. If you have an effective trip planner ahead of time, this can do wonders for your itinerary and overall travel experience.
The same applies to lodging, so what resources can you use to find cheap places to travel to in 2019? Here are our favorite resources to use to find cheap places to travel.
Tools to Find Cheap Destinations, Airfare and Flight Schedules
- Google Flights: Google has really stepped up their game for travel. Not many people know this, but using Google’s travel options can save you thousands! Set up a screener using their platform to find the lowest prices for airfare. Google Flights is very easy to set up and their map is as good as it gets when it comes to travel. This is one of the best options to find the cheapest vacation destinations whether that be domestic or international airlines.
- Scott’s Cheap Flights: Finding Scott’s Cheap Flights has been an absolute gem. I’ve been able to book insanely cheap flights for destinations around the world. The best thing is you don’t have to do anything at all! Scott will email you once his Google Flight trackers trigger the lowest cost for a destination. Act quick because these budget airfares won’t last long!
Tools to Find Cheap Hotel Deals and Discounts
- Airbnb: This is an obvious one. You all know Airbnb by now. There are always hidden gems on Airbnb that give you feel as you are a local. I really like how Airbnb has allowed you to pair experiences along with your stay. This makes for a great night out or wonderful exploring.
- Hipmunk: Hipmunk is a platform that I doubt you have used before. I love the interface and the integration with Airbnb. This gives you quite a bit of options for comparing prices on hotels and other travel packages. Use this platform to find the best cheap hotel deals and discounts. They offer instant travel advice via Slack and Facebook messenger. Not a bad way to take personal interaction to the next level.
I created a guide about some amazing tools to book award travel.
What are cheap places to travel to in 2019?
Here are our cheap places to travel to in nearly every continent (excluding North America). All of our destinations include some very nice weather to warm you up for the holiday travel season.
Find your wanderlust now.
What defines a budget destination or and affordable place to visit?
These are some of the cheapest countries to visit in the world, but what would make a place affordable or crack this list as a cheap place to travel. Well, there are a few things that identify a cheap destination:
- How affordable is the destination to arrive by airfare?
- Does the destination have affordable (but yet comfortable) lodging?
- How is the food? Is it fantastic food for the correct price? Yes, you can find amazing food anywhere in the world, but you can’t find amazing affordable food anywhere in the world.
- Does this destination have things to do for an attractive price?
In order to reach our conclusion of the most affordable travel destinations, each location must fall into these criteria. Otherwise, you are all the list.
Cheap Destination #1: Europe – Barcelona, Spain
Photo of Beautiful Barcelona, Spain
Europe is on the travel cards for most holiday-goers. Some of the top cities in Europe are Paris and London, and Barcelona doesn’t fall far behind. It is one of the most affordable cities on the continent, besides brimming with scenic beauty and scintillating foods.
Tapas, or Spanish savory dishes bursting with flavor, are served at all restaurants here and are easy on the budget. A meal of tapas accompanied by a glass of wine will affect your pocket by only €10 to €15. Add to this a multitude of free places to relax, and affordable places to shop at, and you’ve got yourself a neat deal.
Spend a day sunbathing at the Barceloneta beach, buy freshest of produce or candied fruit at the La Boqueria, or spend a day admiring the cathedral and touring the vintage amusement park at Tibidabo. Here are several other things to do in Spain.
You can go on a day trip to Seville, which is just a beautiful and a lot cheaper. You’d be surprised on cheap Spain can be! These are some of the best things to do in Seville. Or try making a day trip to Estepona from there. The beaches are amazing!
Cheap Destination #2: Europe – Greece
Photo of Santorini, Greece
The Euro has been pretty weak this year, and out of all the cities in Europe, this rings truest for Greece! The city is currently going through an economic struggle, and this has led to a craving for tourists within the country. You can evidence this in the low hotel rates, the affordable restaurant prices and cheap attraction fees.
A four-star luxury hotel located in the middle of the city at Athens will cost you less than $100 a night. As you head deeper into the countryside, the prices start to drop even more. Not to mention, the city offers a history steeped in legends and myths, making it a tourist destination worthy of all your senses.
A five-course meal of appetizers, main course and desserts accompanied by drinks will cost you half of what you’d normally spend in the United States. Souvenirs and keep-sakes are also insanely cheap.
Soak in the history at the Parthenon, take a hike up Mount Olympus, or spend an evening at Dinner in the Sky at Athens. Greece will surprise you at every turn.
Traveling with kids? Use this guide to Athens with kids.
Cheap Destination #3: Asia – Bali, Indonesia
Photo of the Volcano in Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the cheapest Asian countries and nearly one of the cheapest places in the world. If you’re looking for an exotic holiday of high-class living at low prices, Asia offers a wide number of options for you.
Bali tops them all in costs, culture and luxury. A private villa with your own private pool, offering a gorgeous view of paddy fields for miles around you, will cost only $50 a night. Luxury resorts are similarly inexpensive.
The city also offers spa, gym and transportation services at very low costs, if compared to many other places in Asia. The city throws up exotic temples and breathtakingly beautiful beaches every few miles, and you will find that Indonesian food is healthful, cheap and flavourful.
Visit the Pandava Beach for a white sand experience, admire a real, live volcano from afar as you enjoy a buffet lunch at Kintamani, or spend an evening soaking in the Elephant Cave at Ubud. The day is yours.
The rice terraces of Bali are amazing to see and explore. The options are endless in Bali.
Cheap Destination #4: Africa – Mozambique
Photo of Africa
Africa is a bit of a tough destination to get to, but it is one of the most budget friendly destinations around. Also, there is so much that is unique from traditional cultures. If there is true spot to find your wanderlust and explore. It’s a country in Africa.
African countries offer a meal deal when it comes to the exchange rate for the average traveler. The continent also falls on the opposite end of the hemisphere to the United States, and seasons are reversed here.
The slow seasons, when prices are relatively lower than the peak, fall in our summers, which makes it perfect for a family vacation.
Mozambique, in addition to these perks, is known to be a budget-travel destination within Africa. Seafood, exotic African dishes and tropical fruits and nuts fit your pocket easily. The sapphire ocean calls to you, and scuba diving allures.
Take a hike to the Cascata Falls in the hills up North, snag a meal at the Rickshaws Café, or take a dive in the ocean at the PADI Center for Scuba Diving. Mozambique will leave you wanting more.
Cheap Destination #5: South America – Chile
Photo of Patagonia, Chile
If you’re thinking value for money, you can’t go wrong with South America. Chile is a country that offers so much from an exploring and backpacking standpoint. Making it hard to spend a lot of money.
Thus, Chile is one of the top cheap places to travel to. Chile offers everything a traveler could want – food, drink, and adventure! In addition, the exchange rate is very easy on the pocket, and all the attractions are very cheap.
Chile has a vibrant menu, featuring mouth-watering tapas and other delicacies. The city, as vibrant as its food, also has a large number of wine bars making available affordable watering spots for its tourists. For a novel experience, get a taste of German heritage in South Africa in the lakeside corner of Puerto Varas.
Breathe in the Santiago cityscape at the Santa Lucia Hill, hike to the geysers and hot springs at El Tatio, or spend the day sailing with penguins at Beagle Channel.
Chile won’t let your overspend, and it won’t let you down on your enjoyment. There’s a reason that a clothing line is named after their great mountains of Patagonia too.
Cheap Destination #6: Central America – Belize
Photo of Laughing Bird Caye, Belize
If you’re looking to spend the perfect holiday with your love, but not looking to blow a hole in your pocket, you can’t go wrong with Belize. This is a city where history has settled itself deeply and has had modern life grow about it.
A four-star hotel stay will cost as low as $90 a night and offer many facilities at low rates for its guests. Take a bicycle rental, or take off on a romantic outing with lunch and wine, all at affordable rates signed up at your hotel. Belize also offers you its local wines, and a romantic dinner for two at a high-class restaurant won’t affect you by more than $30.
Spend a relaxing evening on the Belize Barrier at Ambergris Caye, explore the Ancient temple ruins at Xunantunich, or take your partner for a candlelight dinner at El Secreto. Your love will only grow with each passing day at Belize.
Cheap Destination #7: Central America – Costa Rica
Photo That I Took During Our Stay at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
On a side note, if you like my photos. I have them available for free download in high-quality. They make for great images for your smartphone background. You can see my travel photography with quotes portfolio here.
Costa Rica is one of my favorite cheap places to travel to. There is so much to offer. A vacation for the senses, Costa Rica offers the traveler a relaxing stay amidst nature. Spend your day strolling along the beach, exploring misty-cloud covered forests, and hiking to the tops of majestic volcanoes. And the best part, all of these attractions are free.
A day spent traveling to any of these places of natural beauty weighs down your wallet by less than $40 a day. Explore these places yourself; don’t look for guides unless you’re new to the trekking scene. Eat local at amazing outdoor restaurants, or the roadside eateries, and get hearty meals for less than $5 a meal. If you are looking for a fancy dinner with a beautiful view, check out Abbocato Restaurant. Their family of chefs are former Four Seasons chefs for half the price! Not to mention, the restaurant is right on the Bay of Papagayo.
Bay of Papagayo is one of the most scenic beaches in all of Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, every beach is public by law so there are no limits on where you can go for free. You can visit some of the best beaches in the world for free and relax at your own leisure. Go there and check it out!
Stroll through the Corcovado National Park, carve a winding path through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, or take a dip in the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Costa Rica will soothe your senses at every turn. If you like what you see, read about it in our short guide on Destination Instagram: Five Incredible Experiences Perfect for Mobile Photography or by listening to the audiobook version on Audible.
Another great thing to do is the Envision festival in Costa Rica.
Cheap Destination #8: Caribbean Islands – Puerto Rico
Photo of the Jungles of Puerto Rico
For a weekend getaway by the sea, Puerto Rico affords the holiday-er an affordable airfare and inexpensive stays. The city is littered with luxury resorts literally on the seashores, and great bargains can be found at the local markets.
Food and drink are also cheap and filling for large appetites. Due to the recent storms, Puerto Rico is looking for your help in the form of tourism. The country relies on tourism and they need something to reinvigorate the country.
A luxury resort stay will cost less than $100 per night, and beach-side activities set-up by the hotel mean all-day fun for the guests. Cheap food kiosks and fragrant bakeries are abounded within the city, whetting your appetite without weighing down your wallet. There is also no lack of festivals and celebrations in this city, keeping the traveler entertained no matter what time of the year they may visit!
Spend the day soaking in the sun, enjoy a buffet meal served in piping hot cauldrons at the La Casita Blanca (really good reviews) on a lazy Sunday, or spoil yourself silly at your luxury resort. Puerto Rico will let your senses relax in the most luxurious way.
These are the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Conclusion on Cheap Places to Travel
Exploring the world is not that expensive anymore. There are no limits on where you can go and with plenty of affordable places to visit, it’s easier to go wherever you want in the world. So hop on your plane this year, and drench yourself in the different cultures of the world, as the traveler in you awakens. The Philippines is very affordable and is one of the most Instagrammable locations out there.
Berlin is always an interesting visit as well. Not necessarily one of the cheap places to travel to, though.
What are you waiting for? Go find your true wanderlust. Need some additional ideas? These are the 10 most beautiful places in the world that actually exist.
What do you think about these cheap places to travel? Have you been to one these cheap travel destinations? I’m sure there are more cheap places to travel. You gotta know at least a couple. Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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11 Comments
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Hi! Very informative post! You included not only the tools how to find cheap destination but pick up a list of your recommendation. I agree with most of it, unfortunately Belize where I am going next week doesn’t look super cheap comparing to other Central America countries. But I chose Ambergris Caye which is more touristy than mainland and that’s why probably it is costing me more. But I will definitely use your recommendation and enjoy it! Ps. Don’t know how I Never heard of Hipmunk! Have to check it out! Thanks for great post and safe travels!
Awesome tips.
The more you save the more you can travel. The more the travel the more experiences you have. The more experiences you have the richer your life is. Ergo saving money makes you richer… You don’t need banks for that!
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
Awesome tips, beautiful photos, great adventures! I will pinning for reference! Thank you!
Hey — wow, what an exhaustive post. You really did your homework. This is so informative and helpful and I know I’m not the only one who will appreciate the context for credit card churning as well as current exchange rates and economic factors that help make certain places so much more affordable depending on the time. I really want to visit south america and this was great for generating ideas. And soon I’ll be in Bali, and if nothing else this got me that much more excited.
Thanks a lot Chris! Appreciate you stopping by!
Great tips and suggested locations! I was a little surprised at first to see Barcelona on there as I was just there last year but I can see what you mean. If you don’t get caught in the tourist trap restaurants the food can be super cheap. Now about this credit card stuff, does that hurt your credit by opening a closing cards all the time? It’s genius!
This doesn’t hurt your credit that bad! I’m lucky enough to have a score above 800. I’m going to do a post on the effect on my credit score!
These are great tips! Scott’s Cheap Flights and AirBNB are two of my personal favorites 🙂
Thanks! Yes, agreed. Can’t go wrong pairing those together for any trip!
This is a great post! Thanks for sharing, Airbnb is my favorite one 🙂