The Best Places To Travel In 2026 If You're On A Budget

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In 2025, 43% of Americans who have traveled abroad before reported going abroad with less frequency, according to a YouGov poll. The reasons for the drop in travel revolved heavily around affordability, with 28% of respondents pointing to economic insecurity, while another 18% highlighted the heightened price of international travel. The Vice President of YouGov America, Kenton Barello, summed up in the international landscape, saying that "travelers are scrutinizing value more closely ... and adjusting plans based on cost." Despite these financial concerns, the number of outbound international flights from the U.S. continues to grow. Throughout 2025, more than 109 million flights departed America for foreign destinations, marking a 2.7% rise from the prior year, as reported by Tourism Analytics.

While there are certain U.S. airports with the cheapest international flights, the bulk of savings can be found in choosing affordable destinations. To help globetrotters reach their goal of visiting distant countries without breaking the bank, Money Digest has pulled together the best places to travel in 2026 if you're on a budget. To determine the most affordable countries, we calculated an estimated daily expenditure for each nation. We looked at the cost of an average meal at an inexpensive restaurant, a one-way ticket on local transportation, and a one-night stay in the capital city. We also included each country's comparative cost of living to the U.S., as well as the most affordable flight from New York City to the country's capital. This will help eager travelers choose the best option based on their specific budgets and unique vacation goals. These countries are ranked from the most to the least expensive to visit as of May 2026.

Nestled on the northwestern coast of Africa, Morocco is a nation brimming with ancient history. Many of its maze-like towns have been continuously inhabited for hundreds of years. Immediately upon arriving in Morocco, U.S. visitors benefit from a cost of living, not including rent, over half that of their home country. 

More specifically, Morocco's living expenses fall 54.1% below those of America, as calculated by Numbeo. In the capital city of Rabat, you can expect to spend around $93 on a three-star hotel, according to Booking.com. Stepping into a local inexpensive restaurant to try the local fare will only set you back $4.35. If you want to get around via local transportation, each leg costs roughly $0.54. This comes out to an estimated daily expenditure of $97.89.

These accommodation costs can fluctuate considerably depending on where you visit. For instance, hotels in the blue city of Chefchaouen, so-called for its stunning coating of different shades of blue, usually charge $105. Meanwhile, seeing the thriving market in Marrakech would cost around $73 nightly. If you end up paying a little more for accommodation than you want, you can stop making unnecessary travel purchases to save more money. Kayak indicates that travelers can reach Rabat from New York City for just $332.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an underrated European country tucked deep in the dynamic Balkan region. The country may have a troubled history, but the region maintains a distinguished vibrancy, whether you're visiting the provincial countryside or the busy local markets in Sarajevo. This once-besieged capital has a unique skyline of Austro-Hungarian architecture, Eastern Bloc apartment buildings, and mosque minarets. 

Numbeo estimates that the Bosnian cost of living is 44% below what Americans pay, creating an immediate opportunity for budget travel. A meal at an affordable local restaurant is estimated at $7.23. This may be higher than many other countries in this list of budget travel destinations, but it's exceedingly low for European standards. Furthermore, visitors can get around on local transportation for $1.32 one way. A typical three-star hotel in Sarajevo is around $61, according to Booking.com. Those costs tally up for a daily expense allowance of $69.55. 

No trip to Bosnia is complete without witnessing the iconic stone bridge in Mostar, from which local divers and thrill-seeking tourists leap 78 feet into the river below. In this city, a modest hotel runs about $61 per night. Kayak suggests that a one-way flight from New York City to Sarajevo can be bought for as little as $288. Eager for even more flight savings? Rick Steves recommends consolidator tickets for overseas flights to save more money.

Albania is a little-known destination among the mainstream European traveler. Situated on the western edge of the Mediterranean Sea, right off the heel of Italy, this affordable country packs a lot into relatively small borders. The storied capital of Tirana is a burgeoning city with bustling street markets, remnants of Communist-era architecture, and plenty of local cafes. 

Numbeo estimates that the living costs in Albania are 34.9% lower than the U.S., effectively giving budget travelers a one-third discount on their trip. You can eat at an affordable restaurant for only $9.83 per person. A single ride on local transportation is a mere $0.49. In the capital, the typical three-star hotel is $53, according to Booking.com. These regular expenses add up to a daily cost estimate of $63.32.

As with any country, pricing varies as you move throughout Albania. If you're visiting the popular beachside town of Durrës, home to pristine Adriatic shores and an ancient Roman amphitheater, rooms will rise to around $53 per night. For outdoor enthusiasts eager to hike Albania's Alps in Theth National Park, the nearest town of Theth has three-star hotels for roughly $72 on average. Theth is recognized as one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe. Kayak puts a one-way flight from New York City to Tirana at a manageable $289.

Colombia has made significant strides as a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers since being plagued by drug cartel violence throughout most of the 1990s. Now, the South American nation is a rising star in the digital nomad market, attracting online workers looking for a cheap place to stay with an easy pace of life. 

According to Numbeo, Colombia's cost of living beats out that of the U.S. by 51.6%. While you can find familiar U.S. brand name restaurants, eating at a local place only costs about $5.39. Getting around is exceptionally simple and cheap, with a one-way ticket on local transportation costing $.089. In the high-energy capital of Bogotá, the average three-star hotel usually charges $40 per night, as reported by Booking.com. On a daily basis, visitors can get by with budgeting $46.28 in Colombia. 

Venturing out of the capital to experience the rich variety of this country can slightly change your expenses. The second most populous city of Medellín, where travelers can visit the old compound of infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, usually charges $39 for a three-star hotel. Medellín also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live that are also lively metropolitan cities. If you're in the mood for the Caribbean coast, Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant local culture, the northern city of Cartagena is a must-see. Here, the average hotel price increases slightly to $70. Kayak indicates that the cheapest one-way flight from New York City to Bogotá is only $153, augmenting a traveler's savings.

Vietnam is a narrow yet elongated country hugging the easternmost side of Southeast Asia. A land of diversity in both natural and manmade environments, this nation has become a hotspot for penny-pinching travelers looking to save big without sacrificing a sense of adventure. Whether you're visiting the tiered rice paddies in the north, the lively metropolis in the south, or any number of oceanfront getaways along the eastern coastline, Vietnam delivers an atmosphere of excitement without breaking the bank. In fact, the cost of living in this affordable Southeast Asian country is less than half of the U.S. 

More specifically, Numbeo estimates that the living expenses in Vietnam are 61.5% lower than in the U.S., which helps explain why so many American expats choose to spend long periods in Vietnam. Grabbing an entire meal at an affordable restaurant is only $1.90. Meanwhile, one-way trips on local transit are a modest $0.30. Hotels in the capital city of Hanoi, which make up the majority of a traveler's daily budget, run about $39, according to Booking.com. This adds up to a daily expense estimate of $41.20. 

Although Hanoi is the capital, Ho Chi Minh is the most populated metropolitan area in Vietnam, serving as the financial hub of the country. A night's stay in this equally historic metropolis costs around $41 per night. Looking for a beachside getaway? The coastal city of Da Nang offers a combination of ocean activities and active nightlife. Here, visitors can get by at a three-star hotel for only $28. Kayak estimates that an affordable one-way flight from New York City to Hanoi can be purchased for as little as $419. 

Bolivia is a high-altitude South American dreamscape chock-full of surreal and diverse natural beauty, including towering mountain ranges, reflective salt flats, vast deserts, and dense Amazon rainforests. The cultural side of Bolivia is just as dynamic, with 36 different indigenous groups calling the country home. The administrative capital of La Paz is a mountainous urban expanse with more than 3 million inhabitants, resting at an altitude of up to 13,250 feet. Sucre, which stood as the country's first capital and remains the constitutional capital, is full of Spanish colonial architecture, old churches, and operational salt mines.

The cost of living in Bolivia sits 59.3% lower than in the U.S., as calculated by Numbeo, granting visitors an instantaneous financial break. Furthermore, budget-focused travelers can get a full meal at a local restaurant for $2.89. On top of that, a one-way fare on local transit usually only costs $0.35. Booking.com estimates that a stay at a three-star hotel in La Paz is $36. Together, this means globetrotters can get by comfortably in this South American gem for $39.24 daily.

Exploring other areas of the country reasonably comes with different pricing considerations. The small town of Uyuni, which acts as a portal to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, famed for their expansive reflection when filled with water, has three-star hotels for around $24. Conversely, the historic town of Sucre charges about $41 for a place to stay. Kayak suggests that a one-way flight from New York City to La Paz is only roughly $270.

Laos is a quiet, landlocked Southeast Asian country, completely surrounded by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. This widely undercelebrated nation offers a rich cultural experience, breathtaking natural scenery, and a near-unbeatable level of affordability. The relatively small capital of Vientiane sits on the banks of the Mekong River and feels quiet compared to most other regional cities. The landscape of Laos offers unique experiences for travelers from the sheer limestone karst mountains in the north to the river-surrounded islands of the south.

Numbeo places the cost of living in Laos 51.5% under that of the U.S., meaning American travelers can effectively live off half of what they spend at home. For context, a meal at a moderately priced local restaurant usually costs around $2.28. Although the Laotian landscape makes transportation challenging, the local transit isn't expensive, usually charging $0.52 for a one-way fare. Booking.com suggests that a three-star hotel in Vientiane is roughly $35. This means visitors can enjoy this stunning country while only spending $37.80 on a daily basis.

Vagabonding throughout the country will slightly adjust this daily average, of course. For example, Luang Prabang, the backpacking heartbeat of the country, has rooms for around $41 per night. Early in the mornings, processions of Buddhist monks walk through the streets to receive gifts from observant locals and curious tourists alike. Alternatively, a stay in the city of Pakse, near the popular 4,000 islands area, is $15 nightly. Kayak indicates that travelers can purchase a one-way flight from New York City to Vientiane for $650.

Despite its relatively modest size, Nepal is home to some of the largest mountains in the world, placing it at the epicenter of hiking and climbing. Outdoor enthusiasts travel from across the globe to complete various once-in-a-lifetime treks, such as the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp trek. 

The minute you touch down in Nepal, you're greeted with an exceptionally low cost of living, undercutting the U.S. benchmark by 68.8%, as calculated by Numbeo. Visiting an affordable, local restaurant costs about $1.97 per meal. Furthermore, a one-way ticket on local transportation in the mountainous nation is estimated at $0.20. For a one-night stay in the capital of Kathmandu, budget travelers only need to budget about $32, according to Booking.com. Tallied up, these routine expenses come out to a daily cost estimate of $34.17.

Believe it or not, this daily travel budget can actually be reduced based on where you visit. The lakeside city of Pokhara, which acts as a launching point to the Himalayan Mountains, has an average budget hotel cost of around $18. A one-way flight from New York City to Kathmandu can be purchased for a discounted $445, per Kayak. You can help keep these travel costs low by avoiding flight upgrades, which is one of the things that Rick Steves refuses to buy while traveling.

Travel influencers have helped propel Bali to legendary status among budget backpackers, famed for its welcoming atmosphere, pristine beaches, and general affordability. In fact, Money Digest has recognized Bali as one of the world's cheapest island destinations for a budget-friendly vacation. However, the country of Indonesia, which spans 17,000 islands, has even more to offer adventurers, including metropolitan cities, teeming jungles, imposing volcanoes, and tropical landscapes. 

Numbeo estimates that the living expenses in Indonesia fall 63.2% below what Americans pay at home. Trying out the local fare at an affordable restaurant is only $1.73. Getting around on local transportation costs around $0.29 per ride. At the same time, Booking.com suggests a night's stay in a three-star hotel is $32 in the capital city of Jakarta. Overall, travelers only need to budget about $34.02 when visiting the sprawling country of Indonesia.

If you're venturing to the digital nomad hub of Bali, you can expect to pay about $36 for a hotel in the popular area of Canggu. Meanwhile, a hotel in the city of Kuching on the island of Borneo, where visitors can see the elusive orangutan, costs about $46 per night. Kayak suggests that budget-conscious travelers can fly from New York City to Jakarta for about $484.

Cambodia is a slower-paced Southeast Asian country, compared to more popular destinations, such as Thailand or Vietnam. Yet, this slept-on destination provides visitors with a long list of memorable to-dos. The iconic Angkor Wat temple is the front-page attraction, but the Angkor complex, once the seat of the massive Khmer Kingdom, is home to dozens of temples and complexes. The nearby town of Siem Reap has become a tourist haven. The capital of Phnom Penh is a fast-paced break from the quieter countryside, filled with hectic traffic and dotted with Buddhist temples. While not equipped with as much coastline as Vietnam, Cambodia's Koh Rong is an up-and-coming island getaway for budget travelers.

Numbeo estimates that visitors to Cambodia encounter a cost of living that's 50.3% lower than in the U.S. For instance, a full meal at a local restaurant usually costs $3.50. The well-connected local transportation systems only charge $1.00 for a one-way ticket. A night's stay in a three-star hotel in the city's capital of Phnom Penh tends to hover around $28, per Booking.com. These routine expenses combine for a daily cost estimate of $32.50.

When venturing out of the capital, your costs can actually decrease. For example, while visiting the legendary Angkor Wat temple, you'll spend about $19 to stay in Siem Reap. On the flipside, basking on the Koh Rong beaches will cost a bit more, with three-star stays in this area reaching $70. Kayak projects the cost of a one-way from New York City to Phnom Penh at $674, making it the costliest flight on this list of the best places to travel in 2026 if you're on a budget.

India tops the list as the best place to travel in 2026 if you're on a budget. Invariably, most people who visit this sprawling nation describe it as a cacophony of sights, sounds, tastes, and smells unlike any other place in the world. Whether you're hiking the mountains in northern Himachal Pradesh, visiting the beguiling Taj Mahal in Agra, or basking in the busy shores of the Ganges, India has something to offer every traveler, and at a bargain. 

Numbeo estimates that the cost of living in the Land of Spices is 74.4% lower than in the U.S., equipping visitors with immense buying power. A typical meal at an affordable restaurant is only $2.11. A single ride in local transportation will cost around $0.26. One night at a three-star hotel in New Delhi, India's capital, costs roughly $29, according to Booking.com. Altogether, this comes out to a daily budget of just $31.37.

Naturally, these costs can vary based on where you're visiting in India. For instance, a night in Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal, costs about $24 per night. On the other hand, a stay in the more modernized city of Mumbai is $46 nightly. According to Kayak, the cheapest flight from New York City to New Delhi is about $357, helping to keep overall travel costs minimal. You don't have to fly first class to experience the wonders this gem has to offer.