16 Places to Travel to With a Budget of $1000
The average American sets aside just over $2,700 for a vacation. But what if you only have $1,000 in your travel account? Can you still get away and enjoy a memorable trip to a beautiful part of the world?
Absolutely! While dreams of relaxing on pristine beaches and sipping wine in sun-kissed squares might seem off-limits on a budget, your travel dollars stretch incredibly far in some places. If you pick the right country, you can explore in style without breaking the bank.
Here are 16 of the most affordable destinations to visit this year.
1. Mexico
Mexico is a fantastic place to go regardless of budget, but it’s hard to beat if you want to travel cheaply. Its proximity to the United States makes it easy and affordable to get to. Then, when you’re there, the cost of everything from accommodation to food and transport feels like a bargain compared to home.
Beyond the financial incentives, Mexico also has immense cultural attractions, a fantastic food scene (don’t miss Mexico City), beautiful beaches and cenotes, and places full of charm, such as Oaxaca.
2. Thailand
Southeast Asia is one of the most affordable places to travel on the planet, and Thailand is no exception. Few other countries offer the same dizzying array of attractions.
It’s a tropical paradise with glorious weather, sandy beaches surrounded by striking limestone cliffs, food so tasty you go back for thirds, endless cultural sights, and friendly locals.
3. Indonesia
The Indonesian Archipelago comprises more than 17,500 islands, including 6,000 inhabited ones. Yet most people flock to the Island of Gods, AKA Bali. You can’t blame them! It’s cheap, lively, and has sandy beaches and unique attractions.
For an equally affordable and less touristic trip, though, consider exploring other destinations, like Lombok, Sumatra, and Komodo (home to the eponymous giant lizard).
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is another tourist-friendly Southeast Asian country where $1000 can go extremely far. A delicious meal washed down with an ice-cold beer might set you back five bucks, and a room in a nice hotel may cost $20 per night.
Better yet, Vietnam is notoriously beautiful (don’t miss Ha Long Bay), the weather’s great, it has sublime historic cities like Hoi An, and you’ll find an intoxicating mix of activities that cater to every taste.
5. Georgia
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a hidden gem. Epic landscapes and ancient cities await. It offers the best bits of the most famous European countries without the prices or crowds.
Get ready for a diverse mix of cultures, stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains, and a colorful, eclectic capital city called Tbilisi. Georgia is also known for its viticulture and has many cultural and unique attractions, like the Katskhi Pillar and Vardzia Cave Monastery.
6. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an extraordinary country that assaults the senses in the best possible way. It’s more chaotic and less developed than some travelers will be accustomed to on vacation! But don’t let that put you off.
Among its innumerable attractions, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” has superb sandy beaches, national parks full of crocodiles, elephants, leopards, verdant tea plantations, and more ancient temples than you can shake a stick at. The cherry on top? It’s super cheap.
7. Hungary
Few people associate Europe with a budget-friendly vacation. But the further east you go, the cheaper it tends to get!
Hungary is a perfect example. Located in Central Europe, this hugely underrated destination has all the history, architecture, great food, natural beauty, nightlife, and cultural sights you’d want from a European escape. The main difference is that it’s affordable.
8. Albania
Greece’s northern neighbor has had its fair share of problems over the years and remains one of Europe’s least-developed countries. But there’s a “but,” though—and it’s big…
Albania is also a veritable Balkan beauty with beaches and natural wonders similar to Croatia’s. Its relative obscurity on the travel scene means Albania is uncrowded, too, and your tourist dollars go ten times further than they do in other countries.
9. Turkey
Turkey is a giant country that caters to every budget and interest. You’ll find ancient cities and inimitable cultural attractions, from Istanbul to Cappadocia, which are surrounded by photogenic landscapes. Highlights include the iconic Pamukkale Thermal Pools, the ruins of Ephesus, and Gobekli Tepe, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of things to do.
Although Turkey is more expensive than other places we’ve covered, it remains affordable – especially when dining out.
10. Bolivia
Want a budget-friendly vacation in the Americas? Look no further than Bolivia – the cheapest country in South America.
This landlocked country may lack the desired beaches, but it makes up for it with dramatic scenery and natural wonders. For example, you can visit the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, drive along the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, and see the ancient ruins of Tiwanuka. Vibrant cities like La Paz add to the appeal.
11. Philippines
The Philippines is the definition of a tropical paradise. Visitors will hop between remote islands, sunbathe on some of the best beaches on Earth, and swim in clear turquoise waters. Yet there’s much more to the Philippines than beach life. It’s a culturally eclectic place with bustling cities and diverse inland areas.
The price is right, too. You’ll find it in the Philippines whether you want affordable luxury or comfortable backpacker vibes.
12. Portugal
Countries in Western Europe don’t get much cheaper than Portugal, which is one reason so many expats are moving here! It’s becoming busier every year (which has a knock-on effect on prices). Still, accommodation, food, and transport remain a bargain.
Other incentives include Portugal’s infamous coastline and the 300 days of sunshine it gets annually. Its devilishly sweet Port wine, sumptuous cuisine, and historic cities aren’t sour, either.
13. Romania
Romania is regularly overlooked by people traveling to Europe, but it’s their loss. It’s a fantastic choice for a cheap and uncrowded vacation surrounded by vibrant cities, medieval towns, and picture-perfect landscapes.
It holds year-round charm, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters (you can even ski here). Of course, there’s also Transylvania to explore. This region is famous for its Count Dracula connection and has incredible castles and natural beauty on display.
14. Nicaragua
Volcanoes puncture the Nicaraguan skyline, pristine beaches extend along its sun-kissed coastlines, rainforests provide a home to breathtaking biodiversity, and colorful colonial towns give a sense of history and intrigue. Think of it as a cheaper and less developed Costa Rica! Don’t feel drawn to Nicaragua?
Consider other Central American gems, such as Honduras and El Salvador. They’re similarly inexpensive and have many of the same qualities and attractions.
15. Morocco
Morocco is a mesmerizing, multifaceted, and surprisingly affordable country. Although it’s located a stone’s throw from Europe, the atmosphere, sights, and culture feel worlds away!
Visit Morocco for nights spent under the stars in the Sahara Desert, markets bustling with exotic sights and smells, trips into the towering Atlas Mountains, and so much more.
16. India
If you want an adventure, go to India. This vast and developing nation is renowned for being exotic, chaotic, unpredictable, and borderline overwhelming. But you’ll struggle to find somewhere with as much life, history, and diversity. India’s food, people, landscapes, and culture are all incredible – and with $1000, you can live like a king.
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