The 21 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2025

Any travel fanatic will understand the feeling of scouring the web to plan as many cheap trips abroad as humanly possible.

After all, cheap places to visit means a ton of cash left over to explore even more.

As a certified travel enthusiast myself, I’m constantly on the lookout for my next places to visit on a budget.

This post is all about the best cheap destinations to travel in 2025, and I’ll be spilling the beans not only on the cheapest countries to visit in Europe and Asia, but also a range of cheap places to travel in the US and Canada for those looking for a trip closer to home.

Stay tuned, because once we’ve finished, you’ll be primed and ready to save a wad of cash and vacation for free like a pro on your next affordable adventure!

This post is all about the best cheapest places to travel that’ll make your eyes sweat.

Cheap Places To Travel In The U.S.

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

With formidable mountains casting their shadows on breathtaking, clear lakes, Grand Teton National Park is a must see.

Entry to the park is cheap, and with kayaking, skiing and more, it’s one of the best cheap places to travel in the US for outdoor enthusiasts.

Want to vacation for free? Grand Teton National Park also boasts a vast array of hiking trails that’ll keep you entertained for days.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Home of Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis is a vibrant city with a thriving music scene.

Surprisingly, it also makes the list of cheap places to travel in the US. Jackpot!

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Home to the Andy Warhol Museum and masses of cool bars and venues, Pittsburgh is a colorful and modern city.

It’s the perfect destination for lovers of the arts and cutting-edge nightlife looking for cheap places to travel in the US.

4. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a friendly city brimming with beautiful parks and cool distilleries with a laidback, indie feel.

Don’t miss taking a stroll around the Japanese Garden; it’s one of the biggest and most spectacular of its kind!

5. San Antonio, Texas

If you want to experience a unique blend of American and Mexican culture, San Antonio is the place for you.

Hotels are cheap, and there are plenty of opportunities to vacation for free; try exploring the Alamo or taking the Paseo del Rio river walk.

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the perfect cheaper alternative to neighboring New York City for exploring the northeast US.

Plenty of restaurants in Philly run Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB) policies, too – so you won’t have to give up your Friday night beers to stay within budget!

Cheap Places To Travel In The Canada

7. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is a charming destination for those wishing to enjoy a peaceful escape away from the big city.

Boasting heaps of culture including arts and festivals, plus locally owned restaurants and microbreweries, it’s a must visit that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

8. Quebec City, Quebec

With cobblestone streets, cathedrals, and beautiful old towns, Quebec City should be on every architecture enthusiast’s bucket list.

Offering plenty of affordable dining spots, Quebec City is one of the best places to visit on a budget in Canada.

9. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax may be one of the best budget places to travel in Canada, but it’s not short of culture.

This laidback coastal city is known for its delicious fresh seafood and historical architecture.Attractions like the Maritime Museum and Halifax Citadel are fairly cheap places to visit, too.

10. Calgary, Alberta

Just a stone’s throw from the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is jam packed with locally owned farm-to-table restaurants, historical museums, and free gems like Prince’s Island Park.

Top tip to vacation for free: some of Calgary’s museums offer free admission during select hours on the first Thursday of each month!

11. Winnipeg, Manitoba

A vibrant winter destination, Winnipeg is packed with ancient museums, spectacular parks, and affordable dining spots loved by tourists and locals alike.

Ideal for those who want that hip, bustling city feel without spending an arm and a leg.

12. Banff, Alberta

This stunning town is the perfect base from which you can explore the many cheap places to visit Banff National Park has to offer, including Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

Overflowing with skiing and hiking opportunities, Banff is the ideal choice for outdoorsy thrill seekers wanting bang for their buck.

Cheapest Countries To Visit In Europe

13. Moldova

An exceptional hidden gem, Moldova is high on the list of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe (it may well be the most budget friendly of them all!)

This spectacular country boasts grand monasteries nestled within a carpet of wildflower meadows.

In the elegant city of Chișinău, you can enjoy home cooked traditional dishes paired with some of the world’s finest local wine on even the smallest budget. Think Paris, but without the sky-high costs.

14. Bulgaria

Brimming with history and culture, Bulgaria should be more popular than it is (and at some point, it probably will be!)

Take your opportunity to explore it before the masses discover one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe.

15. Albania

Albania is without a doubt one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe right now.

And with a sensational coastline and Ottoman era towns nestled in the Alps, it’s well worth a visit.

Albania is a currently trending travel destination, but you can still get in before prices skyrocket. Don’t miss out!

16. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is an exceptionally budget friendly and culturally rich base from which you can visit nearby museums like Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum, as well as the unmissable Wieliczka Salt Mine and Zakopane Thermal Hot Bath.

17. Transylvania, Romania

Romania, and especially the Transylvania region, is a real European gem.

With shedloads of medieval towns and ancient churches to explore, plus spectacular yet cheap ski resorts, there’s something for everyone here.

18. Turkey

Ok – not all of Türkiye is in Europe, but it’s worth an honorable mention. Though Türkiye isn’t as cheap as it once was, it offers everything any European beach vacation can, at a fraction of the price.

If you want to kill two birds with one stone and visit the ancient city of Ephesus, consider setting up base in the beautiful, budget friendly coastal town of Kusadasi.

Cheap Places In Asia

19. Laos

Laos is Asia’s newest undiscovered treasure. Offering unspoiled mountainous scenery and dense forestry, it’s the ideal destination for those wanting an Asian hiking, climbing, or kayaking adventure on a budget.

It’s basically Thailand, but cheaper and without the crowds – what’s not to love?

20. Vietnam

Despite its popularity among tourists skyrocketing in recent years, Vietnam remains one of the cheapest Asian countries you can visit.

It’s also one full of history, culture, and lush greenery. Food is exceptionally cheap and delicious, and you’ll easily find a place to stay for less than $20 per night.

21. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand may be a tourist hotspot in 2025, but it’s still an affordable choice. Bangkok offers an ideal blend of historical sites and a bustling, metropolitan feel.

From here, you can explore attractions like The Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the floating markets, without needing to sell your belongings for the privilege.

Final Words

That’s the travel destination list I’ll be using to select my next dream vacation without worrying much about it. You can easily get one week of peace all up for less than $1,000 – so what are you waiting for?

This post was all about the best affordable vacation checklist to secure your next budget destination. Don’t forget to pin it and follow me on Pinterest. Enjoy the rest of your day! 😊

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