Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive: Destinations You Can Explore for Under $30 a Day
One of the biggest myths about travel is that it’s only for the rich. But after exploring over 60 countries, we can confidently say: that’s just not true. Some of our best memories were made while living on less than $30 a day—and not just scraping by, but thriving.
From $1 street food to jaw-dropping hikes and cultural gems, here are the destinations where budget travelers can win big.
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Vietnam
Daily Budget: $20–$30
What We Loved:
$1 bánh mì and fresh spring rolls from street vendors
Renting a motorbike for $5/day and riding through rice paddies in Ninh Binh
Overnight buses between cities that double as a bed and transport
Favorite Spots: Hoi An, Da Nang, Ha Giang loop
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Guatemala
Daily Budget: $25
What We Loved:
Sunrise hike of Acatenango Volcano with a view of erupting Fuego
Swimming in Lake Atitlán after wandering through Mayan villages
$2 tostadas and hearty local meals in markets
Favorite Spots: Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey
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Georgia (The Country)
Daily Budget: $20
What We Loved:
Free-flowing wine in traditional homes
Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains
Homemade khinkali and khachapuri for just a couple of bucks
Favorite Spots: Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Signagi
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Turkey
Daily Budget: $25
What We Loved:
Beach towns like Antalya and Fethiye with turquoise water
Exploring underground cities in Cappadocia
Endless tea and Turkish breakfast spreads
Favorite Spots: Istanbul, Göreme, Kaş
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Indonesia
Daily Budget: $20
What We Loved:
$3 vegan nasi goreng on the beach
Surfing in Canggu and hiking Mount Batur at dawn
Renting a scooter and exploring waterfalls in Bali
Favorite Spots: Bali, Yogyakarta, Lombok
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And Even More Budget-Friendly Gems:
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India
Daily Budget: $15–$25
From sipping chai in the chaos of Delhi to relaxing on the beaches of Goa, India offers mind-blowing variety at ultra-low prices. Overnight trains, thali meals for $2, and temple hopping make for unforgettable—and affordable—travel.
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Morocco
Daily Budget: $20–$30
Explore medinas, camp in the Sahara, or surf in Taghazout. Street food like harira and msemen, and shared taxis make it easy to keep your wallet happy.
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Albania
Daily Budget: $25
The Albanian Riviera offers the Mediterranean charm of Greece or Italy—without the price tag. Hike in the Accursed Mountains or chill in beach towns like Himarë.
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Bolivia
Daily Budget: $25–$30
One of South America’s most budget-friendly countries, Bolivia stuns with the Salt Flats, Lake Titicaca, and La Paz’s wild geography. Meals are $2–3, and transport is cheap.
No trust fund? No problem. With some savvy planning, a bit of local know-how, and a flexible mindset, the world really is yours to explore—without breaking the bank.
