Where to Travel for Under $30 a Day in 2025: Stretching Your Budget Without Stretching Your Patience
Let’s face it: travel dreams often collide with budget realities. You want to explore the world, but your wallet is giving you the side-eye. Fear not, my frugal friend! In 2025, there are still incredible destinations where you can live large on a shoestring budget—think $30 a day, including food, transport, and activities. Yes, it’s possible, and no, you don’t have to survive on instant noodles (unless you want to). Here’s a list of wallet-friendly destinations that’ll make your inner penny-pincher and wanderlust warrior high-five each other.
1. Vietnam: Where Pho-nominal Adventures Await
Vietnam is the OG of budget travel. For under $30 a day, you can slurp down steaming bowls of pho, zip through chaotic streets on a rented scooter, and still have enough left for a coconut coffee (trust me, it’s life-changing).
Why Vietnam?
Food: Street food is king here. A banh mi sandwich costs about 1,andabowlofphowillsetyouback1,andabowlofphowillsetyouback2. Your taste buds will thank you while your wallet stays intact.
Accommodation: Hostels in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City start at 5anight.Splurgealittle(5anight.Splurgealittle(10) and you might even get a private room with a fan (luxury!).
Activities: Explore the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, wander the ancient streets of Hoi An, or trek through Sapa’s rice terraces. Most activities are under $10, and the views are priceless.
Pro Tip: Download the Grab app for cheap rides. It’s like Uber, but way more affordable.
2. Bolivia: South America’s Best-Kept Secret
Bolivia is the underdog of South America, and that’s exactly why you should go. It’s ridiculously cheap, stunningly diverse, and still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
Why Bolivia?
Food: A hearty lunch (almuerzo) costs around $2-3. Try salteñas (Bolivian empanadas) or a plate of silpancho (meat, rice, and potatoes).
Accommodation: Dorm beds start at 6,andevenmid−rangehostelsareunder6,andevenmid−rangehostelsareunder15.
Activities: The Uyuni Salt Flats are a must-see. A day tour costs around $20, and the photos you’ll take will make your Instagram followers jealous.
Pro Tip: Learn a few Spanish phrases. While some locals speak English, knowing how to ask for “más papas, por favor” (more potatoes, please) will earn you bonus points.
3. Georgia (the Country, Not the State): Wine, Mountains, and Hospitality
No, not Georgia, USA—Georgia, the country nestled between Europe and Asia. This hidden gem is a paradise for budget travelers, with its stunning Caucasus Mountains, ancient monasteries, and wine culture that’ll make Napa Valley blush.
Why Georgia?
Food: A hearty khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) costs around 2,andaglassoflocalwineisoftenlessthan2,andaglassoflocalwineisoftenlessthan1. Yes, you read that right.
Accommodation: Guesthouses in Tbilisi or Kazbegi start at $10 a night, and many include homemade breakfast.
Activities: Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church for jaw-dropping views, or explore Tbilisi’s quirky sulfur baths. Most activities are free or under $5.
Pro Tip: Take a marshrutka (local minibus) for dirt-cheap transport between cities. Just brace yourself for a bumpy ride.
4. Indonesia (Beyond Bali): Paradise on a Budget
Bali might be Instagram-famous, but Indonesia has over 17,000 other islands that are just as beautiful—and way cheaper. Think pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant cultures, all without the crowds.
Why Indonesia?
Food: A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) costs about $1.50, and fresh coconut water is even cheaper.
Accommodation: Hostels in Yogyakarta or Lombok start at 5anight.Beachbungalowsinlesstouristyareascanbeaslowas5anight.Beachbungalowsinlesstouristyareascanbeaslowas10.
Activities: Visit Borobudur Temple at sunrise, snorkel in the Gili Islands, or hike a volcano. Most activities are under $10.
Pro Tip: Skip the touristy spots and head to places like Flores or Sulawesi for a more authentic (and affordable) experience.
5. Morocco: A Feast for the Senses (and Your Wallet)
Morocco is a sensory overload in the best way possible. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert, this North African gem offers incredible value for budget travelers.
Why Morocco?
Food: A tagine (slow-cooked stew) costs around $3-4, and street food like msemen (pan-fried bread) is even cheaper.
Accommodation: Riads (traditional guesthouses) start at $10 a night, and many include a rooftop terrace with stunning views.
Activities: Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, haggle in the souks, or take a camel trek into the desert. Most activities are under $10.
Pro Tip: Bargain like your life depends on it. Haggling is expected in markets, and you can often get prices down to half the original quote.
6. Nepal: Where the Himalayas Meet Humble Budgets
If you’re into mountains, monasteries, and momos (dumplings), Nepal is your dream destination. It’s one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia, and the scenery is unbeatable.
Why Nepal?
Food: A plate of dal bhat (lentils and rice) costs around $2, and momos are even cheaper.
Accommodation: Teahouses along trekking routes start at 5anight,andhostelsinKathmanduareunder5anight,andhostelsinKathmanduareunder10.
Activities: Trekking in the Himalayas is the main draw, and permits are surprisingly affordable. A day hike around Pokhara costs next to nothing.
Pro Tip: Visit during the off-season (June-September) for even cheaper prices, but be prepared for monsoon rains.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Not Hard
Traveling on $30 a day isn’t just about saving money—it’s about embracing the local culture, finding joy in simplicity, and realizing that the best experiences often come with the smallest price tags. Whether you’re slurping pho in Vietnam, hiking in Nepal, or sipping wine in Georgia, these destinations prove that adventure doesn’t have to break the bank.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your 2025 budget adventure today. And hey, if you’ve got your own tips for traveling on the cheap, drop them in the comments below. Let’s keep the frugal travel dream alive!
Useful Links:
Skyscanner for finding cheap flights
Hostelworld for budget accommodations
Rome2Rio for planning affordable transport
