The Best Places to Travel on a Budget (Without Sacrificing the Experience)

Before getting into specifics, let’s talk about what actually makes a place budget-friendly.

The most affordable countries to visit usually have a favorable exchange rate, meaning your dollar goes further. They also tend to have lower costs for everyday things like meals, transportation, and activities. But here’s the key: they still offer incredible experiences. You’re not sacrificing quality—you’re just being strategic.

Think about it this way. You could spend $20 on a meh sandwich in one city, or $20 on a full meal with drinks and dessert in another. Same money, completely different experience. And that’s on choosing the right destination.

With EF Ultimate Break, affordability gets even easier. Everything from accommodations to transportation to guided tours is included in your trip price, plus you can use interest-free payment plans to spread the cost over time. So instead of dropping thousands upfront, you’re paying it off while you’re still planning what to pack. By the time your departure date rolls around, it’s practically free (or so girl math says).

Portugal is the ultimate “more for less” destination. Lisbon and Porto are stunning, walkable cities where you can eat fresh seafood and tinned fish, drink incredible wine like Vinho Verde and Port, and wander through historic neighborhoods without spending a fortune. The cost of living is lower than most of Western Europe, which means your meals, drinks, and day-to-day expenses won’t drain your account.

A coffee and pastéis de nata (life-altering custard tarts) at a local cafe? Maybe three euros. A full dinner with wine? You’re looking at 15-20 euros per person at a solid spot. Compare that to Paris or London, where you’d easily spend double or triple that amount for similar quality.

On an Ultimate Break trip to Portugal, you’ll hit the highlights—think colorful tiles, coastal views, and pastries that will ruin all other baked goods for you. And because accommodations, tours, and transportation are included, you’re not nickel-and-dimed along the way. You know exactly what you’re spending before you even leave home.

If you want adventure travel on a budget, Costa Rica is your move. It’s one of the top places to travel on a budget in Latin America, and it delivers on every level—waterfalls, zip lines, beaches, wildlife, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

The country’s tourism infrastructure is solid, so you’re not roughing it, but prices are still super reasonable compared to other tropical destinations. A typical meal costs around $8-12, and activities like zip-lining or hot springs visits are way more affordable than you’d expect for the quality of experience you get.

With Costa Rica Adventure, you get white water rafting, volcano hikes, and beach time all rolled into one trip. And yes, all the logistics are handled, so you can focus on not falling off the zip line. The best part? You’ll experience la pura vida without the luxury resort price tag.

Greece might feel like a splurge destination, but it’s actually one of the most affordable countries in Europe—especially if you’re traveling with a group tour that bundles everything together. Island hopping, ancient ruins, fresh tzatziki, and sunsets so unreal they look like AI? All doable without breaking the bank.

Outside of peak summer season, Greece becomes even easier on the budget. Meals at local tavernas are incredibly affordable (often only 10-15 euros for a full spread), and the islands offer everything from party vibes to quiet beaches, depending on what you’re after.

The Greek Islands takes you to multiple islands, includes ferries and accommodations, and gives you plenty of free time to explore on your own. You’ll spend less than you think and experience way more than you expected.

Thailand is the gold standard for budget travel in Asia. Your money stretches incredibly far here, whether you’re eating street food in Bangkok, getting a massage in Chiang Mai, or lounging on a beach in Phuket. It’s one of those places where you can live like royalty on a reasonable budget.

Street food is not only delicious (like, Michelin-rated delicious) but super cheap—$2-3 for a full meal. Massages cost around $10-15 for an hour. Even nicer sit-down restaurants won’t set you back more than $15-20 per person. The affordability doesn’t mean lower quality, either. Thai food is world-renowned for a reason, and the hospitality is unmatched.

Ultimate Break’s Thailand trips—like Thailand Getaway or Thailand: Island Paradise—include everything from temples to night markets to boat rides. You’re getting cultural immersion, beach vibes, and adventure, all while staying within budget. Plus, the food alone is worth the flight. Seriously, you’ll be dreaming about pad krapow for months.

Ireland might surprise you as a budget-friendly option, but hear us out. While it’s not the cheapest destination in Europe, Ireland offers serious value when you book a group tour that includes everything. You’re not paying for rental cars, figuring out bus routes, or scrambling for last-minute hotels.

The real expense in Ireland is usually transportation and accommodations, which is exactly what Ultimate Break takes care of. That leaves you free to spend on the fun stuff—pub meals, whiskey tastings, and maybe an Aran wool sweater you absolutely don’t need but will definitely buy.

Grand Tour of Ireland takes you through Dublin, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and more—all the iconic spots without the stress of planning. And let’s be honest, the pubs, the landscapes, the sheep, and the people make every euro worth it. You’re paying for an experience that money can’t really quantify.

Jordan is one of the most underrated budget-friendly destinations in the Middle East. You get Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes, and the Dead Sea—all without the price tag of more touristy spots. The cost of food and activities is reasonable, and the experiences are once-in-a-lifetime.

Meals in Jordan are affordable and sooo delicious. Hummus, falafel, and shawarma for just a few dollars? Done. Even nicer restaurants won’t break the bank. And while entrance fees to major sites like Petra can add up, booking through a tour company means those costs are already bundled in.

Ultimate Break’s Journey to Jordan trip includes guided tours of Petra, a night in the desert under the stars, and even an optional extension to Dubai if you want to add some luxury to the mix. It’s affordable, unforgettable, and way less crowded than Europe in the summer. Plus, you’ll leave with stories that’ll make everyone else’s vacation pics look boring.

Spain offers incredible bang for your buck, especially outside of Barcelona and Madrid. Cities like Valencia and Seville are more affordable, and the food, culture, and nightlife are just as good (if not better). Tapas, beaches, architecture, and a lifestyle that prioritizes enjoying life? Si, por favor.

The beauty of Spain is that you can eat and drink incredibly well without spending much. Tapas culture means you can sample a bunch of different dishes for just a few euros each. A glass of wine? Often cheaper than a soda. And the beaches are free, which is always a win.

Trips like Barcelona, Ibiza & Valencia or Madrid to Barcelona: Sangria, Sunsets & Siestas give you the best of Spain’s coast and cities, with included accommodations and activities that keep costs predictable. You’ll eat well (at 10pm), dance until dawn, and leave with a serious tan and even better memories. The Mediterranean lifestyle is iconic, and it’s more accessible than you think.

Peru is another top contender for affordable adventure travel. You get Machu Picchu, vibrant cities, and some of the best food in South America—all at prices that won’t make your wallet weep.

Meals in Peru are ridiculously affordable, especially if you eat where the locals eat. A full lunch menu (appetizer, main, dessert, and drink) can cost as little as $3-5. Even upscale dining in Lima won’t cost you nearly what it would elsewhere. The food scene is world class—Peru has been named the world’s leading culinary destination multiple times.

You’ll see Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and of course, Machu Picchu itself, on Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure. The trip includes train tickets, entrance fees, and guided tours—all the expensive stuff that would be a headache to book on your own. You’re left to enjoy the experience without stressing about the logistics or the cost.