Top Five Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2023 (2024)

If you are a person who loves to explore new destinations but are afraid of massive expenses, then this article is definitely for you! I want to share my travel experience with you and will tell you about the “Top 5 budget-friendly travel destinations to travel in 2023”. Here is everything you need to know about some of the magnificent places and a Bonus Tip so you can have the best time of your life.

By Fazilat

@fazilatmubeen

1. Vietnam

Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the friendliest countries in the world. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, it has gained popularity as a hotspot for foodies. Its cultural, historical, and geographical elements make it a fascinating place to visit. The hustle and bustle of the city is enjoyable, and the calmness of the countryside is satisfying. Renting a scooter is the best way to navigate around the city and a bike in the countryside to experience local life.

Daily Budget Needed

If you are a backpacker, you can set a budget of $50 to $60 per day. For more comfort, you can set $70 to $100 per day. In this budget, you can get three to four-star hotel rooms and visit most attractions.

10 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Old Quarter
2. Hạ Long Bay
3. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park
4. Hang Son Doong Cave
5. Tribes living in North-west Vietnam
6. Lan Ha Bay for kayaking
7. Mekong River Delta in South Vietnam
8. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
9. Pearl Island
10. Sapa, a remote town in the Hoang Lien Son mountains

Best Time to Visit

April to June and September and October are the ideal months. Throughout the year, the weather in Vietnam varies from a maximum of 30°C in summer to a minimum of 7°C in winter.

2. Cambodia

Just like Vietnam, Cambodia is also known for its friendly people and is in Southeast Asia. It has a rich cultural heritage and spectacular landscapes. It is also home to several national parks and many species of wild Animals. Dozens of wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas are well-maintained here to keep the poachers and illegal traders away. Food is similar to Thai and Vietnamese but is unique in its own way.

Daily Budget Needed

A budget of $50 to $70 per day is a comfortable spot for a backpacker. If you want to experience a bit more comfort, $80 to $100 per day will be enough.

10 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Angkor Archaeological Park
2. The Royal Palace
3. National Museum of Cambodia
4. Independence Monument
5. Wat Ounalom Monastery
6. Central market of Phnom Penh
7. The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center
8. Koh Rong Samloem (Islands)
9. Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake in Ratanakiri
10. Kulen Waterfall at Phnom Kulen National Park

Best Time to Visit

Normally, the weather in Cambodia is hot. The best time of the year to visit is from November to early March when the temperature remains between 25°C – 30°C.

3. Mexico

It won’t be wrong if I say that Mexico is a foodie’s paradise. This North American country is also known for its majestic beaches and wonderful scenery. Some of you may have concerns about the safety of travelers, but the reality is that most of the country is safe. A few regions are not that safe, just avoid them.

Daily Budget Needed

If you’re willing to sleep in hostel dorms or cheap accommodation, then $30 to $50 per day is a good budget. However, a mid-range traveller should plan a budget of $60 – $100 per day.

10 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

1. San Miguel de Allende city
2. Hierve el Agua (Natural rock formations in the state of Oaxaca)
3. Copper Canyon (Popular hiking spot)
4. Sumidero Canyon
5. National Museum of Anthropology & Chapultepec Park
6. Coyoacan market
7. Isla Espiritu Santo in Baja California Sur (This is a protected area and one of the most untouched in Mexico)
8. Las Coloradas (A series of bright pink lakes)
9. Independence Museum in Dolores Hidalgo
10. Ancient city of Teotihuacán

Best Time to Visit

Some of the months are extremely hot during summer, so it is better to visit any time from December to February.

4. Thailand

Thailand is quite a popular country among backpackers and tourists because it is super affordable. It is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia besides Cambodia. It has an abundance of untouched beauty, particularly in its northern regions. If you rent a scooter, make sure to get a guide. Driving a scooter by yourself won’t be a good idea unless you have extensive experience driving in chaotic and crowded places! Take a train to commute between the cities and a tuk-tuk in the city.

Daily Budget Needed

On a low budget of $32 to $40 per day, you can explore the city. To make yourself more comfortable, you can raise it to $80 per day.

10 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Bangkok’s Grand Palace
2. Khao San Road in Bangkok
3. Floating Market
4. Safari World
5. Lumpini Park
6. Chiang Mai City
7. phu*ket Island
8. Kata Beach
9. Lam Nam Kok National Park
10. Khao Yai National Park (Popular for trekking and biking trails)

Best Time to Visit

The cool and dry weather between November and March makes it the best time to visit. Other months are either very hot or experience heavy rainfall.

5. Morocco

Morocco is a welcoming Muslim North African country. Moroccan people value hospitality highly, and hosting foreigners at home is quite common. It is one of the world’s most diverse countries with various ethnic groups. Its culture, people, languages, food, architecture, and clothing all have reflections of past rules from Spanish, Roman, and French.

Daily Budget Needed

You can get good deals from $30 to $50 per day with no major luxuries. However, a budget of up to $70 will allow you to enjoy more.

10 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

1. The Sahara Desert
2. The Ouzoud Waterfalls
3. The Akchour Waterfalls
4. Legzira Beach in Southern Morocco
5. Paradise Valley Agadir
6. Bahia Palace in Marrakech
7. Jemaa el-Fnaa square and market
8. Tinerhir Oasis
9. Mount Toubkal (A favourite spot for hikers)
10. Aït Benhaddou Village

Best Time to Visit

September to November in Autumn or March-April in early spring are the best times to visit Morocco.

Bonus Tip – Staying Under Budget is essential

The main purpose of traveling is to Explore, Relax and Enjoy. As a result, you also get a reboot for your mind and body. Spending more than you should, won’t give you a reboot, instead, it will put you under a financial burden. I am sharing a few tips from my experiences so you can avoid some common mistakes.

Fix a budget and stick to it as much as possible.

Avoid selecting travel destinations that are too costly.

Try to find cheap tickets and accommodation.

Never plan a trip on a tight budget.

Even with increasing inflation worldwide, these countries are still on the list of budget-friendly places. Cultural diversity, spectacular scenery, hospitality, rich history, and unique cuisines make them stand out from other places. You can have an authentic experience and the most memorable times of your life without breaking the bank. Staying under budget is totally up to you, all these places offer something for everyone.

About Fazilat

Fazilat is a wordsmith, passionate researcher, reader, writer, teacher, and travel enthusiast. Her main goal is to make content comprehensive as well as easy to understand for readers. Her curiosity to explore new horizons and learn new skills keeps her well-occupied.

Email: fazilatmubeen@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fazilat-mubeen-330629249/

Instagram: @fazilatmubeen