Travel Tips

Low Cost Destinations 2024: Where to go While Spending Very Little

Are you tired of breaking the bank every time you plan a vacation? Look no further! As a seasoned travel blogger, I’m here to share with you my top picks for low-cost travel destinations that won’t dent your wallet. From budget-friendly Europe to hidden gems outside of the continent, we’ll explore it all.

The European Low-Cost Hotspots

Europe is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures, but did you know that you don’t have to break the bank to experience them? Here are eight countries in Europe that are perfect for low-cost travelers:

Bosnia Erzegovina: A Hidden Gem
Imagine a country with a rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and a warm welcome from its people. Bosnia Erzegovina is just that – a hidden gem that’s waiting to be discovered. With affordable accommodation options like hostels and guesthouses, you can live like a local without spending an arm and a leg.
Flights from Italy: €100-€300 per person
Accommodation: €10-€20 per night
Food: €5 per meal
Montenegro: The Pearl of the Adriatic
Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro is a stunning country with a mix of Mediterranean and Alpine landscapes. Its capital, Podgorica, is affordable to visit, and the country’s beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters are just a short drive away.
Flights from Italy: €100-€300 per person
Accommodation: €15-€30 per night
Food: €5-€10 per meal
Albania: The Unexplored Frontier
Tucked away in southeastern Europe, Albania is a country that’s still off the beaten path for many travelers. With its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities like Tirana, you’ll find plenty of reasons to explore this hidden gem.
Flights from Italy: €150-€350 per person
Accommodation: €10-€25 per night
Food: €5-€15 per meal
Macedonia: A Treasure Trove of History and Culture
From ancient ruins to traditional villages, Macedonia is a country that’s steeped in history and culture. Visit the city of Ohrid, with its beautiful lakeside setting and picturesque old town, or explore the stunning natural beauty of the Lake Matka region.
Flights from Italy: €100-€300 per person
Accommodation: €15-€30 per night
Food: €5-€10 per meal
Bulgaria: The Affordable Balkan Alternative
Located on the Black Sea coast, Bulgaria is a country that offers an affordable alternative to more expensive European destinations like Greece and Turkey. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities like Sofia, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit this hidden gem.
Flights from Italy: €150-€350 per person
Accommodation: €10-€25 per night
Food: €5-€15 per meal
Poland: The Rising Star of Eastern Europe
From historic cities like Krakow and Warsaw to stunning natural beauty like the Tatra Mountains, Poland is a country that’s rising fast on the travel scene. With affordable accommodation options and delicious food, you can experience all that Poland has to offer without breaking the bank.
Flights from Italy: €100-€300 per person
Accommodation: €15-€30 per night
Food: €5-€10 per meal
Serbia: The Heart of the Balkans
Located in the heart of the Balkans, Serbia is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Visit the capital city of Belgrade, with its beautiful riverside setting and historic landmarks like the Kalemegdan Fortress, or explore the scenic landscapes of the Šumadija region.
Flights from Italy: €100-€300 per person
Accommodation: €15-€30 per night
Food: €5-€10 per meal
Romania: The Land of Dracula
From Transylvania’s famous castles to the stunning natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, Romania is a country that’s steeped in history and folklore. Visit the city of Bucharest, with its vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament, or explore the scenic landscapes of the Maramureș region.
Flights from Italy: €150-€350 per person
Accommodation: €10-€25 per night
Food: €5-€15 per meal

Low-Cost Travel Outside of Europe

But why stop at Europe? There are countless low-cost travel destinations around the world that offer an affordable alternative to more expensive options. Here are ten countries outside of Europe that are perfect for budget-conscious travelers:

Cambodia: A Tropical Paradise
From the stunning beaches of Sihanoukville to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia is a country that’s steeped in history and culture. With affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you can live like a local without spending an arm and a leg.
Flights from Italy: €200-€400 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Vietnam: The Land of Contrasts
From bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to stunning natural beauty like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is a country that’s full of contrasts. With affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you can experience all that Vietnam has to offer without breaking the bank.
Flights from Italy: €250-€450 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Morocco: The Magic Carpet Ride
Located in northwest Africa, Morocco is a country that’s steeped in history and culture. From the vibrant cities of Marrakech and Fez to the stunning natural beauty of the Atlas Mountains, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit this enchanting land.
Flights from Italy: €200-€400 per person
Accommodation: €10-€25 per night
Food: €5-€15 per meal
Bolivia: The Land of Contrasts
From the stunning natural beauty of Lake Titicaca to the bustling streets of La Paz, Bolivia is a country that’s full of contrasts. With affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you can experience all that Bolivia has to offer without breaking the bank.
Flights from Italy: €250-€450 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Kirghizistan: The Hidden Gem of Central Asia
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Kirghizistan is a country that’s still off the beaten path for many travelers. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you’ll find plenty of reasons to explore this hidden gem.
Flights from Italy: €300-€500 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Uzbekistan: The Land of Ancient Silk Roads
From the stunning cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to the ancient ruins of Khiva, Uzbekistan is a country that’s steeped in history and culture. With affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you can experience all that Uzbekistan has to offer without breaking the bank.
Flights from Italy: €300-€500 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Nepal: The Land of the Himalayas
From the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas to the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal is a country that’s full of contrasts. With affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you can experience all that Nepal has to offer without breaking the bank.
Flights from Italy: €250-€450 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Azerbaijan: The Land of Fire and Ice
Located in the heart of the Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is a country that’s steeped in history and culture. From the stunning natural beauty of the Absheron Peninsula to the vibrant cities of Baku and Ganja, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit this enchanting land.
Flights from Italy: €250-€450 per person
Accommodation: €10-€25 per night
Food: €5-€15 per meal
Kazakhstan: The Land of Nomadic Culture
From the stunning natural beauty of the Altai Mountains to the vibrant cities of Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan is a country that’s full of contrasts. With affordable accommodation options like guesthouses and hostels, you can experience all that Kazakhstan has to offer without breaking the bank.
Flights from Italy: €250-€450 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal
Armenia: The Land of Ancient History
Located in the heart of the Caucasus region, Armenia is a country that’s steeped in history and culture. From the stunning natural beauty of the Mount Aragats massif to the vibrant cities of Yerevan and Gyumri, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit this enchanting land.
Flights from Italy: €200-€400 per person
Accommodation: €5-€15 per night
Food: €3-€10 per meal

DEAL 1

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...

Costs: A Breakdown of Travel Costs

So how much will your trip cost? Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for each destination:

Volo dall’Italia: Flights from Italy to Europe can range from €100 to €300 per person, depending on the time of year and departure city.
Dormire: Affordable accommodation options like hostels and guesthouses can cost between €10 and €20 per night.
Mangiare: Delicious local food can be found for as little as €5 per meal.

Overall, a week-long trip to Europe can cost around €500 to €1,000 per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. Outside of Europe, costs can range from €300 to €600 per person for a week-long trip.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you save money while traveling:

Book flights in advance: Booking flights well in advance can help you save up to 20% on your ticket price.
Use budget airlines: Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer affordable flights within Europe.
Stay in hostels: Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and save money on accommodation.
Eat street food: Street food is often delicious and affordable, and can be found for as little as €3-€5 per meal.
Use public transportation: Public transportation is often cheap and efficient, and can help you get around cities like Paris and Rome without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Low-cost travel is not just about saving money; it’s also about experiencing the authentic culture and beauty of a destination. By choosing destinations like Bosnia Erzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania in Europe, or Cambodia, Vietnam, and Morocco outside of Europe, you can explore some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and cultures without breaking the bank.

So why not start planning your next adventure today? With our insider tips and expert advice, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the magic of low-cost travel.

Donation Box

National Traveller: Free for All, Thanks to You

In a world where information often comes with a price tag, we’ve chosen a different path: to stay free, forever. Because we believe in accessible, independent, and trustworthy content for everyone—no barriers, no subscriptions, just great stories, guides, and insights.

But we can’t do it alone. Advertising doesn’t cover our costs anymore, and yet we remain committed to delivering the quality you deserve. Every guide we create, every destination we explore, every piece of advice we share—it’s all made possible by readers like you.

If you value what we do, consider making a voluntary donation. Together, we can keep National Traveller free and thriving for everyone, everywhere. Let’s build a better-informed, better-connected world—starting right here, today. Donate Now

Up Next

The 10 Most Beautiful Views in The World

Don't Miss

Excursions From Lisbon: The Best Day Trips Around Lisbon