40 of the Cheapest Places to Travel in the World

Out of everywhere in the South, Columbus, Georgia, might be one of the cheapest cities to visit, thanks to it multitude of free and almost-free attractions. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center has no entry fee, and neither does The Columbus Museum of Art (the second-largest art museum in the state). You can also bike the gorgeous 15-mile-long RiverWalk—rent a bike from Ride On Bikes for just $10 a day.

For more information, visit visitcolumbusga.com.

Well-known to budget travelers for being home to one of the most reasonable city stays in the country, Albuquerque offers great deals on hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Strolling around Old Town, the city’s historic heart, is free, but if you want to visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, tickets for a half-day’s worth of fun are only $15.

For more information, visit visitalbuquerque.com.

Sometimes major cities offer surprisingly good deals on everything needed for a great getaway, as is the case with Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love’s efficient public transport gives plenty of bang for its buck, attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are free, and Philly’s most iconic food—the cheesesteak—is usually only around $10. Keep in mind, if you head into the city in the blustery winter months, you’ll find hotels dropping their prices.

For more information, visit discoverphl.com.

There are a lot of places in Florida that are expensive to visit (Sanibel Island, we’re looking at you), but Daytona Beach isn’t one of them—especially if you visit in the off-season. Don’t mind some sticky, hot weather? Book a trip in the summer, and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf on the city’s 23 miles of free beaches. Or if high temps don’t appeal, head to Daytona in May, when events like spring break are over and the weather is juuuuust right.

For more information, visit daytonabeach.com.

This year, why not skip Mexico’s often over-priced resorts and head to Mexico City? Prices are bargain-basement compared to the U.S., with public transportation costing a few coins, meals as low as $5 (even less if you eat at street vendor carts), and admission to museums only costing a couple of dollars. Head to the Museo Nacional de Arte on Sundays and you’ll not only get in for free, you’ll probably have a chance to watch the city’s famed Aztec dancers.

For more information, visit visitmexico.com.

Whether you’re people watching at pedestrian-only Church Street (Burlington has a famously boho vibe) or exploring the University of Vermont’s Fleming Museum of Art, there is much to do in this pretty little city on Lake Champlain for no charge. Fans of frozen treats will want to head to nearby Waterbury, where the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour is just $6 for adults.

For more information, visit helloburlingtonvt.com.

Want to really save cash during your vacay? Go camping. To be more specific, go camping at the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site where $35 gets an entire carload of people entrance for a week. There are trails all over the national park to hike, but if you feel like taking some time off from physical activity, Grand Canyon Village, on the South Rim, offers a day’s worth of free activities like window shopping and visiting art studios.

For more information, visit nps.gov/grca.

If you want to head to the Caribbean cheaply, the Dominican Republic is your best bet. While all-inclusive deals including airfare as well as hotel and meals can boast offers as low as $500 for three nights, stay outside of the resort area in Punta Cana for even better prices. Go during the low season, between June and November, and you’ll save even more.

For more information, visit godominicanrepublic.com.

Colorado has gotten so popular, you might think it’s impossible to plan a reasonably priced trip there, but the historic little mountain town of Breckenridge will prove you wrong. Breck, as it’s been dubbed by the locals, serves up winter slopes cheaper than most in Colorado, but in summer the cost of lodging really nose-dives. For warm-weather outdoorsy folk, there are more than 200+ miles of trails to hike.

For more information, visit gobreck.com.

We have a theory: The less well-known a destination, the better the value of the vacation there, and that’s certainly true of Oklahoma City. Despite a flurry of recently opened and improved places, including the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, the First Americans Museum, and even streetcar lines, the limelight seldom shines brightly on this rapidly developing capital city. As a result, pretty much everything from hotels to meals to attractions are relatively cheap.

For more information, visit visitokc.com.

Vino lovers, instead of taking a pricey trip to California’s wine country, spend smart with a jaunt to the Finger Lakes. Every bit as breathtaking, but with hotels and restaurants that are a comparative bargain, the region is known for producing Riesling, which you can sample at wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Ravines Wine Cellars. Of course, there’s plenty to do in the Finger Lakes even if you don’t like wine, like budget-friendly hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.

For more information, visit visitfingerlakes.com.

Sure, Portugal is pricier than a super cheap getaway to the Southern United States, but compared to the rest of Europe, it’s very economical, which is one reason why so many Americans are retiring there. With the dollar about even to the euro, you can expect to pay around $75 for a mid-range hotel and $20 for a three-course meal with drinks. That’s quite a bargain for some of the world’s best cuisine.

For more information, visit visitportugal.com.

While San Antonio may not get quite as much of the attention as other Lone Star State cities, it makes an ideal getaway if you’re looking to save some moola. Wandering the justifiably famed riverwalk is free, and so is entry to the historic Alamo. Don’t miss browsing the many colorful stalls of El Mercado (Market Square), and while you’re there, fuel up at Mi Tierra Café.

For more information, visit visitsanantonio.com.

There aren’t a lot of options for truly cheap escapes from the everyday in The Golden State, but Big Bear Lake—located about two hours from Los Angeles—is the exception to the rule. Go in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and you’ll not only avoid the crowds, you’ll find lodging costs have plummeted. For big fun that won’t empty your wallet, go hiking on Castle Rock Trail or the Alpine Pedal Path, then rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to get out on the water.

For more information, visit bigbear.com.

Another boomtown that is only now beginning to garner attention, Columbus’s under-the-radar status and location in the traditionally low-priced Midwest has kept accommodations, food, and attractions cheap. Steals and deals can be found at North Market’s fabulous food stalls, the Ohio Statehouse (you gotta love free guided tours!), and the Columbus Museum of Art, which features complimentary admission on Sundays.

For more information, visit experiencecolumbus.com.

With hotel rates that average at just over $100, Baltimore makes for a refreshingly low-cost stay, especially for one of country’s more significant cities. There’s loads to keep the whole fam busy there too, like wandering the bustling Inner Harbor (for cheap but delicious seafood, skip these eateries and hit up Sal and Sons in Fells Point). Visit the famed National Aquarium Fridays after 5 p.m. for half-price admission.

For more information, visit baltimore.org.

Do not, we repeat, do not visit NOLA during Mardi Gras, when prices for everything get jacked up. That is, unless you really want to, in which case good day and good luck. During the rest of the year, you can get thrifty by noshing on inexpensive staples like Café du Monde’s beignets and enjoying free experiences, such as wandering the French Quarter and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. And don’t forget to ride the ridiculously scenic streetcars for just $1.25.

For more information, visit neworleans.com.

Are you a fan of autumn foliage? For a budget-friendly alternative to New England, leaf peep in Michigan’s U.P. instead. The trees’ fall colors usually hit their height in early October, with hundreds of waterfalls and lighthouses only adding to the region’s appeal.

For more information, visit uptravel.com.

Safe, welcoming, and eternally inexpensive, Thailand is home to everything from stunning temples to idyllic beaches, fabulous food, and picturesque markets. If you go on the cheap, you’ll pay maybe $30 a day. Care to pamper yourself and stay in more luxurious hotels? The price goes up to all of $50 daily. This Southeast Asia country is a great place to begin if you’ve recently decided to explore the world (far) outside of your backyard.

For more information, visit tourismthailand.org.

Far less expensive than usual beach vacays, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach features lodging that averages just a little more than $90 a day. Save even more by visiting this family-friendly area in the latter half of September and take advantage of the area’s lunch and happy hour specials. Or, enjoy the many activities at the roughly 6,000-acre Gulf State Park. Beaches, a nature center, hiking and biking trails, Segway tours, and more are all available at no-to-low costs.

For more information, visit gulfshores.com.

The City of Fountains, as this Midwestern burg is rightfully known, offers more free sights to see than its multitude of water-spouting statuary, like the superb Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. You’ll also pay less to lay your head in K.C. than in cities on either coast, and the lauded barbecue there makes for incredibly affordable eats too.

For more information, visit visitkc.com.

Graced by a free-to-enter national park twisting though its charming downtown, Hot Springs just makes sound financial sense as a target for budget-conscious travelers. Even better? The town’s historic bathhouses provide a host of reasonably priced treatments. Fill up your canteen at the gratis spring water spigots, hike some of the park’s 26 miles of trails, and then indulge in a soak (or massage, or facial) at one of the spas. You’ll be glad you did.

For more information, visit hotsprings.org.

For those who’d love to decamp to a desert environment, few locales beat Tucson for serious savings. Nightly accommodations run around $130 a night and a cold one will only set you back a few bucks. Meanwhile, iconic sights such as San Xavier Mission are free to enter, while the Digital Tucson Attractions Passport hooks you up with bargains at institutions like the Kitt Peak National Observatory and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Plus, Saguaro National Park, home to the giant saguaro cacti, is just $25 for a seven-day vehicle permit.

For more information, visit visittucson.org.

Niagara Falls, Canada is never an exorbitant trip, but if you want cheaper room rates, make your way there in autumn and early spring. Other travel hacks to this Eighth Wonder of the World (as it’s been dubbed) include using WEGO, the area’s visitor transportation network, and hiking for free in Dufferin Islands.

For more information, visit niagarafallstourism.com.

Nashville gets all the love, but this inexpensive little city to its east is distinguished by more than the disco ball–looking Sunsphere, a holdover from the ’82 World’s Fair and just $5 to visit. Tourists haven’t really discovered Knoxville yet, which means hotel, meal, and attraction costs have stayed low. There’s also no charge to check out the Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville Botanical Garden, or Ijams Nature Center. And the always-engaging WDVX Blue Plate Special, a live performance radio show held most days, is also free.

For more information, visit visitknoxville.com.

From the red sands of the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert to the craggy Atlas Mountains’ soaring peaks, Morocco is one of the world’s most spectacular places. Once you pay for plane tickets, it can also be very affordable if you stay away from the most luxe options in hotels, food, and tours. You can find nice riads (the country’s version of a house with an interior courtyard) for less than $50 a night for two people, and meals start at only a few dollars.

For more information, visit visitmorocco.com.

Obviously, you can spend serious cash in Sin City, but you also don’t have to go big or go home to have a blast. It’s fairly easy to score comps, discounted meals, and seats to shows, as well as cheap hotel rooms—especially if you go in the middle of the week or during January’s slow season. Just don’t blow what you’ve saved by spending it all at the tables or slots!

For more information, visit lvcva.com.

One of the country’s most cherished family destinations, Branson can get pricey if you don’t keep a leash on buying show tickets and admission to amusement parks. But there’s plenty to do there for free, from watching the spectacular Branson Landing fountain shows to visiting Table Rock Lake State Park. And the city’s tourism board helpfully offers numerous discounts on lodging, live entertainment, and attractions on its website to help keep costs down.

For more information, visit explorebranson.com.

We all know that tickets to Disney cost a pretty penny, but for frugal families, Hersheypark offers sweet pricing, more than 60 rides (including 14 coasters), and a water park. And Hershey Lodge, just a hop, skip, and a jump away, not only provides a free shuttle to and from the park, but also special packages and deals throughout the year. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free tours at Hershey’s Chocolate World to stretch those dollars further.

For more information, visit visithersheyharrisburg.org.

On its way to becoming very trendy (some would say it’s already arrived), Croatia has miraculously remained a European country that’s as easy on the pocketbook as it is on the eyes. To maximize your money, avoid traveling there during summer and think about skipping the touristy spots, like Dubrovnik and Split. Keep to the lower-priced hotels and restaurants and you’ll find yourself spending $50 or less a day to explore this paradise on the sunny Adriatic Sea.

For more information, visit croatia.hr.

The city most well-known for its annual automobile race makes for a cheap holiday thanks in part to its bargain-basement rates on transportation. Hotels, food, and beverages are also modest in Indianapolis, although you probably want to stay away during the Indy 500 weekend, when prices soar. If attending “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is a must-do, basic tickets start at around $50.

For more information, visit visitindy.com.

A legit wine destination far cheaper than Cali or France, more than 120 wineries call this town home. While it’s mostly been overlooked by travelers, Walla Walla features an adorable historic downtown, chock full of independent businesses and a first-rate culinary scene. Summer brings free concerts, reasonably priced food trucks, and options for low-cost outdoor rec galore at the many area parks.

For more information, visit wallawalla.org.

It’s true, trips to the Pacific Northwest cities often come with a stiff price tag. But instead of heading further north to spendy Seattle, try Portland and take advantage of the gobs of on-the-house activities. We like browsing Powell’s City of Books, the largest indie bookstore in the world, as well as the incredible farmers’ market at Portland State University, where there are plenty of food stalls to dine on the cheap. And don’t forget hiking at Forest Park, the country’s biggest urban wilderness.

For more information, visit travelportland.com.

Perhaps because it’s so off the beaten path, Rapid City is a place where your dollars go far (we mean really far). Hotels average well under $100, although airfare to and from tends to cost an arm and a leg, so if you can drive there, you should. You’re going to want a vehicle anyway, to visit jaw-dropping sites like Mount Rushmore National Memorial (just $10 per car to park and free admission); Badlands National Park ($30 per car for seven days), and Crazy Horse Memorial (not more than $35 per car).

For more information, visit visitrapidcity.com.

This city makes our list for a couple of reasons. Number one: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport is the country’s busiest, meaning that prices for airline tickets into the city are often economical. And while Atlanta’s major attractions can be costly, the CityPASS can save you up to a whopping 44 percent at the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and more. There are plenty of must-see places that have complimentary admission too, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

For more information, visit discoveratlanta.com.

Home to Machu Picchu, a bucket list destination for many, Peru is a pleasingly cheap country to visit. Plan on lightening your wallet each day to the tune of about $50 (if you’re on a medium-range budget) while traveling there, but that average doesn’t include day tours, which you’ll most likely want to take, including a visit to the 15th-century Inca citadel.

For more information, visit peru.travel.

If you’re a shopper, there may seem to be no better reason for a trip to Minneapolis than tax-free purchases on shoes and clothes. If you’re a swimmer, you’ll love the many big bodies of water in and around the city, which are all free to visit—Minnesota isn’t called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing. Everyone else will be bowled over by the cheap eats, gratis events, and reasonably priced lodging.

For more information, visit minneapolis.org.

Okay, okay, we know Jackson Hole, playground of the rich and often famous, isn’t what you might think of when you ponder discount excursions. But head there in April or May and you not only miss the sky-high price hikes of ski season, you also get in before soaring summer rates. Great hotel packages are often available in spring, or you can always camp at the magnificent Grand Teton National Park.

For more information, visit visitjacksonhole.com.

Another one of the country’s favorite family destinations, Myrtle Beach, is cheaper in the fall, when kids head back to school and visitor numbers (and prices) fall. If you’ve got to go in high season, the visitor bureau serves up a handy coupon book on its site with deals on just about anything you’d want to do on the sand or off.

For more information, visit visitmyrtlebeach.com.

Vicksburg, a beautiful historic city located along the Mississippi River, is also plenty cheap. There are an abundance of gorgeous B&Bs located within walking distance of downtown that serve lavish breakfasts with the price of your room, keeping food costs down. And most restaurants, like charming hole-in-wall joint The Tomato Place, charge less than their northern counterparts too. Be sure to check out the Vicksburg National Military Park, with an admission of just $20 per car for seven days.

For more information, visit visitvicksburg.com.