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best cheap travel destinations

The Best Cheap Destinations for Travel in 2020

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Traveling for less = more travel. It just makes sense.

Flights are a big piece of any travel budget, and we've got you covered for flights with Thrifty Traveler Premium, our international flight deal service that can easily save you hundreds on airfare. Maybe you've dipped your toe into the world of points and miles, too.

But the key to traveling more for less is going where it's cheap. Here are a few of our favorite countries and regions that won't break the bank.

 

Paradise on a Budget in Southeast Asia

Aside from the long flight, the hardest part about going to Southeast Asia is picking which country (or countries) to visit.

With the exception of Singapore, nearly every spot in this corner of the globe is cheap. Check out countries like Cambodia, Indonesia (hello, Bali), Malaysia, or the Phillippines on the cheap! But two of our favorites are Vietnam and Thailand.

While traveling in Vietnam and Thailand, you'll save a ton of money on food and drinks. Vietnam is the land of beer for a quarter, after all! Plus, you won't be able to resist “splurging” on luxuries like an hour-long Thai massage for $8 or less.

 

ha long bay best cheap travel destinations
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

 

Thailand on your 2020 bucket list? Check out our favorite things to do in Thailand and how to plan a trip to Thailand for two weeks.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Check out our guide to Hanoi, Vietnam and you'll easily see why the whole TT team has fallen in love with this area of the world. Get your e-visa, read the first thing you need to do when planning your trip, and get excited for some unbelievable coffee and food.

Visit the Charming Thrifty Cities of Eastern Europe

Go beyond the well-tread countries in Europe and head east.

From Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and everything in between, Eastern Europe has a ton to offer for the savvy traveler. Many of these countries aren't in the Eurozone and the local currencies offer great exchange rates with the U.S. dollar.

Besides being affordable, these countries are typically less traveled, which means far fewer crowds! If you love history, great architecture, wine, and vibrant nightlife consider traveling to this part of the world. Check out these 6 destinations in Eastern Europe you've got to see, and how to save even more in Eastern Europe.

 

budapest best cheap travel destinations
Budapest, Hungary

 

Hungry for Budapest? The top attractions in Budapest should be enough to entice you – it's one of our favorite under-the-radar cities in Europe for a reason.

Hidden gem Bratislava: You may not have heard of Bratislava, but Slovakia's capital city is a true gem.

Want to visit Georgia? We're talking about the country, not the U.S. state! Read why it should be at the top of your list.

Now is the Time to Visit South America

Getting to Brazil is often expensive, but flight prices to the rest of South America have finally been dropping recently! Consider this part of the world for your next trip.

Here are a few selling points: No jet lag (same time zone), cheap food and drinks, and great scenery are among the many reasons to add South American cities to your list. Check out the Amacaya Desert or Torres del Paine in Chile, the vibrant city of Buenos Aires in Argentina,  or go off the beaten path and visit the salt flats in Bolivia.

 

best cheap travel destinations
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

 

Argentina's calling: It's never been cheaper to spend time in Argentina, thanks to an amazing exchange rate with the U.S. dollar. It's one of the best places in the world to make your dollar go farther.

Stay Thrifty in South America: Visit Colombia or Brazil and see for yourself what these beautiful and affordable countries have to offer.

 

Think Beyond Beaches for Thrifty Destinations in Mexico

Mexico is generally a budget-friendly destination, but popular resort areas put a dent in that reputation. Leave the beaches behind and head for a truly cheap vacation in Mexico City or Oaxaca. You could easily spend less than $30 a day on all meals and tourist sites.

 

oaxaca
Oaxaca, Mexico

 

Experience Mexico City: Here are all the reasons why you should visit Mexico City, and some of our favorite foodie spots.

Thrifty Heaven, Oaxaca: The Thrifty Traveler team fell in love with the Mexican city of Oaxaca last fall, and we know you will, too. If you're looking for amazing food, the best mezcal in the world, and the most colorful and vibrant town you've laid eyes on, it's time to head to Oaxaca (before it gets popular!).

 

Surprisingly Thrifty European Spots

Europe and “cheap” generally don't go together, but there's one big exception: Portugal.

This western European country is cheap with a capital C, despite being next door to both Spain and France. A great glass of Portuguese wine will run you 3 euro, and sometimes less. An amazing, classic Portuguese dinner for two can be yours for close to 20 euro total – a price point you won't find eating on your own in Paris. This, among many other reasons, is why you need to visit Portugal.

Another surprisingly affordable destination, if you do it right? Greece. Greece's economy may still be struggling, but Athens remains a major tourist city, fetching high prices for food, drink, and tourist sites. So instead, be sure to head outside of Athens for a great value vacation – including the islands.

 

porto best cheap travel destinations
Porto, Portugal

 

When in Portugal: Visit Porto, the birthplace of port wine. Or check out Lisbon, one of the best capital cities in Europe, with enough sights, food and drink to keep you busy for a week on the cheap.

Affordable Islands in Greece: After spending just a day or two in Athens, hop on a cheap flight to the massive island of Crete, where liters of wine will cost you just 8 euro (less than $9 USD)! Or visit the peaceful island of Paros, just as beautiful as Santorini but cheaper and less crowded.

 

Bottom Line

If you are strategic, you can travel to amazing places and experience everything – all without spending down your savings. Looking for a cheap flight deal to one of these awesome thrifty destinations? Become a Thrifty Traveler Premium member — we find the cheapest flight deals to cities around the world that will save you hundreds on airfare.

Thrifty Tip: Want to know about the best flight deals from your home airport? Learn how Thrifty Traveler Premium works.

 

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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