The Cheapest Holiday Destinations to Visit

Many of us have to stick to a budget, and for that reason, getting away and exploring the world isn’t always easy. That said, there are plenty of affordable breaks away that you can book which shouldn’t bend or break your budget if you’re having to count the pennies.

That said, all budgets are different, which is why - when we started thinking about the cheapest holiday destinations worldwide - we made sure to line up locations with experiences, accommodations, and flight paths that can accommodate lots of different salaries and savings.

Across Europe and Asia, we’ve asked the SIMOVO team to come up with their favorite “cheap” holiday destinations for this guide. And, we’ve also put together a few quick tips you can use to save money no matter where you go in the world. We all deserve a vacation sometimes - and with this little list, you’ve got plenty of food for thought.

Why some destinations are cheaper than others

What is it that makes the cheapest holiday destinations worldwide so affordable? Well, a lot of it is down to low operating costs. That essentially means costs across the board are lower in certain countries thanks to their individual economies and tax systems. In some cases, there's a good balance between salary and tax expectations.

What’s more, some destinations just fly under the radar. You’ll see a few in our list below - while plenty of people will flock to the Seychelles or Spain at the height of summer, fewer are likely to check out Albania or Vietnam - but there are plenty of competing reasons why you should!

It’s also worth considering accessibility and package deals. Believe it or not, a destination with a high volume of flights and accommodation choices may even be cheaper to visit than you might expect - it’s the old rules of supply and demand. If demand is high, there’s not always the need to outprice people.

What might also surprise you is that some of the destinations in this list are much cheaper than you expect to pay for in terms of flights and lodgings. It’s always a good idea to compare and contrast, meaning if you’re willing to stay in a hostel or go camping for a few nights, you can save money spent on a hotel getting out and exploring places.

Cheapest holiday destinations in Europe

Europe is absolutely bursting with budget-friendly breakaways, but for this guide, we’ve picked three superb spots that are amazingly cheap to visit - Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania. 

Albania

If you’re looking for a beach vacation but don’t want to bend your budget too much, Albania should absolutely be at the top of your list. While many people might not think of the Balkan area as a top tourist destination for coastal adventures, Albania has very quickly picked up popularity on social media over the past few years.

Generally, you can expect to pay up to $40 a day in Albania depending on what you do - food and drink are surprisingly affordable nationwide, and simple rooms don’t demand the same rates you’d expect elsewhere on the continent.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s relatively low cost of living makes it an absolute must-visit if you want a European holiday that’s cheap but memorable for all the right reasons. Like Albania, the food and drink tariff out here is very reasonable, even if you dine in traditional restaurants - and, there are tons of free activities, such as hiking or taking to the beach!

Bulgaria doesn’t tend to get much of a push when it comes to holiday promotion, but if you’re looking to explore some of Europe’s most gorgeous historic streets and to enjoy a cheap beer or two while you’re at it, Bulgaria is 100% the place to be.

Romania

Romanian holidays probably won’t cost you too much more than $25-$30 a day depending on what you’d like to do, and much like Bulgaria, it’s absolutely bursting with history and cheap eats. You’ll want to check out Dracula’s castle, the Black Sea beach scene, and medieval scenery as far as the eye can see.

If you’re into winter sports, too, Romania serves up a super-cheap skiing tariff, so you might want to book a flight before the year is out.

Cheapest holiday destinations in Asia

For all its hustling, bustling cityscapes and vibrant architecture, it’s easy to assume that plenty of hotspots in Asia will cost you a pretty penny to explore. Thankfully, regions like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are surprisingly affordable!

Vietnam

Vietnam tends to finish up at the top of many backpackers’ must-see destinations lists, and one reason for this is that it’s so reasonably priced to explore. It’s become something of a haven for digital nomadism thanks to relaxed visas, and it has a low wage scale, which means that food, drink, and everyday items are usually pretty cheap! Even traveling around the country won’t set you back too much.

Thailand

Thailand is another backpacking favorite that’s extremely popular with family groups, couples, and solo adventurers alike. You likely won’t spend more than $40 a day here if you’re sticking to a budget, and there are plenty of amazing sights to see without spending any cash at all - you can see temples, fields, rolling hills, and more - and come back to a reasonably-priced hotel room with tons of cheap (but not cheaply-made!) upgrades. 

Depending on where you’re traveling from, you might need to compare cheap layover flights - but keep in mind that Thailand is still one of the cheapest destinations for long-haul travel.

Indonesia

Bali is, of course, an extremely popular travel destination mainly thanks to its crystal-clear waters, but Indonesia is surprisingly cheap overall to visit, even compared to the likes of Thailand and Vietnam. 

You don’t have to follow the flocks to Bali, of course, as many different islands across the region are just as beautiful to behold. You’ll find on some islands that you pay less than $20 a night for accommodation, and you’ll discover delicious meals for less than $10 a go!

Tips to travel on a budget

There are tons more cheap travel destinations you can dive into across Europe, Asia, and beyond - but regardless of where you go, always make sure to take these tips with you to save serious cash along the way.

• Be sure to compare cheap flights with apps and websites like Skyscanner, and look into when off-seasons are for your ideal vacation spots.
• Make sure you save money on mobile roaming with an eSIM with unlimited data! No matter where you go, if you stick with your home network, you’re always at risk of rising roaming fees.
• Look carefully into the peak and off-peak seasons of where you’d like to travel to. If it won’t make much difference to you what time of year you travel, you can save hundreds of dollars on flights and accommodations.
• Take stock of what you can compromise on. If you’re not 100% sold on a hotel break or a fancy resort, most affordable destinations will have guest houses and hostel rooms at cut rates.
• If you’re traveling for long periods, look into investing in regional rail cards and attractions schemes, where, again, you could save hundreds of dollars depending on the extent of your adventuring. 

Above all, remember that holidays and vacations don’t have to be expensive! This guide is just the tip of the iceberg - take a look at the destinations we’ve mentioned and start scoping out a cheap break!