Can you travel the world on a budget? Absolutely.
With the right mindset, preparation, and tools, you can explore incredible destinations without draining your savings. In fact, budget travel often leads to more authentic experiences—dining where locals eat, riding public transport, and discovering off-the-beaten-path gems.
This comprehensive guide is tailored for travelers who want to travel cheap around the world while still enjoying meaningful, rich adventures. Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip, a digital nomad lifestyle, or a round-the-world (RTW) journey, here’s how to make it affordable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Table of Contents
1. Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations
Not all countries cost the same to travel in. Choosing destinations with a low cost of living is the first and most crucial step to stretch your travel budget.
Top Affordable Places to Travel:
1. Laos (Southeast Asia)
- Average Daily Budget: $20–$30
- Highlights: Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, river tubing in Vang Vieng
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Cheap street food, low-cost hostels, and beautiful natural attractions with minimal entrance fees.
2. Ghana (West Africa)
- Average Daily Budget: $25–$40
- Highlights: Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Labadi Beach
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Affordable transportation, tasty local meals, and friendly guesthouses.
3. Kazakhstan (Central Asia)
- Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
- Highlights: Almaty, Charyn Canyon, the Steppe landscape
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Budget hostels, cheap intercity trains, and low-cost food.
4. Rwanda (East Africa)
- Average Daily Budget: $30–$45
- Highlights: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu
- Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Safe and clean, with budget-friendly accommodation and local transport.
5. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka (South Asia Hidden Gem)
Average Daily Budget: $20–$40
Why It’s a Must-Visit:
Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast is a surfer’s paradise and a laid-back tropical escape. It offers a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, wildlife, and local culture—all on a backpacker-friendly budget.
Things to Do in Arugam Bay on a Budget:
- Surfing: Rent a surfboard for a few dollars a day.
- Relax at the Beach: No cost, just bring your sunscreen!
- Kumana National Park: Affordable safaris for wildlife lovers.
- Lagoon Tours: Join a low-cost boat trip to explore mangroves and spot elephants or crocodiles.
- Street Food Nights: Try delicious kottu roti, hoppers, and fresh seafood at roadside stalls.
Where to Stay:
Budget guesthouses and hostels like The Long Hostel or Surf n Sun offer dorms and private rooms for $10–$20 per night.
When to Visit:
The best time is May to September, during the dry season and surfing peak.
2. Plan in Advance
Advance planning doesn’t mean rigid schedules—it means smarter budgeting.
How to Plan Smart:
- Use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to monitor prices.
- Book long-distance buses, trains, and ferries in advance for better rates.
- Research visa fees and entry requirements ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Tip: Traveling off-season not only saves money but helps you avoid crowds. For example, visiting Europe in October or Sri Lanka in May means better deals and cooler temperatures.
3. Use Public Transportation
Forget taxis—public transport is your budget’s best friend.
Public Transit Tips:
- In Bangkok, ride the BTS Skytrain for under $1.
- In Turkey, use local minibusses (dolmuş) for regional travel.
- In Europe, buy Eurail passes or use regional buses like FlixBus for cheap cross-border travel.
- In Sri Lanka, hop on scenic train rides (like Ella to Kandy) for just a few dollars.
Tools to Help: Download Rome2Rio and Moovit for route planning and public transport navigation.
4. Embrace Free Activities
Not everything worth seeing comes with a price tag.
Global Free Experiences:
- Museums with free entry days – Paris, London, New York
- City parks – Stanley Park (Vancouver), Chapultepec Park (Mexico City)
- Beaches – Zanzibar, Goa, El Nido, and of course, Arugam Bay
- Walking tours – Often tip-based and packed with local insights
Nature Bonus: Hiking, swimming, temple visits, and street art tours are often free and just as enriching as paid attractions.
5. Stay in Budget Accommodation
Forget pricey resorts—you’ll find better experiences in budget stays.
Types of Affordable Lodging:
- Hostels – Best for solo travelers and social connections.
- Homestays – Get a real taste of local life while supporting families.
- Guesthouses – Great in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
- Couchsurfing – Stay with locals for free (and often make a lifelong friend).
- Camping/Vanlife – Especially in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
In Arugam Bay, budget accommodations like The Beach Hut offer huts on the beach for under $15 per night, complete with Wi-Fi and stunning sunrises.
6. Eat Like a Local
Skip the tourist traps and follow the locals to their favorite food spots.
Budget Food Wins:
- Sri Lanka – Eat at “Hotel” cafes where rice & curry meals are under $2.
- Vietnam – Savor pho and banh mi on street corners.
- Mexico – Taco stands are delicious and ridiculously affordable.
- Eastern Europe – Local bakeries and supermarkets have warm meals on the cheap.
Pro Tip: Look for busy stalls with locals—it’s the safest and tastiest way to try street food.
7. Travel Slow
Rushing from city to city burns your budget. Instead, slow down and soak up your destination.
Why Slow Travel Saves:
- Cheaper lodging – Weekly or monthly rates are often discounted.
- Less transport cost – Fewer moves = less money spent.
- Deeper experiences – Learn the language, meet locals, and feel more connected.
Example: Spend two weeks in Arugam Bay instead of two days. You’ll enjoy better deals on surf lessons, build local friendships, and even discover hidden beaches not on any map.
8. Work and Travel
Long-term travel is much easier if you earn on the road.
Ideas for Working While Traveling:
- Freelance gigs (writing, design, marketing)
- Remote jobs (customer support, tech roles)
- Teach English (online or in schools)
- Work Exchanges – Help at hostels or farms in exchange for accommodation and meals
Platforms to Try: Upwork, Workaway, WWOOF, Remote OK
In Sri Lanka, some surf hostels in Arugam Bay offer free stays in exchange for help with marketing, yoga teaching, or reception duties.
9. Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Unexpected expenses can wreck your budget. Plan for them in advance.
Common Sneaky Costs:
- Airport baggage fees – Always check airline baggage rules.
- Tourist taxes – Some cities charge nightly hotel taxes.
- SIM card and data charges – Buy a local SIM card instead of roaming.
- ATM withdrawal fees – Use cards like Wise or Revolut to avoid high foreign transaction fees.
Budgeting Tip: Add a 10% buffer to your daily travel budget for emergencies and incidentals.
10. Take Advantage of Discounts
Smart Ways to Save:
- Student/Youth/Teacher Cards – Save on museums, transport, and more.
- Tourist Passes – Bundle attractions and public transport for savings.
- Off-Peak Travel – Flights and hotels are cheaper during shoulder seasons.
- Local Deal Sites – Use apps like Klook, GetYourGuide, or regional sites for daily discounts.
In Sri Lanka, you can negotiate prices for tuk-tuks and accommodation, especially in shoulder season months like April and October.
Final Words: Your Budget Adventure Awaits
Traveling the world on a budget isn’t just possible—it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore. From catching sunrise surf sessions in Arugam Bay to hopping on scenic train rides in Southeast Asia, every moment can be rich in experience and light on your wallet.
By choosing affordable destinations, staying flexible, embracing local culture, and being a little travel-savvy, you’ll not only save money but also discover the world in a more meaningful, personal way.
Remember, you don’t need luxury to feel fulfilled—you just need a sense of adventure, smart planning, and a willingness to live the journey fully.
So pack your bag, book that budget flight, and get ready to create unforgettable memories without spending a fortune. The world is waiting—go see it, your way.
Happy travels and budget-friendly adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it really possible to travel the world on a budget?
A: Yes! Many travelers explore the world on $1,000–$1,500 per month. The key is picking affordable destinations and spending wisely.
Q: What’s the cheapest region to travel in?
A: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam), parts of South Asia (Sri Lanka, Nepal), and Latin America (Guatemala, Bolivia) are excellent for budget travelers.
Q: Is Arugam Bay good for solo travelers or couples?
A: Both! It’s social enough for solo backpackers and tranquil enough for couples. You’ll find yoga retreats, surf camps, and romantic beach spots.
