Stretch your travel budget with these affordable destinations where adventure and savings go hand in hand.
These days, travel doesn’t have to break the bank. It starts with choosing the right destination. There are so many countries where you can stretch your travel budget. With some research and thoughtful planning, you can easily fit a trip or two in your year-long plans, even big-ticket destinations like Japan. Here are some countries (and tips) to consider if you’re travelling on a budget.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a favourite among budget travellers thanks to the affordable accommodation, natural beauty you can enjoy for free and low-cost transport. And when you travel with Intrepid, you know a lot of what’s already covered, from where you’ll stay and how you’ll get around to some included activities.
But one of the delicious parts about visiting Vietnam – and why you should consider travelling here if you’re foodie who always overspends on vacation – is that you can save on tasty eats thanks to the popping street food scene.
While roadside fare is big throughout the South East Asia region, in Vietnam, every meal will become an adventure with breakfast, lunch and dinner available from markets, food trucks and stalls around the clock. You’ll feast on tasty dishes like banh mi or banh cuon without emptying your wallet.
Costa Rica
Anyone who is craving a nature retreat without a hefty price tag should look into Costa Rica. Although the country has plenty of upscale restaurants and luxury hotels to splurge on, its natural highlights come at no cost. Costa Rica is known for its top-notch hiking and dreamy beaches where you can relax and watch the sun go down.
You can unplug and enjoy self-care activities like visiting hot springs and waterfalls or try more adventurous options like spotting crocodiles at the Tarcoles Bridge for free. The national parks, home to an abundance of animals, are also budget-friendly and a great way to disconnect. Travellers who like the outdoors and local hands-on experiences will love the Classic Costa Rica itinerary, two weeks jam-packed with activities, this trip offers plenty of bang for your buck.
Albania
Consider visiting places in Europe where you can make the most of your travel budget while supporting the local economy. With its lower cost of goods, Albania offers more affordable experiences. It’s all over your TikTok, too, right?
Make sure to shop locally and try traditional eateries rather than big chain corporations. Respect Albanian culture by learning basic phrases like please and thank you (Jo lutem and Faleminderit) and observing their traditions (such as Independence Day on November 28th). The Albania Expedition trip includes an overnight stay in a family-owned guesthouse, giving you a chance to swap stories with residents.
Japan
It’s easy to think of Japan as a destination for “someday”, but Intrepid’s Basix packages make this more budget-friendly and somewhere you can visit today.
Basix trips cover all the essentials – accommodation, transportation and even some activities – ensuring you make the most of your trip while staying within a budget that works for you.
Plus, with experienced guides and thoughtfully planned itineraries, you’ll experience Japan without the stress of navigating a seemingly expensive country alone. Enjoy affordable meals and visit shrines, temples, botanic gardens and local festivals – many of which are free, including iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. This means you might save on lunch one day and visit a free oasis the next.
Turkey
Floating through the sky in a hot air balloon at sunrise in Cappadocia is like a scene from a movie with no expenses spared on the visual effects. Understandably, crowds flock here, especially during busy periods, which can hinder the magic of this experience a little.
If you don’t need to take vacations during school holidays and bank holidays, make the most of travel’s shoulder season – the happy medium between peak and off-season.
In Turkey, those months are typically April to early June and September to October. Generally, you can expect fewer tourists, milder weather, more affordable flights and lower accommodation costs compared to travelling in the height of summer. Intrepid has almost weekly departures to Turkey in a range of travel styles, so there are lots of options for different budgets.
Visit a big-ticket destination someday soon with Intrepid’s Basix small group adventures.
