Traveling to international destinations can be really expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of flights. However, these 10 destinations around the globe – chosen by a panel of travel experts and voted as the best by readers for their affordability – have an average daily cost between $15 to $100 per day. You’ll still have to figure out how to get there on a budget, but you can rest easy knowing your wallet will enjoy a break once you arrive.
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No. 10: Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country, part in Western Asia and part in Southeastern Europe. The city of Istanbul is a dynamic and affordable spot to visit, with plenty of things to do on a budget, including experiencing a Turkish bath, visiting the splendid Topkapi Palace Museum and going to the historic Galata Tower.
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No. 9: Philippines
The Philippines is a low-cost vacation destination, with many fun and inexpensive things to do scattered around its dynamic cities and breathtaking beaches. Many visitors flock to Manila with its historical attractions, shops, theaters, parks and museums.
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No. 8: Peru
People come from all over the world to experience the wonders of Peru, including the marvelous sights of Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley. Even better, it’s an affordable place to visit, especially if you plan well in advance to enjoy all the free things the country has to offer.
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No. 7: Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination among budget travelers interested in visiting Southeast Asia. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are the well-known tourist destinations in the country, but there are still places to visit that are a bit more under the radar. For instance, 10Best contributor Dave Stamboulis says, “Tarutao National Marine Park is where you’ll find the Thailand of 30 years ago, with empty white sand beaches, jungle scenery, a rather nefarious history, and best of all, no development as it remains a truly protected national park.”
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No. 6: Bali
The westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali is a gorgeous province of Indonesia. It’s famously known as a wellness destination for tourists, and it can be enjoyed even on a low budget. From free activities like hiking and viewing waterfalls to affordable ones like visits to spas, you can relax in a natural paradise for less.
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No. 5: Croatia
You get a lot for your vacation dollar when you visit Croatia, a beautiful, crescent-shaped country that lies along the Adriatic Sea. Hotels, food and wine are significantly less expensive here than they are in the United States. And lounging on the gorgeous public beaches won’t cost you a single euro.
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No. 4: Costa Rica
With its lush rainforests and picture-perfect beaches, Costa Rica is a gorgeous country in Central America. And wildlife is abundant in the protected jungles that make up around a quarter of the country. It’s an idyllic vacation destination where you can enjoy volcanoes, beaches, jungles and wildlife viewing for less.
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No. 3: Mexico
Mexico is a big country with many affordable places to see and experience. It’s also easily accessible from most parts of the United States. Must-see destinations include Bahia de Loreto National Park, Mexico City and Oaxaca. Expert Olivia Christine Perez says, “You can experience some of the best food in the world here – from street food to elevated fine dining – for considerably less.”
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No. 2: Sicily
The largest Mediterranean island, Sicily is west of the toe of Italy’s boot. It’s a more affordable place to visit than other well-known Italian cities like Venice or Rome, and food and wine can be significantly less expensive than they are in major United States cities. Some of the things you can enjoy on a budget include art displays, architectural wonders and delectable cuisine.
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No. 1: Poland
Poland is an affordable destination offering a tremendous number of things to see and do. Visitors can revel in the country’s natural beauty or visit some of its remarkable museums. An important historical site, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a solemn and important experience that tops many visitors’ lists of places to see. Additionally, the Crooked Forest is a marvel of nature, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an intriguing attraction.
