3,6k
11 minutes readContent
- Indonesia
- Mexico
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Malaysia
- North Macedonia
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Dominican Republic
- Laos
- Mombasa, Kenya
1. Indonesia
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $71 per person
Although Indonesia has seen an influx of tourists thanks to the romanticization of the country through movies like “Eat, Pray, Love”, the country is still extremely cheap for travelers on a budget. Although resort prices are rising, there are plenty of more affordable accommodation options available, especially if your client is looking for an island getaway.
Some of the most popular destinations in Indonesia for budget-conscious tourists include Bali, Sumba, Lombok, and Jakarta. Bali is constantly at the top of the rankings for best places in the world to visit, proving that your clients don’t need a luxury budget to have an unforgettable vacation.
Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands, giving you a world of possibilities when curating itineraries for your clients. The country offers something for everyone, from the rainforests of Sumatra to the coral reefs in Raja Ampat and the serene beaches dotted along Bali’s coastline. The stunning natural beauty of Indonesia means there’s plenty for your clients to explore, especially with the favorable exchange rate.
Some of the most popular destinations in Indonesia for budget-conscious tourists include Bali, Sumba, Lombok, and Jakarta.
Photo by Katarzyna Zygnerska on Unsplash
2. Mexico
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $50 per person
When you tell your clients they can go to Mexico on a budget, they might not believe you! It’s one of the best destinations for budget-conscious clients with plenty of low-cost flights from across the United States. The street food in Mexico City is worth the airfare alone, and your clients can indulge in culinary adventures, as most of their daily budget will go towards eating out.
Mexico is a country often overlooked for its cultural activities, but there’s plenty for history and museum fans alike to enjoy. Make sure to add spots like the Museo Jumex, Jalisco, and Isla Holbox to your client’s suggested itinerary.
3. Vietnam
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $24 per person
Vietnam is another country that’s been experiencing an increase in tourists over the last decade, particularly backpackers who can live in cities like Ho Chi Minh for as little as $20 a day. Although a popular destination for younger tourists, Vietnam has lots to offer companies seeking a romantic getaway and a more affordable alternative to visiting Europe.
Hoi An is considered the most affordable destination in Vietnam, where your clients make their money go as far as possible. It’s an ideal destination for a first-time visit, attracting tourists from around the world with its Ancient Town, a well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, recognized by UNESCO. Prices are reasonable almost everywhere, from the quaint street stalls to family-owned restaurants. Hoi An is only a short journey from the beach, giving your clients the best of both worlds.
4. Thailand
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $35 per person
The cost of going to Thailand is a tale of two parts. While your clients can expect to pay more when they travel to a country in South Asia, their daily costs will be significantly lower than in other countries. It’s easy to live a luxurious lifestyle in Thailand with a daily budget of anywhere from $30 to $100. Local transport is affordable, and your clients will likely spend most of their budget on tours, food, and souvenirs.
Thailand is the second most visited country in Southeast Asia, with most major travel hubs in the U.S. offering daily flights. There’s plenty to add to your client’s itinerary, from the ancient temples, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, to the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Koh Samui and Phuket.
It’s easy to live a luxurious lifestyle in Thailand with a daily budget of anywhere from $30 to $100.
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash
5. Cambodia
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $25 per person
The introduction of E-Visas in January 2025 has made countries like Cambodia more accessible to international visitors. Tourist visa costs have also been reduced, attracting a new range of first-time visitors to the country. The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) has also made airfare to Cambodia more affordable.
Famous for its natural beauty, Cambodia promises warm hospitality, aromatic cuisine, and bustling markets to explore. Angkor Wat is a must-visit destination as a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world. This Hindu-Buddhist temple is also one of Asia’s most significant archaeological sites.
Angkor Wat is a must-visit destination as a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world.
Photo by allPhoto Bangkok on Unsplash
6. Malaysia
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $45 per person
If your clients want to get the best bang for their buck, suggest Malaysia as the destination for their next vacation. This inexpensive country is a great option for clients who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and explore cities either on foot or with public transport. There are plenty of free attractions, and the beaches here are a great alternative to those in other countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia.
This inexpensive country is a great option for clients who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and explore cities either on foot or with public transport.
Photo by Abdelrahman Ismail on Unsplash
7. North Macedonia
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $35 per person
Are your clients looking to travel to Europe without the cost of visiting a city like Paris? Send them to North Macedonia instead. It’s an underrated destination and offers a sleepy alternative to the busy cities of Europe. North Macedonia is a charming region with cobbled streets and quaint towns that make it feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. This pint-sized country is nestled just above Greece and has a rich history, ideal for those interested in the stories of ancient Rome and the Ottoman Empire.
No trip to North Macedonia is complete without a visit to Lake Ohrid, famous for its Byzantine history and stunning views. Skopje, the country’s capital, has its own historic quarter with plenty of museums, churches, and monuments to visit.
It’s an underrated destination and offers a sleepy alternative to the busy cities of Europe.
Photo by Antonio Janeski on Unsplash
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Where to stay:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside
- aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites
- 185 on Beach Boutique Suites and Apartments
Average daily budget: $69 per person
South Africa is a country on almost everyone’s bucket list, and it’s easy to assume you need the budget for a luxury safari to be able to visit here. In reality, it is one of the most affordable countries to visit, especially if your client is booking their vacation with a strong currency. You’ll find some of the most exciting culinary experiences in Cape Town, where the average three-course meal for two people costs comfortably less than $50.
There’s no shortage of sites of stunning natural beauty, from the flat-topped Table Mountain to the Cape Peninsula with its rugged coastline, and beaches where you’ll find African penguin colonies. Other must-see attractions include Robben Island, Bo-Kaap, and the wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Clients with a little more wiggle room in their budget may also be able to take a day safari.
South Africa is a country on almost everyone’s bucket list, and it’s easy to assume you need the budget for a luxury safari to be able to visit here.
Photo by Matthias Wesselmann on Unsplash
9. Dominican Republic
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $70 per person
The Dominican Republic is easy to reach from the East Coast of the U.S., or if your clients are flying in from Europe. It’s a great option for clients looking for a sunny holiday outside of the peak summer months, as it offers year-round sunshine. The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s second-largest island, offering a unique experience with its rainforests, sandy beaches, and mountains.
If your clients want a vacation where they can spend almost every day outdoors, then the Dominican Republic is the perfect option. While there are lots of resorts across the island, there are also plenty of more affordable accommodation options available. It’s a cheaper alternative to other tropical vacations, such as Puerto Rico, and budget travelers can easily get everything they need with a budget of $70 per person per day.
10. Laos
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $30 per person
It’s no surprise that there’s another country in Southeast Asia on this list. Similar to Indonesia, Laos is popular with budget-conscious travelers as it has over 4,000 islands, each as unique as the other. If your clients want to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world, Laos feels like a tropical paradise that’s been untouched by 21st-century development.
You can build your client’s itinerary around the 34 Luang Prabang temples on the UNESCO World Heritage list, many of which have remained largely untouched. As Laos has started to become more popular with a diverse range of tourists, resorts and high-end restaurants are starting to open throughout central hubs in the country.
If your clients want to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world, Laos feels like a tropical paradise that’s been untouched by 21st-century development.
Photo by Life on the road on Unsplash
11. Mombasa, Kenya
Where to stay:
Average daily budget: $70 per person
Mombasa in Kenya is often overlooked in favor of Nairobi, but its Asian and Arab influences make it a unique experience. Although it has a smaller range of tourist sights, there is still plenty to excite your clients, from Fort Jesus, an UNESCO World Heritage site constructed in the late 16th century, to the Old Town and baobab forest.
If your client is planning to go snorkeling, they can visit any of the five marine parks dotted across Kenya, including the large coral reef in Mombasa. Eagle-eyed visitors can spot anything from tourists to dolphins, stingrays, and sharks.
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Cover image: Photo by tawatchai07 on Freepik
