9 INSANELY Cheap Places to Travel in 2026 ($50 per day)

One thing you realize when you've traveled a lot is there are some places your money goes far and others where you pretty much have sticker shock all day long. My wife Allie and I once traveled full-time for six months all over the world with a budget of just $50 per person per day and one of the keys to pulling that off was simply choosing places where our money would go farther. So in this video I'm going to share nine amazing yet budget-friendly places to visit where a $50 to $75 daily budget can get you incredible experiences without always feeling like you're making a sacrifice. Let's start with a very affordable and arguably one of the most underrated destinations in all of Europe, Montenegro. This tiny Balkan country offers the dramatic Adriatic coastlines and the medieval charm of coastal Croatia at roughly half the price. My family and I traveled to Montenegro in September 2025 and we were blown away by the natural beauty. Montenegro is only roughly the size of the state of Connecticut but it has 117 beaches and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and although we were in one of the more popular parts of the country, the Bay of Kotor, we based ourselves in a quieter town where we weren't fighting tourist crowds at all. If you're visiting this area I'd highly recommend staying in a smaller town and just day tripping to the busier Kotor. Some of our favorite activities were visiting the taking a sunset boat ride and the stunning views from this viewpoint overlooking the bay. I was blown away by how affordable this area was. We decided to have a nicer dinner our last night and I recall checking the prices of the hotel next door. This was like a four or five star hotel. It was $100 per night. In Dubrovnik that place easily would have been $500 a night and that's the whole point of this video. You can travel cheaply almost anywhere if you know what you're doing but places like Montenegro and the others on this list are naturally gonna make your money go farther and you will not feel worse off. Okay we're gonna hop just next door to a place that isn't just budget friendly. It's one of the most culturally rewarding, flavorful, and fascinating destinations in Central Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a country where your travel dollars can stretch far. We spent a week in Sarajevo and absolutely loved every minute of it. Bosnia has this incredible blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences that you just don't find anywhere else and you feel it the moment you step into the old town. Cobblestone streets, copper craftsmen hammering away, traditional coffee houses, the call to prayer echoing through the valley. It's unlike anywhere we've been in Europe. The cuisine deserves its own video practically because it is delicious. Traditional meals like cevapi or burek are delicious, filling, a meat lover's dream, and incredibly cheap. We're talking three to five dollars for a full meal. Bosnia is easily one of the best value food destinations we've ever traveled to and I would go back for the food alone. From Sarajevo we took a day trip to Mostar. Known for its iconic old bridge, we happened to go while Red Bull was holding this diving competition. It was very cool to see and based on how crowded Mostar was, I'm very happy with our decision to simply day trip there instead of doing it overnight. Next up is a place I had never planned to visit but now that I've been, I cannot wait to go back. Poland. Poland delivers world-class charm at central European prices and the value is unbeatable. We're talking beautifully restored medieval cities, heavy-hitting historical sites, and some of the best food value in all of Europe. Krakow is the centerpiece and quite possibly one of our favorite European cities. The medieval old town centered around one of Europe's largest market squares is well preserved and easily walkable. You've got the iconic St. Mary's Basilica and just outside the old town, Wawel Castle, the former residency of Polish kings. The city is also home to profound historical significance. I think it's well worth a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum and Krakow is only about an hour from the Auschwitz concentration camp, which if you're up for it, I think would be important to make a visit. Warsaw is an entirely different experience. A modern capital with a reconstructed old town that rose from near total destruction after World War II. It's a powerful testament to the resilience of Poland and its people. For something more off the beaten path, Gdansk on the Baltic coast gives you colorful merchant houses, maritime history, and seaside charm without the crowds. Poland's food scene is amazing. The portions are huge and the prices are remarkably low. Some dishes we loved, bigos, which is a hearty meat and cabbage stew, crispy potato pancakes, and of course, you cannot forget pierogi. We even took a cooking class to learn how to make pierogi, which was awesome. And if you really want the best value, check out milk bars. Soviet-era cafeteria-style restaurants serving massive plates of traditional Polish food for almost nothing. A full meal will run you four to six USD, and while it's not fancy, it is so good. Poland punches way above its weight when it comes to what you get for your money. Okay, we've proven you can have a great trip traveling Europe on a budget, but the real heavyweight champion of budget travel is Southeast Asia. Here's a few places where your 50 to 75 bucks a day goes crazy far. If you're looking for one of the most authentic, peaceful, and genuinely affordable countries in Southeast Asia, look no further than Laos. This landlocked nation has a slow, peaceful pace. It's less commercialized than Thailand or Vietnam, with stunning natural beauty and a travel scene that just encourages you to relax. Luang Prabang is the centerpiece. This UNESCO town sits where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, with a gorgeous mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Lao temples. Early risers can witness the daily alms ceremony as monks walk through the streets at sunrise. Vang Vieng offers a more adventurous side, with incredible limestone karst mountains, kayaking, tubing, and cave exploring. And traveling along the Mekong by slow boat gives you a great look at rural Lao life. To stretch your budget even further, stick to just one or two towns. Transportation is usually the biggest expense after accommodation in Asia. Rent a bicycle for two to three dollars per day, enjoy cheap but delicious meals, and stay in clean guest houses for 10 to 15 dollars a night. Even boutique hotels rarely exceed 40 to 50 dollars. And if I may say, this isn't just good for your budget, it's going to make for a better trip. Now, one thing you're likely going to need while traveling, which can be crazy expensive, but you don't have to spend a lot of money on, is cellular data. Our phones are essential travel tools these days. But without a plan, you're going to pay out the wazoo in roaming fees. Now, you could go with your home carrier's international plan, but those are often very pricey. Or, you could buy a local sim card when you land, but that can be a time-consuming hassle. That's why I recommend eSIMs, which have the benefits of physical sim cards, but you don't have to go anywhere, talk to anyone, or physically put anything into your phone. My eSIM of choice is Olafly, which offers eSIMs in over 200 destinations worldwide, with unlimited data and no roaming fees. Set up, takes just a couple of minutes. You download the Olafly app, choose your plan, install the eSIM, and that's it. You're good to go. If you're ready to get started with Olafly, head to the link below and use the code AWAYTOGETHER for 5% off your eSIM purchase. Big thanks to our friends at Olafly for sponsoring today's video. Often overlooked in this region, Cambodia is, in my opinion, vastly underappreciated and incredibly affordable. When Ali and I traveled here, we stayed well under $75 per day for both of us combined, and we were not roughing it. Now, you have to visit Siem Reap. During our time there, we were blown away by the majesty of Angkor Wat. This UNESCO complex is the largest religious monument in the world, and it's every bit as impressive as people say. We set aside basically a day and a half to explore numerous temples, including Ta Prohm, the Tomb Raider temple, and Bayon, with the giant stone faces. Now, for a little extra, you can do what we did, which is hire a local tuk-tuk driver as your temple guide. For about $15 to $20 for a full day, you get personal transport, someone who knows the best times to visit each temple, and usually some stories about Cambodian history. Our driver is this guy named Song, who made the whole experience so much better. One practical note, Cambodia runs on a dual currency system, and you'll likely use the US dollar. Prices are listed in USD, ATMs dispense USD, and you'll only get small change back in Cambodian real, which makes budgeting and conversions very easy. It'll be hard not to visit Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, as that's where most flights in and out will be. While you're there, you should definitely take a day to learn more about Cambodia's history. In the not-too-distant past, the 1970s, Cambodia went through a brutal genocide at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, and it wiped out somewhere between 1.5 and 3 million people. Cambodia today is marked by a noticeable sense of rebuilding and looking ahead. It's one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. Friendly people, a complex history, and an experience that stays with you. Now, you can't watch a video about cheap travel destinations without Thailand showing up. And Southern Thailand is amazing if beaches is what you're after. Bangkok is an experience you should take in at least once. But the real value, and one of our favorite places on earth, is Northern Thailand. This area has a totally different feel from the South. Cooler weather, mountains instead of beaches, and the costs are generally much lower. We spent a couple weeks in Chiang Mai in 2022, and our daily budget for two people combined was around 60 bucks, without really even trying. We could have spent way less. This was eating out for every meal, staying in a nice house within the city walls, getting coffee shop next door, getting multiple Thai massages, all of it. The food in Chiang Mai is arguably some of the best you can get anywhere. You can eat delicious, authentic Thai street food for $1-$2 per meal. $1-$2. Khao Soi, Northern Thai curry noodle soup, is Ali's favorite dish in the entire world, and you can get a filling bowl for $1. Grilled meats on sticks, mango sticky rice, fresh smoothies, everything is cheap and everything is delicious. Besides being affordable, Chiang Mai offers an eclectic mix of activities and adventure opportunities. Explore the temples in the city walls, rent a scooter to go see Doi Suthep, walk the night markets, take a Thai cooking class, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, or visit the sticky waterfalls. There is so much to see, do, and eat in Northern Thailand. If you're looking for a tropical island escape that still delivers amazing value, look into the Philippines. This archipelago of more than 7,000 islands has crystal clear water and white sand beaches that rival any resort destination, often on a daily budget of $45-$70. The dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons in places like El Nido and Coron are absolutely stunning. Towering karst formations rise straight out of the water, and the snorkeling and diving here are world-class. We spent about three weeks traveling the Philippines and El Nido was by far our favorite stop. The town is small and laid back, and the surrounding islands are breathtaking. Now, we're not normally big hostile people, but in El Nido we stayed at Spin Hostel. A private room with our own bathroom was like $30 a night, and we absolutely loved it. We made some great friends there. Something we loved doing was renting a scooter for a couple days to explore the island. It's like $8 a day, and we had entire beaches to ourselves. Wherever you go, I highly recommend taking at least one island hopping tour. These are so much fun. Here's some other great places to visit. Islands like Siargao, which is famous for surfing, Cebu for great diving and whale shark encounters, and Bohol with its unique chocolate hills. The Philippines isn't only visually stunning, but it's incredibly budget-friendly. It's an ideal destination for budget travelers, and it was easy for us to stay under our budget here. Now, let's jump to a totally different part of the world. Where we're heading delivers dramatic volcanic landscapes, living Mayan culture, and beautifully preserved colonial cities, all at a fraction of the price of its neighbors. Guatemala delivers everything you want from Central America on a daily budget of just $40 to $65. That's significantly cheaper than Costa Rica or Mexico's tourist hotspots, and honestly, the experiences are just as good, if not better. Lake Atitlan is the centerpiece. This massive volcanic lake is surrounded by three towering volcanoes and dotted with small villages, each with its own distinct vibe. You can take boats between towns very affordably, hike volcanoes, learn about traditional Mayan weaving from local artisans, and just soak in what is genuinely one of the most stunning natural settings in the Americas. Antigua is Guatemala's former capital and one of the most photogenic cities in Latin America. The architecture is beautifully preserved, and the city has this charming mix of local life and traveler culture. Coffee shops, markets, rooftop restaurants with volcano views, it's all there. Tikal is one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in existence. Massive stone temples rise above the jungle canopy. We're talking structures that are over a thousand years old, some reaching over 200 feet high. Embracing local transport is a great way to stretch your budget. Chicken buses, brightly painted old-school buses, are the primary way locals get around. They cost just a few dollars for multi-hour trips. Food is another highlight, and incredibly cheap. Street food like tostadas, elotes, and fresh fruit is delicious, and a full meal at a local Commodore rarely exceeds four to five dollars. Guatemala gives you the perfect combo of culture, adventure, and natural beauty at prices that make extended travel totally doable. Hey, if you've gotten value out of this video so far, please be sure to hit that subscribe button if you haven't already for more content just like this. Now, we're headed to North Africa for a place that seems determined to overwhelm your senses in the best possible way. Morocco. This place is a full-blown sensory explosion. Electrifying souks, the expanse of the Sahara Desert, and ancient walled cities that feel like you've stepped back centuries in time. It's one of our more unique travel experiences, and it's surprisingly affordable at 40 to 70 dollars per day, especially if you travel during the winter months when temperatures are actually ideal. The ancient medinas of Fez and Marrakech are adventures in themselves. Labyrinths of alleyways with spice vendors, leather tanneries, and metal workers, all set to the soundtrack of haggling and the scent of street food. Staying in a traditional riad, a Moroccan house with an interior courtyard, gives you an intimate glimpse into local life. And in Marrakech, Jamia Al Fana Square comes alive at dusk with performers, food stalls, and storytellers. It's a chaotic highlight in the best way. Beyond the cities, Morocco's landscapes are just as spectacular. You could take a multi-day trip into the Atlas Mountains for trekking and Berber village visits, or head into the Sahara for camel trekking and an overnight stay in traditional desert camps. Sleeping under the stars with zero light pollution is a bucket list experience you will not forget. To get the most value in Morocco, be willing to barter. It's expected, especially for souvenirs, textiles, and even some guesthouse stays. It's not an argument, so don't be rude, but if you don't haggle, you're gonna pay more. Moroccan food is delicious. We're talking couscous, tagine, grilled meat, fresh bread, mint tea, and a full meal at a local restaurant is gonna cost you four to six dollars. Street food will be even cheaper. Traveling to the right destination can save you a ton of money, but that's only half the battle. The other half is knowing how to travel well. After 20 plus years of international travel, I put together YouTube's most comprehensive list of over 200 travel tips. It's no nonsense, and it's filled with practical advice that will help you save money, pack better, stay safe, and avoid costly mistakes. I'll see you there. Thanks so much for watching. Happy travels.