15 places to travel for under $30 per day

The Most Awesome Places To Travel For Under $30 Per Day!


Facebook


Pinterest


Instagram

With rising costs for pretty much everything, from milk powder to our favourite burrito, it is no wonder we need to seek out travel destinations that won’t burn a big hole in our pocket.

In the US, about 11% of the population has never even left their home state, but it is not because they don’t want to, rather they see travel as too expensive. We need to dispel this myth!

Using our own experiences and inputs from fellow travellers, we have created a complete list of travel locations that only requires a budget of $30 or less per day!

You don’t need to look much further to get inspired for your next travel spot! Don’t forget to pack a reliable selfie stick!

Related: Resources to plan your trip

15 Destinations Under $30 A Day

We have rounded up 15 countries that we think should not be missed out, and you can also check out a rough estimate of the basic costs of travelling there each day. (based on our own experiences or contributed by readers of this blog)

Granted, you will need to check in to hostels or probably spend time in a homestay (which is excellent), but if you are willing to stretch your budget, you can find some budget hotels at a good price too. 

Before you go on your trip, be sure to use our travel resources page to plan your trip and get the best accommodation deals here!



Booking.com

Armenia

Armenia

This country might come as a surprise to you, since it is hardly mentioned as a popular travel destination. 

However, that’s the beauty of it as it is undiscovered and not overrun by large crowds, yet. 

If you are keen to visit a place that is very rich in culture and heritage, Armenia is the place to go.

While most people think of Turkey when you mention East meets West, the same can be said of Armenia too. 

Home to unspoiled nature and exciting adventure sports, there is no shortage of activities for the intrepid traveller. 

Check it out soon before you have to start sharing with many others!

  • Accommodation: $9
  • Eat: $8
  • Transport: $2

Bolivia

bolivia

Located right in the heart of South America, Bolivia has a unique past and cuisine that rivals the best in the continent. 

Despite the low cost, the quality that you can get is surprisingly high, which allows you to travel in comfort without spending too much money. 

Check out the amazing Titicaca Lake and go in search of the diverse wildlife that calls this country home. 

If you are up for something different, you should really try out a homestay a local family. They are warm and friendly, and it is the perfect opportunity to learn about their traditions, customs and lifestyles.

A bonus would be to bunk in with an indigenous family who can show you the Andean traditions that still live on today.

  • Accommodation: $8
  • Eat: $8
  • Transport: $2

Mexico

While it is no longer a secret that Mexico is an excellent holiday destination, it is still worth mentioning it here. 

Well first off, if you are not a fan of the cuisine, you can probably skip ahead. 

Also, the country is home to a wide variety of landscape that is not commonly found, such as the deep jungles and arid deserts.

After you have your share of the amazing outdoors, spend some time learning about its fascinating history and pick up some Spanish along the way. 

While you are at it, down some tequila with the friendly locals!

  • Accommodation: $15
  • Eat: $10
  • Transport: $5

Thailand

thailand temples

Thailand doesn’t really need an introduction, since it has the most visited city in the world. But travelling here should not be restricted to only Bangkok, since there are some many great places to check out. 

Holiday makers flock here to enjoy the cheap prices, taking in the tropical climate and spending time exploring the gorgeous beaches. 

One such location is Krabi, where you can be ultra laid back and stretch your dollars.

Beyond the capital, there are many towns worth checking out to learn more about the relaxed (sabai, as they say in Thai) locals immerse in their culture. 

Venturing north or south of the country brings you new experiences, and there is so much in store for everyone. Oh, did we mention the outstanding Thai dishes you will try too?

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Thailand

  • Accommodation: $10
  • Eat: $10
  • Transport: $5

Laos

vangvien laos

We think that Laos is likely the last tourist frontier in Southeast Asia (although East Timor seems to be more so). 

The mysterious Laos has actually played host to lots of backpackers who invaded the towns of Luang Prabang and Vang Vien, but they have somewhat revamped themselves and today they welcome people of all sorts of interest.

Laos is steeped in culture and is so diverse thanks to the 20 minority groups that inhabits the mountainous regions. 

Visit Laos to experience its beautiful nature, where you can actually hike and visit a local family. 

As a mainly Buddhist nation, there is no lack of stunning temples on display, and a trip to Laos should warrant a visit to one. The most impressive: That Luang. 

  • Accommodation: $6
  • Eat: $5
  • Transport: $2

Vietnam

The Land of the Blue Dragon is famous for a well known export: Vietnamese cuisine. Everywhere you go, it seems so easy to find pho and Vietnamese spring rolls, and where else to enjoy them but the place of its origin. 

Vietnam is incredibly diverse, as the country used to be divided. Hence, you can find different cultures and behaviour on both ends of the country. The food is very different too, as you traverse from north to south. 

Many are familiar with the 2 big cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, but there is so much else hidden in plain sight that you simply cannot miss out.

Up in the north, you can visit nature hotspots such as Sapa Valley or see the incredible landscape of limestones in Halong Bay.

Da Nang in central Vietnam is another excellent location to check out, revealing the deep history of the Vietnamese people.

Related: Guide to Phu Quoc Night Market

  • Accommodation: $7
  • Eat: $8
  • Transport: $3

Malaysia

mount kinabalu malaysia

A lot of people know about Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and in fact it attracts a large amount of visitors each year. 

Visiting the metropolis is one thing, but Malaysia offers so much more. 

The country consists of 2 land masses, one being Peninsular Malaysia, while the other is East Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo. 

While the country is predominantly made up of ethnic Malays, you can easily call it a melting pot due to the influence of many other ethnic groups that live here. 

You should definitely venture out to the smaller cities such as Penang or the west coast or Trengganu on the east coast, or even go on an adventure in East Malaysia, where the highest mountain in Southeast Asia awaits you. 

Related: 4 – 12 Days Singapore Malaysia Itinerary

  • Accommodation: $12
  • Eat: $8
  • Transport: $4

Egypt

As a year round destination, Egypt has been a mecca for history buffs and UNESCO World Heritage Sites chasers. 

Not only that, Egypt is home to one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, and certainly the Pyramids are a huge draw on their own. 

Beyond that though, the cost of travelling in Egypt has stayed relatively low while having a bunch of international brands setting up resorts and hotels here.

It is the perfect place to explore and learn about the ancient times, while shopping for exquisite gifts in the giant bazaars that dot the country. 

If you are an adventure seeker, there is no shortage of things you can do, such as hot air balloon rides or desert biking.

  • Accommodation: $6
  • Eat: $4
  • Transport: $2

Related: 7 New Wonders of the World

India

taj mahal india

As you might expect from the seventh largest country in the world, there are a ton you can see and do in India. 

If you follow online forums and message boards, India is often raved about by all kinds of travellers.

Being here, you can expect to have a history lesson or two, as India’s past stretches back thousands of years. 

Each of the states is so unique, so every place you go you will experience something different.

From the food to the beaches and its nature reserves, India is a great place for bargain hunters and culture vultures.

  • Accommodation: $7
  • Eat: $3
  • Transport: $1

Oman

It is somewhat of a shame that Oman is not on the target list of many people, since the nation can be described as one of the most hospitable in the world. 

You might not know, but Oman is a really clean country, and cleanliness is taken seriously by its people. 

This makes travelling through Oman extremely pleasant, and allows you to be brave while trying out the authentic cuisine. 

As you wander around the country, you will also be constantly greeted by the scent of Frankincense, which they produce in abundance. 

Before you leave, be sure to pick up a gift or two from one of the marvellous souks.

  • Accommodation: $13
  • Eat: $10
  • Transport: $4

Ukraine

Ukraine is suffering, no thanks to the political instability. But that also presents a chance for travellers to visit this beautiful country without breaking the bank. 

Despite what is going on, the country is very safe to travel, and you will be amazed by the amount of wonderful architecture, ranging from art nouveau to neo Gothic. 

Due to its location, there are plenty of nature spots to check out, and you can choose to do so in the desert or hike through a traditional village. 

Of course, no trip would be complete without tasting the complex local cuisine, and trying out the vodka!

  • Accommodation: $8
  • Eat: $4
  • Transport: $1

Pakistan

badshahi mosque pakistan

Yet another place that is off the beaten path, Pakistan was not on our radar too, until we watched some program that showed the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. It is stunning.

While India has the Taj Mahal, which is a modern day wonder, Badshahi Mosque in our opinion deserves similar accolades. Well, too bad for now. 

Besides this and countless other magnificent mosques, Pakistan is also home to some of the highest mountain ranges in the world, and they make for a brilliant backdrop for a lot of its cities. 

Various religions have flourished here over hundreds of years, and the history of the country runs deep, a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

  • Accommodation: $12
  • Eat: $8
  • Transport: $4

China

great wall of china

As China continues to grow, its largest cities such as Beijing and Shanghai has caught up in terms of economic situation, thus the cost of travelling there will be much higher.

However, China is a massive country, with lots of undiscovered places to visit that will not cost a lot of money. 

With over 3000 years of history, countless dynasties, a fascinating warring period, there is so much to see and learn in China. 

The heritage, the culture, the people, it is all so diverse and captivating. 

As the country becomes increasingly accessible, it opens up a world of possibility for us the travellers. 

We are also excited to see more of China’s wildlife and taste the delicious cuisine in days to come.

  • Accommodation: $12
  • Eat: $8
  • Transport: $6

Hungary

Budapest

One of our favourite cities in the world, Budapest is a charming and immersive to visit. Beyond the capital, Hungary is blessed with diverse natural landscapes, and just an hour and a half out, you can gain access to Europe’s largest lake.

It is a great place to escape to and enjoy the water sports, soak in the sunshine and just relax by the water’s edge.

Anywhere you go in Hungary, you can try out its delectable food choices or try out something you wouldn’t expect to find here: Hungarian wines. 

If we had to compare Hungary to the rest of Europe, they are right up there with the best in terms of architecture, as well as being rich in folk culture.

Related: 2 Days In Budapest Hungary

  • Accommodation: $13
  • Eat: $10
  • Transport: $3

Taiwan

If you have been following this blog, you will know that we really enjoy visiting a lot. 

Although we do not travel on the tightest of budgets, we do know of ways to keep the costs down, and less than $25 a day is entirely doable. 

Taiwanese are some of the friendliest and most helpful people we have come across.

The country is special as it contains a good mix of modern and tradition. 

Not only is Taiwan home to some of the best food around, there is so much you can do here. 

Exploring the capital, Taipei, is a good way to start, but day trips out to Juifen, Hualien, Taichung, Kenting or Kaohsiung can also yield incredible experiences. 

Go for surfing courses or climb up the magical Alishan to witness an amazing sunrise.

  • Accommodation: $13
  • Eat: $12
  • Transport: $3

Related: Guide to Yangmingshan, Day trip from Taipei

What’s your verdict?

So what do you think? Which of these countries will you be visiting? 

Or do you know of another great budget destination? Let us know in the comments down below! 

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to share on social media and pin it to Pinterest1

Related: Latest articles on Zip Up & Go

Logistics before travelling

Save on currency exchange rates
Stop paying exorbitant rates forever! Make use of TransferWise debit card to get the best rates across the globe. You can also use it to transfer money worldwide for cheap.

Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner.

Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates. 

Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed. 

More resources to help you.
All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.

15 Places to Travel under $30 a Day (Pin 1)
15 Places to Travel under $30 a Day pin 2

Share this post!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.