Are you planning on going backpacking in Mexico? Or perhaps you’re planning a surf or beach holiday to Mexico and are looking to get some inspiration and direction as to the best things to do in Mexico?

Well, my friend, this is the blog post for you! In this post, I am going to share some of the best things to do in Mexico with you, some of which I have done and some that are still high on my Mexico bucket list.

Mexico is home to such a variety of landscapes, there really are so many things to do here that will suit everyone. Beach lovers can head to Cancun. Surfers can head to the Pacific Coast. Hikers will love the National Parks here and culture vultures can soak up the knowledge of the indigenous people or visit the museums in Mexico City (there are over 150). 

From surfing in Puerto Escondido to hanging out with the locals in San Cristobal, I absolutely loved my time in Mexico and I cannot wait to come back and explore the likes of Mexico City, Palenque, Chichen Itza and Oaxaca, as well as more of the best places to visit in Mexico. And, I’ve definitely got to come back and eat more tacos, for sure.

Get your pen and paper at the ready, by the end of this post you’re going to know the best things to do in Mexico, the best places to visit in Mexico and the best adventures to add to your Mexico bucket list.

Blog posts you might find useful include…

• The best cenote diving on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico 
• A guide to Puerto Escondido
• The best things to do in San Cristobal
• North America: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• Top tips for travelling to Cuba
• Top tips for travelling to Costa Rica
• The best things to do in Costa Rica

Travelling on a budget is a win-win situation, really. You get to have just as much fun and adventure, without breaking the bank.

Anyone who’s followed me for a while now knows that I love a good bargain. And for me, this is so important when I’m travelling. Yes, luxury travel has it’s place and I’ve been fortunate enough to go on some pretty epic, deluxe adventures. But, some of my favourite travel memories have been from the cheaper trips: trips where I consciously tried to travel on the cheap and save money for more adventures later down the line.

Check out my top tips for travelling on a budget here!

In this blog post I’m going to share some of the best places to travel on a budget. There are cheap destinations all over the world, it’s just a case of choosing one and then planning your next adventure! See my top tips for planning your next trip here.

Note: the budget destinations I’m sharing in this post reflect the cost on the ground, when you get there. This list doesn’t take into account getting to your chosen destination, because flight prices vary depending on where you’re coming from. However, please do factor this into your costs when looking into budget travel options! To check flight deals on Skyscanner, click here.

Note: The daily budgets suggested in this blog post don’t include flights, and are approximate budgets for shoestring backpackers. If you prefer something a bit more lavish, you’ll need to account for this in your planning!

Here Are 30 Of The Best Places To Travel On A Budget

LET’S START WITH ASIA

Asia is an excellent place to travel on a budget because of the cost of living there. In many countries in this vast and diverse continent, you can sleep and eat for less than £10 a day (combined!), leaving you more of your budget for activities and tours… or, if you don’t want to do these, giving you a very cheap adventure!

Here are a few of my favourite places to travel on a budget in Asia…

1. Indonesia

Approximate daily budget: Rp 300000/day (≈£16/€18/$20 USD)

A country that I’ve fallen in love with time and time again, Indonesia really is a great place for budget travel. I’d say it’s one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia, or even in the world! From the famous island of Bali, to the smaller, less travel islands that are equally as beautiful, and the larger islands of Java and Sumatra, Indonesia provides plenty of opportunity for adventure on a budget.

Check out my post on budgeting for Bali here.

2. The Philippines

Approximate daily budget: ₱ 1000/day (≈£16/€18/$20 USD).

The Philippines is a destination that changed my approach to travel, and I can’t wait to return there one day. From the stunning beaches to the deep blue lagoons, you can really have a ‘luxury’ holiday on a backpacker budget in the Philippines! The Philippines is also one of the cheapest places to do adrenaline-rushing activities such as canyoneering, skydiving, paragliding, and swimming with whale sharks. Check out my experience of canyoneering here.

3. Nepal

Approximate daily budget: रू 2500/day (≈£17/€19/$20 USD).

This small country in the Himalayas is a cheap and safe destination for every backpacker. Nepal is really popular for its trekking, so if you want to join guided treks, you may be closer to the top end of the budget. I’d love to incorporate a trek with relxing in Pokara and exploring Chitwan National Park!

Preparing for a trekking holiday? Check out my beginner’s guide to hiking here.

4. India

Approximate daily budget: ₹ 1350/day (≈£14.50/€16.50/$17.50 USD).

India is an INCREDIBLE country to travel through and it can definitely be done on a backpacker budget! I spent a couple of months there last year and am already planning my return. It’s so rich in culture, colour and adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a spiritual adventure in Rishikesh, a once-in-a-lifetime train ride through the Himalayas, a relaxing vacation on the beaches of Goa or craving the hustle and bustle of Delhi or Mumbai… India offers adventure and then some.

Explore our India tips and adventures using the button below.

5. Cambodia

Approximate daily budget: 82000 r/day (≈£16.50/€18.50/$20 USD).

I first went to Cambodia during my first solo backpacking trip, and loved it. A country with a complex history worth learning about while you’re here, but also with beautiful islands, beaches and mountains, as well as the famous Angkor Wat.

EXPLORE CAMBODIA ON MY BLOG HERE

6. Malaysia

Approximate daily budget: RM 100/day (≈£19/€21/$23 USD).

Budgets for Malaysia depend entirely on where you stay; Kuala Lumpur is a lot more expensive than the rest of the country. I’d love to spend more time in Malaysia and explore more of the jungle and the islands.

EXPLORE MALAYSIA ON MY BLOG HERE

7. Laos

Approximate daily budget: ₭ 180000/day (≈£16.50/€18.50/$20 USD).

This landlocked Asian country is often overlooked by backpackers, who often visit just for a visa run. Take some time to explore the caves, mountains and culture in Laos, and I can guarantee you’ll be surprised!

8. Pakistan

Approximate daily budget: Rs 3000/day (≈£15/€17/$19 USD).

Tensions in Pakistan in recent years have subsided, and I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful country to explore. From the stunning mountains to the cities full of culture and colour, Pakistan can offer something to every budget traveller!

Note: The visa application for Pakistan is long – just something to be aware of! You also need a ‘Letter of Invitation’ from a tour company, so you’ll have to book onto a tour for at least part of your trip.

9. Vietnam

Approximate daily budget: ₫ 400000/day (≈£14/€16/$22.50 USD).

I loved exploring Vietnam during my solo backpacking trip and I’d return in a heartbeat. As well as rediscovering Hanoi, I’d love to see more of the waterfalls, beaches and National Parks this beautiful country has to offer.

Check out my backpackers guide to Hanoi here.

10. Thailand

Approximate daily budget: ฿ 800/day (≈£20/€23/$25 USD).

Thailand was the first place I went on my first backpacking adventure, back in 2013. The islands, jungles and cities stole a piece of my heart forever. Thailand… I promise I’ll be back soon!

Remember that the north is cheaper than the south! Check out my budgeting guide for Thailand here.

11. Sri Lanka

Approximate daily budget: රු, Rs 4700/day (≈£21/€23/$25 USD).

This small island off the coast of India is well worth exploring. Beaches, surfing, wildlife, hiking, waterfalls, wellness… you name it, Sri Lanka’s got it, and all on a budget! I spent a month there last year and can highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for laid back island life, great food, beautiful culture and lots of waves!

CENTRAL AMERICA

There are a few big gaps to fill on my travel bucket list, and Central America is one of them! Having put together this list of budget destinations, I now have even more of an urge to go…

Here are a few cheap places to visit in Central America…

12. Mexico

Approximate daily budget: Mex$ 700/day (≈£25/€27/$30 USD).

Mexico is a really diverse country and how much you spend really depends on where you want to go. For a budget adventure, avoid tourist hotspots like Cancun, and head to the hidden gems such as Baja California and Oaxaca.

13. Guatemala

Approximate daily budget: Q 200/day (≈£21.50/€24/$26 USD).

A unique destination for your list, Guatemala is home on Mayan ruins, dense rain forests, cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches and more!

Travelling sustainably helps the planet and also your budget, for example taking a reusable water bottle so you don’t have to pay for water! Here are 15 tips for travelling sustainably.

14. Nicaragua

Approximate daily budget: C$ 600/day (≈£15/€16.50/$18 USD).

Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America. If you’re backpacking across Central America and you’re on a budget, you’d be wise to spend more time here than the more expensive likes of Costa Rica. The beaches, cities and islands are all worth exploring here, and you can even go and see the lava bubbling inside a volcano near Managua!

15. Cuba

Cuba is one of the lesser travelled Caribbean countries. There are a lot of rumours that Cuba is expensive and difficult to travel around, but this is not the case! As long as you are happy to travel like a local (local buses), eat like a local (street food), and sleep in dorms, there’s no reason why Cuba can’t be a really cheap place to travel!

One strange thing about Cuba is the dual currency… the ‘local’ National Peso (CUP) and the ‘tourist’ convertible Cuban Peso (CUC). It reflects the wealth of tourists compared to the locals. Advice seems to be that you will need both currencies, but it’s much more expensive to travel on a CUC budget, so use the National Peso where you can!

• 25 National Pesos (CUP) = 1 Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
• 1 Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) = $1 USD

This is why it’s harder to give an approximately daily budget for Cuba… it can be anywhere from $15-50 USD (£12-40/€14-46) depending on your backpacking style and the currency you use! But, you can definitely travel Cuba on the lower end of that budget relatively easily using the National Peso.

EXPLORE THE CARIBBEAN ON MY BLOG HERE

SOUTH AMERICA

Another huge destination on my travel bucket list, South America is somewhere that I can’t wait to take my backpack and explore. Most of South America is quite cheap, so it was hard to choose which ones to feature on this list, but if you have any other favourites then do let me know!

Here are some budget destinations in South America…

16. Ecuador

Approximate daily budget: $25 USD/day (≈£21/€23).

There is more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands, which as stunning as they are, come at a huge cost. Naturally if you book onto group excursions to see the Amazon rain forest or the Andes mountains then you will spend more money, but there are plenty of budget options available. The cities of Quito and Baños are also well worth spending some time in!

17. Bolivia

Approximate daily budget: Bs 150/day (≈£18/€20/$22 USD).

Bolivia is said to be one of the cheapest, safest and most beautiful countries in South America! I’d love to explore the world-famous salt flats, rain forest and Lake Titicaca.

For top tips travelling solo as a female, check out my guide here!

18. Colombia

Approximate daily budget: COL$ 120000/day (≈£25/€28/$30 USD).

When I get to backpack through Colombia, I’d love to explore the city of Bogota, hire a moped and explore Colombia’s countryside, use my PADI on the north coastline and hike the Cocora Valley!

Want to check out the reefs and explore the deep blue? Here’s my guide to getting PADI certified.

AFRICA

Africa is the most diverse continent I’ve visited. Mountains, desert, lakes, coral reef, rain forest, savanna… And hundreds of opportunities for adventure!

Here are some budget adventures to have in Africa…

19. South Africa

Approximate daily budget: R 700/day (≈£31/€35/$38 USD).

South Africa is where I went on my budget safari. Yes, you read that correctly; not every safari has to cost you £100s per person, if not more! Sure, any kind of tour adds to your budget significantly, so avoid if you’re on a really tight budget, but if you’re after a once in a lifetime budget experience, this is the one. Check out my budget safari guide here.

20. Tunisia

Approximate daily budget: د.ت 45/day (≈£12.50/€14.50/$15.50 USD).

With 8 UNESCO world heritage sites, it’s no wonder that Tunisia was included on Lonely Planet’s Best in travel 2020 list! The city of Tunis looks beautiful, as does exploring the Sahara in a 4×4!

21. Morocco

Approximate daily budget: DH 250/day (≈£21/€23/$25 USD).

With cities full of culture and colour, such as Fez and Marrakech, as well as the famous Casablanca, you’ll be pleased to hear that Morocco can be a really cheap place to travel!

Most of the budget destinations on this list can be travelled in even cheaper (as little as £10/day!) if you’re able/willing to free camp and cook for yourself for the whole trip, and don’t do any excursions.

22. Tanzania

Approximate daily budget: TSh 70000/day (≈£25/€28/$30 USD).

Tanzania, in particular Zanzibar, has been on my bucket list forever. Get on Pinterest to check out pictures of the tropical beaches, and you’ll see exactly why. If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s best to avoid Zanzibar, however, as it’s one of the more expensive parts of the country. The beach town of Pangani also has beautiful beaches, and Tanzania is another great destination for a budget safari. Paradise on a budget? Yes please!

EUROPE

Europe, the continent I’m lucky enough to call home. For me, Europe is the perfect destination for a cheap break because it’s only a short flight or train journey away. But if you’re further away, don’t worry; the long flight will be worth it when you get there!

Here are some places to travel on a budget in Europe

23. Poland

Approximate daily budget: 100 zł/day (≈£20/€22/$24 USD).

An often overlooked destination, but one with plenty of adventure. Poznań and Wrocław are student cities, so naturally more budget friendly than Warsaw or Krakow, but you can still get great deals there too!

24. Albania

Approximate daily budget: L 3400/day (≈£25/€28/$30 USD).

Albania is the country that has taken me by surprise the most on my travelling journey so far. A country that I’d almost never heard of before my trip there, it surprised me with a stunning coastline, a wonderful capital (Tirana), beautiful natural surroundings, and plenty of adventure.

Check out more hidden gems in Europe in this blog post.

25. Georgia

Approximate daily budget: ₾80/day (≈£21/€23/$25 USD).

An underrated destination with vibrant cities, beautiful national parks, and excellent wine. You had me at wine on a budget!

26. Romania

Approximate daily budget: L 100/day (≈£18/€21/$23 USD).

With an eclectic history and a variety of things to do, Romania is great if you are travelling on a budget. Dracula’s castle, vibrant Bucharest, the Danube delta, brown bears and beaches, you will have a unique combination of everything you could possibly imagine, all in one budget friendly trip!

For safety tips for solo travel, check out these 12 ways to stay safe on your solo adventure!

27. Hungary

Approximate daily budget: Ft 9000/day (≈£23/€25/$27 USD).

Budapest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe (budget accommodation starts from Ft 2000/night!), and it’s great fun to explore too! From the thermal baths to a beautiful castle, the Danube river bank and more, you won’t be short of things to do in this European city.

Check out 22 top tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post!

28. Italy

Approximate daily budget: €30/day (≈£27/$32 USD).

Granted, some parts of Italy are really expensive (yes, I’m looking at you Rome, Milan and Florence!). However, if you head further south to the city of Naples, or the regions of Calabria, Puglia or Sicily, you’re guaranteed to have a much cheaper trip with just as much fun!

If you want to head to a big city, expect to spend closer to €50/day.

29. Portugal

Approximate daily budget: €30/day (≈£27/$32 USD).

Portugal is a stunning country, and one of the cheapest in the Eurozone. Some of the best things to do in Portugal are hiking and exploring the beaches… both of which are free! Bonus!

The cities of Porto and Lisbon are also very backpacker budget friendly, making it really easy to explore everywhere on a budget.

For even more places to travel on a budget in Europe, check out this post full of cheap European destinations!

OCEANIA

30. Australia

Approximate daily budget: $70 AUD/day (≈£37/€41/$45 USD).

Australia is certainly not the cheapest place on this list, and not usually included on ‘travel on a budget’ bucket lists. But, if you really want to see Australia, it can be done on the cheap! If you stay in hostels and cook your own food, you have more money to spend on activities, which you can get really good deals on! From Fraser Island and the Whitsundays to exploring Sydney, so much is available in Australia on a budget; you just have to look. Check out my budgeting for backpacking Australia guide here

Have you travelled on a budget?

Where was your budget travel destination? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

The best things to do and see in Mexico

1. Explore Mexico City!

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is one of the liveliest and most exciting capital cities in the world! You definitely cannot miss a weekend here off your Mexico bucket list. Not only is it full of art, culture (there’s a whole district that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site!) and wonderful food, but it’s also pretty affordable considering it’s a capital! 

Founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, the city was colonised by the Spanish in 1521 and later renamed “Mexico.” However, as you explore you’ll see and feel the pre-colonial history shining through. 

From exploring the street art throughout the city or the architecture in San Miguel de Chapultepec, to the 150 museums including the Museo Nacional de Antropología, there are so many fun things to do in Mexico City. Mexico City is also a really good base for day trips to National Parks or to visit some of the Aztec, Toltec and Mesoamerican ruins.

2. Go diving in the cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Mexico, diving in a cenote is an absolute must. 

Cenotes are really common throughout Mexico, particularly on the Yucatan Peninsual. They are natural sinkholes, filled with water, where the ceiling of a cave has collapsed. Some are like lakes and you can go cliff jumping; others are still cavern-like and great for exploring!

Diving in cenotes in Mexico definitely needs to be on your bucket list! Check out our guide to the best cenote diving on the Yucatán Peninsula here.

3. Visit the gorgeous Mayan mountain town of San Cristobal de las casas

San Cristobal is pure magic. It is a very special place rooted in Mayan culture and mountain air sitting at 2200m in the Chiapas highlands. You know that feeling when you arrive somewhere and you can’t quite put your finger on why but it feels really special. There’s a warmth in the air in San Cristobal (from both the sunshine and the people) and the energy holds you. 

I loved the maze of colourful streets of San Cristobal, all adorned with different scents and smells and the integration of locals and travellers as one. The mountains and greenery surrounding this Southern Mexico town gave an exquisite backdrop to every street you walked down. 

San Cristobal de las Casas is definitely one of those hidden gems in Mexico, a destination that should feature on your Mexico bucket list even if you’re all about the bigger cities, beaches and diving!

Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas here.

4. Drive the Chiapas coffee route

The Chiapas coffee route runs through the farms and coffee plantations in the mountains and rainforests of southern Mexico. If you love good coffee, like I do, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Mexico! 

The route follows the Tapachula-Nuevo Alemania highway, across the mountains of southern Chiapas. Here you can visit the some of the 13 farms in this area, enjoying a guided tour and trying the final product – coffee! Some farms even have museums, shops, restaurants, and offer cool activities such as trekking and ziplining!

The most visited farms (as they are most accessible and open to the public) are Finca Hamburgo, Finca Irlanda, Finca Argovia, Finca La Chiripa and Finca San Francisco.

5. Go surfing in Puerto Escondido

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, never mind one of the best things to do in Mexico, is to get in the water and surf!

If you’re a beginner, head to the La Punta end of the beach and book a surf lesson. The waves are a lot more mellow on the south end of Zicatela. 

The wave that Puerto Escondido is famous for is Playa Zicatela, though this is absolutely not for beginners. Rarely flat, Zicatela is one of the venues for the worlds best big wave surfers and bodyboarders to test their skills. The waves break pretty close to the shoreline here, an amazing chance to see some epic surf up close.

To find out more of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido, check out our travel guide here.

6. Watch a sunset on the Pacific Coast with a margarita, cerveza or michelada

One of the best things to do in Mexico is to enjoy golden hour and watch the sun turn the sky from bright blue to beautiful shades of red, orange and pink, with a Mexican drink of your choice! 

7. Adventure for a dip at Hierve el Agua

Anyone who loves a cold dip in the water should definitely add Hierve el Agua to their list of best things to do in Mexico! 

The waterfalls here are actually petrified, meaning that mineral water is pushing through limestone. The springs above the waterfalls ahve created small pools that you can take a dip in! 

8. Take Spanish classes

Wherever you are, unless you’re in a hotel in Cancun, you’ll find knowing even a little Spanish will help you get by and connect with the locals. 

There are classes everywhere in Mexico, and they’re fairly cheap!

Another way to learn Spanish on the road is to download the Duolingo app – it definitely helped me! See more useful travel apps here.

Some basic phrases to get you started…

• Hola = Hello
• Adiós = Goodbye
• Por favor = Please
• Gracias = Thank you
• Lo siento = Sorry
• Sí = Yes
• No = No
• Disculpe = Excuse me
• ¿Dónde está …. ? = Where is …. ?
• Yo no comprendo = I do not understand
• ¿Habla inglés? = Do you speak English?
• Quisiera … = I would like… 
• ¿Cuánto cuesta?  = How much does it cost?

9. Go swimming at El Chiflon waterfalls, Chiapas

The Cascadas El Chiflon are on most people’s bucket lists and definitely one of the best places to visit in Mexico. Tucked away in Chiapas, the southernmost state in Mexico, this natural beauty is a must do on your Mexican adventure. 

Whether you want to go hiking, swimming or simply enjoy the view… El Chiflon offers everything! Within this valley you’ll find 5 waterfalls and countless swimming pools all filled with turquoise water and connected by a hiking trail. The main waterfall is almost 120m high, so be preapred to get covered in mist as your jaw drops at its beauty!

10. Take part in a Mayan Temazcal Ceremony

This is one of the best things to do in Mexico for your wellbeing, and to experience a real part of Mayan culture. 

Temezcal means “house of heat,” and you can get invovled in a sweat lodge experience and spiritual ceremony. Here, in complete darkness other than a fire, you’ll sit in a round, stone hut which is steaming hot while a shaman chants and you soak up the smells of the Copal smoke. 

It’s good for purifying the mind and body, healing the sick, releasing your fears and feeling at peace. 

EXPLORE WELLBEING ON THE BLOG HERE

11. Discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque

The Mayan Ruins of Palenque are a UNESCO World heritage site (see number 16) but worth of their own special mention. Located 400 miles (650 km) from the Riviera Maya in the Tumbalá mountains, Palenque holds the secrets of the mythology and resources of the Maya. It is one of the most studied and documented Mayan archeological ruins, so it’s very important, and it is still being studied to understand more about Mayan history. 

Make sure you don’t miss the 8 Temples of the Crosses and the Temple of Inscriptions and you walk around and soak up the tranquility in one of the best places to visit in Mexico. 

12. Eat all the tacos

You cannot come to Mexico without eating tacos. It’s one of the best things to do in Mexico and a must on any Mexico bucket list! 

You can find taco trucks and shacks on every street, selling fresh tortillas filled with yummy meat and fish. 

What I didn’t know before I got to Mexico was how many different types of tacos there are! There’s everything from the traditional pork, goat or beef to shrimp or crab, as well as vegetarian options, and even more unique fillings such as grasshopper!

13. Visit one of the local indigenous villages

San Cristobal is not an indigenous town, but there are lots of indigienous villages in teh Chiapas area, as well as in Oaxaca, Yucatan, Mexico City and other areas of Mexico. In these villages you can learn local traditions and crafts and more about the indigenous culture in Mexico.

Some indigenous towns and villages in Mexico that you might want to visit include…

• Near San Cristobal, which is home to the Tzotzil community:
  • Zinacantán, where you can see how scarves, shawls and clothing are made
  • San Juan Chamula where lots of indigenous rituals take place.
• In Puebla, you can visit a traditional market in Cuetzalan
• Papantla to see the Totonacs’ traditional dance of the flyers. 
• Zitacua – the Huichol community who live off their art, such as “yarn paintings”, wooden masks and animal sculptures
• Batopilas – the Tarahumaras are known for their woodwork
• Pátzcuaro – fantastic Day of the dead celebrations, famous for Purépecha community art and food
• Capulálpam de Méndez – traditional medicine and spiritual healing from the Zapotec community

It’s absolutely paramount that you respect the rules of these local communities who have held onto their ancestral ways as much as possible. Be friendly, don’t assume they speak Spanish (there are over 100 indigenous languages in Mexico), be kind, and leave no trace. Ask permission to take photos. 

14. Go on a boat tour of Cañón del Sumidero

A boat tour through the Canon del Sumidero in Chiapas in a must! You’ll notice that the walls of the canyon are over 1km high as you enjoy the boat tour along the Rio Grijalva. On your tour, as well as the majestic canyon, you’ll get to see crocodiles, monkeys, caves, waterfalls and birds, as well as learning about the history of the canyon and the local area. 

It’s about 1 hour from San Cristobal, so you can book a tour from there. 

15. Rent a car and surf the Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast road trip route is a favourite among travellers and surfers alike, and definitely one of the best things to do in Mexico! While you’re on this Mexico road trip, make sure you don’t miss Mazatlan, Xtapa, Aculpoco, Puerto Escondido and Chiapas.

Some of the best surf spots on the Pacific Coast are Puerto Esconido, Chihuahua, Mazunte, and Barra de la Cruz (to name a few)

Note: Do this road trip with caution and only with research.  It has the chance to be an absolutely epic road trip, but make sure that you have up to date information on which areas you should and shouldn’t drive in, and avoid driving at night.

16. Visit one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mexico is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so if you’re lookin for fun things to do in Mexico, there is plenty to keep you busy! Some of our favourite UNESCO world heritage sites in Mexico are…

Chichen Itza

Not only is this a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s one of the seven new wonders of the world. You can explore this ancient city to see the pyramids (including the monumental El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan), the Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Jaguars.

San Miguel de Allende

This historical Mexican city looks like something out of a fairytale. Explore the colourful cobbled streets to really soak up the art, culture and food that Mexico has to offer. 

Puebla

This town is coverd in talavera, colourful glazed tiles made by local artisans. Expect to see them on buildings, fountains, benches and more! You can also buy talavera pottery and ceramics to take home with you.

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Every year millions of Monarch butterflies migrate south from the USA and Canada to the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico. Make sure you to a day trip to this protected area to see them in the wild!

Xochimilco

Here you can ride on a gondola style boat through floating flower gardens as mariachi bands play music. 

Tequila

Yes, the town where tequila is from is also called Tequila and it is a beautiful UNESCO world heritage site! Take a trip to one of the distilleries to go  tequila tasting.

17. Check into a hotel in Cancún and explore the Riviera Maya

Lying along a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico are the resort destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, the island of Cozumel, and beyond. Collectively these are known as the Riviera Maya. Known for the beautiful white sand beaches, and for being the place where the lush jungle and warm Caribbean Sea meet, Riviera Maya and Cancun are two of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. It’s definitely somewhere you want to go for a luxury, switch-off kind of holiday! 

Here you can do everything from relaxing on the beach to swimming in cenotes and underground caves, sightseeing in the towns, sailing to the island of Cozumel, wandering anceint ruins, and more.

While you’re there, one of the most fun things to do in Mexico is to visit the Museo Subacuatico de Art (MUSA) – the Cancun Underwater Museum. With 500 life-size sculptures and installations submerged underwater in the Cancun National Marine Park, it’s the biggest underwater museum in the world, and you can visit by glass-bottom boat or on a snorkelling or diving tour.

18. Visit Copper Canyon: Mexico’s Grand Canyon

Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre) in the Sierra Madre Mountains in the state of Chihuahua is a canyon system in Mexico. It’s another one of Mexico’s world heritage sites! 

Did you know that the group of canyons at Copper Canyon is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States?! But, the Grand Canyon is larger than any of the individual canyons in the Copper Canyon group. The Copper Canyon is over 1 mile deep in places, which is also deeper than the Grand Canyon!

Once you’ve seen the Copper Canyon (best done on the Copper Canyon train), spend some time in the area exploring the small towns and discovering the hidden waterfalls and hot springs. 

Travelling on a budget is a win-win situation, really. You get to have just as much fun and adventure, without breaking the bank.

Anyone who’s followed me for a while now knows that I love a good bargain. And for me, this is so important when I’m travelling. Yes, luxury travel has it’s place and I’ve been fortunate enough to go on some pretty epic, deluxe adventures. But, some of my favourite travel memories have been from the cheaper trips: trips where I consciously tried to travel on the cheap and save money for more adventures later down the line.

Check out my top tips for travelling on a budget here!

In this blog post I’m going to share some of the best places to travel on a budget. There are cheap destinations all over the world, it’s just a case of choosing one and then planning your next adventure! See my top tips for planning your next trip here.

Note: the budget destinations I’m sharing in this post reflect the cost on the ground, when you get there. This list doesn’t take into account getting to your chosen destination, because flight prices vary depending on where you’re coming from. However, please do factor this into your costs when looking into budget travel options! To check flight deals on Skyscanner, click here.

Note: The daily budgets suggested in this blog post don’t include flights, and are approximate budgets for shoestring backpackers. If you prefer something a bit more lavish, you’ll need to account for this in your planning!

Here Are 30 Of The Best Places To Travel On A Budget

LET’S START WITH ASIA

Asia is an excellent place to travel on a budget because of the cost of living there. In many countries in this vast and diverse continent, you can sleep and eat for less than £10 a day (combined!), leaving you more of your budget for activities and tours… or, if you don’t want to do these, giving you a very cheap adventure!

Here are a few of my favourite places to travel on a budget in Asia…

1. Indonesia

Approximate daily budget: Rp 300000/day (≈£16/€18/$20 USD)

A country that I’ve fallen in love with time and time again, Indonesia really is a great place for budget travel. I’d say it’s one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia, or even in the world! From the famous island of Bali, to the smaller, less travel islands that are equally as beautiful, and the larger islands of Java and Sumatra, Indonesia provides plenty of opportunity for adventure on a budget.

Check out my post on budgeting for Bali here.

2. The Philippines

Approximate daily budget: ₱ 1000/day (≈£16/€18/$20 USD).

The Philippines is a destination that changed my approach to travel, and I can’t wait to return there one day. From the stunning beaches to the deep blue lagoons, you can really have a ‘luxury’ holiday on a backpacker budget in the Philippines! The Philippines is also one of the cheapest places to do adrenaline-rushing activities such as canyoneering, skydiving, paragliding, and swimming with whale sharks. Check out my experience of canyoneering here.

3. Nepal

Approximate daily budget: रू 2500/day (≈£17/€19/$20 USD).

This small country in the Himalayas is a cheap and safe destination for every backpacker. Nepal is really popular for its trekking, so if you want to join guided treks, you may be closer to the top end of the budget. I’d love to incorporate a trek with relxing in Pokara and exploring Chitwan National Park!

Preparing for a trekking holiday? Check out my beginner’s guide to hiking here.

4. India

Approximate daily budget: ₹ 1350/day (≈£14.50/€16.50/$17.50 USD).

India is an INCREDIBLE country to travel through and it can definitely be done on a backpacker budget! I spent a couple of months there last year and am already planning my return. It’s so rich in culture, colour and adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a spiritual adventure in Rishikesh, a once-in-a-lifetime train ride through the Himalayas, a relaxing vacation on the beaches of Goa or craving the hustle and bustle of Delhi or Mumbai… India offers adventure and then some.

Explore our India tips and adventures using the button below.

5. Cambodia

Approximate daily budget: 82000 r/day (≈£16.50/€18.50/$20 USD).

I first went to Cambodia during my first solo backpacking trip, and loved it. A country with a complex history worth learning about while you’re here, but also with beautiful islands, beaches and mountains, as well as the famous Angkor Wat.

EXPLORE CAMBODIA ON MY BLOG HERE

6. Malaysia

Approximate daily budget: RM 100/day (≈£19/€21/$23 USD).

Budgets for Malaysia depend entirely on where you stay; Kuala Lumpur is a lot more expensive than the rest of the country. I’d love to spend more time in Malaysia and explore more of the jungle and the islands.

EXPLORE MALAYSIA ON MY BLOG HERE

7. Laos

Approximate daily budget: ₭ 180000/day (≈£16.50/€18.50/$20 USD).

This landlocked Asian country is often overlooked by backpackers, who often visit just for a visa run. Take some time to explore the caves, mountains and culture in Laos, and I can guarantee you’ll be surprised!

8. Pakistan

Approximate daily budget: Rs 3000/day (≈£15/€17/$19 USD).

Tensions in Pakistan in recent years have subsided, and I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful country to explore. From the stunning mountains to the cities full of culture and colour, Pakistan can offer something to every budget traveller!

Note: The visa application for Pakistan is long – just something to be aware of! You also need a ‘Letter of Invitation’ from a tour company, so you’ll have to book onto a tour for at least part of your trip.

9. Vietnam

Approximate daily budget: ₫ 400000/day (≈£14/€16/$22.50 USD).

I loved exploring Vietnam during my solo backpacking trip and I’d return in a heartbeat. As well as rediscovering Hanoi, I’d love to see more of the waterfalls, beaches and National Parks this beautiful country has to offer.

Check out my backpackers guide to Hanoi here.

10. Thailand

Approximate daily budget: ฿ 800/day (≈£20/€23/$25 USD).

Thailand was the first place I went on my first backpacking adventure, back in 2013. The islands, jungles and cities stole a piece of my heart forever. Thailand… I promise I’ll be back soon!

Remember that the north is cheaper than the south! Check out my budgeting guide for Thailand here.

11. Sri Lanka

Approximate daily budget: රු, Rs 4700/day (≈£21/€23/$25 USD).

This small island off the coast of India is well worth exploring. Beaches, surfing, wildlife, hiking, waterfalls, wellness… you name it, Sri Lanka’s got it, and all on a budget! I spent a month there last year and can highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for laid back island life, great food, beautiful culture and lots of waves!

CENTRAL AMERICA

There are a few big gaps to fill on my travel bucket list, and Central America is one of them! Having put together this list of budget destinations, I now have even more of an urge to go…

Here are a few cheap places to visit in Central America…

12. Mexico

Approximate daily budget: Mex$ 700/day (≈£25/€27/$30 USD).

Mexico is a really diverse country and how much you spend really depends on where you want to go. For a budget adventure, avoid tourist hotspots like Cancun, and head to the hidden gems such as Baja California and Oaxaca.

13. Guatemala

Approximate daily budget: Q 200/day (≈£21.50/€24/$26 USD).

A unique destination for your list, Guatemala is home on Mayan ruins, dense rain forests, cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches and more!

Travelling sustainably helps the planet and also your budget, for example taking a reusable water bottle so you don’t have to pay for water! Here are 15 tips for travelling sustainably.

14. Nicaragua

Approximate daily budget: C$ 600/day (≈£15/€16.50/$18 USD).

Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America. If you’re backpacking across Central America and you’re on a budget, you’d be wise to spend more time here than the more expensive likes of Costa Rica. The beaches, cities and islands are all worth exploring here, and you can even go and see the lava bubbling inside a volcano near Managua!

15. Cuba

Cuba is one of the lesser travelled Caribbean countries. There are a lot of rumours that Cuba is expensive and difficult to travel around, but this is not the case! As long as you are happy to travel like a local (local buses), eat like a local (street food), and sleep in dorms, there’s no reason why Cuba can’t be a really cheap place to travel!

One strange thing about Cuba is the dual currency… the ‘local’ National Peso (CUP) and the ‘tourist’ convertible Cuban Peso (CUC). It reflects the wealth of tourists compared to the locals. Advice seems to be that you will need both currencies, but it’s much more expensive to travel on a CUC budget, so use the National Peso where you can!

• 25 National Pesos (CUP) = 1 Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
• 1 Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) = $1 USD

This is why it’s harder to give an approximately daily budget for Cuba… it can be anywhere from $15-50 USD (£12-40/€14-46) depending on your backpacking style and the currency you use! But, you can definitely travel Cuba on the lower end of that budget relatively easily using the National Peso.

EXPLORE THE CARIBBEAN ON MY BLOG HERE

SOUTH AMERICA

Another huge destination on my travel bucket list, South America is somewhere that I can’t wait to take my backpack and explore. Most of South America is quite cheap, so it was hard to choose which ones to feature on this list, but if you have any other favourites then do let me know!

Here are some budget destinations in South America…

16. Ecuador

Approximate daily budget: $25 USD/day (≈£21/€23).

There is more to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands, which as stunning as they are, come at a huge cost. Naturally if you book onto group excursions to see the Amazon rain forest or the Andes mountains then you will spend more money, but there are plenty of budget options available. The cities of Quito and Baños are also well worth spending some time in!

17. Bolivia

Approximate daily budget: Bs 150/day (≈£18/€20/$22 USD).

Bolivia is said to be one of the cheapest, safest and most beautiful countries in South America! I’d love to explore the world-famous salt flats, rain forest and Lake Titicaca.

For top tips travelling solo as a female, check out my guide here!

18. Colombia

Approximate daily budget: COL$ 120000/day (≈£25/€28/$30 USD).

When I get to backpack through Colombia, I’d love to explore the city of Bogota, hire a moped and explore Colombia’s countryside, use my PADI on the north coastline and hike the Cocora Valley!

Want to check out the reefs and explore the deep blue? Here’s my guide to getting PADI certified.

AFRICA

Africa is the most diverse continent I’ve visited. Mountains, desert, lakes, coral reef, rain forest, savanna… And hundreds of opportunities for adventure!

Here are some budget adventures to have in Africa…

19. South Africa

Approximate daily budget: R 700/day (≈£31/€35/$38 USD).

South Africa is where I went on my budget safari. Yes, you read that correctly; not every safari has to cost you £100s per person, if not more! Sure, any kind of tour adds to your budget significantly, so avoid if you’re on a really tight budget, but if you’re after a once in a lifetime budget experience, this is the one. Check out my budget safari guide here.

20. Tunisia

Approximate daily budget: د.ت 45/day (≈£12.50/€14.50/$15.50 USD).

With 8 UNESCO world heritage sites, it’s no wonder that Tunisia was included on Lonely Planet’s Best in travel 2020 list! The city of Tunis looks beautiful, as does exploring the Sahara in a 4×4!

21. Morocco

Approximate daily budget: DH 250/day (≈£21/€23/$25 USD).

With cities full of culture and colour, such as Fez and Marrakech, as well as the famous Casablanca, you’ll be pleased to hear that Morocco can be a really cheap place to travel!

Most of the budget destinations on this list can be travelled in even cheaper (as little as £10/day!) if you’re able/willing to free camp and cook for yourself for the whole trip, and don’t do any excursions.

22. Tanzania

Approximate daily budget: TSh 70000/day (≈£25/€28/$30 USD).

Tanzania, in particular Zanzibar, has been on my bucket list forever. Get on Pinterest to check out pictures of the tropical beaches, and you’ll see exactly why. If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s best to avoid Zanzibar, however, as it’s one of the more expensive parts of the country. The beach town of Pangani also has beautiful beaches, and Tanzania is another great destination for a budget safari. Paradise on a budget? Yes please!

EUROPE

Europe, the continent I’m lucky enough to call home. For me, Europe is the perfect destination for a cheap break because it’s only a short flight or train journey away. But if you’re further away, don’t worry; the long flight will be worth it when you get there!

Here are some places to travel on a budget in Europe

23. Poland

Approximate daily budget: 100 zł/day (≈£20/€22/$24 USD).

An often overlooked destination, but one with plenty of adventure. Poznań and Wrocław are student cities, so naturally more budget friendly than Warsaw or Krakow, but you can still get great deals there too!

24. Albania

Approximate daily budget: L 3400/day (≈£25/€28/$30 USD).

Albania is the country that has taken me by surprise the most on my travelling journey so far. A country that I’d almost never heard of before my trip there, it surprised me with a stunning coastline, a wonderful capital (Tirana), beautiful natural surroundings, and plenty of adventure.

Check out more hidden gems in Europe in this blog post.

25. Georgia

Approximate daily budget: ₾80/day (≈£21/€23/$25 USD).

An underrated destination with vibrant cities, beautiful national parks, and excellent wine. You had me at wine on a budget!

26. Romania

Approximate daily budget: L 100/day (≈£18/€21/$23 USD).

With an eclectic history and a variety of things to do, Romania is great if you are travelling on a budget. Dracula’s castle, vibrant Bucharest, the Danube delta, brown bears and beaches, you will have a unique combination of everything you could possibly imagine, all in one budget friendly trip!

For safety tips for solo travel, check out these 12 ways to stay safe on your solo adventure!

27. Hungary

Approximate daily budget: Ft 9000/day (≈£23/€25/$27 USD).

Budapest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe (budget accommodation starts from Ft 2000/night!), and it’s great fun to explore too! From the thermal baths to a beautiful castle, the Danube river bank and more, you won’t be short of things to do in this European city.

Check out 22 top tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post!

28. Italy

Approximate daily budget: €30/day (≈£27/$32 USD).

Granted, some parts of Italy are really expensive (yes, I’m looking at you Rome, Milan and Florence!). However, if you head further south to the city of Naples, or the regions of Calabria, Puglia or Sicily, you’re guaranteed to have a much cheaper trip with just as much fun!

If you want to head to a big city, expect to spend closer to €50/day.

29. Portugal

Approximate daily budget: €30/day (≈£27/$32 USD).

Portugal is a stunning country, and one of the cheapest in the Eurozone. Some of the best things to do in Portugal are hiking and exploring the beaches… both of which are free! Bonus!

The cities of Porto and Lisbon are also very backpacker budget friendly, making it really easy to explore everywhere on a budget.

For even more places to travel on a budget in Europe, check out this post full of cheap European destinations!

OCEANIA

30. Australia

Approximate daily budget: $70 AUD/day (≈£37/€41/$45 USD).

Australia is certainly not the cheapest place on this list, and not usually included on ‘travel on a budget’ bucket lists. But, if you really want to see Australia, it can be done on the cheap! If you stay in hostels and cook your own food, you have more money to spend on activities, which you can get really good deals on! From Fraser Island and the Whitsundays to exploring Sydney, so much is available in Australia on a budget; you just have to look. Check out my budgeting for backpacking Australia guide here

Have you travelled on a budget?

Where was your budget travel destination? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

19. Spend a few days exploring Oaxaca: a taste of real Mexico

Fantastic street food, brightly-coloured architecture, the bustling markets, day trip options, stunning surrounding nature… What’s not to love about Oaxaca?! And despite it’s increasing popularity, it still feels authnetic – not a toruist trap like Cancun. 

Spend a few days here exploring the indigenous cultures, history, food, art and architecture… we guarantee you won’t want to leave if you put this on your Mexico bucket list!

20. Have a holiday in Tulum and time it with a festival

I dare you to take a look at some pictures of Tulum’s beaches and not book tickets to Mexico now… Tulum is one o fthe best places to visit in Mexico if you love a bit of everything. This coastal town on the Yucantan peninsula boasts stunning beaches, waterfalls, exotic wildlife and jungles, Mayan ruins, a fantastic food scene and wellness facilities. Literally everything! 

Tulum also hosts some of the best music festivals in the world, so time it with one of those for a musical adventure!

EXPLORE NORTH AMERICA ON THE BLOG HERE

What, in your opinion, are the best things to do and see in Mexico?

Where are your favourite things to do in Mexico? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

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