We all love to save money when we travel. After all, the more affordable our vacations are, the more we can take! And there are definitely some very cheap cities around the world, where you can vacation, eat, and have fun for a fraction of what you do in, say, New York City or Tokyo.

But that doesn’t mean you have to travel like a backpacker or stay in hostels. Quite the contrary. That’s why, rather than give you a list of the absolute cheapest travel locations, we’re going to focus on cities that are very inexpensive – but still provide their share of awesome amenities.

Whether your style of travel is more guest room or high-end hotel, street food or fine dining, these cities will keep you covered.

Want to know what they are? Keep reading!

Crete, Greece

With the country’s recent economic woes, the birthplace of Western civilization has gotten a whole lot cheaper for most travelers. So, if you’d like to take in Greece’s ancient architecture, wonderful beaches, and rich food, now’s as good a time as any. And one place that should top your list is Crete, the country’s largest and most populated island.

The weather is great and the food is fresh, and it can all be experienced on a very modest budget. The locals will be happy to have you.

Your Greek villa in the hills awaits.

Santiago, Chile

While there are plenty of great cities in Latin America, Santiago managed to beat out most of them for a spot on our list. Why? Because not only is it a very cheap place to travel, it also manages to have fairly good infrastructure and low corruption compared to most places in the region. In fact, Santiago is becoming quite a hub of business and entrepreneurship for that very reason.

Of course, there’s also plenty of good food to be had and sights to be seen, including beaches, volcanoes, and everything in between. As you sit in one of the quiet, local wine cafes, you’ll probably find yourself wondering why you hadn’t come to Chile sooner.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s earned itself quite the reputation with tourists over the years – and for good reason. The food is amazing, the locals are friendly, there are more beaches and temples and jungles than you could possibly see in one trip, and there’s plenty of nightlife, from Thai-centric bars and clubs to the more infamous red light districts.

Indeed, Bangkok has a little something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a culture seeker, or a shopaholic.

And affordable, central, and comfortable apartments like this one are abundant in Bangkok.

Seoul, South Korea

If Thailand’s a little too rugged for your tastes but you still get sticker shock from the prices in Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong, we’ve got just the place for you: South Korea.

While the capital city, Seoul, is quite modern and affluent, the prices still manage to be very reasonable. That goes especially for the food. And let’s face it, Korean food is awesome. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find any group of people who party – and drink – as hard as Koreans do.

Spend the days getting cozy in your central apartment or a high-tech mall, then spend your evenings soaking up the nightlife. Or just escape for a jaunt in the countryside, if that’s more your speed.

Barcelona, Spain

Who knew Spain could be so affordable? Well, the secret’s gotten out in recent years. And while it’s certainly not the cheapest city in Europe, Barcelona provides some of the best values you’ll find, especially if you enjoy historic sites, long walks through the great outdoors, and very, very good food.

Spend your afternoon eating more tapas than you probably should and then walking it off through the beautiful, winding streets, before enjoying a night of festivities with the locals.

Of course, Barcelona provides plenty of luxury for those that want it, as this penthouse proves.

Budapest, Hungary

There are few European cities as breathtakingly beautiful as Budapest, whether you’re gazing across the Danube River at the gorgeous architecture or taking in some fine art at one of the local museums. Yet it’s also one of the cheapest major cities in Europe, especially compared to hubs like Paris and London.

If you dream of relaxing in a quaint European café but don’t want to break the bank, this is the place for you. Or maybe you’d rather enjoy one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Either way, you’ll love it here.

San Jose, Costa Rica

If price is your number one concern, there are places in Central America that can be done for a little cheaper than Costa Rica. But the country’s combination of natural wonders, tourist infrastructure, safety, and affordability earned them a spot on our list. Here, you can enjoy lush jungles, picturesque beaches, and delicious food, all on a very reasonable budget.
When you add it all up, Costa Rica is hard to beat. There’s a reason the country is so popular with expats from around the world.

Book your penthouse on the beach today.

Where Are You Headed Next?

As you can see, it’s possible to save money on your next vacation without sacrificing comfortability and amenities, whether you’re in a European-style loft in Budapest or a high-end apartment in Seoul. In fact, the hardest part is choosing where you want to go next.

And Tripz.com can help make your trip even more affordable. By connecting travelers to vacation rental owners directly, we’re able to eliminate booking fees and other costs that sites like Airbnb can’t.

The best part is, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your host before you make a decision. You’re not forced to communicate through our platform. Because isn’t meeting new people and staying in unique places part of the fun of traveling?

We’re sure you’ll find the perfect vacation rental among our hundreds of listings. Make sure to take a look!