Your Ultimate 2025 Guide To Traveling On A Budget
Budget travel just got so much easier.
Traveling in 2025 is more accessible than ever. Thanks to airlines lowering prices and the dollar being so strong for international travel, there’s never been a better time to pack your bags and go. But if you have a set budget in mind for your travels, you might feel like your options are limited.
Definitely not the case.
Budget travel has never been easier, and we’re ready to help. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling on a budget in 2025.
Best Ways to Travel on a Budget in 2025
Where to Go
Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to be boring—there are plenty of amazing places to visit that don’t cost a fortune. Here are the top destinations for budget travel in 2025.
Belize
One of the biggest perks of traveling to Belize is that US currency is good there—no need to change over to the Belize dollar. Roundtrip tickets (from New York) only cost a little over $300, which is wildly cheap for international travel. Belize boasts archeological sites, rainforests, reefs, and a fantastic culinary scene.
Mexico
It’s not surprising that Mexico is always one of the top destinations to visit if you’re traveling on a budget. Most of your money will be spent on food (as you should, considering the huge restaurant culture there). Just be sure to save some of your money for exploring the culture of the city, namely the famous Museo Jumex.
Vietnam
Multiple countries in Southeast Asia are worth exploring right now since the dollar is so strong, but Vietnam should be at the top of your list. Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are regarded as some of the best places to visit due to their food and design scenes. There are also plenty of pristine beaches and resorts to visit if you want a more tropical getaway.
Brazil
The current exchange rate for the US dollar to the Brazilian is 1 to 6, which means your money can go a long way during your vacation. Rio de Janeiro is the quintessential place to check out since it has some fantastic restaurants and is close to beautiful beaches. São Paulo is also worth mentioning thanks to its younger, more vibrant nightlife.
Malaysia
Another country where the dollar is incredibly strong, Malaysia is a great option for budget travelers. If you eat street food (highly recommended) and travel on foot, you won’t be spending much money once you get there. Plenty of excursions are totally free to visit, but there are places where you can splurge (like The Datai Langkawi) if you have some extra cash to spend.
India
While India has always been relatively inexpensive to visit, it’s even better now thanks to the exchange rate. Hotels are as cheap as $60 per night, and there are plenty of options that cater to every budget. Just make sure not to spend all your time in the hotel—there are loads of attractions and dining options that you can check out, even on a super tight budget.
Transportation
Obviously, if you’re traveling on a budget overseas or over a long distance, flying is the only way to go. Set up flight price alerts to let you know when prices drop, and remember to book your flights during the golden window to save the most money.
- Domestic: 1-3 months ahead of time. Some experts suggest booking 21-58 days or 28 days ahead of time to save the most money.
- International: 2-8 months ahead of time. Some experts suggest booking 50-101 days ahead of time to save the most money.
Flying midweek is the least expensive time to book your flights, too.
When you make it to your destination, avoid using rideshare apps and taxis, which will quickly eat up your budget. Try using public transit to get the most bang for your buck, or travel on foot when you can. Services like FlixBus can get you from point A to point B on a budget, too.
Lodging
For your accommodations, one of the most important things is to compare prices across multiple booking sites to see who can get you the best price. Being flexible with your dates can also be a big advantage when it comes to finding lower prices.
Joining loyalty programs for hotels can save you money, as well. Booking during off-peak times is also a great way to save some cash. Even negotiating directly with the hotel is a great way to see if any special deals are going on through them directly.
Food & Drink
This probably goes without saying, but try and shop at local grocery stores and eat street food when you can. And don’t forget to remember meal deals and happy hours, too! Packing snacks and using a reusable water bottle are also easy and convenient ways to save a few bucks here and there.
Touristy areas are likely to charge more for food and drink, so when you start to get hungry, try and find a more local scene—the prices (and food) will be much better.
Excursions & Souvenirs
Part of your vacation is going on plenty of cool excursions and buying fun souvenirs, right? And these fun things don’t have to cost a ton of money. Companies like Viator offer excursions for hundreds of cities around the world, making it easier and cheaper than ever to experience all the city has to offer.
Just remember not to go crazy on souvenirs. Grab a few key things that you know you’re going to hold on to for a long time. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of buying everything in sight when you’re visiting somewhere special. Setting a specific budget for souvenirs can also prevent you from overspending.
