Photo by Den Rozhnovsky at Shutterstock
Discover the magic of exploring new horizons while keeping your finances intact. Must See Places has found the most incredible budget-friendly destinations where your dollars will take you far.
These affordable travel gems promise unforgettable experiences without draining your wallet. They’ll allow you to visit breathtaking locales where every penny stretches further, allowing you to savor more flavors, adventures, and memories.
From charming cobblestone streets to immaculate beaches, these destinations offer the perfect blend of charisma and affordability.
So whether you crave outdoor escapades, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful getaway, our handpicked selection ensures that your travel dreams align with your budget. So what are we waiting for?
Pack your bags, find your passport, and get ready for an incredible journey to 8 stunning budget-friendly destinations where the value of your dollar reigns supreme!
Note: Currency conversion rates can change daily, so double-checking foreign exchange rates is a good idea before traveling.
$1 is worth 19.08 South African rand
Who wouldn’t want to go on a Safari? South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a MUST for those with a safari on their bucket list, especially with the US dollar being so strong against the rand.
Visitors here have a fantastic chance of seeing all of Africa’s “big five” animal species, which include lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Admission to the park for Americans is 440 rand, which is about $23. But that’s not all.
While here, we highly recommend visiting South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg, where you can check out the Apartheid Museum, a stark concrete structure chronicling the history of South Africa’s old system of legally mandated racial segregation.
Admission to this incredible museum for adults is 150 rand, less than $8.
$1 is worth 36.88 Thai baht
In Thailand, $1 buys about 37 Thai baht, which isn’t a bad deal if you ask us. For those watching their wallet, the country’s capital, Bangkok, came in at Number 14 recently on the Backpacker Index of most affordable places to visit.
While visiting the capital city, take advantage of the Grand Palace, a famous landmark where admission is about 500 baht or about $13. At the southern end of the country, the island of Phuket a.k.a. the Pearl of the Andaman, is famous for its sunny beaches.
Sadly, this island was devastated in 2004 by an Indian Ocean tsunami, but authorities have rebuilt, and it’s a bustling international tourist destination today. With its affordable food options, Phuket is inexpensive for travelers seeking a taste of authentic Thai life.
A 3-course meal for two at a midrange restaurant, for instance, costs about 800 baht, which is roughly $22.
$1 is worth 868.50 Argentine pesos
In Argentina, it’s about more than just what you can see and do throughout the day. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this country allows US stargazers to see entirely different constellations in the night sky.
Looking for adventure? In the country’s colder southern regions, especially in parts of the Andes Mountains, there are many spectacular glaciers, including at Los Glaciares National Park, which perches the Chilean border and has been an official World Heritage Site since 1981.
If you go a bit further south, you’ll find Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is the oldest national park in Argentina.
For visitors seeking culture, Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires offers exceptional art museums, including the National Museum of Fine Arts, where admission is free. And the Fortabat Art Collection’s admission is a mere 140 pesos, roughly .15 cents.
$1 is worth 57.29 Philippine pesos
A Southeast Asian archipelago with over 7,000 islands, the Philippines’ top attractions include volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife.
Manila, the capital city is also a regular stopping point for international travelers, particularly its old walled city of Intramuros, featuring museums, shops, restaurants, the Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago. Getting into the Museo de Intramuros is free.
Beach enthusiasts looking for some leisure time will want to take advantage of a trip to Boracay, which is a little island known for its crystal-clear waters and some of the best sand beaches in the Philippines.
The going price for an affordable meal in Boracay is about 185 pesos, about $3.23, while a midrange three-course meal for two is around 800 pesos, or $13.97.
$1 is worth 23.73 Czech korunas
Prague attracts a fair share of tourists in the Czech Republic thanks to being the City of a Hundred Spires.
Between the Gothic churches, the colorful baroque structures in Old Town Square, which is the city’s historic center, and the renowned medieval Astronomical Clock, there are lots of reasons the crowds flock here.
And don’t miss the captivating Museum of Communism, which exhibits the daily life under the Czech Republic’s ruling political party between 1948 until 1989. Admission is only 380 korunas for adults, which is about $16.04.
$1 is worth CA$1.38
This budget-friendly destination is simply perfect for those looking to stay close to home. Visiting our friendly neighbors up north is always a great idea. And with the favorable exchange rate for the US dollar, there’s no better time than now.
Canada’s extensive size presents endless travel opportunities for travelers from lovely Halifax, Nova Scotia, the beautiful West Coast city of Vancouver, art and foodie Toronto, and historic places like Montreal and Quebec.
Also worth mentioning are Canada’s numerous national parks, which are fantastic low-cost options. At Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Rockies, the entrance fee for an adult is CA$10.50, about $7.60. Entry is free for children.
A Parks Canada Discovery Pass for 1 adult, which gives you unlimited access for a full year, is 72.25 Canadian dollars, about $52.
$1 is worth 7.04 Croatian kunas
Croatia has experienced a new tourism boom ever since HBO’s “Game of Thrones” circulated on our TVs. The fictional city of King’s Landing is, in fact, modern-day Dubrovnik, and a few other sites from the show are in Croatia.
And if you’d rather get off the tourist track, check out the medieval city of Korcula. This is the birthplace of the pioneering traveler Marco Polo. It’s also a stunning Adriatic island about 30 miles off the Croatian shore.
If you’re more on the adventurous side, in Korcula, you can stay in a friendly hostel for as little as $20 per night. In the seafront city of Pula, the skyline is towered by the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, where the admission is 70 kuna, or about $10, for adults.
$1 is worth 3,920.75 Colombian pesos
As a big destination experiencing a significant revival among trendsetting international travelers, Colombia is also where the US dollar’s exchange rate can take you pretty far.
Also, the activity and adventure options are never-ending with its Amazon rainforest, Caribbean beaches, Andes mountain range, and desert plains.
Colombia’s second-biggest city, Medellin, is a beautiful place to enjoy relaxation and explore the museums, plazas, and colorful street graffiti. So be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes if you visit!
The average meal at an affordable restaurant is 12,000 pesos, which is about $3, while a 3-course meal for two people at a midrange restaurant is about 60,000 pesos, roughly $15.
The walled city of Cartagena is another popular option. The wall still stands today, built during the 16th century to protect the city of the Caribbean coast from pirates.
Have you ever been to any of these budget-friendly destinations? If so, be sure to leave a comment below and share your experiences with out readers.
And if you like this article, Must See Places also recommends reading: Top 12 Most Boring US Destinations People Say You Shouldn’t Visit
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