We all want to travel the globe and discover our own top 10 best places to visit in the world. That said, sometimes our wallet isn’t exactly in agreement with our priorities.
Fear not, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
Fortunately for us, some of the best places to visit in the world require nothing more than a decent budget and a wild spirit. So, get ready to pack your bags because we guarantee you’ll be blown away by these incredible—and incredibly affordable—vacation spots!
1. Fiji Islands
A beautiful archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji comprises over 330 islands. In other words, it’s a perfect destination for island hopping.
The two largest islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are stunning in their own right. Add on to that gems like the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, and you’ve already got plenty of reasons that make Fiji worthy of being in the top 10 amazing places to visit in the world.
Visitors will find stunning white sand beaches, ideal for relaxing, and crystal clear blue waters, perfect for snorkeling. Meanwhile, the islands’ interiors hold yet more treasures. Walk beautiful hiking trails, swim next to dramatic falls, and glimpse stunning sea caves.
The natural beauty and warmth of these islands will blow you away, maybe even more so than their surprising affordability, with budget-friendly accommodations and cheap, delicious food.
Curious travelers will be swept away by the mix of traditional Fijian lifestyle, Hindu temples, and European colonial charm. This eclectic mix of cultures makes these beautiful islands one of the world’s best places to visit.
2. Bulgaria
A hidden jewel nestled against the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a gorgeous country that finds itself with far fewer visitors than its western European counterparts.
A true shame, in our opinion, because this Balkan nation has so much to offer travelers. Beautiful cities like Varna provide an enchanting escape to the coast. Meanwhile, old towns like Plovdiv offer to take you on a journey through Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage and ancient ruins.
Reminiscent of its varied landscape, Bulgarian culture is also a blend of several perspectives. You’ll find remnants of those influences scattered across the country in eastern Orthodox monasteries, Roman ruins, and Ottoman mosques.
Away from its charming cities, fascinating museums, and historical landmarks, Bulgaria also boasts captivating natural wonders. Within its borders await glacial lakes, impressive peaks, jaw-dropping caves, and stunning waterfalls.
In terms of both budget destinations and the best places to visit in the world, this delightful country may fly under the radar for most. However, once you make your way here, it’s a destination that’ll keep you coming back for more.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
For excellent, budget-friendly vacation spots in the US, make your escape to one of the world’s best places to visit: the outdoor wonderland of Grand Canyon National Park.
The sweeping Grand Canyon we know today originally began to take shape around 6 million years ago. We have the Colorado River to thank for carving this once flat plateau into the mile-deep gorge we know and love.
Now, this national park is one of the most visited in America. Not even Yellowstone National Park can contend with the spectacular views offered up here. And pictures? They don’t come close to doing this canyon justice.
Standing among the steep cliffs is a thrilling experience. That feeling that comes with deep-sea diving or floating on the edge of space and realizing how big the world is? The Grand Canyon will do that to you. Without all the water or deep empty space. Though, for a similar sense of weightless wonder, try stepping out on the glass Skywalk and watch the earth fall away underfoot! Talk about a thrill.
For non-gravity-defying activities, walk along scenic hiking trails and take in the views of the winding river and impressive rocks. Camping here under the stars is something everyone should do once in their life—and yes, that means you non-outdoorsy people too.
Visiting this park will be an unforgettable experience you’ll be reminiscing about years down the road.
4. Cambodia
Cambodia is a country of sprawling plains, tranquil rivers, and the breathtaking ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.
There’s a reason it’s one of the top 10 amazing places to visit in the world. Once the capital city of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world. That makes it a must-see highlight on your tour of the world’s best places.
Of course, Angkor Wat isn’t the only treasure. Cambodia boasts an incredibly rich cultural heritage, perhaps best featured in its religious shrines. From the beauty of Ta Prohm and the massive tree trunks growing throughout the temple to the peacefulness of Bayon and the hundreds of smiling faces bestowing a sense of tranquility to all who visit, the temples are varied and special. Walking among the ruins, the past may be history, but it still remains.
And Cambodia’s history is one of triumph and tragedy. Its stories fill museums and spill over into the land, easy to find but worth hearing from the mouth of a local guide.
Everywhere you go, this southeast Asian country is full of unique beauty and wonder. Visit elephant sanctuaries, national parks, and picturesque beaches hidden along Cambodia’s southern coast. The fantastic affordability of traveling around this country is merely a bonus among the many features that make this destination an impossible one to miss.
5. India
South Asia spoils travelers with gorgeous destinations to traverse for cheap, and India is no different.
As one of the largest and most populous countries, it’s no wonder many of the best places to visit in the world can be found in India, from the likes of the Taj Mahal in Agra to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
India has plenty of amazing sights to enjoy. Glittering palaces shine on the water, while vibrant and colorful cities sprout from the mountains. The stunning architecture in its most gorgeous cities perfectly showcases the country’s deeply-rooted culture and sense of beauty. As a result, you’ll likely find yourself taking many Instagram-worthy photos in front of jaw-dropping structures.
India indeed has everything, from wildlife reserves to cliffside beaches and natural wonders to impressive cities. Of course, foodies will find reasons to love India as well. Ranked 3rd in countries with the best food by Fine Dining Lovers, you’ll be amazed by the blend of old and contemporary styles. And your tastebuds will be swept away in the range of mouth-watering street food and exquisite fine dining.
It’s no doubt India’s sights will draw you in. But its unique culture and distinct personality will make this one of your most adored vacation spots.
6. Egypt
Life can flourish in the desert. No more proof is needed than that of Egypt, home to one of the oldest recorded civilizations on earth.
Called the “Cradle of Civilization,” this country along the Red Sea has long held captive the interest of people everywhere. The ancient pyramids alone certainly rank as one of the top 10 places to visit in the world. That’s more than enough reason to put this country on any traveler’s bucket list of the world’s best places.
Dotted with sandstone statues, alabaster mosques, ornate palaces, and flourishing gardens, Egypt hardly seems a country in the mouth of the largest desert in the world. But this is a place known for lavish mummy burials and stunning pyramids. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone how this country could rise up out of the dust of the desert.
Exploring the unique antiquities of this ancient country will quickly reveal why this is one of the world’s best places to visit, especially for budget travelers.
Egypt is a true desert paradise. And what awaits are plenty of opportunities to spoil yourself while remaining true to your budget.
7. Portugal
Set against the Atlantic coast, Portugal is a colorful European fairytale with a naturally romantic atmosphere. The country has its fair share of enchanting seaside ports, from the captivating beauty of the nation’s capital of Lisbon to the inherent charm of little Lagos.
Wherever your feet take you—along the coast, up the mountains, or across the plateaus—Portugal’s friendly atmosphere welcomes you throughout, whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple looking for an intimate escape.
Discover paradise among the beaches in Algarve or dance the night away to music in Lisbon’s Alfama district. Lose yourself in winding cobblestone pathways, appreciate beautiful works at art galleries, sip your way through the country’s delicious port wine, and dine on fresh seafood every day.
You won’t just find yourself falling in love with Portugal. You’ll also fall in love with how Portugal treats you and your wallet.
8. Dominican Republic
Picture this: a beautiful island, white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Now imagine you can experience all of that on a trip that costs about $100 a day.
This is one destination that should have you packing your bags and hopping on the first flight out. While the Dominican Republic may not get as much love as its fellow isles, that just means more for you to discover!
The capital city of Santo Domingo boasts an impressive seaside promenade. You can shop and dine to your heart’s content while gazing at colonial monuments and wandering in and out of historical museums. After dark, the city’s vibrant nightlife comes alive in Zona Colonial.
But the city isn’t the country’s only jewel. In fact, the true beauty of this island lies outside the city, where sandy playas, lush parks, and hidden delights await.
Adventuring out of the city into the Dominican Republic’s breathtaking natural attractions offers another big plus: most of the attractions are free. A fact our travel budget appreciates, and we’re sure yours will too!
The combination of island comforts and affordable prices are hard to beat and among the main reasons this island ranks as one of the top 10 places to visit in the world.
9. Thailand
Many have heralded Thailand as a budget traveler’s dream and one of the best vacation destinations in Asia.
When you consider the unbelievable affordability—seven days here can be cheaper than a weekend getaway in New York City—along with the incredible experiences and jaw-dropping sights, it’s practically fate for it to appear on a list of best places to visit in the world.
The nation’s capital city of Bangkok is the number one most visited city in the world. You could quickly lose a week to the energetic atmosphere, tasty street foods, and winding roads filled with skyscrapers and palaces.
But traveling outside of Bangkok offers much more for the intrepid traveler to discover.
Trek north to discover a diverse culture, swim in waterfall pools, and take in the scenic views from atop mountains. Meanwhile, southern Thailand provides stunning beaches and islands with relaxing hot springs and beautiful coral reefs perfect for scuba diving. The country’s impressive floating villages and markets along the water are also a highlight.
We can’t be sure where your travels to Thailand will take you. But we’re quite sure you won’t regret a single second of your journey across this amazing country.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: If you’re in Thailand in April, don’t miss out on all the fun of the Songkran Festival, the country’s giant water fight!
10. South Korea
Contrary to some of the other Asian countries included on this list, South Korea does not center itself around tourism. With the fourth-largest economy in Asia, tourism isn’t as much of this country’s bread and butter as you might find in other Asian nations.
That means many of its most unique and beautiful places are yet to be discovered by the masses!
An excellent starting point is the capital, Seoul, with its sprawling markets, bright shopping districts, cute cafes, and eclectic neighborhoods. But a colorful history also winds its way through, with breath-taking temples, palaces, and old-school villages dotting this country’s landscape.
South Korea blends fast-paced, high-tech innovation in cities like Seoul and Busan with peaceful, traditional villages like Jeonju and Andong Hahoe Folk Village, keeping its cultural heritage intact. This means travelers can delight in a variety of wonders, from the new to the old.
The beauty of this country isn’t in an immediate experience but a slow realization, not unlike the blooming of South Korea’s beloved cherry blossom tree.
