The cheapest destinations to travel in 2024

A cheap trip is not easy to plan. As much as we try to save money, there's always some whim that pushes us to exceed the budget: food, accommodation, transport, incidents, indulgences... We may have found a flight deal, but discover that accommodations are sky-high. Therefore, it's good to take everything into account and think about the multiple factors involved in organizing a trip. It is also possible to spend more on transportation and less on lodging, or vice versa; although some destinations are cheap in every sense.

These European destinations are the most convenient and simple: no need to exchange currency and flight times don't exceed three hours. Still, you can also invest a bit more time and book a bus, which can turn out much cheaper.

Traveling to Lisbon or Porto can cost quite a bit less than 40 euros per person round trip. Both cities are among the most important and attractive in Portugal. They have everything a good metropolis can offer, adding traditions that, no matter what they say, are nothing like those in Spain. Immersing yourself in Portuguese culture while feeling welcomed is very easy in either city, where they try to respond to you in the language you address them in.

The cost of accommodation is also not excessive, costing around 20 euros for a shared room or about 50 for a double room. Plus, if you don't mind investing more time in transit, you can always travel by bus, finding tickets for about 20 euros and having the possibility of moving around the country for very little money. Remember, traveling cheaply also means traveling lightly, so the fewer bags you bring, the easier it will be.

Traveling to Milan, one of Italy's most favored destinations, is also a good option for those who want to spend little money without giving up on traveling. It houses traditional architecture with the cathedral at its forefront, alongside the purest modernity. Getting there is easy and cheap; from Madrid there's a direct connection, and flights are cheap: 40 euros round trip.

The downside is that restaurants there are not as affordable. Still, every street has a supermarket where you can buy a more economical meal, and some restaurants aren't that expensive. Keep in mind that in Italy, there's a fixed fee per person in restaurants that ranges from one to four euros.

Traveling to Bordeaux, Marseille, or Paris can cost you less than 50 euros and getting to Toulouse, less than 60. Discovering the main cities in France cannot be said to be a bargain, but it's all about planning ahead, looking for the cheapest months, and finding the most affordable options. No matter what they say, France isn't that expensive if everything is checked in advance. There can be hotels, hostels, and lodgings for 30 euros a night and restaurants cheaper than others-just like in every country.

Whether you seek a beach, prefer a wine tour, want to visit a quiet city, or even one of the most popular in the world, take advantage of low season months and book your next trip to France. Additionally, there's now an AVE train that connects Barcelona and Madrid with French destinations like Aix en Provence, Avignon, Lyon, Montpellier, Narbonne, Nîmes, Valence, Perpignan, and Marseille; although prices may be a bit elevated.

These trips require a bit more time, as the journey has a higher price and many more hours of transit. Still, there's no need to worry since you'll save thanks to the very low cost of living in these places. Note that traveling to these three countries from Spain requires you to have a valid passport.

The spirituality, gastronomy, and friendliness of its people make it one of the favorite destinations for many. Bangkok, or "the city of angels," as the locals call it, is an important reflection of Thai culture. However, it's possible to visit the country-and many other cities and towns with paradise beaches and wonderful temples-spending less than 30 euros a day: a guest house can cost pennies, while a more glamorous room can cost you about 5 euros a night.

Street food, an icon of the country's tradition, can save you from overspending. Still, a daily menu in a cheap restaurant costs around 3 euros, whereas in a higher-quality restaurant, about 10, and on the street you can spend less than 2. Transportation is also quite cheap, with the cost of an hour in a taxi being 3 euros and a bus ticket around 70 cents. Therefore, although a flight ticket may be around 500 euros, this is a perfect destination for a long trip, as the expenses there are very little compared to other European cities.

Like Thailand, this island located south of India has an extremely low cost of living. It has ruins over 2,000 years old, Buddhist temples, and even a 5th-century citadel, Sigiriya, complete with palaces. Moreover, despite being a relatively small island, its landscapes are quite varied, from arid plains and rainforests to pristine sandy beaches. Flying to its capital, Colombo, can cost less than 500 euros, and a traveler spends about 15 or 20 euros a day.

Besides hosting large cities with a vibrant life, both day and night, it also has ancient capitals that still retain their spirituality, such as Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka often remains forgotten when talking about affordable, attractive, and beautiful Asian countries. A grave mistake, since it is a wonderful option to discover a lesser-known, less touristy, and equally friendly side of Asia.

From an underrated country, we move to one that has little respite at any time of the year. Its growing population-almost reaching 1.412 billion, similar to China-is supplemented by over 17 million visitors annually. However, it also has a low season (from April to June) when you can take advantage of its lower prices and some tranquility. Both Mumbai and New Delhi can be reached from Spain for around 400 euros round trip. This way, you can embark on an adventure to explore the two main cities of India and some of the most impressive places in the world.

The price of accommodation, food, and local transportation is much lower. In the most expensive area of a city, a daily menu can cost around 3 euros, and in a sit-down restaurant, about 6. On the other hand, an hour in a taxi costs one euro, and a public transport ticket is 33 cents. A stay can start from 6 euros a night, so a week costs only 40 euros, the same as one night at a cheap hotel in Spain.

There are also options that combine transportation and accommodation at a low price. Plus, they are nearby, so you can do quick getaways to these places without worrying about time.

Rabat, Tangier, Fez, Tetouan, Nador, Agadir, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Essaouira are cities you can fly to from Spain for an average of just 30 euros and in less than three hours. They each have their unique charm, but the most striking might be Tangier, Marrakech, and Rabat. The best times to visit are spring or autumn, as winter is often rainy and summer can be swelteringly hot. Also, during Ramadan-on varying dates-businesses tend to remain closed, so that should be taken into account.

A room in a decent hotel can cost around 20 or 30 euros a night, and haggling in shops is completely normal. However, if you are traveling as a couple and are not married, you cannot sleep together. Plus, you must be aware that you are in a Muslim country; thus, not everything that is acceptable in Europe is accepted in Morocco. As such, homosexuality is illegal, and care should be taken with clothing, especially when entering temples, with greater caution advised if you are a woman. Although often, it is more about prejudices than actual insecurity, as the locals are used to receiving visitors from all over the world.

Within Europe, there are also destinations you can travel to on a relatively low budget, both for transport and accommodation. Flights can cost around 60 euros round trip. The more affordable destinations are Bucharest and Timisoara, two of the most important cities in Romania. The country hides some of the most impressive landscapes on the continent, including the home of Count Dracula and breathtaking natural scenery, along with significant architecture from medieval to more modernist houses.

In both cities, you can find rooms for 20 or 30 euros a night and meals for just 10. Admission to points of interest is under 10 euros, and hiring a car can cost 25 a day, while a daily public transport ticket is 1.80. Bucharest is the largest city in the country and an important cultural and industrial hub. Meanwhile, Timisoara is known as the "little Vienna," highlighting its historical heritage and vibrant cultural life.

This is another of the European countries that don't shy away from a vibrant life with prices much lower than its neighbors. Thus, reaching Krakow can cost 60 euros, while a ticket to other cities like Poznan costs 59 and to Wroclaw 65. Krakow features one of the most quintessentially European squares, with an old town and a more modern area. It is one of the few cities that still retains the ghetto where Jews were segregated during World War II.

A hotel costs between 10 and 15 euros a night, and meals can set you back about 3 or 5 euros at the so-called "milk bars." Transportation is also very cheap, allowing movement from one place to another for very little money. Like Romania, this country has a consistent offering of cultural and entertainment options, making it a very good option to consider. However, just like in Romania, currency exchange is necessary.

Although it is well known that traveling to China is not exactly cheap, the recent removal of the visa fee significantly lowers the price. The process has been suspended for all Spanish citizens. It has been done experimentally and will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, at least for now, and for stays of no more than 15 days. Thus, you'll save nearly 200 euros on your trip. If you want to visit China, perhaps now is the best time.