Where to Go in Summer Without Spending a Fortune

The Balkans: Europe’s Budget Travel Secret

The Balkans have emerged as one of Europe’s most affordable travel regions in 2024, attracting visitors with their stunning coastlines, mountain villages, and vibrant cities. According to the 2024 Post Office Holiday Money Report, countries like Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia offer some of the lowest costs for accommodation and dining in Europe, with daily expenses averaging under $50 per person.

Tirana, Albania’s capital, was recently named a top value destination by Lonely Planet, thanks to its inexpensive hostels, lively local markets, and free public beaches along the Adriatic. Public transportation is both reliable and cheap—intercity bus rides commonly cost less than $5.

Many travelers are drawn to Kotor, Montenegro, where UNESCO-listed old towns and spectacular fjord-like scenery can be enjoyed for a fraction of the price of other Mediterranean spots. The region’s rise in popularity is due in part to major investments in tourism infrastructure since 2022, leading to more budget airlines and new hostels opening throughout 2024.

For those who want history, nature, and sun without breaking the bank, the Balkans deliver serious value.

Mexico’s Undiscovered Pacific Coast

While Cancun and Tulum prices have surged in recent years, Mexico’s Pacific coast—especially the states of Oaxaca and Nayarit—remains surprisingly affordable for summer travelers. According to the 2024 Expedia Travel Trends Report, destinations like Puerto Escondido and Sayulita saw a 23% increase in international visitors last year, yet hotel prices average just $35 to $60 per night.

Food costs in local markets are among the lowest in the country; a full meal of fresh seafood or tlayudas in Oaxaca often costs less than $6. Domestic flights within Mexico are plentiful and inexpensive, with airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus regularly offering summer fares under $40.

The Pacific coast’s surf culture, laid-back hostels, and unspoiled beaches make it a magnet for budget-conscious travelers. The Mexican government’s 2024 tourism initiative has increased safety and infrastructure in these areas, making them more accessible than ever.

Georgia: The Caucasus Gem for Thrifty Adventurers

Georgia, nestled between Europe and Asia, is rapidly gaining attention as a cost-effective summer getaway. The Georgian National Tourism Administration reported in April 2024 that international arrivals are up 38% year-over-year, with most travelers citing affordability as a key factor.

Tbilisi offers guesthouses for $10 to $20 per night, and hearty traditional meals like khinkali and khachapuri can be found for under $5. The country’s extensive marshrutka (minibus) system keeps transportation costs low: for example, a three-hour ride from Tbilisi to the mountain village of Kazbegi is just $4.

Georgia’s government has invested in free and low-cost hiking trails, including the increasingly popular Svaneti region. With its wine culture, ancient monasteries, and dramatic landscapes, Georgia offers a rich travel experience on a tight budget.

Portugal’s Lesser-Known North

Portugal’s Algarve and Lisbon see heavy tourist crowds and rising prices during summer, but the northern regions still offer bargains. According to the National Statistics Institute of Portugal, average hotel rates in Porto and Braga remain 30% lower than in the southern Algarve.

The Douro Valley, famous for its wine and river cruises, has introduced low-cost “wine hostels” with beds starting at $18 per night. The city of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers free or low-cost walking tours funded by the local municipality.

Public transit in the north is heavily subsidized, and a train journey from Porto to the coast costs less than $4. Local food markets, such as Mercado do Bolhão in Porto, allow travelers to sample regional specialties like francesinha sandwiches for under $8.

For budget travelers seeking European charm without the crowds or price hikes, Portugal’s north is a smart choice.

Vietnam: Southeast Asia’s Value Powerhouse

Vietnam continues to be one of the best-value travel destinations in 2024, with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reporting a 25% increase in foreign arrivals in the first quarter alone. Daily travel costs—including accommodation, food, and local transportation—average just $30 to $40, according to the latest Backpacker Index.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer rooms in modern hostels for as little as $8 per night. Street food remains a highlight; a bowl of pho or banh mi sandwich rarely exceeds $2.

The country’s extensive train and bus networks provide affordable options for exploring from the northern mountains of Sapa to the beaches of Da Nang. In 2024, the Vietnamese government launched new e-visa policies making travel even easier and cheaper for over 80 nationalities.

This combination of low prices, rich culture, and improved accessibility cements Vietnam’s reputation as a top pick for cost-conscious travelers.

Romania: Castles, Mountains, and Low Prices

Romania has quietly become a summer favorite for those in search of affordability and adventure. The Romanian National Institute of Statistics reported in March 2024 that average nightly rates for hotels and guesthouses are still under $30, even during peak season.

Cities like Brasov and Sibiu charm visitors with medieval architecture and lively summer festivals, often featuring free admission. The Carpathian Mountains provide hiking opportunities comparable to the Alps but at a fraction of the price: many trails are accessible by public transit, and park entry fees are rarely more than $3.

Bran Castle, famous for its Dracula legend, introduced discounted entry for international visitors in 2024. Romanian trains offer slow but scenic journeys for as little as $2 between cities.

With low costs, welcoming locals, and enchanting landscapes, Romania is one of Europe’s best-kept budget secrets.

Turkey’s Black Sea Coast

While Istanbul and Antalya draw the lion’s share of international tourists, Turkey’s Black Sea coast remains a low-cost haven. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute’s 2024 report, hotel rates in cities like Trabzon and Rize are 40% lower than in Istanbul, with rooms averaging $20 to $35 per night.

The region is renowned for its lush green mountains, tea plantations, and uncrowded beaches. Local markets in the Black Sea area offer fresh produce and seafood at bargain prices—a full meal can cost less than $5.

Intercity bus services are efficient and affordable, with fares rarely exceeding $7 for several hours of travel. In 2024, the Turkish government invested in new hiking and biking trails along the coast, further boosting the area’s appeal for outdoor adventurers.

The Black Sea’s cool summer temperatures also make it a pleasant escape from Europe’s heatwaves.

Poland’s Lake District and Baltic Coast

Poland’s Mazury Lake District and Baltic seaside towns offer affordable summer escapes far from the tourist crowds of Kraków and Warsaw. The Polish Tourist Organization reported in April 2024 that average guesthouse rates in Mazury are under $25 per night.

The region boasts more than 2,000 lakes, with countless free swimming spots and inexpensive boat rentals. On the Baltic coast, cities like Gdańsk and Sopot provide sandy beaches and lively boardwalks with hotel prices 20% below the national summer average.

Train travel is subsidized for both locals and tourists, making it easy to explore the region for under $10 per trip. Local cuisine, from fresh pierogi to smoked fish, remains affordable—meals in family-run restaurants average $7.

Poland’s strong public safety record and recent investments in tourism infrastructure make it a secure and inviting destination for budget travelers.

Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Atlantic Coast

Morocco’s popularity continues to rise, with the Moroccan National Tourist Office reporting a record 14 million visitors in 2024. While Marrakech can be expensive in summer, the Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coast offer better value.

In Essaouira and Agadir, beachfront hostels cost as little as $15 per night, and fresh seafood dinners are often under $10. The Atlas region has seen a boom in rural guesthouses—“gîtes”—where travelers can stay with local families for $12 to $20 per night.

Moroccan trains and buses are affordable and reliable, connecting most major towns for under $10 per journey. In 2024, new government initiatives promoted eco-tourism and sustainable guesthouses, further lowering costs.

The combination of mountain hikes, historic medinas, and breezy Atlantic beaches make Morocco a top budget choice this year.

United States: National Parks and Alternative Cities

The United States remains full of affordable summer options, especially for travelers willing to skip the big-ticket cities. According to the National Park Service’s 2024 visitor report, entrance fees for over 60% of parks remain under $25 per vehicle, with many offering free admission days during summer.

Camping is an affordable lodging option, with spots in national forests averaging just $15 per night. Alternative cities like Boise, Idaho, and Asheville, North Carolina, have seen a 15% increase in summer tourism due to their combination of outdoor activities and lower prices.

Airbnb’s 2024 summer trends report notes that average nightly rates in these smaller cities are 30% below the national average. Public transportation in many regions has expanded post-pandemic, making it easier and cheaper to explore without a car.

For budget-minded Americans, exploring the country’s natural wonders and secondary cities can make for an unforgettable—and affordable—summer.

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