Here’s your guide to five affordable unique destinations where you can explore, relax, and immerse yourself in culture. Dreaming of adventure but working with a budget? The world is full of hidden gems that offer incredible experiences without emptying your wallet.
Balancing a budget and our allotted visas has led Hannah and me to discover some amazing places. During our 3 years on the road so far, we have endeavored to break away from the path most traveled and discover locations we’d barely heard of let alone considered visiting!
Here are 5 countries that gave us unforgettable experiences and proved to be affordable unique destinations.
1. Montenegro: Europe’s Hidden Secret
Situated along the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro combines breathtaking coastlines with rugged mountain landscapes. It’s a more affordable alternative to its neighbor, Croatia, with equally stunning views. It’s not part of the Schengen Area meaning your stay here doesn’t impact any European visas.
Montenegro is relatively small but packed with everything explorers need for any adventure. You can chill by the beach in Budva in the morning and go skiing in Kolasin in the afternoon. We spent 3 months exploring including our longest Workaway placement to date and loved it all.
Highlights: Kotor’s medieval old town and the serene Bay of Kotor. The capital Podgorica is a cool city that mixes old-world culture and modern amenities.
Why It’s Affordable: Budget-friendly accommodation and inexpensive local food make it easy to save, and it’s relatively undiscovered by many foreign visitors.
Travel Hack: Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for lower prices and fewer crowds in the main tourist areas. Volunteer sites like Workaway are prevalent in Montenegro and finding rewarding work in exchange for accommodation and 3 meals a day is entirely possible.
2. Albania: Where History Meets Natural Beauty
We thought Montenegro was a cheap place, that was until we went to Albania! You can take a very affordable but comfortable bus from Podgorica to Shkodër passing through passport control along the 3-hour journey. It’s not far away but it feels like a completely different world once you arrive
There’s a mix of ancient ruins and local culture, plus some of Europe’s best-kept beaches – all at a fraction of the cost of other Mediterranean destinations. Geographically, Albania is in line with Southern Italy, so the summers are pretty glorious!
Highlights: The UNESCO-listed Berat and the tranquil waters and beautiful green surrounding areas of Shkodër Lake are not to be missed.
Why It’s Affordable: Meals at local taverns usually cost less than €10, and public transport, drinking, and groceries are incredibly cheap.
Travel Hack: Use Albania as a base to explore neighboring countries like Greece or North Macedonia. Albania is also not part of the Schengen Area making it a fantastic and affordable spot for renewing your visa for elsewhere or making a base until you’re free to re-enter Schengen Europe.
3. Vietnam: Southeast Asia’s Affordable Haven
Vietnam is a country of electric cities and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a destination where you can enjoy luxury at a fraction of the cost. Vietnam is one of the most affordable unique destinations we have ever visited and a truly unique experience.
Whether chilling on beautiful tranquil beaches, exploring metropolitan cities, or hiking through lush countryside, Vietnam has so much to offer. The food is also fantastic and delicious – local dishes can be found everywhere for under $2. Read my top ten insider tips to make the most of your Vietnam adventure.
Highlights: We loved so much of Vietnam but a particular highlight was taking a cruise through Ha Long Bay, I highly recommend it.
Why It’s Affordable: A hearty local meal costs just a few dollars, and accommodations range from budget hostels to affordable luxury hotels.
Travel Hack: Head to local markets for affordable groceries, street food meals, clothing, and souvenirs. Haggle with vendors who will spot a tourist from a mile away. Stand firm and you should be able to knock the price down by 50% – 75%. Ben Thanh Market in HCMC is a maze of stalls!
4. Costa Rica: Adventure Without the Hefty Price Tag
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. There are rainforests, volcanoes, incredible wildlife, and some of the best beaches I have ever seen. While it’s pricier than some Central American countries, it’s still a very affordable destination. A little smart planning keeps it budget-friendly.
As part of a 3-month stay, we enjoyed a month of house sitting on the beach in Santa Theresa, it was an unforgettable experience. The country is friendly and breathtakingly beautiful, and it’s rightly one of our top affordable and unique destinations to consider adding to your itinerary.
Highlights: The natural beauty of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. The charming appeal of the smaller towns and cities like San Isidro and Jaco.
Why It’s Affordable: Low-cost public buses and a large choice of affordable hotels, lodges, and apartments help reduce travel expenses.
Travel Hack: Costa Rica is home to many ex-pats from countries like the USA and house sitting is widely used. Sign up for Trusted Housesitters and set alerts for your planned travel dates and preferred destinations. Click here to read Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
5. Bali: The Island of Affordable Luxury
Last but not least Bali is second only to Vietnam as one of the most affordable unique destinations we have visited. We spent two months exploring the island’s natural beauty, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife.
A central apartment with a communal gym and pool and all utilities included cost us less than $500/month. We were able to base ourselves in one spot and use private cars costing around $10 a trip for weekend visits to all of the island’s main cities and attractions.
Highlights: Relax on the beaches of Uluwatu, explore the Monkey Forest of Ubud, and enjoy the tranquility of Nusa Lembongan.
Why It’s Affordable: You can find luxury villas for super low prices and meals at warungs (local eateries) cost just a few dollars.
Travel Hack: Driving in Bali is insane and not in a good way! A crash can be expensive (not to mention painful!), so hire an experienced driver via Booking.com/taxis to navigate the island’s crazy roadways and heavy traffic. Also read – Everything You Need to Know About Bali.
Conclusion
These affordable unique destinations prove you don’t need a massive budget to enjoy incredible adventures. Whether you’re exploring Montenegro’s coastline, indulging in Bali’s luxury on a budget, or hiking in Vietnam, these locations offer unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.
Start planning your trip to one of these hidden gems and see for yourself just how far your budget can go.
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