1. Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻🇳
Why go: Hanoi blends ancient temples, French colonial charm, and amazing street food. It’s one of the most budget-friendly cities in Asia.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Accommodation: Hostels from $6–12/night, private rooms under $20.
- Food: Bánh mì and pho for $1–3 per meal.
- Activities: Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and take a budget-friendly day trip to Ha Long Bay (often under $30).
- Total for 4–5 days: Around $180–$250 (flights extra if coming from afar).
Tip: Travel by sleeper bus or train if you’re also visiting other parts of Vietnam.
2. Skopje, North Macedonia 🇲🇰
Why go: One of Europe’s most underrated cities. Skopje is quirky, walkable, and surrounded by nature.
- Accommodation: Hotels/hostels from $15–25 per night.
- Food: Local meals for $3–5.
- Activities: Visit the Millennium Cross, old bazaar, and Matka Canyon (a hidden gem).
- Total for 3–4 days: ~$200–$300
Tip: Fly with Wizz Air or Ryanair for cheap tickets from other European countries.
3. La Paz, Bolivia 🇧🇴
Why go: The highest capital in the world offers stunning mountain views, colorful markets, and rich indigenous culture.
- Accommodation: Hostels for $8–15.
- Transport: Cable cars are $0.50 each ride — and double as scenic tours.
- Food: Markets offer delicious meals for $2–4.
- Activities: Explore the Witches’ Market, take a local walking tour, or bike down Death Road (on a budget tour).
- Total for 5 days: Around $250–$400
Tip: Bolivia is cheaper than most South American countries — perfect for backpackers.
4. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩
Why go: Beaches, temples, waterfalls, rice terraces, and a laid-back vibe.
- Accommodation: Dorms start at $5/night; private rooms for $10–15.
- Food: Local warungs serve meals for $1–3.
- Transport: Rent a scooter for $6/day.
- Activities: Visit Ubud, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, or take a free yoga class.
- Total for 5–6 days: $250–$400 (excluding flights from far-off regions)
Tip: Avoid touristy resorts and stay in local guesthouses for the real Bali experience.
5. Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪
Why go: A beautiful mix of Europe and Asia with mountain scenery, old churches, and amazing hospitality.
- Accommodation: Hostels for $10–15/night.
- Food: Khachapuri and dumplings for $2–4.
- Transport: Local minibuses and metro under $0.50.
- Activities: Wander the old town, visit sulfur baths, take a free city tour.
- Total for 4–5 days: $200–$300
Tip: Georgia offers a visa-free entry to many countries and is a digital nomad hotspot.
6. Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴
Why go: Once dangerous, now a rising star. Medellín has great weather, a metro-cable system with mountain views, and a vibrant culture.
- Accommodation: Hostels from $10–15/night.
- Food: Menu del día (daily set menu) for $3–5.
- Transport: Metro for $0.70.
- Activities: Ride the cable car, visit Comuna 13, take a free graffiti tour.
- Total for 5 days: $250–$350
Tip: Colombia uses COP (Colombian Peso), and your dollar goes far.
7. Zanzibar, Tanzania 🇹🇿
Why go: White-sand beaches, crystal waters, spice tours, and Swahili culture.
- Accommodation: Budget guesthouses from $10–20/night.
- Food: Local meals and seafood for $2–4.
- Activities: Explore Stone Town, relax at Nungwi Beach, visit a spice farm.
- Total for 4–5 days: $300–$450
Tip: Fly into Dar es Salaam and take a cheap ferry to the island.
8. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦
Why go: A beautiful mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern architecture — with rich history and nature.
- Accommodation: $10–20/night.
- Food: Ćevapi and burek for $2–5.
- Activities: Visit the old town (Baščaršija), hike the surrounding hills, see war tunnels.
- Total for 3–5 days: $250–$350
Tip: Sarajevo is less touristy than other Balkan cities — cheaper and friendlier.
9. Pokhara, Nepal 🇳🇵
Why go: A peaceful lakeside town surrounded by the Himalayas — perfect for nature lovers and trekkers.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses for $5–10/night.
- Food: Dal bhat and momo dumplings for $1–3.
- Activities: Hike to World Peace Pagoda, boat on Phewa Lake, explore caves and waterfalls.
- Total for 5–6 days: $200–$300
Tip: Trekking the Annapurna trail is possible for cheap — especially if you skip the guided tour.
10. Philippines (Cebu or Siargao) 🇵🇭
Why go: Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, island hopping, and friendly locals.
- Accommodation: $7–15/night in hostels or homestays.
- Food: Local meals for $2–4.
- Activities: Kawasan Falls, snorkeling, island tours ($10–25).
- Transport: Jeepneys and ferries are very cheap.
- Total for 5 days: $300–$450
Tip: Avoid peak season (Dec–Feb) for lower prices and fewer tourists.