you’ve got a recipe for a genuinely affordable vacation. Below you’ll find ten cheap places to travel
Airfares have ticked up 12 percent year-on-year, but domestic fares are still averaging just $265 round trip and many international routes remain below pre-pandemic highs. Pair those deals with countries where a full day of meals, lodging and sightseeing can cost under $50, and you’ve got a recipe for a genuinely affordable vacation. Below you’ll find ten cheap places to travel that check four boxes at once competitive flight prices from major U.S. hubs, low daily costs on the ground, straightforward or inexpensive visas, and enough attractions to keep the trip fun without draining your savings.
Why flight prices and visas matter in 2025
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Airfare snapshot. Domestic tickets are at a three-year low ($265), while many cross-border routes into Latin America and Southeast Asia are under $600 round-trip if you book 4–6 months out.
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The cheapest visa. Vietnam’s e-visa remains the bargain of the year at $25 for U.S. travelers, processed entirely online .
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Visa-free wins. Georgia lets Americans stay 365 days without paying a cent , while Mexico, Colombia, Morocco and Albania waive visa fees for 90 days or more .
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Timing tip. The lowest flight prices typically land in the shoulder seasons: spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) for Europe and North Africa, and late summer for Southeast Asia.
Quick-glance comparison table
| Country | Avg. RT Airfare from USA | Typical Daily Budget (US$) | Visa Cost/Rule for U.S. Citizens | Best Time for Lowest Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $328 – NYC to MEX | $50 – $80 | Visa-free (Forma Migratoria Multiple included with airfare) | Jan–Feb & Sep |
| Colombia | $324 – nationwide avg. | $49 (budget) | 90-day visa-free | Feb & Oct |
| Dominican Rep. | $350 – U.S. avg. | $60–$90 | $10 tourist card bundled in airfare | Late Aug–Nov |
| Portugal (Algarve) | $652 – to Lisbon | $76 (budget) | 90-day visa-free (ETIAS €7 slated 2025) | Nov–Mar (off-season) |
| Albania | $420 – typical East Coast | $42 (budget) | 1-year visa-free | Sept–Oct |
| Morocco | $550 – to Casablanca/Marrakesh | $34 (budget) | 90-day visa-free | Jan–Mar & Nov |
| Vietnam | $541 – LAX to BKK (via SGN/HAN) | $35 (budget) | e-Visa $25 | Aug–Oct |
| Thailand | $952 (avg.; deals from $541) | $35 (budget) | 30-day visa-free on arrival | May & Sept (rain = bargains) |
| Georgia | $850 – to Tbilisi | $40–$60 (guesthouse meals) | 365-day visa-free | Mar–May & Sept |
| Turkey | $942 avg.; promos from $378 | $60 (budget) | e-Visa ≈ $50 | Nov–Apr |
Destination
Mexico: tacos, cenotes & sub-$70 round-trips
Flights from Texas often drop under $100 round trip, and once you land, street food lunches hover around $3–$4. Opt for public ADO buses between cities and you’ll keep transport under $10/day.
Colombia: Caribbean warmth without the sticker shock
Cartagena’s colonial core is photogenic, yet dorm beds start at $12, and budget meals of arepas and fresh juice run $5. Flights dip to $62 one-way from Florida during sales .
Dominican Republic: beach resorts, backpacker prices
Low-cost carrier Arajet now links Newark to Santo Domingo for $262 round trip . All visitors pay a built-in $10 tourist fee—no paperwork at the airport.
Portugal’s Algarve: Europe’s sunny bargain
Off-season rooms around Tavira average $96 but dip to $60 in January. Round-trip fares from Boston to Faro can be as low as $410, letting you savor cataplana seafood without splurging.
Albania: Adriatic views for Balkan budgets
BudgetYourTrip pegs daily spend at $42 ; seaside guesthouses in Ksamil start near $25. Ryanair’s seasonal flights under €22 from Western Europe open sweet positioning-flight hacks .
Morocco: souks, surf and $34 days
A tagine dinner plus riad bed can total $20 in Marrakesh . U.S. citizens skip visa fees for 90 days, and winter temps stay pleasant in Agadir.
Vietnam: e-visa steal and $1 pho
A $25 e-visa and sub-$2.50 street bowls of pho make Vietnam one of the cheapest and most beautiful countries to explore. Sample Hoi An’s lantern-lit alleys, then ride the Reunification Express for pennies.
Thailand: still the most fun, still cheap
Deals under $600 round-trip pop up if you fly to Bangkok via Tokyo or Taipei . Average backpacker spend: $35 daily. Add island hops on $20 ferries and street-market pad thai at $1.50, and it’s arguably the most fun and cheapest country to visit long-term.
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Georgia: mountains, wine & year-long stays
Spend your mornings in Tbilisi’s sulphur baths and afternoons sampling $3 qvevri wines. No visa fees for a full year perfect for remote workers chasing epic Caucasus hikes.
Turkey: East-meets-West on sale
Round-trips regularly slide under $400 in November . Even with a $50 e-visa , daily costs of $60 keep Istanbul affordable. Don’t miss $1 simit bread and free Bosphorus ferries for a skyline cruise.
Money-saving tips
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Bundle flights + lodging. OTA “vacation packages” often drop total price 15–20 percent compared with piecing elements together, especially for the Dominican Republic and Portugal.
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Track fare alerts. Set Skyscanner and Kayak price alerts to pounce when rates hit historical lows.
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Use regional buses and trains. From Lisbon, FlixBus gets you to the Algarve for under €5 in winter.
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Pack light. Many low-cost carriers’ cheapest tickets allow only a small personal item; add a carry-on and savings disappear fast.
FAQ
Where is the cheapest place to travel internationally?
Colombia edges out the field with average daily costs around $49 and frequent sub-$300 round-trips from Florida .
Which country is the cheapest to travel to?
Vietnam wins on the combination of a $25 visa and $35 daily spend.
What is the cheapest and safest country to visit?
Portugal’s Algarve offers low seasonal rates-$76 daily on average and consistently ranks high for safety and healthcare quality .
Which country has the lowest flight prices?
Mexico routinely posts sub-$100 fares from Southern U.S. cities and averages $328 from major hubs .
Which country is best for a 7-day trip?
The Dominican Republic packs beaches, culture and easy transport into a short itinerary, with $262 round-trips and a built-in $10 tourist card.
Scoring an affordable vacation in 2025 comes down to three levers grab the lowest flight prices early, pick destinations where your dollar stretches, and keep visa expenses tiny or nonexistent. Mix and match the ten spots above to match your travel style, then lock in those dates before the next fare spike. Your wallet and your future self scrolling through unforgettable photos will thank you.
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