Have you been doomscrolling for affordable flights, but they just never come along, and your holiday seems like a far-off dream? Well, I’ve got good news! There are still plenty of international spots where your dollars stretch surprisingly far, without having to sacrifice comfort or experience. From cheap flights to low day‑to‑day costs, these 9 spots are a must-visit if you want your buck to go the extra mile.
Latin America & The Caribbean Gems
San Salvador, El Salvador, is one of the cheapest international flights from the U.S. at the moment, even during their peak season, and you can easily fit their dry-season window from December to March into any tight budget. Once you land, costs stay low as there are tons of activities and experiences around that won’t break the bank.
Medellín, Colombia, also shows up in cheap‑flight forecasts, with fares often in the low-300s, which gives you the perfect big-city experience without big-city prices. You can ride the metro for pocket change, grab a solid meal for under what you’d tip at home, and still afford day trips to Guatapé or nearby coffee towns.
Mexico will always be a winner when it comes to low-cost holiday destinations, and cities like Oaxaca and Mérida are repeatedly flagged as among the most affordable places to fly and explore. Getting around doesn’t come at a steep price, and simple guesthouses and street food are both cheap and unforgettable, especially if you stay away from overcrowded resorts.
Europe That Won’t Break You
Ready to take in the views of the gorgeous Madrid, Spain, even when on a budget? You better believe it because Madrid is frequently on low-budget travelling lists, especially in shoulder seasons. You can lean on affordable menu‑of‑the‑day lunches, neighborhoods you can walk around for hours, and intercity trains or budget airlines if you want to explore another city without blowing your budget.
Lisbon, Portugal, also ranks among the most affordable capitals in Western Europe, all thanks to cheap public transport, reasonable hotel rates, and relatively low dining costs even in the bustling city center. Add in free viewpoints (miradouros), low‑cost tram rides, and easy day trips to Sintra or Cascais, and you’ve got a European vacation that doesn’t feel like financial self‑sabotage.
Budapest, Hungary, is another European win for your wallet, frequently praised by budget travelers for its affordable food, transit, and accommodation options. You can soak in historic thermal baths, wander along the Danube, and enjoy cheap local beer while staying in centrally located guesthouses that cost less than you might spend at a roadside hotel back home (yikes).
Stretching Your Buck the Extra Mile
Vietnam is already known as a budget traveler favorite, and current exchange rates make it even better value, and you don’t even have to compromise on experiences to make this trip fit your budget. Street food is famously affordable, local buses and trains are cheap, and you can spend days exploring markets, beaches, and historic sites without feeling like you’ll be in debt for the next 10 years.
Turkey is as beautiful as it is affordable, and you’ll want to add this gem to your bucket list sooner rather than later. Istanbul and coastal towns are surprisingly affordable destinations where hotel stays, restaurant meals, and local transport run far cheaper than in many popular European spots. Wandering bazaars, ferry rides on the Bosphorus, and visiting historic mosques and ruins can all be done on a modest daily budget if you skip super‑luxury options.
Let’s not forget about Argentina as the dollar has strengthened massively against the Argentine peso, making everything from steak dinners to wine country tours dramatically cheaper than they’d be back home. Travelers are finding they can enjoy vibrant Buenos Aires neighborhoods, long‑distance bus trips, and even domestic flights within Argentina for a fraction of what they would usually pay, thanks to the exchange rate.
Making These Trips Even Cheaper
To make the most out of these destinations, timing and flexibility matter just as much as where you go. Many of the cheapest fares pop up in shoulder seasons, and midweek departures can save you a few extra bucks on plane tickets, especially on routes to Latin America and Europe. Once you’re at your destination, do what the locals do and use public transit instead of rideshares, eat at neighborhood spots instead of tourist strips, and choose guesthouses or simple hotels over big-name chains in all nine of these places.
Doing a bit of research and making smart choices means that international travel stops being a someday fantasy and becomes something you can actually put on this year’s calendar.
Sources:
Machupicchu.org, Medellin Budget Guide 2026: How to Visit on a Budget, 2026-01-14
Wanderonless, Vietnam Travel Expenses 2026: Daily Budget and Hidden Costs, 2025-12-27
Pickyourtrail, Budget Travel in Vietnam: Tips, Costs & Affordable Destinations, 2025-10-21
Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam Travel Costs: Budget Tips & Planning Guide, 2026-01-26
Forbes, Why Argentina Is This Summer’s Big Travel Bargain, 2025-06-17