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If you’re a recent grad or youngster looking for budget travel destinations you’re in the right place. Here are amazing and fun cheap places to travel in your 20s.
When I graduated high school, I had limited funds with an appetitive to see the world, on a stretch budget of course.
I was able to make my money stretch by volunteering at hostels and visiting cheap travel destinations that are backpacker friendly.
You don’t have to break the bank in order to travel the world. In fact, you can do it for so much less than how much you spend at home. However, it’s going to take visiting a cheap and affordable travel destination.
Make your cents stretch in these beautiful and budget friendly travel destinations in this list of cheap places to travel in your 20s!
Albania- Cheap travel in your 20s
One of the lesser known (but equally as gorgeous) Mediterranean touching countries in the balkans is the beautiful Albania.
Boarding with Greece, it offers similar views for a much more affordable price and beautiful beaches and stunning nature. Also, if you hold a USA passport, you’re able to stay in Albania visa free for 1 year which is pretty darn cool and makes for a dope gap year!
Vietnam
An up and coming hotspot and beautiful country to explore and travel in your 20s is Vietnam! From the north to the south, the country offers breathtaking views and is somewhere every budget backpacker should check out at least once.
You can rent scooters for $6 a day, get a delicious and filling bowl of pho for $1, and grab a nice hostel bunk for as low as $4! If those amazing prices don’t entice you I don’t know what will!
Thailand- Cheap Travel in your 20s
At the top of most backpacker’s lists for budget travel, Thailand is nothing short of an adventure! You can easily travel around the country on a $1,000 per month budget by staying in hostels and taking local transportation!
Thailand has seriously got to be one of the most magical countries I’ve ever visited. It ranges from the majestic Phi Phi Islands of the south to the enchanting and cold mountains in the north! If you’re looking for jungle, elephants, and adventure, Thailand is for you!
Colombia
My absolute favourite country on Earth with the warmest people and amazing budget travel destination is Colombia. I truly believe every budget backpacker (and traveller in general!) needs to visit Colombia at least once in their lifetime.
There is quite literally every climate and weather in Colombia. If you want tropical beaches, head to the gorgeous kreyol speaking Isla San Andres. Prefer colder weather with mountains? Fly to the capital of Bogota. Or if you would rather jungle head to the amazon and learn about indigenous culture.
Whenever I tell people I’ve visited 24 countries and they ask what my favorite country is, I never hesitate to say Colombia. It is the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen, I felt so safe and accepted, and it is so SO affordable!
Guatemala- Cheap Travel in your 20s’
Sitting right below Mexico with a colourful culture an amazing backpacker scene is outstanding Guatemala!
There are so many budget activities to explore here like the ancient ruins of Tikal or hiking a volcano, which I did (and it was freaking amazing!!)
It’s quite easy to get around the island with affordable shuttles (or the chicken bus if you’re feeling adventurous) and even splitting liber with a few friends comes out to be quite cheap. The most popular destination here is Lake Atitlan and you can find accommodation for as low as $7 per night.
Peru
Worldwide known for its remarkable landmark of Machu Picchu is the South American gem, Peru. Fun fact, potato actually originated in Peru so when you’re there, make sure to do lots of tours and eat as many as you can!
Montenegro- Cheap Travel in your 20s
Resting in the Balkans of Europe boarding several other countries is Montenegro. This is one of my favorite countries in Europe for good reason.
Its name directly translates to Black Mountain and this is mostly because you can quite literally see gorgeous mountains nearly anywhere you are in the country.
The people are super friendly, views are gorgeous, plenty of stunning nature and hiking scenes as well as affordable accommodation and food make this country a great budget destination to travel in your 20s.
Croatia
On the up and coming, Croatia s a gorgeous country located in south Europe with beautiful beaches, good food, affordable hostels, and good vibes.This is the perfect place to go backpacking if you’re looking to save a buck and enjoy tropical Europe.
Cambodia- Cheap Travel in your 20s
This lesser known southeast Asian country is filled with ancient temples, crystal blue beaches, and exotic animals! A short bus ride away from Vietnam, Cambodia is the place to travel to if you’re a history buff on a tight budget.
There are endless ancient sites to visit and explore and the hostel scene is poppin! An average night in the capital Phonm Penh is about $5 and a private room can be anywhere in between $20-$30!
Brazil
While recommended for more advanced solo travellers, Brazil is one of the most wonderful and adventure filled countries in South America (and that’s saying a lot!) The food us incredible, the backpacking scene is lit, and the prices are very attractive and affordable!
Go tubing down the amazon river, check out the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro, or go during carnival season, there is so much to see in Brazil while traveling in your 20s while on a budget!
Mexico- Cheap Travel in your 20s
Mexico is a beautiful country in North/Central America that deserves every bit of praise it gets! They have some of the most delicious food in Latin America, kind people, a beautiful indigenous culture, and a brilliant backpackers scene!
You could seriously spend a year in Mexico and still feel like you haven’t seen everything. There is so much to do, see, and taste all achievable on a tight budget!
Indonesia
Most people go to Indonesia for Bali, but there are more even cheaper and equally as beautiful cities! Indonesia is a country with delicious food, wonderful people, jaw dropping beaches, and is a prime budget travel destination.
Getting around the island is quite cheap and the food is fresh and affordable as well. Hostels bunks range for about $6 per night while you can get a nice hotel for less than $25!
Costa Rica- Cheap Travel in your 20s
Although slightly pricier than the other destinations on this list, a visit to Costa Rica in your 20s is surely worth it. This is seriously one of the most gorgeous countries I’ve ever visited with gorgeous nature, nice people, and amazing food!
The backpacker scene is quite affordable with hostels ranging around $20 per night and there ARE an endless amount of activities to explore!
Turkey
A European must visit! When I was in Greece, I met an Australian couple who couldn’t stop gushing about the time they had in Turkey and how budget friendly and beautiful it was.
People usually talk about Spain and Italy (which are pretty countries) but they tend to be a bit on the pricy side. Turkey offers amazing food, affordable accommodation, and endless things to do.
Greece- Cheap Travel in your 20s
Oh Mama Mia do I love Greece! (see what I did there?) This country is simply stunning with incredible food, some of the best on the continent, and endless activities.
From island hopping, to ancient sites and hiking mountains, there is never a boring day in Greece! If you’re still in school, make sure to bring your student id as you’ll receive a generous discount off museums and train rides.
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