Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
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Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Tiffany
Traveling in your 20’s can be done affordably, and my trips have marked some of the best experiences of my entire life. Why wait to travel after you retire when you can do it know when you’re healthy and have a world of memories to make! Here are some cheap destinations to visit in your 20’s.
They say to travel after you retire when all your responsibilities are taken are of and you’re done working. But have you ever thought about traveling before you even get those responsibilities in the first place?
I started budget travelling when I was only 18 years old and now that I’m 25, I’ve been to over 30 countries and 5 out to the 7 continents!
Making the decision to travel the world before I had my career set was definitely scary. Where was I going to get the money from? Only rich people can travel often! Accommodation is so expensive!
These were all worries and fears I had at the start of my journey. Then I found out about hostels, backpacking, and overall budget travel.
Since then, I’ve travelled throughout Colombia for 6 weeks on $1,500 USD and booked $94 flights from New York to London. Trust me, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive as long as you have the right budgeting skills!
How to get started traveling on a budget– Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
Almost all of the countries I’ve been to have been on a a budget which allows me to see more of the world. Denmark, Curacao, Greece, Puerto Rico, you name it!
One of the major ways I save money while traveling is by staying in hostels. I typically book dorms and share a room with other people (can range from 4-10 people).
For example, a dorm bed might cost around $10 whereas a hotel room can cost up to $100 per night in the same area!
Hostels have saved me thousands of dollars during my travels. Like seriously. One of the best parts of staying in hostels is making ever lasting friends. I can’t even begin to name all the incredible people (that are still in my life!) that I’ve met in hostels!
Learn how I’m able to travel the world on a strict budget!
The main way I’m able to save money while traveling is by going to affordable destinations. While certain destinations like the Maldives and Switzerland might have the girlies in a chokehold, those are generally expensive locations.
I’m able to travel multiple times per year because I purposefully choose destinations that are affordable to me! Down below are some of my favorite & top pick, affordable destinations to visit in your 20’s.
Thailand
One of my favorite countries EVER! From islands with crystal clear beach water in the south to mountainous rice fields in the north, Thailand has so much to offer.
I spent almost 2 months backpacking Thailand and it was SO affordable but also safe! During my time here, I slept in beautiful Airbnbs that were even more affordable than hostel dorms because I traveled with a friend.
My expenses were especially low because I went grocery shopping often and cooked almost everyday. Cooking is always my go to method to save money when I’m backpacking, often resorting to pb & j sandwiches just to save a buck.
However, Thai food in restaurants is extremely affordable so I would also eat out a few times per week! For example, making breakfast and eating out for dinner was the perfect balance for me. And my wallet.
Budget: About $30 USD – $50 USD per day
Guatemala- Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
If climbing volcanoes and paddle boarding in lakes created by ancient volcanic eruptions is your thing, you have to visit Guatemala! I met so many cool, adventurous people here that shared the same interests as me and it was never a dull moment.
One of the reasons I love it so much here is the abundance of colors. The Mayan people have an extremely colourful culture and typically wear gorgeous clothes draped in different shades! Guatemala food I also extremely delicious and quite affordable but the star of the show of this country is the nature.
My first time hiking a volcano (what a sentence!) was Acatenango and it was completely mind altering! Being above the clouds and watching an active volcano spurt was the absolute highlight of my trip.
Not to mention the gorgeous Lake Atitlan and all the lovely towns surrounding. Transferring from town to town on the speed boats was always such a humurous and authentic experience too with our suitcases going on top of the (very rocky) boat!
Budget: $35 USD – $55 USD per day
Peru
I would tell people to visit Peru just for the food alone. Peru has to be one of my top rated countries ever. Kind people, stunning landscapes, and absolutely incredible food!
Peru has an extremely affordable bus transportation system to get you from one side of the country to the next for a good price. Instead of booking a $100 flight, I was able to book $50 overnight busses and be well rested enough to start my next day as soon as I hopped off!
As a gyal that loves to save money, I barely cooked a day in Peru. This was because the food was amazing (I’m drooling thinking about it) and so affordable.
I could find myself eating meals that ranged from about $5 – $10 at the MOST. That is with a drink and side included! In most cities, hostel dorms can range from $7 to $10 per night, and they’re ACTUALLY nice.
In Peru there are also lots of things that you can do for free or at an affordable price. I went on countless free walking tours in cities like Lima and Arequipa and learned about history.
I’m also lucky to say I hiked the world’s second largest canyon with a friend for free! No overpriced guide, just our will power and determination. And a bunch of informative blog posts we found online. If you are a nature lover and enjoy hiking as much as me, Peru is a must.
Budget: $25 USD – $50 USD per day
Colombia– Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
My all time favorite country- like ever. Colombia has such a rich, diverse history ranging from Central African culture in Cartagena to colonial architecture in Bogota. Traveling throughout Colombia can often times feel like you’re visiting different countries within one country!
One of my favorite places in Colombia is Isla Sand Andres. An island geographically located next to Nicaragua with a culture similar to Jamaica but somehow nationally recognised as Colombia, this island took my breath away.
Swing over to Salento for the world’s tallest Palm trees and major Encanto vibes and delicious coffee. Head to Medellin for a New York vibe and eternal spring.
Travel to Minca for awesome vegan food and a hippie feel in the jungle. Colombia offers so much for young backers on a budget who want to experience life without breaking the bank!
Budget: $25 USD – $55 USD per day
Vietnam
Who else is getting pho tonight?! I know that was corny but I had to. Anyways, Vietnam is probably one of the best Asian destinations of all time for a tight backpackers budget.
It is honestly so hard to spend a bag of money in Vietnam unless you are actually trying. Airbnbs were so affordable that I did’t even check out the hostel scene! Travelling all across the country by bus, I was able to snag hotel rooms for as low as $13 USD per night overlooking rice fields.
Airbnbs can range from $15 – $25 per night (depending on location, while hostel dorms are as low as $5 USD. Apart from extremely affordable accommodation, there is just so much to do and see in Vietnam.
Budget: $25 USD – 40 USD
Zanzibar– Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
One of my favorite destinations in Africa. It has a stunning beauty that is hard to find in other places of the world and beach water like candyyyyyyy. I’m serious, the beaches here will make you want to eat it like it’s skittles!
There are plenty of things to do on this quaint but charming island. Walk around Stone Town and view Freddie Mercy’s childhood home and take a visit to the spice market. Visit a spice farm and have a traditional Zanzibari lunch. Hang out and tan all day at Nungwi beach. The possibilities are endless, especially for those who love island life!
Most hostels are located in Stone Town making it a good ways away from beaches, but there are plenty of affordable Airbnbs located closer to beaches. Now while travelling in Zanzibar is more affordable than the Maldives, it is one of the pricier locations on this list. Still, if you’re into culture and love beaches, you have to visit.
Eating in Zanzibar is beautifully priced, with some local food costing no more than $5 USD per meal. Make local friends, explore the island, and have fun in this gorgeous location while learning about East African culture!
Budget: ~$30 – $65 USD per day
Portugal
One of my favorite countries in Europe with gorgeous streets and stunning beaches, visiting Portugal in your 20’s is a must. While hostels in Western Europe can be quite pricey, Portugal offers affordability and can easily be traveled on a budget.
I’ve had a Euro summer twice now both spent I Portugal, and those trips were some of the best travel experiences I’ve had! Meeting new people from all over the world, pigging out on Pastel de nata, and seeing some of the most gorgeous sunsets ever. Portugal has it all and for a pretty penny too!
While a lot of Western Europe can often times be very expensive, Portugal typically has nice hostels that range between $17 USD – $30 USD per night. Other hostels in Germany and The Netherlands can be more than $50 USD just for one night!
I’m so obsessed with Lisbon, and all of the country in general. Five euro bus rides for a destination hours away, incredible food, and beautiful beaches. I don’t see how anyone could not be happy!
Budget: $45 – $65 USD per day
Egypt- Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
One of the most magical trips of my life and an experience that made me feel like I went back in time! I don’t think many people typically think of a trip to Egypt as a budget backpacker, but it’s a must visit in your 20’s .
With hostel bunks as low as $5 per night and an affordable and somewhat easy-to-navigate train system, you can see a lot of this ancient wonder on a strict budget!
When I visited Luxor, I decided to stay in an airbnb and lucked out with a $13 per night apartment with breakfast included. Hell yeah! Tours are typically where you spend the most money, but Pyramid tours in Cairo can be split with other hostel folk!
Not to mention Egyptian food is so delicious and quite affordable. I remember getting falafel breakfast lunch and dinner for a few cents, I was so stoked!
Egypt has to be one of the most must see cheap destinations to visit in your 20’s, especially if you’re a history lover. There was never a dull moment and you can travel for over a month in the country and still not have seen it all.
Budget: $25 USD – $40 USD per day
Montenegro– Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
For the girlies (and guys) who want a euro summer, but on a major budget. Montenegro is such a beautiful and underrated country located in the Balkans of Europe.
It’s got a much different vibe from the rest of popular European destinations, but offers gorgeous landscapes and so much to do!
With extremely affordable hostels and Airbnbs to yourself for as low as $30 USD oper night, Montenegro is perfect for the naure seeker who loves to hike and still wants the euro vibes. By the way, Montenegro, literally means Black mountain. That’s becaust you can see gorgeous black mountains from almost anywhere you look!
Budget: $30 USD – $55 USD per day
The Philippines- Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
Easily one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia! I have The Philippines rated under Thailand and Vietnam because this country tends to be a bit pricier, but it is still a must visit.
My all time favorite island was Siargao. Being able to learn how to ride a scooter in under 15 minutes and ride on smooth, paced roads and explore the island on my own was one of my greatest memories!
Palawan (El Nido & Coron) are also absolutely stunning locations with some of the prettiest beaches I’ve seen in my life. Food in the Philippines is absolutely delicious, often times averaging around $5 USD per meal.
Hostel dorms can range between $10 – $35 per night making it ultimately a lot pricer than other Southeast Asian destinations. Regardless, The Philippines has some of the best sights and parties in all of the South East Asian region.
Budget: $35 USD – $60 USD per day
Jamaica- Cheap Destinations to visit in your 20’s
Jamaican would probably not come up in your top 10 list of cheap destinations to visit in your twenties. Heck, it might not even pop up as as top 20! But honey, I am here to say that budget travel is absolutely possibly on this beautiful island!
Most people immediately think about resorts when they think the Caribbean, but Jamaica is one of the few islands that has hostels dotted across the entire country.
As a budget backpacker, you can get by hopping on cheap route taxis, eating authentic patties, and checking out free or low cost beaches.
The culture is unmatched with a lively music scene and so much nature and hiking to explore as well! There’s so much to do and see on a backpackers budget in Jamaica, contrary to popular belief. Learn more about how to travel Jamaica on a budget here.
Budget: $40 USD – $55 USD per day
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