Searching for the cheapest travel destinations for 2021? You’re not alone. After spending almost a year sheltering at home, it’s no surprise that we’re all waiting to explore the world. The global pandemic has shown us how precious time is, and how we have to live our lives to the fullest. There’s no denying that the travel industry has taken a serious hit as a result of the pandemic. For months, everything from airlines to restaurants had to cease operations in order to slow down the spread of the virus. With light finally, at the end of the tunnel, it’s time to start planning your post-Covid travel itinerary. I’m rounding up the top ten destinations that you can visit for cheap in 2021. Be prepared for a few shocks in the list!
Affordable Travel Destinations around the world
- Thailand
Thailand is a favorite location for solo travelers as it’s one of the cheapest countries you can visit. Even if you’re after a luxury holiday, you can find it for much cheaper than what you would pay in the Western World. Most backpackers budget around $30 a day, all-inclusive. You can save money on food in Thailand by sticking with street food, particularly ones that are heavier on vegetables than meat. Bangkok is one of the cheapest places to visit, along with Chiang Mai.
- Bulgaria
Sofia is one of the cheapest capital cities that you can visit. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, Bansko is also known as one of the cheapest ski locations in the world. You can start your travels in Sofia before venturing to Bansko to catch some action on the slopes. 3-day access to a ski resort with your equipment will likely set you back somewhere in the region of 130 euros. You can expect to pay around 2 euros for a beer in Bulgari, showing just how inexpensive the country is to visit.
- Georgia
Georgia is one European country that is often overlooked when it comes to travel guides. Your main expense is going to be your accommodation. The most popular tourist locations all have different hostel options and you can also go with an Airbnb. The food in Georgia is some of the cheapest that you’ll find in Europe – especially for meat dishes. For a full day of eating and drinking, including alcohol, you can budget less than 20 euros and still have some change left over.
- Greece
Okay, hear me out! Greece is one country that can be cheap if you’re flexible with your dates. Avoid the summer months at all costs and aim to visit a few weeks on either side of peak tourist season. You can expect to pay a lot less for your accommodation and you can enjoy exploring the streets of Athens without the crowds of tourists. Street food in Greece is fairly cheap, and they tend to have large portion sizes. As a country full of ancient artefacts, there are plenty of free walking tours and exhibitions on offer.
- Italy
Sicily was one of the worst-hit countries in the early months of COVID-19. The travel industry virtually collapsed overnight. To encourage tourists to the city, the local government is offering to reimburse 50% of your airfare, as well as offering you a free one-night hotel stay. There aren’t too many details online about the scheme, but it’s expected to run for most of 2021. Keep an eye on the Visit Sicily website to keep up-to-date with all the news about the voucher scheme. With its mouth-watering cuisine, world-renowned hikes, and oceanside views, Sicily is one spot you can visit for cheap in 2021.
- Hungary
Budapest is one country that has to be on your travel bucket list. Not only is it rich in history and the home of some of the best festivals in the world, it’s also extremely budget friendly. Their public transport is some of the best that you’ll find in Europe and you can get around for as little as three euros a day with unlimited travel. As it’s such a popular destination for young travellers, the city is full of hostels and Airbnbs.
- Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one country that appears on almost every budget-friendly travel guide. It’s primarily so cheap because it’s not a tourist destination in the traditional sense. Unless you’re an avid traveller, you’re probably not going to visit Sri Lanka. Colombo is a city that is turning its fortune and stepping into the modern era. It’s an exciting city that is full of culture and cuisine that you can only find in Sri Lanka. You can budget for less than 10 dollars a day for Colombo, including eating at restaurants and your transportation.
- India
You can visit India for cheap, you just need to know how to find a good deal. Be prepared to see extremely inexpensive accommodation. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is – and that includes $3 a night accommodation. In the South of India, you’re spoilt for choice with nice accommodation that is both safe and affordable. The easiest way to keep your India trip cheap is to book everything yourself. If you budget properly, you can travel through India for $20 a day.
- Egypt
Have you dreamt of visiting the pyramids? Now you can – and for fairly cheap. The country is a once in a lifetime experience. You can visit the Valley of the Kings, the Nile and the Pyramids of Giza. To get the best deal, aim to visit between October and April to benefit from off-peak pricing. You can travel around Egypt with a daily budget of around $25, including food and accommodation.
- Portugal
Next on the list is one of my favorite places in Europe, Porto , Portugal. Portugal is one of the most affordable places in Europe and arguably the most hospitable. When I visited I was extremely shocked to realize how affordable it was. I recall getting a full course meal, a glass of wine with an appetizer for a mere $6. You should be able to get by under $50 a day. Lisbon is also another popular destination to check out.
- Turkey
The final country on our list of cheapest destinations to visit in 2021 is Turkey. The pricing for Turkey is fairly similar to Egypt, and you can budget for around $20 to $25 per day. Turkey is beloved by solo travelers for its ancient ruins, outdoor activities like rafting and it’s world-renowned spas and baths. The best time to visit Turkey is between March and June, just before the peak tourist season!
These are the cheapest travel destinations for 2021 you should put on your bucket list. Will you be traveling to any of these destinations on the list? Comment below.
