Your 20s are a remarkable time in life. You’re mature enough to be responsible and knowledgeable yet young enough to have a sense of freedom and open-mindedness. Traveling is an excellent way to make the most of this prime phase and explore the world before settling down and starting a career or family. But what are the best places to travel in your 20s if you have limited funds?
For many 20-somethings, money is a significant obstacle when it comes to adventure. It’s rare for a young person to have a substantial amount of savings, especially during or after university. This means luxurious getaways with five-star hotels and first-class flights are often out of reach. However, even on a tight budget, you can have a great time in many places around the world.
When looking for more unique and affordable travel options, it’s helpful to start by researching the world’s most budget-friendly countries to visit. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of some gorgeous countries that are easy to travel on a budget. These are the perfect places to travel alone in your 20s as they are full of culture that can be easily experienced without a private tour guide.
And if you opt for a work exchange program, you’ll save a lot on your trip(s) by cutting the cost of accommodation. In this kind of volunteer program, you exchange a few hours of work for free stay, and sometimes you’ll even get additional benefits like meals and tours. It’s also an amazing way to meet interesting people, immerse yourself in local cultures, and put your talents to use or develop new skills.
If you’re in your 20s and looking for fun vacation spots, any of these countries are sure to offer you an enriching experience.
Read more: 14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a work exchange volunteer
15 best places to travel in your 20s on a budget
So, what are these amazing places to travel in your 20s? Here’s the list!
1. Thailand
If you’re wondering how to travel on a budget in your 20s, look no further than Thailand. A popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Thailand is as beautiful as it’s hyped up to be. It’s filled with diverse landscapes and welcoming locals. You can cross many items off your bucket list in Thailand without spending a fortune. A full day cooking class in Chiang Mai can cost less than $30, a boat tour around the islands of Koh Phi Phi can stay under $20, and a ticket to the incredible temples of the Grand Palace in Bangkok costs only $15. And the daily expenses in Thailand are affordable too. For example, you can get a full plate of fresh Pad Thai or a giant fruit smoothie at a street market for $1. If you want to save more, check out work exchange programs in Thailand.
2. Bulgaria
If you’re dreaming of visiting Europe on a student budget, Bulgaria is the answer. This eastern European country is often overlooked by tourists but has a rich history. You can find a decent hostel in the capital city, Sofia, for only $10-$15 a night, and most attractions in the city are free. The locals are thrilled to see tourists and teach them about their culture, so you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Sofia offers free walking tours, free graffiti tours, free pub crawls, and free food tours where you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle for hardly any money. You can also buy great products that are expensive elsewhere at a fraction of the cost. Bulgaria is proud of its dairy production, roses, and rose infusions. Body lotions and cosmetics are of high quality made from Bulgarian yogurt and rose extract. Clothes and food are also cheap in Bulgaria, so you can treat yourself and still save money while traveling. Check out work exchange programs in Bulgaria!
3. Peru
This gem of South America is famous for its wonder of the ancient world, Machu Picchu. Peru is a large country with lots to offer, including the Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, and countless beaches, forests, deserts, and small local villages. Touristy adventures like hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be pricey through nice tour companies, but you can find cheaper treks through local hostel tour companies. For example, you can do the 5-day Salkantay Trey through Loki Hostel for only $249, compared to the average $500 it costs to complete the Inca Trail through a popular tour company. Another great experience in Peru is hiking Rainbow Mountain, a stunning natural phenomenon with vibrant colors. Through local tour companies in Cusco, you can join a full day guided hike for only $30. Transport around the country is also great for budget travelers. Comfortable overnight buses can take you all over the nation at super cheap prices, and in every city or town, you can find delicious local food like ceviche, loom saltado, and quinoa soup for very little money. Peru is definitely one of the best places to travel in your 20s! If you have the time, spend more than a few days there. Check out work exchange programs in Peru.
4. Cuba
Visit this vibrant Caribbean island to feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1950s. With a unique history and a colorful culture full of aromatic Latin food, picturesque architecture, and of course, Cuban cigars, there is no shortage of things to do in Cuba. Luckily, all these things can be enjoyed on a budget. Stay in an Airbnb or a Casa Particular with a local family for about $20-$30 a night. This is a bit pricier than a hostel dorm room, but the authentic experience with locals is worth the extra cash. You can make up for it by eating street food for $1 per meal and buying cheap cocktails in a bar for $2-$3. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Cuba for free, such as lazing away on pristine beaches like the famous Varadero, the serene Playa Pilar, or the bustling Cayo Coco. You can also wander the archaic streets of Havana, admiring the baroque architecture of Plaza Vieja and studying the Christian art of the city’s many cathedrals. Venture beyond the capital to small towns like Trinidad, where you can take salsa lessons and dance in the streets with locals near Plaza Mayor. Dive into the rich nature of Cuba as well by hiking about two miles through Parque El Cubano, and finishing with a swim in the refreshing Javira Waterfall. If you want to have a deeper understanding of the country, check out the work exchange programs in Cuba.
5. Croatia
If you want to travel Europe on a budget, don’t miss backpacking Croatia. A comforting mix of eastern European culture and Mediterranean warmth, Croatia is one of my favorite places to travel in your 20s. Some of its more popular cities can be touristy, but they are still worth the trip. For example, Dubrovnik is full of rustic old churches and menacing stone walls, many of which were used for filming Game of Thrones. This is one of the most expensive cities in Croatia, but it can still be done on a budget. If you have a student ID card, you can get a huge discount on climbing the city walls. You can also spend a day hiking and swimming on the nearby Lokrum Island, which is only a 5 Euro ferry-ride from the city pier. Other beautiful cities in Croatia can easily be done on a budget. Split is a lazy beachside town with a whitewashed Old Town Center and a massive park perfect for running and watching the sunset. The good news is both of these activities are completely free and allow you to explore the beauty and serenity of Split. Zagreb, the capital city, is packed with magnificent architecture and cathedrals, so all you need to do is wander around with a camera and you can be entertained for days. Be sure to stop by Dolac Market and buy some local produce and homemade goods for incredibly cheap. Check out Worldpackes work exchange programs in Croatia and have the time of your life in this amazing country.
6. Nicaragua
This small Central American nation has all the same assets as its neighbor, Costa Rica, but it’s much cheaper and less touristy. If you’re wondering what are the best places to travel in your 20s in Central America, you should definitely consider Nicaragua. Here you can find friendly, laid-back locals eager to interact with you, small historical cities with stunning architecture, and cheap produce markets with fresh tropical fruits for minuscule prices. In addition to affordable food, you can find nice hostels for around $10 a night, making the average cost of living in Nicaragua very low. Nicaragua is a great destination for surfers of all levels, as the waves are pumping and the beaches are usually close to empty. There is a lake in Managua in the center of the country that causes the wind to blow offshore towards the coast, which makes for perfect, glassy waves year round. Beginner surfers can learn how to ride the waves at beaches like Playa Maderas, while experienced surfers can hunt down the big waves in places like Popoya. You can also thrill-seek by hiking active volcanoes and sand-boarding back down, or indulge in some crazy parties on Sunday Funday in San Juan Del Sur. Excited about exploring this surprising country? Check out work exchange programs in Nicaragua!
7. South Africa
South Africa is the perfect country for experiencing lots of life-changing moments in one trip. Visit Kruger National Park for a thrilling safari and spot lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and more in their natural habitat. A luxury guided safari is pricey, but you can purchase a self-drive safari for only $100 a night; this can drop down to as low as $60 a night if you camp. Witness more natural beauty at the tabletop mountains of Drakensberg Park, which lies on the border of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Explore more jaw-dropping peaks at Table Mountain in Cape Town, one of the most popular cities in South Africa. You can hike Table Mountain for free, and there are numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty. Another free attraction in Cape Town is Green Point Park, the same spot where the FIFA World Cup was held in 2010. Scope out the architecture in Greenmarket Square or the neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, or learn to surf at Muizenberg. Cape Town is such a welcoming city that you barely need to spend any money to enjoy it, except for food and accommodation. To save money on food, visit the V&A Market for super cheap vegan and vegetarian meals, and to save money on accommodation, make sure to check out work exchange programs in South Africa.
8. Ecuador
The amount of natural diversity in Ecuador is jaw-dropping considering its size. Named after its location along the Equator in South America, Ecuador’s warm climate extends from the jungles and waterfalls of the Amazon, to the cloud forests of the north, to the beaches of the western coastline. You can also find colder weather as you head to higher altitudes, such as the capital city of Quito or the famous volcanoes of Cotopaxi National Park. Ecuador is the perfect country for adventure enthusiasts who love to be outdoors, as the natural beauty is truly endless. Luckily, most of the country is budget-friendly, with the exception of maybe the Galapagos Islands, making it one of the best places to travel in your 20s in South America. The American Dollar is used as the local currency here, though it’s recommended to come with smaller bills and some coins as well. A local bus ride in Quito costs $0.20, and buses to different cities throughout the country usually cost between $5-$10. You probably won’t be able to pay for anything using a $20 or higher, and it’s rare for locals to have change. If you’re looking for a different experience there, see the work exchange programs in Ecuador.
9. Cambodia
Many travelers visit Cambodia to explore the ancient temples of Siem Reap, and with good reason. You can spend up to seven days roaming through the massive stone structures that date back to the 12th Century, watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat and witnessing the giant faces at the Bayon. Stay in a hostel in Siem Reap while you plan your stay; some hostels are as cheap as $4 a night and the staff will help you plan your visit to the temples. The prices for the temples passes are currently $37 for one day, $62 for three days, and $72 for seven days, which is very reasonable considering tourism is one of Cambodia’s main sources of income. So it’s absolutely worth traveling to Cambodia and giving a bit of money towards the local economy, as long as you respect their culture. Always wear appropriate clothing in the temples and be kind to the locals. Give the Cambodians an extra warm thank you when they drive you around in a tuk tuk, serve you their delicious khmer curry in a cafe or sell you discounted clothing in the street market, and remember to appreciate how lucky you are to be able to see their country. Feel like delving deeper into Cambodian culture? Check out work exchange programs in Cambodia.
10. Romania
Some people believe the land known as Transylvania is a myth, but it’s actually a large region in the eastern European country of Romania. It’s incredibly cheap to visit and easy to travel through Romania, and you’ll be able to see some adorable little villages and impressive castles along the way. Some of the most popular towns along the Transylvanian route are Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, and Sighisoara. Common factors among all these towns are brightly painted houses, visually pleasing public squares, and cheap food. Delicious pastries and bread rolls from a local bakery cost about $0.20, and you can get hearty meals in a restaurant for about $5. The easiest way to travel through Romania is by train. The train network connects all the towns of Transylvania with major Romanian cities, and the journeys usually cost around $10-$20. A must-see in Romania is Peles Castle, a massive, ornate palace that stands tall in the middle of the thick forest. The easiest way to reach the castle is by taking a quick train from Brasov to the town of Sinaia for the day. Check out work exchange programs in Romania.
11. Turkey
Caught between the Mediterranean’s intoxicating beauty and the pull of a rich Islamic culture, Turkey represents a wonderfully diverse nation. While the debate over whether Turkey is European or Middle-Eastern has not been settled, the affordability of this country remains constant. Turkey is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in your 20s (or at any age) on a budget. One of the highlights of this country is being able to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, like stuffed vine leaves, warm eggplant dishes with yogurt sauce, sugary baklava and Turkish delight, savory Gozleme, and tasty Doner kebabs. Finding these foods on the street will only cost you a couple dollars, whereas eating a massive meal in a restaurant will still cost you only about $5. Aside from filling up on food, spend your time in Turkey visiting the unique attractions scattered around the countryside. In Istanbul, you can enter the famed Blue Mosque for free, as well as roam the seemingly endless stalls of the Grand Bazaar. Many tourists also love to visit Cappadocia to witness the crazy, sloping and jagged rocky landscape and watch the hot air balloons drift overhead. While paying for your own hot air balloon ride can be expensive (over $100), you can watch them in action from Sunset Point in Red Valley. Turkey is one of our top chosen destinations for an overseas adventure travel. Check out work exchange programs in Turkey!
12. Bolivia
To find authentic South American culture and unbelievable natural scenery, visit the mysterious country of Bolivia. Not only is everything extremely cheap here, such as food, accommodation, and Spanish schools, but the intense local traditions and practically untouched ancient culture makes this country an unforgettable experience. Visit La Paz, the highest city in the world, to find some interesting witchcraft stores and beautiful handmade accessories from the local farmers. You can also trek to small villages to visit the Quechuan tribes, where people still speak their ancient languages and don’t even know Spanish. After experiencing the way of life of the Bolivian locals, venture into breathtaking nature. Definitely visit Salar De Uyuni, the famous salt flats where you can sleep in houses made of salt and watch pink flamingoes bask in a massive blue lagoon. Also test your adrenaline limits by mountain biking along the winding path in the mountains known as Death Road. Supposedly the most dangerous road in the world, you can ride from high altitudes with freezing temperatures down into tropical coffee plantations without having to pedal once. Want to explore this amazing country on a slower pace? Check out work exchange programs in Bolivia and spend some time there living like a local.
13. Czech Republic
Located smack in the middle of Europe, the Czech Republic is a much more affordable destination than its neighbors, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You can find similar traits in all these countries, like interesting historical monuments, lush forests, green countrysides, hearty meat dishes, and delicious beer, but pretty much everything is cheaper in the Czech Republic. In most pubs, beer is even cheaper than water, so it’s a great country for indulging. While exploring the Czech Republic be sure to visit Prague. It’s one of the most magical cities in Europe, and the partying scene makes it one of the best places to travel in your 20s. The presence of castles, chiming clock towers, and cobblestone streets make the city look and feel like a village from a fairytale, especially at Christmas time when the streets fill with markets selling hot mulled wine and the tall pastries known as Trdelniks. You can meet many interesting people and have lots of fun in Prague and other cities while doing a work exchange program in the Czech Republic.
14. Mexico
Mexico provides travelers with a strong sense of Latin culture that reaches beyond the stereotypes. This country is more than just tequila and tacos on Cinco De Mayo, it’s full of dense jungles and amazing surf breaks and flavorful street food. There are some great hotspots in Mexico to visit while traveling on a budget, such as Mexico City for magnificent architecture and handmade tacos in the street, or Oaxaca for markets selling colorful trinkets and day trips to ancient Aztec Ruins. You can also take a bus from Mexico City to visit the incredible pyramids of Teotihuacan, where the entrance fee is less than $4. To enjoy Mexico’s beautiful beaches for free, venture to the massive coastline. Puerto Escondido offers great waves for learning how to surf and a very fun nightlife, and Loreto on the Baja Peninsula has lots of marine wildlife to enjoy while swimming or surfing. Loreto is also home to historical cave paintings located in the Sierra De La Giganta Mountain Range. Don’t forget you can enjoy all that without paying for accommodation! Check out work exchange programs in Mexico.
15. Laos
This small nation in Southeast Asia is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. You can trek, kayak, and explore to your heart’s content without spending too much money, which makes it one of the highlights of this list of best places to travel in