Travelling on summer vacations should not have to drain your pocket. The important thing is that you are having fun in your adventures, not necessarily how expensive the destination is.
There are many great places to enjoy your summer vacation on a budget. However, the summer is usually an expensive period to travel. In 2024, many important tournaments are happening in the world of football. There is the European Championship, Copa America and the Olympics, all happening almost the same time.
On the other hand, some top destinations are not affected by these events. So, you should be able to vacation in some of them and have a great experience.
Therefore, this article lists the top 11 cheapest destinations to enjoy your summer in 2024.
Top 11 cheapest destinations to enjoy your summer in 2024
Spain
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Spain does not sound like a country where you can travel for a vacation on a budget. However, you may be surprised to see many locations that are quite affordable and fun. You will get to experience Barcelona’s lively streets, the timeless allure of Toledo and the cultural richness of Madrid. Also, the autonomous region of Galicia is renowned for its seafood, caught and delivered straight from net to table. The price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around £8.60.
Spain has enjoyed an influx of tourists for years. The country welcomed over 85.1 million tourists in 2023 alone. The best visiting time is between March and October when the weather is particularly inviting.
Latvia
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Latvia is one of the Baltic countries, alongside Lithuania and Estonia. The country used to be known for its gloomy, post-Soviet decay. In recent years, its capital, Riga, has been transformed into a beautiful and classy city.
As a result, Riga has been attracting tourists worldwide, especially for its collection of Art Nouveau buildings which are deemed to be the finest and largest in the world. Also, the Central Market, a UNESCO heritage site built inside a complex of former WWI-era zeppelin hangars, is a great place to sample some local Baltic food.
After that, you can take a stroll along the Riga canal which divides the Old Town and the rest of the city. If you fancy nightlife, there are sophisticated bars, restaurants and clubs that open all through the night. These are regarded as some of the best in Eastern Europe.
Thailand
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Thailand is one of the best destinations for a summer vacation on a budget. From bustling cities like Bangkok to serene islands like Koh Samui, the country offers something special for a tourist. Although travel costs vary, they can cost as low as $25/day.
The best time to travel to Thailand is between November and April when the weather is cool and dry. There, you get to experience its cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and vibrant street food scene. Thailand is a must-visit budget-friendly destination for summer vacation.
Mexico
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Mexico may be overshadowed by its closest neighbour, the United States of America, in terms of size and development, but it remains a top destination to spend your vacation on a budget. In 2022, Mexico witnessed an influx of tourists and made a whopping $33 million from the US alone.
Must-visit attractions include the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, the lively streets of Mexico City, and the breathtaking beaches of Cancún. Mexico is also known for its rich culture, affordability and unforgettable adventures for all travellers.
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Brazil
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Known for its lively culture and diverse landscapes, Brazil is an excellent choice to vacation on a budget this summer. Vacationing in the country usually costs an average of $85 daily for one person. This includes essentials like meals, transportation and sightseeing.
Rio de Janeiro is home to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. There is also the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls. Do not forget the carnivals, which have been rated as some of the best in the world.
The best time to travel to Brazil is from December to March when the weather is perfect for the outdoors.
Albania
Photo credit: Aleksandar Todorovic – stock.adobe.com
Like many Baltic countries, Albania is known as a pocket-friendly tourist destination. You can find accommodation at an affordable rate, ranging from €25 to €40 for a double room in a hotel. Also, you can enjoy a hearty meal at the local eateries for as little as €2 to €4.
Expect pleasant weather and fewer crowds from April to October. Do not forget to visit the country’s historical cities, such as Tirana and Gjirokastër. The Albanian Riviera awaits, with its pristine shores and breathtaking views.
Albania enjoyed an influx of tourists in 2023 and was even nominated for several categories at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
Peru
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Peru is a well-known budget-friendly destination. Known for affordable options for food, accommodation and transportation, travellers can expect to have a great vacation without worrying about burning a hole through their pockets.
Additionally, iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the lively city of Lima and the historic Cusco are essential places to visit. You can also enjoy Peru’s culinary and cultural prowess which earned her the world’s Leading Culinary and Cultural Destination title in 2023.
Visit Peru during the dry season from May to October.
Türkiye (Turkey)
Türkiye, popularly known in English as Turkey, shares a historical border between Europe and Asia. Known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Turkey has become one of the top budget-friendly destinations, with over 44 million international tourists flocking into the country in 2023 alone.
Accommodation, local transportation and food are reasonably cheap. Explore Istanbul’s iconic historic sites, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and stunning beaches along the Turkish Riviera. Visit Turkey between April to June or September to October when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
Vietnam
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Vietnam is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. The Asian country also has a reputation for being a budget-friendly destination for vacationers. With a daily budget as low as $50, you can enjoy options for flights, accommodation and free food.
The most popular attractions are bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and natural wonders like Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. In 2023, Vietnam was named the winner of the World’s Leading Heritage Destination, attracting over 12.6 million international tourists.
Indonesia
Photo credit: Indonesia Travel
Indonesia was nominated for the World Travel Awards, cementing its place as one of the top budget-friendly destinations for vacationers. Major attractions include the stunning beaches and temples of Bali, the vibrant culture of Jakarta and Yogyakarta for historical sites like Prambanan.
You can visit from April to October when the weather is perfect to explore Indonesia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Morocco
Photo credit: Bookmundi
Morocco wraps up the list of cheapest destinations to enjoy your summer 2024. With daily expenses costing as low as $28, Morocco offers affordable options for flights, accommodations and an array of tantalising cuisines.
In 2023, the North African country welcomed 14.5 million tourists, highlighting its ever-growing popularity. Must-visit attractions include Marrakesh, the tranquil Chefchaouen and the historic Fez, all known for their bustling markets, serene landscapes, and rich history.
Visit Morocco from April to November for its pleasant weather.
