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Choosing an attractive yet affordable travel destination is always a challenge for many people. So, check out these 15 budget-friendly destinations below to plan your trips in 2019!
15. Xi'an, China ($14.05/day)
When traveling along the "Chinese Silk Road" east of Xi'an, tourists should visit the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which houses 8,000 terracotta warriors and 10,000 bronze weapons.
But that's not all; visitors can also admire the city from the top of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built 1,300 years ago when Chang'an (now Xi'an) was still the prosperous capital of the Tang Dynasty. This pagoda can also be considered the world's first skyscraper, with its seven towers.
More importantly, Xi'an won't break the bank. A stay at Hang Tang House in the city starts at just $6 a night but offers the feel of a four-star hotel.
14. Phuket, Thailand ($14.05/day)
The shimmering turquoise waters set against a backdrop of tree-covered cliffs make Phuket a picture-perfect destination. Even better, visitors can enjoy this beautiful scenery at a very affordable price.
Enjoy the comfort of beachfront hotels with modern amenities, including swimming pools and Wi-Fi, for an average price of $3.93 per night. Have a budget-friendly meal for around $3.16 or sample the diverse street food at Phuket Weekend Market.
13. Manila, Philippines ($13.96/day)
Manila, the capital city, is a blend of tradition and modernity, with skyscrapers interspersed with Spanish colonial architecture.
When visiting Manila, tourists can choose to stroll through Rizal Park, visit Fort Santiago Cathedral and San Agustin Church to get a feel for the city's history. In addition, tourists can eat two meals a day for under $8, and spend around $4.88 per night on a hotel. Even better, transportation costs are incredibly cheap, at only $1.52 per day.
12. Kolkata, India ($13.95/day)
Kolkata is a true cultural hub, home to numerous art galleries and traditional festivals. While you're here, be sure to visit the iconic Victoria Monument, built of stunning white marble and housing several galleries inside.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a full range of local cuisine for around $6 a day and travel by local transport for an average of only 60 cents, or $0.60. Hotel costs in Kolkata, although the highest on this list, are still considered affordable at an average of $7.51 per night.
11. Krabi, Thailand ($13.80/day)
If you're a fan of outdoor adventures, you'll love Krabi. There are plenty of picturesque beaches here where you can swim, snorkel, or go rock climbing – especially Railay Beach, which is famous for its rock climbing activities. Hotels here average $4.98 per night. Food is also quite affordable, with meals averaging $3.15. Daily transportation will only cost you around $2.52.
10. Lviv, Ukraine ($13.79/day)
Lviv is the only European destination to make this list, with hotels averaging $5.73 per night, meals averaging $7.34 per day, and transportation costs less than $1 per day.
Located in western Ukraine, near the Polish border, this city boasts a blend of European architectural styles. If you visit Lviv, be sure to explore High Castle Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the green-domed Lviv Cathedral and the surrounding beautiful hills.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ($13.78/day)
The glass and steel Petronas Twin Towers dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline, offering panoramic city views. And besides admiring the architecture, dining, and shopping in Malaysia's modern capital, you can also get a feel for the country's history by strolling through Little India and the colorful Chinatown, or venturing a little further to visit the Batu Caves.
In Kuala Lumpur, you'll only pay around $3 per meal, $5 per night for accommodation, and $3 per day for transportation. Besides being one of the cheapest places in the world, Kuala Lumpur is also one of the safest places to travel.
8. Bangkok, Thailand ($13.39/day)
This bustling city is a culinary paradise, with traditional food carts selling all kinds of local food at very affordable prices – expect to spend around $5 if you eat more than two meals a day. Besides food, visitors to Bangkok can spend time exploring the Grand Palace, Wat Pho – home to a giant Buddha statue – and the elaborately decorated temples scattered throughout the city. The Thai capital also boasts a particularly vibrant nightlife with numerous upscale clubs.
Accommodation here averages $3.89 per night, and transportation will cost around $4.44 for four one-way tickets.
7. Mandalay, Myanmar (US$11.50/day)
Mandalay is the capital city where the last Burmese king ruled. With an entrance fee of just $5, you shouldn't miss a stroll through the Mandalay Royal Palace when visiting the city. A local meal here is also very inexpensive, costing around $2, and hotel rooms are only about $6.30.
6. Marrakech, Morocco ($10.56/day)
If you're looking for a budget-friendly trip to Africa, consider a visit to Marrakech, as it's the only African city to make this list. Highlights include Jemaa el-Fnaa, a vibrant plaza teeming with local artists; the Majorelle Gardens; and the Bahia Palace. There are also numerous markets scattered throughout the city's alleyways, where you can browse textiles, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans.
Accommodation in Marrakech costs around $3.74 per night, and transportation costs about 41 cents ($0.41) per trip.
5. Agra, India ($10.18/day)
No one visits Agra without seeing the famous Taj Mahal. This colossal mausoleum dates back to the 1600s and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near the Taj Mahal are the ancient Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula, a historical and beautiful tomb also known as Baby Taj.
You can eat two meals a day in Agra for an average of $5.84, while accommodation will cost an average of $3.02 per night.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand (US$10.11/day)
Thailand is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in the world. Four cities in Thailand are on this ranking, but Chiang Mai is the cheapest, with hostels averaging $3.15 per night and meals averaging $1.58.
Located in northern Thailand, this mountain city is home to many beautiful Buddhist temples, as well as art galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Chiang Mai's signature dish is Khao soi – egg noodles with curry.
3. Colombo, Sri Lanka ($9.78/day)
In Colombo, visitors can learn about history, relax on the beach, or visit museums. Top places to see include the Galle Face Green seaside promenade, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Colombo National Museum.
Local food is also very cheap, costing only about $2 per meal, while hotel costs are only around $5.42 per night. Transportation costs are also incredibly low, only about one cent ($0.10) for a one-way ticket!
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (US$9.38/day)
It's no surprise that Ho Chi Minh City is one of the top three destinations on this list, as visitors can explore many places in the city for under $10 a day. The average hotel price is around $4 per night, two meals average $4.34 per day, and public transport fares are around $1.04 a day.
Visitors to this area enjoy sampling local cuisine and buying souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market, and learning about the city's wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
1. Bali, Indonesia ($9.05/day)
The island of Bali has always been a top tourist destination in Indonesia and Asia. However, many people mistakenly believe that traveling to Bali is very expensive.
On this island, visitors don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy beautiful beaches with strong waves and lush green sand. A meal here costs less than $2, while hotel rooms are only around $4 per night.
