8 Popular 2024 Travel Destinations That You Can Actually Afford To Visit

International travel is still expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice vacation either alone or with the family without breaking the bank in the process.

According to Kayak, flight prices in the U.S. are expected to decrease by 16% compared to last year, and the average airplane ticket will be $461. International flights, however, are on the rise — up 10% year over year.

But as any traveler will tell you, it’s not all about flight prices. Your travel budget should include items like accommodations, on-the-ground transportation, food and the like. Considering that, you could still find some great deals for popular travel destinations.

So where should you plan to go this year? GOBankingRates spoke with several travel industry experts about affordable destinations. Here’s what they suggested.

Planning a trip to Europe? You might want to consider a leg in Romania — or as your final destination.

“Romania has been overlooked as a travel destination by many, but it is a fascinating and beautiful country with so much to offer. It still has the charm, history, scenery and character of more expensive European destinations, without the hefty price tag,” said Stefanie Lambert, founder of Eurotravels by Design.

As for cost, Romania is still considered affordable — though you’ll need to factor in flights from wherever you’re starting.

“Four-star hotels are easily available for under $100, with many being around $70,” said Lambert. “A nice meal will cost around $15-$20 but you can find cheaper eats for $10 and great street food for around $5.00.”

More specifically, check out destinations like Timisoara, Sibiu and Brasov.

Kayak’s research found that many parts of Asia are still high on people’s lists of places to go. One such destination is Thailand.

My wife and I are huge travelers,” said Marc Bjerring, co-founder of Spivo. “[Thailand offers] budget-friendly experiences with accommodation ranging from $15-35 per night, meals under $5, and daily expenses around $25-40.”

Thailand isn’t the only country in Asia well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, but it’s certainly worth checking out.

Located in the West Indies, the Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination and a hit among those looking for a relaxing beachside getaway. It’s also still more affordable than many other places.

That’s a big reason why Sully Montero, romance travel specialist at Teach Travel Discover, suggested it.

“Multiple direct/non-stop airport hubs make flights very affordable & the all-inclusive resorts give clients the most bang for their buck in terms of amenities,” said Montero. “The average price for two people for six nights is $2,500 to $3,500, including airfare and accommodations.”

Located in southeastern Europe, The Balkans tend to be slightly less touristy than other European destinations and are still surprisingly affordable.

“Compared to Western Europe, the Balkans offer a wallet-friendly adventure. Entrance fees for museums and attractions vary but are generally lower than in Western Europe,” said Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner. “In addition, many cities offer free walking tours and boast beautiful squares and historical landmarks to explore at no cost.”

But what’s the average cost like?

“Daily budgets range from $30 for shoestring adventurers to around $100 for luxury seekers,” said Hentschel. “To maximize savings, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall to avoid peak season pricing).”

Mexico, specifically Cancun, has long been a top destination for travelers looking to get away without the hefty price tag. And it continues to be reasonably priced for travelers this year, especially for US-based tourists.

“Besides having the most direct flights from almost every major US airport, and the all-inclusive options, Cancun provides clients with the opportunity to explore the culture of Mexico with the amazing tours/excursions that are offered,” said Montero.

The average price for two travelers staying six nights, she added, is about $2,000 to $3,000 including accommodations, flights and transfers. The average tour price is $50 to $100 per person.

Many Central American countries, including Costa Rica, are still affordable to visit.

“Costa Rica has been my most requested destination so far in 2024, and for good reason,” said Montero. “If clients fly into Liberia International Airport and stay on the west coast (The Guanacaste region), they can experience some of the amazing adventure spots that Costa Rica has to offer at a fraction of the cost. This is a perfect spot for those who like outdoor adventures from ziplining to white water rafting!”

According to Montero, a six-night trip to Costa Rica for two costs about $3,500 to $4,500 on average, including airfare and accommodations.

Thailand isn’t the only Southeast Asian country worth visiting for travelers on a budget. Vietnam and Cambodia are up there, too.

“Flights from the US to Southeast Asia can range from around $500 to $1,500 or more,” said Hentschel. “You can find hostels in Southeast Asia for as low as $5 a night and guesthouses for around $10-$20 a night. Budget hotels typically cost around $30-$50 per night, while luxury hotels can cost hundreds of dollars per night.”

If you visit these destinations, you can also keep food and ground transit costs low.

“If you prefer restaurant dining, you can find budget-friendly options for around $5-$10 per meal,” said Hentschel. “You can expect to pay around $10-$20 for a bus ride between major cities.”

Another affordable, yet popular travel destination that Lambert suggested is Poland.

Like many other travel destinations, Poland has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, scenery, history and architecture. It’s also home to 16 World Heritage Sites and the world’s largest castle.

From the East Coast, expect to pay around $600 to $800 on a round-trip airplane ticket. The average cost of a hotel for three nights is $154.