6 Affordable International Destinations To Travel To This Winter

If your 2025 resolution was to take an exciting, international winter trip, we have good news. Tons of international destinations cost less money to visit than you may realize. And because great minds are in the know about the best deals, several travel experts who spoke with GOBankingRates picked countries that mirrored our recent list of 2025’s best budget-friendly travel destinations.

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime — without getting into debt — when you book travel to these affordable international destinations.

• Round-trip flight estimate: As low as $250
• Hotel accommodations: Starting at $70 per night

Mexico is a popular international destination with North American travelers, especially those ready to swap out freezing temps for warm weather. According to calculations from Budget Your Trip, two American tourists can expect to pay about $1,723 on a weeklong Mexico trip. This amount takes into consideration food, accommodations and transportation. 

If you want to visit a new city instead of tourist hot spots like Cancún, Silvia Lupone, travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa, recommends making a visit to Cozumel. In addition to inexpensive round-trip airfare and hotels, Lupone said, this island boasts great weather, adventurous activities like visiting the Mesoamerican Reef and ruins of the Mayan civilization, and a lively local culture.

• Round-trip flight estimate: $600 to $900
• Hotel accommodations: $30 to $70 per night

Travelers seeking a cheap city in Southeast Asia for their winter trip are recommended to visit Chiang Mai in Thailand. 

This recommendation comes from Tim Choate, founder of vacation rental platform RedAwning.com, who said food, housing and experiences in Chiang Mai cost much less than Western metropolis standards. Choate recommends strategically booking flights during shoulder seasons and exploring local hotels or smaller vacation homes for lodging, which can cost anywhere from $30 to $70 per night.

• Cost of a weeklong visit: $1,000

“From my vantage point, winter is a great time to visit Eastern European locations like Sofia, which frequently go under the radar for most American visitors and therefore stay affordable,” Choate said. “With a basic Airbnb, cheap eating, and affordable trips to surrounding monasteries and countryside communities, a week in Sofia may cost just around $1,000 total.”

• Cost of guided tours, park fees, accommodations and meals for a week: $2,500 to $4,000 per person

Dreaming of spending winter vacation on a safari? Travel consultant Alex Andreichuk at Altezza Travel recommends making a visit to Tanzania, a country known for its incredible adventures and affordability. According to Andreichuk, a budget of $2,500 to $4,000 per person can cover a week’s worth of guided tours, park fees, accommodations and meals. 

If this sounds a little too expensive and perhaps more active than what you had in mind for a winter stay, Andreichuk said to check out the Zanzibar beach retreats. “These are even cheaper and start from $1,500 per person for five to seven days, including flights and cozy boutique stays.”

• Round-trip flight estimate: $400
• Accommodations: As low as $60 per night

Named by Travel + Leisure as one of the 50 best places to travel to in 2025, Portugal’s capital is rising in popularity with tourists and still affordable enough for a visit. Calculations from Budget My Trip note that it costs solo travelers about $1,200 for a weeklong vacation. Two travelers can expect to pay around double that amount.

Lupone said it’s possible to find private lodgings in Lisbon for as low as $60 each night. “Once in Lisbon, one does not have to choose between delicious food and rich history.”

• Round-trip flight estimate: $600 to $800
• Mid-range accommodations: $100 to $150 per night

While Dubai tends to be associated with the ultra wealthy, middle-class tourists can take advantage of the cultural experiences and adventure at surprisingly affordable prices. 

A representative from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism reached out to GOBankingRates and said it costs around $600 to $800 to take a round-trip flight from most major U.S. cities to Dubai. Mid-range accommodations also err on the budget-friendly side, estimating at $100 to $150 per night. 

Beyond being affordable, Dubai also boasts plenty of seasonal events and activities to partake in during the winter months. Tourists can explore Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, take advantage of the massive discounts available on clothing and electronics during the Dubai Shopping Festival from December to January or relax on one of the stunning beaches. Temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F, giving tourists a warm escape and the chance to return home with a tan.