I Asked ChatGPT Where To Travel for Cheap in 2026 — Here’s What It Said
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Kristen Mae
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This year, you’re going to travel more. You’re going to visit some exotic locations for some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You just need to know which destinations will offer excitement — without giving your wallet the vapors. So where do you turn for inspiration?
I may not be a travel agent, but I am your friendly neighborhood financial writer. Naturally, I turned to my old pal ChatGPT. I asked the AI a straightforward question: “Where can people travel for cheap in 2026?” I also asked it to include estimated, on-the-ground costs to give readers a sense of daily spending.
I was a little dismayed to find that ChatGPT leaned heavily on lesser-known travel sites such as Daily Dream Travel, Travel Explorer and Visit The Globe, rather than more established sources like Lonely Planet, official government tourism boards or even the World Bank. I’d also like readers to be aware that ChatGPT assumed a more threadbare travel style, and notably steered away from certain areas of the world.
Still, the exercise is valuable as a starting point, especially for budget-conscious travelers willing to do additional research. Here’s what ChatGPT came back with.
1. Vietnam
ChatGPT recommended Vietnam because of its unique yet inexpensive food options, as well as cost-effective transportation and accommodations. In particular, the AI recommended the country for backpackers.
Using Daily Dream Travel as its source, ChatGPT broke down the following costs, which I’ve included here verbatim:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $10-$15 (hostels) / $25-$40 (budget private)
- Meals: $2-$5 per meal (street/stalls)
- Local transport: $2-$5
- Daily total: ~$25-$40/day
The AI also listed Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang and the Mekong Delta as highlights of a Vietnam vacation. Again, this assumes a very minimal approach to travel, so if you’re interested in midrange hotels, guided tours or Western-style amenities, you should expect to spend more.
2. Georgia
This Eastern European country earned a spot for its dramatic landscapes, historic towns, wine regions and overall affordability.
Drawing from Travel Explorer, ChatGPT broke down the costs of a stay in Georgia as follows:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $15-$30
- Meals: $5-$12
- Transport and activities: $5-$15
- Daily total: ~$25-$40/day
The AI recommended prioritizing Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Batumi. Curious about what a better-known travel guide like Lonely Planet would advise, I found it also praises the beauty of Tbilisi and Batumi and adds Kutaisi as a good place to stop. The guide noted that traveling in winter can be perilous in terms of access to transportation, though fewer tourists during the off-season may translate into discounted hotel rates.
3. Morocco
If colorful markets, desert tours, gorgeous city quarters and North African culture are on your wish list, ChatGPT says you can get all of this while saving money with a visit to Morocco.
Returning to Daily Dream Travel as its source, the AI offered these estimates:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $15-$30
- Meals: $3-$7
- Transport and tours: $5-$15
- Daily total: ~$30-$45/day
Highlights of any trip to Morocco, according to the AI, would include Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen and the Sahara. Given some of the risks associated with traveling in areas of the world with extreme climates like the Sahara, travelers may want to spend a little more on reputable, guided tours for safety and comfort.
4. Thailand
ChatGPT described Thailand as “a perennial budget favorite,” citing the delicious and inexpensive food as well as the prevalence of free and low-cost sightseeing stops, such as beaches and temples.
Using Visit The Globe as its source, the AI said you could expect some of the following costs:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $10-$20 (hostels)
- Meals: $1.50-$5
- Transport: $1-$10
- Daily total: ~$25-$45/day
Recommended stops included Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket. Still, it’s worth noting that ChatGPT seemed to assume that every traveler is young, healthy and adventurous enough to rough it out in a hostel.
To sanity-check this, I decided to search a well-known site like KAYAK. One of the least expensive options I found was SureStay by Best Western Bangkok Ramintra, priced at $36 per day before taxes at the time of my search. It’s pricier than a hostel, but for many travelers, the added comfort may be well worth it.
5. Indonesia
When listing why you should consider going to Indonesia, ChatGPT said, “From Bali to Lombok, cheaper homestays and food make this great on a budget.”
The AI pulled data from Travel Explorer to break down the costs:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $5-$20
- Meals: $1-$3
- Transport: $5-$10
- Daily total: ~$20-$40/day
ChatGPT suggests ensuring that Lombok, Java and Flores are on your list of places to visit. As with other countries on this list, costs can rise quickly in more tourist-heavy areas or during peak travel seasons.
6. Albania
ChatGPT put Albania on its list of must-visit destinations on a budget because it offers access to Mediterranean-style beaches without Mediterranean-level prices.
Drawing from Daily Dream Travel, the AI broke down probable costs:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $20-$40
- Meals: $5-$10
- Transport: $5-$10
- Daily total: ~$30-$50/day
If you’ve never been to Albania, ChatGPT recommended Ksamil, Tirana and Berat as top destinations.
7. Mexico
Looking for a hotspot with affordable city life and majestic beaches? Try Mexico, per ChatGPT.
Going back to Daily Dream Travel as its source, the AI pulled together some costs you could expect:
Typical costs:
- Accommodation: $20-$50
- Meals: $3-$10
- Transport: $5-$10
- Daily total: ~$35-$55/day
Highlights of a stay in Mexico could include Oaxaca, Mérida and Puerto Morelos. Once again, I challenged ChatGPT in its choice to minimize accommodations. A quick KAYAK search showed rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport for under $100 per night before taxes, offering a more comfortable — and still relatively affordable — option.
The Bottom Line
ChatGPT is not a travel agent, nor is it a substitute for thorough trip planning. That said, it can offer useful baseline suggestions about where your globe-trotting can take you without bogging you down in excess costs.
Remember, actual costs can vary widely based on travel dates, currency fluctuations, as well as accommodations and personal preferences. For travelers planning a major trip in 2026, using AI as a brainstorming tool, followed by deeper research or professional guidance, can be a smart way to balance adventure and affordability.
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