Where are the best places to travel if you’re young and on a budget? We researched Gen Z’s travel habits and selected five of the cheapest and most exciting destinations in Europe and Asia.
Are you young, strapped for money, and constantly plagued by wanderlust? You’re not alone. We at Kiwi.com are experts in money-saving travel hacks and cheap destinations for people like you. In this article, we will introduce you to the 5 best places to travel when you are young and broke. It includes cheat sheet notes on the best times to travel, a manageable budget, and the single best thing to do in each location. destination. Visiting these cheap countries requires minimal savings, so all you have to do is choose one, browse flight deals, and book the vacation you’ve been dreaming of.
Want more general tips on how to bring your transportation costs closer to zero? Look no further than here…
Bulgaria
This is one of several countries in Eastern Europe that are wrongly overlooked by tourists despite being cheap to visit. Our own Andrew Her Fraser calls Sofia the ‘queen of low-cost city holidays’ and here at the hostel she can get a bed for just €10 a night. Many of the activities you can enjoy in the ancient and charming second city of Sofia and Plovdiv are free or low-cost. Consider historical and modern walking tours, museums, galleries, and hiking in Vitosha, the picturesque mountain overlooking the capital.
Above all, Bulgaria is a great destination for beaches on a budget — Getty Images
If you’re looking for an affordable beach holiday, Bulgaria has you covered. Spots on the Black Sea coast, such as Varna and Burgas, offer beautiful sunny skies, soft golden sand beaches, and a vibrant nightlife, so you can have fun without breaking the bank. And for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t like Vitosha, the Rila Mountains are a place to be greatly admired. You probably didn’t know how hilly Bulgaria is, but it’s the highest mountain range between the Alps and the Caucasus. Come here for some of the best trekking trails through vast rolling mountains, glacial lakes, and some of the most colorful, pristine vegetation you’ve ever seen. It’s a great place to ski in the winter as well, but I understand that for those without money, it may not be at the top of their list of pursuits.
Best season: June to August
Manageable daily budget (excluding accommodation): 40 euros
Top recommendation: Visit Rila Monastery
georgia
Tbilisi Old Town in the evening — Getty Images
On the other side of the Black Sea is Georgia. It is a small jewel country that cannot be called Europe or Asia. Until recently, it was largely unknown to tourists, from vast snow-capped mountains to lush inland forests, mystical and artistic cities, and coastal resorts. Many people visit in search of its diverse and spectacular scenery.
And yes, it’s cheap, or at least better value for money than many European destinations. The traditional cuisine here is of high quality and you can enjoy khachapuri, khinkali and local wine to your heart’s content at relatively low prices. A bed in a nice hostel costs around 15 euros a night, and public transport, sights and activities are equally affordable and accessible to even the most money-conscious traveler.
Martvili Valley near Kutaisi is simply stunning — Getty Images
The capital, Tbilisi, is definitely worth a stop on your itinerary for its eclectic architecture, friendly and hospitable locals, and truly amazing underground rave scene. It is also a great base for day trips to nearby mountain, desert and vineyard regions. You can also stay here for the duration and go on a different countryside adventure each day. Other city highlights include Batumi and Kutaisi, unofficially known as Georgia’s Las Vegas. Cheap flights are available year-round from all over Europe, especially to Kutaisi. And at the other end awaits the quaint old town, rich in historical treasures, cheap but great food, not to mention easily accessible. Amazing Martvili Gorge and Prometheus Cave.
Best time to go: May, June, or September
Manageable daily budget (excluding accommodation): 40 euros
Recommended activity: Rejuvenate in the sulfur baths of Abanotubani
Thailand
Thailand is now the most popular destination for Gen Z outside of Europe, according to the latest data. When we looked at the travel habits of people in their 20s, we found that learning about a whole new culture and trying new food are both big motivators when deciding where to go on vacation. This country is by far the best at that. On both counts. Impressive and ornate Buddhist temples take pride of place in almost every region. It’s not hard to get the chance to fully immerse yourself in a culture, whether it’s a traditional festival, a Kong dance performance, or a remote homestay experience (the latter can also be a great money-saving strategy) ). And here food is just a way of life. For example, Bangkok’s street food and floating markets are big attractions in themselves. Additionally, Thailand’s capital ranks among her top LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. This is another thing our research found to be important to her Gen Z travelers.
For most of us, Thailand is understandably far away, and flying to destinations on the other side of the world is usually much more expensive. But if you book using Kiwi.com’s Nomad or Self-transfer travel hacks, you’ll find that you can get amazing savings compared to choosing to fly direct. Just ask those who traveled to Southeast Asia on the cheap last year!
Best season: November to March
Manageable daily budget (excluding accommodation): 30 euros
Top activity: Party at Silom, Bangkok’s nightlife hub
Portugal
Perhaps Western Europe’s sunniest, most laid-back, and most affordable country, Portugal has long been popular with budget travelers. “Traveling for relaxation” also featured in our research as a prominent aspiration for Gen Z. The Portuguese way of life is one that definitely recognizes the importance of an undeniably chilled atmosphere. Additionally, on a budget backpacking trip last year, our Orsi and PG noticed that Portugal is significantly cheaper than France or Spain, even in major cities. (P.S. Read here for cheap things to do in Lisbon and places only locals know about…)
Porto is the country’s second largest city and is filled with fun and interesting 20-somethings from all over the world. Several years ago, the city was rated as Europe’s most affordable city for students, according to a study by StudentGoGlobal. If you choose to come and hang out here, you’ll have no problem meeting like-minded people living on similar incomes. The wider Algarve region is known for its picturesque beaches, fresh seafood and affordable accommodation. Meanwhile, for a peaceful holiday surrounded by greenery and volcanoes, consider vacationing in the Azores.
Best season: April to June
Manageable daily budget (excluding accommodation): €50
Top Tip: Take a Lisbon Street Art Tour
Hungary
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Hungary is located in the center of the continent, making it cheap and easily accessible from almost anywhere in Europe. Cheap flights and land routes to Budapest are available no matter what time of year you travel.
Budapest’s popularity as an inexpensive city break destination in Europe has skyrocketed over the past decade or so, and it’s easy to see why. Today, it is known for its vibrant cultural scene with numerous free and low-cost events, festivals, and street performances. The city has a rich history and stunning architecture to match, making it a place that will instantly captivate you before you even pay the price. Be sure to spend time in the Jewish Quarter, home to the second largest synagogue in the world, the Hungarian Jewish Museum, and now hip boutiques, bars and restaurants.
When it comes to “traveling for relaxation,” it’s worth noting that one of the things Hungary, with its abundance of geothermal waters, is particularly good at is spas. Whether you just want to spend a few hours splashing around in the hustle and bustle of Budapest’s streets or you want to take a long break to de-stress, the country has a wide selection of bathhouses and spa resorts. You’ll also be surprised at the affordable prices. If you need more inspiration, check out our favorite spots.
Best season: April to June
Manageable daily budget (excluding accommodation): 50 euros
Top activity: Climb Gellert Hill
