One of the biggest regrets I have is not traveling a lot when in my early 20s. I thought that traveling would cost a lot of money. There are cheap places to travel in your 20s. I never realized it, until now. 

Money is a huge obstacle when you’re still in your 20s because you don’t have a substantial amount of money, unless of course if you were born into an affluent family. 

Thankfully, these days, there are budget-friendly countries that you should visit. I’ve compiled the list below so you can start traveling while on a budget. 

Cheap Places To Travel in Your 20s and Visit Them Now 

1. Croatia 

This is a must-visit place if you want to travel to Europe on a budget. It’s not Paris or Belgium. But even with a small budget, you can experience what this stunning country can offer. 

The culture here is a mix. It has eastern European touch and Mediterranean warmth. In Dubrovnik, there are rustic churches and stone walls featured in Game of Thrones. It was the main filming location for King's Landing. 

Although Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive cities in this country, you can still go there even on a budget. For instance, if you have a student ID card, you can get discounts when you climb the city walls. 

There give yourself a chance to go hiking and swimming on Borkum Island. It’s just 5 Euros from the city pier. 

Another city you can visit is Split. It’s a beachside town with Old Town Center. It has a massive park that offers a beautiful view of the sunset. These activities are free. You can explore the city without having to spend a lot of money. 

Then, if you’re into architecture, visit the country’s capital city, Zagreb. It has magnificent cathedrals. You’ll surely be entertained while wandering around with your smartphone taking photos of the magnificent views. 

Read: Travel Tips for Cancun Trips

2. Thailand

If you love clear waters and picturesque cliffs, then make sure Thailand is one of the stops on your bucket list. You can’t go wrong with this country combined with its rich history and fantastic food. 

It won’t break the bank when you visit this place. The accommodation and food and drinks are more affordable than in similar countries. 

Read: Skydiving in Hawaii

3. Costa Rica 

This is the favorite getaway of my cousin, Gisele, and her ex-hubby. Costa Rica offers several activities that can get your adrenaline pumping without breaking the bank. 

Despite being a wonderful destination, it’s affordable to visit this place. In fact, you can go there for as little as $499. 

Once you’re in this country, you can go zip-lining through the forests. Don’t forget the white-water rafting. ATV riding on the beach is also a must-try. 

And if you’re into horseback riding, make sure to try it out as well in the jungles. 

You can also go trekking through the rainforests. 

There are endless opportunities for adventures when it comes to this country. It’s truly a magnificent place to go beyond your comfort zone. 

What’s more, is that this country offers colorful species of wildlife that you see when you explore its jungles. 

It’s a Spanish-speaking country so make sure that you start practicing the language. You should ensure that your stomach is ready for some exotic flavors. 

You won’t see my cousin here but you will be welcomed by warm people and they’ll surely make you feel at home. 

4. Bali 

The place offers astonishing scenery with rich history and culture. Bali is quite affordable and offers exciting places that young people can enjoy at low prices. 

It’s situated in Indonesia and there’s no doubt it’s worth visiting. 

When you visit this place, make sure to make your trip longer to see the entire Indonesian gems. Visiting here for only two days won’t be enough to explore the entire Bali.

Make sure to pack your bags and bring your stuff that can be good for more than a week of traveling. 

5. South Africa

If you want a life-changing moment, then go to South Africa. It’s the birthplace of the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, and my cousin, Candice. 

South Africa offers a lot of exciting activities like going for a thrilling safer in Kruger National Park. You can spot lions, zebras, and other habits that you don’t normally see every day. 

A luxury guided safari can be expensive for your budget tree. However, you choose to have a self-drive safari for $100 a night. The price will go down if you camp. 

Once you’re in this country, make sure to visit Drakensberg Park. It’s situated on the border of Lesotho and South Africa. 

Visit Cape Town and experience the jaw-dropping peaks. Hike Table Mountain free of charge. Or go to numerous trails. 

If you’re into soccer, make sure to visit Green Point Park. This is where the Fifa World Cup was held more than a decade ago. 

You can learn to surf when visiting Muizenberg. 

There are endless opportunities in Cape Town that you can never imagine. Plus, you don’t need a lot of money when going there. However, make sure to have enough cash for food and accommodation. 

6. Hungary 

It’s one of the best places to visit in Europe, in addition to Croatia. Many of my friends consider it one of their favorite cities. It’s also one of the cheapest countries to travel to. 

Hotels and your daily expenses in Budapest are cheap. Some empty apartments have been converted into hotels. Thus, travelers like you will have access to high-scale accommodations without spending much money. 

It’s easy to travel in this country while on a budget. That’s why a long of young travelers visit here. The city is walkable. Plus, public transportation is reliable and cheap. 

7. Turkey 

I can give you countless reasons to visit this country. It has a fascinating history, lovely people, and breathtaking scenery are just some of the things you’ll experience here. 

Make sure to ride the hot air balloon of Cappadocia. If you have seen the Protector, you would see some of the places where the TV series were filmed. 

There are cave hotels that integrate modern luxury. The stone cave walls would make you think about the people who lived there years ago. 

You’ll also love its scrumptious breakfast. And yes, you can try its delicious Turkish coffee. My husband (with Turkish blood) and I crave it. 

Then, you get to see its pristine beaches. There are 7,200 kilometers of coastline in Turkey that can give you beautiful sandy beaches that will surely calm your senses. Plus, they all offer amazing sea views. 

Start Traveling Today

What was your favorite place to travel when you were still in your 20s? Have you been to these cheap places? Let me know what you think.