Cheap Thrills: exploring the world's Hidden gems on a Budget

Travel is a human's passion. Yet, travels sometimes make it seem like the costliest hobby ever. At the same time, the world is so full of amazing places which are not going to dig a hole in your pocket. If you apply a streamlined version of planning and keep your mind open, you can have it all for little spending. Here are the best budget travel destinations that give both great value and rich experiences.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

One of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Western Europe, Lisbon is a beautiful city with coloured tiles, historic neighborhoods, and a lovely coastline. Comparatively speaking, Lisbon is one of the cheaper capital cities in Western Europe, so very much at the top of the list for any travelling enthusiast.

Why Visit Lisbon?

Accommodation for All Budgets: There are hostels, some guesthouses in Lisbon at cheap rates. Most of them are very centrally located with quite good positioning. Getting around by foot can thus be pretty easy.

Good Food Very famous for food—great and varied, relatively cheap city to eat in. Try at least some of those very famous local delicacies: pastéis de nata (small custard tarts) and bifana, which is a pork sandwich. You will get good street food from local markets at very cheap prices.

Cultural Highlights: Alfama or a tram ride with the famous Eléctrico 28, the Belém Tower, or a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery – a lot of the museums and further attractions have free admission or a significantly reduced one on certain days.

Insider Tip: With Lisboa Card, for free public transport and lots of other attractions in the city at a cheaper price.

 2. Budapest, Hungary

It's full of history, infused with culture, and it's beautiful architecturally; all for pretty cheap, too. With travelers seeking to get around Europe on a shoestring travel budget, it's little wonder that some of the top destinations are filled with thermal baths and a whirl of nightlife Budapest.

Why Go to Budapest?

Budget Accommodation: Much can be scored in Budapest when it comes to budgetary accommodation, from cheap hostels to penny-saving hotels. Much of the location of accommodation in the center will help in walking around significant places.

Dining Out on an Ultralow Budget: There are a phenomenal number of restaurants, and the cost of dining out in Budapest is very low-cost. Food that is largely traditional Hungarian in nature, like goulash and chimney cake, might be tried in very local eateries or even purchased from street vendors. On the whole, eating out could cost way low in comparison with Western European standards.

Thermal Baths: You say the word Budapest, and the first thing that comes to the mind is the thermal baths. They are as relaxing as they seem and also happen to be a budget deal. Some of the most popular baths are The Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Bath.

Insider Tip: Get a Budapest Card to enjoy free public transport and get discounts on several attractions

 3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Situated in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has grown to become one of the most popular destinations for budget travelers, who look upon cultural and natural pursuits with an equal measure of significance. The place is host to amazing temples, full markets, and many unbelievably cheap deals on nearly everything.

Why You Must Visit Chiang Mai?

Budget Accommodation: Probably the cheapest forms of accommodation in Chiang Mai would be in hostels and guesthouses. Most of them are quite good, with friendly service.

Cheap Eats: Street food is so delicious yet really cheap. Go for the Khao Soi, which is curry noodle soup, and mango sticky rice.

Cultural Experiences: Explore ancient temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, stroll through the Night Bazaar, and engage in traditional Thai cooking classes. You can go further and trek or have other activities organized that will take you to elephant conservation centers just a short distance from town.

Insider Tip: Haggle at local markets, take local public transport, or hire a cycle to get around the city—these come pretty cheap.

 4. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is a pulsating metropolis dripping with history and culture. Surprisingly, it is really inexpensive, given the numerous wonders any tourist might want to access—from the points of interest to food and fun.

Why Visit Mexico City?

Budget Accommodation: The city offers diversity, from hostels to budget hotels. Most of these are centrally located and hence easily accessible from other attractions within the city.

Comida Barata: Street food in Mexico City is just great. Vendors peddle tacos, quesadillas, and tamales everywhere for next to nothing. Eating out is very cheap in markets and other popular eating spots. Food's pretty great, too.

Cultural Treasures:  Check out Teotihuacan's ancient ruins, go to the National Museum of Anthropology, and explore colorful areas like Coyoacán and Roma. Many of the museums have free admission once a week or month.

Local Hint: The Metro is an easy, fast method of transportation and extremely low in cost.

5 Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and, for sure, Eastern Europe's hidden gem. A huge amount of history, great architecture, very affordable prices—a great combination for tourists with a small budget.

Why visit Sofia?

Budget Accommodation:There's plenty of them, hostels mostly, later on, outlets of other providers of budget accommodation, and finally, low-cost hotels, in Sofia. Almost all of them are in good locations, sometimes even near the city center.

Cheap Eats: Eating in town is both delicious and very reasonably priced. Be sure to sample traditional Bulgarian dishes such as banitsa and shopska salad from roadside stalls. 

Historic Sites: Tips on visiting wonderful sites such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman Ruins of Serdica, and the picturesque Vitosha Boulevard. Culturally, there isn't much available in Sofia that is on a pay-to-participate basis.

Pro Tip: Sofia's cheap public transport is at your beck and call to sweep around the city or perhaps territories around it.

 6. Medellín, Colombia

From times of misfortune, Medellin developed into a dynamic and hospitable city. With the options of affordable opportunities, warm climate, and polite population, Medellín is another tremendous spot to travel cheaply in Latin America.

Why Visit Medellín?

Accommodation: Full of inns on a shoestring, Medellín doesn't lack hostels and guesthouses. Generally speaking, they are pretty cheap, with the majority of the options residing in areas like El Poblado and Laureles.

Cheap Eats:Taste the real street food and local cuisine of Colombia, such as arepas and bandeja paisa—for very good pocket change. Several restaurants and markets offer very good value and are very close to the city center.

Cultural Experiences: Take a ride in the Metro cable and get a great bird's eye view over the city. Visit the Plaza de Botero, housing a number of oversized sculptures by Fernando Botero. Moreover, it is the place to spend an evening full of nightlife and cultural festivals in El Poblado.

One-derful Insight:Getting access to the rest of the city is easy and cheap with Medellín's Metro.

On A Budget

 Off-Season Travel:The prices get really cheap for flights and accommodations in the off-season. So, try to travel in the shoulder season for better deals.

Use Public Transport: Most of the public transits measure lower in comparison to hiring taxis or renting cars. Moreover, it will definitely add subtlety to the whole traveling experience.

Eat Like Locals: The best local foods come basically from street food and local eateries at a fraction of the amount that restaurants have mainly prepared for tourists.

Advance Booking: Book in advance flights and accommodation to get the most reasonable prices. In 99% of cases, the last-minute booker pays more.

 Free Attractions: Be eyeing the free attractions within a city. Every week there will be events, some museums, or perhaps parks in cities that do not command any entrance fees.

Budget traveling is absolutely no compromise on quality or adventure at all. They say all those places and tips promise to make good experiences without paying through the nose. Pack up the backpack, plan your way between these ten suggestions, and head out for a whole new adventure on a budget.