9 best budget travel destinations of 2023 Different countries have opened their borders, many of them have removed travelling restrictions and most people are already vaccinated.

People don have to wait at the airports to get their PCRs done, nor do they have to get their PCRs done before travelling.

However, with the travelling restrictions gone, some people are still facing restrictions in terms of increased flight fees and hotel fares.

This is partly in response to the negative impact of the tourism industry in 2019, where many hotels and restaurants had to shut down, and airports had to close down.

According to 63% of experts from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) believe that the sector won’t fully recover until 2024.

On the contrary, International travel has increased by 4% which is a small percentage as opposed to the increase in the tourism industry since 1980 as the number of international arrivals skyrocketed from 277 million to nearly 1.5 billion in 2019.

With the increase in travel cost, if you are sceptical about your new years’ plan, then don’t cancel your plans just yet!

Here is a few safe and budget-friendly travelling for you to look at.

1. Azerbaijan-Baku

Azerbaijan or many know as the land of fire is a former Soviet republic famous for its capital city of Baku.

It is a mixture of modern and rural cities with some hidden gems around the country.

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, lies along the Caspian Sea and is a mix of old-walled city and modern skyscrapers such as the Baku eye and flaming towers. You can enjoy Baku for a day or two and then move on to other cities such as Sheki, Qabala and Quba.

The city of Sheki is a famous stop on the Silk Road,  you can stay there for around $29 USD per night and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains.

Guba or Quba region, located 2 hours north of Baku, is famous for its traditional villages, apple orchards, and mountainous landscapes perfect for lots of hiking. Khinalig, a major Zoroastrian centre, is ears old village where you can visit some locals and view the Russian border.

Gabala village dating back to the 4th century used to be the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania.

There are many ancient monuments and archaeological sites at Qabala, including a thousand-year-old defence tower, a 4th-century temple, a 13th-century mosque, and a mausoleum. The area is also home to one of the best ski resorts in the country with cable-car to enjoy.

Food and accommodation

As for the accommodations, you can stay at budget hotels and guesthouses which cost around $35-50 AZN per night for a double room including breakfast.

Travelling across Baku city cost about $0.59 USD AZN for one way trip.

budget travel ideas 2023 Azerbaijani cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours which is aromatic, and vegetable-rich.

Street food like döner kebabs costs $2 USD. A restaurant serving traditional cuisine is around $6 USD.

However, western food is more expensive, with main dishes such as burgers costing around $10 USD.

2. Georgia

If you want to travel to Europe but cannot because it seems expensive then Georgia will be your best pick.

Georgia is a European destination that’s both beautiful and affordable.

It’s a cultural country with modern and old-aged artefacts, including evidence of wine production, dating back to 6000 BCE, earning Georgia the nickname the “Cradle of Wine.”

Most Importantly, many countries such as Pakistan, Uae, India and many more can enter the country without a Visa.

Compared to other European destinations, Georgia is less expensive because it will be 20-30% lower cost on the average daily cost

You can expect your trip to Georgia to cost you around $36 to $42 USD.

However, if you plan on visiting on a tight budget, you can spend closer to $24 USD by staying in dorms or basic guesthouses and eating affordable meals at small restaurants.

budget travel ideas 2023 Places to visit in Georgia are Tbilisi, Batumi, Mtskheta, Batumi Garden, Caves of Gareji and many more.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a beautiful city with ancient streets and old Soviet buildings turned into modern art spaces.

You can visit Georgian National Museum while in Tbilisi which is a massive museum complex.

It displays wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver, and precious stonework from burials in Georgia going back to the 3rd millennium BCE.

Batumi is a famous Black Sea resort and port city, with beautiful waterfront parks, and beaches.

Other than sightseeing, you can try skiing at the most popular resorts like Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Mestia. 9 best budget travel destinations of 2023

Food and accommodation

Georgian cuisine comprises a flavorful and healthy mix of meats, produce, fresh cheeses, and lots of spices.

Soups and salads are plentiful, as are all kinds of fresh bread.

You can try their popular foods like khachapuri (a gooey, cheesy bread), khinkali (Georgian dumplings), bean soup, and sulguni (a popular local cheese).

Everything from the cost of accommodation to the price of a meal to a tour of the surrounding area can come at a very affordable price in Georgia.

3. Bosnia-Herzegovina

The most affordable Mediterranean destination is Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Three major religions (Islam, Roman Catholic, and Serbian Orthodox) come together in this region to form a blend of cultures.

Bosnia’s capital has a distinct east meets west vibe. 9 best budget travel destinations of 2023.

On the Ferhadija pedestrian road, one end of the street has mosques and a Turkish bazaar, and the other side has architecture and western restaurants.

The city to check is Mostar which is a medieval known for its 16th-century bridge.

At Mostar, you can explore the historic town and see the ancient Ottoman homes and panoramic views from the local mosque.

If you love beauty, then you have to visit, the Pliva lakes, which are two emerald lakes surrounded by wooded mountains outside Jajce.

If you love adrenaline and nature then you will definitely love Pliva lakes as it offers rivers, waterfalls an bike paths where you can bike, swim and explore.

Visit Ostrožac Fortress, a castle in the Una Valley that is one of Bosnia’s most photogenic landmarks thanks to its brick torrents and stone wall running along the valley’s edge.

Food and accommodation

The accommodations such as Hostel $25-35 USD per night for a twin private.

Budget hotels in bigger cities (like Mostar and Sarajevo) will cost around $35 USD per night. In the more rural areas, you’ll find rooms for as low as $20 USD.

Whereas, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost about $9 USD. Dinner at a fancy restaurant (including Western restaurants) will cost about $20 USD for an appetizer, main, and dessert.

4. Thailand

9 best budget travel destinations of 2023 If you haven’t travelled to Thailand, then you definitely need to go there!

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia.

With its green jungles, famous beaches, world-class diving, amazing food, and cheap prices, it should come as no surprise that Thailand is the country where everyone starts their travelling journey from!

Bangkok is the city where you need to land at first!

It is a must-see city where you can explore temples, palaces, amazing markets, affordable shops, the craziest nightlife the amazing Thai food.

If you love the beach then Ko Lanta is the one for you! It comes with wide, white sand beaches, cheap food, gorgeous sunsets, great caves, and snorkelling options.

Next, you can try relaxing on the islands of Ko Samet, Ko Tarutao, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Jum, Ko Lipe, the Similan Islands, and Ko Samui.

Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand.

There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island.

There are many more options to try when in Thailand, which If I start listing, will not end!

Food and accommodation

9 best budget travel destinations of 2023 Hostels, which are increasingly widespread throughout the country, range from $11 USD per night in cities and $9 USD per night in the countryside, though in the big cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, rooms cost about $11 USD- 20 per night.

Thailand’s cuisine has many flavours which make it aromatic, spicy, and flavorful.

Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chillies, and fish sauce.

Street food can cost as little as $1 USD. Whereas, Thai restaurants begin at $2 USD for a dish.

These are only the countries to visit if you are on a budget.

You can go to Armenia, Indonesia, El Salvador, Laos and many more.

Each has a different culture, cuisine and activities to try.

After 2 years of lockdowns, travel restrictions, and financial instability, you need to take some vacation!

If you cannot afford expensive countries like Turkey, Italy etc, travelling the world can be insanely cheap if you visit the right places!

Finding that perfect budget destination is easier than it sounds.

It’s time to schedule your holiday and start booking flights, I mean why not experience New Year’s fireworks around the world?

Check out authentic websites to help with planning your trip and finding good fares, such as Booking.com and Tripadvisor.com.

Once you are done budget travel ideas 2023, it is time to start packing your bags!