In today’s economy, the global love for travel is as present as ever, but with the cost of living continuing to rise, jetsetters wanting to explore the world are taking a more budget-conscious approach and choosing future destinations based on their affordability rather than their ‘bucket-list’ status.
So, if you’re already eager to scratch your travel itch for 2024 and plan your next adventure, the team at Wethrift has done the hard work for you with the most budget-friendly destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
To determine the most and least affordable travel hotspots, as well as the cities with the most cost-effective attractions, Wethrift analysed the following elements:
- number of direct flights
- passenger footfall
- cost of tourist attractions
- price of a meal
- affordability of public transport
- cost of a food shop
- hotel for a weekend
- B&B for a weekend
- Airbnb for a weekend.
What’s the most affordable destination?
India’s capital city, New Delhi, took the top spot as the most affordable travel destination for 2024. The city is famous for its historical monuments, lively food markets and tourist attractions that cost an affordable $95.25 on average.
You can even sample some of New Delhi’s delicacies, like butter chicken and chaat, for as little as $3.56 per meal.
The 10 most affordable travel destinations for 2024 are:
1. New Delhi, India
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Cairo, Egypt
4. Istanbul, Turkey
5. Hurghada, Egypt
6. Bali, Indonesia
7. Bangkok, Thailand
8. Marrakech, Morocco
9. Phuket, Thailand
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When jetsetting to New Delhi you can start your savings before take-off, as the city offers the choice of 145 flight routes, meaning you can find the best deal on your flight. The city is famous for its historical monuments, lively food markets and tourist attractions that cost an affordable $64.54 on average.
Coming in second
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the picturesque beaches and bustling city of Hanoi, Vietnam, then look no further. The city has secured the spot of second-most inexpensive holiday destination, with a score of 63.0/80.
Public transport can cost as little as $0.29, and if you’re staying in a self-catering property, you can enjoy a Vietnamese food shop for a budget accommodating $41.13. Alternatively, if you want to get out and enjoy dinner among the locals, a meal will cost around $2.17.
For 2024’s third-most budget-friendly travel destination, holidaymakers will have to head to Cairo, Egypt, with a favourable economic climate.
You can stay in the ancient city that sits on the river Nile for $71.86 on average and enjoy a traditional Egyptian dish like baba ghanoush for as little as $4.89, with a drink for an average of $1.34. Getting around the city on public transport is also extremely cost-effective, with the average cost of tickets for a single trip an affordable $0.33.
Most expensive
Topping the table as the most expensive destination to visit in 2024 is Florence, Italy, with a score of 11.5/80 for its affordability.
Whilst the dreamy city is still well worth a visit, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got plenty of spending money for your stay, with accommodation costing $315.59 on average per night.
Boasting picturesque vineyards and tourist attractions such as the Gallerie Degli Uffizi, sightseeing will set you back $186.68 per activity on average. Eating in Florence doesn’t come cheap either with a mini food shop costing $78.06 and a meal around $16.48.
Taking the title of the second-most costly city to travel to in 2024 is Belfast, Ireland.
Staying in Northern Ireland’s capital will cost you on average around $166.16 a night. The average price of a restaurant meal costs $22.78.
Renowned for being a desirable yet costly place to live, it’s no surprise that Sydney, Australia, emerges as the third-most expensive location for travellers.
Accommodation costs about $214.48 per night in Sydney. When it comes to sightseeing, the city doesn’t disappoint with must-see attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge or even whale watching by boat. However, keep in mind these activities come at a cost of $162.86 on average.
Have you been to any of these destinations? Did you find them value for money or expensive? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?
Also read: Five lesser-known places to visit on your next trip to Vietnam
