8 Places to Travel Boujee on a Budget

There’s simply no denying the fact that 2020 threw us all for a loop. The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on life as we know it, putting all of our plans on pause for the foreseeable future. Although the boredom and loneliness of quarantine may have gotten to you, your wallet is likely thanking you for all the money you’ve saved from doing, well, nothing.

2021’s arrival brings a newfound promise of a COVID-free future, one that allows you to finally satisfy your itch to escape the confines of your home, city, or state for the first time in a long while. If you’re looking to pack your bags while keeping your savings up to snuff, we’re here to introduce you to 12 destinations to travel boujee on a budget.

Mexico City is rapidly making its way onto every traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason. As one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas, Mexico City is teeming with historic heritage and cultural richness that’s bound to blow your mind. Home to nearly 200 museums, lively cantinas, bustling markets, and food scene parallel to none, Mexico City offers something for everyone.

Mexico City is one of the most budget-friendly cityscape destinations in North America. Score outstanding Airbnbs for less than $50 a night and take advantage of dirt-cheap public transportation and Uber costs that make sightseeing simple.

Accommodations: $18

Meals: $10

Transportation: $6

Palacio de Bellas Artes: A theater, concert hall, and art gallery housed inside of an exquisite marble palace.

Museo Soumaya: View over 60,000 pieces of art including pieces from Diego Rivera, Leonardo Da Vinci, Picasso, and more.

Chapultepec Zoo: The perfect family-friendly outing for animal and nature lovers.

Visiting Cape Town on a budget almost feels like a feat that’s too good to be true. Perfectly nestled in between the mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is, without question, South Africa’s finest metropolitan city. Whether you’re looking to relax on luxurious beaches, experience one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, or sip some of the finest wines in Africa, you can do it all without breaking the bank.

Getting to Cape Town will undoubtedly be your most costly expense, but beyond the airfare you can revel in affordable Airbnb rates, modestly-priced world-class eats, and cheap admission rates to museums, day tours, and many popular tourist attractions.

Accommodations: $38

Meals: $10

Transportation: $5

Greenmarket Square: Cape Town’s oldest markets lined with dozens of vendor stalls filled with handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Lion’s Head Trail: Capture the ultimate Instagram-worthy shot on this 2.6 mile loop that offers jaw-dropping views of city and sea.

Muizenberg Beach: The lesser-traveled beach perfect for surfers and sun bathers.

Santiago is rapidly becoming one of South America’s hottest cosmopolitan hubs. Immerse yourself into a vibrant and colorful culture that serves up something for everyone. Whether you’re a lover of gastronomy, theater, art, architecture, or nightlife, Santiago has it all. Live like a local on even the smallest of budgets in this up and coming Chilean city.

Accommodations: $55 (Airbnb stays average at $20)

Meals: $14

Transportation: $6

Cerro Santa Lucía: When it comes to recreational parks, this park will impress. Discover hidden gardens, ponds, and stellar lookout points at every turn.

Santiago General Cemetery: Though unconventional, this cemetery is a unique look at Santiago’s history and home to the burial grounds for almost every Chilean president.

Museum of Memory and Human Rights: For a look into Chile’s past and present, this museum grants a genuine retelling of Santiago’s plight with dictatorship and democracy.

A city known for its laid back vibe, affordability, and historical grandeur, Split is the ultimate European destination for travelers of all walks. This coastal gem is as charming as seaside cities get. Satisfy your adventurous spirit for a fraction of the price you might expect. Be it scuba diving, island-hopping, or wine tasting, you can do it all on a budget.

Accommodations: $76 (hostel stays average at $16 per night!)

Meals: $23

Transportation: $14

Diocletian’s Palace: The ruins of Diocletian’s Palace date back between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., standing as one of the best preserved monuments in the world.

Marjan Hill: Hike Split’s most scenic pathway and take in stunning views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.

Riva: The iconic seaside promenade perfect for a romantic sunset stroll.

Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, it’s truly no wonder why Portland is held in such high regard to nature lovers around the world. Portland is Oregon’s largest and hippest metropolis, home to activists, artists, and outdoorsy folk that fill their communities with warmth and a culture of authenticity.

With so many natural tourist attractions and nature-y things to do, Portland is a budgeter’s paradise. And for an added bonus, the 0% sales tax makes souvenir shopping a delight.

Accommodations: $76

Meals: $34

Transportation: $20

Powell’s City of Books: Occupying an entire city block (a whopping 68,000 square feet), Powell’s is the largest bookshop in the world.

Multnomah Falls: This 542-foot waterfall lies in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.

Portland Saturday Market: Find one-of-a-kind, locally-crafted goods at this weekend open-air market.

What kind of list would this be if we didn’t mention Bali? Heralded as the Land of the Gods, Bali is the ultimate tropical getaway where living like a millionaire is possible on virtually any budget. From treehouse stays and lush rainforests to sweeping sand beaches and delectable cuisines, there’s no shortage of things to love about this Indonesian province.

Accommodations: $37 (Airbnb stays average $20 per night)

Meals: $18

Transportation: $8

Mount Lempuyang:Visit the Gateway of Heaven to find outstanding panoramic views of Bali.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Witness first hand how rice is cultivated and harvested at this sprawling rice terrace.

The Campuhan Ridge: Take in the fresh air and miles of rolling hills on this aesthetically rich trek.

Marrakech is best known for its beautiful architecture and luxurious riads (traditional Moroccan homes), but there is so much more to enjoy while touring this Morroccan city, even whilst sticking to a strict budget. Indulge in spicy foods, spa days, and exceptional shopping without any worry of going over your set spending limit.

Accommodations: $42 (Hostel stays average $9 per night)

Meals: $11

Transportation: $5

Djemaa El Fna: The pulse of the city beats loudest within the Djemaa El Fna. Feast your eyes on live entertainment and sink your teeth into some of the city’s finest dishes from vendors lining the square.

Menara Gardens: Erected during the 12th century, the Menara Gardens are among Marrakech’s finest places for picnics and photo-ops.

The Souks: Winding alleyways are home to countless vendors and sensory experiences; getting lost in the Marrakech souks should be on your to-do list.

Heaven-on-Earth for lovers of baroque and gothic architecture, Prague delivers a taste of the old world that’s beyond sublime. A city seemingly taken straight from medieval fairytales, Prague offers a breathtaking mix of historical, cultural, and natural splendor. Living like a celebrity (or prince/princess) while staying true to your planned budget is perfectly possible with the costs of lodging, restaurant food, and public transportation being so low.

Accommodations: $58 (Airbnb stays average at $30 per night)

Meals: $11

Transportation: $7

Old Town Square: The city center hums with street performers, live musicians, and plenty of people watching.

Wallenstein Gardens: 17th-century gardens lined with beautiful flowing fountains, impeccably kempt greenery, and exquisite bronze statues.

Astronomical Tower: The oldest still-operating astronomical clock in the world.