Traveling to famous places doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re looking to explore historic cities, natural wonders, or cultural hotspots, there are many destinations around the world that are affordable if you plan carefully. Here’s a guide to help you navigate costs for visas, hotels, food, and the overall process when traveling to budget-friendly yet famous places.
1. Kyoto, Japan
Visa Costs:
- For many countries, Japan offers a 90-day visa-free entry. However, if you need a tourist visa, the fee is approximately $30-$40 depending on your nationality.
Accommodation Costs:
- Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses or hostels. The average price per night at a budget guesthouse is around $30-$50 USD. A private room in a hostel may cost $60-$80 USD per night.
Food Costs:
- Street food in Kyoto is delicious and affordable. You can enjoy a meal for about $5-$10 USD. A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $10-$20 USD.
Human Process (What to Expect):
- Kyoto’s transportation system is very convenient, with buses and subways running efficiently. The city is known for its politeness, so expect respectful interactions with locals. Many tourist sites are walkable, but buses are a great option for longer distances.
Overall Budget for 5 Days:
- Visa: Free or $40 USD
- Accommodation: $150–$250 USD
- Food: $100–$150 USD
- Transportation: $40 USD
- Total: $390–$480 USD for 5 days.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Visa Costs:
- For most countries in the EU, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days. For other countries, you’ll need a Schengen Visa, costing around $80 USD.
Accommodation Costs:
- Hostels or budget hotels cost between $25-$50 USD per night. Private rooms or affordable Airbnb rentals can be found for $60-$100 USD.
Food Costs:
- Lisbon has an array of affordable food options. A meal at a local café or restaurant can cost $10-$15 USD, while food from the market or street vendors can be as low as $5 USD for snacks or pastries.
Human Process (What to Expect):
- Lisbon is a welcoming city, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Public transportation is efficient, with trams, buses, and the metro. A day pass for public transport is approximately $7 USD.
Overall Budget for 5 Days:
- Visa: $80 USD (if needed)
- Accommodation: $125–$250 USD
- Food: $60–$100 USD
- Transportation: $35 USD
- Total: $300–$465 USD for 5 days.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Visa Costs:
- EU citizens do not need a visa, but if you are from a non-EU country, a short-stay Schengen visa costs around $70-$80 USD.
Accommodation Costs:
- Prague offers affordable options. Budget travelers can find hostels for around $20-$40 USD per night. Private rooms or Airbnb rentals range between $50-$80 USD per night.
Food Costs:
- Street food and local eateries in Prague are incredibly cheap. A meal at a casual place can cost around $6-$12 USD, while a mid-range restaurant might charge around $15-$20 USD.
Human Process (What to Expect):
- Prague is easy to navigate with its excellent public transportation system (trams, metro, and buses). English is commonly understood in tourist areas. The local currency is the Czech koruna (CZK), so be mindful of exchange rates.
Overall Budget for 5 Days:
- Visa: $70–$80 USD (if needed)
- Accommodation: $100–$200 USD
- Food: $50–$100 USD
- Transportation: $20 USD
- Total: $240–$400 USD for 5 days.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
Visa Costs:
- Citizens of the United States, Canada, the EU, and many other countries do not need a visa for stays up to 180 days. If you need a visa, it costs about $36 USD.
Accommodation Costs:
- Mexico City offers a wide range of accommodations. Budget hostels and guesthouses are available for about $15-$30 USD per night. Private rooms or budget hotels cost around $40-$70 USD per night.
Food Costs:
- Mexico City has incredibly affordable and delicious food. Street food, such as tacos or quesadillas, can cost as little as $2-$5 USD. A meal at a sit-down restaurant will cost around $10-$15 USD.
Human Process (What to Expect):
- Mexico City is a bustling metropolis with a friendly vibe. Expect a mix of Spanish and English speakers in the tourist areas. The city’s metro system is affordable and can get you anywhere for around $0.25 USD per ride.
Overall Budget for 5 Days:
- Visa: Free or $36 USD
- Accommodation: $75–$150 USD
- Food: $50–$75 USD
- Transportation: $10 USD
- Total: $210–$271 USD for 5 days.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Visa Costs:
- For Schengen visa holders, you can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days without needing a new visa. A short-term Schengen visa costs about $80 USD.
Accommodation Costs:
- Budget travelers can find hostels for around $15-$25 USD per night. Private rooms in guesthouses or budget hotels range from $40-$70 USD per night.
Food Costs:
- Budapest is very affordable in terms of food. Street food such as langos (fried dough) or kebabs can cost $3-$6 USD. A meal in a mid-range restaurant will typically cost around $12-$20 USD.
Human Process (What to Expect):
- Budapest’s public transport system is very affordable and efficient, with single tickets costing about $1.20 USD. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist spots.
Overall Budget for 5 Days:
- Visa: $80 USD (if needed)
- Accommodation: $75–$150 USD
- Food: $50–$100 USD
- Transportation: $15 USD
- Total: $220–$345 USD for 5 days.
6. Athens, Greece
Visa Costs:
- EU nationals don’t require a visa. Non-EU travelers can apply for a Schengen visa, which costs around $80 USD.
Accommodation Costs:
- Budget hostels and guesthouses start at around $25-$40 USD per night. Private rooms or Airbnb rentals can be found for $50-$80 USD.
Food Costs:
- Athens offers both street food and traditional Greek tavernas. Street food such as souvlaki can cost $3-$6 USD, while a meal in a local taverna will cost between $10-$20 USD.
Human Process (What to Expect):
- Athens is easy to explore on foot, with public transport available via buses, trams, and the metro. The locals are friendly and enjoy engaging with visitors, and English is widely spoken.
Overall Budget for 5 Days:
- Visa: $80 USD (if needed)
- Accommodation: $100–$200 USD
- Food: $50–$100 USD
- Transportation: $20 USD
- Total: $250–$400 USD for 5 days.
Conclusion
Traveling to famous destinations on a budget is entirely possible with proper planning. Costs for visas, accommodation, food, and transportation can vary depending on your destination, but many cities offer affordable options for travelers. By choosing budget-friendly accommodations, enjoying local street food, and using public transport, you can experience some of the world’s most iconic places without breaking the bank. Happy traveling!
