Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content

Get tips to avoid decisions that may decrease your Social Security benefits at our free webinar Sept. 19.

Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Popular Searches

Games

Car rental

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

Travel

Suggested Links
Help Show me my account info Change my Address How do I contact AARP? Where is my membership card? How do I get a digital card?
Red Membership Card

AARP MEMBERSHIP 

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products, hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 

 

120x30-AARP-logo-red
Join
Renew
Enroll
Rejoin

AARP en Español

Join
Renew
Enroll
Rejoin
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Continue Cancel

4 Affordable Places to Travel You May Be Overlooking

Discover some of the cheapest countries to visit and plan your next trip

visitors at Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the best known temple in the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Martin Westlake/Gallery Stock
By

Jamie Davis Smith,

 
AARP
Published September 16, 2024

Cities like London, Paris and New York are high on many travelers’ lists of must-see destinations. However, they tend to be crowded and expensive. According to AARP’s 2024 Travel Trends report, the high cost of travel is a major barrier for travelers 50-plus. 

However, you don’t need to stay home just because Paris isn’t in the budget. Many other fantastic destinations won’t break the bank. These often-overlooked locations are full of culture, art, adventure and great food. With some creative thinking, you can have a great vacation without a high price tag and enjoy world-class sites without the crowds that make some more popular destinations difficult to navigate. Note: All prices listed in U.S. dollars.

Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 

Join Now

Poland

a man laying on grass observing Tatra Mountains
Looking for natural beauty in Poland? Head to Tatra Mountains.
Adam Brzoza/Polish Tourism Organization

Travel to the heart of Eastern Europe to take in history, breathtaking sites and world-class dining that goes beyond pierogies. Poland’s two biggest cities, Warsaw and Krakow, are about two and a half hours apart by train, making it easy to visit both in a single trip. Krakow has a charming old town square, a lively Jewish Quarter with restaurants and live music, and a lovely palace, the Wawel Royal Castle. Nearby, visit the sprawling underground Wieliczka Salt Mine that dates back to the Middle Ages and the Auschwitz–Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Those who prefer to take in natural beauty can head to the nearby Tatra Mountains in Zakopane to hike or soak in geothermal pools. In Warsaw, visit the city’s old town square and Royal Castle, both of which were meticulously restored after being destroyed in World War II. You can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and visit any of the city’s numerous museums including the POLIN museum, which explores the history of Jews in Poland, or the Warsaw Rising Museum. Many attractions in Warsaw are free one day per week, making it possible to save a bundle.

Where to stay: In Krakow, the Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre is ideally situated between the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter. In Warsaw, the Hilton Warsaw City is a modern hotel with easy access to most of the city’s major sites. Standard rooms at both hotels are available for around $150 per night and may be less during nonpeak travel times.

Where to eat: In Warsaw, Niewinni Czarodzieje 44 draws inspiration from around the world to create craft cocktails and gourmet meals, many of which can be enjoyed for under $20. In Krakow, try Hamsa in the heart of the Jewish Quarter for traditional Middle Eastern food with flair. Many dishes are around $10 to $15.

Belize

travelers on horseback in Belize
Travelers to Belize can visit the beach or the jungle.
Belize Tourism Board

Nestled along the eastern coast of Central America, Belize offers a great blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences along with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Travelers can swim or snorkel in the Great Blue Hole or along the Belize Barrier Reef. Belize is also home to ancient Mayan temples, wildlife on land and sea, and stunning beaches. Many visitors to Belize visit both the country’s beautiful jungle and spend a few days at the beach. Consider staying in seaside San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye or inland in San Ignacio to explore the jungle. Plus, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language, which makes it easier for English-speakers to navigate.

Travel

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

View Details
See All
See more Travel offers >

Where to stay: To immerse yourself in the jungle, look at Table Rock Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio. Garden rooms start at about $170. Rates include complimentary canoeing, lazy river tubing, hiking on private trails, and animal feeding. For around the same price, beach bums can stay in a standard room at Ramon’s Village Resort in San Pedro, a short boat ride from the Belize Barrier Reef.

Where to eat: Visitors to San Pedro will enjoy El Fogon, which serves traditional Belizean meals cooked over firewood. Appetizers start as low as $5 with entrees for $10 and up. In San Ignacio, try Guava Limb Restaurant and Cafe. Sandwiches, pizza and pasta are available for around $10 to $15.

Manitoba, Canada

visitors at The Tropical Biome in Winnipeg, Canada
The Tropical Biome is located in Assiniboine park in Winnipeg, Canada.
Courtesy Tourism Winnipeg

Manitoba is nearly in the center of Canada and borders North Dakota and Minnesota. Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, is a modern city with a small-town feel. The town offers something for everyone, from art aficionados to nature lovers. Winnipeg is known as the “cultural cradle” of Canada. It is home to a thriving arts scene, including ballet, music, film and more. History buffs can explore the Indigenous history of the region and the Exchange District National Historic Site, a neighborhood full of turn-of-the-century buildings. Nature lovers can stroll through Winnipeg’s outdoor spaces and parks, including Assiniboine and FortWhyte Alive. Visit for bird-watching, to see bison wander by or for a stroll.

Where to stay: The Fort Garry Hotel is a beloved landmark in the heart of downtown Winnipeg with a spa and restaurant serving traditional Canadian cuisine. Rooms start around $150. Head to St. Boniface, the center of Manitoba’s French community for the Norwood Hotel. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore Manitoba’s French-Canadian history, culture and food. Rooms start at $175.

Where to eat: The Forks, located at the junction of two rivers, has been a gathering place for more than 6,000 years. Today, the site remains a meeting spot, hosting cultural and community events. The Forks Market is a bustling food hall with everything from hot dogs to tacos to steaks. Promenade Brassiere celebrates the region’s Métis heritage using locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a gourmet brunch or lunch while honoring the Indigenous culture of Manitoba for about $20.

Cambodia

visitors at the Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm Temple, one of the temples of Angkor, in Cambodia is covered in trees.
Getty Images

For many travelers, the main attraction in Cambodia is the majestic temples of the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap. The park includes a forested area and the remains of several buildings from the Khmer Empire dating back to the 9th century. Among them is Angkor Wat, the best known temple in the 154-square-mile religious complex. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, features grand boulevards and French colonial buildings that date to when the French ruled. Visitors also can explore the city’s Royal Palace and bustling markets. Nearby, learn about Cambodia’s tragic history by visiting the Killing Fields, less than 10 miles from the city center. Cambodia is also home to beautiful beaches. Two islands, Koh Rong and the neighboring but smaller Koh Rong Sanloem, are both great for getting some rest and relaxation.

Where to stay: In Siem Reap, the Angkor Village Hotel is a great choice, with rooms starting around $130 per night. It’s a few minutes walk from the restaurants and shops of Siem Reap’s bustling Pub Street and about a 15-minute drive from Angkor Wat. In Phnom Penh, the Hyatt Regency is a luxury hotel with a great pool in the heart of the city and rates as low as $150.

Where to eat: For traditional Khmer dishes in Siem Reap, head to Urban Tree Hut to dine in a tranquil outdoor garden. Some meals are as low as $5. In Phnom Penh, Khéma combines a French-inspired restaurant, bakery and delicatessen. Some meals are as low as $7.

Jamie Davis Smith is a mother and writer living in Washington, D.C. She has written for National Geographic, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and several other publications. She can be reached at byjamiesmith@gmail.com.

Unlock Access to AARP Members Edition

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

AARP Travel Center

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid departing date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid departing date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Flight 2

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 3

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 4

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 5

Enter a valid departing date

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date

Occupants of Room 1:

Occupants of Room 2:

Occupants of Room 3:

Occupants of Room 4:

Occupants of Room 5:

Occupants of Room 6:

Occupants of Room 7:

Occupants of Room 8:

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 1:

There are children in room 1 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age for room 1

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 2:

There are children in room 2 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 2

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 3:

There are children in room 3 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 3

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 4:

There are children in room 4 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 4

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 5:

There are children in room 5 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 5

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Enter a valid start date

Please select a Pick Up Time from the list

Enter a valid drop off date

Please select Drop Off Time from the list

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date

Benefits Recommended For You

See All