Traveling on a budget in 2026 is all about timing and knowing where your money goes further. While prices are high in many popular spots, savvy travelers know that looking in the right places reveals incredible deals.

This year brings some specific challenges. The Winter Olympics in Italy and the huge soccer tournament in North America will drive up costs in those regions. But this creates opportunities elsewhere. Currencies in places like Japan and Argentina are helping visitors save money, and choosing “shoulder seasons”—the time right before or after the busy rush—can cut your bills in half.

Here is your guide to the best value destinations for every month of 2026.

January: Argentina & Vietnam

Top Pick: Argentina January is peak summer in Argentina, but it remains incredibly affordable for visitors bringing foreign currency. The economy here has a unique quirk known as the “Blue Dollar” rate. If you bring cash or use specific money transfer services, your money can be worth nearly double the official bank rate. You can enjoy steak dinners and excellent wine for a fraction of what you would pay back home.

Runner Up: Vietnam Vietnam is always a bargain, but January is special. The weather is dry and pleasant. If you visit early in the month, you beat the crowds that arrive for the Lunar New Year. A bowl of pho on the street still costs a dollar or two, and you can find nice private rooms for under $25 a night.

February: Bulgaria & Romania

Top Pick: Bulgaria Skiing in France or Switzerland will be extra pricey this year because of the Winter Olympics in Italy. Smart skiers are heading to Bansko, Bulgaria. Lift passes and gear rentals cost about half of what you pay in the Alps. Plus, food and drinks on the slopes are very cheap.

Runner Up: Romania For a mix of winter sports and culture, try Brasov in Romania. You can visit Dracula’s Castle and hit the ski slopes in the same trip. It offers a classic European winter feel without the high price tag.

March: Guatemala & Nicaragua

Top Pick: Guatemala March brings great weather to Guatemala. It is the dry season, making it perfect for hiking volcanoes. It is much cheaper than nearby Costa Rica. You can trek up Volcán Acatenango or explore the ancient ruins of Tikal. Hostels are high quality and cost very little, often around $10 to $15 a night.

Runner Up: Nicaragua If you want surf and sand, Nicaragua is the place. It has similar geography to its more expensive neighbors but costs much less. Ometepe Island is a highlight, offering nature and hiking for travelers on a tight budget.

April: Japan & Turkey

Top Pick: Japan Japan has become surprisingly affordable recently because the Yen is weak. The best time to go is mid-April. The famous cherry blossom crowds have just left, and the “Golden Week” holiday hasn’t started yet. You can find business hotels for $50 a night and eat amazing food like ramen or sushi for cheap.

Runner Up: Turkey April is a “shoulder month” in Turkey. The weather is nice—not too hot, not too cold. Inflation is high there, but for tourists with dollars or euros, the exchange rate balances it out. You can see the sights in Istanbul or Cappadocia before the summer rush begins.

May: Portugal & Nepal

Top Pick: Portugal Portugal is popular, but May is the sweet spot. You get warm beach weather before the summer prices spike in June. Stick to the coast south of Lisbon or head inland for the best value. You can still find a great seafood dinner with wine for under $15.

Runner Up: Nepal May is the end of the spring trekking season. The trails are busy, but the prices for tea houses—the lodges where hikers stay—remain very low. You can trek for weeks spending only $30 to $40 a day for food and a bed.

June: Albania & Bolivia

Top Pick: Albania With the big soccer games happening in North America this summer, flight prices there will be high. Head to the Balkans instead. Albania has beaches that look just like Greece but cost way less. The town of Ksamil has clear blue water, and you can rent an apartment by the sea for a great price.

Runner Up: Bolivia June is winter in Bolivia, which means clear skies for visiting the Salt Flats. It is one of the cheapest countries in South America. You can take a three-day jeep tour across the flats for around $200, including everything.

July: Indonesia & The Caribbean

Top Pick: Indonesia (Lombok) Bali gets very crowded and expensive in July. Just next door is the island of Lombok. It has beaches, surfing, and hiking, but fewer people and lower prices. You can also fly to the island of Flores to see Komodo dragons without spending a fortune.

Runner Up: The ABC Islands If you want the Caribbean in July, look at Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao. They sit outside the main hurricane belt, so your trip is safer from storms. Curaçao has many apartment rentals that help keep costs down compared to big resorts.

August: Poland & South Africa

Top Pick: Poland While everyone else is sweating in crowded Rome or Paris, you can enjoy pleasant weather in Poland. Cities like Krakow and Warsaw are full of history and culture. Food is hearty and cheap, especially at “Milk Bars,” which serve traditional meals for just a few dollars.

Runner Up: South Africa It is winter in Cape Town, which keeps crowds away and prices low. But up north in Kruger National Park, it is dry season—the best time to see animals on safari. You can combine a cheap city stay with incredible wildlife viewing.

September: Georgia & Morocco

Top Pick: Georgia September is harvest time in Georgia. This country is famous for its wine, and visitors can join in the picking and making process. The food is incredible—think cheese bread and dumplings—and very cheap. Guesthouses are family-run and often include dinner and wine in the room price.

Runner Up: Morocco The summer heat breaks in September, making it much more comfortable to explore the desert or the cities. Accommodation prices drop as the European summer holidays end. It is a great time to book a desert tour from Marrakech.

October: Tunisia & Sri Lanka

Top Pick: Tunisia Tunisia offers Mediterranean beaches and Roman ruins for less than you would pay in Europe. You can visit the desert where Star Wars was filmed and stay in beach resorts that lower their rates significantly in October.

Runner Up: Sri Lanka The east coast of Sri Lanka has good weather in October. It is an extremely affordable island. You can stay in beach cabanas and eat delicious curry for very little money.

November: Thailand & India

Top Pick: Thailand November is perfect. The rain has stopped, but the peak Christmas prices haven’t started yet. Head to Northern Thailand for the lantern festivals. Street food is everywhere, delicious, and costs almost nothing.

Runner Up: India The weather in Rajasthan cools down in November, making it pleasant to visit the forts and palaces. The train system in India is a very cheap way to get around. You can stay in beautiful heritage hotels without spending a lot.

December: Colombia & The Philippines

Top Pick: Colombia December is dry season in Colombia, and the cities light up for Christmas. The displays in Medellín are famous. Your money goes a long way here, allowing you to stay in nice boutique hotels and eat at top restaurants for a fair price.

Runner Up: The Philippines The holiday spirit is huge in the Philippines. It is a great time for island hopping. Ferries are cheap, and you can find beach bungalows on islands like Palawan that fit a tight budget.

Flexibility is your best friend in 2026. If a big event is making one city expensive, look for a neighbor that is quiet. By following the calendar and going where the crowds aren’t, you can see amazing places and keep your savings safe.