Budget-conscious travelers have a new reason to start planning their next getaway, as travel platform Expedia has released its “Affordable Destinations 2026” report highlighting the best places to visit around the world without breaking the bank. The list focuses on cities that offer a genuine mix of authentic local atmosphere and comfortable stays, all with average hotel prices coming in under around $165 per night. From vibrant South American metropolises to buzzing Southeast Asian capitals, the selections span several continents and cater to a wide range of travel styles. The rankings are a welcome reminder that memorable travel experiences do not have to come with a hefty price tag.
Topping the list is Salvador, Brazil, a coastal city known for its golden sandy beaches, rainbow-colored colonial buildings, and a historic center packed with baroque churches and art museums. It is widely regarded as the cultural heartbeat of Afro-Brazilian traditions, having given rise to capoeira and numerous elements of Brazilian music and religion. The city is also home to one of the largest carnivals on the planet, drawing millions of visitors each year to its streets. Salvador stretches across more than 30 miles of coastline, offering urban beaches that are beloved by both locals and tourists alike, and its iconic Elevador Lacerda elevator connects the upper and lower parts of the city while offering sweeping views over the bay.
@travelwithtolu SALVADOR DA BAHIA 🇧🇷 #brazil #brasil #thingstodoinsalvador #southamerica #blacktravel #tiktoktravel #blacktraveller #blackwomentravel #bucketlist #reais #reals #portuguese #afrobrazilian #caipirinha #cocktails #whenonholiday #whatidrank#holidaydrinks #salvadordebahia #barra #baiana #thingstodoinbrazil #visitbrasil #visitbrazil #Feijoada #Farofa #Vatapá #Carnedesol #Acaçá #Caruru #Acarajé #Cachaça #akara #favela #donasuzana #casadobenin #pelourinho #moqueca #casadocarnaval #restaurantesenac #northeastbrazil ♬ Baianá – Barbatuques
Coming in at second place is Guadalajara, Mexico, a major financial and cultural hub that is set to gain even more international attention as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Not far behind on the list is Mérida, another Mexican city celebrated for its fascinating blend of Mayan and Spanish colonial heritage, making it a compelling stop for history lovers. Both cities offer travelers a rich cultural experience at a fraction of the cost of more traditionally popular destinations. Their inclusion on the list reflects a growing trend of travelers seeking out lesser-known gems that punch above their weight in terms of culture and character.
South America is well represented beyond Salvador, with Bogotá, Colombia claiming third place and São Paulo, Brazil landing at number six. Bogotá has reinvented itself in recent years as a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, excellent cuisine, and a growing reputation as one of Latin America’s most exciting urban destinations. São Paulo, meanwhile, is one of the largest cities in the Western Hemisphere and offers an almost overwhelming array of restaurants, museums, and neighborhoods to explore. Both cities combine big-city energy with relatively accessible travel costs, making them attractive options for visitors looking to stretch their dollar further.
Asia also features prominently, with Bangkok, Thailand at number seven, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at number five, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia rounding out the top nine. These three cities have long been favorites on the backpacker circuit and are equally appealing to more comfort-focused travelers thanks to their world-class street food scenes and vibrant nightlife. Bangkok is particularly celebrated for its ornate temples, chaotic markets, and extraordinary variety of dining options available at every price point. Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City similarly offer a dizzying combination of modern skylines, local neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks that reward curious visitors.
The list closes with two destinations that represent very different parts of the world. Edmonton, Canada, often nicknamed the “Festival City” for its packed calendar of annual events, brings a North American option to the rankings, proving that affordable travel does not always mean heading to warmer climates. Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, rounds out the top ten as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire Caribbean, offering a deep colonial history alongside the island’s better-known beach appeal.
@nicolettainserra Welcome to Santo Domingo🌴🥥♥️ #santodomingo #islasaona #mare #spettacolo ♬ Danza Kuduro – sina🌺
For those unfamiliar with how travel rankings like these work, Expedia is one of the world’s largest online travel platforms and regularly publishes research based on aggregated booking data, hotel pricing trends, and traveler behavior. Reports like the “Affordable Destinations 2026” listing are compiled using real booking figures to identify where travelers are getting the most value relative to the overall experience a destination offers. The travel industry broadly defines an “affordable” destination as one where core costs including accommodation, food, and local transport remain significantly below the global average for comparable experiences.
It is also worth noting that 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for international travel thanks in part to the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Cities like Guadalajara are expected to see a major spike in visitor numbers, meaning now is a smart time to plan ahead before prices and availability tighten around tournament dates. Destinations across Latin America in particular are enjoying a surge of global interest as travelers look beyond the usual European and North American circuits for fresh and affordable adventures.
If any of these destinations are on your travel radar or you have already visited one of them, share your thoughts in the comments.
