As inflation rises in the US and other countries, that doesn't stop people from traveling around the world. After a challenging few years, global air travel has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. However, the rising prices may reduce people's travel budgets, resulting in them looking for ways to save on travel expenses.
Fortunately, Wethrift, a UK-based money-saving website, exists issued a statement It lists the 15 cheapest travel destinations for 2024. By analyzing various data points such as accommodation and food costs, direct flight routes and passenger numbers from the world's most popular travel destinations, each destination was given a final score out of 80. The information can help travelers plan their next bucket list while staying on budget.
So, here's a look at the world's cheapest travel destinations this year, according to Wethrift:
The cheapest destination in the world is New Delhi, the capital of India. This bustling metropolis is full of fascinating cultural attractions and vibrant food markets, where frugal travelers can tuck into traditional Indian dishes like butter chicken for $2.41.
Qutub Minar tower in Delhi, India / Photo: Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock
The average price of attraction tours and tickets in New Delhi is relatively cheap at just $64.54, while a weekend 2 stay costs an average of $49.57.
With 145 different non-stop airlines serving New Delhi, you can find cheap flight deals with some shopping around.
Next up is Hanoi in Vietnam, another attractive capital city that has long been a favorite destination for backpackers.
Photo: Hanoi, Vietnam. Courtesy of Silver Ringvee / Unsplash
A one-way trip on public transport costs just $0.29, Vietnamese food like pho costs just $2.17, and accommodation is cheaper than New Delhi, averaging $41.21 for 2 over a weekend, with Hanoi being one of them. The cheapest places in the world, if you can get there.
With just 61 direct flight routes, your flights to Hanoi will take a big chunk out of your budget.
While most travelers head to Cairo to visit the world-famous pyramids at nearby Giza, Egypt's capital offers much more, including local markets and cruises on the Nile.
Photo: Cairo, Egypt. Courtesy of Spencer Davis / Unsplash
It's also very cheap, with weekend accommodation for 2 costing an average of $71.86, traditional Egyptian meals like shakshuka at $4.89 per head, and public transport trips at $0.33.
Sitting on the border of Europe and Asia, the cultural melting pot of Istanbul offers travelers everything from impressive ancient architecture and bustling bazaars to modern shopping streets and stunning views over the Bosphorus Strait.
Photo: Istanbul Airport. Courtesy of Artem Bryzgalov / Unsplash
A trip on public transport costs an average of $0.52 and a traditional Turkish meal like a kebab or meze costs $8.70, which is surprisingly cheap. However, average attraction and tour tickets are slightly more expensive at $121.28.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world with over 300 direct flight routes, so you can find cheap flights with minimal searching.
Located on Egypt's stunning Red Sea coast, the resort town of Hurghada is known for its beautiful turquoise waters. It is a very popular destination among scuba divers and windsurfers.
Photo: Hurghada, Egypt. Courtesy of Sean Wang / Unsplash
With public transit fares of just $0.17, attractions and tickets costing an average of $56.53, and an average meal setting you back $3.27, it's a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The list includes Bali at No. 6, where the average meal costs $1.79 per head, and Bangkok at No. 7, where a couple can spend just $56 on a weekend stay.
For destinations closer to home, Santo Domingo came in at 12th and Cancun at 15th, while only two European destinations, Madrid and Barcelona, made the top 15 at 11th and 14th respectively.
| ranking | target | Flight routes | Affordable Score (out of 80) |
| 1 | New Delhi, India | 145 | 69.2 |
| 2 | Hanoi, Vietnam | 61 | 63 |
| 3 | Cairo, Egypt | 126 | 61 |
| 4 | Istanbul, Turkey | 303 | 59.3 |
| 5 | Hurghada, Egypt | 78 | 59.2 |
| 6 | Bali, Indonesia | 52 | 53 |
| 7 | Bangkok, Thailand | 126 | 52.6 |
| 8 | Marrakesh, Morocco | 87 | 49.7 |
| 9 | Phuket, Thailand | 61 | 45.8 |
| 10 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 46 | 44.7 |
| 11 | Madrid, Spain | 204 | 43.5 |
| 12 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 58 | 41.6 |
| 13 | Doha, Qatar | 177 | 39.6 |
| 14 | Barcelona, Spain | 204 | 36.8 |
| 15 | Cancun, Mexico | 122 | 36.8 |
At the other end of the scale, Florence, Italy was revealed as the most expensive travel destination in the world, with accommodation costing an average of $315.59 per night and attractions and activities costing about $186.68 per person. The second most expensive destination is Belfast, Northern Ireland, where a restaurant costs an average of $22.78 per person.
Sydney, Australia, was named the third most expensive destination, followed by New York City at number 4Th and London, England at 5Th.