20 Best Places To Travel Outside The US (even on a tight budget!)

Traveling is a dream of many, and there are numerous incredible places to travel outside the US and around the world!

If you’re from the USA, you may be ready to venture beyond the borders and explore a new country. The USA is huge, and you could easily spend a lifetime exploring all the unique destinations within the nation.

But traveling abroad is an experience like no other. Seeing new landscapes, meeting interesting people, and embracing different cultures is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have!

If you’re looking for the best places to travel outside the US, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, this article will provide a brief overview of some amazing destinations you can visit.

A great way to travel abroad is by trying a work exchange, where you can work for your accommodation. This allows you to save money while traveling, and you also get to meet locals and develop a deeper connection with the culture. We will provide links to some cool Worldpackers work exchanges that you can try while traveling abroad!

Bucket List: Best Places To Travel Outside The US

Paris

Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in the world is Paris, the capital city of France. This cosmopolitan city is brimming with excitement and iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and many more. Volunteer in a hostel in Paris to save money during your stay!

Tokyo

Another one of the most incredible places to travel outside the US is Tokyo. This modern metropolis in Japan is home to gorgeous temples and historic landmarks as well as towering skyscrapers and neon lights. Tokyo blends Japan’s authentic cultures and traditions with the glitz and glamour of the modern world.

Great Barrier Reef

The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, is located off the tropical northeast coast of Australia. Snorkeling or scuba diving amongst the colorful marine life is on many travelers’ lists of bucket list ideas! Australia is not a cheap country to visit, so consider a homestay in Cairns if you want to travel on a budget!

Patagonia

Another location that tops the bucket list of many nature lovers is Patagonia. Not to be confused with the clothing brand, the region of Patagonia refers to the southern tip of both Chile and Argentina. Travelers flock here to hike, camp, and explore in one of the world’s most wild, rugged, and breathtaking regions. Get to know the locals by volunteering on a farm in Chile or a homestay in Argentina.

Rome

Rome is one of the top international vacation spots, and it's easy to see why. Packed with ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, history buffs will have a blast exploring the city. And let's not forget about the food! Rome is a foodie's paradise with countless places to savor the best Italian cuisine. With its iconic sights, warm culture, and charming neighborhoods, Italy's capital city has something for everyone to enjoy.

Rio de Janeiro

Another one of the coolest places to visit outside the US is Rio de Janeiro. Travelers visit this beautiful Brazilian city to lounge on the beaches, hike in the mountains, and attend the vibrant festivals. Enjoy a more relaxed, authentic experience in Brazil by volunteering at an eco-village just outside the city.

Banff National Park

One of the best places to travel when you've never travelled outside of the US before is Canada! This majestic nation is easy for Americans to visit because most people speak English and it’s not a far flight. Undoubtedly, the most incredible place to visit in Canada is Banff National Park. Known for its jagged Rocky Mountain peaks and shimmering sapphire lakes, you'll have an amazing time exploring one of the most scenic national parks in the world.

London

London, England, is one of the most visited destinations in the world. This vibrant city, much like Tokyo, blends modernity with history. Churches, markets, old-timey pubs, and neighborhoods showcase London's vital role in world history, while modern architecture, abundant entertainment, and a lively nightlife scene make London a trendy and thrilling destination to visit!

Kruger National Park

If you’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari, Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the best places to visit. Known for being the only real wilderness left in South Africa, Kruger allows you to adventure through the landscape and spot all your favorite wild animals in real life. Take your experience to the next level by trying adventure guide and ranch work in Kruger with Worldpackers! 

The Maldives

Last on this section of bucket list places to travel outside the US is the Maldives! This idyllic archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean graces the covers of many travel magazines. With white sand beaches, tropical bungalows, and turquoise waters, nothing says “paradise” like the Maldives!

Cheap Places To Travel Outside The US

Machu Picchu

If you’re looking for cheap places to travel outside the US, Peru is a great option! With delicious food, friendly locals, cheap prices, beautiful nature, and the world-famous Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, there is no better place to explore history and culture than Peru. Save money during your trip to Peru by helping with SEO and social media at a guest house in Cusco, the closest major city to Machu Picchu.

Bangkok

Thailand is another country on the bucket list of many, and Bangkok is a highlight of this warm, welcoming country. Full of glittering temples, bustling food markets, and enticing nightlife, Bangkok is one of the cheapest and most desirable cities to visit in Thailand. Spend more time in this fabulous city by working as a receptionist in a hostel in the Old Town!

Tulum

Another one of the best places to travel outside the US is Tulum. Situated on Mexico's Caribbean coastline, this tropical town attracts travelers from around the world with its affordable prices, flavorful food, lush scenery, and historic landmarks. There are lots of epic work exchanges in Mexico if you want to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the locals!

Cartagena

Colombia is also one of the best cheap travel destinations in the world, and it’s a quick and easy flight from the USA! One of Colombia’s biggest cities is Cartagena, a charming metropolis located on the Caribbean Sea. With intricate colonial buildings and gorgeous islands and reefs located right off the coast, there is so much to see and do here.

Siem Reap

Another one of the best cheap places to travel outside the US is Siem Reap, Cambodia. Though this small city is most famous for its ancient Khmer temples, including the picturesque Angkor Wat, the town has much more to offer as well. With happy, smiling locals, spicy street food, and colorful markets, Siem Reap is a lovely place to visit. Give back to the local community by teaching English at a non profit school here!

Bali

Bali is one of the most iconic places to visit in Asia. This tropical tourist island has everything you could want in a vacation spot: breathtaking beaches, incredible hikes, historic landmarks, street markets, and an abundance of amenities and places to stay on a budget. 

Kotor

One of the lesser-known but still cool places to visit in Europe is Kotor, Montenegro. Located on the dazzling blue waters of the Bay of Kotor, the small city of Kotor is incredibly scenic. It’s also affordable! Try something new by volunteering at a free-range goat farm just outside the city!

Dominican Republic

Another stunning vacation destination is the Dominican Republic. The diverse natural landscape and enticing culture draw in US travelers constantly, and this Caribbean island is also very affordable to visit. Explore national parks, beaches, rainforests, and historic towns while visiting this lush nation, and make your stay even more heartwarming by volunteering at an animal shelter!

Ha Long Bay

Vietnam is also an excellent destination if you’re looking for cheap places to travel outside the US. One of the most affordable countries in Asia, Vietnam is known for its dramatic scenery, its flavorful street food, and its rich culture. Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam! Few travelers visit this country without doing a boat tour through the emerald waters and limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay.

Sri Lanka

Last but not least on our list of cheap travel destinations is Sri Lanka. This tropical island nation, located off the southern coast of India, is both beautiful and affordable. Get ready to have a blast with activities like surfing, sightseeing, and exploring the mesmerizing beaches and forests. Don't forget to marvel at the incredible architecture and immerse yourself in the local culture of this idyllic country!

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