What are the best budget travel destinations for 2025? — featuring GoingFartherTogether
In this video: 10 UNDERRATED Budget Travel Destinations to Visit in 2025
GoingFartherTogether · 1 year ago
Which destination is best for adventure activities?
Guatemala and Peru both excel for adventure seekers. Guatemala offers ATV tours through local villages and coffee farms plus sunrise hikes up Rostro Maya; Peru combines ATV tours in Cusco with visits to the Sacred Valley, Moray, and the Mara salt mines, all leading up to the must-see Machu Picchu.
What this video answers
Which destination is best for adventure activities?
Is it safe to travel to these destinations as a solo traveler?
Overview of 10 Budget Travel Destinations for 2025
This video from GoingFartherTogether showcases ten underrated destinations chosen specifically for affordability, cultural richness, and genuine hospitality. Rather than repeating the same well-worn tourist circuits, the creators highlight places that deliver unforgettable experiences without emptying your wallet—from tropical islands and historic landmarks to vibrant cities and natural wonders. Each destination was personally visited and vetted by Black travelers who prioritized safety and genuine community welcome.
If you're planning 2025 travel and want to maximize your budget while exploring diverse landscapes, cuisines, and cultures, this guide serves as a practical roadmap. Whether you're drawn to adventure activities, culinary experiences, architectural marvels, or wildlife encounters, these ten countries offer something for every traveler type and timeline.
Key Moments
Specific Sights and Experiences Across All Ten Destinations
Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque (free entry) and the architecturally stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi
Lake Atitlán in Guatemala—a volcanic crater surrounded by mountains and three volcanoes, with lakeside bungalow stays at properties like Lafertuna
Bali's Tegallalang rice terraces and sunrise hike on Mount Batur via 4x4 vehicle
Malaysia's street food culture in Kuala Lumpur, where full meals cost around $3, plus the iconic Petronas Towers and Batu Caves with colorful steps
Peru's Machu Picchu (one of the seven wonders of the world) and the Moray salt mines in the Sacred Valley
Vietnam's Halong Bay emerald-water cruises, historic landmarks, and the famous Train Street experience
Thailand's spas, street food (pad thai, mango sticky rice), and diverse attractions across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
Kenya's Masai Mara safari, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for baby elephants, and community-focused beadwork at Kobe Tough Beads factory
What You Need to Know Before Booking These Trips
Language accessibility: Abu Dhabi, Bali, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam all have strong English-speaking tourism infrastructure, making navigation easier for international travelers
Best seasons and weather: Malaysia offers great year-round weather but pack an umbrella for afternoon showers; Thailand requires a long flight depending on your origin but rewards with excellent value
Food tours and local guides: Vietnam and Guatemala offer guided local food tours and ATV experiences through villages and coffee farms that provide genuine cultural immersion
Budget-friendly dining: Kuala Lumpur meals average $3; Vietnam, Thailand, and Peru offer exceptional food at minimal cost; street food scenes are highlights across all destinations
Transportation between cities: Thailand offers affordable domestic flights through carriers like Air Asia, Thai Airways, and Nok Air for exploring multiple regions
Accommodation variety: Options range from budget-friendly Airbnbs to luxurious boutique hotels; properties like Hemingways Nairobi in Kenya are noted for welcoming staff and safety
Activity booking: Reserve popular experiences (Machu Picchu hikes, safari guides, sunrise tours) in advance; detailed planning videos are available for most destinations
Frequently Asked Questions About These Budget Destinations
Which destination is best for adventure activities?
Guatemala and Peru both excel for adventure seekers. Guatemala offers ATV tours through local villages and coffee farms plus sunrise hikes up Rostro Maya; Peru combines ATV tours in Cusco with visits to the Sacred Valley, Moray, and the Mara salt mines, all leading up to the must-see Machu Picchu.
Is it safe to travel to these destinations as a solo traveler?
The video emphasizes that safety and feeling welcomed were priorities for the creators as Black travelers, and each destination "delivered unforgettable hospitality." Specific recommendations include Hemingways Nairobi in Kenya for its welcoming staff and security, and all ten locations are presented as places where travelers felt secure and valued.
How much should I budget for a month-long stay?
The creators lived in Malaysia and Thailand for approximately one month each and found both extremely affordable. With street food meals at $3 in KL, budget accommodations via Airbnb, and inexpensive domestic travel, a month is feasible on a tight budget—though luxury spa treatments and upscale dining are also available without breaking the bank.
What's the best time to visit these countries?
The video doesn't specify peak seasons for most destinations but notes that Malaysia has pleasant weather year-round (though afternoon showers are common). For Machu Picchu and Peru's highlands, dry season is typically preferred. Consult individual destination playlists (linked in the video description) for detailed seasonal guidance.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No. Abu Dhabi, Bali, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam all have widespread English-speaking staff in tourism areas. The video specifically highlights that English is "widely spoken" in Bali and Malaysia, making these destinations very accessible for English-only speakers.
A place where accommodation, food, activities, and transportation cost significantly less than Western countries, allowing travelers to extend their trips or travel with smaller budgets.
Volcano crater lake
A body of water formed inside a collapsed volcanic cone, like Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, often surrounded by steep mountains and smaller volcanic peaks.
Overtourism
When a destination becomes so crowded with visitors that it damages the local environment, culture, or visitor experience; the video mentions this issue in Bali's Kuta and Seminyak areas.
Sacred Valley
A region in the Peruvian Andes that contains important historical Incan sites, agricultural terraces, and salt mines visited during tours between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Heritage site
A location recognized for its cultural, historical, or natural significance; examples in the video include Machu Picchu (one of the seven wonders), historical landmarks in Vietnam, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
This video is genuinely helpful because it combines honest budget breakdowns with specific venue names, price points, and activities rather than generic travel advice. The creators share real experiences—overstayed in Malaysia and Thailand, hiked Machu Picchu, ate their way through Vietnam—so recommendations feel earned and trustworthy. Seeing food costs ($3 meals in Kuala Lumpur), named restaurants (Rarang Lautu in Bali), and community-focused activities (Kobe Tough Beads factory supporting local women) gives viewers concrete starting points for planning.
What stands out most is the emphasis on hospitality and feeling welcomed, which goes beyond typical "cheap flights and budget hotels" lists. The creators matter—as Black travelers sharing which destinations felt genuinely welcoming—and that perspective adds real value for travelers prioritizing cultural respect and safety. If you're serious about stretching your travel budget in 2025 without sacrificing quality experiences, this is a video worth watching start to finish.
Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii
Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.
Looking for affordable travel ideas in 2025? We’re sharing our top 10 budget-friendly destinations—from tropical beaches and lively cities to culturally rich spots full of history. All without breaking the bank. As Black travelers, feeling safe and welcomed is a priority, and each destination on our list delivered unforgettable hospitality and experiences. Get inspired for your next adventure!
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:32 Country 1
1:29 Country 2
2:56 Country 3
4:20 Country 4
5:50 Country 5
7:52 Country 6
9:24 Country 7
11:07 Country 8
12:48 Country 9
15:14 Country 10
Recommended Playlists:
Abu Dhabi Playlist 🇦🇪
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7ZqdzpTvvmXTjQuS6QdDz3a2-RP
Guatemala Playlist 🇬🇹
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7Zqdzp6e4680-OblD68ypHA67_s
Indonesia 🇮🇩
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7ZqdzqGtWe2LIpH6jlsZAXOcO5w
Malaysia 🇲🇾
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7Zqdzo9-2UgPk2FUyKo5rPs09XO
Peru 🇵🇪
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7ZqdzoYZUcTpqymMGMehcFMV9pT
Vietnam 🇻🇳
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7ZqdzptfIwJp75VILyu1IKwatKf
Thailand 🇹🇭
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7Zqdzr-97v2ESih55wy0tcAG_7h
Kenya 🇰🇪
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7Zqdzp7AEPMtZZwMA7B93LgNWT6
Brazil 🇧🇷
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7Zqdzo-n18K9NQNKYEfFdCHeJsV
Japan 🇯🇵
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt4R9U7Zqdzp00medNwLt68DAcmEMeSd5
Safety Wing Travel Medical Insurance
https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26222634&utm_source=26222634&utm_medium=Ambassador
Video transcript for “10 UNDERRATED Budget Travel Destinations to Visit in 2025” Accessibility
A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.
How do you choose the perfect destination when the world is packed with must- vvisit places? Today, we're giving you our top 10 travel picks for 2025. And these are places that offer incredible experiences, great food, affordability, and everything you need for an unforgettable trip. And we're not
just going to give you the usual list of tourist hotspots. Some of these destinations might actually surprise you. In fact, we think a few of these places are way better than the ones most people keep talking about. So stick around and let's see if you agree. Starting with Abu Dhabi. We really
enjoyed visiting because of the unique blend of tradition and modern design. I wasn't expecting to love Abu Dhabi as much as I did, but it was a place I wouldn't mind revisiting because they take elegance to the next level here. Yeah, you can visit cultural landmarks like the Grand Mosque. It's a must
visit, especially if you're into beautiful architecture. And if you're budget conscious, it's free entry to visit and explore the mosque. And for my wildlife and nature fans, we recommend going to the National Aquarium. It's beautifully designed with so much that you can see. And if you have kids, they
would absolutely love it. Not to mention, it's the perfect way to escape that Abu Dhabi heat. It was the best aquarium that we've personally ever visited. I agree. And last but not least, for our museum and history lovers, you have to check out the Louv in Abu Dhabi. The architecture alone is
worth admiring. So, you have to see it for yourself. And if you're looking for a place where you can stretch your budget without sacrificing amazing experiences, this next destination is for you. Guatemala is one of the most naturally beautiful countries on the list. It's unreal. We stayed at Lake
Atitlan and it's one of the most serene places I've ever been to. The lake is actually a massive volcanic crater surrounded by towering mountains and three volcanoes which makes every view feel like a postcard. No lie. There are so many amazing properties around the lake and Laafertuna is one of the best
ones. Imagine waking up to a lakeside bungalow completely immersed in nature but still having all the modern comforts that you need. I'd love to revisit someday with my family or for a girls trip or something. And what makes Guatemala such an incredible destination is the sheer number of things to do.
Whether you're into adventure, history, or relaxation, we're going to leave a link in the description to our video where we highlighted some amazing activities in Guatemala. One of our favorite experiences was an ATV tour that took us through local villages, coffee farms, and gave us a real inside
look at everyday life in Guatemala. We also did a sunrise hike up Rostra Maya where we got to watch the sky light up. It was one of the most breathtaking sunrises we've ever seen. Yeah, we didn't expect to love Guatemala as much as we did, but the next one completely lived up to our expectations. Bali has
everything you could want in a destination because it caters to every type of traveler and budget. It's easy to navigate because English is widely spoken and it's an amazing place to visit in 2025. Over tourism is an issue, especially in Kangu and Semenyak, but you can escape to quieter, less touristy
areas like Mangis. The best food we had in Bali was actually in Mangis. We went to a local spot named Rarang Lautu and they had a ton of options. We loved their fish dishes, drinks were amazing, and the service was topnotch. They will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off if you need to.
And you can't go to Bali without checking out some of the things the island is most famous for. There are stunning waterfalls like Lee and Banu Malatin waterfalls and the rice terraces are also worth visiting. The rice terrace that we recommend is Tangalang rice terrace because of its location.
It's just north of Aboud so you can get there from anywhere in Bali pretty easily. There's lots of nice cafes nearby, so you can eat and have amazing views of the rice terrace, and then you can go and explore for an easy day trip. For adventure lovers, we caught a sunrise on Mount Bour. One of the most
memorable experiences of our trip. You get to ride up the mountain on a 4x4. It's so fun. You got to check it out. We know you want some underrated destinations. And when we think about a country that does not get enough love, Malaysia immediately comes to mind. We spent time in Koala Lumpur and loved it.
KL is a melting pot of flavors where diverse cultures come together to create one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world. The food is delicious and the American dollar is very strong there. We lived here for about a month and I often wonder why people don't visit it more. The street food culture
here is amazing as well. Our Airbnb was literally down the street from a famous one and we had pretty much unlimited access to saté nasi lac and roti canai. Those are some dishes that you absolutely have to try. And the best part about it, you can eat like a king or a queen without breaking the bank.
You can get an entire meal for just $3. And we can't not mention the Patronis Towers. The Patronus towers are iconic, but there's so much more that we didn't get to explore. Like the Batu Caves with their colorful steps and the KL Forest Eco Park right near the heart of the city. It's the perfect mix of urban life
and nature. So, we absolutely have to go back. And we cannot forget to talk about the shopping. From traditional markets like the Central Market to the massive malls like Pavilion KL, shopaholics will be in heaven. Also, everyone speaks English, which makes it really easy and accessible for international travelers.
Plus, the weather is great year round. Though, you might need to pack an umbrella for those afternoon showers. We never left the apartment without it. If this video is helping you plan your next adventure, do us a favor and tap that like button and subscribe. We've got a ton of travel guides, hidden gems, and
tips coming your way. And trust me, you will not want to miss them. And if you're curious about any of these destinations, we've got full travel playlist with deep dives into each one. You'll find everything from where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip. Check out the
description for all the links. And if it's a dream of yours to see the seven wonders of the world, we highly recommend booking a flight to Peru. We had a memorable time seeing Machu Picchu. And before researching things to do for this trip, we had no idea the amount of activities that you can do
there besides seeing Machu Picchu. We did an ATV tour in Cusco and it was such an easy way to soak up the landscape of this country. And boy oh boy, do they have some picturesque landscapes. That was an experience all by itself. But the tour also takes you to the sacred valley, Marai, and the Mara salt mines.
I can't with Leavon and his rolling ars. People come from all over the world to visit the salt mines. Not because the landscape is definitely picture worthy, but there is a lot of history there to learn. And I won't spoil it too much because it's definitely worth adding to your itinerary. And don't forget to
purchase some salt while you're there. Your food will never taste the same, I'm telling you. And speaking of food, the food in Peru is fire. We ate so much delicious food there and that's another reason for us to revisit. But let's not leave the star of the show out. Peru should be on your bucket list
so that you can visit Machu Picchu. It's one of the most famous seven wonders of the world and pictures and videos will not do it justice. This is a place that you need to see for yourself. And planning a trip to Machu Picchu isn't for the week. So, we made a detailed video of how to do that to make your
life a lot easier. Don't forget to check that out if you plan on visiting. Now, if you're looking for a place where you can stretch your budget without sacrificing amazing experiences, this next destination is for you. We were actually shocked by the amount of fun that we had in Vietnam last year. And to
be honest, we're already itching to revisit. I know I won't get a better bowl of fur anywhere else, but also because there's a lot to see and do there. You can go from admiring the serenity and the history of different historical landmarks to floating down the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a
cruise. Now, getting used to the traffic, there's definitely an adjustment, so get used to dodging scooters, but Vietnam is still worth adding to your places to visit in 2025. This is a bucket list destination that you can visit without breaking the bank. So many other places these days are
getting more and more expensive, but in Vietnam, the prices for lodging, activities, transportation, and food are so affordable. And speaking of food, it's safe to say that Vietnam is a food paradise. I think Vietnamese food is one of the most slept on cuisines. I agree. Even when people ask me where is some of
the best food I've ever had, I forget to mention Vietnam because it's just I don't know why I forget. It's just very healthy. It's delicious. And we recommend going on a local food tour if you can. That way you can enjoy a variety of foods and find what you actually enjoy. Train street is also
something you cannot miss. I'll never forget how it felt as the train literally rushed by you and it was like centimeters away. It was so much fun. Thailand is a destination I find myself talking about all the time because we had such a great time while we were there. From the delicious food to the
beautiful landscapes, it's definitely a destination you want on your radar because similarly to Indonesia, Thailand is a place that any traveler can enjoy because there's a lot to do and see. We actually lived there for about a month and even that wasn't enough time to fully appreciate everything Thailand has
to offer. We stayed in Bangkok and in the Phuket area and we did find some delicious restaurants and things to do in that area that you might want to add to your itinerary. Not Mike. You need to add to your itinerary. And although it can be a long flight depending on where you're flying from, one of the things
that makes Thailand even better is its incredible value for money. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or looking for some more luxurious experiences, you're going to find that your money stretches surprisingly far here. You can stay in nice boutique hotels, enjoy world-class spa
treatments, and dine at amazing restaurants while keeping your wallet happy. Trust us, we've done it. Even the street food scene alone is worth the trip. Imagine getting the most flavorful pad thai or fresh mango sticky rice for just a few dollars. Child, I can't wait to go back. Don't underestimate how much
there is to do there, though. Because, for example, popular areas of Thailand such as Bangkok, Mai, and Phuket could easily take a week or more to fully enjoy the main hot spots. Because of that, we recommend trying to visit areas in the north and in the south of Thailand. And it's very affordable to
catch flights on carriers like Air Asia, Thai Airways, and Knock Air. And if you think Thailand is the place to visit, wait until you see what's next. It's got everything from safaris to great food and amazing culture. Kenya will automatically hold a special place in our hearts because it was the very first
country we visited in Africa. We are visiting another African country this year. So stay tuned for that. But yes, you cannot sleep on Kenya. We had such a great time there. And if you're looking for a place to stay at, we recommend the Hemingways Nairobi. It's a beautiful property with amazing staff. They are so
welcoming and we felt very safe there. And there is so much to do in Nairobi. We highly recommend the Kobe Tough Beads factory because you'll be able to support local women who craft hand beaded work. You can buy all types of jewelry and things there. And the best part about it, you're directly
supporting the community. Yes, the David Sheldick Wildlife Trust is also worth visiting if you want to get up close and personal with some of the baby elephants. You can really tell that the animals are well cared for there and we really enjoyed ourselves. Now, you can't mention Kenya without mentioning one of
the best safaris in the world, Masai Mara. This was one of our highlights of visiting Kenya. From the journey to Masai Mara to experiencing what it was like to stay at a luxury camp and of course being out in nature, seeing everything from zebras, lions, hippos, gazels, you name it. This was our first
safari experience and we had the best time. So definitely check out our Kenya playlist if you're looking to plan a trip there in 2025 or in the upcoming years. We had such a great time that we are planning two more safari trips. So stay tuned for that. But now, let's switch gears and talk about a place that
absolutely needs to be on your radar for 2025. Brazil. We often hear Brazil getting a bad rap for not being the safest country in the world, but we had such a lovely time there. Living in Brazil for about three months really opened up our eyes to what makes this country special. Yes, there's the famous
Christ the Redeemer statue, Copa Cabana Beach, but what really stands out is the culture itself. Brazilians know how to have a good time. That's for sure. The locals have this incredible way of making you feel at home, even if you don't speak Portuguese, cuz Lord knows that we don't. They have this like
contagious energy that is just good vibes. It could be the amazing weather as well. Not to mention, it seems like everyone is in shape there, so they just inspire you to be more active. As digital nomads, we found Brazil surprisingly practical. The internet connection was solid throughout the
country, and we found great cafes and co-working spaces. whether it was a cozy cafe in Sa Paulo or a beachfront setup in Rio. And honestly, the cost of living meant we could live really comfortably while exploring everything the country has to offer while staying within our budget. You know, I love that. What
really struck us was the diversity, not just in the landscapes, but in the experiences. One day you could be walking along the beach of Copa Cabana, which is widely regarded as one of the most famous beaches in the world. And the next you're in a cable car going up to see Rio from the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain. And don't get me started on the views of Christ the Redeemer. It's another one of the seven wonders of the world. And rightfully so. It's so much more stunning and larger than you would think when you see it in person. Trust me, you'll never be born in Brazil. Even after all the time we spent there, we
felt like we barely scratched the surface of what Brazil has to show. But out of all the amazing things we got to do in Brazil, visiting Aguazu Falls was our top experience there. It's located right on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and it is one of the most famous waterfall systems in the entire
world. We had such a great time soaking in the beautiful views and the landscapes at Auazu. And you have to do the boat ride. Getting that up close and personal with the falls was a memory that I don't think we're ever going to forget. You have to go. And lastly, our number one country to visit is none
other than Japan. Japan completely stole our hearts. First off, let's talk about Tokyo. This city is literally like living in the future with things like robot cafes while keeping one foot firmly planted in its rich traditions. Imagine yourself walking through the neon lit streets of Shabuya, then
turning a corner to find a peaceful centuries old temple. The contrast is insane. And don't even get me started on the food scene. From high-end sushi experiences to cozy ramen shops tucked away in alleyways, Tokyo is a food lover's paradise. But Kyoto hits differently. It's like stepping into a
time machine. This ancient capital is where you'll find those picture perfect bamboo forests, stunning temples, and honestly, they're even more stunning in person than in the photos. Just try to wake up super early to beat the crowds, which is usually how everywhere goes to get those Instagram worthy shots. Now,
Osaka, that's where you get to experience Japan's street food scene, specifically in Doburi. There you can try some delicious takoyaki and get to try some sweets like dauku. Your taste buds are gonna thank you. This city has an amazing vibe that's totally different from Tokyo's fastpace or Kyoto's serene
atmosphere. Yeah. And let me tell you about an absolute highlight, which was seeing Mount Fuji from Fuji Nomia. There's something truly spiritual about witnessing Japan's most iconic symbol in person. And the fact that we got to visit it on two separate occasions is very, very special. It's the kind of
views that make you want to pause and just take everything all in. Honestly, words cannot even describe. And the best part is with the currency exchange rate, Japan is more affordable than it has been in years. So 2025 is definitely the time you want to make that dream trip happen. There are so many incredible
places to visit in 2025. And we hope this video helped you narrow down your options just a little bit and let us know in the comments which destination is at the top of your list. And if you want more details on any of these destinations, check out our playlist in the description. We have guides, travel
tips, and itinerary recommendations for all of these places. And if you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like and subscribe, and we'll see you in the next one. Bye, guys.
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