10 Best Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2025

  • March 06, 2025
  • 04:17 Minutes

Index

Did you know that 31% of UAE travelers have planned at least one trip for 2025? If you’re dreaming of a relaxing vacation while sipping a mojito but worried about overspending, you’re not alone. 

We have good news!

You can visit many budget-friendly places this year, and this blog highlights those hidden gems with details on where to visit and when to visit, along with some local food suggestions to try. 

Best Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2025 for UAE Residents 

Table comparing 10 budget-friendly travel destinations for UAE residents

Georgia

Vibrant city view of Tbilisi, Georgia, a cheap travel destination

Georgia is located near the UAE, within 4 hours of flight distance. It offers visa-free access for UAE residents. Here, you can visit Tbilisi’s historic sites, the vineyards of Kakheti, and the Caucasus Mountains.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Tbilisi’s Old Town, Kazbegi Mountains, Kakheti’s vineyards.
  • Best Time to Visit: Visit during April to June or September to October for pleasant weather.
  • Local Food to Try: Munch on local dishes like khachapuri, PKhali, Lobio, and khinkali.
  • Daily Budget: AED 200-300 (budget hotels, local food, and transport).
  • Book accommodations in Tbilisi’s Old Town on Agoda using a Letsgo Payit card and get up to 12% off.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Famous bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, top cheap travel destination.

Bosnia has a historically rich and natural beauty. Here, you can step by Sarajevo’s cultural landmarks, Mostar’s famous bridge, and the coastal town of Neum.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Sarajevo’s cultural landmarks, Mostar’s famous bridge, and Neum’s coastline.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn to avoid tourist crowds.
  • Local Food to Try: Savor local dishes like cevapi and burek.
  • Daily Budget: AED 150-250.
  • Stay in guesthouses for economical lodging and use budget airlines from the UAE to Sarajevo.

Also, read 10 Ways to Spend Wisely on 2025 Holidays

Vietnam

Boats sailing around stunning islands, Vietnam one of the cheapest travel destination.

Vietnam offers affordability and diverse landscapes. It blends stunning nature, rich culture, and delicious street food at unbeatable prices.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, Mekong Delta.
  • Best Time to Visit: October-April for dry weather.
  • Local Food to Try: Try street foods like pho, goi cuon, and banh mi.
  • Daily Budget: AED 100-200.
  • Use local buses or trains for economical transportation.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Aerial view of Zanzibar coastline, perfect cheap travel destination.

UAE travelers are turning to Zanzibar recently. A scenic destination with pristine beaches, perfect for those looking for an affordable beach holiday.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Stone Town, Nungwi Beach, Spice Tours.
  • Best Time to Visit: June-October for pleasant weather.
  • Local Food to Try: Wali Wa Nazi, Zanzibar Pizza, Mishkaki, Urojo Soup, and Octopus Curry.
  • Daily Budget: AED 200-350.
  • Stay in beachside bungalows for an inexpensive stay.

Armenia

Hot air balloons over Armenia’s landscape, cheap travel destination.

Armenia has cultural richness and visa-free travel for UAE residents. It offers a mix of ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Yerevan’s Republic Square, Lake Sevan, Garni Temple.
  • Best Time to Visit: May-October.
  • Local Food to Try: Taste local delicacies like dolma and lavash.
  • Daily Budget: AED 150-250.

Sri Lanka

Travelers enjoying sunset views in lush Sri Lanka, cheap travel destination.

Sri Lanka offers affordable travel with diverse attractions. It gives a rich experience with cultural landmarks and picture-perfect landscapes. 

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic, Ella’s Nine Arches Bridge, Mirissa Beach.
  • Best Time to Visit: December–April for the west coast, May–September for the east coast.
  • Local Food to Try: Don’t miss hoppers, kottu roti, and fresh seafood.
  • Daily Budget: AED 110-200.
  • Travel between cities by train for economical and scenic journeys.

Egypt

Stunning pyramids under vibrant sky, Egypt cheap travel destination.

Egypt has multiple historical sites. Flights from the UAE to Cairo start at around AED 970 for return tickets. You can book flights with the Letsgo Payit card and get 10% cashback through Booking.com.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s ancient temples, Red Sea resorts.
  • Best Time to Visit: October-April.
  • Daily Budget: AED 150-250.
  • Local Food to Try: Koshari, Baba Ganoush, Hawawshi, and Mulukhiyah. 

Nepal

Traditional temples in Nepal, ideal cheap travel destination.

Nepal has stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. It is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers on a budget.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Pokhara’s lakes, and Himalayan trekking routes.
  • Best Time to Visit: October-November, March-May.
  • Local Food to Try: Momo, Sel roti, Gundruk, Chataamri, and Thupka.
  • Daily Budget: AED 100-200.
  • Hire local guides and stay in teahouses along the trails.

Montenegro

Scenic coastal village in Montenegro, top cheap travel destinations.

A stunning yet affordable European getaway, Montenegro offers beautiful Adriatic coastlines and historic towns at budget-friendly prices.

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Kotor’s Old Town, Durmitor National Park, Budva’s beaches.
  • Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October.
  • Local Food to Try: Kacamak, Black Risotto, Borek, Priganice, and Prosciutto.
  • Daily Budget: AED 250-350.

Azerbaijan

Baku cityscape blending history and modernity, cheap travel destination

A modern Europe-like feel at affordable prices! Here, visit Baku’s Flame Towers and wander along the Caspian Sea promenade. 

Useful Tips

  • Must-visit: Baku’s Flame Towers, Caspian Sea promenade, Gobustan National Park.
  • Best Time to Visit: April-June, September-November.
  • Local Food to Try: Eat local dishes like plov and dolma.
  • Daily Budget: AED 200-300.

Summing Up

Interested in history and culture? Bosnia, Herzegovina, Armenia, Sri Lanka, and Montenegro are for you. Prefer stunning landscapes? Georgia, Nepal, and Vietnam will leave you in awe. Love beaches? Zanzibar, Egypt, and Azerbaijan will make you go head over heels. 

Choose wisely, plan ahead, and you’ll have a memorable vacation! Gather unforgettable experiences on holidays with the Letsgo Payit card and enjoy exclusive offers!

FAQs

What is the cheapest country to visit from the UAE?

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to visit from the UAE.

What countries are closest to Dubai?

The closest countries to Dubai are Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, and Kuwait.

How many countries can UAE residents visit without a visa?

As of 2025, Emirati citizens can travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 185 countries.

Which country is the cheapest and beautiful?

Vietnam is renowned for its affordability and stunning landscapes, offering travelers a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank.