Budget Travel Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Epic Vietnam to Cambodia

- Chill out in the cultural mixed bag of Hoi An and hit up the local beach, cycle through rice paddies or get some sweet threads tailor-made. Then, pick your own ingredients for lunch during a garden-to-table experience with a local chef.
- Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty? Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island.
- Cycle around the ancient temples and expansive fields in Nin Binh – a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. With loads of free time, you can hike to Mua Cave or take a boat down in Tam Coc to the nearby caves.
- A homestay in rural Sambor Prei Kuk puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia – cycle through the village for the best perspective and see locals working the rice fields or getting stuck into handicrafts.
- See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community.
Essential Japan

- Explore Japan’s amazingly diverse destinations with loads of free time to see them your way. With all the nitty gritty details and transport worked out for you, you can focus on indulging in endless sushi, katsudon and okonomoyaki.
- Immerse yourself in the varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo – from the technological subculture of Akihabara to the wild side of fashion in Harajuku and the nightlife of Roppongi – each suburb is almost like a city of its own!
- Uncover the sobering history of Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum – a vital destination for all Japan travellers to gain an insight into the tragic events of the nation’s past.
- Wander Kyoto with a leader-led walking tour around the Gion district – the heart of the city’s Geisha culture – then walk through the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha (the perfect spot for some iconic Japan photos).
- Live your Samurai fantasies in feudal-era Kanazawa – known as the birthplace of the Samurai. Then, wander through gorgeous historic gardens and hit the bars to debrief with your group.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Real Guatemala to Costa Rica

- Take a cooking class in Los Ramos – an Indigenous community in the middle of Ometepe Island’s volcanos – and learn traditional techniques used to make Nicaraguan dishes like nacatamales.
- Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of El Salvador’s most beautiful national parks – Cerro Verde. Get up close and personal to a volcanic crater or take the plunge in a pristine lake. The choice is yours!
- Island life doesn’t get much better than Ometepe in Nicaragua – volcanoes, wildlife-rich rainforests, stunning beaches, ancient rock carvings and a massive lake are all at your disposal.
- Have breakfast at Cafe de las Sonrisas – a local café run entirely by deaf people. The café's owner is aiming to bridge the gap and inspire other business owners to employ local people living with disabilities.
- Get a taste of four different countries in Central America on an epic Latin adventure that takes in the sights and offers a whole heap of optional activities too! You’ll have loads of free time to choose your own hike, kayak, swimming or dancing adventure.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Essential Turkey

- Eat, swim, sunbake, repeat – that’s what will happen when you get cruising along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline. The choice is yours if you’d like to go exploring or just relax on deck.
- Thought all the best Roman ruins were in Italy? Think again! Turkey is home to one of the best-preserved classics of Ephesus – so discover it just like Anthony and Cleopatra did 2000 years ago.
- Wade through the scenic hot springs at Pamukkale – pure white calcium deposits that cascade down the cliffs overlooking the town, are said to have magical healing properties.
- The thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West. Explore the city that straddles the continents and discover its incredible and varied history.
- Learn the history of the Gallipoli Peninsula, hearing the harrowing stories of the ANZACs and one of the most infamous battles of World War I.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
Real Bangkok to Singapore

- Tick some South East Asian highlights off your bucket list with this epic trip through the paradise of Koh Samui Island, the serenity of the Cameron Highlands and the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
- Settle into local life with a homestay in Phrom Lok. Cycle around the countryside, cool off in a waterfall and tuck into some delicious home-cooked meals.
- Take some time out in Ao Nang to recharge, relax and soak up the beachside bliss with loads of free time to go sea kayaking, rock climbing or cocktail hunting.
- Eat on the roadside in Bangkok, Penang and Singapore, with included and optional street food experiences and plenty of free time (not to mention your trusty local leader) to find all the best food stalls.
- Marvel at the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok, and then see the other 1000 images of Buddha throughout the gorgeous complex.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.
Epic Mexico to Costa Rica

- Enjoy traditional Guatemalan hospitality with a homecooked lunch in a local home in San Juan La Laguna, after visiting a local midwife, walking through medicinal gardens and experiencing a weaving and dying workshop.
- Head to Tikal National Park within the dense Maya forest to explore ancient Maya ruins at the archaeological site – you might like to opt to swing through the canopy on the optional zipline experience!
- Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica and commune with nature in one of the world’s most incredible landscapes.
- Island life doesn’t get much better than Ometepe in Nicaragua and Caye Caulker in Belize – volcanoes, wildlife-rich rainforests, stunning beaches, ancient rock carvings, laidback vibes, palm tree forests and a massive lake are all at your disposal.
- Get a taste of six different countries in Central America on an epic Latin adventure that takes in the sights and offers a whole heap of optional activities too! You’ll have loads of free time to choose your own hike, snorkel, kayak, swimming or dancing adventure.
Real China

- Walk the walk on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), watching the stones snake as far as the eye can see. If you’d like, you can even toboggan back down!
- Take a scenic cycling tour through farms and villages in Yangshuo’s karst-dotted countryside. Every turn in the road brings you to another postcard-perfect spot before riding to Moon Hill and taking a short hike that leads to panoramic views of the area.
- Watch rolly polly baby pandas playing, munching bamboo and generally doing their thing at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu – if they’re not already, pandas might just be your favourite animal after this.
- Join a local guide to see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an – the most famous site in the city – only discovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well.
- Eat your way through China, from Beijing’s Peking duck to the delicious Sichuan pepper – then, maybe challenge yourself with authentic local delicacies like silkworms, spicy rabbit head and beer fish.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Epic Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

- Head deep into the jungle and experience the lush wilderness and cultural significance of Palenque and Lacanja – a real Indiana Jones moment.
- Visit the historic site of Chichen Itza to understand why these ancient Maya ruins are one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
- Extended time in Caye Caulker and Antigua offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy laidback island vibes as well as buzzing colonial city life.
- There's nothing quite like eating with a local family to really experience a place. At San Juan La Laguna, you'll be experiencing traditional Guatemalan hospitality while improving your Spanish with the locals.
- You've never seen true colour until you've been to a Mexican market. Practice your bargaining skills, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts in Oaxaca and Merida.
Epic Central America

- There's nothing quite like eating with a local family to really experience a place. At San Juan La Laguna, you'll be experiencing traditional Guatemalan hospitality while improving your Spanish with the locals.
- Head deep into the jungle and experience the lush wilderness and cultural significance of Palenque and Lacanja – a real Indiana Jones moment.
- Visit the historic site of Chichen Itza to understand why these ancient Maya ruins are one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
- Island life doesn’t get much better than Ometepe in Nicaragua – volcanoes, wildlife-rich rainforest, stunning beaches, ancient rock carvings, and a massive lake are all on your plate.
- Central America likes to keep you on your toes – hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica and get up close with nature in one of the world’s most incredible landscapes.
One Week in Jordan

- Only Petra’s Treasury – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – is stunning enough to be the temple of the Holy Grail. Your pass to this sacred site lasts two full days so that you can explore every nook and cranny at your own pace.
- See the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea – and float in its famously salty waters, soaking up its healing minerals and lathering yourself in the rejuvenating mud (if the mood strikes).
- Sleep under the stars at a Bedouin-style camp in Wadi Rum with all the creature comforts, waking for a stunning sunrise and a thrill-seeking 4WD adventure.
- Take a guided walk around Amman to learn about the city’s diverse history (and also to stake out where to get the best falafel and hummus).
- Get a taste of the ancient and modern sides of Jordan with loads of free time – just ask your knowledgeable local leader, who’s always ready to answer every question and provide the best local tips.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt. Donations help them care for sick or injured working animals, like horses and donkeys, and help empower local communities with the knowledge and training to better care for their animals.
Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories

- Tuck into silky-smooth hummus, stuffed pita sandwiches and traditional dumpling soups with a Bite Card – your passport to Machane Yehuda Market’s tastiest local dishes.
- Hike the desert oasis of Ein Gedi National Park and find hidden springs, waterfalls and amazing views of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth, which you can opt to visit after a post-walk swim.
- Visit ancient sites that have underpinned the religious beliefs of billions for millennia and see today’s political tensions writ large upon the West Bank Barrier in the form of street art in Bethlehem (can you spot a Banksy?).
- Linger at iconic locations such as the sacred Western Wall and stations of the cross in Jerusalem, Jaffa Town and the Church of Nativity in Tel Aviv.
- Find cool, hidden bars in Jerusalem in your free time and hit the bustling nightlife in Tel Aviv – now known as one of the best destinations in the world for clubs, bars and partying!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
Real Peru

- Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.
- Roam the Amazon Jungle by boat at night (with an expert local) and float down the river, keeping an eye out for the glaring eyes of jaguars, anacondas and caimans.
- Head to a local community and rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the Sacred Valley – if you’re lucky, your travel day might even fall on market day where you can pick up some hand-painted beads or a warm poncho.
- The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca look like they could be straight out of a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie! Spend the night under the stars in a traditional island village.
- Explore Lima in your own time, at your own pace. This trip gives you heaps of free time to explore all the best bits of Peru’s capital. This is also Peru’s best spot for foodies – so make sure you eat your way through the coastal streets – yum!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Awamaki. Donations help them empower indigenous women artisans in Peru with skills training and job opportunities that provide financial independence.
Real Colombia

- Go behind the scenes of the beans during a unique stay on a traditional coffee estancia located deep in Colombia's coffee country – caffeine addicts rejoice!
- Take part in a game of Tejo – Colombia's national sport and a popular pastime in Salento (think bocce with gunpowder) – with the locals in the Tejo hall.
- Hike through the lush Cocora Valley – home to cute little hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees!
- Explore Colombia’s Caribbean coast with two free days in Palomino. Chill out on the beach, hike through the jungle in nearby Tayrona National Natural Park or dine on delicious seafood – the choice is yours!
- Lose yourself in the colours of Cartagena as you wander through the cobbled streets packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, and mansions. Then, enjoy two full days of free time to choose your own adventure.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Real East Africa & Zanzibar

- Safari, safari, safari – what East African adventure would be complete without one? Well, this trip has five (with the option to book one more) in two different areas. Which brings us to…
- The animals! Go in search of hippos, lions, leopards, giraffes and more during game drives in the Serengeti and Masai Mara with your experienced local leaders.
- Spend a night hanging with the red-clad Maasai folk in Loita Hills. A local elder will explain what the tribe is all about and show you around their house.
- Relax on the powdery white beaches of Zanzibar, the perfect place to unwind after days spent searching for wildlife
- Stops in places like Mto wa Mbu and Musoma mean you’ll get time to chat with locals, and travelling with a local (your leader) makes it even easier.
Essential Vietnam

- Chill out in the cultural mixed bag of Hoi An and hit up the local beach, cycle through rice paddies or get some sweet threads tailor-made. Then, pick your own ingredients for lunch during a garden-to-table experience with a local chef.
- Sit down for a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee after touring a busy Ho Chi Minh City market and listen to stories from your trip leader about the city’s vibrant culture and history as you tuck into some delicious street eats.
- Balance on a tiny streetside stool in Hanoi's Old Quarter, soaking up the bustling vibes and watching motorbikes zoom past. Then, maybe hit a local bar for a refreshing beer with the locals or explore the nightlife in search of the best cocktail.
- Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty? Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island.
- Cycle around the ancient temples and expansive fields in Ninh Binh – a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. With loads of free time, you can hike to Mua Cave or take a boat down in Tam Coc to the nearby caves.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, WildAct. Donations help them run educational programs that aim to stop the illegal hunting of threatened migratory birds in Vietnam.
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Top Budget Travel Attractions & Experiences
Top Budget Travel Experiences
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