April is fast approaching and so is your next period of time off. Where should you go to next when on a budget? In this article, I’ll outline the top cheap travel destinations in April. As a frugal travel expert who has saved thousands of dollars during my travels to over 20 countries, I’ll not only tell you the top places to stay but will also provide my firsthand advice on how to make travel even cheaper.
Read on to learn about the top cheap travel destinations in April.
Why Travel on a Budget?
Why travel with a finite amount of funds? Here are the top reasons why it’s a good idea to travel on a budget:
- Feel a sense of satisfaction after having completed a fun trip without overspending
- Practice budgeting and financial management skills
- Enjoy living like a local when eating, drinking and doing activities
Personally, I feel great when I come back from a trip and see that I’ve stayed on budget without feeling like I’m sacrificing the quality of my trip. When I visited Mexico, I lived local and stayed in the puebla (town) instead of on the beach, cutting my trip costs by 1/3. I rented a bicycle to get to the beach and ate street food. Of course, I still indulged with a couple treats such as renting a day bed on the beach and ordering food and drinks.
Additionally, living local will not only save you money but will also provide you with a more authentic experience. Anything from choosing local street food over touristy joints to doing free walking tours instead of paid bus tours will help you feel like you’re getting to really know a place.
Important April Global Holidays in 2024
When planning a trip anywhere, it’s important to keep the local customs and traditions in mind – especially festivals and public holidays where businesses may be closed or provide limited services. On the other hand, you may want to travel to a country that is hosting a major festival or holiday – for example, Songkran Festival in Thailand. Below are the main festivals and holidays in April that you should be aware of when planning your travels:
4th: Qingming Festival (China)
8th: Ramadan ends (Religious Holiday)
12th: Coachella starts (United States)
13th: Songkran Festival starts (Thailand)
15th: Songkran Festival ends: (Thailand)
21st: Coachella ends (United States)
22nd: Earth Day (Global), Passover starts (Religious Holiday)
25th: Festa della Liberazione (Italy)
29th: Golden Week starts (Japan)
30th: Passover ends (Religious Holiday), Children’s Day (Mexico)
The Ultimate List of Cheap Travel Destinations in April
Without further ado, I’ll jump into the ultimate list of cheap travel destinations in April. There are many different places in every single continent.
Cheap Travel Destinations in April in The Americas
North America
Santa Barbara, California
While not the cheapest destination in the world, if your heart is set on California, travel to Santa Barbara on a budget is possible. It’s a vacation destination on the Pacific coastline and backed by the Ynez Mountains. Sure – you can splash out and go for a fancy hotel, but you can also opt for budget travel here as well.
Choose free activities like swimming in the ocean and hiking the Santa Ynez trails. If you’re a history and culture buff like me, Santa Barbara is home to many museums such as the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Santa Barbara Historical Society Museum and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Aspen, Colorado
What comes to mind when you hear about Aspen – snowy mountaintops, skiing and blowing tons of cash? You aren’t wrong. It’s absolutely a place where you can be a high-roller and spend tons of cash. However, you can also do this popular place on a budget. Travel during the off-season (not in winer) and focus on free activities. The Rio Grande Trail, walking around the John Denver Sanctuary and visiting Ashcroft, an abandoned town where you can do a self-guided walking tour, are all free and fun things to do in Aspen.
If you have extra time and are physically fit to do so, take on a challenging hike like the Crater Lake Trail. Additionally, don’t miss driving to Maroon Bells. Be sure to pack lots of snacks before you set off on your adventures for the day – the last thing you want is to be halfway up the mountain and ravenous!
Sanibel Island, Florida
Florida isn’t the cheapest place to visit, but it’s possible to travel here on a budget. Save money by traveling in the fall as this is the off-season. The weather will still be relatively warm. Budget-friendly activities in Sanibel include the Sanibel Island Farmers’ Market, kayaking, biking and doing SUP (stand-up paddle-boarding).
When renting a kayak, bike or other outdoor equipment, you’ll have the choice of renting either by the hour or for an entire day. While renting by the hour may seem cheaper, consider how long you’re going to use the equipment. Generally, a day pass rental is better value so make an estimate of how long you’re going to use the equipment. Personally, I prefer renting for the day. That way, I have peace of mind that I can use the equipment all day without worrying about how much it’s going to cost.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks have many budget-friendly activities on offer. Start by climbing Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east cost of the United States. Make the experience even more special by packing a picnic. When traveling and doing picnics, I like packing budget-friendly items like egg salad sandwiches, apples, hummus and veggies, potato chips and lemonade.
Another great option for budget travel in Outer Banks is walking along Jennette’s Pier, where you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding beaches.
Outer Banks is also home to many lighthouses including the Currituck Beach lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. Wrap up a busy day by enjoying Outer Bank’s beaches.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is a must-visit for anyone traveling to America. It’s possible to enjoy this ever-popular destination on a budget. You can visit New Orleans any time of the year, but if you’re seriously looking to save, travel outside of Mardi Gras. Winter is an ideal time to visit as the weather is mild and you’ll avoid the hurricane and tropical storm season in spring and fall.
New Orleans is an incredibly walkable city. Stay in the French Quarter so you can get around on foot instead of relying on taxis or rideshares. While the French Quarter is the most expensive place to stay, you can find budget options. You can also take the streetcar or rent a vehicle if you’re traveling with a group.
When traveling to New Orleans, take in artistic performances at Jackson Square. Enjoy food and drinks on Bourbon Street while watching street performances on Royal Street.
Mexico
Mexico is a budget-friendly destination that shouldn’t be missed due to its beautiful beaches, historic ancient ruins and delicious food. Keep costs down in Mexico by spending in pesos instead of US dollars and taking the bus instead of taxis. When I visited Mexico, I took the ADO bus from Cancun airport to Tulum for less than $15 one way. A taxi would have cost me over $100 one way – as a solo traveler on a budget, this was out of the question!
Cancun
Cancun is full of budget-friendly resorts to choose from. Just like the other travel destinations on this list, you’ll generally be able to find the cheapest prices by traveling during the shoulder or off-season. For the cheapest prices, aim to travel between May to June or September to October. I traveled to Mexico in October and enjoyed beautiful weather and cheap prices. It was the perfect escape from the increasingly cool fall temperatures in Canada!
Keep hotel costs down by staying in downtown. Areas such as the ADO bus station, Avenida Yaxchilán and Parque de las Palapas all offer a variety of budget-friendly hotels and hostels.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a famous resort town that all beach lovers should visit. Top budget travel places to visit here include hiking to the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz, hiking from Voca de Tomatlan to Palya Los Animas and enjoying a cheap beer on the beach.
Another fun and free option is doing a free walking tour offered every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday by the Municipal Tourism Office. If you’re into art and culture, participate in the free art walk every Tuesday starting at 9:30 am. Bring money for a donation that goes towards the Los Mangos, a nonprofit cultural center and library.
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is in the summer when prices are cheapest.
Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is located in the Baja Peninsula and is best known for all-inclusive resorts. Spend time on a budget in this ever-popular destination by checking out free activities. Top attractions to view include the rock formations at Land’s End, Playa Cerritos and Playa Medano.
Take some time to do a day trip to Todos Santos, a small town that is a mixture of foreigners, surfers and fishermen. Todos Santos is an ideal escape from the party atmosphere of Cabo San Lucas.
Central and South America
Havana, Cuba
Havana is known for its colorful buildings and classic cars that have been around for decades. It’s a vibrant place where you can get lost for hours!
When I traveled to Havana, I avoided overspending on tourist trap stores with inflated prices on food by bringing my own snacks.
Keep food costs down by dining at paladares, privately owned restaurants. Many restaurants are owned by the government and carry higher prices. Don’t forget to try the arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), lechón (roast pork) and ropa vieja (shredded beef).
Ambergris Caye, Belize
While Ambergris Caye isn’t the cheapest destination on the planet, it’s one of the cheapest Caribbean destinations. Go here if you’re looking to save some cash!
Keep food costs low by opting for street food such as tacos, taking group tours and staying at a hostel. Even if you don’t want to sleep in a room with other people, a shared room in a hostel is generally a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste, Costa Rica is a sunny destination with gorgeous beaches. While Costa Rica is one of the priciest countries in Central America, it’s still very much a budget-friendly travel destination. Top beach towns to visit in Guanacaste include the Playas del Coco, Samara, Flamingo and Tamarindo. If you enjoy surfing, you’re in luck – Guanacaste has some of the best surfing destinations including Tamarindo, Nosara and Playa Grande.
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Panama City, Panama
Panama City offers delicious food, shopping and nightlife. It’s a great place to spend for a few days before heading to another Central American travel destination such as nearby Costa Rica and Colombia.
Be sure to visit the Panama Canal, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Old Panama (a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site) and Metropolitan Park. If you enjoy biking, you’ll enjoy cycling down the Amador Causeway, a colorful boardwalk where you can enjoy stopping at different points for seafood and taking stunning photos at sunset.
Cartagena, Colombia
There are many cheap places to travel in South America and you’ll be glad to know that Colombia is one of them! Cartagena, Colombia is a town located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is a colorful place where you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Walk around the Old Walled City, one of the best and most well-preserved pieces of colonial architecture in Latin America.
Climb up San Felipe Castle to enjoy views of Cartagena and Getsemani, a neighborhood with artsy shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Another great place to enjoy food and drinks is the Plaza de Trinidad, a town square that’s a 10 minute walk from the old town.
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru is best known as a base for exploring Machu Picchu. Of course, you must visit this iconic destination, but don’t miss Lima itself! It’s a budget-friendly destination where you can partake in various cheap or free activities including a walking tour around the hip Barranco neighborhood, biking around the city and doing a food tour.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America due to its array of European architecture and sprawling parks. While super touristy, you can’t miss a tango show while visiting Buenos Aires. This city is home to many cool neighborhoods to explore including Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, Villa Crespo and La Boca.
Aside from places to explore, don’t miss trying out empanadas and other street food.
Cheap Travel Destinations in April in Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is home to historic architecture, hiking spots, hipster hangouts, thermal baths and beautiful parks to unwind at. Take a tour of the Parliament buildings and visit the National Gallery, located in Buda Castle.
A trip to Budapest isn’t complete without a visit to one of its thermal baths. The thermal baths contain many minerals that are good for health including magnesium, calcium and zinc. When I traveled to Budapest, I visited the Széchenyi thermal baths, the most popular baths. I strongly recommend visiting them – the complex has many different types of baths including outdoor pools, dunk baths and saunas. After a couple of hours spent at the thermal baths, I felt relaxed and rejuvenated from a busy day of sightseeing.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a beautiful city with many historic sites, museums, churches and parks. Start by visiting the Main Market Square where you can sit down and enjoy a coffee or beer and people-watch. Some beautiful buildings to visit include St. Francis’ Basilica, the Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church, a building with a stunning wood-carved altarpiece in the Gothic style.
Keep costs down by opting for street food. Alternatively, opt for local restaurants over large, tourist-oriented places. When I visited Krakow, I enjoyed the many cheap restaurants offering delicious pierogies, pickles and sauerkraut.
A trip to Krakow isn’t complete with a day tour to Auschwitz. The tour is a heavy experience, but it’s a necessary stop to remember this dark period of history.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is a beautiful destination you must visit. I loved visiting here because of the combination of history, scenic viewpoints and delicious food. While Lisbon has become increasingly popular in the last few years due to its cheap cost of living, it’s still very much a budget travel destination.
Enjoy walking around the Old Town (Alfama) which has many narrow streets containing cafes, shops and restaurants. Other key highlights include seeing the Belem Tower and St. George’s Castle, a medieval castle that offers scenic views of Lisbon.
When traveling Lisbon, spend some time hiking up the various miradouros (viewpoints). My favorite viewpoints were the Miradouro da Graça for its sunset views, and the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, which was a great place to enjoy views of the castle. You won’t go wrong with any viewpoint, but don’t miss those two!
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife is an island in Spain with so much to offer! Be sure to visit Masca, a city located in the southwest of Tenerife. Walk up the Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda which has a viewpoint where you will enjoy scenic views of the Masca Valley.
Mount Teide is another must-do activity when visiting Tenerife. The hike is located at 2,000 meters’ elevation. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the funicular instead. Other hikes to do in the area include the Roques de Garcia trail and the Samara Loop Hike.
Athens, Greece
Athens contains thousands of years of history and some of the largest collections of Greek ruins. Start your trip to Athens by visiting the Acropolis, a 5th-century BCE citadel with many old ruins. Other key places to visit in Athens include the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum and visiting the ruins around The Plaka. Active travelers will enjoy hiking Lycabettus which is the highest point in Athens.
Cheap Travel Destinations in April – Africa
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is the 3rd-largest city in Morocco and is home to beautiful architecture and busy souks full of merchants selling a variety of different clothing, spices and much more. This city is a great place for history buffs and contains key sites such as the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an Islamic college and historical site, the Jardin Secret, the Musée des Confluences Dar-El Bacha and the Musée de Marrakech.
Make your experience visiting Morocco truly authentic by staying in a riad over a hotel. Don’t miss out on visiting the old city, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt is the jumping-off point to visit the Pyramids of Giza, but there’s other stuff to do in this city. The Egyptian Museum holds the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artifacts including the golden sarcophagi of Tutankhamun. Pay a visit to Islamic Cairo in the center of the city which contains one of the biggest collections of Islamic architecture.
Additionally, visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, modeled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. The mosque’s interior and courtyard is covered by alabaster.
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Sham el-Sheikh is located in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula and is home to sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Visit Na’ama Bay for its stunning beaches and enjoy water sports. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh will also enjoy checking out Ras Mohammed National Park. Located 20 kilometres from Sharm el Sheikh, the park has many beautiful coral reefs and sea creatures. Snorkelling here is a must – if you’re feeling brave and are capable, consider doing some diving here for the day!
Enjoy shopping at the Old Market where you’ll find various spices and souvenirs like jewelry and clothes. Don’t forget to bargain!
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has many nature-oriented activities to do including Boulders Beach, where you can see African penguins. You can also check out the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where you can view the sunset during a concert in the summer. Other key highlights include the Labia Theater and the Sea Point Pool, a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Cheap Travel Destinations in April in Asia
Siem Reap, Cambodia
You’ll be glad to know that Siem Reap is one of the best cheap places to travel in Asia. It’s the meeting point to go out to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most popular destination. It’s still worth visiting as you’ll be able to enjoy other attractions such as Banteay Srei, the City of Women, which contains many statues made out of red sandstone that are dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu God.
If you’re a history buff, visit the Landmine Museum to learn about mines and how leftover mines from the Vietnam War still explode every single year.
Keep costs down while visiting Siem Reap by visiting local markets.
Hanoi, Vietnam
No list of cheap travel destinations in April is complete without Hanoi, Vietnam‘s bustling capital and home to incredible historic buildings. The capital also serves as a point for going to key tourist destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa and the Ha Giang loop.
Spend a few hours walking around the Old Quarter and have your fill of shopping, eating and drinking. Visit the Masoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature and the French Quarter to get a feel of Vietnam’s complex history.
When I traveled to Hanoi, I spent less than $50 USD a day including a private room in a local guest house, bun cha (the local dish), street beers and fresh juice.
Goa, India
Goa has friendly people, beautiful weather and great seafood. Enjoy the sunset at Cavelossim Beach. Be sure to enjoy Mobor Beach, a quieter alternative to Cavelossim Beach. Other key things to do in Goa include visiting Panjim, an old Portuguese church, and visiting the Aguada fort. If you have extra time, enjoy wave jumping at Candolim Beach.
Koh Chang, Thailand
While most islands in Thailand have gone up quite a bit in price, Koh Chang is still very much a budget travel destination. The top places to stay include Klong Prao Beach and Lonely Beach.
As is the case in other Thai destinations, keep food costs down by opting for street food. Dishes will run you $1-2 for fried rice, a Thai omelet or pad Thai.
Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Coron is known for its gorgeous green lakes where you can snorkel, swim, kayak and even go diving. While the Philippines is generally very wallet-friendly, when I visited Coron, I was shocked at how low the prices were compared to neighboring El Nido.. nearly half for food and drinks!
A spot on a tour will run you $25-35 USD per day. Sign up for a tour through your hotel or walk to the town and book one. The tour takes part on a boat that takes you to multiple spots on the water for various water activities. Don’t miss the Twin Lagoon!
If you have time, get up early (ideally before 8 am before it gets hot) and hike up Mt Tapyas, a mountain with over 700 steps. Enjoy the sunrise or do the climb at sunset. It personally took me about 40 minutes to climb this mountain as I took a couple of brief stops while climbing.
Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara contains many natural and beautiful attractions such as the Annapurna Mountains and Phewa Lake. If you love nature, you should seriously consider this destination for its stunning scenery.
Enjoy boating on various lakes such as the Dipang Lake, Rupa Lake, Phewa Lake and the Begnas Lake. The Phewa Lake is the largest lake and its the most beautiful – if you have limited time, be sure to visit this one.
Nepal is an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Take part in many different sports such as rafting, paragliding, trekking, canoeing and boating.
Essential Tips on Saving More Money When Choosing Cheap Travel Destinations in April
Budget Accommodation Options
When traveling on a budget, opt for hostels instead of hotels. Even if you can’t stand the thought of staying in a shared hostel room, consider staying in a private hostel room instead of a hotel. In some places, the price of a private hostel room is the same or more than a budget hotel, so be sure to do your research. For example, when I stayed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I stayed in a budget hotel for $35 a night, a similar price to what a private room in a hostel cost. I opted for the budget hotel as it provided a little bit more privacy – for example, I had my own private bathroom.
Cheap Eats and Local Cuisine
Keep costs down by eating local. This means eating at local restaurants and staying out of the touristy areas. Avoid paying inflated prices by opting for restaurants where the menus and signs are in the local language.
Public Transportation and Getting Around
Similarly to eating local, get around like a local. When you’re traveling in Vietnam, opt for motorbike taxis or renting a motorbike over taking private cars everywhere. Choose budget-friendly hotels close to the main attractions so you can walk or take public transportation. If you’re staying in a city for longer than a few days, check to see if there are any transit pass discounts available. When I visited Barcelona, I opted for the 4-day travel card and saved nearly 20 Euros on transport. While it may not be a life-changing amount, various frugal travel hacks have saved me hundreds of dollars over the past several years.
Practice Slow Travel
Keep costs down by experiencing slow travel – spending a week or more in a city. When you do travel slow, you’ll slow down your transport expenses such as taking transport to and from train stations and airports. Additionally, you’ll benefit from options such as lower transit fares when buying a transit pass and being able to sign on for a longer-term rental.
Local Markets and Shopping
Keep costs low by shopping at local markets. Markets often offer lower prices than supermarkets. Plus, in many regions of the world, you can (and should) bargain to get the best price!
Choose Accommodation with a Kitchen
Save money by choosing an aparthotel or condo with a kitchen and cooking meals at your accommodation. I personally like to cook 2 meals out of 3 every day. Generally, I eat breakfast and dinner at my accommodation and eat lunch out. Many destinations around the world offer lunch specials with portions that are the same size as those served at dinner.
A Final Word on the Top Cheap Travel Destinations in April
There you have it – the best cheap travel destinations in April. It’s possible to have a fun vacation without emptying your savings account. With a bit of planning, creativity and flexibility, frugal travel is enjoyable and satisfying!
Additional Resources
- Frugal Backpacking Tips and Tricks article by Frugal Fun Finance
- Family Travel Budgeting article by Frugal Fun Finance
- Frugal and Thrifty Living Tips article by Frugal Fun Finance
- Cheap Places to Travel in April with Great Weather article by Price of Travel
- How to Travel on a Budget article by Worldpackers
- 14 Best Cheap Places to Travel in April article by Planetware
- How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners article by Nerdwallet
- How to Travel for Cheap or Free article by Nomadic Matt
- 18 Tips for Traveling on a Budget article by Capital One
- 25 Absolute Best Money-Saving Travel Tips article by Budget Travel
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Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
