Top 10 Best Places to Travel in July on a Budget

Traveling on an inexpensive summer getaway doesn’t mean you have to miss out on amazing experiences. July is the perfect month to explore new places. Many cost-effective travel options offer sunshine, stunning views, and rich cultures.

If you want to explore beach vacations, scenic hikes, or vibrant cities. There are many budget-friendly destinations for summer. In this article, I will present the top 10 best places to travel in July on a budget. In July, you can enjoy great places and outdoor activities at economical travel spots.

Why July is a Prime Time for Budget Travelers

If you want to make a trip in the summer season, July will be the best choice to travel on a budget. Actually, July is the peak time for tourists. You can utilize your summer vacations properly by making a trip in July. You can visit all the top attractions in July.

Summer is the best time to visit sea beaches. You can visit sea beaches and do outdoor activities there. You don’t need to visit on-site places where you need to buy tickets or a guided tour. You can even travel with an easy package including fewer clothes.

Top Budget-Friendly Destinations in July

There are many budget-friendly destinations for summer. But every place is not budget-friendly for travelers. Here I show the top 10 best places to travel in July on a budget. Most of the places offer you seaside beaches, archeological beauties, and historical sites. Let’s explore the best budget destinations in July-

1. Mexico: Cancun

Cancun is a trendy city in Mexico surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and resorts make it ideal for summer vacations. Furthermore, some historical places and popular events have been arranged. 

Affordable Accommodations: You can find cheap hotels to stay in Cancun. But you can stay in hostels or vacation rentals. They’re cheaper than hotels. Also, to get better prices, stay away from the Tourist Zone. 

• You can stay in a hotel for around $30 to $70 per day.
• You can stay in a hostel for approximately $20 to $25 per day.

Dining Options: Cancun offers a unique food experience. Many types of restaurants are there, and they offer cheap rates for tourists. Local food can also be found at street and local markets.

• The average daily meal costs in Cancun are $15 to 30 per person.

Points of Interest: The Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Parque de las Palapas, Xcaret Park, Playa Langosta, Interactive Aquarium Cancún, Playa Delfines, Cenotes, and Coco Bongo.

2. Portugal: Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. It is one of the popular cities for affordable summer travel destinations in July. Lisbon is popular for its rich culture, historic sites, castles, and beaches. Even, they offer different types of outdoor activities and events in July. You can do there all budget-friendly summer activities.

Affordable Accommodations: In Lisbon, You will find different prices for hotels. But in July hotel prices increase for the summer vacation. In this case, you can stay in hostels or guest houses. It can be cheaper than hotels. 

On the other hand, you can rent an Airbnb for a long stay, it will be your budget-friendly accommodation. They offer a kitchen that can reduce your food costs.

• daily accommodation cost in Lisbon is – Hostels- $15 to $30,                  Hotels- $30 to 80 per day.

Cuisine: In Lisbon, you find many budget-friendly food options. You find their street food, local markets and restaurants offer delicious food and wallet-friendly prices.

• Daily meal cost- $15 to $30 per person

Sights and Landmarks: Jerónimos Monastery, Pena Place, Historic Alfama, Oceanarium Of Lisbon, Torre de Belém, you can enjoy panoramic views from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

On the other hand, you can enjoy some outdoor activities like Surfing. Cycling, Bike tour,  Tuk-tuk city tour. 

Tips: Book your destination attractions tickets in advance. Because July is the rush time for every tourist place.

3. Greece: Athens

Athens is a very old city in the world. Human civilization was started in Athens. So, you will find many historical sites and archeological beauties, which are carry more than a thousand years of history. Athens is one of the cost-effective travel destinations in July. You can spend your summer vacation on a budget in Athens.

Affordable Accommodations: In Athens, you will find different types of hotels. But I personally recommend staying in a 2-star or 3-star hotel. They offer a reasonable price. It will be your budget-conscious holiday idea.

• Daily Accommodation Cost is $20 to $35 per day.

Food Options: There are some options to get affordable meals. You can eat at a local restaurant, where you can experience inexpensive, healthy, and delicious food. 

• Daily Food Cost is- $15 to $30 per person.

Must-See Spots: The Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Temple of Hephaestus, Mount Lycabettus.

You can also do outdoor activities like the Hidden Caves & Meteora Monasteries in Athens

4. Thailand: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular and budget-friendly places in Thailand. Chiang Mai is the best budget destination in July. It is famous for its historic temples and night markets. You can enjoy their stunning mountain views and great outdoor activities.

Affordable Accommodations: Chiang Mai has many hotels where you can stay at reasonable prices. Most of the 2-star and 3-star hotels offer affordable accommodation in July.

• Daily Accommodation Cost is $10 to $20 per day.

Food Options: In Chiang Mai, you will find the most delicious Thai foods. There are many street markets and local restaurants offer affordable meal options.

• Daily Food cost is $10 to $15 per person.

Attractions and Experiences: Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, The White Temple, Black House, and Blue Temple.

I suggest you explore the Night Markets and Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary, and Bamboo Rafting. You get a unique experience to explore it. And these activities ensure budget-friendly summer activities.

Tips: You can take a guided tour to explore Chiang Mai. Book your advance ticket and guide online.

5. Vietnam: Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital is Hanoi. Hanoi has sites with rich traditions and stunning, centuries-old architecture. In July, you may discover Hanoi’s affordable tourist destinations. Their street market and street food offer a distinctive travel experience. Tourists are welcomed by the local people.

Affordable Accommodations: You can stay in Hanoi at budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, or hostels in the Old Quarter. It gives you an authentic and affordable experience.

• Daily Accommodation Costs in 3-star Hotels around $10 to $20 per day.
• Daily Accommodation Cost in hostels or guesthouses is $5 to $10 per day.

Dining Options: In Hanoi, you find cheap street food, and it is also delicious. In local restaurants, you will find different types of famous food at cheap rates in Vietnam

• Daily Meal Cost around $10 to $15 per person.

Sightseeing: The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Hanoi Old Quarter, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Ha Long Bay,  Street Train, and Lacquer Village Hanoi.

6. Indonesia: Bali

Bali is a well-liked vacation spot in Indonesia. You may experience its varied culture, history, and mountains on inexpensive July vacations. There are lots of inexpensive travel locations in July. You can relax yourself with Bali’s beautiful natural atmosphere and beaches.

Affordable Accommodations: In Bali, you can easily find affordable, charming, and comfortable homestays or guesthouses. The hotel rent is also cheap there. 

• daily accommodation costs around $10 to $20 per day.

Affordable Dining Options: Bali is a food lover’s paradise on a budget. Local restaurants serve cheap dishes like nasi goreng and mie goreng. You can also experience seafood, which is also popular in Bali.

• The Average Daily Meal cost Around $10 to $ 20 per person.

Tourist Spots: Bali Safari and Marine Park, Uluwatu Kecak and Fire Dance, and Waterbom Bali. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ceking Rice Terrace, Mount Batur, and Kelingking Beach.

If you like to go on adventures and climb mountains Bali provides real experience of adventure.

7. Colombia: Medellín

Medellín is the capital city of Colombia. If you visit Medellin, you will find it is a vibrant city surrounded by mountains. Medellin is famous for its diverse history and cultural activities. It will be your budget-friendly destinations for summer.

Affordable Accommodations: You will find many cheap accommodation methods in Medellin like hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. But I prefer to stay in renowned hotels, that provide free wifi, a kitchen, safety, and security. 

• Daily Accommodation costs in hotels are around $30 to $60 Per Day.

Cuisine Options: Local restaurants and street vendors offer tasty, cheap Colombian food, like empanadas and arepas.

• Daily Meal cost is around $15 to $20 per person.

Landmarks and Sites: El Peñón de Guatapé, Take a coffee tour, Jardín Botánico de Medellín, El Castillo Museum and Gardens, Aquarium Medellin, Take a paragliding tour, and ride the Metrocable for breathtaking mountain vistas.

8. Hungary: Budapest

Budapest is one of the best economical travel options for July. You can visit some historic places and enjoy some enchanting outdoor activities. You can spend your summer vacation there on a budget.

Affordable Accommodations: In Budapest, you find many cheap places to stay. They include budget hotels, hostels, and cozy Airbnb. Many options are centrally located. But you get cheap hotels a little away from the center of the city.

• Daily Accommodation Costs around $20 to $70 per day.

Food Options: In Budapest,  try local street food like langos and chimney cakes. Also, you can experience that there are budget-friendly restaurants. They serve traditional Hungarian dishes. Many eateries serve hearty meals at reasonable prices for travelers.

• Daily Meal Costs around $15 to $25 per person

Landmarks and Sites: Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath, Museum of Fine Arts, Vajdahunyad Castle, Festival Markets.

9. Bulgaria: Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. Many historical sites present more than 2000 years of history. Sofia offers a diversity of history, nature, and vibrant city life. It is one of the affordable summer travel destinations. You can find there cheap places to visit in July. 

Affordable Accommodations: You can find budget hotels and hostels in central locations of Sofia. Hostels and hotels are cheaper in Sofia than in other European countries.

• Daily Accommodation Costs around $ 20 To $50 per day.

Food Options: You can enjoy their traditional Bulgarian foods at cheap local eateries. Try banitsa and shopska salad. 

• Daily Meal Costs around $10 to $15 per person.

Notable Locations: The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, Cathedral of Saint Nedelya, Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, National Palace of Culture (NDK), and Regional History Museum of Sofia are the top historical places in Sofia. It gives you an authentic Sofia experience.

10. Morocco: Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. It has many historical places. There are many medieval architectural constructions that have a rich history. For example, The Koutoubia is one of the signature works of medieval times. Furthermore, you will find more inexpensive travel locations in July in Marrakech.

Affordable Accommodations: You can stay in budget riads, it is traditional guesthouses in Marrakech. You can also stay in hostels for a cozy, and get authentic Moroccan living experience

• Daily Accommodation Costs around $15 to $40 per day.

Dining Options: Marrakech is a food lover’s paradise, there you find affordable dishes like tagine and couscous. You can also find cheap food in local markets and street vendors.

• Daily Meal costs around $10 to $25 per person.

Cultural Sites: Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Madrasa Ben Youssef Jemaa el-Fnaa, El Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs, Medina of Marrakesh.

You can also do Marrakech’s bustle on a guided quad bike adventure in the Jbilets Desert.

Weather and Packing Guide for July Travel

Packing Guide: Most of the places have warm temperatures in July. So, You can pack, Light Clothes, Comfortable Shoes, Sandals, Essential Accessories like a Camera, Sunglasses, Travel Documents, Emergency Medicine, Local Currency, etc. (Must use a Large or Medium Bag or Luggage).

Pros and Cons of July Travel

Pros: 

1. It is the summer vacation time. So You can utilize your time to travel in July. 
2. You can enjoy your time in Sea Beaches with beautiful sunny days.
3. You can visit parks and have a picnic with your friends or family.
4. You can do many outdoor activities with comfortable weather.

Cons:

1. You find overcrowds in every tourist attraction.
2. You must book your hotels, flights, and other tickets in advance.
3. The hot weather will be uncomfortable for many travelers.

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

You can follow some tips and tricks to reduce your travel costs. Here I share some productive tips, that will really assist you make summer vacation on a budget.

Look for Deals on Flights and Hotels

Affordable Flights tips: You can follow some strategies for finding cheap flights in July. Such as,

1. Tickets for a foreign flight can be booked at least 2 months in advance. The cost of on-time tickets will vary significantly.
2. Buy flight tickets from Monday to Wednesday, you will get 12% to 20% cheaper than on other days
3. Avoid weekends to book your flight tickets.
4. You can peak your flight time early in the day or late in the night.

Affordable Hotels Tips: If you want to reduce your travel costs, you must focus on your accommodation budget. To get affordable accommodations, my suggestion is-

1. You can stay in a hostel. It is much cheaper than hotels.
2. You can use the Booking.com website to book a hotel in advance. You will get discounts and different types of offers there.
3. Choose your hotels a little away from the tourist area.
4. Free wifi and breakfast options can reduce your costs.
5. Contacting the hotel directly is much better than using a third-party reseller.

Use Public Transport Instead of Taxis

In every place you find the Metro, public Buses, and Trains, and in some places you can get cheaper Tuk Tuk. You can visit online for metro and train tickets. You can hire a bike or scooter; it can also be a budget-friendly way to explore smaller destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cheapest country to visit in July?

Vietnam, Mexico, and Indonesia offer the best value. They have cheap hotels, street food, and transport.

How can I save on flights when traveling in July?

To find better flight deals, book in advance. Be flexible with dates. Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner.

Are there any free activities I can do while traveling on a budget?

Yes! Many destinations offer free walking tours, visiting parks, markets, and museums with free entry. Exploring public beaches and hiking trails are also great low-cost options.

Can I visit popular destinations like Greece or Thailand on a budget?

Absolutely! Traveling to places like Greece or Thailand on a budget is possible. Avoid peak tourist areas, choose budget accommodation, and use public transport.

How do I find budget accommodation while traveling?

Sites like Airbnb, Hostelworld, and Booking.com let you compare prices. They help you find cheap options. Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or homestays for the best deals.

Conclusion

Making a trip in July is a great opportunity for budget travelers. You can visit most of the world’s famous, beautiful, vibrant places on a budget. In this article, I showed Cancun’s sunny beaches, Athens’ historic sites, Marrakech’s culture, and more places. Many cost-effective travel options are awaiting a memorable summer trip.

Let’s choose the right places to stay, eat, and have fun. You can also enjoy outdoor adventures and the beauty of each destination. Furthermore, you can do all this without overspending. So, pack your bags and plan. Then, go on a budget summer trip to one of these amazing spots.