The Calm Journal Where Should I Go Based on My Budget? (The 2025 Edition)
The most annoying answer in travel is “it depends.” But when it comes to budget, it usually doesn’t depend. Your daily spend limit is a hard filter that instantly eliminates half the globe.
If you have $50 a day, you are not going to Switzerland. If you have $300 a day, backpacking in Laos might feel limiting.
Here is the breakdown of where your money actually works in 2025, categorized by what you can afford after you pay for your flight.
The “Stretcher” Tier: Under $50 USD/Day
You want to travel for weeks or months without draining your savings.
🇻🇳 Vietnam (The Undisputed King)
In 2025, Vietnam remains the best value-for-money destination on Earth.
- Why: You can get a private room in a clean homestay for $12. A bowl of world-class Pho is $1.50. A beer is 50 cents.
- The Reality: You can live comfortably for $40 a day. If you spend $60, you are staying in boutique hotels with pools.
🇦🇱 Albania (Europe’s Last Bargain)
If you want the Mediterranean coast without Italian prices.
- Why: It sits right above Greece but costs 1/3 of the price. The beaches (Ksamil) are stunning.
- The Reality: A hearty dinner is $8. A solid apartment rental is $30/night. It is rougher around the edges than Croatia, but that’s why it’s cheap.
The “Value Middle” Tier: $100–$140 USD/Day
You want comfort, nice dinners, and reliable transport, but you aren’t splashing out.
🇯🇵 Japan (The 2025 Anomaly)
Ten years ago, Japan was expensive. Today, due to the weak Yen, it is arguably the best deal in the developed world.
- Why: High-quality business hotels are $60-80/night. A filling meal is $5-8. No tipping exists.
- The Catch: The flight to Japan is expensive. But once you land, your daily costs are lower than in London or NYC.
🇵🇹 Portugal
Western Europe is generally expensive, but Portugal is the exception.
- Why: A glass of wine is €3. A nice sit-down seafood dinner is €20.
- The Reality: Lisbon has gotten pricier, but if you head north to Porto or inland, your dollar goes incredibly far.
The “Classic Europe” Tier: $150–$220 USD/Day
Paris, Rome, Barcelona. You can do these on a budget, but the “Accommodation Trap” makes it hard.
🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇪🇸 The “Big Three”
Everyone wants to go to France, Italy, and Spain. The problem here isn’t the food—it’s the bed.
- The Accommodation Trap: You can find a €6 sandwich in Paris or an €8 pizza in Rome easily. But finding a decent hotel room under €200/night in 2025 is a nightmare.
- How to budget:
- Food: Cheap. You can survive on bakeries and pasta for €40/day.
- Sleep: Expensive. Budget at least €150-180/night for a basic 3-star hotel within the city limits.
- Tickets: The entry fees add up. The Louvre, Sagrada Familia, and Colosseum will run you another €100 total quickly.
- The Verdict: You can do these cities on $120 a day if you stay in a hostel or way outside the center. If you want a private room near the action, budget $200+ per day.
The “Wallet Destroyers” Tier: $300+ USD/Day
Unless you have a specific reason, avoid these if budget is your #1 constraint.
- 🇺🇸 USA (NYC / Hawaii): A mediocre hotel is $300. Taxes and tips add 30% to every meal. A cocktail is $22.
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland: The most beautiful country in Europe, but a 10-minute train ride can cost $20 and a simple cheese fondue is $45 per person.
- 🇬🇧 London: While the rest of the UK is manageable, London remains one of the most expensive cities for accommodation and transport. The “Tube” (subway) is significantly pricier than the Paris Metro.
The Golden Rule: The “Flight vs. Ground” Ratio
Before you book, do this math:
- Flight Cost: $1,000
- Daily Cost x Days: ($50 x 10 days) = $500
- Total: $1,500
Sometimes, a $1,000 flight to Vietnam (where you spend little) is cheaper overall than a $300 flight to Rome (where you hemorrhage money on hotels). Don’t just look at the airfare.