For travellers who prioritise minimal spending when picking a holiday destination, good news has arrived, as the most budget-friendly global hotspots for 2026 have been revealed.
Expedia has released its 2026 Affordable Destinations report, featuring cities across the US, Asia and the wider world where authenticity, comfort and savings meet – and hotel stays cost under $150 (£112) a night.
In the international list, the most affordable destinations vary from classic favourites to hidden gems.
Leading the top 10 is Salvador, Brazil, the spiritual home of the nation’s rich Afro-Brazilian culture.
The municipality is known for its golden sand beaches, colourful buildings and old town with baroque churches and art museums.
Two other South American metropolises feature on the list: Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, and Brazil’s São Paulo.
Guadalajara and Mérida, both in Mexico, also make the top 10.
Guadalajara is renowned for being the economic centre of the Bajío region, and being a host city of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, while Mérida stands out for its blend of Mayan and colonial heritage.
Asian cities, such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City, are also some of the world’s most affordable cities – and each known for their vibrant nightlife and affordable street food.
Rounding out the top 10 are Edmonton, Canada, known as ‘Canada’s Festival City’ for its numerous year-round events, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities.
Expedia also revealed the 10 most affordable places in the US, focusing on smaller cities and secondary hubs, where the average cost of hotel rooms are typically lower.
While they might not be a traveller’s first choice when booking an international trip, they still offer plenty of local culture, breathtaking sites and an array of attractions and activities.
The leading four locations also provide easy access to iconic road trip routes, and desert landscapes, and national parks.
Topping the list is Laughlin, located around 90 miles from the Las Vegas strip in Nevada.
The riverside resort town, dubbed a ‘Mini Vegas’, is a laidback alternative to the hustle and bustle of Sin City with its casinos and water recreation.
As well as gaming, visitors can also get stuck into boating, jet skiing, river cruises and water taxis, according to Travel Nevada.
In second place is Bakersfield, California, commonly referred to as the ‘Country Music Capital of the West Coast’ thanks to its rich music and art scene.
The city, located north of Los Angeles in the San Joaquin Valley, also boasts plenty of Basque dining offerings and a variety of outdoor activities across mountain ranges, parks and lakes.
El Paso, Texas, falls in third place, and not only boasts the lowest crime rates of any US city, but is a melting pot of American and Mexican culture thanks to its bordering with Mexico to the south and west.
Ranked fourth most affordable in the US is Reno, Nevada, followed by San José, California, in fifth place.
Other standouts include Oklahoma City and Tulsa in Oklahoma, and Huntsville in Alabama, where growing arts scenes and live music are at their core, and Riverside and San Bernadino in California, which provide access to the coast and mountains.
World’s most affordable holiday destinations for 2026
As revealed by Expedia
Top affordable U.S. destinations for 2026:
Laughlin, Nevada
Bakersfield, California
El Paso, Texas
Reno, Nevada
San José, California
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Huntsville, Alabama
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Riverside, California
San Bernardino, California
Top affordable international destinations for 2026:
Salvador, Brazil
Guadalajara, Mexico
Bogotá, Colombia
Mérida, Mexico
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
São Paulo, Brazil
Bangkok, Thailand
Edmonton, Canada
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic