If you’ve been holding off on your dream trip because it feels too expensive, I’ve got good news: Your 2025 travel bucket list doesn’t have to break the bank.
Yes, safaris, overwater bungalows, and epic road trips can be affordable—with the right timing, strategy, and mindset. As a budget traveler who’s obsessed with getting the most value from every trip, I’m here to show you the bucket list experiences you can actually afford in 2025—and how to do them right.
Let’s turn “one day” into this year.
1. Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow (Without Flying to Bora Bora)
Bora Bora is dreamy, but it’s not the only place with overwater bungalows. In fact, Southeast Asia has way more affordable options that deliver serious wow-factor for half the price.
Try this instead:
- Malaysia (Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson or Avani Sepang Goldcoast)
- Sri Lanka (Jetwing Lagoon or eco-resorts along the coast)
- Maldives (yes, really!) – Just skip the luxury resorts and book budget-friendly local islands like Maafushi
Pro tip: Travel in shoulder season (May, early October) for better deals. Use Booking.com or Expedia and sort by price + guest reviews.
2. Go on a Safari in Africa for Under $150/Day
Imagine seeing the Big 5 without the big price tag! A luxury safari sounds $$$, but there are ethical, budget-friendly options if you plan smart.
Top picks:
- Kenya (Masai Mara group tours from Nairobi)
- Tanzania (budget camping safaris in the Serengeti)
- South Africa (Kruger National Park self-drive safaris!)
Look for group tours or overland trips via GetYourGuide or Viator, or check out independent budget operators.
Bonus: Combine with travel insurance like SafetyWing in case of itinerary changes. (I never go without it.)
3. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon (Somewhere Way Cheaper Than Cappadocia)
Cappadocia is iconic—and also full of tourists. But you can find equally stunning (and less crowded) balloon experiences in these places:
Alternatives:
- Luxor, Egypt – Fly over the Valley of the Kings
- Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) – During the October Balloon Fiesta
- Teotihuacan, Mexico – Float above ancient pyramids!
Book early through GetYourGuide to secure the best price and avoid last-minute markups.
For more ways to avoid overcrowded tourist traps, check out my post here.
4. Take a Bucket-List Train Journey
Trains are one of my favorite ways to travel because you get to see so much more than if you are flying. And, depending on where you’re traveling, often times the amount of time you would spend getting to and from and being at the airport, is the same as the length of a scenic train ride. Trains come with all sorts of seat (and bed) categories now, but you don’t need a luxury cabin to ride one of the world’s most scenic rail lines.
Epic + budget-friendly:
- Serbia to Montenegro – Wild Balkan mountain views for under $20
- Japan’s local trains – Use a Japan Rail Pass to explore beyond Tokyo
- Croatia – Travel from Zagreb to Split for coastline views on a budget
Want a two-week itinerary that includes this? Check out my full Croatia guide here.
5. Chase Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Rainforests in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is pure adventure on a backpacker’s budget if you skip the resort scene.
Don’t miss:
- La Fortuna for waterfall hikes + Arenal volcano views
- Monteverde for ziplining + cloud forests
- Manuel Antonio for beaches and wildlife. For tips on where to stay, eat, and what to do, check out my post about there area here.
Pro Tip: Take public buses, stay in ecolodges or hostels, and visit during green season (May–June or Sept–Oct) for lower prices.
6. Learn a New Skill Abroad
Instead of just seeing the sights, experience the culture and leave with a new skill:
Try:
- Surf camp in Portugal or Bali
- Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
- Scuba certification in Honduras or the Philippines
- Tango lessons in Buenos Aires
These experiences are often cheaper than you’d expect—and some even include accommodation!
Check local listings or Airbnb Experiences for off-the-beaten-path options.
7. Take a Multi-Country Trip (Yes, Really)
If you’ve always dreamed of country-hopping, 2025 is the year to do it affordably.
Budget-friendly combos:
- Eastern Europe: Croatia → Bosnia → Montenegro → Albania
- Central America: Guatemala → El Salvador → Nicaragua
- Southeast Asia: Vietnam → Cambodia → Laos → Thailand
Use sites like Kiwi.com or Rome2Rio to piece together the cheapest overland and flight combos.
Pair it with flexible travel insurance like World Nomads for peace of mind.
Legal Note: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Trip Doesn’t Need a Dream Budget
Bucket list travel isn’t just for luxury influencers and lottery winners. With the right mindset and planning, you can make your once-in-a-lifetime trip happen this year—and still stick to your budget.
Over to You:
What’s one bucket list experience you want to make happen in 2025? Drop it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @thewandercents—I’d love to cheer you on or help you plan it!
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