Cheap Places to Travel in 2025

A strong Singapore dollar, the rise of off-peak travel, and a growing preference for unique “off the beaten track” experiences have made it easier to travel without burning through your annual leave or your bank account. Whether you're in the mood for a regional escape or a long-haul getaway, these destinations offer great value without compromising on experience.

How we picked the destinations on this list

To curate this list, we looked at a few key factors that matter to Singaporean travellers:

• Affordability: How far can your Singapore dollar stretch once you land?

• Flight costs: Are there low-cost or competitive flight options?

• Local value: Is the destination known for good food, activities, and experiences that don’t require a splurge?

• Visa and entry: Are entry requirements simple, affordable, and travel advisories low-risk?

Now, let’s get into the places that made the cut.

» Learn more about how much travel points and miles are worth

Why we chose it:

Bali remains a go-to for Singaporeans looking for a stylish yet affordable break. Flights are cheap, accommodations are diverse, and the favourable exchange rate means luxe living without the luxe pricing.

What to do:

Unwind at Seminyak’s beach clubs, trek the rice terraces in Ubud, snorkel in Amed, or explore waterfalls in the north. You’ll also find amazing food — from warungs to trendy cafés.

Fastest way to get there:

Direct flights to Denpasar from Singapore take under 3 hours on Scoot, Jetstar, or Singapore Airlines.

Why we chose it:

This city packs in flavour, history, and shopping at wallet-friendly prices. Your dollar can go far, especially when dining and exploring the bustling streets.

What to do:

Enjoy Vietnamese drip coffee, take a scooter tour, shop at Ben Thanh Market, and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Fastest way to get there:

Fly direct from Singapore in under 2 hours with VietJet Air, Scoot, or Singapore Airlines.

Why we chose it:

Penang is a street food paradise with charm to spare. It’s also one of the cheapest and quickest weekend getaways from Singapore.

What to do:

Walk through George Town’s mural trails, eat your way through hawker stalls, and watch the sunset at Batu Ferringhi.

Fastest way to get there:

A 1.5-hour flight or a road trip via the Second Link (about 8-9 hours by car).

Why we chose it:

If you’re craving calm and culture, this quiet riverside town offers affordable, laid-back travel with beautiful scenery.

What to do:

Watch the morning alms procession, swim in Kuang Si Falls, shop at the night market, and swan down the Mekong.

Fastest way to get there:

Fly with a stopover in Bangkok or Hanoi; total journey takes 6-7 hours.

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Why we chose it:

Phnom Penh is both budget-friendly and culturally rich. Accommodation and food are very affordable, and the city gives a deeper look into Cambodia’s past and present.

What to do:

Visit the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Museum, and cruise the Tonlé Sap River. Street meals cost as little as S$2.

Fastest way to get there:

About 2 hours by direct flight from Singapore via Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, or Cambodia Airways.

Why we chose it:

Compared to its European neighbours, Lisbon offers excellent value. It’s beautiful, safe, full of character — and still relatively underrated.

What to do:

Hop on the yellow tram, try pasteis de nata, catch the sunset at scenic viewpoints, and take a day trip to Sintra.

Fastest way to get there:

Flights from Singapore to Lisbon with a stopover (usually in Doha, Istanbul, or Frankfurt) take about 16-18 hours.

Why we chose it:

Budapest is great for travellers who want classic European grandeur on a budget — especially when it comes to food, spa culture, and public transport.

What to do:

Relax at Széchenyi Baths, explore Castle Hill, and take a Danube river cruise. The central markets are also excellent for hearty local eats.

Fastest way to get there:

Expect a 16-hour flight with one stop via Doha, Istanbul, or Amsterdam.

Why we chose it:

Kraków is a cultural gem that’s easy on the pocket. It has preserved history, artistic quarters, and one of the best-value food scenes in Europe.

What to do:

Tour Wawel Castle, stroll around Kazimierz, and take a day trip to Auschwitz. Try pierogi at a milk bar for a truly budget-friendly meal.

Fastest way to get there:

Fly with one stopover (Frankfurt, Doha or similar); total travel time is around 16-18 hours.

» Holiday safely with the best travel insurance for Europe

Why we chose it:

Nepal delivers big on adventure and spirituality, all without the big price tag. It’s one of the best places for affordable nature and trekking experiences.

What to do:

Visit Kathmandu’s temples, relax in Pokhara, or trek a section of the Annapurna trail. Even guided experiences can be budget-friendly here.

Fastest way to get there:

Flights to Kathmandu via Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok take about 6-7 hours.

Why we chose it:

Cebu offers a nice mix of city fun and tropical adventures, with fewer crowds than Palawan and great value overall.

What to do:

Go waterfall hopping at Kawasan, snorkel in Moalboal, or visit heritage spots like Magellan’s Cross.

Fastest way to get there:

Scoot operates direct flights to Cebu in about 3.5 hours from Singapore.

Just in case, we’ve prepared a quick summary of which credit cards are for booking flights and hotels here.

• Free lounge access & unlimited expiry-free miles: DBS Altitude Visa Card 

• Premium travel benefits: American Express Platinum Card | UOB PRVI Miles World Mastercard | UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card

• Singapore Airlines perks & fee-free miles transfer to KrisFlyer account: UOB KrisFlyer Card | American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Card | American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card

• Hotel bookings: UOB Lady’s Card | DBS Woman’s World Card | UOB Visa Signature