Planning the perfect girls’ trip shouldn’t mean choosing between fun memories and your savings account.
Smart travelers know that the best adventures often happen in places where your dollar stretches further and authentic experiences cost less than tourist traps.
From sipping wine on Lisbon’s colorful terraces to dancing salsa in Cartagena’s historic streets, budget-friendly destinations offer the same Instagram-worthy moments without the hefty price tags.
These handpicked locations prove that memorable girls’ trips can happen on any budget.
Each destination balances affordability with excitement. Think $3 massages in Thailand, free beach days in Barcelona, and $20 villa rentals in Bali.
Ready to plan your next group getaway without breaking the bank? Let’s explore where your friendship fund can take you furthest.
How to Pick a Budget-Friendly Girls’ Getaway?
Planning the perfect girls’ getaway doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Start by comparing flight costs using price alert apps and booking during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when prices drop by 30-50%.
Look for group accommodation deals on platforms like Airbnb, where splitting a whole house often costs less per person than hotel rooms.
Research destinations with plenty of free attractions like beaches, hiking trails, museums with free days, and walking tours.
Create a shared expense app with your friends to split costs fairly, from flights and lodging to group meals and activities.
The sweet spot is finding places where your dollar stretches furthest while still offering the experiences your group craves.
21 Girls Trip Destinations That Are Totally Affordable
From sunny beaches to vibrant cities, these budget-friendly girls’ trip spots prove you can have unforgettable adventures without spending a fortune.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Source: worldofwanderlust.com
Colorful trams wind through hilly streets lined with pastel buildings and trendy rooftop bars. The city offers free walking tours, affordable wine tastings, and stunning viewpoints that cost nothing but the climb.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $45-60 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-May, September-October
2. Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Source: britannica.com
Music flows from every honky-tonk bar while Southern comfort food fills your belly without emptying your wallet. Free live music happens nightly on Broadway, and many attractions celebrate country music history.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $55-75 per person
- Best Time to Visit: March-May, September-November
3. Tulum, Mexico
Source: lonelyplanet.com
Ancient Mayan ruins overlook pristine beaches where beach clubs offer day passes instead of expensive resort fees. Street tacos cost under $2, and cenotes provide natural swimming pools for a small entrance fee.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $40-55 per person
- Best Time to Visit: November-April
4. Barcelona, Spain
Source: spain.info
Gaudí’s architectural wonders compete with free beach days and affordable tapas crawls through the Gothic Quarter alleys. Park Güell offers free areas, and the city’s extensive metro system keeps transportation costs low.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $50-70 per person
- Best Time to Visit: May-June, September-October
5. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Source: hilton.com/en/
Jazz spills onto French Quarter streets, where beignets and café au lait start your day for under $10. Many festivals throughout the year offer free outdoor entertainment, and happy hour specials stretch your dollars.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $60-80 per person
- Best Time to Visit: February-May, October-November
6. Bali, Indonesia
Source: outlooktravelmag.com
Tropical paradise meets budget bliss with $20 spa days and villa rentals that cost less than hotel rooms back home. Local warungs serve delicious meals for $3-5, and stunning rice terraces provide free photo opportunities.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $35-50 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-October
7. Budapest, Hungary
Source: tripadvisor.com
Thermal baths soothe travel-weary bodies while Danube River cruises showcase the city’s illuminated beauty at night. Ruin bars offer unique nightlife experiences, and traditional Hungarian meals come at surprisingly low prices.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $40-55 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-June, September-October
8. Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
Mountain views frame a city bursting with craft breweries, local art galleries, and hiking trails that cost nothing but time. Food truck festivals and outdoor concerts provide entertainment without breaking the bank.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $55-75 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-June, September-October
9. Cartagena, Colombia
Source: pospisil-libor.medium.com
Colonial walls surround a city where Caribbean breezes carry salsa music through colorful streets. Fresh seafood meals cost under $15, and walking the historic center provides hours of free entertainment.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $35-50 per person
- Best Time to Visit: December-March
10. Austin, Texas, USA
Source: austintexas.org
Food trucks serve gourmet meals at fast-food prices while live music fills the air most nights of the week. Many outdoor events are free, and the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” vibe costs nothing to experience.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $55-70 per person
- Best Time to Visit: March-May, September-November
11. Hoi An, Vietnam
Source: nothingfamiliar.com
Lantern-lit streets create magical evening strolls while local tailors craft custom clothes at a fraction of Western prices. Street food tours cost under $20, and the ancient town’s beauty provides endless photo opportunities.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $25-40 per person
- Best Time to Visit: February-August
12. Prague, Czech Republic
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
Fairytale spires rise above a city where beer costs less than water and castle views come free from many hilltop spots. Walking tours reveal centuries of history, and traditional Czech meals satisfy without expensive price tags.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $40-55 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-June, September-October
13. Savannah, Georgia, USA
Source: geo.de
Moss-draped oak trees shade historic squares where ghost tours and trolley rides reveal Southern charm and mysterious tales. Free self-guided walks through the historic district showcase stunning architecture and garden squares.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $55-70 per person
- Best Time to Visit: March-May, September-November
14. Lima, Peru
Source: salkantaytrekking.com
Pacific coastline meets world-class cuisine in a city where ceviche and pisco sours fuel foodie adventures. Markets overflow with fresh ingredients, and clifftop neighborhoods offer stunning ocean views for free.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $35-50 per person
- Best Time to Visit: December-March
15. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Source: vogue.com
Medieval walls encircle a city where Game of Thrones filming locations mix with Adriatic Sea swimming spots. Off-season visits reveal the same beauty at half the cost, and local konobas serve hearty meals affordably.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $45-65 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-May, October (off-season)
16. Sedona, Arizona, USA
Source: visitsedona.com
Red rock formations create natural cathedrals where hiking trails and vortex sites provide free spiritual experiences. Budget motels offer clean accommodations, and picnic lunches maximize your outdoor adventure time.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $60-80 per person
- Best Time to Visit: March-May, September-November
17. Phuket, Thailand
Source: cntravellerme.com
Tropical beaches meet vibrant night markets where $5 massages and $3 pad thai meals stretch your budget further. Island hopping tours cost less than spa days elsewhere, and sunset views come completely free.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $30-45 per person
- Best Time to Visit: November-March
18. Valencia, Spain
Source: travelandleisure.com
Sun-drenched plazas lead to beaches where paella was born, and sangria flows at reasonable prices. The City of Arts and Sciences offers architectural wonder, and many museums have free entry days throughout the month.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $45-60 per person
- Best Time to Visit: April-June, September-October
19. Reykjavik, Iceland
Source: expertvagabond.com
Northern lights and geothermal hot springs create magical experiences that split costs make more affordable. Off-season visits reduce accommodation prices significantly, and many natural attractions require only transportation costs.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $80-100 per person (off-season)
- Best Time to Visit: October-March (for Northern Lights and lower costs)
20. San Diego, California, USA
Source: tpl.org
Perfect weather year-round means free beach days and outdoor activities dominate your itinerary. Fish taco stands and happy hour specials keep food costs reasonable while maintaining California’s fresh, healthy cuisine reputation.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $70-90 per person
- Best Time to Visit: September-November, March-May
21. Marrakech, Morocco
Source: moroccanzest.com
Vibrant souks burst with handmade treasures while rooftop terraces offer mint tea and city views at sunset. Riads offer authentic accommodations at budget-friendly rates, while street food adventures cost just a few dollars per meal.
- Estimated Daily Cost: $35-50 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October-April
Tips to Keep Girls’ Trips Budget-Friendly
- Book flights early & use fare alerts: Set price alerts 6-8 weeks before travel to catch the best deals and flash sales.
- Stay in shared Airbnb or hostels with private group rooms: Split a whole apartment or book connecting hostel rooms for privacy at half the hotel cost.
- Plan some free activities each day: Mix paid experiences with free walking tours, beach days, hiking trails, and local markets.
- Use public transport or split ride-sharing costs: Download local transit apps and share Uber rides to cut transportation costs by 60-70%.
Conclusion
Great friendships deserve great trips, and your budget shouldn’t stand in the way of making memories that last forever.
These budget-friendly destinations prove that you don’t need expensive resorts or first-class flights to have the time of your life together.
From exploring ancient ruins in Tulum for under $50 a day to soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths without guilt, smart planning opens doors to incredible experiences.
Your next girls’ trip is waiting somewhere on this list. Pick a destination that matches your group’s vibe, start planning those shared Pinterest boards, and get ready for stories you’ll be telling for years to come.
What’s your dream budget-friendly girls’ trip destination? Share your travel plans in the comments below and inspire other friend groups to start planning their next getaway!
