Fall is the best season to travel on a budget [1]. You get to avoid tourists and tourist trap price tags. The deal only gets sweeter when you visit budget destinations. We at Journy [2] know that travelers (not tourists!) crave local and authentic experiences. After planning hundreds of personal itineraries for bona fide travelers, we can confidently say that these are the places you must put on your travel bucket list.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
It might be a trek to get here, but Chiang Mai's perfect for local culture and mountain views without spending a mountain of cash. Eat your way through the streets (noodles everywhere!) and practice bargaining at all the colorful markets. Find inner peace in beautiful temples.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- Huen Jai Yong [6] for sampling all the local Thai dishes and flavors.
- Khao Soi Lam Duan [7] for classic Thai noodle dish, khao soi.
London, UK
Global politics are interesting right now to say the least. All the more reason to travel while you can — you never know what tomorrow will bring. Last we checked, the British pound was at an all time low of 1.2 dollars to 1 pound. Take advantage of it to experience one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world at a steal.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- Counter Culture [8] for bite-sized British delights and BYOB fun.
- You can also brush up on world history and attempt to figure out how we got here today at the massive British Museum [9] for free.
Barcelona, Spain
When you're not eating here, Barcelona still wows, again and again for art, architecture, and shopping both high and low. It remains a tremendous value — and you've got the beach right there in town.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- Jonny Aldana [10] for tapas and artful aperitifs.
- Tropico [11] for breakfast or brunch.
Osaka, Japan
As the Japanese say, while Tokyo natives spend money on shoes and Kyoto natives on clothes, Osakans spend theirs on food. You'll get your fill of tasty takoyaki and okomonomiyaki, plus all of your other Japanese food favorites in a world-class way and pay less than you would in the capital.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- Find Osaka’s best brew at LiLo Coffee Roasters [12].
- Then get started tasting fresh Japanese cuisine at Kurmon Ichiba [13], nicknamed "Osaka's Kitchen" — you can get your food cooked right on the spot!
Mexico City, Mexico
Come to “CDMX” as the locals call it, and you think, “I, too, could live here.” Some say the city is too big and impersonal to enjoy — we would disagree. The charming La Condesa and La Roma neighborhoods have bars, cafes, restaurants and shops all within walking distance. Plus, Uber rides here tend to be so inexpensive that it's like having your own personal driver that anyone can afford.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- Maque [14], the locals' breakfast spot.
- El Parnita [15], a favorite casual haunt with TV screens showing the afternoon’s must-see sports match, and plenty of beer and mezcal.
Berlin, Germany
There's something for everyone . . . really. You can get your fill of monuments and museums, get in great shopping, too — and the party animal in you can stay up all night (and all morning). Berlin is great for history buffs, art lovers and techno junkies alike. Pick your flavor, they've got it.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- If you're there on a Sunday, don't miss the Mauerpark Flea Market [16]. It's an amazing place to shop for affordable treasures and snack on the city's best street food along the way.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you've been to Barcelona already — or even if not, meet Lisbon, its artsy, funky yet traditional oft-underrated sister . . . Just don't tell a Lisbon native that, of course. Think sandy beaches and Mediterranean climate (it's known as the "sunshine capital" of Europe), plus chic dining and shopping at great bang for the buck.
Some Spots We Love and Why:
- We love Topo [17] for rooftop cocktails with a view.
- Can The Can [18] for tinned seafood, inspired drinks and waterfront dining.