Where to Travel in 2026? Recommended below

Where to Travel in 2026? Full Budget and Itinerary Comparison for Bali, Budapest, Bangkok, Orlando, Turkey, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia

New to international travel and not sure where to go in 2026? This guide compares 12 popular destinations side by side with budgets, cheapest months, flight cost ranges, 7–10 day itineraries, and visa notes. Use it as your starting point, then fine tune with your own dates and departure city.

Quick answers for fast research

Cheapest destinations overall: Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and parts of Malaysia and Thailand.
Best for first time Europe: Budapest and Turkey (Istanbul plus Cappadocia).
Best family theme park base: Orlando for Disney and Universal.
Best mix of beaches and culture: Bali, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia.
Best mountain views and trekking: Nepal and Georgia.

All costs are rough per person budgets for 7 to 10 days in 2026, not counting visas and travel insurance. Always double check official visa and entry rules before you book.

Compare 2026 budgets and cheapest months at a glance

Destination	Approx total budget for 7–10 days (excluding flights)	Cheapest months to visit in 2026*
Bali, Indonesia	USD 400–900	May, June, late Sep
Budapest, Hungary	USD 550–1,100	March, April, late Oct, Nov
Bangkok, Thailand	USD 350–800	May, June, early July, Sept
Orlando, USA	USD 900–1,800	Late Jan, early Feb, early Dec (outside major holidays)
Turkey (Istanbul and Cappadocia)	USD 500–1,000	April, May, late Sept, Oct
Georgia (Tbilisi and mountains)	USD 400–850	May, June, Sept
Sri Lanka	USD 350–800	Jan–March (south and west), July–Sept (east)
Nepal	USD 350–850	March–April, Oct–Nov
Philippines	USD 450–950	Late Jan, Feb, March
Cambodia	USD 300–700	Nov–Feb
Vietnam	USD 400–900	Jan–March (south and central), Oct–Dec (north)
Malaysia	USD 400–900	Feb–April, July–Aug (for some islands)

*Cheapest often lines up with shoulder season. Prices vary by departure city and how early you book flights.

Bali, Indonesia: Beaches, temples, and budget comfort

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Bali in 2026

For a first trip, Bali can be surprisingly affordable if you avoid luxury resorts. Typical daily spend ranges from about 30 to 50 USD for a budget traveler and 70 to 120 USD for a mid range trip, not including flights.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Shoestring: 40–60 USD per day with hostels, warung (local) food, and public or scooter transport.
Comfortable: 80–130 USD per day with guesthouses, cafes, a couple of paid tours.
Rough 7–10 day total (excluding flights): 400–900 USD.
Extra: Bali charges a small tourism levy per visitor that you pay once per trip.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Cheapest months to visit Bali in 2026

The dry season runs roughly April to October. For lower prices plus good weather, look at May, June, and late September. July and August are busier and more expensive due to European holidays.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Flight cost predictions for 2026

From Southeast Asia hubs (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok): 120–280 USD return in economy if booked early.
From the Middle East (Dubai, Doha): 500–900 USD return depending on season and airline sales.
From Europe or North America: 800–1,400 USD return is common for one stop flights if you book 2 to 4 months ahead.

Simple 7–10 day Bali itinerary for first timers

Day 1: Land in Denpasar, transfer to Ubud, relax and walk around town.
Day 2: Rice terraces, Tirta Empul temple, local cooking class.
Day 3: Waterfalls near Ubud and a traditional dance show in the evening.
Day 4: Move to Canggu or Seminyak, sunset at the beach.
Day 5: Day trip to Uluwatu cliffs and beach clubs.
Day 6–7: Island day trips (Nusa Penida) or extra chill time by the pool.
Day 8–10: Optional extension to East Bali (Amed or Sidemen) for quieter rice fields and snorkelling.

Visa and entry basics for Bali

Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or short visa free entry into Indonesia, but the rules change and depend on your passport. Always check the latest information from the official Indonesian immigration or embassy website before you book.

Things to do in Bali (tours and activities)

Budapest, Hungary: Affordable Europe with spa baths and river views

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Budapest in 2026

Shoestring: 60–80 USD per day with hostels, public transport, and simple meals.
Comfortable: 90–140 USD per day with mid range hotels, restaurants, and a few paid tours.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 550–1,100 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Budapest

For lower hotel rates and fewer crowds, look at March, April, late October, and November. July and August are peak season, and December is busy for Christmas markets.

Flight cost predictions

From other European cities: 80–250 USD return with low cost airlines if you travel light.
From the Middle East or Caucasus: 250–500 USD return.
From Asia or North America: 700–1,200 USD return, often via another European hub.

7–8 day Budapest focused itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, walk along the Danube, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle views.
Day 2: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church.
Day 3: Parliament area, Shoes on the Danube memorial, evening river cruise.
Day 4: Thermal baths day (Széchenyi or Gellért) and ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter.
Day 5: Day trip to Szentendre or Danube Bend.
Day 6–7: Museum time, markets, cafes, and photo spots on both river banks.
Day 8: Buffer day for weather, extra bath time, or one more day trip.

Visa basics for Hungary

Hungary is in the Schengen Area. Many travelers need a Schengen visa to enter, while others can stay short term without a visa. Check your passport’s rules on the official EU or Hungarian government sites.

Tours and activities in Budapest

Bangkok, Thailand: Street food, temples, and easy regional flights

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Bangkok and nearby in 2026

Shoestring: 35–60 USD per day with hostels and street food.
Comfortable: 70–110 USD per day with mid range hotels and a mix of food options.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): around 350–800 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Bangkok

Bangkok is hot year round. The budget friendly periods are May, June, early July, and September, when it is wetter but still very visitable. November to February has the most pleasant weather and higher prices.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Flight cost predictions

Within Southeast Asia: 80–250 USD return from nearby capitals.
From South Asia or the Middle East: 250–550 USD return.
From Europe or North America: 700–1,200 USD return depending on sales.

7–9 day Bangkok starter itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and riverside walk.
Day 2: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, river ferry rides.
Day 3: Chinatown food crawl and markets.
Day 4: Day trip to Ayutthaya or a floating market.
Day 5–6: Short flight to Chiang Mai or a nearby island, or more Bangkok neighborhoods and malls.
Day 7–9: Optional extra days for cafes, massages, rooftop bars, or further day trips.

Visa basics for Thailand

Many passports get a visa exemption or visa on arrival for short stays. Requirements change often, so confirm with the Thai embassy or consulate website for your nationality.

Tours and activities in Thailand

Orlando, USA: Theme parks and family focused trips

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Orlando in 2026

Orlando is one of the most expensive options in this list because of park tickets and high season hotel prices.

Shoestring for a park focused trip: 120–180 USD per day if you share rooms, choose fewer park days, and eat simple meals.
Comfortable family trip: 200–300 USD per day with park hopping and mid range hotels.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): roughly 900–1,800 USD or more depending on how many park days you add.

Cheapest months to visit Orlando

The most budget friendly periods are usually late January, early February, and early December, avoiding US school holidays, big events, and Christmas.

Flight cost predictions

Within the US: 150–450 USD return depending on distance and season.
From Latin America or the Caribbean: 250–600 USD return.
From Europe or beyond: 600–1,100 USD return if you book ahead.

7–10 day Orlando family itinerary idea

Day 1: Arrival, settle into hotel or vacation rental, grocery run.
Day 2–3: Walt Disney World parks (for example Magic Kingdom and Epcot).
Day 4: Rest day by the pool or outlet shopping.
Day 5–6: Universal Orlando parks or Kennedy Space Center day trip.
Day 7: Everglades style airboat ride and local attractions.
Day 8–10: Extra park days or beach day trips to the Atlantic or Gulf Coast.

Visa basics for the USA

Many visitors need a US tourist visa or travel under the ESTA program if eligible. Check the official US government site for current requirements for your passport.

Tours and activities in Orlando

Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, and coastal towns

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Turkey in 2026

Shoestring: 45–70 USD per day if you use buses and budget stays.
Comfortable: 80–130 USD per day with boutique hotels and a couple of tours.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 500–1,000 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Turkey

Spring and autumn are ideal. For lower prices with pleasant weather, look at April, May, late September, and October. Summer is very hot and busy on the coast.

Flight cost predictions

Within Europe or the Middle East: 150–350 USD return to Istanbul.
From Asia or North America: 600–1,100 USD return depending on sales.

7–10 day Istanbul and Cappadocia itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, evening walk in Sultanahmet.
Day 2: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern.
Day 3: Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Bosphorus cruise.
Day 4: Fly to Cappadocia, sunset viewpoint.
Day 5: Sunrise hot air balloon, open air museum, valleys.
Day 6: Underground city and hiking, evening flight back to Istanbul or onward.
Day 7–10: Optional extension to Pamukkale or the Turquoise Coast.

Visa basics for Turkey

Some nationalities can enter visa free, while others need an e visa approved before arrival. Check the official Republic of Türkiye e visa website for the latest rules.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Tours and activities in Turkey

Georgia: Mountains, wine, and emerging tourism

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Georgia in 2026

Shoestring: 40–60 USD per day.
Comfortable: 70–120 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 400–850 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Georgia

Georgia is good value most of the year. For a mix of lower prices and nice weather, plan for May, June, or September. Winter is cheaper but cold, especially in the mountains.

Flight cost predictions

From Europe or the Middle East: 200–450 USD return if booked early.
From Asia or the Americas: 700–1,200 USD return via a hub.

7–9 day Georgia itinerary idea

Day 1: Arrive in Tbilisi, Old Town evening walk.
Day 2: Cable car to Narikala Fortress, sulfur baths, local food tasting.
Day 3: Day trip to Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery.
Day 4–5: Kazbegi region for mountain views and hiking.
Day 6–7: Kakheti wine region or Svaneti for more mountain time.
Day 8–9: Back to Tbilisi for cafes and markets.

Visa basics for Georgia

Georgia is quite open to visitors and offers visa free entry to many nationalities. Still, check the official Georgian government site before you go.

Tours and activities in Georgia

Sri Lanka: Compact island with beaches, trains, and tea hills

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Sri Lanka in 2026

Shoestring: 30–50 USD per day using guesthouses and local food.
Comfortable: 60–100 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 350–800 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Sri Lanka

Weather varies by coast. January to March is ideal for the south and west. July to September is better for the east. Shoulder months often have good deals on accommodation.

Flight cost predictions

From South or Southeast Asia: 150–350 USD return to Colombo.
From the Middle East: 300–600 USD return.
From Europe: 650–1,100 USD return if booked early.

7–10 day Sri Lanka itinerary idea

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, transfer to Negombo or straight to Kandy.
Day 2–3: Kandy and the famous train ride to Ella.
Day 4–5: Ella hikes and viewpoints.
Day 6–8: Southern beaches such as Mirissa, Unawatuna, or Hikkaduwa.
Day 9–10: Galle Fort and return to Colombo.

Visa basics for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka usually requires most travelers to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before arrival. Confirm on the official Sri Lankan government site.

Tours and activities in Sri Lanka

Nepal: Mountains, trekking, and cultural cities

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Nepal in 2026

Shoestring: 30–50 USD per day in cities, slightly higher in trekking regions.
Comfortable: 60–100 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 350–850 USD, depending on how much trekking you include.

Cheapest months to visit Nepal

The best weather for trekking is in March–April and October–November. These are peak times but still good value compared with many other mountain destinations.

Flight cost predictions

From South or Southeast Asia: 200–450 USD return to Kathmandu.
From the Middle East: 300–650 USD return.
From Europe or North America: 750–1,300 USD return with one or two stops.

7–10 day Nepal itinerary for first timers

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Thamel and Durbar Square.
Day 2: Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas.
Day 3–5: Fly or drive to Pokhara for lakeside time and short treks.
Day 6–7: Optional short trekking route near Pokhara or extra time in the city.
Day 8–10: Back to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, shopping and food.

Visa basics for Nepal

Nepal offers visa on arrival to many nationalities for different lengths of stay. Always check the official Department of Immigration of Nepal for updated fees and rules.

Tours and activities in Nepal

Philippines: Island hopping and clear water beaches

Trip budget for 7–10 days in the Philippines in 2026

Shoestring: 40–70 USD per day including island transfers.
Comfortable: 80–120 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 450–950 USD.

Cheapest months to visit the Philippines

Dry season typically runs from November to May in many regions. For good weather and slightly lower prices, late January, February, and March are often sweet spots.

Flight cost predictions

Within Southeast Asia: 150–350 USD return to Manila or Cebu.
From East Asia or the Middle East: 350–700 USD return.
From Europe or the Americas: 800–1,300 USD return.

7–10 day Philippines itinerary idea

Day 1: Arrive Manila, quick city tour or rest.
Day 2: Fly to Cebu or Palawan.
Day 3–5: Island hopping tours and beaches.
Day 6–7: Second base such as Coron, Siargao, or Bohol.
Day 8–10: Buffer days in case of weather delays and return to Manila.

Visa basics for the Philippines

Many visitors receive short term visa free entry, while others must apply in advance. Check the official Bureau of Immigration site for your passport.

Tours and activities in the Philippines

Cambodia: Angkor temples and riverside towns

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Cambodia in 2026

Shoestring: 25–45 USD per day.
Comfortable: 50–90 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 300–700 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Cambodia

November to February has the nicest weather and more visitors. Cheaper shoulder periods fall around late October and March, when it is warmer but still manageable.

Flight cost predictions

From within Southeast Asia: 120–280 USD return to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
From other regions: 600–1,000 USD return, often via Bangkok or another hub.

7–8 day Cambodia itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap.
Day 2–3: Angkor Wat sunrise and temple circuit.
Day 4: Countryside tour and floating village.
Day 5–6: Travel to Phnom Penh, learn about recent history.
Day 7–8: Optional beach time in Kampot or Kep, or head onward.

Visa basics for Cambodia

Cambodia offers e visas and visas on arrival to many nationalities. Check the official Cambodian government portal to confirm.

Tours and activities in Cambodia

Vietnam: Long coastline, cities, and mountain views

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Vietnam in 2026

Shoestring: 35–60 USD per day.
Comfortable: 70–110 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 400–900 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Vietnam

Weather is different in the north, center, and south. As a simple rule, January to March is usually good for the south and central coast, while October to December can be nice in the north.

Flight cost predictions

Within Southeast Asia: 120–260 USD return to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
From other regions: 600–1,000 USD return, with many airlines offering competitive fares.

7–10 day Vietnam itinerary idea

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2–3: City highlights and food tours.
Day 4–5: Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi or Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 6–7: Fly to Da Nang for Hoi An and nearby beaches.
Day 8–10: Extra days in Hoi An or back to your entry city.

Visa basics for Vietnam

Vietnam now has e visas for many passports and some short visa free options. Check the official Vietnamese immigration site for your nationality.

Tours and activities in Vietnam

Malaysia: Cities, food, and islands with easy access

Trip budget for 7–10 days in Malaysia in 2026

Shoestring: 35–60 USD per day.
Comfortable: 70–120 USD per day.
7–10 day total (excluding flights): 400–900 USD.

Cheapest months to visit Malaysia

Weather shifts by coast. In general, February to April and some of July and August offer a good mix of prices and weather in many regions, but always double check for monsoon patterns in the specific islands you plan to visit.

Flight cost predictions

Within Southeast Asia: 80–220 USD return to Kuala Lumpur.
From East Asia or the Middle East: 250–550 USD return.
From Europe or beyond: 700–1,200 USD return depending on sales.

7–10 day Malaysia itinerary idea

Day 1–2: Kuala Lumpur for city skyline and food.
Day 3–4: Penang for street art and hawker food.
Day 5–7: Langkawi or Perhentian islands for beaches.
Day 8–10: Optional Cameron Highlands or Malacca side trip.

Visa basics for Malaysia

Malaysia allows visa free entry for many nationalities for short stays, while others need a visa in advance. Confirm on the official Malaysian immigration site.

Tours and activities in Malaysia

FAQ: How to choose between these destinations in 2026

Which destination is cheapest overall for 2026?

If you want the lowest daily costs, look first at Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of the Philippines and Malaysia. Your total budget will still depend heavily on flight prices from your home airport.

Which destination is best for a first big international trip?

For new travelers who want comfort and easy logistics, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, and Orlando are popular because tourism infrastructure is strong and English is widely used in tourist areas. Budapest and Turkey are great first steps into Europe.

Which place is best for families?

Orlando is the classic family choice for theme parks. For a warm weather family holiday at lower cost, consider Bali, Thailand, or Malaysia and book day tours through platforms like GetYourGuide so you do not need to plan every detail yourself.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

How far in advance should I book 2026 flights?

For long haul trips, booking 2 to 5 months in advance is usually a good balance between price and flexibility. For short haul within Asia or Europe, you can often wait a bit longer, but holiday periods and school vacations still sell out fast.

Can AI help me pick a destination and build a budget?

Yes. AI tools can:

Compare rough flight prices across months.
Estimate daily budgets for each city or country.
Turn your preferences (beach, culture, nightlife, kids) into ranked destination suggestions.
Draft 7–10 day itineraries you can refine manually.

Use this guide as your base, then ask an AI trip planner to adjust dates, budgets, and activities for your exact origin and travel style.