Which Countries Offer 3-City Trips Under $300? Here's The List

Think multi-city travel is out of your budget? Think again. With the right low-cost itinerary, you can explore three cities in one country for under $300. From Asia to Eastern Europe, cheap international travel is possible—if you know where to go. Here’s where your money stretches the furthest.

Vietnam: A Triple Treat From Hanoi To Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam stands out as one of the most rewarding budget destinations for travellers looking to hop between cities. You can fly into Hanoi, catch a train to Da Nang, and then make your way south to Ho Chi Minh City—all while keeping your budget under $300 for local transport, accommodation, and food.

In Hanoi, street food is more than a meal—it's an experience. A bowl of pho costs about $1.50; museums, lakes, and the chaotic Old Quarter make up a full itinerary that costs little to nothing. Trains from Hanoi to Da Nang can go for $20–$30, especially if you book a soft seat rather than a sleeper.

Da Nang offers clean beaches, the Marble Mountains, and the iconic Golden Bridge. Budget hotels and hostels can cost as little as $6 to $10 per night. The next leg to Ho Chi Minh City is another affordable train ride, usually under $40 if booked in advance.

Ho Chi Minh is a sensory overload—in a good way. Motorbikes buzz, markets teem, and history lives through places like the War Remnants Museum. Your multi-city travel concludes with a sunset along the Saigon River and meals that rarely exceed $5 per plate.

Turkey: Culture, Coastlines, And City Life For Cheap

Turkey is ideal for budget-friendly international travel if you stick to a smart route, such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya. Flights from major hubs into Istanbul are frequent and often low-cost. Once you arrive, the country rewards you with excellent public transportation and meals that are both delicious and affordable.

Istanbul boasts a skyline of minarets and the vibrant bustle of its bazaars. You can visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque for free, then spend hours exploring the local neighbourhoods, such as Balat. A ferry ride across the Bosphorus costs just pennies.

From Istanbul, you can fly or take a bus to Izmir, a breezy Aegean city. Intercity buses typically cost around $10–$15 and offer comfortable seating, along with onboard snacks and entertainment. In Izmir, grab a simit (Turkish bagel) for under $1 and enjoy beachside walks, local markets, and historic sites like Ephesus nearby.

From Izmir, Antalya is a budget flight away or an overnight bus for about $20. Once in Antalya, your money goes a long way. Beach access is free, and accommodations can be found for under $15 per night. Enjoy mountain views, coastal ruins, and fresh seafood—all under budget.

Mexico: Three Cities, One Low-Cost Itinerary

If you're searching for a rich mix of history, food, and colour, Mexico delivers. A great trio to visit under $300 includes Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. They're all within driving distance and served by affordable buses and budget airlines.

Mexico City is massive, but the subway costs less than 50 cents per ride. Tacos can be had for a dollar or less, and free museums and parks keep you busy. Book a shared hostel or a budget hotel for around $10–$15 per night, especially outside the trendy areas.

From the capital, Puebla is a two-hour bus ride that costs around $10. It's quieter, colonial, and known for its cuisine. Mole poblano, the signature dish, can be found in markets for under $3. Stay a night or two before heading south again.

The trip to Oaxaca by bus costs around $20–$25. Once there, enjoy art markets, tlayudas (giant Oaxacan tortillas), and nearby ruins, such as Monte Albán. Rooms in family-run hostels typically cost $12–$18 per night, and group tours to local villages are usually reasonably priced.

India: A Budget Giant With Rich Diversity

India might just be the ultimate budget destination. You can travel across three completely different regions for under $300, comfortably. Try a northern circuit, such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi, for a mix of old-world chaos, culture, and spiritual heritage.

In Delhi, your biggest challenge isn’t cost—it’s choosing what to do. Entry to places like Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar costs around $3. Street food is everywhere—samosas, chaats, parathas—all under $1. Rooms start at $7–$10 per night, especially in backpacker hubs like Paharganj.

Jaipur, the Pink City, is a 5-hour train ride away—fares range from $3 to $15 depending on the class. Visit the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Don’t miss the thali meals served on banana leaves for around $2–$3. Accommodations stay well under $20 per night.

Varanasi, your final stop, is a spiritual and intense destination. Train tickets range from $10 to $20. Walk the ghats, take a sunrise boat ride, and witness evening prayers. It's unforgettable, and all on a low-cost itinerary that feels far richer than it costs.

Bulgaria: Europe Without The Euro Price Tag

Want a European trip that won’t wreck your wallet? Bulgaria gives you three different cities—Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo—without breaking that $300 barrier. Internal buses and trains are cheap, food is hearty and inexpensive, and accommodations are easy to manage.

Sofia, the capital, has historic churches, Soviet-era architecture, and lively parks. The metro is clean and costs around $1.50 per ride. Cafés and restaurants serve up full meals for $6 or less. You can book a central hostel dorm for $12 or even snag private rooms under $25.

Plovdiv is about two hours away by bus—tickets cost $7–$10. Known for its Roman amphitheatre and charming Old Town, it's ideal for slow wandering. Local wines and snacks are affordable, and sunset walks up the hills are free of charge.

Veliko Tarnovo adds medieval flair with fortress views and winding alleys. It's slightly less in the spotlight, but that keeps prices low. Hostels and budget inns typically cost around $15–$20 per night, and most sights are either free or less than $5.

Stretching Your Budget With Smart Travel

Cheap international travel isn’t about sacrificing comfort—it’s about being smart with where and how you spend. A multi-city travel plan lets you experience more, stay longer, and still return with change in your pocket. If you’re strategic about routes and cities, $300 is more than enough to explore three cities and come home with a few stories worth telling.

With budget destinations like these, you don't need a big bankroll to make big memories. You just need the correct map.