See new streets, taste new bread, and pay rent on time. A seven day budget trip is less about pinching pennies and more about picking the right days, beds, and bites. Below are three ready to use plans, one city break, beach escape, and mountain loop, each built for under fifty dollars a day, including a bed, three meals, and at least one wow moment. Pack light, keep mornings early, and let the savings roll.
City Break: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 1: Arrival & Free Walks
Land before noon to dodge taxi surcharges. Ride the metro from the airport to Rossio Station for two dollars. Check into a hostel dorm (twenty dollars) near Praça do Comércio. Drop bags and walk the riverfront to Belém. Skip the paid tower; instead, watch sunset by the Discoveries Monument for free. Eat a custard tart (one dollar) from the bakery next door.
Day 2: Hills & History
Buy a twenty four hour public transport pass (seven dollars). Ride the historic Tram 28 end to end for a free city tour. Walk the Alfama alleys and snap photos at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Lunch: half a grilled chicken with fries (five dollars) from a tiny kiosk. Evening: free fado music spilling out of tavern doorways.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra
Early train from Rossio (five dollars return). Hike the trail to Quinta da Regaleira; buy only the park ticket (six dollars) and skip the palace interior. Picnic on bread, cheese, and fruit purchased from a local mini market (three dollars). Back in Lisbon by dusk, splurge on a two dollar glass of wine at a riverside kiosk.
Day 4: Markets & Museums
Morning free at LX Factory, an old warehouse turned art village. Afternoon: free entry to MAAT gardens and rooftop views. Dinner: three dollar bowl of caldo verde soup plus bread at a neighborhood cafe.
Day 5: Beach Break
Take the train to Cascais (two dollars). Rent a bike (five dollars) and ride the coastal path to Guincho Beach. Pack supermarket sandwiches (three dollars) and swim in the Atlantic. Train back at sunset.
Day 6: Local Life
Morning free walking tour (tip five dollars). Lunch: three dollar bifana pork sandwich. Spend the afternoon in the free Botanical Garden. Evening: cook pasta with new hostel friends; groceries cost four dollars.
Day 7: Souvenirs & Departure
Grab pastel colored tiles from a flea market (two dollars each). Metro back to the airport (two dollars). Total spent: about three hundred and forty dollars for the week.
Beach Escape: Oaxaca Coast, Mexico
Day 1: Touch Down in Puerto Escondido
Fly into Puerto Escondido midday. Shared van to town (three dollars). Check into a hostel bunk (fifteen dollars) one block from Zicatela Beach. Sunset swim is free. Dinner: three dollar fish tacos from a street cart.
Day 2: Surf & Stretch
Rent a surfboard for the day (ten dollars) or watch pros for free. Morning yoga on the sand (five dollar donation). Lunch: two dollar coconut and fruit from a beach vendor. Evening: hostel kitchen cook up (three dollars).
Day 3: Manialtepec Lagoon
Collect four other travelers and split a taxi (three dollars each). Boat ride through glowing bioluminescence at dusk (ten dollars). Bring snacks from town (two dollars) and swim under the stars.
Day 4: Mazunte Day Trip
Collectivo minibus (two dollars). Free morning at Mazunte Beach. Visit the free turtle center and climb Punta Cometa for sunset views. Dinner: four dollar whole grilled fish on the sand.
Day 5: Hidden Waterfall
Hitch a ride with new friends or take a collectivo to San Isidro (two dollars). Take a short hike to Colotepec Waterfall; swim and picnic for free. Return to Puerto Escondido for a three dollar torta dinner.
Day 6: Market & Massage
Walk to Mercado Benito Juárez; sample tamales and fresh juice for breakfast (three dollars). Afternoon beach massage (ten dollars). Sunset beer (two dollars) while watching surfers.
Day 7: Chill & Checkout
Morning swim, pack bags, shared van back to the airport (three dollars). Total spent: roughly three hundred and twenty dollars.
Mountain Loop: Chiang Mai to Pai, Thailand
Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai
Land early, take the airport bus to town (one dollar). Check into a guesthouse (eighteen dollars). Rent a scooter (five dollars a day). Visit the free night bazaar and eat khao soi soup for two dollars.
Day 2: Doi Suthep & Hmong Village
Scooter up the mountain (two dollars in gas). Park at Doi Suthep Temple for free. Hike to the nearby Hmong village and share a three dollar bowl of noodles with a view.
Day 3: White Temple Day Trip
Bus to Chiang Rai (three dollars). Enter the White Temple grounds for free. Lunch: two dollar pad thai. Return bus on the same day.
Day 4: Travel to Pai
Minivan to Pai (four dollars). Check into a bamboo bungalow (twelve dollars). Rent a bicycle (two dollars) and explore Pai Canyon at sunset for free.
Day 5: Hot Springs & Waterfalls
Scooter to Sai Ngam Hot Springs (three dollar entry). Cool off at Mor Paeng Waterfall (free). Picnic on fruit and sticky rice (two dollars).
Day 6: Cave & Market
Visit Lod Cave by bamboo raft (five dollars). Evening walking street market: grilled skewers and mango sticky rice for three dollars.
Day 7: Return to Chiang Mai
Minivan back to town (four dollars). Fly out or stay an extra night for three dollar street food and one dollar iced coffee. Total spent: about three hundred dollars.
Money Saving Tricks for Every Plan
Cook One Meal a Day
Hostel kitchens and guesthouse stoves cut food costs in half. A bag of pasta, local veggies, and market bread costs less than five dollars and feeds two people.
Use Free Walking Tours
Most cities offer tip based tours that cost whatever you feel is fair. You learn history and find cheap eats recommended by locals.
Travel Midweek
Tuesday and Wednesday flights and buses are often cheaper. A flexible schedule saves more than any coupon.
Book Beds Early
Dorm beds in popular hostels rise in price closer to travel dates. Reserve one month ahead and lock in the lowest rate.
Pack a Water Bottle
Refill at fountains and save three dollars a day on bottled water. Add a squeeze of lemon for taste.
Stay on Foot
Choose lodging within walking distance of major sights. Walking is free and reveals hidden cafés and murals.
Buy Groceries First Night
Stock yogurt, fruit, and bread to avoid overpriced hotel breakfasts.
Use Credit Card Points
Cash in points for flights or hotels and cut the biggest cost first.
Conclusion
Seven days is enough to taste new streets, swim new seas, or climb new ridges without emptying your wallet. Pick the plan that matches your mood, tweak the dates, and pack lighter than you think. When day seven ends and your phone holds more photos than dollars spent, you will know the budget worked.