Let’s be real…. creating travel content on a budget can feel like a struggle when flights and hotels are eating up the check before you even land. But don’t let that stop you from building your dream content creator lifestyle. You don’t need to be in Paris or Bali to get fire travel content. There are plenty of affordable destinations that will give you luxury vibes, unique aesthetics, and engagement-boosting backdrops without running up your credit card.
Here are five budget-friendly destinations that’ll have your audience asking, “Girl, where is this?!”
1. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is serving colorful streets, colonial architecture, and Afro-Caribbean energy that radiates through every photo and video. The walled city is packed with vibrant doors, dreamy balconies, and cobblestone streets that will give your content that rich girl aesthetic—on a budget.
Let’s break down the budget there..
- Flights: $250–$400 roundtrip from major U.S. cities
- Stay: Airbnbs and boutique hotels for $40–$70/night
- Food: Local meals for $10–$15
- Activities: Free to low-cost (beach days, walking tours, historic sites)
Here’s a few content ideas
- POV: You’re living your best soft life in a tropical city
- Get Ready With Me (GRWM) in a cute Airbnb with colonial vibes
- Sunset yacht rides with girlfriends—because luxury doesn’t have to be expensive
Want to capture some iconic views? I recommend using these camera equipments:
- Wide-angle lens for capturing the architecture
- Wireless mic for crisp street vlogs
- Lightweight ring light for those golden hour selfies
1. Mexico City, Mexico
Why It’s a Content Goldmine:
Mexico City is amazing, from artsy cafés in Roma Norte to the stunning canals of Xochimilco. It’s the perfect mix of modern city energy and rich culture, which means plenty of diverse content opportunities. Bonus: Mexico is always budget-friendly, and the peso exchange rate works in your favor.
Budget Breakdown
- Flights: $200–$350 roundtrip
- Stay: Chic Airbnbs for $35–$60/night
- Food: Tacos for $1, upscale dining for $20
- Activities: Museums, street markets, boat tours
Content Ideas
- Come Café-Hopping With Me in Mexico City vlog
- Thrift shopping in Coyoacán with a budget challenge
- POV: You’re eating your way through the best taco spots
Filming Essentials
- Handheld stabilizer for walking street shots
- Clip-on LED light for dimly lit restaurants
- Travel-friendly tripod for solo shots in front of murals
3. Hoi An, Vietnam
Why It’s a Hidden Gem:
Vietnam is giving stunning scenery, unique culture, and affordable luxury. Hoi An, in particular, looks like a fairy tale with its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and golden beaches. The aesthetic alone is worth the trip.
Let’s break down this budget!
- Flights: $600–$900 roundtrip (but once you’re there, it’s CHEAP)
- Stay: Hostels for $10, hotels for $25, luxe stays for $50
- Food: $5–$15 per meal (yes, seriously)
- Activities: Boat rides, markets, and temple visits.
Here’s a few content ideas
- Slow-motion aesthetic shots of lantern-lit streets at night
- What $50 Gets You in Vietnam budget breakdown video
- Sunrise bicycle ride through Vietnam
Grab these filming essentials before you go!
- Drone for capturing landscapes (Vietnam has some of the best aerial shots!)
- ND filter for filming in bright sunlight
- High-storage SD card—you’ll be filming a lot
4. Marrakech, Morocco
Why It’s a Dream for Aesthetic-Loving Creators:
Marrakech is all about rich textures, warm tones, and dreamy riads (Moroccan guesthouses that look straight out of Pinterest). If you love editorial, artsy, or luxurious-looking content, Marrakech is where you need to be.
Here’s a budget breakdown
- Flights: $500–$800 roundtrip
- Stay: Riads for $40–$80/night
- Food: $3–$15 per meal
- Activities: Market shopping, palace visits, camel rides for under $20
Need a few content ideas? I got you.
- Dramatic outfit transitions in front of intricate Moroccan doors
- Spending 24 Hours in a Moroccan Riad mini-vlog
- B-roll of spices, rugs, and jewelry for an ASMR market experience
Don’t know what camera gear to grab? Here’s some suggestions
- Mini gimbal for smooth market footage
- External hard drive—Marrakech is too pretty not to overshoot
- Portable charger, because you’re definitely going to need it!
5. Antigua, Guatemala
Why It’s the Perfect Hidden Paradise:
If you want Bali vibes without the long-haul flight and price tag, Guatemala is that girl. Antigua is packed with colorful colonial buildings, volcano views, and dreamy boutique hotels that’ll elevate your content effortlessly.
- Flights: $200–$400 roundtrip
- Stay: Gorgeous boutique stays for $50–$80/night
- Food: $5–$12 per meal
- Activities: Hikes, pacaya trek, and local tours under $30
Content Ideas? Here’s some
- Aerial volcano shots for a cinematic travel reel
- What It’s Like Staying in a Luxury Boutique Hotel in Antigua
- Coffee farm tour content with a day-in-the-life feel
What film essential you need?
- A good camera for adventure shots, I recommend the Sony ZV-1F
- Clip-on mic for clear narration
- Power bank—you’ll be filming nonstop
Travel content doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. These destinations give you stunning backdrops, rich cultural experiences, and a chance to elevate your brand without breaking the bank.
So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and book that flight. Your dream content isn’t waiting—you just have to go get it.
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