In 2025, $500 can still go a surprisingly long way in many popular global destinations. Whether you’re planning a long weekend, a spontaneous getaway, or just want a taste of adventure, here’s what you can do with $500 in some of the most sought-after locations around the world.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
- 4-5 nights at a boutique guesthouse or three-star hotel
- Daily lunches that include both sit-down restaurants and street food
- Temples, massages, and cultural activities
- Getting around by cab or BTS Skytrain
- A day trip to the floating markets
Breakdown:
Hotel: $35/night = $140 (approximately)
Meals: $15/day = $60
Transport: $5/day = $20
Activities: $60 (temples, massage, night markets)
Day trip: $40 (approximately)
Leftover for shopping or extras: ~$180
Thailand continues to be one of Asia’s most affordable travel destinations. You can live well for almost a week for $500 and still have keepsakes to bring home.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
What $500 gets you:
- Three nights at an inexpensive hotel or Airbnb; meals at neighborhood cafés and eateries
- With a Lisboa Card, you can access unlimited public transportation and popular sites including the MAAT, Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery.
- A quick visit to Cascais or Sintra.
Breakdown:
Hotel: $70/night = $210
Meals: $25/day = $75
Lisboa Card (72 hours): $50
Day trip: $40 (train + entry to Quinta da Regaleira)
Quinta da Regaleira: known for its lovely architecture, beautiful gardens, secret passageways, underground tunnels, and the legendary Initiation Well, a spiral stairway that reaches far below the surface of the ground.
With the extra $125, you can treat yourself to some of their finest wines and pastries.
*Note that all rates mentioned are approximate.
Lisbon mixes elegance, affordability, and history, making it a perfect destination for travelers who want a European vibe without the steep price tag.
3. Cancun, Mexico
What you receive for $500:
- Three nights at a three-star all-inclusive resort with unlimited food and beverages
- Resort entertainment, pools, and beach access
- Optional half-day activity (seeing a cenote, snorkeling)
Breakdown:
All-inclusive resort: about $130 per night, or $390
Trip: about $50
Tips & transportation: around $30
About $30 in spare change
Cancun provides excellent value for sun worshippers. Off-peak reservations and package discounts let you get the most out of your money.
4. Tokyo, Japan
What you receive for $500:
- Three nights in a business hotel or capsule hotel
- Using a Tokyo Metro Pass for 72 hours
- Local cuisine, such as sushi, ramen, and konbini snacks
- Visits to important locations such as Akihabara, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing
- A themed café or TeamLab Planets
Breakdown:
Hotel: around $65 per night, or $195
Transportation: around $15
Meals: about $20 per day ($60)
Attractions: about $80
Shopping and other expenses: about $150
Although Tokyo has a reputation for being pricey, tourists can still enjoy its charms without going over budget.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
What you receive for $500:
- Four nights at a modest hotel close to Taksim or Sultanahmet
- Turkish tea culture, kebabs, and breakfasts
- Tours of the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia
- A Bosphorus ferry cruise with an optional traditional Turkish bath (hammam)
Breakdown:
Hotel: around $45 per night, or $180
Food: about $20 a day = $80.
Transportation & Attractions: around $60
Cruise the Bosphorus: around $15
Hammam: around $50
About $115 is left over if you want to purchase souvenirs
Istanbul is where Europe and Asia collide, offering vibrant culture, deep history, and great value.
6. Bali, Indonesia
What you can get for $500:
- Five nights at a low-cost villa or guesthouse
- Renting a scooter to explore the island
- Daily meals in the area (cafés and warungs)
- Tours to temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls
- Yoga session or massage by the beach
Breakdown:
Villa: around $30 each night equals $150
Rental scooter: about $5 per day = $25
Meals: about $10 per day = $50
Activities: around $100 (including temples, beaches, and Ubud)
Yoga or massage: around $20
About $155 in spare change
Bali continues to be a popular choice for those on a tight budget seeking a tropical getaway.
7. New York City, USA
What $500 gets you:
- Two nights at a hostel or inexpensive hotel with a NYC MetroCard that allows unlimited rides
- One sit-down meal, food trucks, and street food
- Attractions that are free or inexpensive (Central Park, High Line, Staten Island Ferry)
- Museum passes (MoMA, Natural History, etc.)
Breakdown:
Hotel: around $100 per night, or $200
Food: about $25 a day = $50
Transportation: $34 for a 7-day MetroCard
Attractions: about $70
$146 in spare change for coffee, tips, and food
New York is pricey, but $500 can still offer a whirlwind 48-hour experience packed with iconic sights.
General tips to stretch your $500 further:
Travel during shoulder seasons
Use budget airlines or flash sales
Stay in hostels or guesthouse
Eat where the locals eat
Use local transport passes
With a little planning and a spirit of adventure, your $500 can open the door to unforgettable stories, hidden gems, and once in a lifetime moments around the world. The world is waiting, and it’s closer than you think!
* The rates mentioned above are based on 2025 prices and may vary over time.
