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Americans Abroad: Sandra and Jeff's Travel Blog

Two Retired Americans traveling and living abroad, on a budget, one country at a time

American Expats & Senior Nomads

Our Blog about Traveling and Living abroad, on a budget, one country at a time

Budget Friendly Itineraries

Looking for affordable travel itineraries? We’ve created detailed, budget friendly itineraries for cities like Lisbon, Oxford, Mexico City, and beyond – designed for slow travelers, digital nomads, and cost-conscious explorers. Each itinerary includes daily activity suggestions, transit options, and real prices based on our own full-time travels.

Every budget friendly itinerary on this page comes directly from our firsthand experience, staying in neighborhoods we could afford and exploring cities by foot, public transit, and the occasional splurge.

You’ll find realistic, day-by-day travel plans – with walking times, meal tips, and budget estimates – to help you make the most of each destination without overspending.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Whether you’re planning a short visit or scouting a potential long-term stay, our guides are made to help you feel at home and stretch your travel dollars further.

Quick Links:

  • 3 Days in Mexico City: A Budget-Friendly Itinerary
  • Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Local Charm on a Budget
  • Belém Walking Tour: Self-Guided Lisbon Itinerary for 15 Historic Sites
  • An Itinerary for Oxford England
  • An Itinerary for One Day in Guanajuato
  • Why You Shouldn’t Visit Guanajuato (And Let Us Keep It to Ourselves)
  • Budget-Friendly San Jose Costa Rica 3 Day Itinerary
  • 40 Best Things to Do Southampton UK
  • 11 Best Things to Do in San Jose Costa Rica [2025 Guide]
  • Crater Lake National Park Travel Guide
  • Mexico City 3 day itinerary
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | Central America | Mexico | Mexico City | North America | Travel Guides | Trip Planning

    3 Days in Mexico City: A Budget-Friendly Itinerary

    Three days in Mexico City is just enough to fall in love with its vibrant energy, world-class cuisine, and rich history. Whether you’re squeezing in a long weekend, planning a stopover, or simply want to experience the city’s highlights on a tight schedule, this 3-day itinerary is designed for curious, budget-conscious travelers who crave authentic…

    Click here to read more 3 Days in Mexico City: A Budget-Friendly ItineraryContinue

  • Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Local Charm on a Budget
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | Central America | Mexico | Mexico City | North America | Travel Guides | Trip Planning

    Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Local Charm on a Budget

    You were planning a layover — but Mexico City had other plans. Whether you’re a budget-conscious nomad, curious traveler, or culture chaser, this Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary hits the sweet spot: affordable, walkable, packed with history, flavor, and heart. Day 1: Welcome to CDMX – Historic Core & Rooftop Views For more options on where…

    Click here to read more Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Local Charm on a BudgetContinue

  • Belem Walking Tour Itinerary: Discover 15 of Lisbon's Historic Gems in One Day
    Lisbon | Budget Friendly Itineraries | Destinations | Europe | Portugal | Travel Guides | Trip Planning

    Belém Walking Tour: Self-Guided Lisbon Itinerary for 15 Historic Sites

    If you’re searching for a Belém walking tour itinerary that covers all the historic highlights, this self-guided Lisbon tour is perfect. Belém district combines Portugal’s maritime heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and authentic Portuguese culture in one walkable area. We created this self-guided itinerary after multiple visits during our month-long stay in Portugal. It reflects…

    Click here to read more Belém Walking Tour: Self-Guided Lisbon Itinerary for 15 Historic SitesContinue

  • An Itinerary for Oxford England
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | England | Europe | Oxford | Travel Guides | Trip Planning

    An Itinerary for Oxford England

    An Itinerary for Oxford England Itinerary Quick Guide Time Needed: Full day or split across two days (see details below)Total Walking Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles between all locationsCost: Free for all three main museums (donations welcome)Optional Activities: Botanic Garden (£7.20 advance booking) or Oxford CastleTerrain: Mostly flat, urban walking on sidewalksAccessibility: Some tight spaces in…

    Click here to read more An Itinerary for Oxford EnglandContinue

  • An Itinerary for One Day in Guanajuato
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | Guanajuato | Mexico | Travel Guides | Trip Planning

    An Itinerary for One Day in Guanajuato

    Whether it’s a day trip from San Miguel de Allende or you’re just passing through on your way to the BJX airport, if you only have one day to experience the magic of Guanajuato city, don’t worry-you can still soak in the city’s vibrant colors, rich history, and unforgettable atmosphere. Here’s how to make the…

    Click here to read more An Itinerary for One Day in GuanajuatoContinue

  • Why You Shouldn’t Visit Guanajuato (And Let Us Keep It to Ourselves)
    Guanajuato | Budget Friendly Itineraries | Destinations | Mexico | North America | Real Life Abroad

    Why You Shouldn’t Visit Guanajuato (And Let Us Keep It to Ourselves)

    Why You Shouldn’t Visit Guanajuato (And Let Us Keep It to Ourselves) Guanajuato is a mid-sized town in central Mexico, tucked away in the hills like a well-kept secret. And honestly? It should stay that way. With its colorful buildings, ridiculously friendly people, and food that’s entirely too delicious for its own good, this place…

    Click here to read more Why You Shouldn’t Visit Guanajuato (And Let Us Keep It to Ourselves)Continue

  • picture of someone planning a san jose costa rica itinerary
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | Central America | Costa Rica | San Jose | Travel Guides | Trip Planning

    Budget-Friendly San Jose Costa Rica 3 Day Itinerary

    For those planning a trip, this San Jose Costa Rica 3 day itinerary will serve as a perfect guide for your visit. We didn’t have huge expectations for San José. Let’s be honest—most people pass through this city on their way to beaches, volcanoes, or jungles. But we found plenty to keep us busy while…

    Click here to read more Budget-Friendly San Jose Costa Rica 3 Day ItineraryContinue

  • view of Southampton Piers
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | Cruising | England | Europe | Travel Guides

    40 Best Things to Do Southampton UK

    When we started planning our travel itinerary for the four months we’d be in England, Southampton popped up on our radar. Not only is it a major cruise port, but you can also hop on a ferry to/from France or Spain (which is what we did) and skip the airport hassle entirely. Once we started…

    Click here to read more 40 Best Things to Do Southampton UKContinue

  • View of garden through the railing at the museum
    Budget Friendly Itineraries | Central America | Costa Rica | San Jose | Travel Guides

    11 Best Things to Do in San Jose Costa Rica [2025 Guide]

    San Jose Costa Rica offers 11 incredible budget-friendly activities within walking distance of downtown—from world-class museums for under $15 to vibrant markets and peaceful parks that won’t cost you a cent. Travel rarely goes exactly according to plan, and that’s certainly the case for us. Our Costa Rica itinerary got a little shuffled around, leaving…

    Click here to read more 11 Best Things to Do in San Jose Costa Rica [2025 Guide]Continue

  • View of Crater Lake from the rim
    Oregon | Budget Friendly Itineraries | North America | Travel Guides

    Crater Lake National Park Travel Guide

    As we approach the launch date of our new nomadic life we have been discussing all the things we haven’t seen/done in and around our hometown of Redmond, Oregon. I have very vague recollections of visiting Crater Lake National Park as a small child and Sandra thinks she may have seen it but wouldn’t swear…

    Click here to read more Crater Lake National Park Travel GuideContinue

Traveling Soon?

Visit our Travel Resources page to find all the travel planning apps, sites and gear we use

Click here >> Trip Planning Resources

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We’re Jeff and Sandra, two retired Americans, living abroad, on a budget, one country at a time. Most days, we’re just doing what we’ve always done— making ourselves a home, working on projects, cooking, and running errands, wherever home might be at the moment.

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