There are some travel experiences that sound like they should cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, but surprisingly, they don’t.
I’m always looking for those kinds of experiences when I travel! The things you’ll remember long after the trip is over, without having to completely blow your travel budget. From going underneath the Great Pyramid in Egypt to volcano boarding in Guatemala, some of the most unforgettable things I’ve found can actually be done for less than $100.
I put together a list of once in a lifetime travel experiences you can have around the world for under $100.
And yes, some of these are a little wild. 😅
Go Inside the Great Pyramid — Egypt 🇪🇬
You’ve seen the Great Pyramid of Giza in photos, but did you know you can actually go inside it? You’ll make your way through the narrow passageways and Grand Gallery before reaching the King’s Chamber inside the 4,500-year-old pyramid. It’s definitely one of those “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this” experiences.
Cost: The Great Pyramid entrance is EGP 1,500 (about $30) for adults, plus the EGP 780 (about $15) Giza Plateau entrance fee, so roughly $45 total for international visitors.
What the ticket includes: The Great Pyramid ticket gets you inside the Pyramid of Khufu, including access to its interior chambers. The separate Giza Plateau ticket gets you into the archaeological site where you can see the pyramids and Sphinx from the outside.
How to book: Purchase tickets through Egypt’s official Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website or at the Giza Plateau.
Best time to go: October–April for cooler temperatures.
- Tip: The passages inside are narrow and involve climbing, so wear comfortable shoes!
Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro — Nicaragua 🇳🇮
If you’re looking for an experience that is equal parts crazy and unforgettable, volcano boarding in Nicaragua needs to be on your list. At Cerro Negro, you’ll hike up an active volcano and then literally slide down its black volcanic slopes on a board. Bigfoot Hostel in León is one of the original operators of the experience and has been running volcano boarding tours since 2004.
Cost: $37.90 for the Bigfoot tour + a $10 entrance fee, so about $48 total. The tour includes transportation, guide, safety equipment, snacks, photos and drinks.
How to book: Book directly through Bigfoot Hostel’s volcano boarding page. They offer sunrise, daytime and sunset tours. I’d personally go for sunset if you want the full experience.
Best time to go: November–April is generally the drier season, making it a good time for the hike and boarding experience.
- Tip: Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting covered in black volcanic dust. And bring a bandana or buff—you’ll definitely appreciate it on the way down!
Hike Acatenango & Watch a Volcano Erupt — Guatemala 🇬🇹
Imagine hiking up a volcano, camping above the clouds, and then watching another volcano literally erupt across the valley. That’s what makes the Acatenango hike in Guatemala so special. You’ll hike Acatenango and camp overnight with views of the active Volcán de Fuego, which regularly erupts throughout the night.
💰 Cost: Around $53–$100 depending on the tour. Budget tours on GetYourGuide currently start around $53, with meals, transportation and camping equipment included on some options.
How to book: You can book a 2-day Acatenango hike through GetYourGuide. Look for a 2-day/1-night Acatenango hike that specifically includes overnight views of Fuego.
Best time to go: November–April is the dry season, which generally means better hiking conditions and clearer views.
- Tip: This is a serious hike. You’ll be climbing to nearly 13,000 feet, so come prepared for steep terrain, cold temperatures and altitude. And while Fuego is highly active, an eruption isn’t guaranteed at the exact moment you’re watching.
Watch the Namib Desert meet the Atlantic Ocean — Namibia 🇳🇦
One of the most surreal places I’ve ever seen is Sandwich Harbour in Namibia, where massive sand dunes from the Namib Desert drop straight down to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll ride through the desert in a 4×4, climb the dunes and get to see this incredible landscape where two completely different worlds meet.
Cost: Around $127–$180 for a half-day 4×4 tour, depending on the company. Some tours include snacks and drinks.
How to book: Book a guided Sandwich Harbour 4×4 tour from Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. Sandwich Harbour 4×4
Best time to go: July–October for cooler, drier weather and generally good conditions for exploring the coast and desert.
- Tip: The timing of these tours is affected by the tides, so your departure time may vary. For photos, an afternoon or sunset tour can give you beautiful light over the dunes and Atlantic.
Go Shark Cage Diving — Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
If getting into the ocean with sharks sounds completely crazy to you… same. 
But shark cage diving is one of those experiences that feels like it belongs on a bucket list. You’ll head out by boat, get into a protective cage and see sharks swimming incredibly close to you—all without needing a scuba certification.
Cost: Around $130–$200 depending on the operator and whether transportation from Cape Town is included. Some Cape Town-area experiences run from Simon’s Town, while Gansbaai is about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town.
How to book: For a Cape Town experience, you can book with Great White Shark Cage Diving Cape Town
Best time to go: April–October is generally considered a good window for shark activity, although trips operate throughout the year and sightings depend on ocean conditions and wildlife.
- Tip: Leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Shark trips are weather- and sea-condition dependent, and wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed!
