A well-planned travel budget makes sure every peso is spent wisely, helping you enjoy your dream vacation with help from the right credit card. With careful planning, smart saving, and the perfect card in your wallet, your next international trip could be closer than you think.

One way to get more from every peso is to use a credit card with miles. Philippines travelers trust, for example, the Maya Black Credit Card, which is powered by the #1 digital bank in the country. With this card, you earn Maya Miles instantly, whether you’re booking flights, dining out, paying bills, or shopping online. Those miles can then help you pay for your next flight, hotel, or meal anywhere in the world, giving you total peace of mind. Even better, you can earn up to 10x Maya Miles when you spend at Maya Black Preferred merchants. Just look for the Maya Black Preferred badge in-store or in the Maya app to know where you’ll earn more.

So, once you’ve set your budget and accumulated those credit card miles, where should you go? Here are seven international destinations if you want to see more of the world without spending more than you need to.

1. Thailand: Find Chaos and Calm in One Place

Thailand remains one of the most loved destinations for Filipinos, and for good reason. From wandering the neon-lit streets of Bangkok and endless shopping sprees at night markets to peaceful moments of reflection at Buddhist temples and days under the sun on white-sand beaches, Thailand offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Your travel budget stretches far here, too. For example, budget flights and trains make it easy to hop from bustling Bangkok to the cool hills of Chiang Mai or the clear waters of Phuket. The country’s cheapest food is also often the tastiest. Grab tom yum soup or pad thai from a street vendor, and you’ll see why so many travelers keep coming back.

2. Vietnam: Have Big Adventures on a Small Budget

Vietnam is the kind of place where you can live large on a tiny budget. In Hanoi, for example, you can fill up on steaming pho, crispy banh mi, and Vietnamese drip coffee without spending a fortune. For nature lovers, Halong Bay’s limestone islands are just a bus ride away. Or, rent a motorbike and ride the famous Ha Giang Loop for breathtaking mountain views. Meanwhile, down south in Ho Chi Minh City, old French buildings sit side by side with modern malls and lively night markets. Moreover, you can try the sleeper buses when transferring between cities. They’re comfortable and will save you on hotel fees.

3. Taiwan: Explore a Small Island with Big Value

At first glance, Taiwan may seem pricey, but Taipei’s famous night markets will keep you well-fed for cheap. In fact, bubble tea, dumplings, and fried chicken cutlets at the Shilin Night Market often cost less than your usual coffee run in Makati.

Many top sights are free, too. Stroll through Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, visit colorful temples, or hike Elephant Mountain for panoramic views. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, take a train to Taroko Gorge or Sun Moon Lake for budget-friendly escapes.

4. Indonesia: Go Beyond Bali

Bali is just the beginning when you go to Indonesia. Specifically, cheap hostels, warungs serving hearty local meals, and motorbike rentals make Bali a backpacker favorite, whether one is in the quaint traditional town of Ubud or in the bustling provincial capital of Denpasar. But Indonesia has much more to offer budget travelers.

Yogyakarta, Java’s cultural capital, is home to the breathtaking Borobudur and Prambanan temples, plus a thriving arts scene. Beyond Java, islands like Lombok and Flores promise stunning beaches, waterfalls, and fewer crowds. Best of all, adventures here are very affordable. Sunrise hikes, street food tours, and local homestays keep your trip exciting and inexpensive.

5. Hong Kong: Enjoy Big-City Fun on a Budget

Enjoying Hong Kong’s bright lights don’t have to cost a fortune. For example, you can hop on a Star Ferry for pennies and get million-dollar views of Victoria Harbour. Local diners also serve delicious dim sum for less than a fast-food combo. Don’t miss Tim Ho Wan, one of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.

Moreover, free experiences make your pesos stretch further. For example, you can watch the Symphony of Lights, hike Dragon’s Back for epic views, and explore street markets for bargain souvenirs.

6. South Korea: Save Smart in Seoul

Seoul can be surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead. Make sure to score cheap flights during promo periods, stay in guesthouses near subway stations, and grab a T-money card for discounted rides.

Eating on a budget is easy, too. Street stalls offer hearty snacks like tteokbokki, kimbap, eomuk, and gyeran-ppang for a fraction of restaurant prices. Many shops, especially in the beauty capital of Meyong-dong, also hand out free samples of Korean skincare, so you might come home with freebies.

7. Japan: Make Every Peso Count

Japan is on many budget travelers’ bucket lists, but many still skip it because it has a reputation for being an expensive country. But just like South Korea, it’s more budget-friendly than you might think. You can do this by booking low-cost flights, staying in capsule hotels or BnBs, and grabbing tasty convenience store meals whose quality and diversity rival restaurant fare.

Many shrines, temples, and gardens are also free to enter or just charge a small fee. Moreover, you can use attraction passes and multi-day transport cards to unlock discounts and make the most of your visit. From its popular cherry blossoms to its dazzling cityscapes, Japan proves you don’t need a huge budget for an unforgettable trip.

Tap Smart, Travel Far

Your dream trip is within reach, and it's all about being clever with your money and using the tools you've got. So, don’t be scared of combining a travel promo, credit card miles you've been racking up, and some smart research to unlock some amazing discounts and perks that'll make your wallet happy and your trip smoother. The Maya Black Credit Card turns every purchase into progress toward your next adventure.

Depending on your profile, you could be instantly approved for a standard Maya Black Credit Card, or you might receive an offer for the Maya Black Express, a version that gives you access to all the same benefits, even if you’re new to credit or working on improving your credit score. To apply for Maya Black Express, simply make an Express Deposit of at least PHP 12,500 through the Maya app.

And here’s the best part: if you’re approved for Maya Black Express and use it responsibly, you could be considered for an upgrade to a standard Maya Black Credit Card in as little as six months. Plus, your deposit earns 3.5% annual interest. You’ll get your deposit back along with the interest it accumulates.

So go ahead, get ready to pack your bags and see the world without spending more than you have to with the help of the Maya Black Credit Card.