cheap travel country

13 of the cheapest countires to visit in 2024

Depending on where you live in the U.S. and how long you plan to travel abroad, your cross-pond jaunt might actually end up being cheaper than what you would pay for a comparable length of time in the States. And it will be vastly more memorable than a trip to Tampa.

Below is a short lineup of affordable international getaways, including approximate prices for shoulder season flights, possible accommodations, traditional meals, and activities.

• Round-trip flight : $749 JFK-PRN (March-April)
• Lodging (one night) : $13 shared dorm room ; $30 one-bedroom apt .
• Meal : $11 for lamb casserole + roasted veggies + beer + baklava at Tiffany

Once associated with its war-torn independence struggle, the tiny, partially-recognized state of Kosovo should really be known for its exceedingly warm people (even by Balkan standards), underrated food culture, and rock-bottom prices.

Kosovars are welcoming of all visitors, but they really roll out the red carpet for American tourists. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited into a Kosovar home for a marathon meal of highly-Instagramable dishes you’ve never heard of. The epic Skanderbeg steak — rolled meat and gooey cheese, breaded and then fried — is a must-try.

You can burn off the calorically-rich cuisine with a hike through the idyllic Rugova mountain range , which connects Kosovo to two of its stunningly beautiful and stunningly affordable neighbors, Montenegro and Albania.

The Americas

• Round-trip flight : $837 FLL-EZE (November)
• Lodging (one night) : $18 shared dorm room ; $23 entire apartment
• Meal : $25 for 14oz filet mignon + mashed potatoes + arugula salad + bread pudding at Parilla Cero 5

Argentina is a rare playground for both arts aficionados and nature enthusiasts. Melomaniacs will be left breathless by the opulent Teatro Colón , one of the world’s finest venues (if not the finest) for opera and symphonic music. Entrance to a Colón performance can cost as little as $5 to $6 — about 1/5 the price of a comparable ticket in New York or London. And between shows, you can take private tango lessons for a fraction of what you’d pay stateside.

Prefer to trek rather than tango your way through South America? Semi-affordable domestic flights take you into the hikers’ paradise Patagonia. But there are more cost-effective, environmentally-friendly buses that connect to the hinterland’s major jump-off cities, like Puerto Madryn and El Chaltén. An 18-hour bus ride might sound unbearable, but fully-reclining seats and a bottle of quality Malbec (≈ $2) will do wonders for your mood. And the penguins and glaciers galore are worth the schlep.

Note : In an effort to discourage cash use and limit inflation, Argentina has implemented a special, super-low exchange rate for purchases made with non-Argentinian credit cards. Basically, when you use a U.S. credit card in Argentina you get nearly twice the pesos you would normally nab when withdrawing cash from an ATM. And while it’s wise to carry at least some cash in less developed countries, credit cards are safer and more cost effective than repeated ATM trips (provided your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees).

Read more: Best travel rewards credit cards

• Round-trip flight : $831 MIA-GIG (September)
• Lodging (one night) : $16 shared dorm room + breakfast ; $26 private floor of a home
• Meal : $15 for seafood stew + coconut banana rice + salad + cachaça cocktail at Yayá

Picture this: You’re walking along a white sand beach, sipping coconut juice (directly from a coconut, that costs about $1.50), humming the melody of “The Girl from Ipanema” when you meet the actual Girl from Ipanema (now in her 70s; still a knockout), and she invites you to an informal, free samba circle later that night.

This could totally happen to you in Brazil. Why? Because magical. things. happen. in. Brazil . And at very affordable prices.

Feeling spiritual? Take a train through Rio de Janeiro’s lush urban forest (about $18) up to the indescribably massive, 635-ton Christ the Redeemer statue. While JC might be the star, the mugging monkeys at his feet are an amusing sideshow.

Care to bathe in the rainbow shimmer-mist of Iguaçu Falls (aka ‘that makes Niagara look like my leaky bathroom faucet’)? It’s about $12.70 for park entrance . Or $80 for a jungle walk + boat ride to the base of the astonishing torrent.

Fancy a 5-day ferry down the Amazon all the way to the Atlantic Ocean? $155 for a contemplative, old-school Manaus to Belém cruise is a bargain.

• Round-trip flight : $732 JFK-AMM (February/March. But be mindful of Ramadan.)
• Lodging (one night) : $16 Bedouin desert tent (including meals) ; $33 studio apartment
• Meal : $11 for lamb kofta + tabbouleh + baba ghanoush at Alshinawi

Jordan is a gift to anyone who wants a spectacular vacation, in a short amount of time, at a low cost. The desert marvel offers a quartet of ‘musts,’ which are quite affordably priced given their bucket-listyness.

Petra. The ancient Nabatean kingdom is an open-air, sandstone museum with unforgettable temples, tomb-lined canyons, well-preserved mosaics, and an enormous amphitheater. About $80 for a two-day pass.

Wadi Rum. Like your deserts pretty in pink? A full-day, guided 4×4 tour through Earth’s closest approximation to Mars starts from $78 .

The Dead Sea. No need to work on your breaststroke before visiting the lowest point on earth, as the Dead Sea’s dense salinity allows you to effortlessly float. Free access from this beach .

The Red Sea. Paradise for anyone who loves coral reefs and colorful sea critters. $50 for a guided dive .

All of the above are within a three-hour drive of one another and will set you back about $200. More importantly: Camel sightings are complimentary, abundant, and unavoidable.

• Round-trip flight : $1,448 JFK-FRU (July)
• Lodging (one night) : $7 shared dorm room ; $23 private yurt + breakfast
• Meal : $16.50 for horse rib + smoked trout with radish salad + vodka at Frunze

Before there was glamping, there was yurting. Overnighting in a yurt — the traditional domicile of nomadic Central Asian sheepherders — is one of myriad charms awaiting those who visit entirely mountainous, serene Kyrgystan. It’s not exactly the most convenient travel destination airfare-wise, but as a Kyrgyzophile once explained to me: Convenience and adventure rarely intersect.

The jewel in the Kyrgyz crown is arguably Issyk-Kul lake and its surrounding wetland biosphere. Stepping onto the lake’s warm sandy beaches in the peak of summer, while staring at the inexplicably snowy Tengri Tagh (“Mountains of Heaven”) that envelope the lake, is pleasantly disorienting.

Can’t get to Central Asia until after summer passes? You’ll instead arrive in the fall/winter eagle hunting season, in which horse-mounted berkutchi hunters send their highly-trained Golden Eagles to retrieve rabbits, foxes, and even wolves.

• Round-trip flight : $1,076 JFK-TAS (April)
• Lodging (one night) : $12 shared dorm room + breakfast ; $18 private room + breakfast
• Meal : $9.50 for lamb plov + stuffed grape leaves + salad at Caravan

If Kyrgystan fulfills your need for pastoral bliss, Uzbekistan delivers on ancient urban unfamiliar. Its key Silk Road cities — Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva — are an architecture and/or history buff’s Disneyland, and are as enchanting today as they were when Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Marco Polo once trotted in.

Sightseeing in Uzbekistan can be cheap or cheaper. Entrance to Samarkand’s stunning Registan Ensemble (public square and three gorgeous madrasahs) is about $4 or so. A 5-hour, English-guided tour of Bukhara is a well-spent $30 and can be followed by a $25 sauna + skin scrub + massage at the historic Bozori Kord Hammam (traditional bathhouse). Cap the day off with Tajik green tea and a series of delectable sesame and pistachio confections at the Silk Road Tea House for $5.

• ​​Round-trip flight : $1,327 LAX-KUL (July/August)
• Lodging (one night) : $9 shared dorm room ; $32 for one-bedroom apartment
• Meal : $2.50 for a large bowl of braised duck meat noodle soup (koay teow th’ng) with fish balls and greens + chrysanthemum tea at Restaurant 113

Ever get the sense that you’re a little more food-curious/obsessed than your peers? Malaysians are your kind of people.

The majority of Malaysian millennials eat out at least every other day. And why not? Their food culture is diverse, unpretentious, and cheap cheap cheap.

A Southeast Asian grub odyssey should start in the colonial city George Town, which is widely considered Malaysia’s gastronomic capital, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mix of Malay, Han Chinese, Tamil, and European cultural influence.

Do some preliminary research at Wonderfood Museum ($8 entry fee), which introduces tourists to the breadth of Malaysian cuisine via plastic reproductions of various recipes. Once you’ve lost track of the number of dishes you plan to taste, take a 15-minute walk to a nearby food market, like Kimberley Street . Below are some of the definitive local treats to try there:

• Roti canai — pan-fried flatbread served with a variety of curries. Recently named the best street food in the world by Taste Atlas .
• Assam laksa — sour/spicy/sweet soup made with mackerel fish stock, tamarind, torch ginger, and noodles
• Char kway teow — fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, eggs, cockles, etc.
• Sate — skewers of succulent meat served with peanut sauce and chili paste
• Hainanese chicken rice — poached chicken and fragrant rice. Beware: It’s geopolitically sensitive .
• Cendol — refreshing dessert with shaved ice, coconut milk, green pandan jelly, and fruit
• Round-trip flight : $1,140 IAD-ACC (February)
• Lodging (one night) : $14 shared dorm room ; $20 private double room + breakfast
• Meal : $9 for vegan fufu soup + salad + pineapple crumble at Tatale

Ghana is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in West African culture. And the best part of your trip — chumming with Ghanaians — won’t cost a single cedi.

A good icebreaker for making Ghanaian friends is to learn and introduce yourself by your full day of the week name . Follow that up with an impromptu lesson in Ghana’s ‘snap’ handshake to fully endear yourself to your hosts. Hopefully, your new pals might be charmed enough to join you for a beach day at Kokrobite, which you can get to via tro-tro (shared taxi) for around $0.70.

Contemporary Ghana’s congenial, upbeat vibe must be contextualized with a sobering look at its history. A guided tour of Cape Coast Castle , which once imprisoned slaves before they were trafficked across the Atlantic, should be legally mandated for any American tourist in Africa. A bus from Accra to Cape Coast costs about $6, and entrance to the castle is $2.75.

Domestic travel fares to other can’t-miss parts of Ghana, like cultural capital Kumasi, are similarly low, even if you elect to fly rather than bus it. Just leave room in your return luggage for the kente cloth and Ashanti sandals you’ll find at the city-sized Kejetia Market.

• Round-trip flight : $1,369 JFK-WDA (May)
• Lodging (one night) : $17 shared dorm room ; $29 private double room
• Meal : $12.50 for grilled kingklip fish + baked potato + salad + local beer at The Fish Deli

Sparsely populated Namibia is a perfect alternative to more tourist-trodden national parks in the U.S., and it’s one of Africa’s best choices for group road trips and camping. You can rent a 4×4 with tents, bedding, cooking equipment, etc. from around $80 per day for a 3-week trip.

Namibia’s premier attraction is perhaps the Etosha salt pan and surrounding wildlife sanctuary , a fauna-fest of ostriches, honey badgers, and white rhinos, to name but a few standout species. From there you can head southwest toward Walvis Bay for flamingo and pelican-watching, along with a guided kayaking trip in waters teeming with surprisingly social seals (about $60 per person).

Shutterbugs can end the trip with a visit to the Namib Sand Sea , known for its surreal, 300-foot+ orange dunes (some of which are easily accessible by road) and dead-but-photogenic camel thorn trees.

• Round-trip flight : $1,670 IAD-LUN (September)
• Lodging (one night): $19 shared dorm room : $30 private room + breakfast
• Meal : $9.50 for goat stew + cassava porridge + house veggies + Zambian beer at Mpoto Yathu

Zambia is surprisingly under-traveled compared to regional household names like South Africa and Kenya. But what it lacks in PR it more than makes up for in unspoiled beauty.

With its key attractions spread out across an area larger than Texas, Zambia is best suited to journeys of three weeks or more. Start by visiting mile-wide, jaw-dropping Mosi-oa-Tunya (aka Victoria Falls) for a $20 entrance fee. After drying off you can take an overnight train ($8 for a sleeper cabin) to the capital city Lusaka. Renting a car from there allows you to unwind on the isolated southern beaches of Tanganyika, a lake so massive it feels more like a sea.

The trip is incomplete without a visit to ​​ South Luangwa National Park . It’s a dream safari in the dry season (July to October), when crowds of elephants, giraffes, and zebras forage along the banks of the Zambezi river’s tributaries, and are tracked by hungry lions and leopards. There’s a widespread misconception that the park is financially out of reach for budget travelers, but you can keep costs reasonable by selecting an affordable tour operator , for which all-inclusive packages (lodging, food, and excursions) start at $209 per day.

Cheapest countries to fly to

The countries highlighted in this article are affordable across a range of travel expenses, including grub, housing, sightseeing, and domestic transit. But they’re not always cheap to get to. And after factoring in airfare, some are only truly cost effective if you can stay for a few weeks or longer.

If you’re craving a foreign escape but you have a relatively short window of time to travel, you might want to zero in on destinations with low-cost airfare (which, for U.S.-based travelers typically = countries in Central America and the Caribbean).

Below are some of the cheapest countries to fly to from the three most popular U.S. airports. Approximate airfare prices are round trip.

ATL Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

• Dominican Republic ≈ $170 in February/March via Frontier
• Mexico ≈ $175 in February/March via Frontier
• Jamaica ≈ $237 in May via Frontier

LAX Los Angeles International Airport

• Canada ≈ $104 in April via Flair
• Mexico ≈ $180 in February/March via Viva Aerobus
• Costa Rica ≈ $213 in August via Volaris

ORD Chicago O’Hare International Airport

• Mexico ≈ $218 in May via Volaris
• Canada ≈ $241 in April via American Airlines
• Colombia ≈ $383 in January via Spirit

Read more: Best booking sites for travel

How to choose your destination

The randomized ‘spin the globe and see where it stops’ method of decision-making does have its merits. But consider the below before you give Skyscanner your credit card deets.

Travel interests

Ever asked yourself, ‘Why all the wanderlust?’ We all want to get away for different reasons, and doing some preemptive soul-searching can help you better predict which countries you’ll truly vibe with.

Poland’s conveyor belt of medieval villages will captivate anyone who’s fond of cobblestone streets and Brick Gothic castles. But its conveyor belt of potatoes (followed by more potatoes) will bore insatiable chow-hounds, who should pay the extra airfare to get to a bonafide gastroparadise, like Malaysia.

Ease of domestic travel

Is there enough to do in one small region, or will you need to be mobile to feel satisfied with your trip?

Transit costs won’t be too much of a factor if you plan on confining your visit to one city — and there are some megacities where you can spend weeks without a moment of boredom (hello Istanbul). But trying to reach two far-flung locales within one ginormous country can bloat your budget, particularly if public transit options are limited.

And keep in mind that two comparably developed countries may have completely different levels of public transit access. India’s vast rail network makes it a haven for low-cost inter-city travel. But ask a Brazilian about trains from Rio to Salvador and expect a dumbfounded, ‘Hã?’

Medical care

If you have a history of medical issues, it shouldn’t categorically prevent you from traveling overseas. But it might influence your destination choice. Low cost of living/travel often correlates to limited health care infrastructure, though there are some exceptions (e.g., Portugal).

Uncle Sam’s input

Always check the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories just before buying an international flight, and check again in the days leading up to your departure.

All of the countries featured in this article had Level 1 or 2 advisories at the time of publication. A number of places that otherwise would have featured on this list — like Nicaragua, Peru, or Egypt — were omitted due to an increased risk assessment.

If your planned destination is currently safe but historically prone to turmoil, consider booking refundable flights and lodging. And check that your travel insurance will cover an early return home in the event of an outbreak of violence or a natural disaster.

There’s nothing more economical than an open mind

It’s a bummer if you’re priced out of traveling in a fabulous yet exorbitantly expensive locale.

But there are nearly 200 different countries scattered around our shared rock today. And for every Switzerland and Singapore (or, for that matter, United States), remember that there’s an equally exciting and less wallet-crippling alternative waiting for you to visit.

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34 best countries to travel for less than $40/day (total) in 2024

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: March 1, 2024
• Post category: General wanderlust / Travel inspiration
• Post comments: 2 Comments

The cheapest countries to travel to are also wonderful destinations, allowing you to travel for less, for longer, or in luxury. It’s so sad that so many people think that travel is necessarily expensive because it’s just not true. It absolutely can be affordable, that’s not debatable. But you have to want to of course.

Most importantly, you have to choose the right destinations to make it as cheap as possible. Good news: they’re awesome destinations too!

Here are the details of the 34 best countries to travel to for a TOTAL of less than $40 a day in 2024, with a few basic tips because it’s such an important topic (arguably THE most important to travel for less).

Basics of the cost of traveling

It’s important to understand the difference between:

• What most people sadly think is affordable
• What is really affordable

Quite frankly, as pro travelers, it fascinates us that so many people find Portugal affordable. No, it’s objectively not.

It’s normal to just not know , you can’t know until you discover it yourself or someone tells you, like so many things in the world of travel . For a long time, I myself thought traveling was expensive, and I wasted so much time because of that. I badly wish someone had told me earlier…

So now, you do know!

North America and Western Europe are obviously the worst places in the world in terms of cost of living, and unfortunately, a lot of people have never gone outside of that axis. Of course, compared to that, Portugal is more affordable . But it’s still not affordable !

Countries where you can easily pay just $40 total per day (if you want), that is affordable. Also, they’re often less overcrowded with tourists, a double-win!

Basics of planning how to travel for less

Here’s something that seems obvious to us but that sometimes isn’t for everyone, so we’ll clarify it:

• We’re not saying to always go to these countries
• But at the very least don’t just always go to the expensive ones

If you want to save money , it’s really not rocket science: go to affordable countries.

That way, you don’t need to change anything else in the way you travel , and everything will be half as expensive, or even better than half. And those on this list are all safe too!

My Taylor Swift tickets for US$23 in Brazil in November are a great example. Those tickets are selling for $1500 in Toronto. It’s the exact same artist, the exact same concert, the exact same decor, everything is the same. It’s just in an affordable country (and not even among the most affordable , as it isn’t even on this list).

The same simple principle obviously applies to hotels, meals, activities, EVERYTHING: the same quality is much cheaper if you simply choose affordable countries.

And even if you prefer luxury… luxury is so much cheaper in these countries too, obviously. So it’s still the best tip!

Basics of the cheapest countries to travel to

It’s very important to know this (I believe the vast majority does, and others need to please travel more to broaden their horizons and destroy their prejudices):

• Affordable countries have a lot to offer
• Almost all of our favorite countries are on this list

I am going to be quite direct about this: when someone tells me that cheap countries have nothing to offer and aren’t worth visiting, it blows my mind . Tell me you don’t know what you’re talking about without telling me you don’t know what you’re talking about… 

Everyone has different tastes, but in this guide, you’ll find 34 super-affordable countries where you can definitely discover some incredible places.

Cities, culture, food, history, architecture, nature, beaches, mountains, hikes… if you want to, you can find anything in affordable countries. If not, you’re really not trying very hard. It’s fine to not want to … it’s not fine to say there’s nothing interesting in all affordable countries . Because it’s absolutely false.

As I said, personally, almost all my favorite countries (I’ve visited 71) are really on this list, hands down. Same thing for Flytrippers’ co-founder, Kevin (who’s visited 86). We know better than most people, just like most people who do more hiking know more about that than we do. Basic math 🙂

Basics of the $40 per day cost

Here are the basics of how this budget works :

• It’s easily attainable with budget travel (of course it’s easy to spend more, as it is everywhere)
• It’s not 100% equal in all 34 countries, it’s a bit easier in some (it’s a general guideline)
• It’s illustrated with 2 lodging examples for each country (highly-rated ones only, you can find cheaper)

Of course, even in the cheapest countries in the world, you can still spend $400 a day. There’s never a maximum limit anywhere. But there are minimum limits. Good luck spending just $40 a day in France! Almost impossible. 

But in the 34 countries listed below, it’s quite easy, especially if you use a few basic budget travel tips . 

To give you some examples, we’ve used the cost of accommodation. It’s not perfect, but it’s often the biggest expense. For each country, we’ve put 1 example of a hotel for those traveling with a buddy and 1 example of a hostel for those traveling solo.

There are much cheaper ones than our examples (there’s ALWAYS a way to save more), including guest houses for example, but the ones we’ve included are always hotels and hostels that are very highly rated too .

Map of 34 best affordable countries in 2024

Here’s the map version, and we look at them all one by one below, by region.

Southeast Asia

The favorite region of just about every traveler who likes to save money and for good reason!

1. Indonesia

With 17,000 islands, Indonesia has so many absolutely incredible destinations (with great biodiversity). The world’s 4th most populous country has a rich culture and much to discover.

Bali is obviously the most popular (and touristy) island, which I still found very interesting. But Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea are other huge islands and generally have even lower prices obviously.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $11 per night ($6 per night per person) in Bali, Indonesia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $9 per night  in Bali, Indonesia.

2. Malaysia

Possibly the most underrated destination in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has been a favorite of mine and has sublime natural attractions. It’s 1 of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, meaning they’re the richest in terms of biodiversity.

The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is fantastic. There are other destinations worth exploring on the peninsular and on the island of Borneo. These happen to be the cheapest in the country. Smaller islands like Penang and Langkawi are also worth a visit.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $25 per night ($13 per night per person) in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $17 per night in Langkawi, Malaysia.

3. Thailand

Thailand is Southeast Asia’s best-known country. The Land of Smiles attracts a huge number of travelers in search of a change of scenery and heavenly beaches. Kevin has been there a dozen times and loved it.

There’s no shortage of variety here: Bangkok is certainly one of the world’s most iconic cities, and Chiang Mai literally plunges you into the jungle. The islands are mostly in the south, including the popular Phuket.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $16 per night ($8 per night per person) in Phuket, Thailand.

Here’s an example of a hostel for $8 per night in Phuket, Thailand.

4. Viet Nam

The 15th most populous country in the world, Viet Nam has a recent tumultuous history but offers so many beautiful places to discover from north to south, including over 3,000 kilometers of coastline. Kevin enjoyed all the places in the country.

The metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are very dynamic. The country also has magnificent national parks, such as the famous Ha Long Bay, and other pretty little towns too, such as Da Nang and Hoi An.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $15 per night ($8 per night per person) in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

Here’s an example of a hostel for $5 per night in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

5. Cambodia

Cambodia is another country with a very long history, but this one is relatively sparsely populated for this region, giving it a different vibe. Kevin also recommends this country, which he visited for 1 month.

The capital, Phnom Penh, is interesting, but most travelers spend more time visiting the famous Buddhist temples, including the gigantic and impressive Angkor Wat, as well as Kampot and Sihanoukville.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $23 per night ($12 per night per person) in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at$5 per night  in Siem Reap, Cambodia

6. Philippines

An archipelago of 7641 islands, the Philippines is a favorite destination for many explorers. Its people are extremely welcoming and its nature is second to none, not even countries where everything is 5 times more expensive!

City fans will love Manila, but the most popular spots are generally the islands of Palawan, Cebu, and Coron.

Here’s an example of a $23 per night hotel ($12 per night per person) in Cebu, Philippines.

Here’s an example of a hostel for $4 per night  in Cebu, Philippines.

The least-known country and the only one without access to the sea in this beautiful region of the world, Laos is less populated than Ontario!

Its capital, Vientiane, is far from being the most popular destination. However, this country has some very charming small villages and a much more attractive city, Luang Prabang.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $28 per night ($14 per night per person) in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $5 per night  in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Formerly known as Burma (and still wrongly called that by many, even 30+ years later), Myanmar is the most off-the-beaten-path country in Southeast Asia.

Very authentic, in many parts of the country, locals still live traditional lives. In addition to the cities of Yangon and Mandalay, Bagan and the coast are also popular.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $43 per night ($22 per night per person) in Bagan, Myanmar.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $11 per night in Bagan, Myanmar.

The most exotic part of the most exotic and awesome continent is also one of the most affordable… talk about a win-win combo!

Earning the title of the most populous country in the world since 2023, India is an iconic destination for many travelers. Like all of South Asia, this place will definitely take you out of your comfort zone.

The big cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are well worth a visit, but the mountains of the north, the desert of the center, and the beaches of the south are just as interesting. It’s a country that really does have something for every traveler, and I enjoyed visiting it last summer.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $17 per night ($8 per night per person) in Goa, India.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $5 per night  in Goa, India.

This small mountainous country is one of the most iconic destinations in this part of the world. Yet it’s still very affordable!

Trekking all over the country is usually well-loved by travelers, as are the temples you can find in some cities, including the capital Kathmandu. Kevin spent some time there and highly recommends it.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $18 per night ($9 per night per person) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $7 per night  in Kathmandu, Nepal.

11. Bangladesh

The 8th most populous country in the world, Bangladesh is not as well known, so few travelers add it to their itinerary. It’s a unique, out-of-the-ordinary destination that certainly deserves to be explored further.

In addition to cities like Dakha and Chittagong, Bangladesh boasts incredible temples and the world’s longest beach. It is also one of the greenest countries in the region.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $34 per night ($17 per night per person) in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

This country is easier to discover on a budget with a buddy: unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any hostels in Bangladesh.

12. Sri Lanka

The small, beautiful island of Sri Lanka is one of Kevin’s highlights. It’s one of his favorites among the 86 countries he’s visited! It’s definitely worth exploring if you love nature.

There’s a lot of variety for such a small country, with sublime coastlines, lush green landscapes, and surprising safaris! 

Here’s an example of a hotel at $28 per night ($14 per night per person) in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $9 per night in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Central Asia

A region often overlooked but with so much history and sublime scenery.

13. Uzbekistan

One of my all-time favorite countries, Uzbekistan is both a change of scenery and very orderly, a rare combination. The ancient Silk Road has left behind many magnificent vestiges.

The 3 historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are the preferred itinerary, and all 3 are worth a visit. There are no words to tell you how much I recommend Uzbekistan if you want to venture off the beaten path.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $42 per night ($21 per night per person) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $23 per night in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

14. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its grandiose landscapes, perfect for those who want to be out in nature without the crowds.

Bishkek is the starting point, but there are plenty of places to go to explore the traditional nomadic lifestyle of this region. I can’t wait to go back and venture out of the capital, even though I found it to be a cool city: the rest looks even better.

Here’s an example of a $53 per night hotel ($27 per night per person) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $11 per night in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The last region of Asia with very affordable countries, which has countries that look like Europe… including one of my favorite countries in the world!

15. Türkiye

Türkiye spans 2 continents, Asia and Europe. This country has a lot to offer, including a rich cultural heritage, splendid landscapes, and delicious cuisine! One of my absolute favorites in the world!

Istanbul is the country’s must-see metropolis, followed by the capital Ankara. The Cappadocia region is famous for its underground cities and hot-air balloon flights over rocky landscapes. The long Mediterranean coastline is sublime. The east of the country is another world entirely.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $39 per night ($19 per night per person) in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $15 per night in Istanbul, Türkiye.

16. Georgia

Just like Türkiye, Georgia is located at the crossroads of these 2 continents, which are not clearly defined. This beautiful country is recognized for its cultural, historical, and political affiliation with Europe, especially since it obtained official status as a candidate for European Union membership in December 2023.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a dynamic city with captivating architecture, picturesque streets, and traditional thermal baths. Other places to explore include Mtskheta, Batumi, and Signagi. Kevin spent 3 months there because he loved it so much!

Here’s an example of a $32 per night hotel ($16 per night per person) in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $16 per night in Tbilisi, Georgia.

17. Azerbaijan

With its UNESCO World Heritage sites, varied landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Azerbaijan is attracting more and more travelers! 

The capital, Baku, is well worth a visit, with its historic quarter, lively nightlife, and proximity to the Gobustan National Park. Nature lovers, meanwhile, will appreciate the beautiful mountainous region of Gabala.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $24 per night ($12 per night per person) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $10 per night  in Baku, Azerbaijan.

18. Armenia

Located in the Caucasus region like the 2 previous ones, this landlocked nation attracts visitors with its thousand-year-old history, mountainous landscapes, and thriving artistic traditions combining music, dance, and handicrafts, all at affordable prices!

Armenia is full of iconic religious sites and lush nature. Yerevan, the Armenian capital, will surely charm you with its vibrant mix of ancient history and modernity, as well as its bustling streets. Kevin enjoyed this city a lot!

Here’s an example of a hotel at $44 per night ($22 per night per person) in Yerevan, Armenia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $18 per night in Yerevan, Armenia.

The world’s least explored continent has many affordable destinations. Note that not all countries are affordable for travelers despite their low cost of living, because often they have too few infrastructures for travelers.

Famous for its legendary pharaohs, the pyramids of Giza, the emblematic Nile River, its vast deserts, its diving in the Red Sea, and ancient temples, Egypt is a traveler’s dream!

Cairo is a different and surprising capital, close to all the main places of interest. What’s more, this year the world’s largest museum of Egyptian civilization will finally open its doors to visitors after 2 decades of construction. 

Don’t forget to visit Alexandria, once home to the famous library and lighthouse, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Kevin spent over 3 weeks in the country and loved it: he’ll be sharing his experience with you soon.

Here’s an example of a $26 per night hotel ($13 per night per person) in Cairo, Egypt.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $10 per night  in Cairo, Egypt.

20. Morocco

This jewel of the Maghreb in North Africa attracts travelers for its unique cultural diversity and fascinating history, ranging from bustling medinas to imperial cities. Not the most affordable of affordable countries, but I still loved my trips there.

Marrakech, also known as the “Red City,” awaits you with its exquisite Arab and Berber cuisine and spice markets. Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” of Morocco, is highly appreciated by photographers and absolutely stunning. Other must-visit places include the unique city of Tangier (once a city that didn’t belong to any country), the beautiful city of Fes (with one of the prettiest historic centers), Rabat (the capital), and Casablanca (the country’s largest city).

Here’s an example of a hotel at $38 per night ($19 per night per person) in Chefchaouen, Morocco.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $11 per night in Chefchaouen, Morocco.

21. Tunisia

Tunisia reveals its unique charms through the vast desert expanses of the Sahara, its Berber culture in the Atlas Mountains, its picturesque oases, and sunny Mediterranean beaches, not to mention its affordable prices for travelers! It’s the exact same sea where everything is pricier on the north coast!

The vibrant atmosphere of Tunis’ medina is sure to please you, as are the ancient ruins of Carthage. Other Roman remains can be found in El Jem and Dougga.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $24 per night ($12 per night per person) in Sousse, Tunisia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $22 per night in Djerba, Tunisia.

22. Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, the Arab world, and the Mediterranean basin. It ranks 10th in the world in terms of area. It’s the most developed country on the continent of Africa (according to the Human Development Index), so it’s on the higher end of these affordable countries obviously.

This land, with its impressive historical heritage, is filled with natural treasures such as the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, as well as dynamic cities like Algiers and Oran. Archaeological sites such as Timgad, the M’Zab Valley, and the Casbah of Algiers are among the most popular destinations for travelers.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $51 per night ($26 per night per person) in Algiers, Algeria.

It’s another country that’s easier to discover on a budget with a buddy: there don’t seem to be any hostels in Algeria.

23. Madagascar

Located off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the 4th largest island on our planet and the 2nd largest island country in the world.

It’s Madagascar’s incredible landscapes and unique biodiversity that give it its must-see reputation. Attractions like the Avenue of the Baobabs and Lemurs’ Park offer unforgettable experiences. In addition to the capital Antananarivo, you absolutely must visit Nosy Be, a small tropical paradise.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $26 per night ($13 per night per person) in Antsirabe, Madagascar.

This is the last of the countries that are easier to discover on a budget with a buddy: there don’t seem to be any hostels in Madagascar.

Located in East Africa, Kenya is one of the best-known destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The country is renowned for its wildlife reserves and safaris, particularly in the Masai Mara. Travelers also appreciate the main cities of Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as the idyllic beaches of the Indian Ocean and the island of Lamu.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $21 per night ($11 per night per person) in Malindi, Kenya.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $14 per night  in Mombasa, Kenya.

With an estimated population of over 34 million people, Ghana is a growing tourist destination in West Africa. Kevin is in the 2nd month of his journey in this region of Africa and will soon be able to tell you about Ghana.

Its coastline is bordered by the Gulf of Guinea, offering beautiful beaches like Busua and Kokrobite, popular for relaxation and surfing. In addition to the major cities of Accra and Kumasi, there are national parks, forts, and castles in Cape Coast and Elmina, not to mention Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $36 per night ($18 per night per person) in Accra, Ghana.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $19 per night  in Accra, Ghana.

Far from being the most affordable continent, there are still a few options.

26. Bosnia-Herzegovina

If you think traveling around Europe costs a fortune, you’ve never been to Bosnia-Herzegovina! Despite its small size, this country offers a rich variety of landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and a small but very charming coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

There are many interesting cities, including the capital Sarajevo, Banja Luka, the country’s second-largest city, and the picturesque towns of Mostar and Blagaj. There’s just as much history as out West!

Here’s an example of a hotel at $38 per night ($19 per night per person) in Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $16 per night in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

27. North Macedonia

Here’s another European country that won’t break the bank! North Macedonia is a landlocked Balkan country. It’s a beautiful, mountainous place with around fifty lakes, perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities.

Skopje, the capital, is famous for its architecture, which blends the old and the modern (I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world), while Lake Ohrid offers breathtaking views. The town of Ohrid, famous for its medieval churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $50 per night ($25 per night per person) in Skopje, Northern Macedonia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $22 per night in Skopje, Northern Macedonia.

28. Moldova

This Eastern European country is one of the least visited on the continent. It’s therefore an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers seeking unique experiences, another one that I absolutely loved. Plus, it’s cheap there!

Don’t miss the many vineyards, including the world’s largest wine collection, which is completely underground: we explored it by car, that’s how big it is. The capital Chișinău is interesting too.

We lovedthe separatist region called Transnistria , self-proclaimed independent since 1991. Even though it’s not recognized abroad, Transnistria is a de facto country, with its own government, customs, and currency! Although Transnistria might be the only region in these 34 countries to avoid now, with the Russia situation.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $36 per night ($18 per night per person) in Chișinău, Moldova.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $16 per night in Chișinău, Moldova.

Central America

The affordable region that’s closest to home, so often the cheapest overall for shorter trips because of cheaper flights.

29. Guatemala

This beautiful country was once home to the heart of the Mayan civilization. Today, Guatemala is Central America’s most populous country and is usually a favorite among travelers. Personally, I’d never been much attracted to Central America, but I really liked this country.

Guatemala is splendid, offering majestic volcanoes, lush jungles, and picturesque lakes like Lake Atitlán. The capital, Ciudad de Guatemala, is often overlooked by visitors who prefer to explore Antigua and Chichicastenango. Yet they are all well worth a visit! 

Here’s an example of a hotel at $35 per night ($17 per night per person) in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $17 per night in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.

30. El Salvador

Despite its small size, El Salvador has a diverse culture, influenced by its colonial history and Indigenous roots. This country is less well-known than its neighbors, yet it doesn’t lack character. We visited in early 2022 and loved the country, but if the price of bitcoin keeps going up, this might not be an affordable destination for long (it was the first country in the world to make bitcoin legal tender). Lodging already seems much more expensive.

Beyond the capital San Salvador, which has surprisingly interesting neighborhoods, get ready to explore breathtaking archaeological sites, pretty beaches like El Tunco, and stunning national parks. La Libertad is a coastal town not to be missed, especially by surfing enthusiasts.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $43 per night ($22 per night per person) in La Libertad, El Salvador.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $24 per night in La Libertad, El Salvador.

31. Nicaragua

Although Nicaragua is not as visited as other places, its charm lies in its well-preserved nature. Prices are affordable, people are friendly, and the beaches are sublime, especially in San Juan del Sur! 

You can also find colonial towns like Granada and León, abundant biodiversity, active volcanoes, and Central America’s largest lake, Lake Nicaragua. Managua is the country’s capital and largest city.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $43 per night ($22 per night per person) in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $15 per night in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

South America

Last but not least.

32. Argentina

Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world and has a unique history with many different influences. Over 97% of the population has some European origins (mainly Italian, not Spanish as many people imagine), but 56% of the population also has Indigenous origins. It’s a beautiful melting pot of cultures! Kevin loved his month and a half there!

The capital, Buenos Aires, is not to be missed, with its elegant architecture, lively neighborhoods, tango dancers, high-quality nightlife, amazing steaks, and very affordable prices. Buenos Aires is also called “the Paris of the South” for its European flair. The majestic Iguazú Falls and Patagonia also delight travelers, as do the less-visited inland regions. However, Patagonia is a very expensive region, it’s not at all a cheap destination.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $54 per night ($27 per night per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $16 per night in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

33. Colombia

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with its Caribbean beaches, Amazon rainforests, Andes mountains, and national parks like Tayrona. We both loved our trips to Colombia too!

Colombian attractions are diverse, ranging from the old town of Cartagena to the mystical Ciudad Perdida, from the dynamic capital Bogotá to the sumptuous beaches of San Andrés and Santa Marta, and from the majestic Los Nevados National Park to Comuna 13 in Medellín. This exceptional diversity explains why the country is attracting more and more visitors!

Here’s an example of a hotel at $39 per night ($20 per night per person) in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $14 per night  in Medellín, Colombia.

34. Bolivia

This beautiful landlocked country in central-western South America has a culture strongly influenced by Indigenous traditions.

Bolivia offers a variety of scenery, from the high plateaus of the Andes to the vast plains at the edge of the Amazon, including the famous Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert on the planet. Be prepared for altitude: La Paz is the world’s highest capital and Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on the planet.

Here’s an example of a hotel at $30 per night  ($15 per night per person) in La Paz, Bolivia.

Here’s an example of a hostel at $11 per night in La Paz, Bolivia.

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This post has 2 comments.

You forgot Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Very safe and inexpensive. Also Brazil and Uruguay.

Usually slightly more pricey than the others, but still very affordable indeed!

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21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024

By Caitlin Morton

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There are many factors to consider when planning a vacation, from finding cheap places to travel and the safety of your intended destination to hotel options . But like it or not, there’s one thing that influences our travel decisions more than anything else: money. All those resort fees, plane tickets , and life-changing meals add up pretty quickly—so at the end of the day, we really want to prioritize places where our greenbacks have the most spending power.

We did a little digging to find the countries where the U.S. dollar goes the furthest, based on current exchange rates. And while our fickle global economy means those rates can change at any time, certain places have consistently offered more bang for our buck over the years—and, fingers crossed, they should stay that way well into 2024 .

Without further ado, here are 21 of the best cheap places to travel around the world.

Budapest, Hungary

1 USD = 351.21 HUF

Hungary’s favorable economy is great news for anyone planning a trip to Budapest , where a growing scene of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-tech spas are calling to us from across the globe. The city just celebrated its 150th anniversary in November 2023, which means there are even more reasons to visit during the next calendar year, including the newly reopened Chain Bridge and the brand-new House of Music Hungary . Be sure to book a room at the art deco W Budapest —formerly a palace and on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed street—which opened in July 2023 opposite the Hungarian State Opera.

South Korea

1 USD = 1,301.45 KRW

While other travelers head to the popular tourist destinations of Seoul , Busan, and Jeju Island, we have our eyes set on another South Korean city:  Mokpo , located in the Jeolla region at the southern tip of the peninsula. The port city offers some of the most interesting dining in the country, and specialty dishes like  hongeo (a naturally fermented, extremely pungent skate-fish dish) attract food lovers from around the world.

1 USD = 17.22 MXN

Mexico is consistently one of our favorite places to travel on a budget. In Mexico City , with a street food culture rivaled only by its forward-looking restaurant scene, you’ll be spending most of your money on eats. But make sure to leave some bucks to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, starting with the iconic Museo Jumex . If you’re looking to go a little farther afield, head to Jalisco to see tequila being made at the source, or Isla Holbox for a sleepy beach scene.

An eagle hunter riding near the Altai Mountains in Mongolia.

1 USD = 3,449.69 MNT

We’ve long been fans of Mongolia for its seemingly limitless expanses and adventure camps—and the fact that travel here costs as little as $75 per day (including accommodations). The country is on a mission to lure even more travelers into its borders in 2024, with upcoming initiatives like its first-ever direct US flight and visa-free travel for dozens of nationalities. You can also expect even more offbeat cultural experiences next year: Local operator Breanna Wilson is expanding her 2024 tours to include a digital nomad week, a women-only retreat in Orkhon Valley, and a three-day archery training session.

1 USD = 24,275.00 VND

Plenty of countries in Southeast Asia are great deals for dollar carriers right now, but we recommend a trip to Vietnam—in part because of the steadily increasing exchange rate, but mostly for the country’s mind-blowing beauty. Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten track during your next visit: Places like  Ninh Van Bay and Phú Quốc island have pristine beaches and intimate resorts you won’t find in the more touristed areas.

1 USD = 4.94 BRL

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Caitlin Morton

Emily Pennington

Like much of South America, Brazil is a good place to visit if you don’t want to break the bank. But the fact that a dollar gets you nearly five Brazilian reals means you can get even better value than usual. Rio de Janeiro is the most obvious place to spend time and money, with incredible restaurants—like  Lasai , a 2023 Hot List winner—just steps away from some of the world’s  best beaches . But don't forget to visit  São Paulo , too, where a younger generation has introduced hip galleries, museums, and bars to several long-neglected neighborhoods.

South Africa

1 USD = 18.30 ZAR

The value of the South African rand has fluctuated a lot over the past few years, but we’re pretty happy with where it is today. (To compare, one U.S. dollar only got you 8.57 ZAR 10 years ago.) Stretch those bucks on the  Test Kitchen ’s 21-course tasting menu in Cape Town , then head into the wilderness at  Singita Castleton Lodge in the Sabi Sand game reserve.

Traditional stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka

1 USD = 327.31 SLR

The Sri Lankan rupee has slowly gotten more and more favorable over the past couple of decades, but it completely skyrocketed starting a couple of years ago (a dollar converted to 200 SLR in February 2022, and now look where we are). We’re more excited than ever to explore this incredible island nation, where you can see leafy tea plantations, Buddhist temples, golden beaches, and 200-mile hiking trails in one memorable trip.

1 USD = 525.96 CRC

The Costa Rican colón has depreciated a bit in recent months, but it remains favorable for US travelers. Then there’s the fact that the country’s best asset (i.e. its natural beauty) is mostly free to enjoy. From trekking through the tropical cloud forests in the mountains of Alajuela to surfing off the coast of Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica is one of the world’s best countries for outdoor adventure. (And the  hotels are pretty great , too.)

Philippines

1 USD = 55.89 PHP

We’re never not dreaming about island hopping in the Phillippines. It’s hard to believe that places like Palawan and Siargao are so economically accessible, given that they are some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Even five-star resorts like  Shangri-La Boracay can be reserved for under $350 per night, which is all the incentive we need to book a trip right now.

1 USD = 4,580 MGA

For your next tropical island vacation, skip pricey, popular locations like the Maldives and Bora Bora for inexpensive Madagascar—an Indian Ocean treasure filled with breathtaking rainforests and lemur-filled national parks. Plan your visit around the opening of Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp ( scheduled for mid-2024 ), which will feature seven luxury safari tents inside the essentially unvisited Namoroka National Park. Alternately, swing by the island nation as part of a cruise itinerary: Luxe cruise lines like Silversea , Lindblad , Swan Hellenic , and Seabourne have all added the country as a port of call on new voyages.

Cairo, Egypt.

1 USD = 30.93 EGP

Following in the footsteps of pharaohs in Egypt feels like it should be expensive, but the Egyptian pound has skyrocketed this year—that means touring the Pyramids, cruising the Nile, and exploring Cairo has never been more affordable. We’re excited to check out relatively new openings, like St. Regis Cairo and the beach villas at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria . And we’ve been anxiously awaiting the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum for years now, but it looks like it might actually happen in 2024.

1 USD = 4.67 MYR

Your cash will stretch far in Malaysia, especially if you fill up on street food and explore cities like Kuala Lumpur on foot. It’s also inexpensive (or in some cases, free) to visit the country’s pristine beaches, limestone caves, and some of the most beautiful tea plantations. If you’re ready and willing to shell out the big bucks, however, we highly recommend shacking up at  The Datai Langkawi —it’s definitely expensive but wholly worth it.

1 USD = 83.04 INR

India has always been a cheap travel destination; now that you can get 83 rupees to the dollar, however, the country is more affordable than ever. Hotels run the gamut from $60-per-night bungalows to pricy Oberoi and Six Senses outposts, plus hundreds of options in between. But as long as you don’t hole up in your resort the entire time, you can visit plenty of attractions and dine at local restaurants on an extremely tight budget.

1 USD = 107.45 RSD

Belgrade continues to emerge as one of Europe’s most exciting cultural epicenters, but it’s massively less expensive than, say, Paris or Berlin (at least for now). It’s relatively easy to find hotels under $100, though accommodations aren’t all that important when you spend all night dancing in clubs around the city. But you will want to get some rest to explore Belgrade’s wealth of museums and contemporary art installations, many of which just opened in the  past few years .

Ohrid, North Macedonia

North Macedonia

1 USD = 56.44 MKD

Perhaps it’s because the coastal countries get all the attention, but North Macedonia remains one of the most  criminally underrated (and therefore affordable) countries in Europe. The landlocked nation is a sleeper hit for those in the know, especially if you head to the charming city of Ohrid. It has all the cobbled streets and quaint churches one would expect from a European town, with the added advantage of being right on the shores of the incredibly gorgeous and biodiverse Lake Ohrid.

1 USD = 132.92 NPR

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to visit for all travelers, but the U.S. dollar is particularly strong there right now. Most people immediately associate Nepal with Mt. Everest, but the tiny nation has much more to offer than bucket-list climbs. Kathmandu is overwhelming at first, but it hides some great hotels and museums once you start digging. Bhaktapur and Patan—both close by in the Kathmandu Valley—are a bit more low-key but still packed with culture.

1 USD = 66.99 GMD

It may be continental Africa’s smallest country but don’t you dare overlook the Gambia . The ultra-affordable nation has long been a coveted spot for wildlife enthusiasts, but it’s starting to rise in the ranks as both a  food destination and luxury cruise  port of call .

1 USD = 15,556.65 IDR

Despite the post- Eat, Pray, Love influx of tourists, Indonesia remains an affordable vacation spot overall. While millions of people flock to Bali (where resort prices are steep in response), you can enjoy a much cheaper and more peaceful trip on  the islands of Sumba and Lombok. And don’t forget about Jakarta, where a solid day includes filling up on greasy noodles and  nasi goreng gila  from makeshift street stalls—all for just a couple of US bucks.

Beach near Ksamil, Albania.

1 USD = 93.95 ALL

Albania is much less expensive than other European countries—and it’s a bit under the radar as a tourist destination, which means there’s still a chance to visit before the word gets out and the crowds descend. One of the most enticing reasons to plan a trip is the food: Picture tables filled with rosemary-scented lamb, tart mountain cheeses, blackened sea bass, and bottles of fruit juices. In Tirana, book a stay at Agroturizëm Gjepali , a restaurant turned hotel with river views and doubles starting at just $70.

1 USD = 12,375.00 UZS

Uzbekistan is still on the up-and-up when it comes to foreign travel, which makes it one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Central Asia. The major cities are filled with both intricate mosques and brutalist monuments—all free to explore—and you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than $5 per meal at restaurants. There aren’t too many name-brand hotels set up yet, but even places like the Hyatt Regency Tashkent have nightly rates below $170.

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The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

05/01/2024 by Ashley Yap 89 Comments

Which countries offer the most value? Where can you travel to in 2024 that will allow you to go for longer, enjoy a higher standard, and save more money?

The following are 31 destinations around the world that offer the essentials — accommodation, transportation, and food — for less:

Table of Contents

Our Favorite Cheap Destinations Quick List:

• Best in Southeast Asia for Food:  Vietnam
• Best in Southeast Asia for Beaches:  Philippines
• Best in Asia for Hiking:  Kyrgyzstan
• Best in Europe for Food:  Greece
• Best in Europe for Beaches:  Croatia
• Best in Europe for Quaint Towns:  Estonia
• Best in Europe for Smaller Crowds:  Georgia
• Best in the Americas:  Guatemala
• Best for Safari:  South Africa

1. Laos, $30/day

Back in my  budget backpacking days around Southeast Asia , Laos was one of the two destinations where I was able to keep my budget at $30/day, even though accommodations were slightly more expensive than most places in Southeast Asia at that time. Many of the amazing activities you can do in Laos are very affordable. For example, I paid $2.50 to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, $7 for a full-day tubing experience along the Vang Vieng river, and $6 for an awesome tiger-balm massage. You can also rent an inexpensive motorbike and venture off to smaller towns, where everything is even cheaper!

With more and more new hostels built to cater to the increasing number of backpackers, you can go for less money and for longer. However, if you have a bit more to spend, you can get a gorgeous room for closer to $35/night, which would easily cost $100 in the US.

• Meals:  $3–9 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast
• Accommodation:   $5-10 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $6–15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills), or up to $25 for an intercity bus ticket
• SIM card with data:  $6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity

– Read More –

A Complete Guide to Laos

2. Vietnam, $30/day

I probably had the healthiest and cheapest  street food in Vietnam . Think soup with rice noodles, cilantro, amazing broth, and a whole shank of pork for $1.50, or a cup of strong, aromatic coffee for $1. Regarding transportation, if you rent a motorbike, you are all set for the day. However, I understand that not everyone is comfortable riding one, especially in countries like Vietnam, where the traffic can be overwhelmingly chaotic. The good news is that GrabBike (similar to Uber but on bikes!) is widely available in all major cities, and the cost is as low as $0.50 for a 2km ride! Long-distance buses and trains are also affordable and reliable. Accommodation is similarly pleasant and easier to afford than almost anywhere else in the world.

• Meals:  $5–12 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
• Transportation:  $8–15 for motorbike rental or GrabBike trips

The Ultimate Backpacking Vietnam Route Planner

A Complete Guide to Vietnam

3. Cambodia, $30/day

I know for sure that if you choose to rough it, you can easily spend a month in Cambodia with just $1000. Dorms are very basic but can be dirt cheap; the same goes for food and alcohol. I also had my haggling skills to thank, as I was almost always able to talk my way out of being charged unfairly by tuk-tuk drivers. There are some one-off expenses, such as the three-day pass to Angkor Wat, which is currently set at $62, and diving trips that add up, but there will also be days of riding a bicycle in a small village and eating cheap and delicious meat skewers when just a dollar or two could stretch very far.

Another thing is to consider the gorgeous, mostly new  boutique hotels on Booking.com . They are obviously not as cheap as staying in hostels, but for the price, they are so worth it! I’d definitely splurge on a couple of nights and have some R&R time by the pool.

READ NEXT:  23 Cheapest 5-Star Hotels around the World

• Meals:  $5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
• Accommodation:   $5-15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $6-15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or for an intercity bus ticket
• SIM card with data : $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)

A Perfect Cambodia Itinerary

A Complete Guide to Cambodi a

4. Northern Thailand, $32/day

The north of Thailand is easy on a tight budget. As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple. Stay up north if you are short on time and money for your Thailand trip. Even in popular places like  Chiang Mai  and  Pai , you can easily find basic dorms for less than $7/night. If you stick with eating street food (to each her own, but why eat pasta when you can have pad thai, am I right?), not only will you save yourself some money, the experience will be much more authentic and tasty, too.

As far as activities go, you really do not need a lot of money to enjoy your day, as most activities such as visiting the White Temple, hiking, or gathering three other people from your hostel to rent a car and  go on some day trips , are all affordable.

• Meals: $5–15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
• Transportation: $6-10 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or  a rental car split between four people
• SIM card with data: $7 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. See the best SIM cards in Thailand .

Thailand Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do

A Complete Guide to Thailand

5. Indonesia, $35/day

The thing about Indonesia is that  it can be really cheap , or it can be quite expensive, depending on one big thing: transportation. Intercity traveling can be very time-consuming and costly, as is traveling from one island to another in a private boat. To save costs, stick with one region or two.  There’s a lot to do and see , and spending more time in one place will allow you to travel deeper and have  a more meaningful experience  anyway. If you want to travel far and wide on a budget, my biggest tip is to take local transportation!

On the flip side, food and drinks are cheap throughout the country, not to mention absolutely yummy too! Riding a scooter through the mountains costs very little, and so does hiking,  chasing waterfalls,  and slouching in a hammock  by the  beach  all day long. Hostels are plentiful, social, and affordable, especially in places like  the Gili Islands .

• Meals:  $5–15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
• Accommodation:   $7-15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $8–15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills)
• SIM card with data:  $5 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months

A Complete Guide to Indonesia

6. The Philippines, $37/day

The Philippine archipelago can cost quite a lot of money and time to get around, and the hostel options aren’t nearly as abundant as in other Southeast Asia countries. While these two factors seem like a big turn-off for travelers trying to stretch their budget as far as possible, there are ways to keep your costs there low. If you choose to travel during shoulder seasons, book your flights and plan your journey way in advance (it is not the country to always wing it!), and try to stick within 1-2 regions, the Philippines can still be affordable.

On top of that, the country has some of the  most gorgeous islands , beautiful dive sites,  affordable group island-hopping tours , and  hidden gems  that you’d have had to pay so much more to experience in other parts of the world. In that sense, the Philippines is worth every peso you spend.

• Accommodation:   $7-20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $10–15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or $15–20 for a boat ride from one island to another
• SIM card with data:  $6 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Perfect Philippines Itinerary

A Complete Guide to the Philippines

7. Malaysia, $40/day

Being one of the most economically developed Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia is often  perceived as expensive . On top of that, when I visited for the first time, a few people told me it wasn’t worth staying long. However, I ended up meeting lots of locals, was more able to communicate , and found more common ground with them than I had in Cambodia or Laos. I also had so much fun exploring Cameron Highlands,  the jungles of Borneo , and the gorgeous islands.

The cherry on top?  They were all affordable . An overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands costs as little as $15. There are also so many interesting local neighborhoods and markets that are free to explore. Finally, Malaysian cuisine is like no other — you can find food from just about any culture, and it’s so cheap and tasty (but not necessarily healthy). Malaysia is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI scuba diving certificate .

The one thing that could make Malaysia expensive to travel in is alcohol, which is highly taxed. However, if you don’t plan on drinking every night, or maybe consider staying sober during your trip, that will not be an issue.

• Meals:  $5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
• Accommodation:   $7–15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $5–7 for a full day of train and bus rides, or $15–20 for an overnight intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data:  $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity

The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

A Complete Guide to Malaysia

8. Sri Lanka, $35/day

Like many countries, Sri Lanka can be seen on  a backpacker budget , or one can spend a small fortune there. The biggest kicker was the price of activities, such as safaris, and admission into the UNESCO World Heritage sites.  With each running about $40-$50 per ticket, this made Sri Lanka more expensive to fully explore.

That said, Sri Lanka can be done on closer to $30 per day on the days that you don’t pay for expensive activities. Food, transport, accommodation, and the internet are relatively cheap. One thing to note about transportation is that in some cases, taking a taxi or Uber (in major cities) can be cheaper than renting a bike. Hiring a driver for the day can be as low as $5 per person if you can find people in your hostel to split the cost. The cheapest transportation is the train, which is delightful and (IMO) the best way to travel through Sri Lanka.

• Accommodation:   $8–15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $15–20 per person for a private car and driver split between four people, or $3–5 for a second-class cabin train ride between cities
• SIM card with data:  $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)

Sri Lanka’s Best  Plac es to Visit

A Complete Guide to Sri Lanka

9. Nepal, $25/day ($15/day if trekking)

Nepal is a very cheap country to travel through, with most food, accommodation, and transport running just a few dollars if you eat, sleep, and travel using local options. The street food in Nepal does not have the best reputation, though I never seem to get any stomach problems eating it. You can get cheap and delicious home-cooked meals in local-run small cafés though.

Be very mindful when you book your accommodation online, as big corporations have taken over homestays and turned them into boutique hotels and resorts, so the “local guesthouses” you’ve booked may very well be part of a big hotel chain. I suggest booking the first couple of nights online, and looking for accommodation from real local guesthouses when you arrive.

If you end up trekking , as long as you do so independently and avoid Mt. Everest itself, which costs tens of thousands of dollars, you can travel for as cheap as $10 per day on food and accommodation at the lower elevations, and closer to $20 USD at higher elevations on popular routes like the  Annapurna Circuit .

• Accommodation : $7–12 per night in a local guesthouse
• Transportation:  $10–15 per person for a private car and driver split between four people, or a local bus ride between cities
• SIM card with data:  $3 for 1.25GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)

A Complete Guide to N epa l

10. Taiwan, $45/day

Two words: street food, which is delectable and ridiculously cheap. For less than $2, you can get a plate of fragrant rice with pork or chicken on top, a large deep-fried chicken chop, or a bowl of yummy vermicelli with oysters. If you are a foodie on a budget, you know where to go!

In cities like Taipei and Tainan, you can register for city bikes, which cost less than $0.50 per hour per ride and are free for the first 30 minutes. This means you can possibly get around the city all day without spending any money on transportation at all.

That said, high-end food and clothing prices in Taiwan can sometimes be at US levels. Intercity traveling is either expensive on the high-speed rail (HSR) or time-consuming (if slightly cheaper). The internet is also not as cheap as in the countries above.

• Accommodation:   $10–35 per night in a hostel  (I highly recommend  this one in Taipei !)
• Transportation : $0–3 for a full day of bike, bus, and train rides, or $20–40 for an HSR ride between cities
• SIM card with data:  $33 for unlimited data with 28-day validity

That One Time I Became an Illegal Alien in Taiwan

11. India, $30/day

India  is one of the cheapest countries to travel to, but if and only if you’re willing to haggle and hunt for deals. Keep in mind that cheap rooms that run in the $3 range will be very basic, and it’s normal to shower with buckets of heated water. You will be hard-pressed to find cheap gems in the north, but the south, with its gorgeous beaches, may prove more fruitful when it comes to budget accommodation.

The best way to travel through India on a budget is to book things yourself. This means no agents and no online booking sites (except for some intercity travel — for that, check out  12Go Asia ). Similar to Nepal, if you walk into local guesthouses, restaurants, and tour companies, you could easily get the same things in person for half the quoted price online.

• Meals:  $3–6 per day
• Accommodation : $5–10 per night in a local guesthouse
• Transportation : $1–3 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $8–30 for an intercity train ride (sometimes a domestic flight costs as little as $30, if you want to splurge without actually splurging!)
• SIM card with data:  $3 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)

Solo Female Travel Stories: Archana from India

12. Kyrgyzstan, $25/day

Kyrgyzstan is the country of choice for most travelers interested in trying out Central Asia, and thus most well-suited to  travelers of all budgets . The cuisine is cheap and interesting, and so is getting around using the minibuses. Public transportation prices are fixed and are probably the cheapest aspect of traveling in Kyrgyzstan. If you are doing a multiday hike like the  Tian Shan Mountains , the tour price should include most things.

As for accommodation, you can find hostels in major destinations and local homestays in more rural places for less than $10/night.

• Meals:  $4–8 per day
• Accommodation:   $8–12 per night in a hostel  or a local guesthouse
• Transportation:  $0.20 for a local minibus ride, or $4 for an intercity bus ride — yep, that’s right!
• SIM card with data:  $3 for 3GB with 30-day validity, though I wouldn’t expect it to work in the mountains

A Quick Guide to Kyrgyzstan

13. Uzbekistan, $35/day

I bet Uzbekistan wasn’t originally on your radar when it comes to cheapest places to travel, but I’m here to tell you that it should be. This Central Asian country has so much to offer, including stunning architecture, the legendary Silk Road, and an awesome blend of old and new. And the best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly. We’re talking $20 for food and drinks in even the fanciest of restaurants. On top of that, Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries to travel in , and the locals are known for their welcoming hospitality. Win-win!

• Meals:  $8–10 per day
• Accommodation: $8–10 per night in a hostel dorm
• Transportation:  $1 for a subway day ticket in Tashkent, or $9 for a high-speed train ticket
• SIM card with data: $3 for 8GB of data with 30-day validity

Things I Wish I Knew before Visiting Uzbekistan

14. Romania, $40/day

If you are planning a  European trip that’s affordable  and a little bit off the beaten path, Romania is perfect for you. While the country is known for Dracula, many charming towns and free activities remain unknown to most foreigners. Whether you’re taking a long stroll through the medieval villages or people-watching in one of the beautiful parks, Romania is great for anyone after a European experience on a budget. You can also make use of the free walking tours to check out the numerous historical sites.

Hostels run $10–15 per night, and the food is hearty and scrumptious (a money-saving tip: have your breakfast at the hostel, have a big hearty lunch, and cook your own dinner — it’s easy and affordable to get fresh produce from the local market, so make sure your hostel has a kitchen!). Public transportation is reliable and affordable.

• Meals:  $10–15 per day
• Accommodation:   $12–20 per night in a hostel  or a local guesthouse
• Transportation : $5–10 for a full day of bus and train rides
• SIM card with data : $6 for 3GB with 28-day validity

The Top 14 Cheapest European Countries to Visit

15. Georgia, $30/day

Georgia is another underrated European destination that’s absolutely beautiful and affordable. Also, get this: most of you will be able to enter Georgia  without a visa , and stay for  one year .  Say what?!

Quality hostels at a reasonable price range, a meal at a local restaurant for as low as $3, and a local minibus ride for less than $1 are just some of the great things Georgia can offer to its visitors. What’s more? Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are mostly less than $2.  The locals are extremely warm and welcoming, and hitchhiking is totally possible for short and long-distance travel. There are many day trips, hikes, and monasteries in Georgia, so one can easily spend months here and not get bored. It’s perfect if you have more time than money.

• Accommodation:   $10–15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $3–5 for a full day of bus and train rides, $5–10 for an intercity ride, or $0 if you hitchhike!
• SIM card with data:  $3 for 1GB with one-month validity

16. Greece, $45/day

Timing is crucial if you want to travel in Greece on a budget. While prices of flights, accommodation, and tours have been largely cut down since the country’s debt crisis in 2010, summer months still cost more than others. This means avoiding July and August, which are the hottest and busiest months in Greece. Instead, go a few weeks before or after summer, and you will be able to enjoy the country with smaller crowds and a lower budget. You can also cut down on food costs by buying fresh produce from the market and making your own meals, since eating out in restaurants can be expensive in certain areas. A little picnic by the gorgeous beach can be as enjoyable as a lavish meal at a seafood restaurant!

As far as activities go, opt for free walking tours, and if you are planning to do some  island-hopping in Greece , plan well and stick with a group of islands to minimize transfers. Remember that sometimes a domestic flight can be cheaper than a bus ride for any long-distance travel.

• Transportation : $10–15 per person for  a rental car split between four people  (note: scooter rental costs about $25–30/day), or $10–20 for ferry tickets around the islands
• SIM card with data : $12 for 2GB with 30-day validity

Elafonisi Beach, Greece: The Ultimate Travel Guide

31 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Greece

17. Czechia, $40/day

As more and more tourists flock to Czechia, or more specifically Prague, for its rich history and cheaper-than-water beer, prices have inflated over the last few years. However, it is still easily one of the cheapest Central European countries to travel in, especially if you go beyond Prague, such as Český Krumlov and Telc, to experience true Czech culture at a much lower cost. Local transportation is reliable and affordable, and if you plan to do a lot of traveling, consider getting a three-day pass for $16.

Czech cuisine is very hearty and comes in large portions. While it’s not the healthiest (most meals consist of potato and meat), it will surely fill you up, so to stretch your budget: eat out at a restaurant for lunch, and have a light snack for dinner. Entrance fees to historical sites and museums can be quite expensive ($18 to enter the Prague Castle), but you don’t always have to actually enter — the hike up is awesome, and you can always admire the architecture from outside, and pick only the most intriguing destinations to go in.

• Meals : $10–15 per day
• Accommodation :  $12–20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $5 for a full day of tram rides, $15–20 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data : $13 for 2GB with one-month validity

15 of the Best European Cities to Visit in December

18. Poland, $44/day

It’s a shame that Poland is often overlooked by tourists. It’s one of those countries where you can easily spend an entire day just wandering and people-watching. There will be days when you spend nothing else but on essentials.

If you are a fan of heritage sites, Poland, rich with culture and history, has 14 to offer. It costs an average of $5 to enter museums and historical sites, which is fairly affordable by European standards. The cuisine is delicious and has a bit more variety than its neighboring countries, though it’s still heavy on the calories. (Make sure to eat at a “milk bar,” an affordable yet tasty option that’s popular with locals.)

The trains are a bit dated but cost very little. Go beyond Krakow and Warsaw, and explore other smaller towns like Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Zakopane, which are all stunning and possibly even cheaper to travel in.

• Accommodation :  $9–20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $1–3 for a full day of train rides, $10–15 for an intercity train ride
• SIM card with data:  $3 for 2GB with one-month validity

19. Croatia, $50/day

If you like turquoise waters, sunshine, and parties,  look no further than Croatia  for your next budget trip. There are thousands of islands off the mainland, excellent weather from May to October, and beach and yacht parties year-round. There is also beautiful architecture to marvel at, interesting sights such as the  Museum of Broken Relationships , and cute small towns to explore.

The essential expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and food, all come with a reasonable price tag. To travel in Croatia on a budget, you need a similar approach to Greece — go in the shoulder season. July and August are the country’s busiest months, so avoid them if possible. Also, keep your island-hopping to a group, to minimize transfers. Since Croatia is gaining more popularity each year, expect prices to keep rising, and aim to visit sooner than later if you want to snag a deal.

• Meals:  $10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
• Accommodation :  $12–30 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $12–15 per person for  a rental car split between four people , or $10-$15 for a ferry ride
• SIM card with data : $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity

20. Turkey, $45/day

Turkey can be cheap or expensive, depending on what you want to do and how deeply you want to travel through the country.  A hot-air balloon ride  costs around $400–500, and intercity traveling can be really long and costly. However, there are a bunch of other bucket list–worthy items that cost way less, and if you plan your route well, it is definitely possible, if not easy, to travel through Turkey on a budget.

The stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the breathtaking white travertines in Pamukkale, and the hustling bazaars all over the country are relatively affordable to enter. While long-distance buses are expensive, if you plan well and take overnight buses, you get to save on accommodation. If you are short on time and money, stick with a city or two. Turkish food is delicious and cheap, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

• Transportation : $1–3 for a taxi ride or $30–60 for an intercity overnight bus ride

21. Lithuania, $44/day

Lithuania is a small country that most travelers skip or spend at most a night or two in, just the capital city, Vilnius. However, this charming place is not only underrated but also very affordable! If you enjoy partying, the nightlife scene in Vilnius is vibrant and fun, and alcohol is fairly affordable. If you’d like a quieter experience, check out the Old Town in Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Curonian Spit. Bear in mind that outside of the capital, hostels can be hard to come by, so book in advance or even consider Couchsurfing!

• Accommodation :  $10–20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $3–6 for a full day of bus rides within the city, or $15–20 for an intercity bus ride. Buses seem to be more reliable than trains in Lithuania!
• SIM card with data:  Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity

22. Estonia, $44/day

Nature lovers will love Estonia — 53% of the country is forested. This also means that activities like hiking and exploring the national parks are plentiful and affordable (if not completely free). The small towns are also great for walking and cycling, so transportation costs can be minimized. On that note, affordable hostels can be hard to come by in these towns, so consider basing yourself in the capital city, Tallinn, and make day trips to visit them.

• Accommodation:   $10–20 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $3–6 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10–15 for an intercity train ride

23. Latvia, $47/day

Similar to Estonia, half of the country is covered in forests. There are also thousands of lakes and rivers, perfect for canoeing lovers. One can also easily spend an entire day wandering through the enchanting forests with castles hidden in them (okay, maybe not “hidden,” but this sounds dreamier, as castles should be). The best time to go to Latvia is during fall or winter, when you can canoe down the rivers with the color-changing leaves accompanying you, or when the  Christmas vibe  is on full display at the markets. All of these activities are affordable/free, which is why traveling in Latvia can be done on a budget.

• Meals : $12–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
• Accommodation:   $14–25 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $2–5 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10–15 for an intercity train ride.
• SIM card with data : Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity

The Americas

24. mexico, $42/day.

From  Tulum  to  Baja California , Mexico is full of  endless adventures . This vast country is rich in culture, nature, and some of the best food in the world. Though it does not have the best reputation  as far as safety goes , most violence takes place in certain areas, and Mexico has  plenty of safe places to explore .

The best news? It’s easy to travel in Mexico on a budget. For less than $20, you will be able to explore  at least five stunning cenotes , like the one in the picture above; for less than $3, you can devour delicious street food like tacos (I love tacos), quesadillas, and tortillas;  the white-sand beaches  are essentially free; and the hospitality? — priceless.

While getting around within a city is cheap, intercity traveling in Mexico can be costly, mainly because of how big the country is. The best-case scenario is to  rent a car , which costs about $50–70 per day and can be split between four people. If you are  backpacking Mexico solo , try to stay in the same place for a longer time to stretch the transportation costs out. That way, you are able to  travel deeper  and experience authentic Mexico too.

• Meals:  $8–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation:   $10–17 per night in a hostel  ( click here for the best hotels in Tulum )
• Transportation:  $3–5 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $30–50 for an intercity bus ride (yikes!)
• SIM card with data:  $10 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

Solo Female Travel Guide to Mexic o

A Complete Guide to Mexico

25. Nicaragua, $35/day

Nicaragua is one of the cheapest  Central American destinations  to travel in, although it’s not likely to stay that way for much longer. The country is nicknamed “the next  Costa Rica ,” and we all know what that means. For now, it remains affordable, fun, and interesting, so go before the prices go up and mass tourism hits.

For outdoor lovers, Nicaragua is great for surfing, volcano hiking, and diving. For a more relaxing journey, the colonial cities are beautiful to take a stroll in, and there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to lie on all day on. the cuisine is cheap and tasty, albeit repetitive. There are hostels all over, so you don’t have to worry about finding cheap accommodation.

One thing to note is that there are unfortunately safety concerns, so check  the official advisory site  and be your own judge before going.

• Meals:  $6–10 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation :  $5–15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $3–5 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $8–15 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data : $12 for 1GB with a 30-day validity

26. Guatemala, $38/day

For an amazing Central American adventure on a budget, check out Guatemala. A visit there is no complete without seeing the beautiful  Lake Atitlán , but that’s not all — the country is covered in lush jungles, volcanos, and ruins, ideal for outdoor lovers. When you need a break from outdoor sports, colonial cities like  Antigua  or unique spots like  Hobbitenango  will capture your heart with their stunning architecture and cobblestone streets.

Local food is delightful and affordable, at about $3 for a full meal (except in Antigua, where prices are actually close to US levels).

Local transportation can be very cheap but at times confusing and risky. The locals typically take the “chicken buses,” converted school buses from North America, which are the cheapest way to get around. The buses do not have specific stops, nor is there a board with prices on it. Instead, people simply wave them down and pay the collector. Watch how much the locals are paying and do the same.

• Accommodation :  $10–15 per night in a hostel
• Transportation:  $1–3 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $5–10 for an intercity bus ride
• SIM card with data:  $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

27. Colombia, $35/day

A colorful destination with a dark past, Colombia is fast becoming a popular affordable destination. If you are a history geek, you will love the museums and historical sites in Bogotá, the Lost City, and beyond. If you are into nature, the Amazon awaits. As for diving enthusiasts, Colombia also boasts some of the world’s best sites and gorgeous beaches. With accommodation, transportation and food being so affordable, you will have room for some occasional splurges, so consider booking a luxurious villa for a night or two — you won’t get a deal this great anywhere else in this part of the world!

• Meals:  $10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
• Accommodation :  $8–12 per night in a hostel
• Transportation : $1–3 for a full day of bus rides, or $10–50 for an intercity bus ride (be sure to check the domestic flights, which can sometimes be cheaper than buses)
• SIM card with data : $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity

28. Arizona & Utah (for a road trip!), $45/day

While the US is generally not a super budget destination, if you are doing a road trip, you can definitely save in some areas and splurge in others to even out your overall budget. For my  American Southwest road trip , I spent  an average of $110/day , which included a camper van rental, food, gas, and camping, plus little splurges here and there. Now, it was definitely more expensive because I was solo; if you had just one other person, you’d be able to split the costs almost perfectly in half (more if you had two other people along, and so on). The more, the merrier (until you run out of room and start elbowing each other).

Some quick tips on saving money:

• Get a national park pass and for $80, you will be able to get a carload of people into any national park in the US for an entire year.
• Rent a camper van  if you are renting a car. Then your accommodation, apart from the van fee, can be absolutely free by  camping only on BLM land .
• Cook your own meals! Again, renting a camper van with kitchen facilities will enable this and save you a lot of money
• Meals : $12–15/day
• Accommodation : free
• Transportation : $9/day for a camper van split between four people
• SIM card with data : $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity

A Complete Guide to Utah

A Complete Guide to Arizona

29. South Africa, $42/day

If you are traveling on US dollars or euros, the exchange rate alone will do you a big favor. At this time of writing, one South African Rand is equal to six cents US.

Any hostel, guesthouse, or tourist accommodation in South Africa is called a “backpackers,” and they are typically in beautiful settings and have a unique personality, not to mention they are  affordable too . Food is where the big budget eater or saver can be, as it can get expensive in South Africa. To save money, cook your own food. Grocery stores are plentiful and have reasonable prices. By at least preparing your own breakfast and the occasional dinner, you can save a lot.

Unfortunately, public transportation outside of  Johannesburg  and  Cape Town  can be pretty limited. While there are a few private companies and trains that provide transportation around the country, the best (and possibly) cheapest way to get around is to rent a car and share with three other people, and go on  an epic road trip  together.

• Meals : $12–15 per day
• Accommodation :  $14–18 per night in a “backpackers”
• Transportation : $9 per day for a camper van split between four people

What Does It Cost to Travel in South Africa?

A Complete Guide to South Africa

30. Namibia, $45/day

Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular views, including  the gorgeous Sossusvlei , the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, and the massive Fish River Canyon, just to name a few. At first glance, Namibia may not seem like a budget destination, as most accommodations cater to the luxury category, and transportation from one place to another can be limited in such a vast country. However, you just need to  do things a little bit differently  to save a lot of money.

The most important thing is to choose to camp instead of staying in a lodge. The luxury lodges cost about $50–200 per night, but you can camp at their sites for about $8–10 per night; government campsites will set you back about $15–18 per night. As for transportation, ideally you would want to rent a 4×4 and share it with a few people to split the cost. If your accommodation comes with a communal kitchen, make full use of it as cooking your own meals will definitely save you money. Entrance fees are generally cheap!

• Accommodation : $8–18 per night
• Transportation : $15–18 per day for a 4×4 split between four people
• SIM card with data:  $16 for 1.5GB with a 60-day validity

The Perfect Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

A Complete Guide to Namibia

31. Egypt, $30/day

Pyramids, ancient temples, and royal palaces once inhabited by pharaohs make Egypt seem like it would come at a high price. However, the reality is that this Middle Eastern country can be surprisingly affordable for travelers. One of the biggest expenses in Egypt is getting there, but with some planning and flexibility, you can find decently priced flights to Cairo or Luxor. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find that hostels and guest houses, food, and transportation costs are surprisingly affordable, especially if you avoid resort cities like Hurghada.

• Meals : $3–5 per meal
• Accommodation : $10–15 per night for a dorm room
• Transportation : $0.50 for a ride on a local bus
• SIM card with data : $2.81 for 12GB with a 30-day validity

Is Egypt Safe?

How Low Can You Go?

The suggested budget above includes basic accommodation, transportation, and three meals, with a mix of simple breakfasts, hearty lunches, and light dinners, as well as Internet and one paid activity for the day. You will need to add on the other costs, like shopping, alcohol, and little splurges here and there to understand how much exactly is needed.

Some may want to dive or ski, which are typically higher-cost activities, and some just want to walk around and explore neighborhoods. If you are on a shoestring budget, the suggested budgets can be cut down further should you choose to couchsurf, hitchhike, and skip certain activities.

Are there any destinations that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nicoline says

01/03/2019 at 11:00 pm

There are so many of these places I would love to visit or revisit. Especially a Namibian road trip is on top of my bucket list and I hope that I can do it this year. 42$ per day is alright and the flight tickets from Denmark aren’t that bad right now – it must be a sign! ?

Kristin says

01/05/2019 at 9:12 am

It must be!

01/04/2019 at 9:09 pm

Bosnia is one of the cheapest places in Europe with so much to see! It’s a good deal cheaper than its neighbor Croatia.

Good to know! Thank you!

Anonymous says

04/25/2021 at 5:55 pm

Absolutely! Go hungry!! Food is excellent too!!

Jessa L says

06/10/2019 at 2:35 am

Excellent info but main thought regarding SE Asia, especially regarding Vietnamese street food: #1 many foreigners do not have the gut bacteria to fight off many forms of food poisoning that occurs from street food. #2 All the food in SE Asia has loads of MSG which immediately makes it NOT healthy. Sorry but there’s no cheap Vietnamese that can be considered healthy with the amount of MSG they put in the food. Tasty, yes. Addictive, yes. Healthy, ummm nope.

06/10/2019 at 6:54 am

Fact checking this. #1: The food is mostly bought fresh from the market each day and cooked right in front of you. If you go to a stand with lots of people eating there, you can trust it’s good for you, too. I have never had food poisoning after 7 years of traveling and eating street food. #2: I’ve seen the food made fresh from each raw ingredient and I also know what MSG looks like. I’ve seen it on the stands in China but not in Veitnam. I think it really depends on which stand you eat from, and if you’re worried about MSG the restaurants you eat at can just as easily, if not more easily, add it to the food. I wouldn’t avoid street food because of these reasons. Tourist restaurants serve the same thing, but often less fresh, for more money and you DON’T see it cooked in front of you.

09/09/2019 at 11:01 pm

I agree with your comments Kristen, its also easy to ask and or learn the local word to say dont put it in as a lot of stands will add a little MSG for “extra flavour”

01/17/2023 at 3:56 am

‘Hoom, Hoom, Ajinomoto’, is what to say if you don’t want MSG

Marissa says

01/20/2020 at 12:45 pm

Agreed. Kristen

Daniel says

01/11/2024 at 9:22 am

I am a US Citizen and often travel to Vietnam at least once a year and I believe you have no idea what you’re talking about. Do not eat food sold on the street or others food stands around the corner. You have no idea what they did to the pre-made ingredients that are served to you in front of you. Most of them do not even have gloves while handling YOUR foods. Most of the times, ingredients are prepared somewhere else and none are monitored as far as food safety is concerned. Anyone can prepare foods without any inspections or licenses requirements and sell to the public whenever, where ever they want!!! Rotten meats are often used to make egg rolls by adding artificial flavorings and fried until the bad smell is gone. Food stands are notorious for being dirty and contaminated badly because they do not have enough clean water to wash or sanitize utensils used to handle their foods. There was a big issue in Vietnam recently when a street vendor was caught “recycling” leftover from the previous customer and sell it to the next customer… Just google about food safety standards in Vietnam and you’ll know.

Kristin Addis says

01/11/2024 at 4:08 pm

If there’s a long line of locals eating there, and they’re bringing their kids there, I’m also going to eat there.

04/19/2020 at 11:09 pm

You clearly dont have a clue abour vietnamese food..they are not into Msg…dont get confuse them with China Mf

06/07/2020 at 10:28 pm

Jessa, I think you should educate yourself before taking such a strong opinion on MSG because you clearly don’t have your facts straight. Vietnamese food is pretty healthy whether or not there is MSG in it. MSG alone is simply not bad for you.

If you don’t believe me read this article:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-10-10/scientists-have-known-msg-is-safe-for-decades-why-dont-most-americans

07/29/2021 at 8:16 pm

So safe it will puff many up like a puffer fish. So safe.

Hugo Lindum says

02/07/2022 at 6:15 am

Street food is about as safe as it gets. Rarely had problems, nor do most people. As for MSG being bad, it must be the most researched food product in human history and no peer reviewed researched shows there is anything wrong with it. Even the EU says its safe. MSG being unsafe is up there with antivax and Elvis being alive on the moon.

12/21/2023 at 1:14 pm

i think it sounds really delicious and MSG is very healthy for you

Jonene Oxford says

02/25/2023 at 3:45 pm

Wish I could add the scientific info on here about MSG not being bad for your health. You should read up on it. You’d be surprised

Mohsen Ghiasi says

06/14/2019 at 7:48 am

Whay you dont write iran at the top man, its cheapest in the world with much more facility.

06/15/2019 at 9:17 am

As an American I can’t go there without taking a tour so to me it’s not that cheap, unfortunately 🙁

mark doty says

07/01/2020 at 6:18 pm

who in their right mind would go to Iran?

09/23/2020 at 1:33 pm

I lived there in the 70s and would love to go back to hike the mountains and ski again. Maybe someday.

02/07/2022 at 6:16 am

I would go there in the 1970s in a heart-beat. But today is 2022.

06/18/2019 at 7:45 am

Great list! Makes my bank account seem all that bigger 😉

06/18/2019 at 9:12 am

06/19/2019 at 9:36 am

Great list! You have been very helpful in getting some unique options together for a Christmas getaway for my husband and I! Although we will probably do AirBnB places instead of hostels, I feel like I have a much better idea of how far our money will go and tips on how to avoid being overcharged.

The biggest expense for me is always the flights since we live in Colorado, but I did find a really good website that has given me fares below what places like Expedia can offer called Skiplagged. If you haven’t checked it out, it can definitely save you some $$! I’m not affiliated with them or anything. Just thought I’d put it out there for other savvy travelers like me who are looking for the best deals!

06/19/2019 at 10:09 am

Thanks Lissa! I’d also suggest travel hacking! I have tips here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-fly-for-free/

Leena Malhotra says

06/23/2019 at 1:28 am

What about Russia ?

Russia is on my list for next year – it has so much to explore but can’t make it in a single trip. How about Russia from India ?

06/23/2019 at 9:45 am

I have heard the cities in Russia can be quite expensive but a few years ago the Ruble fell in value quite a bit which has made it much more affordable.

07/11/2019 at 5:59 am

Nice list. I am planning for Ukraine. Any specific suggestions

08/02/2019 at 12:27 pm

I have been to Ukraine many times so here is a rundown.

Kiev the capital historical city and very beautiful. Liviv cultural capital with some of the best food. Odessa seaside vacation hub and center of comedy.

Each city offers so much to see and do.

These are the cities that you are more likely find someone who speaks english, however I would recommend learning a couple of phrases. The people are hospitable but there still a language barrier.

08/03/2019 at 5:14 am

Thanks for the info!

07/17/2019 at 1:56 pm

Tanzania is pretty cheap too and the people here are very welcoming! You should try it out.

07/18/2019 at 12:05 pm

Agreed I love it there.

Brad Carss says

07/30/2019 at 6:57 pm

I love Namibia and persisted in my efforts to visit the Himba People in Opuwo by catching a taxi from my hostel in Windhoek to the pickup point for the van taking locals to the north of the country. There I arranged with the local tour hut (John Jakurama) to go on day and an overnight visit to the villages of these rarely visited people. It was a very cost-effective and engaging interaction to experience the harsh reality of their lives. At the end of my stay the elder of the family kissed my hand in blessing for seeking his village out and bringing them much needed food stuffs and supplies. My kind of travel, cheap, interactive, moving and low priority on most people’s destinations.

Augustin says

08/03/2019 at 2:16 am

You had already mentioned about a lot of places with less expensive, but the matter is that the flight charges are not economical to many of the destinations. I am from India and feel affordable rates with some southeastern Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, loas, Burma, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The flight charges to these places are about 100 US Dollars with Air Asia flights, but it is really too high to Europe, Africa or America. This makes trips costlier. Anyway it is good exploring one.

08/03/2019 at 5:13 am

That’s true, I’m not taking into consideration where you might be flying in from, since we are all coming from different places, but once you get there it’s cheaper than other countries like Norway or Iceland.

08/03/2019 at 3:12 am

Hi! I have travelled before, I worked for a long haul airline and spent a few days in most countries. However, I really want to travel properly. What place would you recommend for newbie backpackers? Do you have any tips for me? Thanks 🙂

08/03/2019 at 5:12 am

Southeast Asia! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/best-countries-for-beginner-travelers/

MikesRoadTrip says

08/05/2019 at 7:14 am

Really great piece!

08/17/2019 at 12:14 pm

It seems you generated this list based on where you went. I’m surprised Belorus, Russia, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan are not there

08/17/2019 at 12:19 pm

I haven’t been to most of these places, actually, but thanks for sharing more places that are affordable!

08/30/2019 at 7:47 pm

Pakistan is another beautiful country to visit and also very cheap. The Northern parts of Pakistan are full of natural beauty. People of Pakistan are very friendly and when you go there you will be amazed to find out that country is so different than what it is portrayed in NEWS. The hospitality of people there is simply amazing and food is simply awesome. Highly recommended place to visit.

09/02/2019 at 9:50 am

I’d love to visit!

Marianne says

10/09/2019 at 3:24 am

Hi! My boyfriend and I took a year off to travel Asia, and about 4 months in we have spent wayyy too much money (oops). We would like to settle down somewhere cheap for a month to try and make up for it. We are hoping to find somewhere close to the beach where the food is good. If there were some (free or cheap) things to do and see so we wouldn’t be too bored that would be even better. Does such a place even exist? ? I was thinking Cambodia, maybe, or Vietnam (cause I love Vietnamese food) but really anywhere in SE Asia would be perfect. Do you have any suggestions for a specific place like that you really loved?

Also, I love this blog, I have probably visited daily in the couple of years leading up to our trip ?

10/09/2019 at 10:22 am

Hey Marianne. It happens! I’d look at Southeast Asia for sure. I’d thought about Hoi An personally. The food is good, wifi is fast, it’s cheap. You can also think about Cambodia or even southern Thailand. You could think about Kuta in Lombok, Indonesia as well. Such a place definitely exists 🙂

Keep in mind it’s usually much cheaper to go check things out in person and ask around for places to rent longer term than it is to try to find them online.

Ian Culbertson says

10/13/2019 at 5:15 pm

Hi Kristin, I’d really like to do Incan trail in Peru to MP in December, any advice on tours for doing routes less traveled? Thanks Ian

10/19/2019 at 12:02 pm

If you want to do the Inca Trail unfortunately there’s just one trail and it’s not less-traveled, but there’s also the Lares trek and the Salkantay which will end up in Machu Picchu. I liked Alpaca Expeditions for the Inca Trail.

marla braden says

11/09/2019 at 11:18 am

I second Alpaca Expeditions. I did the Inca trail in December, not really high season. I got tickets when I got to Cusco (not 6 months advance) and our group of maybe 10 people plus the guides and porters were the only people I saw for 4 days until we arrived at Machu Picchu itself. Off season is the way to go anywhere, imo.

11/10/2019 at 11:36 am

Wow that’s amazing! Definitely wasn’t my experience. Nicely planned.

Renuka Walter says

12/06/2019 at 5:13 am

That’s a great list! I’m glad India is on the list. I have been exploring it for a decade now, and I agree it’s affordable and so rewarding! Would love to experience Romania.

12/06/2019 at 11:06 am

I’d love to experience India!

Md. Shakhawat Hossain says

01/08/2020 at 11:31 am

Hello there, Thank you very much for sharing a nice as well as the well-informative article here. The information you have described herewith was really amazing! However, if you allow me to add one more place to must-visit I would be glad, and the place name Bangladesh. The place of natural beauty and many more. And, also very cheap.

Thank you very much.

01/08/2020 at 7:01 pm

I’d love to go! Yes it should be on the list.

neymasport says

01/14/2020 at 8:18 pm

Thank you for sharing the colorful collection here, thank you for this article. This country is very beautiful. Hope to come here and try it once  

Nikola Webster says

01/22/2020 at 6:10 pm

Hi there, Wow – super-comprehensive list! I’ve been to more than half on this list. A couple I have on my list to visit that I’m told a super cheap (even cheaper than India) are Pakistan and Bangladesh. I’ve also heard Laos is wicked cheap! Nikki

01/22/2020 at 8:12 pm

I’d love to see Pakistan too! Laos is indeed pretty cheap.

Doona Neace says

02/04/2020 at 1:44 am

You recommended most of the places are on my list. Next year I want to visit Croatia and Turkey.

02/15/2020 at 6:31 pm

This is such a great list which really breaks down the costs and saves a lot of research time! Thanks for sharing.

02/16/2020 at 10:55 am

Thanks for such a great post! And thanks for sharing your valuable experiences. I already traveled to Most of EA countries but i have no any idea for african and S. American countries, i will use this post for my future plan.

05/03/2020 at 11:11 am

Wow, that’s article is amazing. I did not know that you can travel to places this cheap. This article chsnge the way I look at traveling. I have always thought it costly as I spend a lot when traveling, but after reading this things have changed.

takeoffwithme says

05/08/2020 at 7:21 am

Very nice article. Will be really helpful for backpackers

Vaishnavi Omprakash Jadhav says

07/08/2020 at 4:38 am

There is lot more in INDIA. Do come. We have a lot more than expected.

Samson says

08/21/2020 at 5:38 am

How is the Covid-19 situation there?

08/21/2020 at 5:39 am

How is the Covid-19 situation in India?

08/29/2020 at 4:32 am

Great article. Thanks

Greg Christensen says

09/03/2020 at 9:11 am

Recently did southern Utah (from OH) for 6 weeks and spent 9000 dolllars … that’s about 200 dollars per day. Gasoline 1500 (8000 miles), hotels and campsites 1200, NP pass and BLM trail fees 100, topo maps/books/gifts 400, my own jeep routine and unexpected service 500, jeep rubicon 4WD 10 day rental for The Maze 1950, 4WD and backpacking supplies 400, laundry 50, food/beverages/snacks/water 2900. Biggest expenses are always food from restaurants and the remote expensive trips that are hard to access.

09/03/2020 at 9:40 am

Yes restaurants can be a lot. If you have to rent the 4×4 yes that really adds up!

Amogue says

09/15/2020 at 3:54 am

all this country are awesome I am going ti visit vietnam after the covid situation

10/09/2020 at 2:22 pm

Maybe Nicaragua is not safe, but I think it’s way safer than Guatemala. Please, be careful if planning to travel to any of this countries. Specially women travelling alone.

Michelle says

11/30/2020 at 12:03 pm

Yes, very surprised you didn’t include Morocco! Marrakech (or Casablanca) can get expensive if you want the most luxurious accommodations/prefer gambling, but overall a very cheap country to travel. You can get around easily if you wish to visit multiple cities, for as little as $8 or so intercity. (overnight sleeper trains will cost a bit more) You can even fly from Madrid or Lisbon to Marrakech for around $100 if you know where to look 🙂 I’d say to definitely visit Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen if you are not sure where to travel. Stay in riads or hostels. Walk around the souks, and take in all the sights the cities have to offer. Getting to the desert is a little more difficult and costly, but worth the experience if it is something you have always dreamed of doing!

12/03/2020 at 8:57 am

Good to know!

Catherine says

05/16/2021 at 5:54 am

India very risky for woman, last time I went there was groped, not once but multiple times. In india get used to man staring at your cleavage, boobs and ass all the time.

01/12/2023 at 8:24 pm

Did that happen in North India?

08/17/2023 at 3:52 am

Only in Punjab . Rest of India is very safe

Linniey???? says

05/22/2021 at 7:51 pm

Thank you for sharing… Very interesting and nice places for backpakers… South Korea is also very cheap and beautiful nature for nature lovers… ????

Tina Hallmark says

07/15/2021 at 2:27 pm

I know you are already bogged down with reply’s and on to your next adventure but I wanted to pick your brain. Myself, husband and our daughter, age 10 want to spend a month next year in another country (if all goes well, we may make it into an annual thing). We are great outdoors, we love food, we love history and love animals and we are all well traveled. We would like to pick our first month long trip for June 2022 (climate has to be below average of 85 degrees F). Basically we can’t decide on where we should go to stay around 10k for all 3 of us and how best planning for a month in a country. Any insight would be wonderful! We have thought about Bali/Philippians, Greece or Italy but I saw you mention Namibia and that sounds wonderful too! PS We do not want to stay in hostiles. Thank you for any information you may want to send our way! Tina

07/17/2021 at 12:40 pm

I’m not sure all of those places fall under your temperature requirements but it really depends on what kind of experience you want. I think they could all be wonderful.

02/20/2022 at 4:29 pm

03/01/2022 at 11:02 pm

Excuse me, but Georgia is not in Europe!! It is part of the Caucasus, which is in Asia. And as for Vietnam & most of southeast asia, can we say KRAITS!!! You fail to mention this very big danger…many people have gotten bitten by these snakes and died! Last but not least, that chicken or pork you get in Taiwan and China: might be DOG or CAT!!! Think about that B4 you scarf down just any streetfood!!

03/02/2022 at 11:19 am

lol I don’t think they’re eating cat or dog in Taiwan and I don’t know a soul who has been bitten by that snake you mention.

12/21/2023 at 1:21 pm

John im glad you got all your anger out on this message but no one really cares and all u did was waste everyones time thanks a lot JOHN!!

07/14/2022 at 9:22 pm

Ukraine really?

07/23/2022 at 11:50 am

Prior to the current situation it was a great place to travel, and it will be again one day.

Grace Christopher says

01/22/2023 at 9:01 am

I would love if someone can put me through how to go about the process of applying to any of the country mentioned above. That is work visa

01/26/2023 at 6:38 am

Hi I am planning to travel to Greece combined with some islands. Could you please tell me more about which places and accommodations you recommend and suggest. I will be traveling with my 21 year old son .

07/01/2023 at 9:54 am

Hi Nora: Recommend looking at this great BMYM post: 31 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Greece It includes a huge variety of things to do which I am sure your 21 year old son would enjoy too! Also, in BMTM website, click on “Destinations” at the top of this page and pick “Greece” and it has other great resources! Good luck!

Austin A. McCary says

06/02/2023 at 8:27 pm

This article on the cheapest destinations to travel to is a goldmine of budget travel inspiration! I appreciate the thorough breakdown of affordable destinations across different continents. The inclusion of budget-friendly activities and accommodation options is incredibly helpful for planning a cost-effective trip. I’m excited to explore some of these destinations that offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource!

Mani Venkat says

05/09/2024 at 2:59 am

Nice blog!!! Thanks for information

• Destinations
• Winery Directory

25 Cheapest Countries to Visit for Adventure, Food & Wine This Year

Ask a room full of people why they don’t travel more, you’ll almost certainly come across one common answer: it’s too expensive. Sure, biting the bullet to buy a train ticket and a hotel room can be a pain, but the belief that traveling the world has to be a burden on your wallet just isn’t true. Cost can be mitigated in a variety of ways, such as utilizing the right travel rewards credit cards , or by choosing destinations that are more affordable and where the US dollar is currently particularly strong.

Philippines

If you’re looking for your next big adventure, but a luxury vacation to Paris or Milan isn’t in the cards right now, then consider any of these 25 relatively cheap countries to visit where you can go on nearly any budget. At the time of writing in 2023, the US dollar will go especially far in Turkey, Argentina, Peru, Egypt, South Africa and Chile, though there are others.

RECOMMENDED: How To Get Cheaper Flight Tickets: 11 Proven Methods

Do keep in mind that depending on your budget, you may need to save that 5-star resort for a later date, but all of these countries are generally more affordable than most (at the moment). They can be experienced in-depth if you use the right logistics, accommodations and are willing to explore in a mostly self-guided fashion.

25 Affordable Travel Destinations to Visit This Year

Macedonia (north macedonia).

Macedonia, a small Balkan country, is an affordable and lesser-known destination with a rich wine tradition. The Tikveš wine region produces unique varieties such as Vranec and Smederevka. The capital, Skopje, offers an eclectic mix of architecture, Ottoman bazaars, and budget-friendly restaurants serving traditional dishes like tavče gravče and ajvar. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the stunning Lake Ohrid, hike in Mavrovo National Park, or discover the ancient city of Stobi.

Turkey is famous for its blend of European and Middle Eastern culture, its incredible Byzantine and Muslim architecture, and of course, the city that embodies all these and more: Istanbul. Known as the crossroads between Europe and Asia, this gem is still a surprisingly affordable travel destination. Although Istanbul is a must-do for any traveler passing through Turkey, don’t forget to check out some other cities like Izmir, Cappadocia and Bodrum, where you’ll be greeted by sea breezes, Mediterranean weather, fantastic wine, and world-class accommodations.

RELATED: Istanbul Itinerary: 2 Days and 12 Incredible Things to Do in Istanbul

No list of budget-friendly travel destinations is complete without Thailand. The land of reclining Buddhas and temples has been one of the backpacking capitals of the world for decades, and it isn’t about to give up its place anytime soon. For an exciting urban adventure, check out the vibrant, colorful capital of Bangkok. From a cuisine perspective, it has one of the most impressive culinary and street food scenes on the planet. If an island vacation with crazy beach parties is more your scene, you can’t go wrong with Phuket , Phi Phi , or Koh Samui .

Fun Fact: Did you know you can also go wine tasting in Thailand ?

Just to the East of Thailand is the equally beautiful Cambodia. Having to compete with its more popular neighbors, Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia has often been overlooked as a travel destination. Fortunately, this means that you’ll have an easier time getting around without putting up with crowds of tourists and paying tourist prices. As a country filled with mountains and jungles, the hiking here is world-class, and you can’t leave Cambodia without seeing the Angkor Wat. Check out the itinerary below, which discusses how you can explore this remarkable country in detail.

RELATED: How To Visit The Angkor Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia: 3 Day Itinerary

Very few countries in the world have as much to offer as Indonesia and very few that are as budget-friendly. Take a trip to Jakarta and you’ll find yourself in one of the fastest-growing and busiest cities in the world. If you’re looking for something more laid back, the island of Bali has beautiful black sand beaches, exciting nightlife, majestic temples, and an engaging local culture unlike any other.

Romania boasts a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and exceptional wine regions. The country is known for its local grape varieties, such as Fetească Neagră and Grasă de Cotnari. Visit the medieval towns of Transylvania and the wineries of the Dealu Mare region for a memorable, yet affordable, wine-tasting experience. For an authentic Romanian culinary experience, enjoy traditional dishes like sarmale and mici at local taverns. For adventurers, the Carpathian Mountains offer great hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Morocco conjures up different images for different people. For some, it’s busy souks and market squares in one of Morocco’s dozens of medieval cities. For others, it’s riding camelback through the Sahara and camping out under the stars. Fortunately, both of these experiences are not only possible but they can be yours at an incredibly affordable price. If Morocco is where you decide to go, you’ll find yourself in an incredible country with amazing cities to choose from, great food, and some of the kindest, most hospitable people you’ll ever meet.

Egypt has had its share of bad press in the past decade, but don’t be fooled, it is a perfectly safe destination with so much to offer. Between the thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history and its relatively more recent history of being a cultural center in the Arab World, Egypt is truly every traveler’s dream. Because so many people have been shying away from Egypt over the past decade, you’ll have a very easy time seeing the world-class historical sites and museums this country has to offer, leaving you more time to explore some of Egypt’s hidden gems, like the Colored Canyon or Sharm El-Sheikh . As with any other destination, check travel advisories before you book your trip.

RECOMMENDED: 10-12 Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo, Giza, Luxor and the Red Sea

While Hungary is full of hidden attractions like anywhere else in the world, you absolutely must go to Budapest while you’re there. With a nickname like “The Pearl of the Danube,” how could you not? One walk along the river or through the Fisherman’s Bastion will show you why this has been one of Europe’s must-do destinations for so long. Even as a city with so much beauty and excitement to offer, you’ll have a hard time running up an expensive bill here. So, indulge yourself in all the goulash and Hungarian wine you want.

RELATED: One Week in Budapest Itinerary: A Food and Wine Lover’s Travel Guide

Bulgaria is an under-the-radar destination that offers a mix of history, culture, and wine. The Thracian Valley and Melnik regions are known for their production of Mavrud and Melnik wines, which you can sample at numerous wineries. Explore the ancient city of Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and be amazed by its rich history and architecture. For nature lovers, the Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes offer breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.

Georgia (The Country)

Georgia, the birthplace of wine, presents a unique and affordable travel destination. With over 8,000 years of winemaking history, the Kakheti region is home to some of the world’s oldest wineries. Experience traditional Georgian winemaking methods by visiting local vineyards and trying wines made in qvevri, clay vessels buried in the ground. The capital, Tbilisi, is a lively city with a mix of old and new architecture, delicious local cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. Be sure to visit the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and the picturesque town of Sighnaghi.

RELATED: Top Destinations To Explore When Visiting Georgia (The Country)

Moldova , an off-the-beaten-path European destination, is an affordable choice for travelers interested in wine and culture. The country’s wineries, such as Cricova and Milestii Mici, feature some of the world’s largest underground wine cellars and offer immersive tasting experiences. In the charming capital of Chisinau, visitors can explore a mix of Soviet-era and modern architecture, fascinating museums, and sample delicious local cuisine at affordable prices. Nature enthusiasts will find the Orheiul Vechi archaeological complex, with its ancient cave monasteries and picturesque landscapes, an excellent destination for hiking and outdoor exploration. Don’t miss the chance to attend a traditional Moldovan wine festival, such as the National Wine Day, where you can taste local wines, enjoy folk music, and experience the warmth of Moldovan hospitality.

When you think of affordable travel destinations, Portugal probably doesn’t come to mind. Yet, it remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly countries. As long as you steer clear of some of the touristy areas in Lisbon and Lagos, you’ll find that you can enjoy some of the best weather and seafood in the world without having to break the bank. So, if sipping wine and listening to a fado play in the background on a sunny day sounds like a good time to you, check out Portugal. It’s probably cheaper than you think.

RELATED: 10 Best Places To Visit In Portugal For Food, Wine, History & Nature

Peru is a diverse and fascinating country that offers travelers a rich cultural experience, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Although not as famous for its wine production as some other countries in South America, Peru’s Ica Valley is home to a growing wine industry, producing unique varieties such as Albilla and Quebranta. While visiting the Ica Valley, be sure to try pisco, Peru’s national spirit, which is distilled from grapes and used to make the famous Pisco Sour cocktail. The vibrant capital city of Lima boasts a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of dining options, from affordable street food to world-class fine dining establishments. Don’t miss the opportunity to try ceviche, Peru’s national dish, or lomo saltado, a mouthwatering fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors. For adventure seekers, the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the stunning Andean landscapes offer unforgettable experiences, while the Amazon rainforest provides unparalleled biodiversity and ecotourism opportunities.

Argentina offers a diverse landscape and some of the best Malbec wines in the world. The Mendoza wine region , nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, is an excellent destination for wine enthusiasts, with numerous vineyards and wineries to explore. Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital, is known for its tango music, historic sites, and mouthwatering steaks. For adventure seekers , the Iguazu Falls and Patagonia offer breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking and glacier trekking.

RELATED: Best Destinations to Visit in Argentina This Year

While still in South America, be sure to make a stop in Chile . Chile offers a diverse landscape, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the Patagonian wilderness in the south. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Central Valley, known for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Santiago, the capital city, is a vibrant metropolis with a thriving culinary scene and affordable dining options. Be sure to try empanadas and pastel de choclo, two popular Chilean dishes. Adventure seekers can explore the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, the arid Atacama Desert, or the mysterious Easter Island.

South Africa

South Africa provides a unique blend of culture, wildlife, and world-class wines. The Western Cape’s wine regions, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are renowned for their stunning landscapes and excellent wines. Discover the Cape Town culinary scene, with an array of affordable dining options, from fine-dining restaurants to bustling food markets. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Kruger National Park or one of the many private game reserves offers unforgettable safari experiences.

RECOMMENDED: South Africa Itinerary: Uncork the Best in 2 Weeks

Croatia is known for its beautiful coastline and historic cities, but it also offers a thriving wine culture and affordable travel experiences. The Istria and Dalmatia regions are home to indigenous grape varieties like Malvazija Istarska and Plavac Mali. In Dubrovnik and Split, visitors can explore ancient architecture, dine on delicious seafood, and enjoy budget-friendly accommodations. For adventure, the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Paklenica National Park provide breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities.

Armenia, one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries, offers visitors affordable travel options and rich cultural experiences. The Areni wine region, with its ancient winemaking history, is home to the unique Areni Noir grape variety. Yerevan, the capital, boasts a lively dining scene, with affordable restaurants serving traditional dishes like khorovats and dolma. Nature lovers can hike the stunning trails of Dilijan National Park, explore the ancient monasteries of Tatev and Geghard, or visit the breathtaking Lake Sevan.

Serbia is an affordable Balkan destination with a rich history, vibrant culture, and an emerging wine scene. The Fruška Gora region is known for its indigenous grape varieties, such as Prokupac and Tamjanika. The capital, Belgrade, offers a mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, a lively nightlife, and budget-friendly restaurants serving traditional dishes like ćevapi and pljeskavica. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the dramatic Đavolja Varoš rock formations, hike in the Tara National Park, or go rafting on the Drina River.

Slovenia, a small Central European country, offers affordable travel experiences and a thriving wine culture. The Goriška Brda region, often referred to as the “Slovenian Tuscany,” is known for its picturesque vineyards and superb wines like Rebula and Pinot Gris. Ljubljana, the charming capital, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, medieval architecture, and affordable accommodations. Nature lovers can explore the breathtaking Lake Bled, hike through the Triglav National Park, or venture into the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

RELATED: 3 Day Slovenia Itinerary: Bled and More for Adventurous Wine Lovers

Montenegro, with its stunning Adriatic coastline and rugged mountains, is an affordable and off-the-beaten-path destination. The Crmnica wine region produces the indigenous Vranac grape variety, perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking new experiences. The historic towns of Kotor and Budva offer a mix of medieval architecture, affordable dining options, and picturesque beaches. For adventure seekers, Durmitor National Park provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and rafting in the dramatic Tara Canyon.

RELATED: How To Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Montenegro

Mexico is an affordable destination that offers a rich cultural experience, diverse landscapes, and a budding wine scene. The Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California is gaining recognition for its excellent wines and innovative cuisine. Mexico City, the bustling capital, boasts a wide range of dining options, from street food to fine dining, featuring iconic dishes like tacos al pastor and mole poblano. Adventure lovers can explore the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Cozumel, or hike in the Copper Canyon.

Estonia, a Baltic gem, offers visitors affordable travel experiences, a rich cultural heritage, and a burgeoning food scene. Although not traditionally known for its wine production, Estonia is home to innovative winemakers producing fruit and berry wines, as well as wines from imported grape concentrates. Tallinn, the medieval capital, boasts well-preserved architecture, a vibrant dining scene, and budget-friendly accommodations. For nature lovers, the picturesque Lahemaa National Park and the island of Saaremaa provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.

The Philippines is an affordable and diverse destination with over 7,000 islands, offering visitors stunning beaches, unique landscapes, and a thriving culinary scene. While the country is not known for traditional grape wine production, it does produce a variety of fruit wines, such as mango and bignay wines, which are worth trying for a unique experience. Manila, the capital, offers a mix of Spanish colonial history, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine, featuring dishes like adobo and sinigang. For adventure seekers, the Philippines offers opportunities for diving in the crystal-clear waters of Palawan, trekking the Banaue Rice Terraces, or exploring the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheapest Countries to Visit This Year

What is the cheapest most beautiful country to visit.

Consider Portugal . As adventurers, foodies and wine lovers, it’s hard to beat and it doesn’t break the bank. Located in southwestern Europe, Portugal offers a mix of stunning landscapes, historic cities, and a rich cultural heritage. The country is known for its picturesque coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming fishing villages. Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, boasts a vibrant atmosphere, historic neighborhoods, and iconic yellow trams. The city offers affordable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and attractions such as the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Alfama district. Another must-visit destination is Porto, known for its colorful riverside buildings, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the production of Port wine. Traveling in Portugal can be quite affordable compared to other Western European countries. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy low-cost accommodations, inexpensive dining options, and reasonably priced attractions. Additionally, the country’s compact size makes it convenient and cost-effective to explore various regions during a single trip. Of course, there are other fantastic cheap countries to visit this year. Read this guide to find out dozens of other options and why they should be added to your bucket list that won’t break the bank.

How can I save money while traveling in cheap countries?

First, read this guide on some of the cheapest countries to visit this year, particularly where the dollar is very strong. Also, look for budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses, use local public transportation, and dine at local markets or street food stalls to stretch your travel budget.

Is it safe to travel to “cheap countries”?

First of all, “cheap” doesn’t always equate to unsafe. When we use the word cheap, we’re referring to countries where exchange rates are ideal and costs are down at the time of writing. Whether or not an affordable travel destination is safe can depend on many factors, such as the current political situation, where you choose your accommodations, and general sense of awareness while exploring. Be sure to research the safety situation of each country before your trip, paying attention to travel advisories and local news, and follow basic safety precautions while traveling.

Make your plans!

Tell us in the comments, which of these destinations might you travel to first and why? Feel free to reach out to our team for any specific travel itineraries, tours or experiences you might be interested in. We can send you information from our local experts and tour operators who can usually cut you a deal ;).

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14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a Worldpackers volunteer

14 of the most affordable destinations around the world. These countries are full of culture, history, and natural beauty, and they can all be explored on a backpacker budget.

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Mar 04, 2024

After the numerous lockdowns and border closures of 2020, people all over the world are dying to get out and travel. We’ve all spent so much time stuck at home, reading, watching movies, and scanning social media, intrigued by photos and videos of beautiful, far-off places. Seasoned travelers like myself are itching to book a flight somewhere as soon as borders re-open. And there are plenty of novice travelers who have never felt more inspired to go see the world.

Lots of people are trying to get back on their feet financially. Luckily, traveling the world can be insanely cheap if you visit the right places! There are lots of gorgeous destinations in the world that make excellent vacations, but they don’t cost a fortune to visit. 

Read more articles about travel on a budget:

The 10 cheapest cities to live in the world

• The 12 cheapest places to travel in the USA right now

How to find cheap airfare anytime of year

So for anyone looking to plan a trip somewhere affordable , here are the cheapest countries to visit as volunteer 

14 Of the cheapest countries to visit

1. cambodia.

Southeast Asia is a notoriously cheap area to visit. It is also incredibly beautiful and filled with art, history, flavorful food, religious architecture, and mindblowing natural landscapes. 

Cambodia is probably the cheapest country to visit in Southeast Asia.  

Top things to do in Cambodia include visiting the magnificent ancient Khmer temples in Siem Reap and touring the museums and palaces in the capital city of Phnom Penh. 

A hostel in Cambodia can cost as little as 4 USD per night, and you can get a full meal for 1 USD.

If you're wondering if Cambodia is a safe place to visit , let me tell you that definitely is! Of course taking the usual safety precautions .

You can visit Cambodia as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:

• Teach English for childrens in Cambodia
• Help in digital marketing for pepper farm in Kiriving, Cambodia

Laos is another affordable country in Southeast Asia . From the glittering Buddhist temples to the lush forests and waterfalls, this nation is perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

Monuments, palaces, temples, museums, shrines, and other stunning pieces of architecture can be found all over the country. 

There are also lots of picturesque waterfalls scattered around the landscape, including the Kuang Si Waterfall, the Khone and Pha Pheng Falls, the Tat Sae Falls, and more. 

Entry fees to all the best man-made and natural attractions usually only cost 1 or 2 USD, and many people can successfully travel around Laos for less than 30 USD per day.

You might also like:   The secret to travel the world for free (that no one tells you)  and The most unique places to stay for cheap around the world .

As one of the best countries in the world for street food, Vietnam should have a place on every foodie’s travel bucket list. 

The markets in Vietnam are outstanding; you can indulge in a wide variety of local dishes and barely spend more than a couple of USD. 

Vietnam is also famous for its unique natural attractions, including the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong. Accommodation and transportation are both very affordable here as well, contributing to why Vietnam is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit.

Travel to Vietnam and help in Worldpackers positions:

• Collaborate in a children's NGO teaching languages and caring
• Teach English in Vietnam and know that cheap country in Asia 

4. Indonesia

Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia composed of thousands of islands. This means is it incredibly diverse. You can visit the most popular island of Bali, or head to the quieter tourist islands such as Lombok, Java, or Sumbawa. 

Regardless, Indonesia is a very cheap country to travel to . It is wise to just pick a handful of islands and fully explore those, rather than hopping from island to island constantly and spending lots of money on transport.

But once you find a nice place and stick to it, you can eat delicious, flavorful local food and stay in fun hostels or guesthouses for 20-30 USD per day in total.

Travel to Indonesia and help in Worldpackers positions:

• Help to farm and teach English in a village surrounded by nature!

One of the cheapest countries to visit is Nepal. For adventurous travelers looking to explore the most remote corners of the globe, Nepal is a great place to go. It’s one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit outside of Southeast Asia. 

Many people come here to hike Mount Everest, but that is only for extremely fit and ambitious travelers, and with lots of money saved, because hiking Mount Everest is super expensive! But if you want to trek in some less touristy mountains, you can do so in Nepal for very cheap. 

Stay in cozy local guesthouses and eat home-cooked meals for just 10-20 USD per day or travel as a Worldpackers volunteer in Nepal .

• Help in a organic farm while travel around Nepal.
• Be a volunteer in a orphanege at Kathmandu, Nepal 

Keep reading: 10 cheap Spring Break trips for students on a budget  and  15 budget-savvy hacks to travel smarter in the new year

As far as African countries go, Morocco is one of the most affordable . It’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia, but it’s still overall one of the cheapest countries to visit if you can avoid the tourist traps. 

For example, Marrakech is a chaotic and colorful city in Morocco. Most travelers visit here to explore the massive Medina and to book tours into the Sahara Desert or the Atlas Mountains. 

Marrakech can be very cheap if you buy your food at local eateries instead of tourist restaurants in Jema El Fnaa, the main tourist square. Hostels around Morocco generally cost between 8 and 10 USD, and tours are affordable as well. 

Be sure to check out the Blue City of Chefchaouen, the beaches along the west coast, and of course, the mountains and the desert.

Travel to Morocco with Worldpackers :

• Be a volunteer at a Hostel in Marrakesh and travel around the Saara
• Help an animal sanctuary in Morocco

7. Nicaragua

If you’re living in the USA and you’d like to travel somewhere cheap, Central America is the place to go. 

From the low prices of food, accommodation, and activities, to the short and cheap flights to get there, Central America has some of the cheapest countries to visit from the USA. Nicaragua is a gorgeous country. 

Most travelers tend to congregate near San Juan Del Sur, a party beach town, or in the towns of Leon, Managua, and Granada. 

Popular things to do in Nicaragua include hiking and sandboarding on volcanoes, admiring the Spanish colonial architecture in the cities, and surfing at the remote beaches.

• Learn permaculture at a Hostel in Omepete Island, Nicarágua while help in the garden 
• Work in the night shift at a Hostel in Nacarágua

8. El Salvador

Also one cheapest countries to visit in Central America, El Salvador are a small place is known for its natural beauty. 

There are lots of beautiful lakes, volcanoes, beaches, and waterfalls to explore, as well as some fascinating Mayan ruins and archeological sites. 

So if you love history and nature, El Salvador is the perfect country to visit. As with most countries in Central and South America, food is cheapest if you stick to the local dishes. 

You can find big plates of local food for 3 USD, whereas a meal of foreign food like pizza or burgers costs closer to 10 USD. But if you travel on a backpacker budget, you can get by in El Salvador on 30 USD per day or travel as Worldpackers volunteer in El salvador.

• Travel in the Costa del Sol, El Salvador while help playing music and make the party happen

9. Guatemala

Guatemala is a geographically diverse and stunning country. Located just below Mexico, it’s very close to the USA so you can find flights there for as cheap as 100 USD.

Guatemala has a thriving Mayan culture. You’ll find lots of traditionally dressed locals living the way their ancestors did. You’ll most likely hear other indigenous languages in addition to Spanish here as well. 

Guatemala has beach towns, highlands and mountains, and tropical rainforests within its borders. 

You can paddleboard on Lake Atitlan , hike volcanoes near Antigua, swim in natural lakes and waterfalls in the rainforest, and explore Mayan Ruins in the north. And you can do it all on a backpacker budget!

You may also be interested:   How to satisfy your wanderlust without spending a fortune

10. Bolivia

As one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America , Bolivia is a favorite among backpackers and budget travelers.

You can travel around Bolivia for 20 USD a day if you eat at local restaurants and stay in hostels. This country is very traditional, so you’ll get to see the real South American way of life.

Highlights in Bolivia include the surreal landscape of Salar De Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, and the blue waters of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water. For a real adventure, venture off the tourist trail and visit remote local villages or hike in the Amazon jungle.

• Live in La paz and help in housekeeping
• Travel around Bolívia and know Copacabana while help and learn permaculture 

11. Colombia

Located in the north of South America, Colombia is an underrated tourist destination. With breathtaking beaches and marine life on the coast, and colorful architecture and historic villages inland, Colombia has something for everyone. 

Popular things to do in Colombia include touring coffee plantations, hiking volcanoes, trekking in the national parks, snorkeling near the northern beaches, and exploring the cities of Medellin and Cartagena.

Hostels in Colombia cost around 10 USD per night, and public bus journeys around the country cost only a few dollars and Worldpackers have many volunteer positions in Colombia.

Keep reading our tips  How to travel on a budget  and  The best ways to save money while traveling

12. Bulgaria

Many people don’t think of Europe as a super cheap place to visit . Scandinavia is extremely expensive, and most of Western Europe is quite pricey as well. But eastern Europe is often just as cheap as Central America or Southeast Asia. 

Bulgaria is actually one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. It’s not very touristy, so the locals are extremely welcoming. 

In Sofia, the Bulgarian capital city, locals host daily free walking tours for tourists so they can teach you all about their culture and history. 

Hostels in Bulgaria cost around 5-9 USD per night, and you can treat yourself to an amazing meal at a nice restaurant for less than 20 USD. Bulgaria has lots of amazing historical architecture as well as natural beauty, so I think it should be on more people’s European travel bucket list.

For history lovers, Poland is a great place to visit. Full of museums and historical sights, you most likely won’t have to pay more than 5 or 10 USD to enter some of the country’s most popular attractions. 

Poland is also home to lots of colorful, photogenic architecture, which you can obviously admire and photograph for free. 

Big plates of hearty local food usually cost less than 10 USD, and hostels generally cost around 8-10 USD. Poland has all the delicious food and amazing sights of western European countries but without the high prices and the swarms of tourists.

14. Romania

And finally, another cheapest country to visit in Europe is Romania. Not to use a cliche, but Romania is truly a hidden gem of Europe. 

It is a beautiful country with so many cool things to see, but it has very few tourists and it is extremely cheap. A highlight of the country is the Transylvania region , which is home to numerous impressive castles and lots of quaint, charming, colorful villages. 

You can also visit Romania to explore the wilderness, including the majestic Carpathian Mountains and the beaches bordering the Black Sea. 

Traveling on a budget through Romania means you’ll probably spend only 30-40 USD per day, so it’s one of the cheapest foreign countries to visit in Europe. 

You can to visit all these cheapest countries listed here as a  Worldpackers volunteer and make your trip cheaper. 

Worldpackers is a global community of conscientious travelers and welcoming hosts who, since 2014, have fostered thousands of connections and unique experiences in pursuit of developing and transforming the world into a more socially and environmentally sustainable place. On our search pages, you can choose from many volunteer positions around all the world.

Keep reading about  budget travel tips  with Worldpackers:

• 16 awesome places worldwide to get free accommodation in exchange for work
• How easy traveling on a budget with Worldpackers actually is
• The lazy-traveler's guide to budget travel tips

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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Aloyse Christian

Dec 27, 2022

seems so interesting, looking forward to Cambodia 🇰🇭, Philippines 🇵🇭, Bolivia 🇧🇴 and Poland 🇵🇱

Mar 27, 2023

May 01, 2023

There are many tourist attractions in the Philippines that offers free entrance, public beaches, park, hiking spots, and many more. The Philippines deserve to be listed here. For now, I don't know an establishment or organization that offers and connects volunteers offering opportunities to work in exchange for accommodation and other benefits. Thank you.

Philippines Travel Guide https://www.philippinestravelguides.com/

hey good one

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That ever-growing travel wish list might be putting pressure on your pocket – but there are plenty of destinations where you'll get more bang for your buck. From Greece to Guatemala , here are 20 of the cheapest places to travel.

1. Thailand — for fantastic local food and more

2. south africa for safari adventures at an incredible value, 3. vietnam for an affordable country with a lot to offer, 4. uruguay — for a budget destination with beaches, 5. cuba: a cheap destination with very few tourists.

• 6. Prague, Czech Republic — one of Europe's most affordable destinations

7. Greece for popular tourist destinations on a budget

8. guatemala: one of the cheapest countries to learn spanish, 9. bulgaria for an underrated tourist destination, 10. india: an all-time favourite for budget travellers, 11. portugal for a cheap country in western europe, 12. bolivia for natural beauty on a budget, 13. mexico: one of the cheapest places to travel, 14. new orleans — one of the cheapest major cities in the usa, 15. laos for national parks and more, 16. the gambia for a cheap destination with nature, 17. shanghai, china for delicious street food, 18. save money in istanbul, turkey, 19. london — for free things to do in a capital city, 20. egypt for one of the most memorable cheap travel destinations, plan your perfect trip.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget — your essential guide to making the most of this great region without breaking the bank. You might also want to discover how to explore the world's most expensive city without breaking the bank — find out how to visit Tel Aviv on a budget .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Greece, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2657 USD

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

9 days  / from 2246 USD

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

10 days  / from 2030 USD

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

There’s a reason why Thailand remains so popular with backpackers. It’s got idyllic islands , a rich culture, beach huts aplenty, tantalising local food and adventures galore , and all are available at often staggeringly low prices.

Despite the well-trodden routes through the country, it’s not hard to get away from the crowds. Check out Nakhon Si Thammarat for some of the very best food the country has to offer or hire a motorbike to make the 600km trip along the Mae Hong Son Loop through the forested northern mountains. See why Thailand made our list of the best places to travel alone.

Find budget places to stay in Thailand

The Great Holy Relics Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri, Chiang Mai, Thailand - still one of the cheapest places to travel © Shutterstock

One of the great things about travelling in South Africa next to the beautiful landscapes is that it’s possible to have a safari experience here – complete with the Big Five – without encountering a budget-breaking bill. Head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi to see a white rhino and avoid the crowds of Kruger .

Head to the Drakensberg for superlative hiking. Don’t forget to factor in at least a few days in the amazing Cape Town or Johannesburg to experience the nightlife in South Africa .

Start planning your trip with the best time to visit South Africa and our collection of the best South Africa itineraries .

Find budget places to stay in South Africa

Cape Town — popular with budget travellers © Mark Van Overmeire/Shutterstock

Vietnam is one of the best and cheapest places to travel. The country’s greatest attraction is its sublime countryside, from the limestone karsts of the north to the waterways and paddy fields of the Mekong Delta , with blissful beaches and frenetic cities crammed in between - see our reader's vote for the most beautiful places in Vietnam .

Then there’s the cuisine – pull up a stool at a pho stall and for just a few dollars you’ll eat some of the best food on offer, shoulder to shoulder with the locals. Check out our 9 tips for backpacking Vietnam and the best time to visit Vietnam , plus discover how to get off the tourist trail before you go.

Street Pho - Vietnam street food options make it a great cheap place to travel © JNEZAM/Shutterstock

If you’ve already visited Brazil and Argentina , or are just looking for a better value destination in South America, head instead to neighbouring Uruguay. You’ll be relieved to hear you can still find excellent steak here and some amazing restaurants .

Plus, there are plenty of lovely beaches to choose from – head to Cabo Polonio for quieter sands and abundant wildlife – and the gorgeous old capital of Montevideo. Want to learn more? You'll find all the information you need to plan a budget trip in our Rough Guide to South America on a Budget .

Find budget places to stay in Uruguay

Uruguay. Punta del Este - a great place to go on a tight travel budget © Chaykovsky Igor/Shutterstock

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Since relations between Cuba and the US started rapidly warming up, there's never been a better time to visit this Caribbean island. Go now before it changes beyond recognition – and before the prices start to go up and up even more.

Hit the salsa clubs of Havana , get caught up in the heady July carnival of Santiago, or dip your toes in the warm Caribbean at one of the picture-perfect beaches in Cuba – whatever you do, you’ll find it hard not to leave utterly intoxicated.

Get started with these 12 tips for backpacking Cuba , the best places to go on your first trip to Cuba and the best time to visit Cuba .

Cuba is a great place for cheap travel © Pixabay

6. Prague, Czech Republic — one of Europe's most affordable destinations

Despite being firmly on the tourist – not to mention bachelor party – trail these days, Prague still remains one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities to visit. For just a few Czech Crowns you can enjoy a hearty meal of Czech food , washed down with decent local Czech beer (of course).

The city itself is a beauty, crammed full of history and perfect for leisurely explorations by foot - check here to see how to avoid the crowds in Prague , and a great train travel itinerary starting in Prague. Want to explore more of Europe on the cheap? Check out The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget .

• For Baroque touches with a view : Questenberk
• For gardens and views: Golden Well Hotel
• For budget stays : Adeba Hotel

Find places to stay on a budget in Prague .

Save money when travelling to Prague © Shutterstock

Greece has been having a tough time economically in the past few years. It finally started trading on financial markets in mid-2018 after years of bailouts, but for many, making ends meet day-to-day is still hard.

If anything, the financial situation is all the more reason to travel here and to support the local people. Prices are still cheaper than they once were, so you might be able to squeeze an extra Greek island or one of the beautiful beaches into your itinerary.

Pay by credit card for whatever you can in advance, but take enough cash with you for your travels, and you’re pretty much guaranteed an amazing trip. Read our indispensable travel tips for Greece by Nick Edwards, co-author of The Rough Guide to Greece , before you go - and of course, the best Greek food you need to try.

Find budget places to stay in Greece

Greece — one of the best budget destinations © Anastasios71/Shutterstock

It’s hard not to fall under the spell of Guatemala and its compelling mix of natural beauty, Mayan traditions and colonial legacies. Rock-bottom prices make this one of the best places to study Spanish.

Once your linguistic skills are up to scratch, jump onto one of the country’s famous camionetas or “chicken buses” to explore. Soak up the sights of graceful Antigua in the south of the country, explore Guatemala City or be wowed by the monumental Maya temples of Tikal .

For planning your trip , check out the best time to travel to Guatemala . It's also easy to extend your trip to see more of Central America, too.

Find budget places to stay in Guatemala

Guatemala for affordable accommodation and more © Shutterstock

Often unfairly overlooked, Bulgaria has a lot to offer budget travellers – not least some of the most deserted beaches in Europe, at bargain prices. In addition to its appealing coastline, there are also lots of lovely old towns.

One of the best and cheapest places to travel is Varna on the coast. Or the ancient Plovdiv — which made our Rough Guide list of the Best Places to Travel this year. Bulgaria also boasts a number of dramatic mountain ranges that are perfect for exploration on foot or by bike.

Find budget places to stay in Bulgaria

The underrated country of Bulgaria © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

India is such a vast country and remains one of the ultimate destinations among the cheapest places to travel. There are few countries where you can still travel so extensively and eat so well for so little.

If you’re after a beach break, eschew Goa for the gorgeous beaches of the temple town of Gokarna. For amazing food, it’s hard to beat the puris and kebabs of Mumbai’s street stalls or head to the Golden City of Jaisalmer from where you can explore the seemingly endless sands of the Thar Desert. Need more inspiration? Check out our favourite places off the tourist trail .

Varanasi, India © Shutterstock

Portugal remains one of the best bargains in Western Europe and is especially worth considering if you want to avoid the more crowded resorts and cities of Spain. Skip the Algarve for the ruggedly beautiful Alentejo coast (with its cheap, fresh seafood) and vibrant, uber-cool Lisbon. If you're not sure where to start, read our top tips for travelling in Portugal and discover the best of Lisbon's food scene .

Find budget places to stay in Portugal

Portugal is arguably the cheapest country in Western Europe © Shutterstock

One of the cheapest places to travel in South America, Bolivia is also one of its most misunderstood . Travelling here may be a little uncomfortable at times, but it’s more than worth it for the wealth of amazing sights on offer.

Top of the list is undoubtedly the astounding Salar de Uyuni salt flats, a two or three-day tour of which will usually set you back less than £100/$150. Plan your trip with The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget , and be sure to try at least some of these best things to do in Bolivia .

Find budget places to stay in Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia is one of the cheapest places to travel in South America © Shutterstock

Your budget will definitely stretch to tacos and tequila aplenty in Mexico – which is great news as there’s a lot of ground to cover in this vibrant country.

Whether you want to string your hammock up along dazzling white sands, sample some of the country’s best street food in Oaxaca or cool off in a crystal-clear cenote (sunken swimming hole), the country will leave you eager to come back for more. To kick-start your wanderlust, these are 12 of our favourite places to visit in Mexico .

Find budget places to stay in Mexico

Zipolite beach, Oaxaca, Mexico © Shutterstock

You can’t escape from music in New Orleans – and with buskers on what often seems like every corner, and music in every courtyard and bar, it’s not hard to experience the city’s musical heritage without spending much more than the price of a beer.

The city is best experienced slowly, and on foot; it’s hard to beat people-watching over a cup of coffee and a plate of sugar-dusted beignets at the Café du Monde. Find out where to sample the city's top cocktails with our best bar guide .

Where to stay in New Orleans

• For a budget-conscious alternative: Hotel Provincial
• For classic New Orleans charm: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter

Find budget places to stay in New Orleans

Bourbon St, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Even in a region of the cheapest places to travel, Laos stands out. It’s hard not to be captivated by the slow pace of the country.

Head just north of elegant Luang Prabang to riverside Nong Khiaw, where for a small change you can bag a waterside bungalow and watch the boats travel up and down the karst-surrounded river over a cold bottle of Beer Lao. Get the full lowdown on this enchanting and unspoiled corner of Southeast Asia with The Rough Guide to Laos .

Find budget places to stay in Laos

Laos is famous for its national parks and more © akedesign/Shutterstock

Africa’s smallest country is already known for its beautiful beaches, but it’s well worth venturing beyond them to experience its other delights . Top of the list has to be the Chimp Rehabilitation Centre in the River Gambia National Park, where you can watch the primates in their natural habitat.

For birdlife, Baobolong Wetland Reserve is arguably the best place for ornithology on the continent and is at its most atmospheric at sunset. Read on for 8 off-the-beaten-track experiences in the Gambia.

Find budget places to stay in The Gambia

Gambia is Africa's smallest country © Dave Montreuil/Shutterstock

The biggest appeal for budget – if not all travellers – to Shanghai is undoubtedly the abundance of amazing street food on offer, from xiao long bao soup dumplings to scallion pancakes and sticky rice parcels ( zongzi ).

It’s still possible to find an accommodation bargain at the lower end of the scale, and much of the city’s appeal lies in exploring its busy streets on foot and experiencing for yourself the juxtaposition between old and new China. You'll find recommendations for where to find the city's best street eats and budget sleeps in The Rough Guide to Shanghai .

Find budget places to stay in Shanghai

Shanghai for street food and more © Shutterstock

With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is undeniably alluring. Though seeing all the major sights – the Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace to name but a few – can quickly eat into your lira, the city can still be great for tighter budgets.

Arguably the best ways to really soak up the city are from a Bosphorus ferry, wandering the streets of the Grand Bazaar or on a streetside terrace with a freshly-cooked kebab - read up our Turkish food guide before you go.

Where to stay in Istanbul

• For views: Hotel Poem
• For B&B: Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci
• For location: Boutique Saint Sophia

Find budget places to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey © Shutterstock

First things first – we know London is not cheap. There’s no denying that even staying in hostels, using public transport and eating in cafés is going to massively eat into your budget.

But – and it’s a big but – there are few places in the world that can rival the capital city for its plethora of free sights, where you can see the Rosetta Stone and the Lindow Man, works by Monet and Dalí, not to mention dinosaur and blue whale skeletons, for absolutely nothing. Get off on the right foot by choosing the right area to stay .

Find budget places to stay in London

Hampstead Heath during the summer months in London © Chris Seddon/Shutterstock

Considering the abundance of mind-blowing ancient sights, you’d expect travel to Egypt to cost a lot more than it does. Sure, if you tick off all the major attractions – including the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel – then costs are going to creep up, but tempered with cheap (and excellent) food and decent budget accommodation, it’s not hard to feel like you’re almost able to live like a Pharaoh.

Note, that due to safety concerns some governments currently advise against travel to certain parts of the country; check the latest advice before you go.

Find budget places to stay in Egypt

Egypt is a fantastic travel destination © Shutterstock

Want to travel without the hassle of planning and booking? Our local experts can plan wonderful trips for you to anywhere you have been dreaming of travelling. Simply get in touch when you would like to travel. We will then create a personalized itinerary, which you can amend until you are totally happy with every detail of the booking. All of our planned itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Inspired to take a trip to Europe? Don't miss our Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget for more tips on making the most of this great region without breaking the bank.

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The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit

Despite inflation, there are some areas where the strong dollar will work in your favor.

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If you're planning your next solo or family vacation and have to stick to a strict budget, no problem. We've found the cheapest countries to visit around the world. Despite the effects of inflation on everything from eggs to electric cars , there are many places where your dollar will work in your favor, getting you an exotic trip for less than you might expect.

Our ranking is based on the average total daily cost you might pay once you reach your destination, and shows the daily prices for accommodation and food for one person. Obviously, the missing element is the cost of airfare, but flight costs vary so much depending on the time of year you're traveling, and where you're flying from, and to, that it's not helpful to factor those into our selection. If you want to know how to find and save money on flights to Europe , we've got some strategies for doing just that.

To give you some inspiration for your flight hunting, check out the top 10 cheapest countries to travel to in 2024.

Data sources include TheGlobalEconomy.com , Numbeo's cost of living database , and Budget Your Trip .

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Average daily cost: $170 Average accommodation cost for one person: $163 Average daily meals cost: $44

From idyllic beaches to world-renowned historical sites, Greece is one of Europe’s top summer destinations for travelers. After the debt crisis in 2010, prices have been relatively low for years, but prices can vary widely depending on location — if you're heading for a holiday hotspot (like Mykonos or Santorini) expect to pay far more than for a lesser-known part of the country. Timing is also crucial when visiting this Mediterranean country. Try to avoid the high-season summer months to take advantage of the great prices.

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9. Portugal

Average daily cost: $149 Average accommodation cost for one person: $65 Average daily meals cost: $44

Portugal is one of the best-value destinations in Europe. It's known for its seafood, wine, views, delicious custard tarts (pastéis de nata) and 300+ days of sunshine . Whether you head for vibrant Lisbon, to the sandy beaches of the south or for a wine and port tour in Porto, you’ll get a reasonably-priced vacation while enjoying the sights and sounds that this friendly southern European country has to offer.

Average daily cost: $141  Average accommodation cost for one person: $57 Average daily meals cost: $35

Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world but remains an underrated tourist destination. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is a fabulous melting pot of cultures that can be seen in everything from architecture to cuisine. There's an assortment of choices for visitors, from mountain ranges to beach-littered coasts, to the sprawling colorful metropolis of Istanbul — Turkey has everything. Despite the devastating earthquakes that hit the country in 2023, many tourist destinations in the west of the country (hundreds of miles from the affected areas) are open and actively welcoming visitors.

7. Dominican Republic

Average daily cost: $131 Average accommodation cost for one person: $83 Average daily meals cost: $37

Only a two-hour flight from Miami and less than four hours from New York City, Americans are frequent visitors to this sunny, year-round Caribbean destination. Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic makes up half of the second-largest island in the Caribbean (Hispaniola), French-speaking Haiti makes up the western half. With white sand beaches, lagoons, and rainforests, there’s plenty to explore while enjoying the natural beauty of the country.

Average daily cost: $128 Average accommodation cost for one person: $50 Average daily meals cost: $30

America’s neighbor Mexico is home to the fifth largest city in the world . Not only does Mexico have several urban oases, but the North American country is also known for its beautiful beaches that are regularly listed as some of the best in the world. From ancient jungle ruins to iconic modernist buildings , you’ll find pretty much everything you could want in a vacation here and for a good price. 

5. Costa Rica

Average daily cost: $118 Average accommodation cost for one person: $60 Average daily meals cost: $25

Despite being the size of West Virginia , Costa Rica is a land of abundance and adventure. The quiet central American country has miles of coastline of both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, it's got jungle lodges, rainforest treks, volcanoes, and cloud forests. It boasts some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. With fresh food and fruit in abundance, you can truly enjoy the “pura vida.” Just recently, a new study named Costa Rica as the best country to retire in 2024 . 

Average daily cost: $87  Average accommodation cost for one person: $43  Average daily meals cost: $23

At the crossroads of Europe , Hungary has managed to keep its quaint villages, while Budapest — the “city of lights” — still reigns as a metropolitan center. You’ve most likely seen the spectacular Hungarian Parliament building sitting on the Danube River. Hungary’s countryside includes beautiful scenery with mountains, rivers and lush valleys.

3. Thailand

Average daily cost: $84 Average accommodation cost for one person: $36 Average daily meals cost: $17

Flights to this south Asian country can be expensive, but other costs make up for it. Known for its tropical beaches, jungle temples, Buddha statues and the delicious restaurants and street markets in the bustling city of Bangkok, it's no wonder Thailand is the most visited country in Southeast Asia .

2. Indonesia

Average daily cost: $60 Average accommodation cost for one person: $32 Average daily meals cost: $16

Indonesia is home to Bali — often at the top of rankings when it comes to the best place to visit in the world. But there’s more to this paradise of a country than Instagram-worthy views. With over 17,000 islands , Indonesia is the world’s largest island country boasting stunning beaches, volcanoes, jungles, orangutan colonies, giant Komodo dragons and vast mountain ranges. The best of all? Your money goes very far here.

Average daily cost: $15 Average accommodation cost for one person: $6 Average daily meals cost: $6

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia , but it still manages to have over 4,000 islands . From the islands of the Mekong Delta to the stunning waterfalls of the interior, Laos is one of the few countries in the world that hasn’t lost its natural beauty to sprawling development. And yet, there's more than enough to tempt the most jaded traveler — from cookery schools for food lovers to climbing, caving and jungle treks for thrill-seekers and temples galore for those more culturally inclined.

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Quincy is the digital producer at Kiplinger. He joined Kiplinger in May 2021. Before, he worked at Agora Financial - Paradigm Press and was a contributing writer for several other online media publications.

In his current role at Kiplinger, Quincy manages Kiplinger's newsletters, including Kiplinger Today, Investing Weekly, Tax Tips, Kiplinger’s Special Report, and Closing Bell. At the same time, he writes numerous articles every month. 

When he’s not working, he’s taking his dogs for a walk or fishing. 

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20 Cheapest Places to Travel Around the World in 2024

Find your budget-friendly vacation in the U.S. or beyond.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The travel bug continues to bite in 2024, and data indicates growth in both domestic and international trips, along with a cost increase for hotels and transportation. But don't worry as it’s still possible to take an economical vacation whether you want to travel near or far.

Kayak , one of the world’s leading travel search engines, shared with Travel + Leisure a list of domestic and international destinations for low-cost trips. To determine the most wallet-friendly locations, the company analyzed flight searches from July 2023 through December 2023 for travel during 2024. The top 250 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average combined flight and hotel price were considered, excluding outliers based on certain criteria such as travel restrictions and security concerns. Prices and percentages are on average and subject to change.

With that in mind, here are some of the most affordable places to travel in the U.S. and around the world in 2024.

Denver, Colorado

Brad McGinley Photography/Travel + Leisure

With an average price of $486 for flight and hotel, the Mile High City features a walkable downtown with restaurants, museums, entertainment, and shopping. Low-cost rail service from Denver International Airport to Union Station is not only convenient, but it also takes travelers to the historic Beaux-Arts terminal, where there’s an array of restaurants, stores, and a hotel. Visitors can catch a major league baseball game in town or a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre .

Chicago, Illinois

Cory Giguere/Travel + Leisure

In addition to its excellent restaurants, stunning architecture cruise on the Chicago River, and Navy Pier amusement area, Chicago offers museums like the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry . For an average price of $493 for hotel and flight, visitors can enjoy low-cost fun on Lake Michigan’s beaches, the Riverwalk , and Grant Park . Another favorite is Millennium Park, where the gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture — nicknamed “The Bean” — provides a popular photo op. 

Atlanta, Georgia

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

For an average of $495 for hotel and flight, vacationers can land in Atlanta, home of world-class restaurants and a lively cultural scene that includes concert venues, theaters, museums, and galleries. For a low-cost way to get to know the city, stroll among its murals and street art. You can also explore Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park , Centennial Olympic Park (which commemorates the 1996 Summer Olympics), the Georgia Aquarium , or Zoo Atlanta .

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Kayak’s average of $503 for flight and hotel can be the start of an enjoyable affordable vacation in Minneapolis. A stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center takes you through 11 acres of outdoor exhibits. Browse the 500-plus stores in America’s largest shopping mall, the Mall of America , or on a smaller scale, there’s the Midtown Global Market with food, crafts, and cultural events. Bike, boat, or jog at the Chain of Lakes Regional Park , or walk the enclosed elevated pathways of the 9.5-mile Skyway .

Portland, Oregon

paulacobleigh/Travel + Leisure

Plan around Kayak's average of $509 for hotel and flight, and you can enjoy Portland’s culinary offerings without breaking the bank when you head for the food carts . When in the Rose City, explore the free International Rose Test Garden , home to more than 10,000 roses as well as great views of downtown and Mount Hood. If you visit between March and December, browse the Portland Saturday Market for art, crafts, and food. Book fans will want to check out Powell’s City of Books , the largest used and new bookstore in the world.

Charlotte, North Carolina

espiegle/Travel + Leisure

You don’t have to be a car fan to enjoy the Nascar Hall of Fame , where interactive exhibits and racing simulators entertain and educate. Your $512 average cost for flight and hotel will go far with meals at The Market at 7th Street , an indoor food court. At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden , spend a relaxing day among flowers, fountains, and walking paths. There’s more action at Whitewater Center , which has more than 30 land and water activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.

Orlando, Florida

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

For an average of $516 for flight and hotel, you can get to Orlando, where you’ll find there’s more to enjoy than the famous theme parks. Get to know the historic Winter Park area on a cruise among lakes, canals, opulent homes, and wildlife. Rent a pedal-powered swan boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando or stroll through Lake Nona Sculpture Garden , an outdoor art gallery set among lush landscaping. When you get hungry, browse and nosh on fresh fruit and local specialties at one of Orlando’s farmers markets .

Tampa, Florida

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Walk along Tampa’s 2.6-mile Riverwalk , visit the Tampa Museum of Art , hop on the Pirate Water Taxi , or tour the American Victory Ship . Save on these attractions and more with a Riverwalk Pass , making the most of the average flight and hotel cost of $534. At Armature Works on the river, you can grab a snack, shop, or enjoy the view. Take a walking tour of historic Ybor City, once the Cigar Capital of the World. Today, it's home to vintage buildings and Cuban restaurants.

Dallas, Texas

4kodiak/Travel + Leisure

For an average flight and hotel cost of $553, you'll touch down in Dallas, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city from Reunion Tower . Then, head to the Arts District , which is home to museums and Klyde Warren Park . Hungry? Food trucks are there every day, and you might catch some live music or a fitness class. Visit one of the many Dallas parks or experience Trinity Groves for dining, entertainment, and views of the Trinity River.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The historic City of Brotherly Love offers museums, Independence National Historical Park , and public art such as the Rocky statue and Love sculpture for free and entertaining ways to get to know the city. For an average of $564 for flight and hotel, a trip to Philadelphia is also a delight for foodies. At Reading Terminal Market , there’s food from around the world along with vendors selling handicrafts. The open-air South 9th Street Italian Market ’s gourmet selection includes cheeses, meats, and chocolates — fun for both browsing and dining.

Mexico City, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

For an average cost of $673 for flight and hotel, Mexico City offers an exciting getaway with museums, parks, restaurants, and history. You can spend a day in Bosque de Chapultepec , Mexico City’s largest park featuring a zoo, monuments, a lake with pedal boats, restaurants, and museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología . One of the city’s most popular museums is La Casa Azul , once the home of Frida Kahlo and now the place to see work from the artist and her husband, artist Diego Rivera.

Toronto, Canada

BrakeThrough Media/Travel + Leisure

Both locals and visitors enjoy St. Lawrence Market in the historic Old Town, where there’s fresh produce, handcrafts, and gourmet specialties. But for an average flight and hotel cost of $692, Toronto offers even more to see and do, from lively nightlife and sports events. Browse the street art in the Kensington Market neighborhood, explore the Queen Street West area, and check out the shops, galleries, and dining spots in the popular Distillery District . You'll also want to visit Casa Loma , a 1914 castle in the heart of Toronto.

Montreal, Canada

For an average flight and hotel cost of $705, your trip to Montreal might start with one of the city’s famous bagels. Still hungry? Head to the open-air Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, which sells fresh produce, spices, chocolates, cheeses, and more. At the (free) Barbie Expo , more than 1,000 dolls in designer outfits are on display. Parc du Mont-Royal is a year-round attraction with row boats on the lake during the summer and stunning city views from the top of the hill.

Panama City, Panama

Anna Haines/Travel + Leisure

You can arrive in Panama City for an average flight and hotel cost of $745. First-time visitors will want to see the Panama Canal, and the Miraflores Visitor Center houses a museum and viewing platform. Browse or tour Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood, dating to 1673, with colorful buildings, restaurants, and nightlife. The Amador Causeway features views of the sea and city skyline, restaurants, an artisan market, and places to walk or bike.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Ana Alarcon/Travel + Leisure

For $836 for a flight and hotel, you can enjoy a sunny escape to Puerto Vallarta. This vacation destination has plenty of free and low-cost entertainment, plus you can manage your budget with an all-inclusive hotel . Stroll along the Malecón bordering Banderas Bay to see sculptures, music performances, and street vendors. Visit the Zona Romántica for restaurants, shops, and the popular Los Muertos Beach. Los Arcos National Marine Park offers swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, gorgeous scenery, and marine life.

Cozumel, Mexico

YinYang/Travel + Leisure

You can get to Cozumel, off Mexico's east coast, for an average of $846 for flight and hotel, and once there, the beaches are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and water sports. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park’s marine life and coral reef make it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. The Celarain Lighthouse at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is popular with hikers who come for the view and visitors who enjoy the museum.

Vancouver, Canada

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Arrive in Vancouver for an average flight and hotel price of $863. One of your first stops in the city should be Stanley Park , an urban oasis with a nearly 20-mile seawall, views of the waterfront, walking paths, forest trails, and more — all for free. Granville Island , popular with locals and visitors, features boutiques, entertainment, restaurants, and an indoor public market . For skiing, ice skating, and year-round dining and entertainment, head to Grouse Mountain , which also has a zip line, a cinema, a wildlife refuge, and spectacular views.

San José, Costa Rica

MarkHatfield/Travel + Leisure

At an average of $904 for a flight and hotel, San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is an exciting destination with incredible architecture, history, parks, and museums. The National Theater of Costa Rica offers tours of its opulent building with marble statues and plush decor, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens , about 1.5 hours outside the city, includes a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, rain forest hiking trails, waterfalls, and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica.

Cancun, Mexico

Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is popular for its beaches, downtown, restaurants, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts . For an average of $935 for hotel and flight, you can arrive at Cancun International Airport for a sunny getaway. Explore Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá , take the ferry to Isla Mujeres, or find a secluded beach at Playa Delfines. Look for street food and live music at El Parque de las Palapas, a small downtown plaza.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

For an average of $943 for flight and hotel, you can be in the land of the northern lights and Blue Lagoon . Iceland is home to the nearly 200-mile Golden Circle , where visitors can see waterfalls, geysers, volcanic craters, hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park . In downtown Reykjavik, there’s shopping and dining along Laugavegur, and the must-see Sun Voyager steel sculpture has gorgeous waterfront views.

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15 Top Cheapest Countries to Visit

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Sep 26, 2022

The splendor of expensive destinations has its appeal, but let's face it – the more expensive a place is, the more you have to adjust the length of your trip and your activities there to stretch your dollar.

There's something to be said for traveling to cheap countries, where an entire meal at a local restaurant costs the same as a movie ticket back home – or where you can sleep at a nice hotel for what would only get you a hostel bed in other places.

Check out our list of some of the cheaper countries in different destinations around the world and why you should consider going there.

1. Cheapest Scandinavian Country: Denmark

2. cheapest eastern european country to visit: bulgaria, 3. cheapest southeast asian country to visit: cambodia, 4. cheapest country in asia: nepal, 5. cheapest northern african country to visit: morocco, 6. cheapest western european country: portugal, 7. cheapest south american country: bolivia, 8. cheapest safari destination in africa: uganda, 9. cheapest caribbean nation to visit: dominican republic, 10. cheapest country for history buffs: egypt, 11. cheapest country in central america: nicaragua, 12. cheapest "new" country to visit: myanmar, 13. cheapest country for a tropical vacation: mexico, 14. cheapest off-the-beaten-path asian country: laos, 15. cheapest underrated country in europe: albania, map of cheapest countries to visit.

Scandinavian countries are notorious for being the most expensive destinations in Europe – but if you have your heart set on visiting Northern Europe, there are ways to do it right and without spending a fortune.

Of all the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is the cheapest – though still quite expensive when compared to other areas of Europe. To truly save money on this trip, you'll have to skip the busy summer season, and probably also spring, as the pleasantly warm weather means lots of tourists and higher prices. Flights and accommodation prices, however, are as much as 40 percent cheaper between September and November, right after the summer crowds have gone home but before the windy, cold weather arrives.

Denmark also offers a great way to save money on food: bakeries. Forget paying for expensive meals at your hotel or a touristy restaurant and instead walk into a neighborhood bakery away from the central area. Bakeries offer a great cheap option for breakfast: Wienerbrød or Danish pastries – fluffy, flaky pastries filled with jams or custard cream.

Most bakeries also sell open-faced sandwiches known as Smørrebrød, which are popular lunch options for the locals. Open-faced sandwiches are basically one slice of rye or pumpernickel bread covered with a number of toppings – marinated herring is a popular choice, but you can opt for lighter options such as cheese, sliced cucumbers, or pickled red cabbage, boiled eggs, and some type of mayo or creamy paste.

In addition, many of Denmark's most famous attractions are either free or very cheap to visit. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony at Amalienborg castle, visit Hans Christian Andersen's grave at Assistens Cemetery, or walk the gardens of Rosenberg Castle.

The second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens, charges a flat entrance fee, but you'll have access to all kinds of rides and entertainment areas for free once you're inside.

For cheap prices in Europe, very few places beat Bulgaria, an unassuming Eastern country that remains very much off the beaten track . In summer, tourists from neighboring countries arrive in Bulgaria to enjoy the Black Sea for incredibly low prices – but the rest of the year, the country is quiet. That means no big crowds, no noise, and no crazy high prices for accommodation, food, and entry to attractions.

In fact, Bulgaria's most interesting destinations won't cost you a penny . Sofia, the country's capital, is an old city where you can see the Turk and Byzantine influence – but the real charm of the country can't be truly discovered until you step into the countryside. Here, ancient little villages sit next to imposing castles atop mountains. In Bulgaria, you can get an all-day ski lift ticket for a tenth of what you would pay anywhere else in Europe, and the hiking trails will take you up mountains as high as the Alps for free.

To make the trip even cheaper, skip the summer months, when the beaches are crowded and hotels raise their prices to take advantage of the short tourist season. Late spring and early fall are great times to visit instead, especially if you're spending time outdoors – the weather is nice, the tourists are gone (or haven't arrived yet), and prices are more than affordable.

If you're a winter person, consider Bansko or Razlog, two great ski resort areas, where you can enjoy the snow on a very small budget.

Cambodia is best known for being home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Even this world-renowned destination is incredibly affordable to visit: you can just hop on a tuk-tuk (open motorcycle taxi) to reach your destination, buy a temple ticket at the entrance of the first temple, and explore until your heart's content for just pennies – when you're ready to move on, your tuk-tuk driver will take you to the next temple and wait for you. Hiring a tuk-tuk for the entire day will cost you the equivalent of a 15-minute taxi ride in NYC.

But Cambodia has much more to offer than stunning ancient temples. The capital, Phnom Penh, is filled with things to do , including beautiful French Colonial architecture, cheap French bakeries (perfect to pick up breakfast or snacks on the go), and lots of temples that are free to visit.

For the price of a Starbucks coffee, you can have a meal at a nice restaurant in Cambodia and a modern, comfortable room at a nice hotel will likely be cheaper than a shared hostel room in Europe. Don't try to save money by drinking tap water, though – this is a no-no in Cambodia.

For even bigger savings, arrive outside of the cool dry season, which runs from November to February. This is high tourist season and the months when prices go up and the crowds get bigger. At any other time, you'll find incredible deals everywhere you look.

Read More: Top-Rated Beaches in Cambodia

Unless you're planning a full guided trek up Mount Everest – which is definitely not a cheap venture – Nepal is incredibly cheap. Even better, you can still enjoy plenty of trekking and even climbing for pennies. Even massive trekking trips, such as an 11-day hike in Langtang Valley, will only set you back a few hundred dollars, a quarter of what a trek to Everest Base Camp would cost.

Nepal is hard to visit in the low season, as the months between mid-June and mid-September mean lots of rains, potential flooding, and sometimes dangerous landslides that block trails and make hiking impossible. In addition, the weather is misty and cloudy during these months, which means you often get poor visibility and no mountain views.

If you're not heading here for climbing, winter (which lasts from mid-December to mid-February) can be a pleasant time to visit, as temperatures often stay around 10 degrees Celsius in the city. Trekking can be tricky in winter because of unexpected winter storms and snow. March to May and September to November are the best months to visit – you'll get some of the best weather and prices that are still stunningly low.

Local affordable guided treks do exist, but double-check that they offer safe trips —– you'll get cheaper prices if you sign up for a trek once you arrive rather than booking in advance. If you're not heading anywhere too technical, you can always explore on your own and save even more money.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nepal

Morocco is one of those countries that can cost you a lot of money or be incredibly cheap, depending on the choices you make. For example, visiting Morocco's famous Marrakesh's bazaar can get pricey – especially if you're after handwoven rugs or painted glass – but if you learn to haggle like your life depends on it, you'll walk away with some budget treasures.

Inter-city first-class train rides in Morocco will cost you about the same as you would pay for a metro ride in the West. Even better, you don't need to pay for a guide at any of Morocco's major attractions – such as the royal Saadien's Tombs or the 12th-century Menara Gardens – as they're either easy to discover on your own, or an English-speaking guide is included in the price of the ticket.

For cheap eating, nothing beats the local specialties, such as kaab el ghzal, a crescent-shaped cookie stuffed with almond paste (great as a quick snack), the slow-cooked Moroccan stew tagine, or couscous served in many different forms. Sitting down at a restaurant in Morocco often means a higher price, but eating street food or ordering something from a local tea or coffee house will give you a taste of the real Morocco and save you money at the same time.

If you avoid peak season (November to March), you'll also find lower-priced accommodations. And you can spend plenty of time walking through places like the white-and-blue Rabat's Oudaias Kasbah neighborhood or the dusty trails on the Rif Mountains at no cost.

With good bus, tram, and train connections, it's easy to travel around Portugal without spending much. While Lisbon can be slightly more expensive, eating and entertainment everywhere else in the country is very budget-friendly – even popular famous beach destinations such as Camilo Beach in the Algarve can be visited on a shoestring if you plan your trip well and don't need to sleep right on the beach.

The true high season in Portugal is only two months long (June and July) so traveling outside those months will help you find good deals in transportation and accommodation to save even more. Winter is also a great time to visit for amazing discounts, especially if you're heading to cities – with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius in January, Portugal is never truly cold.

Most of Portugal's must-see attractions are in Lisbon and Sintra, where you'll find things like the medieval defensive Belem Tower ; the Gothic Jerónimos Monastery ; and the public square Praça do Comércio, surrounded by shops and cafés. These are either free to enter or cost very little.

Sintra is home to a number of palaces and castles – including the breathtaking hilltop medieval Castle of the Moors – that do have entry fees, but skipping the tours and just spending time exploring the grounds is equally stunning and significantly cheaper.

In general, a visit to Portugal is more about enjoying the local food, walking along the coastline, and discovering the sights, which will keep your costs low and allow you to see more of the country on a tight budget.

Bolivia is often passed on for more famous neighbors Peru and Brazil, but this country at the heart of the Andean mountain range has an impressive collection of sights to discover. Bolivia is a multiethnic country with 36 official indigenous languages and an ecosystem that varies from the desert llanos (plains) to the polar mountains in the western Andes.

Many of Bolivia's most famous sights are free to visit – including Lake Titicaca on the border of Bolivia and Peru (the largest lake in South America); a number of Pre-Columbian archaeological sites; salt lake Laguna Verde at the foot of a volcano; and Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat.

Trekking in the Valle de la Luna is an experience to remember, and the protected area charges no entry fee – walking through the tall stone spires and the colorful mountainsides in shades of reds, browns, and even dark violets beats almost any desert hike in the world.

Food, transportation, and accommodation in Bolivia cost a fraction of the prices you'll find in other South American countries – and prices are even cheaper during the months of April and May, before the high season starts.

Kenya and Tanzania are known around the world as the big photo African safari destinations . The Serengeti and Maasai Mara reserves have the world's largest population of elephants, lions, and giraffes in the world. But safari camps aren't cheap, and both countries suffer from some civil unrest that often means tourists must join guided tours to see anything outside the city – and this means added expenses that end up making the countries less than affordable.

Uganda, on the other hand, is a safe and stable country with plenty of big animals to spot, plus one very special extra – this is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking and the last place in the world where you can see large populations of mountain gorillas living free.

There are very strict rules in place for gorilla trekking, and Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can only be explored in small groups by obtaining a trekking permit and then joining a guided tour into the jungle. Gorilla trekking permits aren't cheap or easy to obtain (the wait time can be as long as 24 months, since there's only a limited number of permits available every year), but a trip here is still very affordable for the wildlife-viewing experience of a lifetime.

To get even better prices, visit between March and May or during the months of October and November. These are the wettest months, so the treks are harder and more slippery, but the trekking packages and permits are much cheaper as well.

The Caribbean is one of those destinations where using travel packages and all-inclusive stays can sometimes turn out to be cheaper than budgeting on your own – and this is also true for the Dominican Republic.

If you're heading to Punta Cana, Puerto Plata , or other major beach destinations , restaurants and accommodations are going to be your major expenses, as prices are hiked up considerably during high season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. For sun-worshippers who don't mind temperatures in the 30s, it might pay off to visit in summer, which is considered low season and considerably cheaper.

Many of the things to see and do in the Dominican Republic are free. This includes walking around to see the colonial architecture and visiting quirky museums like the free Museum of Chocolate in Santo Domingo . Punta Cana's Playa Blanca (White Beach) is a great place to visit for snorkeling – just bring your own mask to keep it free.

For those interested in ancient civilizations, there are plenty of countries around the world that are more than just affordable. You could head to India to discover the opulence of the Taj Mahal, go to Jordan to see ancient tombs and temples, or fly to Peru to hike through the ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu.

But Egypt – with its pyramids , Valley of the Kings, Great Sphinx of Giza, and 13 th -century BC Abu Simbel Temples – takes a prominent spot at the top of the list. Even a tight budget will go a long way in Egypt, where for the price of a movie ticket, you can enter the ancient Abu Simbel Temples, get a full guided tour from the city of Luxor to the Valley of the Kings , or spend several hours tasting amazing local hot drinks and sweets at one of Cairo's many teahouses.

While you can find budget accommodations everywhere in Egypt, you can keep your trip even cheaper by hopping on a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. For the same price as a couple of movie tickets, you get a place to sleep, some of the best views over temples and monuments on the coast, and often a chance to snorkel or swim in the Nile along the way.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Egypt

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Egypt

Nicaragua's reputation as "the land of lakes and volcanoes" means outdoor lovers will have plenty to explore here: trails, jungles, mangrove swamps. National parks like Miraflores offer plenty of hikes in well-marked trails, some of which can be organized to include stays with local families overnight. This is not only cheaper than Nicaragua's resorts – which are already very affordable – but also a very unique experience.

Most of Nicaragua's 19 volcanoes can also be hiked with or without a guide, depending on your budget and how intense you want the route to be.

Local eateries known as comedor offer plenty of great food – Gallo pinto (fried rice and beans) is both a popular breakfast and main meal – for just pennies. And while flights are more expensive during high season, which runs from November to January, you'll still be paying a fraction of what neighboring countries would cost you.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Nicaragua

Although Myanmar is not without its challenges, it offers enchanting destinations at a fraction of the cost of other southeast Asian countries. Bagan – considered one of the world's top heritage sites – is the number one attraction in Myanmar, with over 2,000 stupas that are best admired when you catch a very affordable hot air balloon ride over the countryside. You can make exploring Bagan even cheaper by renting a bike or an electric scooter and just riding from temple to temple on your own.

Street food – consisting mostly of curries and noodles – is safe and very affordable, and you can grab snacks at a local supermarket for just pennies.

The biggest expense in Myanmar will be accommodation, as the supply is limited, and cheap places fill up fast. Make sure you book well in advance to get a better deal.

If you live in the US or Canada, Mexico is your closest destination for a cheap beach getaway , simply because flying there will cost you a lot less than flying across the world to get to other budget destinations.

Plus, while some destinations in Mexico like Cancun attract lots of tourists (which often means higher prices), Cozumel and other smaller beaches are less busy and offer more discounts year-round. You'll get even better prices in July and August if you're willing to deal with some cloudy skies; otherwise March to June are still cheap but the weather is nicer.

Street food is very cheap, but if you're concerned about digestive troubles (usually not an issue on or near the beach, but more of a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas), local eateries offer cleaner setups and equally affordable food. For free entertainment, head to markets to enjoy live music or search for a cenote (natural sinkole) to swim in.

Laos is a quiet, unassuming destination with a stunning countryside and some of the cheapest prices you'll find in Southeast Asia . The cheapest time to visit is between May and October, but this is the rainy season, which makes travel difficult, especially in the mountains or forests.

Luckily, Laos is cheap year-round, so try to arrange a trip between November and January – this is the absolute best time to explore the Mekong River, as the higher water levels mean waterways are at their best. You can get cheaper tickets even in high season if you book at least six months in advance.

Most of the best things to do in Laos are free (or extremely cheap) to explore, even in the capital city of Vientiane. This includes centuries-old temples, the Lao Textile museums (as well as most other museums around the country), and the night markets. Laos is a great place to explore on a bike, and these can be rented for days for very little money.

Albania remains relatively unknown as a European destination – a big surprise when you realize the country has beautiful beaches, and the coast is unofficially referred to as "the Albanian Riviera." Here, you can get plenty of sun, many kilometers of white sands, and lots of cafés by the waves – all for a small fraction of what you would pay in Greece or Spain.

Even Dhërmi beach, Albania's most famous coastal stop, is quiet (and filled with many good deals) outside the summer months. Saranda and Ksamil are equally stunning beaches that are even cheaper.

Many of the main attractions in Albania – including the 4th-century Rozafa Castle, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and a number of former war bunkers – charge entry fees that are the equivalent to less than a coffee would cost you in other European countries. Capital Tirana has plenty of free attractions to offer as well, including parks, museums, and more bunkers.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Finding Cheap Destinations: The world is full of affordable destinations – some of them well-known places, others special little secrets waiting to be discovered. If you're searching for a summer getaway, take a look at the best cheap places to travel in July . Or see what winter wonders await around the world in our article, Best Cheap Places to Travel in January .

More on Portugal

A month-by-month guide to the cheapest flights to international destinations

Airfare prices change regularly throughout the year, but if you know where to look, it's possible to find a bargain to even the most popular destinations — especially if you're able to be flexible with your travel dates.

TPG reached out to Skyscanner to trawl through their vast amount of airfare data and give you a comprehensive look at the destinations around the world that typically cost less to fly to. Whether you're looking to depart from the United States or from the United Kingdom, plenty of sweet spots can be found.

Below are destinations that are consistently priced low throughout the year and destinations that regularly pop up with cheaper airfares during specific months.

*All pricing taken from economy class, round-trip bookings made on Skyscanner for travel in 2022.

Related: Best credit cards for booking airfare

Which destinations are the cheapest to fly to year-round?

While certain destinations can be cheaper on average throughout the whole year, others fluctuate, and not always in the ways you might think.

For example, if you're based in the U.S. and dream of flying to Europe for your next vacation, the best prices for most European locations were in April, May and June, according to Skyscanner's data on the average cost of a return economy flight. This is true, according to that data, even though this time is normally considered a peak travel time for the region and coincides with the U.K. school holidays.

However, while you may be able to pick up cheaper airfare during this time, prices for hotels and attractions may be higher during these periods.

Meanwhile, the average return flights to London were at their lowest at the beginning of the year, between January and March. Note this can be a notoriously drizzly and cold time to visit the U.K. capital (though, let's face it, England isn't really known for its great weather at the best of times).

The next cheapest period to visit London from the U.S. was perhaps surprisingly between October and December. Again, this is during the colder months, but still great news for those looking for a potential Christmas escape to take advantage of some of the Thanksgiving and fall breaks in the U.S.

For travelers based in the U.K., we found airfares to destinations in Italy to be consistently among the top 10 cheapest throughout the year. Despite its popularity among British travelers, Greece didn't break the top 10 once for the cheapest average airfares.

Related: These are the best times to book airfare

Cheapest places to fly from January through March

Traveling from the us.

January through March saw the lowest average prices of the year for flights departing the U.S. to London and Paris, with the French capital coming in a smidgen cheaper to get to. If you take advantage of the convenient Eurostar links between these two European cities, you could easily hit both of these destinations during this period for less than you'd pay any other time.

Related: The best hotels in London

If you decide to do both, we suggest returning to the U.S. from Paris to avoid the U.K.'s notoriously high fees and taxes on airfares.

Average airfare prices to Puerto Rico from the U.S. were among the cheapest during these months in 2022. January is also an ideal time to visit Puerto Rico, thanks to the dryer winter months with moderate temperatures and far less rainfall than you'll see during other times in the year.

Closer to home, this period is also a great time to visit Mexico , where you can enjoy much dryer and cooler temperatures.

Traveling from the UK

If you don't mind wrapping up to stay warm, you can bag plenty of great deals to Europe departing the U.K., but be warned that some places can be chilly during the winter months.

For example, Eindhoven, the Netherlands, can see temperatures dropping as low as 34 Fahrenheit (1.3 Celsius) in January and only just peaking over 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) in March.

Riga, Latvia, sees even lower temperatures, regularly plummetting to around 24 Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius) between January and February and peaking at around 33 Fahrenheit (1 Celsius) in March.

If you're looking for sun, Palma, Mallorca, is your best bet. The first months of the year generally still see days filled with sunshine. It won't necessarily be hot enough to top up your tan and enjoy a beach break, though — temperatures mainly float around the 61 Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) mark.

Cheapest places to fly from April through June

If you're considering a European vacation , these months pulled up cheaper airfares than any other, according to Skyscanner data, with good average prices for Spain, France, Portugal and the U.K. While each of these locations will begin seeing sunnier weather throughout June, you can still expect blues skies and bouts of sunshine during April too.

It is, however, worth doing some research before you book — U.K. schools break for Easter in the first half of April and again at the beginning of June for the summer half-term break. During these times, you can expect many European locations to be busy with family vacations and often see soaring accommodation prices. If you can, we'd recommend booking outside of these weeks to save on both money and time spent queuing due to increased numbers of other tourists.

Looking for something more far-flung? Tokyo has great average airfare prices during the spring, and if you time it properly, you could also witness Japan's beautiful cherry blossom season, which typically peaks in early April.

This is one of the prime times to visit Italy and take in the sights before its summer hits full throttle in July, bringing with it almost prohibitively high temperatures. Visits between April and June are perfect for soaking up the sun, alfresco dining and diving into this country's rich history.

Sicily, in particular, is excellent at this time of the year. However, note that it might get a little too hot for some as June approaches, especially if this year's wildfires and extreme weather are anything to go by.

If Dubrovnik, Croatia, has been on your list for some time but now feels a little too in vogue and expensive, you could also get good prices on flights to Zadar . This charming seaside city is situated on the Dalmatian Coast and is known for its fantastic restaurant and dining scene, with an array of stunning nearby national parks.

Related: 13 of the most beautiful villages and towns in Sicily

Cheapest places to fly from July through September

For those yearning to visit Canada outside of its harsh winter periods, July through September can be an ideal time to enjoy a summer vacation. Toronto bursts to life during the Toronto Jazz Festival and Toronto Fringe Festival in July — perfect for culture vultures.

You can get good prices on flights to Mexico between July and September. While these months bring slightly cooler and more comfortable temperatures, they also mark Mexico's rainy season, typically from late August to September.

Conversely, if you've always had Peru on your bucket list, this can be a great time to visit.

It's the country's driest season — fantastic conditions if you plan to hike to Machu Picchu. According to Skyscanner's data, you can typically find good prices on flights to Peru during these months. However, note that if you plan to travel to Machu Picchu from Lima, you must either get a connecting flight to Cusco or take a long bus ride.

September can be one of the best periods to visit Ireland during its shoulder season. Along with good deals on airfare, you'll also typically see cheaper accommodation costs and fewer crowds. The weather can also be fairly mild during these months with good dry spells, though it likely won't be shorts and T-shirt weather.

Mid-August through to September also sees much milder weather in Italy and can be a preferable month to visit than July and August, which are the hottest months of the year and the most crowded with tourists.

Elsewhere in Europe, July onward is a great time to take advantage of good weather in France.

According to Skyscanner data, Rodez, France, is one of the cheapest places on average to fly to from the U.K. during these months. It also sees high temperatures and lots of sunshine. The mercury is typically around 77 Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) in July and August before dropping off to a more manageable 69.8 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) average in September.

Cheapest places to fly from October through December

There are great prices on airfares to Mexico from October through December, and these months are also a particularly intriguing time to visit.

Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations typically take place Nov. 1-2. The festival is an opportunity to honor deceased family members, and there is a wide array of celebrations throughout Mexico, making this a memorable and enlightening time to visit and learn about Mexican traditions.

If you keep your eyes peeled, it's also possible to get low-priced airfares to Iceland, allowing for a festive visit to Reykavik to take in the snow alongside a healthy jolt of Christmas spirit.

Visit London to see the city decorated for the festivities as it gears up for the holidays and New Year celebrations. Sure, it'll be cold and the weather occasionally unwieldy, but it's a magical time to visit the U.K. capital.

Related: These are the best Christmas markets in Europe

For U.K. travelers looking for an affordable winter getaway, cast your eyes toward Italy, where the weather, though much milder than in the earlier months of the year, is still quite the contrast to the climate at home if you pick the right destination.

For example, Sicily will feel much closer to the U.K. spring weather. Other areas, such as Milan or Venice, won't be quite as warm but still make for great locations for romantic winter getaways on the continent.

Bottom line

While airfare prices fluctuate, they don't always follow the expected patterns you might guess. Based on Skyscanner's data from last year, you might be surprised by how much cheaper certain destinations in some months compared to others — especially airfares to Europe from the United States during summer when one might expect higher costs.

Similarly, from the U.K., Italy is generally fairly cheap to fly to if you look in the right places. By looking further afield to places like Rodez, France, or Zadar in Croatia, you might even visit somewhere that's commonly overlooked by other tourists wishing to visit better-known cities such as Paris or Dubrovnik.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

33 Cheap Travel Destinations: Cheapest Countries To Visit In 2022

If you are budgeting out your next trip and want to discover the cheapest countries to visit in the world then this post is for you.

We are firm believers in affordable and sustainable travel. Too many people look at international travel as an unaffordable, budget-breaking expense. Or worse, that low-cost travel can only happen when visiting obscure and uninteresting destinations. Over the past 10 years of travel, I have found that to simply not be true.

The costs referenced in this list are only estimates and could vary greatly based on the travel season and booking window. For sim cards, we have looked at standard prices for 7-day SIM cards and divided the cost to get a daily average. If you are in the country longer you will often be able to find an even better deal than what we have listed. Finally, for food and transport, we are making estimations based on the cost of local options.

Splurging on some high-end dining is certainly worth it on certain occasions. However, traveling on a budget typically requires a certain amount of dedication to living like a local which we have aimed to reflect in our budget estimations.

We haven’t included any miscellaneous expenses as those are highly discretionary and will largely depend on your spending habits. We aren’t big drinkers so that helps keep the budget down. However, we do spend a bit on postcards from each city we visit. Some are sent back to friends and family, and some we have kept as we eventually plan on making a scrapbook with memories from our travels.

Flights and Hotels will generally be cheaper when booked in advance as prices tend to peak closer to the travel date. There are some exceptions that we cover in our guide to saving money when you travel. If you haven’t taken a look at this free information I’d recommend doing so before planning your next trip. A lot of the tips came from trial and error and we wish we had heard of these tips before taking off on our year-long honeymoon .

Why Look For The Cheapest Places To Visit

Travel tends to be expensive and, for most of us, money is limited. A major reason for our travel is to dig deeper into the culture of the countries we visit. This means meeting locals, going off the beaten path, and trying to understand what life is like for the average person. When traveling we try to stay 1-4 weeks in each city we visit. We have made a number of friends during our travels and believe our slow and steady approach to travel is largely responsible.

Another positive that comes with this slow and steady approach is that it makes our travel far more sustainable. Travel is incredibly wasteful and has a large impact on the local environment and economy. Look no further than Bali for an example of how tourism can negatively affect an area.

By blending in with locals as much as possible, food, accommodation, and transport choices , we are able to limit the impact of our travel while also paying into the local economy. I’d love to hear from other travelers about your motivations for budget travel. Please leave a comment and let me know if you share my ideas on the topic, or disagree completely – either way I’d love to hear from you!

Hopefully, this list of budget-friendly travel destinations will be useful for those planning to travel internationally in 2020. It’s all about using your money wisely and traveling longer!

Note that these recommendations are sorted according to the continent and not on affordability. The order of these cheap travel destinations is as follows:

• The Middle East
• The Americas

Let us know what cities you’re interested in visiting!

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal is really a great city all around. Great food, a heavy dose of art and culture, and plenty of fascinating architecture and historical sights. When you add in the pleasant weather and nearby beaches it’s hard to think of a better vacation spot! That’s no exaggeration either, Lisbon is home to some of the best coastline in the world.

Everything from food to accommodation in Lisbon is naturally cheaper due to the situation of the economy in Portugal. Expect to find dorm rooms for as low as $10-$15 and meals for as little as $5.

When in Lisbon, consider taking a day trip to the fabulous town of Sintra. It has long been favored by royalty who built mansions and palaces here. There are many palaces to choose from but the Pena National Palace is easily one of the most spectacular. Entry to the palace is $7.50 so be sure to budget it into your trip !

Back in Lisbon spend some time looking at the extensive street art that lines many of the lanes and alleys. This extensive list of street art in Lisbon gives an idea of the size and importance of many of these pieces of artwork. The Alfama District and Mouraria District are two popular areas of the city with a high density of street art.

Cost to travel to Lisbon, Portugal on a budget: $60 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: SafeStay Lisbon $10
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: Lisbon City Hotel $70

Seville, Spain

Like Portugal, Spain is a common budget travel destination in Europe. The price of travel should remain cheap in 2020 which makes it the perfect time to take a trip to Spain! Seville is a good choice for budget travelers as some of the best food and culture in the country can be found here.

The capital of Andalusia and the birthplace of Flamenco is home to 700,000 residents who call the city home. Many more visit to see the various historical sights, and to chow down on late-night tapas.

Perhaps the largest attraction in Seville is the Plaza de España. This historic town square is surrounded by stunning renaissance revival architecture that is complemented with touches of the city’s Moorish heritage. If you only have one day in Seville this is the best place to start. The plaza is situated in Maria Luisa Park which holds a lot of hidden sights and attractions on its own. After, take a short walk north to the Royal Alcázar of Seville. This Moorish royal palace dates back to the middle ages and has been built upon and expanded over the centuries. Much of its splendor has been preserved and serves as an awesome reminder of Seville’s history.

Seville offers budget-friendly prices on food and accommodation that help travel budgets stretch further than in Madrid or Barcelona. If you have money left over and are looking to splurge on some activities I’d highly recommend looking into some cooking classes in Seville . For 60€ you will be able to visit a local market to purchase supplies before cooking your own Spanish meal. Corina and I love this type of culinary tourism and never pass on the chance to learn more about the local dishes and flavors.

Cost to travel to Seville, Spain on a budget: $50 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Samay Hostel Sevilla $15
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Sevilla $60

Bruges, Belgium

Western Europe is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of the cheapest countries to visit. That just means that travelers need to get creative when planning trips through this part of the globe. Europe can be seen for much less than you might think!

Some cities, like Bruges, are very friendly to budget travelers. If you choose to visit Bruges you will be in the heart of Belgium and a short train or bus ride from Brussels, Amsterdam, and Northern France. Even Paris can be reached in a relatively short 3-hours. Hostels in Bruges can be found for $20 to $30 per night – much less than the typical prices one sees in Europe!

The low cost of travel is just an added bonus when you consider the history of the city.

Bruges was built in the 13th century and has been remarkably well preserved. This means that nearly any street you walk down will have a rich history and stunning architecture to soak in. This is great for Instagramers as the number of photogenic historical buildings is truly mind-boggling!

When in Belgium, also consider heading to the capital and taking a look at our guide on Brussels .

Cost to travel to Bruges, Belgium on a budget: $60 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Snuffel Hostel $25
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: B&B La Corneille $70

Athens, Greece

Athens, an eclectic mix of old and new, is certainly one of the cheapest countries to visit in the EU. We have talked a lot about Athens and have a deep love for the city. There really is something for everyone here, be it the food, architecture, or history.

Most choose to visit Athens for its culture and rich history. Unfortunately heading to all the top sites like the Acropolis will eat up your travel budget pretty fast. The good news for budget travelers is that there are a great number of free archeological ruins scattered throughout the city. If you are lucky you may be able to score free admission to Athens’ museums and archeological sites. There are a number of free admission days every year – mostly on holidays. This is great if you have a trip scheduled around one of these holidays!

The Greek islands will quickly put most travelers over budget. Thankfully, Athens is affordable and offers visitors great weather and amazing food. Speaking of food, Zisis Fish in a Cone is a budget-friendly seafood restaurant that everyone should visit. I bet you never expected seafood and budget-friendly to be used in the same sentence, did you? Well, Athens has a great many surprising details.

Perhaps the most surprising is that dorm rooms can be found for as low as $10 per night – even during peak travel season ! Don’t believe me? Take a look at hostel prices in Athens .

Cost to travel to Athens, Greece on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Crafoord Place Hostel $10
• Best Budget Homestay: Cozy Central rooms in Apartment $25

Bratislava, Slovakia

Most people are surprised to hear that I actually prefer Bratislava over nearby Vienna. After visiting both of these capital cities I was struck by the gritty charm of Bratislava and its people. The communist-era housing blocks are a sharp contrast to the classical architecture found in Western Europe. Looking past the bleak design of modern architecture, there actually is a lot to see in Bratislava.

Visitors should always start with a walk around the old town – be sure to check out the 13th century Michael’s Gate while you’re here. The streets are wide and relatively quiet (we visited in the fall and expected larger crowds). After getting a feel for the city it’s time to check out some of the impressive sights such as the Bratislava Castle and St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Schloss Hof, the Habsburg Palace, is a bit out of the city but is well worth the trip.

One thing that visitors will notice is the cost of things in the city. Food is especially affordable here. Whether that’s $1 ice cream or coffee, or $5 meals – Slovakia is definitely a cheap country to visit in 2020.

During our trip, we encountered a significant number of remote workers in Bratislava. This is presumably due to the cheaper cost of living, and labor, in Slovakia. It was interesting to see this side of the culture and chat with them about their life here. It also means that the city is fairly digital nomad-friendly! Just remember that places listed as a Cafe Bar are a Bar first, and a Cafe second. The local cafe bar was the only place open near us on Sunday so we went to partake in the morning ritual. When we looked at the menu, which included cigarettes listed individually or in packs, it was clear that coffee was not the house specialty.

There are many trains and buses that run to Vienna each day. The trip is about an hour each way meaning that you could easily schedule a day trip or two to Vienna while enjoying life in Bratislava.

Cost to travel to Bratislava, Slovakia on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Patio Hostel $10
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: BlueBell B&B $40

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is another Eastern European city that can be seen on the cheap. The sprawling, ancient city has enough history and attractions to keep even the most impatient travelers entertained. First-time visitors should never underestimate Budapest!

The first thing visitors will likely notice is how stunningly beautiful the city is. In fact, Budapest is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The beauty is not limited to the castles, palaces, and other historic buildings. Even average residential buildings have an ornate and stately look to them. The most remarkable part is that this grand style of architecture extended throughout the city – even to areas that would be considered bad areas to stay. Conde Nast backs this up by saying that Budapest “has no bad angles” .

Budapest is easily visited before or after Bratislava. Adding in Vienna completes the trifecta of stunning Eastern European cities to visit this year.

Cost to travel to Budapest, Hungary on a budget: $45 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: 2B Hostel & Rooms $8
• Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Nook Apartments $45

Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. And Kotor was one of the highlights of our trip around the country. Not only does Montenegro have spectacular mountain ranges, but it also shares the same coastline with neighboring Croatia. Meaning that you can experience the same stunning views of the Adriatic sea at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Croatia.

Kotor is a small city with a population of only 13,000 which means that accommodation can sometimes be in short supply. This was the case when we visited this past October. We ended up finding a studio for $23 per night which was more than we paid in other Balkan countries, but still acceptable for a budget travel destination.

The price you pay for accommodation will be more than made up for in the food department. Plates of Cevapi can be found for as little as $3 and pizzas for $5. Budget travel tip: get food out of the old town. As always you pay for the location, and Kotor is no exception. Expect to pay double or triple for the same meal if you want to sit inside the walls of the historic old city.

One can’t-miss sight is the historic Kotor Fortress. There is a free hiking trail that leads to the top which has some nice views of the ocean. If you take this path up the hill you will see some small houses that are still occupied. Several of these residents offer affordable tea and coffee to hikers. Take some time to sit down at one of these home cafes for a truly unique experience!

Cost to travel to Kotor, Montenegro on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Hostel Pupa $11
• Best Budget Guesthouse: Viktor rooms $25

Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia as a whole is an incredibly cheap country to visit and has amazing food – as long as you like meat and cheese. I probably gained 10-pounds during our week in Nis. And while we loved the more remote parts of Serbia, we know it will be boring for most travelers. Belgrade, on the other hand, has a long history and ancient buildings plus all the fun and excitement you could want from a modern metropolis. And all this comes at a very low cost.

The Belgrade Fortress is one of the highlights for those interested in history and architecture. The 2,200-year-old fortress overlooks the Danube river and offers great views both day and night. Budget travelers will be happy to hear that it is possible to plan your own tour around the Belgrade Fortress. Note that the fortress is massive in size and you will need to spend a few hours here to take it all in. One nice thing is professional walking tours of the fortress can be found for as little as $10-15. Great news for those who don’t want to miss any part of the history!

Accommodation in Belgrade, Serbia is among the cheapest in the world. Backpackers will be happy to find highly rated dorm rooms for as little as $5 per night! Even during peak season beds in the City Break Hostel can be found for under $10. If that doesn’t make Belgrade one of the best and cheapest travel places, I don’t know what does! Seriously, you rarely see this kind of quality from $5 dorm rooms.

Cost to travel to Belgrade, Serbia on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: City Zen Hostel $8
• Best Budget Hotel: Dream Rooms Belgrade $20

Ljubljana, Slovenia

We absolutely fell in love with Ljubljana during our stay in Slovenia! One of the saddest things to see is how often it is overlooked by travelers. Not only does Ljubljana have the charm of a historic European town, but it is also budget-friendly as well!

The first thing that visitors will notice about the city is the castle perched on a hill overlooking the city. Castle entry and round-trip funicular ride cost a mere $9 – something that we noted was one of the best values for a European attraction . If you are really on a shoestring budget It’s possible to hike up the hill and take a look around the castle – for free ! Part of the Ljubljana Castle is limited to paying guests, but there is a surprising amount that can be seen for free.

For those who speak Chinese: Corina has a video introducing some things to see in Ljubljana .

There are actually a lot of free things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia as well. Some of the top attractions in Ljubljana are the bridges, markets, and parks which means you can spend your day out of the hotel and enjoy the city without spending much money!

Cost to travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia on a budget: $45 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Hostel Celica Art $15
• Best Budget Hotel: Central Hotel $40

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a well-known destination for budget travel lovers. Affordability doesn’t always equate to lackluster vacation spots. The city’s mix of historic and cultural sights combine to make it an amazing value!

The most striking thing to see in Krakow is undoubtedly its historic city center. The buildings date back to medieval times and are some of the oldest and best-preserved in Europe. Another cant-miss sight is the Wawel Royal Castle. The 1300’s castle, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, now functions as the city’s art museum. You could easily spend a day here observing the palatial architecture and rooms stuffed with European art.

Winters are cold, but you’re in for a real treat if you can brave the weather. Krakow has an amazing Christmas market that runs from late November to early January. You can’t miss it as the market is held in the center of the city’s historic old town. The wooden stalls sell all manner of food, drinks, and Christmas souvenirs. Krakow makes a great addition to the 2020 travel calendar!

Cost to travel to Krakow, Poland on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Ametyst Hostel $7
• Best Budget Hotel: The Secret Garden Hostel $25

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is a city that I have mixed emotions over. In 2013 when I decided to move overseas I had to choose between moving to Taiwan or Georgia – and ultimately came to Taiwan. The big issue now is that Georgia does not recognize Taiwan and refuses to issue visas to Taiwanese citizens. They are actually the only country in the world that doesn’t allow Taiwanese entry. So until things change, our dream of traveling to Georgia as a couple is on hold.

While we likely won’t be visiting soon it is undoubted that Tbilisi, Georgia is a great place to visit on a budget. Hostel dorms start at a shocking $2 per night , and no that isn’t a typo . Private rooms in apartments or hostels start at $10 for those looking to splurge.

Food and transportation are equally cheap in Tbilisi. This means you can explore the city and taste delicious samplings of food while holding true to the spirit of budget travel. Trips on the subway cost around $0.33 per trip. Let that sink in for a minute!

And why not take advantage of the cheap transport costs in Georgia and explore other parts of the country? Georgia has a landscape that would fit on the cover of any travel book or magazine. It would be a shame to visit Georgia and miss out on some of the more photogenic parts.

Cost to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Indie Mindi $3
• Best Budget Hotel: Zichy Hotel $15

Tehran, Iran

Iran has been near the top of my travel wish list for several years now. The recent tension and threat of war with the USA are concerning and we can only hope that the situation quiets down.

The capital of Tehran should be on everyone’s travel list. Not only is it a city of good food and friendly people, but it’s also a place that can be seen on a budget. By budget, we are talking somewhere in the range of $30 per day to experience one of the oldest cultural centers in the world. Hostels can be found for under $10 per night, leaving plenty of money for copious amounts of Iranian food!

Any Tehran travel itinerary will be full of stops at Palaces and museums. There is certainly no shortage of the two in Tehran! Just remember to schedule some time to see the authentic side of Iran in addition to the glamorous sights.

There is probably no better way to experience Iranian culture than at a traditional bazaar. The Grand Market is the largest in Tehran and is often the first stop for travelers. The miles of walkways and corridors offer an overwhelming array of goods for sale. If you’re wanting to observe Iranian shopping culture, or partake in some bargaining of your own, there is no place better than the Grand Market in Tehran!

Cost to travel to Tehran, Iran on a budget: $35 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Tehran Heritage Hostel $9
• Best Budget Hotel: Sepand Hotel $25

Istanbul, Turkey

Traveling to Istanbul, the Jewel of the Mediterranean is cheaper than you might expect. Budget flights fly frequently between Istanbul and nearly all major European destinations which makes getting here really easy.

It might be surprising, but Turkey is actually one of the cheapest countries to visit in the world! Istanbul is a glamorous city but there are plenty of things to do on a budget.

The main attraction is the 1500-year-old Hagia Sofia. The building, which was built long before Ottoman times, has served as both a church and a mosque during its long history. It is now a museum and is a must-visit for any traveler.

For a free, and truly Turkish, experience head to the Grand Bazaar. You could spend days walking up and down the network of streets containing over 5,000 stores. It can be overwhelming at first so come prepared. Once you’re used to the flow of people and the noise you can begin to appreciate the experience. Be sure to wrap up the trip to the bazaar with some delicious Turkish food and a cup of hot tea.

Cost to travel to Istanbul, Turkey on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: esma oldcity $10
• Best Budget Hotel: Okur Otel $25

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, the exotic destination that sits at the top of nearly every bucket list!

Sure, Cairo won’t be the cheapest travel place if your holiday must-haves include river cruises or camel rides around the desert. But those willing to forgo these excursions will find Cairo to be decidedly budget-friendly.

If you’re in Egypt is likely due to the history and ancient culture found throughout the country. The Egyptian Museum is located in the center of Cairo and should be a priority for any traveler. It is the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world and offers a great look at life in ancient Egypt. Entry to the museum costs $10 which is very reasonable considering the scope of the exhibits.

One of the fascinating things about travel in Cairo is how cheap regular day tours around the city are. TripAdvisor has a long list of tour guides offering their services at rates below $10 for a half-day tour. Organized tours are typically off the menu for backpackers and budget travelers but in Cairo, it is definitely an option.

Some popular activities, like walking around the bazaar, won’t cost you a dime. Unless, of course, you plan on filling up on souvenirs. The Khan El Khan Bazaar is a massive souk in Cairo and is a highly recommended stop on any itinerary. While you’re here be sure to check out the fabulous metalwork on display!

If Cairo isn’t of interest, there are many other Egyptian cities that are affordable for budget travelers. Some cities to consider are Alexandria and Luxor.

Cost to travel to Cairo, Egypt on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Castle Hostel $8
• Best Budget Hotel: Dream Pyramids View Inn $25

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is one of the largest cities in Morocco and is one of the most affordable places to visit in the country. Marrakesh was once the capital of Morocco and the city holds a lot of historical importance due to this.

It is impossible to visit Marrakesh without paying a visit to one of the many Souks that dot the city. These vibrant markets may seem chaotic at first, but they are sure to spice up any trip to the city. Feel free to spend some time browsing the goods for sale and bargaining before making a purchase of some Morrocan gifts or souvenirs.

The towering Koutoubia Mosque soars above the city with a minaret that can be seen for miles. Constructed in the 1100s, this Moorish mosque is one of the highlights of Marrakesh. Note that non-muslims are not allowed inside, tourists will need to be content with photos from the beautiful exterior.

Head to Djeema el Fna for a totally free experience in Marrakesh. This is the town’s central square and is quite different from other town squares you’ve seen. The whole experience plays out like a bit of a carnival with snake-charmers, acrobats, and musicians entertaining all the passers-by.

Cost to travel to Marrakesh, Morocco on a budget: $35 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Belko Nomads Hostel $3
• Best Budget Hotel: Riad Espagne $20

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya and serves as a popular seaside getaway. The beaches in Mombasa are the top draw and no visit to the city would be complete without spending a day (or two, or three) soaking up the sun. The hands-down best beach in Mombasa is Diani Beach. Diani is a nice stretch of clean white sand and clear water. Diani Beach is lined with five-star hotels with staff who constantly make sure the beach is free of any trash.

Although Diani Beach is located in a ritzy part of Mombasa it is still open to the public. Diani is definitely backpacker-friendly and you can enjoy your time here while sticking to a budget. This guide to traveling to Mombasa will help with travel planning and sticking to a budget.

Most visitors come to spend time relaxing at Mombasa’s pristine beaches and for snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. However, Mombasa has some of Kenya’s best national parks and game reserves within a short drive. The closest and most accessible are the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and the Shimba Hills National Reserve . Consider taking a trip to either of these nearby reserves for a chance at spotting some of Kenya’s awesome wildlife.

Getting into Mombasa is fairly simple due to its location near Nairobi , the capital of Kenya. Flights are fairly short and last only 1 hour in the air with return tickets costing as little as $100. If you would rather go by land, yes it’s much cheaper, know that it will take up the better part of the day. Tickets from Nairobi to Mombasa cost $10 for regular seats and $20+ for VIP seats.

Cost to travel to Mombasa, Kenya on a budget: $35 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Tulia House Backpackers $10
• Best Budget Homestay: Samira Homestay $20

Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal is a budget traveler’s dream as it is one of the cheapest, yet most beautiful countries in the world. The capital, Kathmandu, is an easy choice for anyone looking to start their journey through this country which is often called the roof of the world.

It’s easy to see why Nepal is called the roof of the world. Practically the entire country rests at a high elevation in the Himalayan mountain range. In fact, 8 of the world’s10 highest mountain peaks are located in Nepal! What’s more, Nepal has 90 mountains sitting at a height of 7,000 meters or more!

It’s hard to believe how affordable multi-day hikes are when considering Nepal’s status as a world-class trekking destination. In fact, all-inclusive treks often come in at less than $100 per day!

You are in for a real treat if you plan on spending time in Kathmandu. The entire Kathmandu Valley has actually been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. Nepal’s capital has a wealth of cultural and historical appeal that can be seen when visiting its religious buildings. The Pashupatinath Temple, which was built in the 5th century, is the largest in Nepal and is a place of active worship. Next up is the Swayambhunath Temple which is recognizable due to its gilded dome. A staggering 20kg of gold was used to complete the dome’s finishing touches.

Cost to travel to Kathmandu, Nepal on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: The Nepali Hive $4
• Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Bright Star $10

Galle, Sri Lanka

This entry holds a special place in my heart. Sri Lanka was my first true backpacking experience and marked a shift in my mentality as a traveler. The people of Sri Lanka are exceptionally friendly, and the island is filled with natural beauty and rich history.

The whole island is worth visiting, especially Sigiriya and Pidurangala . But those looking for the cheapest travel place should head to Galle.

Why? Simply for the beaches and weather.

Galle is a 500-year-old Portuguese city in southern Sri Lanka that makes a great entry on the list of cheapest travel places. If you’re looking for a seaside town with a quiet place of life, this is it. The Dutch Fort and Lighthouse are top sights to see in the city and many excursions depart to nearby sights around the island.

Cost to travel to Galle, Sri Lanka on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Bara Beach Home $5
• Best Budget Hotel: Linda Cottage $20

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Generally speaking, Northern Thailand tends to be cheaper than the south. It might be hard to leave the sunny beaches, but budget travelers will see their dollars stretch farther once they head north. There are many fascinating places to visit in this part of Thailand. The first destination, and a common base camp for those in Thailand, is Chiang Mai.

Staying in the city of Chiang Mai is an easy way for travelers to ease into the Thai lifestyle. The diverse range of food means long-term visitors will have some comfort food to fall back on should they start feeling homesick.

Be sure to check out this cute Cat Cafe in Chiang Mai!

Don’t plan on spending all your time in the city, however. There are loads of fun and exciting day trips to nearby attractions. Here are a few sights near Chiang Mai that you should consider.

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
• Mae Sa Waterfalls
• Huay Tung Tao Lake
• Elephant Nature Park

If you’re looking for an ethical elephant experience, the Elephant Nature Park is one of the few that stand out. A great many Elephant Sanctuaries advertise ethical experiences but are ethical in name only. Read more about Elephant Nature Park here .

When everything is totaled up, Chiang Mai is an affordable place to be. This, of course, assumes that you are eating primarily local food and staying in affordable accommodation. Perhaps the biggest budget factor to consider is how many bottles of Chang you plan on having while in Thailand.

Cost to travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: 168 Chiangmai Guesthouse $5
• Best Budget Hotel: The Ghee House $20

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

If you want to find the cheapest places to visit with good food and outdoor activities, look no further than Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Sabah region of Borneo and offers guests amazing ocean views and unforgettable island getaways.

This is a paradise for any adventure-lover or digital nomad . There is a lot for visitors to do, from snorkeling and scuba diving to climbing the tallest mountain in South East Asia. Climbing Mt. Kinabalu will set you back a bit, but most other activities and day trips are priced very reasonably.

Our island-hopping day trip around Kota Kinabalu only costs $35 per person. A pretty good deal considering that it also included a buffet lunch on Palau Sapi. This is actually the same price we paid for a whitewater rafting trip on the Kinubantan River.

Food in Kota Kinabalu is very affordable and I could not recommend it any higher. I seriously still get cravings for the delicious Bah Kut Teh we had in Sabah. I know our next trip back will focus heavily on food! This guide to the best food in Kota Kinabalu should be enough to get any foodie excited to visit!

Cost to travel to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: The Bunk $5
• Best Budget Hotel: OYO 1103 Borneo Inn $20

Danang, Vietnam

Overall Vietnam was an underwhelming experience for us. The popular stops in the north and south of the country are a bit overrated if we are being honest. Reflecting on our month in Vietnam, Danang stands out as an amazing, and cheap , place that we are looking forward to visiting again in the near future.

What makes Danang such a great place to visit? For one, the weather is much more pleasant in this region of the country. The warm weather made our daily trips to the beach just perfect. And since we’re talking about the beaches let’s just say you will be hard-pressed to find better beaches anywhere in South East Asia!

Another positive is that Danang, Vietnam has a very chill and laid-back pace of life. Perfect for those wanting to kick back a bit.

Once you’re done with your time at the beach, take the short trip south to the historic city of Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage City is a must on any trip through Vietnam. Be sure to take the public bus to Hoi An which only costs $1 each way. Once you’re in the city chow down on a less than $2 bowl of Pho while sipping a glass of 50-cent beer.

Who said day trips need to be expensive?

If you’re looking to mildly splurge while in Danang I highly recommend visiting Nan N Kebab for some amazing Pakistani/Indian food. When I say amazing, I mean amazing . After trying it once we were hooked and ended up eating here nearly every day! The Butter Chicken with Roghini Nan is something that I still dream about on a daily basis. If you’re in Danang I cannot recommend this shop enough.

Cost to travel to Danang, Vietnam on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Zari House $4
• Best Budget Hotel: Osaka Hotel Da Nang $10

Samosir Island, Indonesia

Indonesia has a massive number of exciting and affordable islands scattered across both sides of the equator. Some of these islands are quite remote and require a lot of effort to reach. The good news is that getting to Samosir is relatively easy – and cheap, assuming you fly with Air Asia or another budget airline!

A crazy fact about Samosir Island is that the sits on a lake which is located on an even larger island, Sumatra.

The reason you want to visit Samosir is to experience time at Lake Toba. This large lake was created by a massive volcanic eruption that formed the caldera that the lake rests on. It is estimated that this eruption would have been the loudest sound ever in human history.

Samosir is an incredibly relaxing place to be and is enjoyable for those with a few days, or even a few weeks, to spend in the Indonesian jungle. Samosir is not a common destination for tourists so don’t expect highly developed infrastructure. Instead, enjoy the natural beauty of the area and cheap prices on food and guesthouses. This is the place to go if you want to clear your agenda and completely relax during your trip.

Tip: Book a stay in a traditional Batuk house for an authentic look at life in the area.

Cost to travel to Samosir, Indonesia on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Homestay: Bagus Bay Homestay $10
• Best Budget Homestay: Laster Jony’s $10

Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The Philippines have consistently been one of the cheapest places to visit in Asia. And as a budget destination, there is a lot of flexibility to decide where in the Philippines you actually want to go. Most first-time visitors will opt for the capital Manila, or the famed beaches of Boracay. Those are both fine choices and can certainly be done on a budget. However, I believe the beachside town of Puerto Princesa is of far greater interest.

The first thing you will appreciate about Puerto Princesa is how clean it is. The island of Palawan is still a natural paradise and this is reflected in the cleanliness of the air, water, and beaches. This is sure to be appreciated after a trip to Manila!

Multiple budget flights run to and from the major cities in the Philipines so Puerto Princesa is an easy addition to trips around the region.

The highlight of a trip to Puerto Princesa will likely center around two things. First, is the amazing beaches. Some of the best beaches in Palawan are located here. If you are looking to go beach hopping in Palawan your first stop should be at the nearby Honda Bay. Honda Bay has good snorkeling opportunities and frequent boats departing for various islands in the area which makes for a great day trip.

Next up would be Nagtabon Beach on the west coast of Palawan. The beach is a 30km drive from the city but is absolutely worth it. There isn’t a more picturesque beach in all of the Philippines. The remote- ish location is also perfect for those looking for the cheapest travel places. Simple beach huts can be found for as low as $3 per night!

The second major draw is the Puerto Princesa underground river. This is said to be the longest underground river in the world at roughly 8km in length. Unpowered boat tours run the length of the cave and this UNESCO-designated wonder should not be missed.

Cost to travel to Puerto Princesa, Philippines on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Treffpunkt 5300 Hostel $5
• Best Budget Hotel: LS Garden Villa $20

Xi’an, China

It is incredibly hard to narrow down on a single budget-friendly destination when you have a country as large as China. There are a great many bucket-list destinations that could be potential candidates on this list of cheapest travel places. However, when it comes down to making a choice, Xi’an stands out as a clear winner.

For one, Xi’an is easily visited from the capital of Beijing. Expect to pay around $70 for a flight or high-speed rail trip from Beijing to Xi’an. Sleeper trains will be even cheaper but I’d only recommend this if you’re able to handle the 12-hour journey on the regular train to Xi’an.

Once you’re in Xi’an prepare for a historical tour of one of China’s oldest and most historic cities. For centuries Xi’an served as China’s capital and marked the end of the Silk Road. This led to the development of a truly unique and historic city!

The location of Xi’an, and perhaps its time as China’s capital, has resulted in an exquisite and diverse food scene. Here you will find everything from northern staples to spicy southern dishes. It’s best to come hungry and try a bit of everything before leaving Xi’an. These dishes are a good example of what you can expect to dine on in the city. The best part is that most of these meals cost less than $5!

If you’re in the mood for a day trip take a look at the Hukou Waterfall. The waterfall is located on the Yellow River a few hours drive from Xi’an and is one of the most beautiful in China. The best time to visit the Hukou Waterfall is in the summer when you can both see the waterfall and take a ride on the rapids. However, visiting in the winter when the falls are frozen over is a spectacular and underappreciated sight!

Cost to travel to Xi’an, China on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Xi’an Hantang House $5
• Best Budget Homestay: Mark and Henry Apartment $30

Tainan, Taiwan

Those who follow this blog know I am a big fan of Taiwan . Although I love Taipei, it is not exactly the most budget-friendly place on the island.

If I was to make a singular recommendation for an exciting and cheap place to visit, it would have to be Tainan. Remember to buy your Taiwanese SIM card at the airport rather than in the city!

Tainan is located in the far south of Taiwan and enjoys great weather year-round. Rain is less frequent than elsewhere on the island (although it can get heavy rain in the summer) and there are many things to do out in the sun.

The city has a rich history and many of the best things to do in Tainan revolve around this history. One of the first things you should see is the Anping Fort. This fort, which is also called Fort Zeelandia, was built by the Dutch roughly 500 years ago. It has been well-preserved through the years and serves as a museum and historical attraction today. Plan on spending some time exploring the many buildings and learning about the history of Southern Taiwan.

Once you finish exploring the fort it’s time to head to Anping old street. Here visitors can overdose on the wide variety of street food on display near the fort.

Food is one of Tainan’s major draws and the city draws in foodies from around the region. Food in Tainan has developed a distinct sweet taste that can only be found here. Plan on spending around $10 on food and drinks if you are eating local food and not splurging on western restaurants.

The Flower Night Market is among the largest in Taiwan and is a must-visit for any guest to Tainan. There are hundreds of stalls that sell all sorts of food, clothes, and souvenirs – and of course, everyone’s favorite Bubble Milk Tea .

Cost to travel to Tainan, Taiwan on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Tainan Quiet Hostel $15
• Best Budget Hotel: ECFA Hotel $20

Mexico City, Mexico

Most Mexico-bound tourists head for sun fun in the sun at beachside resorts like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. But let’s face it these touristy destinations are often overcrowded and overpriced. Mexico City is a destination that I expect to see grow in popularity as more people start to recognize the potential that Mexico’s capital holds.

There is no place better than Mexico City if your travel plans include pigging out on the local delicacies. And I see no better reason to visit Mexico than for the food! Like many other capitals, Mexico City is a convergence point for dishes originating from all corners of Mexico. You can find amazingly delicious food ranging from authentic Tacos and Quesadillas to traditional Pozole and Pambazo . And of course, no trip to Mexico would be complete without trying some crazy, wild, and sometimes colorful Elote ! If you have never had the chance to experience Elote you are missing out on one of Mexico’s greatest pleasures!

When you aren’t busy eating, Mexico City has numerous interesting and worthwhile tourist attractions. The city’s heart is undoubtedly located in Zócalo Square. Zócalo is one of the largest plazas in the world and is a place of great historical importance. It also holds a number of Mexico City’s top attractions. You could easily spend a day here visiting the National Palace, the Templo Mayor, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

If you’re the museum type you might never leave Mexico City. It holds an incredible number of museums that showcase Mexico’s intriguing history from ancient times to the present day.

Mexico’s capital is massive and can be overwhelming at times. You should head to Chapultepec Park if you’re feeling like some fresh air is in order. This is the largest park in Mexico City and was once an Aztec summer residence. It’s a great chance to get some exercise while taking in the surrounding view. And, of course, there are numerous attractions located throughout the park.

Cost to travel to Mexico City, Mexico on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Mexico City Hostel $5
• Best Budget Hotel: Casa San Ildefonso $25

San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is widely viewed as the jewel of Central America. It’s hard to argue with once you’ve seen its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and pristine water. A good place to start any Costa Rican adventure is in the sprawling capital of San Jose.

There are plenty of adventures to be found in Costa Rica, depending on the level of thrill that you’re looking for. Some bucket list offerings include ziplining far above the forest floor, scuba diving and surfing on both sides of the country, or hiking to the top of one of Costa Rica’s 5 active volcanos!

A jungle trek might be in order if you’re more into exploring more of Costa Rica’s stunning biodiversity. It is worth saving money on food and accommodation to take a day trip or two out of the city. There are a number of reasonably priced treks that will give you the opportunity to see a wide range of birds, monkeys, and other animals that are native to the region.

Another reason to visit Costa Rica is for the delicious food that is loaded with regional flavor. You should start with a dish of Gallo Pinto if you want to experience the best Costa Rican cuisine. This is considered to be the country’s national dish and is a combination of flavorful rice and beans. Gallo Pinto makes a great breakfast when served with eggs. Other dishes that can be found throughout Costa Rica are Tamales, Ceviche, and Casado – all with their own local twist of course.

If you’re here for the deserts you won’t be disappointed. Costa Rica has some of the most delectable Tres Leches Cakes that you will ever find!

The only downside to visiting San Jose is the rain. Heavy rain is seen between May and November so it’s best to pack an umbrella during the rainy season. For the rest of the year, however, Costa Rica stays nice and dry which makes traveling pleasant.

Cost to travel to San Jose, Costa Rica on a budget: $35 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Fauna Luxury Hostel $7
• Best Budget Hotel: Xocolatique rooms $30

Santa Ana, El Salvador

Skip the crowds hanging around the city of San Salvador – Santa Ana is the place to be when visiting El Salvador on a budget!

Santa Ana is a charming city of just under 300,000 residents that sits nestled among the hills in Northern El Salvador. The first thing you will notice about Santa Ana is its architecture. Many of the buildings are from the colonial era when El Salvador was occupied by the Spanish. The city has been fairly well kept and has many pristine examples of classic architecture. The historic city center is of particular note for architecture lovers as many of its buildings have been preserved in pristine condition. One of the most notable landmarks in the city center is the Cathedral de Santa Ana which was originally built from 1575 to 1576.

One reason for Santa Ana’s fabulous architecture is its prosperity and strategic location as a Spanish colony. Today, the city’s claim to fame is as a coffee producer. The surrounding region leads the nation’s coffee production and ships fine coffee around the world. El Salvador has focused heavily on coffee exports for over 100 years and was, pre-civil war, the world’s 4th leading producer. So, when in El Salvador, be sure to stop by a local cafe and try some rich, fruity coffee brewed fresh at the source.

Cost to travel Santa Ana, El Salvador on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Casa Vieja Guest House $8
• Best Budget Hotel: Hostal Sole $15

Quito, Ecuador

Quito is often viewed as a stopping point for those heading off to the Galapagos Islands. It definitely deserves more attention as a budget-friendly travel destination worth visiting on its own.

Prices for food and accommodation are generally cheaper than in other South American capitals so you can expect your money to stretch further here. Another positive is Ecuador uses the US Dollar as a standard currency. This is good news for travelers coming from the USA as it means that you won’t lose out when exchanging money at the airport or dodgy money changer.

Quito is a stunning city that holds tons of beautiful colonial buildings. In fact, the entire old town has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re a fan of colonial architecture you will love it here. Once you’ve had your fill of the architecture be sure to take a trip to the Intiñan Solar Museum. This museum sits at 0° latitude and longitude – this really is the middle of the earth! At the museum, you can see exhibits related to life at the equator and perform experiments that cannot be replicated anywhere else!

If you want the best views in the city head to TelefériQo for a ride on the highest cable car in the world. The cable car rises to a height of nearly 4,000m above sea level to the hills above Quito. As you might imagine this is the place to be if you want amazing views hiking opportunities. The cost for the ride is $8 although you can purchase an express pass for $11 if needed. A fairly reasonable price to pay for once-in-a-lifetime views like this!

Cost to travel to Quito, Ecuador on a budget: $35 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: The Secret Garden $5
• Best Budget Hotel: Blue Door Housing Historic Quito $20

Panama City, Panama

Panama City is one of the hippest travel destinations in Central America but has largely flown under the radar until recent years. There has been a lot of development and the city is quickly growing into a world-class destination. Prices are a bit higher than other budget destinations in Central America, but the city is still an amazing value!

There is a lot more to see in Panama than just the canal. For starters, check out some of the fantastic architecture in Casco Viejo, the historic old town of Panama City. It is encircled by a large pathway that loops over the ocean. This is a great place to go for a walk or bike ride! The old town was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997 so it has been well preserved and has been saved from the development that the rest of the city has experienced.

If you’re an adventure seeker, Panama has a great deal to offer. Typical adventure activities include scuba diving and snorkeling at the various beaches and islands near Panama City. Also, high-fliers should consider taking a zipline through the highlands just outside of the city.

Cost to travel to Panama City, Panama on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Selina Casco Viejo $12
• Best Budget Hotel: Hotel California Panama $30

Copacabana, Bolivia

One of the best places to visit in Bolivia is Copacabana, the Bolivian town – not the Brazilian beach.

Copacabana sits on Lake Titicaca near the Peruvian border and is a great location to visit for several reasons. The first is for the fantastic views of the lake. It is beautiful and peaceful here year-round and visitors will be able to enjoy the sweeping blue views. Another reason to visit is for the culture and history connected to the region. Lake Titicaca is believed to be the birthplace of the Incan empire and was central to the growth of the empire.

Two islands located on Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol, and Isla del Luna, are particularly important as they hold numerous Incan ruins and artifacts that are still being studied today. Boat trips can be taken to the island where you can explore the ruins and learn about the origin of this great civilization. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can stay in a hostel on either of the islands and get an idea of what life might have been like.

Hotels in Copacabana, Bolivia are a welcome surprise for travelers as they can be found for under $10 for a private room. Numerous unique hostels and hotels operate in the area and can be had with a slightly higher budget.

What makes Copacabana even better for budget travelers is its location near the capital of La Paz. The 4-hour bus ride from La Paz to Copacabana costs a mere $4! If you want to take some photos along the way there is a tourist bus that stops at some of the more scenic viewpoints. This could be a good option for photographers although it does cost a premium. Most budget travelers would be better off going with the cheaper direct bus to Copacabana.

While boat trips around the lake are common, one thing you won’t see much of is swimmers. Lake Titicaca sits at an impressive 12,000 feet (3,800 meters) so the water stays cold year-round. When staying in Copacabana, Bolivia you will definitely need to pack some sweaters and warm clothing. Don’t let the lack of swimming opportunities put you off though. The scenic one-of-a-kind views of the lake make it worth the visit.

Cost to travel to Copacabana, Bolivia on a budget: $30 per day

• Best Budget Hotel: Totora Casa Hotel $8
• Best Budget Hotel: Hotel La Cupula $25

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is often referred to as the jewel of the Caribbean. And, if you’re looking for a Caribbean experience I can imagine no better place than this charming Colombian town.

One thing to note is that Cartagena is a beach resort – and a popular one at that. If you are looking for a budget travel experience you will need to avoid the busy seasons. The worst time to visit Cartagena is from December to February which is when most South Americans take their summer holidays. Prices for travel and hotels will skyrocket during this period which makes the city an expensive choice.

Cartagena is a historic city with a great number of attractions to appeal to all types of tourists. The main draw is undoubtedly the world-class beaches. Playa Blanca is perhaps the most well-known beach in Cartagena due to its perfect white sand and clear water. The beach is a 40-minute boat ride away from the city but is absolutely worth visiting while in Colombia.

Once you’re thoroughly beached out take a trip to the Mercado de Bazurto . Visiting this authentic market is a great chance to experience real Colombia. The vendors here sell all manner of fruits, vegetables, and meat, as well as a vast array of general goods and items. You can easily spend the best part of the morning walking the market and checking out interesting stalls. Do note that Mercado de Bazurto is dirty and crowded so it is best to leave any valuables at home.

For more sightseeing check out the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas . This massive Spanish fortress was built in the 1600s and remains largely intact today. The fort is actually the largest colonial fort ever built by the Spanish and shows the strategic importance of Cartegena. Entry to the fort costs 25,000 pesos, roughly $7 based on current exchange rates. If you are wondering what made Cartagena so important to the Spanish you should head to Cartagena’s Gold Museum for a look at some locally mined riches.

Cost to travel to Cartagena, Colombia on a budget: $35 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: El Arsenal Hostel Boutique $8
• Best Budget Hotel: Hotel La Esperanza $20

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is perhaps the most exciting and colorful South American destination on the list.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is a particularly great choice if you’re traveling from the colder regions of the United States. The weather in Argentina’s pleasant capital is the exact opposite of the weather up north. That means that you will be able to experience perfectly warm weather on days when it’s snowing back home. The best time to visit Buenos Aires is between September and November. This is when the trees are in full bloom and the city truly blooms with it.

The best place to see the Jacaranda trees is at the Parque Tres de Febrero. This fabulous park is a must-visit for any itinerary of the city and gives great views of the vibrant purple blossoms. Many of Buenos Aires Instagram-worthy photo locations are here at this park.

If you’re looking to soak up the culture and vibe of the city look no further than the San Telmo Sunday Market. This open-air market happens every Sunday so it’s best to plan your trip to Buenos Aires accordingly. At San Telmos you can mingle with locals and shop for clothes, souvenirs, and local snacks.

The San Telmo district is arguably the best place to stay in Buenos Aires. It is an older part of the city and houses some special sights such as the Plaza Dorrego. If you are unsure about where to stay consider searching for accommodation around this area.

Cost to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina on a budget: $40 per day

• Best Budget Hostel: Malala Hostel $8
• Best Budget Hotel: Gran Hotel Hispano $20

Budget Travel Tips

One thing to note is that all of the costs in this article are estimations based on the amount that a budget traveler would expect to spend. They might seem impossibly low at first glance but I have actually undershot these price points on many of my trips.

I’ve tried to pad the minimum budget for each of the cheapest countries to visit that are listed here. This is important since there will be plenty of excursions to go on or nice restaurants that must be visited.

So how can we afford to have these bucket list experiences on a budget?

Book flights and accommodation in advance.

Planning ahead should be a big priority if you’re trying to travel on a budget. Flight prices tend to rise as seats fill up. And once the cheap hostels or hotels are booked up your only option may be to splurge for a more expensive room.

As a general rule, I try to book my flights and hotels roughly two months ahead of time. This is especially true if an airline carrier has a sudden sale on flight tickets . There isn’t much point in waiting when you can save money by booking today. Flight promotions have allowed me to fly nonstop from Asia to Europe for $250, and Asia to California for as low as $180!

Find creative solutions if needed.

Accommodation is often the biggest expense we have when traveling. This is especially true in places like western Europe where budget accommodation is close to nonexistent. If you’re on a tight budget it could be a good idea to consider options like Couchsurfing or Workaway. These are two of the more popular sites that provide travelers with a way to lower their travel expenses.

Eat like a local.

This is one of the most important things, but one of the hardest if you are a picky eater. Consider this, in Taipei a standard burger in a restaurant is around $10 while local meals can be had for less than $3. This adds up fast over the course of a trip and will certainly affect your travel budget.

Travel with a friend.

This one is certainly debatable, but I’ve found it to be true. Traveling with Corina has helped keep the cost of our travel down quite a lot. The main factor would be hotels. A hotel room costs the same regardless of whether it’s one or two people in the room. This is something that holds true in the cheapest countries to visit as well as the most expensive.

Another thing we found is that we share a lot of drinks and snacks rather than ordering one for each of us. This lets us try a variety of local food and drinks but at half the cost.

Pay attention to exchange rates.

This one is tough to prepare for as we often won’t know where to go for the best exchange rates. I typically exchange a day’s worth of cash for each country I’ll visit before traveling. That means I’m never forced to exchange money at the airport or shady exchange booth out of desperation. On my last trip to London, I ran the numbers on one of the ‘no fee’ exchange shops and it came out to a 16% difference from the current rate. No thank you.

Also, to get the best exchange rate it’s important to bring crisp new bills. A lot of places will give you a lower rate when trading in old bills or small denominations.

Please consider sharing on Pinterest or Facebook if this article gave you some travel inspiration!

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22 Cheapest Asian Countries to Visit in 2024

If you’re looking for some of the cheapest Asian countries to visit on your next trip, you have come to the right place!

With 48 countries, Asia is the largest continent in the world, and it’s also my favourite one. This continent is home to some of the world’s friendliest people, tons of beautiful landmarks , interesting cultures and delicious food. Although not all Asian countries are cheap (think about Bhutan, Japan or Singapore), Asia has got plenty of budget-friendly destinations too.

This guide contains some of the best budget destinations in Asia, from popular destinations like Thailand and India to more off-the-beaten-path countries like Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.

Although some of the countries on this list may be slightly more expensive than others, they’re all pretty cheap compared to Europe or North America, for example.

I’ve been living in and travelling through Asia for the last couple of years . As I’m updating this post regularly, I’m keeping my eyes open for the cheapest countries in Asia and how much it costs to travel here.

Cheap Countries to Visit in Asia

It’s good to know that the daily budget, hostel prices and meal prices listed in this post are for backpackers travelling on a shoestring budget (staying in dorms, eating in local restaurants, etc).

How much you will spend depends on your travel style and the activities you want to do. It’s also good to know that capital cities tend to be more expensive.

So, let’s dive right into it! Here are the 22 cheapest countries to travel to in Asia.

Cheap destinations in Southeast Asia

Let’s start with Southeast Asia, a popular backpacking destination full of amazing things to see and do. This part of the continent is home to lush green jungles, sandy beaches, majestic temples and exotic wildlife.

1. Indonesia

Indonesia is one of these incredibly varied destinations I just can’t get enough of. With over 17,000 islands , you could easily spend a lifetime exploring this country alone.

Every island is different and there are more than 300 ethnic groups in the country, each with its own culture and traditions.

Apart from that, you will also find lush green forests, picture-perfect beaches, beautiful volcanoes and much more here. And the best part is that Indonesia is one of the most affordable countries in Asia.

It’s good to know, however, that some islands are cheaper than others . Bali, for example – home to the famous digital nomad and party destination Canggu – is one of the most expensive ones. Sumatra and Java, on the other hand, are some of the cheaper islands.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $20 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $3 Meal price: Around $3

With mesmerizing sights like Ha Long Bay, the Ban Gioc Waterfall, the Mekong Delta , Hà Giang and many, many more, Vietnam is one of the top travel destinations in Asia .

This country is known for its delicious food, mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant culture and some of the most beautiful caves in the world . It’s a place where you will be able to visit sacred temples one day, then see the remnants of the Vietnam War and learn more about its history the next.

As Vietnam is also one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, it’s the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for an affordable destination with an abundance of places to explore. I travelled around Vietnam solo for two months and had a great time.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $20 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $3,50 Meal price : Around $3

3. Cambodia

When mentioning Cambodia, many people will immediately think about Angkor Wat , the largest and oldest religious monument in the world. After all, watching the sunrise at this immense temple complex is one of these bucket list travel experiences you can’t miss when you’re visiting this country.

But there’s more to Cambodia than Angkor Wat alone. This country is also the perfect place to explore vibrant cities, go diving, relax at the beach, try delicious food, visit salt fields and learn more about the country’s culture and history.

Cambodia is cheaper than its neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, making it one of the cheapest exotic destinations in Southeast Asia.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $18 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $2 Meal price : Around $3

Laos is known for being one of Asia’s most relaxed and laid-back destinations . This is an authentic country with colourful temples, French colonial architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

Here, you will truly feel as if you were stepping back in time. You will get to soak up the country’s rich traditions and savour some of the world’s best food.

From Khone Pabeng , Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall to the city of Luang Prabang with its former royal palaces – Laos is a budget-friendly Asian destination that will make sure to astonish you. This is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a cheap Southeast Asian country that isn’t packed with tourists (yet).

Prices here are pretty similar to, yet slightly cheaper than, neighbouring Cambodia.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $16 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $2 Meal price : Around $2

5. Myanmar (Burma)

Ah, Myanmar – this is one of my favourite travel destinations in the world!

This country’s landscapes are filled with temples and gilded pagodas, and the Burmese are some of the most friendly people in the world.

From the beautiful temples of Bagan to the mountains and caves of Hpa An, there are plenty of beautiful places in Myanmar and this is a country that simply doesn’t disappoint.

The thing I love the most about this country is its authenticity . Myanmar has only been opening up to tourists recently and it hasn’t much been influenced by the globalised world yet.

Although Myanmar is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, prices here have increased over the years, especially when it comes to accommodation. It’s good to know that this country is more expensive than countries like Cambodia and Vietnam , for example.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $24 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $6 Meal price : Around $3

6. Thailand

Often nicknamed “The Land of Smiles”, Thailand may just be the most popular stop along the Southeast Asia backpacking route.

This country is known for its glorious beaches, glittering temples, lush green jungle and delicious cuisine. On top of all that, Thailand is a great scuba diving destination too.

This country is easy to travel through and has something to offer to nearly any type of traveller , whether you’re looking for a crazy bucket list adventure , a lazy beach holiday or an all-in vacation.

Although Thailand remains one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit, the cost of travelling here has increased over the years and the Kingdom is slightly more expensive than its neighbours Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. It’s also good to know that the north of Thailand is cheaper than the south of the country.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $26 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $4 Meal price : Around $4

7. The Philippines

If diving, snorkelling and island hopping sound like your kind of holiday, then The Philippines should be on top of your Asian travel bucket list. This country is home to over 7,000 islands full of tropical white-sand beaches, palm trees and blue lagoons.

And there’s more – swimming in waterfalls , climbing volcanoes, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting rice terraces are just a few of the other highlights of The Philippines.

This country is a bit more expensive than other Southeast Asian destinations but still very affordable compared to Western countries.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $26 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $5 Meal price : Around $3

8. Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia. It’s also a very diverse destination with towering skyscrapers, countless temples and mosques, stunning nature , beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife.

Although a lot of visitors will spend most of their time in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, Malaysia has much more to offer. From scuba diving and jungle trekking to visiting the famous Batu Caves , this country doesn’t lack activities.

On top of that, Malaysia is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit (except for alcohol, which is pretty expensive) and quite contrary to what many people think, Malaysia is cheaper than Thailand!

It’s also good to know that thanks to its good infrastructure with high-speed internet, Malaysia is a great destination for digital nomads .

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $25 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $4 Meal price : Around $2

Cheapest South Asian countries to visit

South Asia is my favourite part of the world. This part of the continent is home to the majestic Himalayas, thousands of temples, beautiful jungles and fascinating cultures.

I spent over a year travelling through this part of the world and am still here as I’m writing this.

Nepal is one of my favourite destinations in the world and it’s also one of the most affordable Asian countries to travel to.

With its vibrant culture, lush green jungles and stunning Himalayan Mountains (including Mount Everest ), this country has a lot to offer. If you’re an adventurous type of traveller who also enjoys learning about different cultures, you will LOVE Nepal.

Some other reasons to visit Nepal are that the Nepali are renowned for being some of the friendliest people in the world and that country is full of beautiful landmarks and unforgettable adventures.

When visiting Nepal on a budget, it’s good to know that it is possible to hike and trek in the Himalayas without spending a fortune on a guide. However, this is not recommended for all treks, so it’s advisable to do some research in advance.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $16 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $2 Meal price : Around $2,50

With places like the Taj Mahal and the Hawa Mahal, and states like Goa and Rajasthan , India is one of the top travel destinations in the world.

Not only is India packed with incredibly beautiful landmarks, but it also offers a lot of variation. Not every country offers the possibility to combine mountains, deserts, beaches, jungles and cities in one trip, after all. On top of that, India is huge. I spent over 8 months travelling through this country and there are still so many places left to discover.

One of the things India is best known for is its incredibly rich culture. It was here that Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and other religions were born. So if cultural or spiritual travel is your thing, India should be on top of your list.

When it comes to the cost of travel in India , it’s good to know that the south of the country is a little more expensive than the north. Still, India is one of the cheapest Asian countries on this list.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $20 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $4 Meal price : Around $2,50

11. Sri Lanka

Often nicknamed “The Teardrop of India”, the country island of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean. This is a very diverse destination with white sand beaches, a rich culture and beautiful Sri Lankan landmarks .

On top of that, with hikes like Littl e Adam’s Peak , Ella Rock and World’s End, Sri Lanka is also a great place for hiking and nature lovers.

Although Sri Lanka might be small, there’s an incredible amount of things to do in this country. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, adventure seeker, history buff or beach lover, Sri Lanka has got something for you.

I spent 6 weeks exploring this country and, although I’m not much of a beach person, this is a place I would love to go back to. Sti Lanka’s lush green jungles, exotic wildlife and friendly locals stole my heart!

Sri Lanka is less expensive than India, so it’s a very budget-friendly destination where you won’t need to worry about spending too much money.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $16 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $2 Meal price : Around $3,50

12. Bangladesh

If you’re looking for a cheap, off-the-beaten-path destination in Asia, then Bangladesh is the place for you. This country, which borders India and Myanmar, is often skipped by tourists, meaning you will probably have all the tourist sites to yourself.

Bangladesh has got a lot to offer, though. With its numerous archaeological sites, large forests, beautiful beaches and friendly locals, it’s a destination that will surely surprise you. This country is also home to the world’s longest sea beach – Cox’s Bazar – which is 120 km (74,5 mi) long.

I spent a month backpacking in Bangladesh and it was an unforgettable experience! Bangladeshi are some of the most hospitable people in the entire world (along with Pakistanis, #13 on this list) and believe me, travelling here will be memorable!

All in all, Bangladesh is one of the most hospitable and cheapest Asian countries to visit and it’s perfect for those who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path travel destination.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $20 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $3,50 Meal price : Around $2

13. Pakistan

Pakistan might not be the first destination to think of when you’re planning a trip to Asia, but it is one of my favourite destinations in the world.

With some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, beautiful deserts, untouched beaches and historical cities like Lahore , this is a dream destination for both nature lovers as well as history buffs.

Contrary to the country’s reputation, Pakistan is now – relatively – safe to travel to (although it speaks for itself that you should always be cautious and use your common sense) and it is attracting more and more adventurous tourists.

Pakistan is cheaper than India, which makes it one of the cheapest countries on this list.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $18 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $3,50 Meal price : Around 1,50

Cheapest East Asian countries to visit

East Asia is another fascinating part of the world, and although there are very affordable destinations here, some East Asian countries are pretty expensive.

However, if you know which countries to visit, it’s possible to travel here on a budget. You will find the cheapest East Asian countries below.

With fascinating ancient places like the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’An, the Forbidden City of Beijing, and the famous Great Wall, China is one of these countries you could explore for years on end because there’s so much to see. This is one of Asia’s best cultural destinations .

One striking thing about China is the contrast between ancient and modern . You will find traditional Chinese architecture on one side of the city and hyper-modern buildings on the other side.

Keep in mind that some places are more expensive than others when you’re visiting China. Shanghai, Bejing and the autonomous region of Macau, for example, are some of the pricier destinations in the country. If you avoid these places and do some research in advance, it is possible to travel to China on a shoestring budget though.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $30 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $3,50 Meal price : Around $4

Taiwan may be pretty small, but this island doesn’t lack beautiful places to visit or interesting things to do.

This country (which is officially called the Republic of China) is home to very diverse landscapes consisting of mountains, beaches, hot springs, waterfalls and more.

If you’re more of a city person, you will love Taipei , the vibrant capital which is known for its modern architecture, traditional temples and food markets.

Although Taiwan is one of the more expensive countries on this list, it’s just slightly more expensive than China and still pretty cheap compared to Western standards.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $28 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $8 Meal price : Around $3

16. Mongolia

Mongolia, landlocked between Russia and China, is a mountainous country with unspoilt nature and unique culture . It’s one of these beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destinations where the tourism industry is still in its early stages.

For many travellers, one of the top experiences to have here is to stay with a nomadic family and learn about their way of life. After all, Mongolia is home to one of the last remaining traditional nomad cultures.

While it is possible to visit Mongolia independently, it’s not the easiest country to travel through if you don’t want to hire a guide or take tours. The reason for this is a lack of transportation to tourist sites. It is possible, however, to rent a jeep in Ulaanbaatar.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $20 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $6 Meal price : Around $3

Cheapest Western Asian countries to visit

This part of Asia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, and it’s not as explored as say, Southeast Asia.

This being said, Western Asia is more expensive than most other parts of Asia, which is why there aren’t so many Western Asian countries on this list.

One of the things Iran is most famous for is its architecture with gorgeous colours and pretty mosaics. But there’s much more to this country!

If you’re interested in Persian culture and history , for example, this destination will surely astonish you. On top of that, Iran is filled with natural wonders, from mountains and deserts to caves and waterfalls. All in all, Iran has got something to offer to any type of traveller, whether you’re into history, culture, art or nature.

Iran is a country that only started attracting more tourists in the last couple of years and it was gaining popularity among travellers quickly. However, due to the current political situation, tourism in Iran has been declining again.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $25 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $8 Meal price : Around $4

Cheapest Central Asian countries

Central Asia is a relatively unexplored part of the continent that’s home to mesmerizing architecture and some amazing landscapes.

Although this part of Asia is more expensive than Southeast Asia and South Asia, it is home to some pretty affordable destinations.

18. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is another beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination with plenty of hidden treasures. This former Soviet Republic is the biggest country in Central Asia .

If you enjoy spending time in nature, then this country full of canyons, mountains, lakes and deserts is the one for you!

Apart from that, Kazakhstan will also astonish you if you enjoy visiting more unusual places. From the futuristic capital, Nur-Sultan to the abandoned seaport of Aralsk, this country is full of unique sights.

The best part is that Kazakhstan is one of these affordable destinations where you won’t need to worry about spending tons of money on your travels.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $22 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $6 Meal price : Around $3

19. Kyrgyzstan

Another great country for lovers of nature and the great outdoors is Kyrgyzstan. With its high mountains, undiscovered canyons and beautiful glaciers, this destination has a lot to offer.

Some of the best cultural things to do here are staying in a yurt, learning about the traditional handicrafts of felt-making and eagle hunting, and learning about the country’s Soviet history. Kyrgyzstan is a country that won’t bore you, as there’s so much to see and do here!

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan share similar traditions, but it’s good to know that the latter is slightly cheaper.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $22 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $6 Meal price : Around $3,50

20. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, the last of the Stans featured on this list, is a little bit more expensive than Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but it’s still pretty affordable.

This country is home to some amazing Islamic architecture and interesting historical sites . The highlights of Uzbekistan are the medieval cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Kiva, where you can immerse yourself in the country’s history and traditions.

With places like the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea and the ghost town of Angren, Uzbekistan is another affordable destination that will delight you if you enjoy exploring more remote and unusual places.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $25 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $6 Meal price : Around $4

21. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a mysterious country that’s often nicknamed “The Land of Fire” due to its large amount of natural gas reserves.

Back in the day, gas often leaked to the surface in Azerbaijan, which resulted in spontaneous fires. Today though, most of these fires have been extinguished, but Yanar Dag is one of the few remaining natural gas fires.

Fire isn’t the only thing Azerbaijan is famous for, though. With its ancient temples, modern capital, mud volcanoes and remote mountain villages, this country is quite diverse. It’s a unique destination that you will fall in love with if you enjoy travelling off the beaten path.

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $30 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at 10$ Meal price : Around $5

22. Armenia

If you’re looking for the cheapest Asian countries to visit on your next trip, you might want to consider heading to Armenia, a small country sandwiched between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.

This little-visited country is full of stunning monasteries and churches (over 4.000 in total), vibrant cities and incredible hikes . It’s an underrated destination with plenty of things to discover.

It’s good to know that although Armenia may be geographically located in Asia, culturally, this country leans more towards Europe (though it has Asian influences as well).

Daily shoestring backpacker budget: $16 Hostel price (1 night): Starting at $5 Meal price : Around $7

Asian Countries to Avoid if You’re Travelling on a Budget

If you’re planning on heading to Asia and don’t want to spend a fortune, there are some countries that you will want to avoid.

There may be lots of cheap destinations in Asia, but this continent is also home to some of the most expensive cities in the world.

So if you’re on a tight budget, you will want to avoid the following countries, these are the most expensive countries in Asia:

• South Korea

Check out my post about the cost of travelling in Dubai if you’re curious to know how much it costs to travel here.

Tips to Save Money While Travelling in Asia

Apart from the local prices, how much money you will spend also depends on your travel style.

Travelling on a shoestring budget mostly comes down to planning and researching your destination before heading there and avoiding expensive activities . Capital cities tend to be more expensive, for example, so try not to spend too much time there.

You will save a lot of money by staying in dorms , choosing street food or local restaurants over tourist restaurants and using public transportation , for example.

It’s also good to learn how to haggle and avoid restaurants or shops near tourist attractions , as these tend to be way more expensive.

But even if you’re planning on staying in 5-star hotels and eating out every night, you still won’t spend nearly as much money in these cheap Asian countries as you would in most European countries.

Cheapest Asian Countries: Final Thoughts

I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this list and that it inspires you to travel to Asia. After all, this continent is full of beautiful and affordable destinations.

From popular backpacking destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Azerbaijan and Bangladesh , Asia has something to offer to every type of traveller.

As I’m living/travelling in Asia at the moment and have been doing this for the last couple of years, I’m keeping my eyes open for the price of each country I visit and am updating this post regularly.

Which of the cheapest Asian countries would you like to visit and which ones have you visited already? Let me know in the comments!

Are you curious to find out what the cheapest countries in the EU are too? Check out this post next: 11 Cheapest EU Countries to Live In

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Hey, Laura! My solo backpacking dreams were itching to be released as soon as I saw your post. Now I can finally get a rough estimate on how much a two-month-long trip in Southeast Asia would cost me. This post has truly been insightful and informative. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Dakota, thank you for the lovely comment, I’m happy to hear that 😊 Asia is wonderfull, I can’t wait to return myself 🤩

Hi Laurie – love your blog post on Asia. Obviously, with Covid, trying to work out destinations is difficult. Maybe things will improve in a few months. The other issue is off course, airfares… From Australia, all the cheap airfares to Asia have dried up thanks to Covid and low cost Airline disruptions. (think Air Asia) . with the exception of Bali, which is like a suburb of Australia !

Hi Lawrence, thank you for your comment! 🙂 I sure hope things will improve soon and that the airfares will go back to normal as well. I haven’t been to Bali myself but it must be a nice place to start exploring Indonesia. 🤩

India is indeed an affordable and budget-friendly destination. I am glad that you added it to the list. The best part is India offers both budget-friendly and luxury stays. I mostly travel via train and public transport, which helps me to save more.

So do I, it’s a great way of saving money! 🙂

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Home » Budget Travel » 13 Cheapest Countries in Europe: BEST Places for Budget Travel! (2024)

13 Cheapest Countries in Europe: BEST Places for Budget Travel! (2024)

If you’re dreaming of backpacking Europe – join the club! Travelling through Europe is like a rite of passage for young, bright-eyed backpackers. It’s an easy place to get started with your international shenanigans since it’s safe, easy to travel, and chock-full of other adventurers.

Oh, but… there is a but, because all the best things in life come with a small disclaimer: if you don’t watch it, travelling Europe will swallow up all your money.

What if I told you that you don’t have to work your ass off just to afford a nice holiday in Europe? That you could, indeed, have the adventure of your dreams and not even have to watch your budget all that much?

Hear ye, hear ye, all you despairing broke backpackers: there are multiple cheap-as-hell countries in Europe that you can travel through for months without breaking the bank. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the cheapest European countries . Some of them even get close to Asian prices!

Coincidentally, these are also some of the best countries in Europe. Forget about Mykonos and Madrid – the cheapest countries in Europe are here to steal your heart.

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 Cheapest Countries in Europe – All the Adventure, Half the Money!

Cheap and awesome – just how we like it.

What are the cheapest countries to visit in Europe? Keep reading to find out! Who knew that backpacking Europe doesn’t mean breaking the bank?

Note that I’ve included a couple of spots in the Caucasus, which is a part of Europe in the same way as a tomato is a fruit; scientifically, it’s true. But if you ask someone if that’s the case, they’ll be like, “ehhh…” They don’t know. I don’t know. Nobody knows. We just roll with it.

Okay, so my favourite regions in Europe deserve their own shoutout: Eastern Europe and the Balkans, I love you . Not only are they cheap, but they’re also freaking gorgeous, and full of smouldering eyed locals. Ahem, not that that is super important to me…

The hiking is off the charts and the wine is extra delicious. Basically, you want to save money and go on mad adventurers as a backpacker. And this is where you come to do it. Don’t just take my word for it, go book a ticket and fin out for yourself!

So when it comes to rounding up the cheapest countries in Europe, I leaned pretty heavily on countries in these two regions. They’re cheap and fantastic, as I said! Prepare for much fangirling – many of the countries on this list have been my favourite trips ever! What can I say? This girl loves a bargain.

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1. Bulgaria

Average daily cost: $30

Stop everything and book a flight to Bulgaria! Yes, now!

Where do I even start with reasons to visit Bulgaria ? Potentially the cheapest country in the EU, Bulgaria deserves the top spot on this list of the cheapest European countries to travel to. Because DANG – where else can you get a humongous pork-neck steak, a side of vegetables, AND a beer for like 6 euros? Germany could never .

Bulgaria is decidedly Eastern European, sure. But blame the EU-affiliation, since it feels a lot more Western or Central European than its Balkan neighbours. Its big cities are full of cultural treasures (Plovdiv was the European cultural capital in 2019), and its small towns with their imposing mountain backdrops will charm the pants off of you.

On top of that, the best things to do while travelling to Bulgaria are free. Bulgaria has some serious mountainage – so it’s big for hikers. And, best of all, it welcomes wild campers. Save your levas and pitch a good tent for the night, then hike the highest peak in the Balkans (Masala) at sunrise.

Average daily cost: $18

Have you ever heard of Moldova? Probably yes, cause you’re a traveller and travellers are geography nerds. 😉

Do you know anything about it though? Hm… that’s what I thought.

Well, backpackers come back from their escapades to Moldova with wonderful news: it’s cool, it’s hip, and it’s largely untouched by widespread tourism. Yep, even the backpacker kind of tourism.

Being one of the least visited countries on the old continent has its advantages: Moldova is also one of the coolest low-cost countries in Europe. Moldova flirts with you through its fine wine and less-travelled countryside.

Because we’re in Eastern Europe, you’ll find some very pretty Orthodox churches. Plus cave towns, castles, and princesses to rescue. One of those things I might have made up, but who’s to know?

The capital Chisinau is a chill, green city. Make sure to also visit Old Orhei, an important archaeological site.

The most adventurous adventurers can also check out the breakaway nation of Transnistria. They’ve got their own flag, currency, and plenty of moxie, but the rest of the world is yet to recognise it as a sovereign country.

Average daily cost: $24

What you might’ve thought of as just a rebellious offshoot of Serbia turns out to be a delightfully weird, thoroughly European-minded country, with tons to explore. Plus, you get bragging rights for adding a weirdo country like Kosovo to your list of countries visited. Not that anyone counts, but still.

Kosovo is probably the cheapest country in Europe – one of the best cheap European countries to visit for sure! A typical hostel bed is about $10, and a meal at a restaurant is about $5. And all the delicious, delicious burek you can eat for $1 apiece…. mmmmh .

The capital, Pristina, is home to a host of quirky attractions, including an independence monument that gets re-painted every year and a library that has been dubbed “the ugliest building in the world”. (Poor guy – I disagree.) Down south, the historical Prizren serves history and views on a platter, AND there is even great hiking for beginners (and experts!).

And never mind what you hear about this lil’ country’s rep. Kosovo is totally safe to visit. I’d stay out of the northern border areas because Serbia has still not exactly accepted that Kosovo is doing its own thing, so the vibe there can get weird.

Average daily cost: $20

Okay, okay, I promise this is the last squeeeaaak that you’ll hear from me – but seriously, backpacking Georgia is MY FAVOURITE. It’s hard not to fall in love when the country you’re courting just checks off all the boxes: great food, even greater wine, incredible mountains, friendly peeps, and very aesthetically pleasing cityscapes.

In Tbilisi, you can stuff your face with local dumplings called khinkali and bathe your pounding hangover in the underground hot springs. If there is one word to describe this city it’s ‘cool’ . In Batumi by the Black Sea, dig your toes into black, volcanic sand and party away.

People say there’s something weird in the air here, and maybe it’s the chacha fountain (freeflow vodka every night!) but I’ve never had as much fun as I did in Batumi. You could spend WEEKS exploring the many mountain trails and gorges around the country: Georgia has the best trekking in the Caucasus . 

All this travelling could get stressful if you didn’t know that it was dirt cheap. With just a few bucks, you can get whisked away to the other side of the country. Hostel beds are not much more expensive either, at around $10 a night.

And, yeah, some say that Georgia is not technically a part of Europe, but haters gonna hate. Don’t let geography get in the way of a good time.

Poland has had feet firmly planted on the traditional European backpacker trails for years. No wonder. the country is one of the best cheap destinations in Europe, easy to travel, super safe, and versatile as fuck.

They even have a desert! It’s a tiny one, but size doesn’t matter, right?

You can easily find some of the best hostels in Europe here for $10 with breakfast included. Entrance fees to attractions can put you over budget if you’re not careful but at least the beer budget doesn’t have to be too high with $2 pints.

Most backpackers have an itinerary in Krakow for a weekend of wild partying and sad Holocaust history. Maaaybe they squeeze in a few days at the capital, Warsaw.

While I love Krakow as much as the next broke dirtbag, you could literally traipse across Poland for weeks just checking off new and weird sights. Wroclaw, Poznan, and Gdansk are all just as pretty as Krakow, and need much more love!

Then there’s the Tatras – the glorious snow-capped mountain range between the border of Poland and Slovakia. Try the local smoked cheese (and bring me some too, because it’s damn delicious).

Average daily cost: $35

Look, I think we both know that backpacking Hungary is pretty much synonymous with backpacking Budapest. The capital is, after all, the glitzy, gritty, exciting centre of life in Hungary – for locals, for digital nomads, and for backpackers.

Budapest is worth its reputation and more, for sure! It’s a classic and a must on your Eastern European backpacking trip. Not only because it has ultra-cheap and very tasty food (and beer), not even because its hedonistic parties are notorious everywhere backpackers spread their gospel.

No, the coolest part about staying in Budapest is the ruin bars. Basically, they are bars that could’ve been built by Frankenstein: patchwork-y, grungy, surprising, and certified cool.

On the cultural side of things, there are real architectural gems like the Parliament building and Fisherman’s Bastion. You can also soak up your hangover at some hot springs.

But hey, I would never encourage you to spend your time in just one dirty old town. Take a trip to dance at Sziget Music Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in Europe; see Europe’s biggest necropolis in Pécs; take a day trip to the Baroque town of Eger.

7. North Macedonia

Average daily cost: $25

Formerly known as “just Macedonia” before Greece came in and hogged the whole name. This Balkan country is eagerly awaiting entrance to the European Union AND your heart. It’s located smack bang in the middle of the peninsula so it’s almost offensive if you don’t pass through it on your Balkan adventures.

The capital Skopje is known for its crazy number of statues – there’s said to be over a hundred in the city centre. Mostly they’re new, built by the Government to “boost tourism and national pride”. Seeing that we’re talking about it here, it seems to have worked.

My favourite spots in North Macedonia are the more chill and nature-oriented ones, though. Lake Ohrid and the small shoreside towns around it are absolutely adorable, and there’s some real hiking to do as well.

Oh, and North Macedonia is not only one of the cheapest European countries to visit but also one of the cheapest in the Balkans – and if you know how affordable backpacking the Balkans is, that’s saying a lot.

8. Bosnia-Herzegovina

Average daily cost: $29

Wondering why you should add Bosnia to your backpacking itinerary? Well, first of all, if we weren’t there already, then now we’re about to enter “ cheap as fuck ” territory. But don’t let money (or your lack of it) make the decision for you; let Bosnia convince you with its pure awesomeness.

Two decades after a war that absolutely ripped the country apart, Bosnia is mostly stitched back together again. Don’t get me wrong, the country’s politics are still fucked – they erected a statue of Bruce Lee when the leaders couldn’t agree on a local hero figure that wasn’t too divisive. (One reason Bosnia is an excellent destination if you’re interested in dark tourism destinations .)

Still, the country is now totally safe to travel, as long as you stay on the well-worn trail. The countryside and unmarked mountains are still full of landmines.

Sarajevo, the capital, is like a mini-Istanbul but way more chill. Sarajevo is also one of the best cities in Europe to visit, guaranteed. You could spend the whole day meandering from one tea shop to another eating delicious little cakes, or you could take the free walking tour and learn about the tragic history of the country. 

And you can’t miss Mostar, a tiny town with rich history and beautiful small streets. Slabber up a picnic on the riverside and watch the local diving club (and sometimes daredevil tourists) dive off the 20-metre bridge over the river.

Armenia is another one of these weirdo countries right between the squeeze of Europe and Asia. I mean yes, you could say it’s part of the backpacking Caucus journey but shhh… We Europeans like to be nice and welcoming, so for the sake of this list, we’ll say Armenia is definitely one of us.

The capital, Yerevan, is a popular weekend trip from Tbilisi, Georgia, but it’s almost criminal to leave it at that and call that backpacking Armenia. Travel in Yerevan is cool for sure; it’s brimming with art and statues of all shapes on the streets, and one of my all-time favourite sunset spots above the city. 

How about the other parts of Armenia?

Well, you have Dilijan national park, dearly dubbed the “Switzerland of Armenia” because that’s where you go to get your hike on. Further down towards the south, you’ll find small, quiet towns embraced in vineyards; one of the more famous ones being Areni. Areni is also the site of some of the most important historical findings in the region.

What makes backpacking Armenia such a cheap experience though, are the, uh, prices . You can get a hostel room for $5, a glass of wine for $2, and a train ticket for a full whopping dollar.

Just Remember: Don’t Go Diving off Without Insurance!

As safe as Europe is to travel , you never know when the road just chucks a banana peel at ya for you to slip on. There are all sorts of misfortune that can hit you on the road: lost luggage, mysterious hostel diseases, and broken toes (or broken hearts – but unfortunately you can’t claim those from any insurance).

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

10. Belarus

In the past, Belarus’ tourism has suffered a lot from super strict visa rules and generally being a dictatorship. (Who wouldn’t want to spend their holidays with an Eastern European dictator?) But could it still emerge as a dark horse and win the heart of shoestring travellers everywhere in Europe? Perhaps… At least it has a lot going on for it.

Minsk, the capital, is not only the city where Phoebe’s boyfriend left to do research on Friends . It’s also an interesting example of Stalinist architecture contrasted with busy squares and old churches. (The Central Square is the biggest public square in Europe!) It has a definite European metropolis feel with vibrant coffee culture and decent nightlife. 

If you’re looking for something a tad more quiet and cultural though, check out Brest and Nesvizh.

If we’re ever talking about countries with a bad rep, we’ve got a pretty good contestant for the top spot right here; Serbia was in the centre of the Balkan wars in the 90s, casually committed genocide in Bosnia, and refuses to let Kosovo go to live her best life. These days, Serbia still likes to rub shoulders with comrade Russia. Yikes.

Still, backpacking Serbia is a great adventure and a very fun time as soon as you get over all the portraits of Putin hanging all over the place. It’s a country better than its reputation, and guess what – super cheap!

The capital Belgrade is dubbed one of the most epic party cities in Europe . I’ve heard wild stories of boat bars and hedonistic shenanigans in the Belgarde night. They all seem to be true: Serbia is surprisingly big on raves. There is even a huge dance music festival, EXIT Festival, that is known all over Europe.

For mountain lovers, huge recommendations on the Tara National Park for some grade-A hiking!

12. Albania

Average daily cost: $31

Ah, Albania, the worst kept secret of the Mediterranean. The cheapest Mediterranean country is still often referred to as an “undiscovered gem”, even though it’s been firmly on the sun-tan-package holiday roster for years… It’s a gem for sure though, and if it’s still undiscovered for you, here are some good reasons to get discovered. Not to mention, Albania’s beaches are stunning.

Northern Albania = mountains. Just awesome, amazing, majestic mountains that form a part of a three-country Peaks of Balkans hike. Shkoder, the nearest city, is a chill town with nothing much going on except cuteness and coolness.

Tirana is a busy and metropolitan city with some epic sunset spots, urban exploring, and history for days. (You can even see old statues of socialist leaders; Albania used to be so socialist that they refused international cooperation with Soviet Russia and China for “not being socialist enough”.) And the seaside is parallel to that of Croatia in the sunshine and good times, except that the prices there are about a fifth of the Croatian coast.

And since I’m always talking about food (have you noticed?) I gotta mention that Albanian food is super cheap. Plus it’s the best place in the Balkans for vegetarian backpackers with way more options than other Balkan countries.

Oh, and Albanians love tourists. It’s some of the best hospitality I’ve seen in Europe. More than that, I would say peak romance; I got proposed to via Google Translate! Turns out love and sex on the road are everywhere.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

13. SNEAKY BONUS SURPRISE GOZLEME – Turkey!

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately for our tirelessly working and author of this post… I am the editor! (Muahahahahah.) And, personally, I think it’s very interesting that there are no majority Islamic countries in the EU. There are secular states, Christian states, and there are certainly Muslims living within EU member states, but this listicle just feels… lacking.

We need some gozleme up in this bitch! Enter Turkey.

Now, Turkey is a secular society, but they are neither an EU member nor entirely on the European continental plate. Rather, they serve as the bridge between Europe and Asia.

Officially, the EU is concerned that Turkey has committed human rights violations. And to be honest, they probably have – the dictatorship is fucked, the Kurds have routinely been shafted (to put it lightly), and it’s a very large country with some rather tumultuous borders. But y’know, if we’re gonna be playing the human rights violation games… ahem… Germany – would you like to take the floor?

We can sit here and split hairs until the cows come home over what constitutes Europe (and I will!), but ultimately, Hungary is going bananas, Norway is still whaling, Kosovo is yikers, and the UK just Brexited out of that shit hot mess. And there sits Turkey being a beautiful, dreamy, and CHEAP backpacker destination.

I mean, sure, the EU might not like Muslims, but The Broke Backpacker sure does. 😉

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s been at the centre of many historical powerhouse empires and the vibe here reflects that. The colours of the buildings, the smell of the tantalising gozleme , the echoes of the call to prayer… this is a country that reminds you what was so magical about leaving home in the first place.

The Turkish people are incredibly friendly and you won’t find it hard to make friends here! Istanbul is an especially easy place to meet up and chat with locals over the ever-famous, ever delicious doner kebab . As you venture out into some of the more rural areas, you’ll once again be treated to a delight on the senses. You’ve got epic hiking, ancient ruins, still ponds, and even fancy beaches to enjoy.

Parts of Turkey feel as if you’re stepping into another world; others are as familiar as the back of your hand. For something truly special, you could enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. As every country that made it onto the original hippy trail, there are alternative towns like Olympos and Cirali to enjoy as well.

Jam-packed full of adventure sights with a side of chilling out? What could be better! Oh yeah, Turkey is also a Ryanair destination if you love a good cheap vacation! You’ve got everything you could possibly want out of a destination rolled into one very sexy, continentally European, not quite culturally European, and definitely not in the EU, nation.

Bonus: Pockets of Cheapness in Ultra-Expensive Itineraries

Most of the inexpensive countries to visit in Europe are in Eastern Europe. Income disparities, imbalanced economies, and all that noise. That means that if you’re backpacking other parts of Europe, none of them might be across your way.

There are so many cheap places to stay in Europe but backpacking Western Europe can get expensive as hell. If your wallet needs a rest, here are a few areas that are cheaper than their surrounding countries.

(They didn’t make it on this list of cheap European countries since they’re still mid-expensive.)

• Western Europe: Portugal and Spain, especially Andalucia
• Northern Europe: Estonia and Lithuania
• The Mediterranean: Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece

However, the rest of Europe isn’t exactly out of your reach either, even if your wallet is more full of dust bunnies than dollars… Learn how to travel Europe cheaply . It’s more than possible!

There you have it – The Broke Backpacker’s guide to the cheapest countries in Europe for holidays for the vagabonds and voyagers with more sense than money. Just how they teach you in budget backpacking academy of life.

Honestly, I’ve travelled most of these countries myself and I can verify that they’re AWESOME. Often I encounter a lot of prejudice from my friends about travelling Eastern Europe. Isn’t it dirty? Isn’t it completely undeveloped? Oh my gosh, isn’t it dangerous??

C’mon. The movie Hostel came out 16 years ago. How long do we have to keep fixing Eastern Europe’s reputation?

Picking any of these countries for your next backpacking destination because you want to save pennies is a good enough reason. But consider this too: heavy, filling food, the best uncrowded mountains for hiking in Europe, a side of history, and a unique culture that Western European countries have never experienced.

Off-the-beaten-path discoveries , epic parties, beautiful people. Maybe mythical creatures?

Besides, it’s just more FUN. Yep, it’s true – a lot of these countries on the list are more underdeveloped than France, the UK, or Iceland. That usually means better adventures. When I hitchhiked through Croatia and an entire tyre fell off the van in the middle of the highway, the driver pulled over, shrugged and said, “Welcome to Eastern Europe.”

Little money means bigger adventures. So, where are you headed first?

Elina Mattila

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These are the best and cheapest travel destinations. Thanks for the more information.

I’ve been to a few of these countries, they’ve all been really good experiences and worth visiting. Serbia is a hidden gem within Europe especially and it’s hard to say no to cheap beer in a lot of these countries.

The picturesque fairytale aesthetics of many Eastern European countries are often overlooked. But blogs and articles like this keep igniting the travelling spirit within me.

Eastern Europe has been by far my favorite area in Europe. Great booze, food, and architecture. Thanks for highlighting some more areas to visit Elina!

Eastern Europe really is underrated. They have so many beautiful sites and such distinct architecture I’m surprised more people don’t talk about it more often.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

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The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

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Cheapest Countries to Visit From India For a Budget Dream Vacation!

Cheapest countries to visit from india, here is the list of 25 cheapest countries to visit from india for a budget dream vacation, 1. thailand.

Thailand, with its favorable exchange rate, has always been an attractive and affordable destination for Indian tourists. The country's relatively low living costs and  geographical proximity to India ensures low strain on budgets and shorter flight durations and a plethora of competitive airfares. Whether it's budget-friendly accommodations, delicious street food, or affordable local transportation, Thailand seamlessly combines quality experiences with cost-effective travel, making it a preferred choice for many. Flight Tickets from Bangalore  - Prices starting at INR 14,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2000- INR 3,500 Visa Policy - Thailand has waived visa fee for Indian citizens from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024.  Ideal Duration - 7-14 days  Best Time - November to April

2. Sri Lanka

With mesmeric beaches, quaint places, historical monuments, hill stations, bustling cities and mouth-watering seafood with places that'll serve you with peace and chaos. If you want city life, then Colombo and Negombo are the best choices. If cold weather, tea plantations, and waterfalls captivate you, then Nuwara Eliya and Kandy are the places you would want to visit. Positioned in the Indian Ocean, it has the best shorelines and seafood to stomach.  Flight Tickets from Bangalore - Prices starting at INR 18,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,500- 2,000  Visa Policy - Sri Lanka has announced visa free entry for Indian citizens till 21 March 2024. Ideal Duration - 7-14 days Best Time - December - March

A Buddhist kingdom located on the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan offers snow-covered hills surrounded by steamy clouds. This country is known to have the highest Gross National Happiness, thus assuring its primary agenda to keep the people happy. Entering the delightful world of monasteries, the Himalayan mountains, unpolluted air, dumplings to pork dishes and prayer flags fluttering in the air - Bhutan is a treasure.  Flights till Bagdogra - Prices starting at  INR 12000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,200 - INR 2,000  Visa Policy -  Visa Free for Indians, however you'll need a permit to visit Thimpu & Paro. Ideal Duration - 5-10 days Best Time - March to May and September to November

Popularly known as 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Nepal experiences violent large thunderstorms erupting through the valleys from the Himalayas. This one on the list is probably going to cost you the least while providing you with the best experience of soaring Himalayan peaks and lush green mountains. Nepal is the best place to cruise around. Trekking in the mountains of Nepal is a must-do, available at prices ranging from Rs 3,000-Rs 3,500.  Flight Tickets from Delhi  - Prices starting at INR 9,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2,000- INR 2,500 Visa Policy - Visa Free for Indians Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Best Time - October - December; March - April

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Srinagar Package for 5 Nights with Sonamarg Excursion

Manali volvo tour package - excursion to solang valley, leh ladakh summer holiday package with nubra & pangong stay, darjeeling tour package for family: gangtok & kalimpong, sikkim tour package for 7 days - excursion to tsomgo lake, andaman island trip package, 5. azerbaijan - the land of fire.

Azerbaijan, often referred to as "The Land of Fire," is a captivating country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its nickname stems from its ancient Zoroastrian roots. Witness the awe-inspiring Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid. Its fluid, futuristic design embodies the spirit of modern Azerbaijan and serves as a cultural hub showcasing art, design, and innovation. Flight Tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 26,000 - INR 28,000 (Roundtrip) Ideal Duration : 5-7 days Daily Budget:  INR 4,500 - INR 6,000 Visa Policy for Indians : eVisa available Best Time : April to June and September to October

6. Kazakhstan - The Land of the Wanderers

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Covering an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, it is the ninth-largest country in the world. The capital city of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), a mix of modern and historic cities. Flight Tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 15,000 (Roundtrip) Ideal Duration : 7- 10 days Daily Budget: INR 2,000 - INR 3,500 Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time: May to September

Bordered by eight countries and surrounded by three seas, Turkey's fascinating location merges with its' eastern charm. If you're a history buff, Istanbul is a delight. Also called 'The land beneath the half-moon', Turkey is a country of many worlds with intriguing cultures, scintillating mosques and palaces, ancient cities and delicious food that leave you mesmerised!  Flight Tickets   from Mumbai - Prices starting at INR 31,000 (Roundtrip) Ideal Duration : 5 - 7 days Daily Budget: INR 11,000 - 13,000 Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa available Best Time: April to May, September to November

Vietnam is a country that reveals itself only to the determined seeker. Located in Southeast Asia, you will stumble upon numerous things in this gem of a country in a budget-friendly way. It nestles the largest cave of Asia, Halong Bay, islands, forests, religious places and more.  Known as the paradise of street food which includes traditional rice noodle soup, rice crepes and beef noodles, you can't miss the floating markets which are a joy for the bargaining-shopper.  Flight Tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 18,000(Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2,500- INR 3,000 Ideal Duration - 10-14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required Best Time:  November - April

Laos is a forested and mountainous country packed with sloping hills, pine trees, countless waterfalls, extant hills tribes, colonial architecture and skyline-silver lakes. Biking around villages filled with green forests, trekking on mountains with superabundant greenery and exploring the riddled caves are all the activities that will keep you wildly entertained without spending a penny. Renting a bicycle for the entire day will cost you around INR 120, and you can cycle around the hills or the side streets. Flight Tickets from Bangalore -Prices starting at INR 29,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,000 - INR 1,100 Ideal Duration - 7 -10 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa on Arrival or E-visa available Best Time: November to March

10. Philippines

The land of emerald rice fields, gipsies, Philippines has 7000 tropical islands that will leave you spell-bound. The Maroon slick of sand on every ocean with mega islands and hidden lagoons where divers, sun worshippers and adventurous travellers pitch a tent and spend nights on the coastline in Palawan. This unofficial zipline capital of the world is a place for kayakers, Boracay and kiteboarding. Mountain-biking and canyoneering are also gaining popularity. Flight Tickets from Mumbai - Prices starting at INR 20,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 5,000 - INR 7,000 per day Ideal Duration - 10 -14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa on Arrival Best Time: November to April

11. Malaysia

Sharing borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, Malaysia is in the equatorial region of the globe. The tropical rainforest climate covers this land throughout the year. If you are someone looking mountain ranges, forested hills and coastal plains, Malaysia is your destination. Hosting a wide range of Rafflesia genus, Malaysia is home to the largest flower in the world. With exotic dishes that blend Indian, Thai and Malay flavours, Malaysian food reflects its multi-ethnic culture.  Flight Tickets from Bangalore -  Prices staring at INR 15,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 4,000 - INR 8,000 Ideal Duration - 7- 10 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa available or Visa on Arrival for short stays Best Time : March to October

12. Singapore

Known For : Gardens by the Bay Sentosa Island Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore is filled with an unbelievable amount of creativity, culture and cuisines. It is the perfect combination of tall intricate buildings, islands, heritage temples and narrow streets which make it a fascinating country of Asia that you can visit with a small budget. Food being the most important part of a country's culture, Singapore provides with a variety of cuisines ranging from chicken rice, chilli crab and fish head curry to oyster omelettes and pork ribs.  Flight Tickets from Mumbai - Starting from INR 18,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 6,000- INR 7,500  Ideal Duration - 5- 7 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa available  Best Time:  December to June

Best Time: January to November

270 Singapore Attractions

13. Cambodia

Cambodia is a southern country in South East Asia and is an empire of temples. Angkor Wat, the largest religious building along with Siem Reap is one of the major attractions of the country. Cambodia offers a variety of experiences like beguiling riverfronts of Phnom Penh, beaches of Sihanoukville, colonial towns of Battambang, endless rice fields of Mondulkiri and lush green park with quaint structures which offer tranquillity. You can also cycle around the villages of Cambodia to have a look at the local life of this country and have an entirely different kind of experience in terms of adventure and peace.  Flight Tickets  from Delhi - Starting at INR 24,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 3,000 - INR 3,200 Ideal Duration - 5- 7 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time : November to April

14. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is now even more accessible for Indian travelers with direct IndiGo flight connectivity from Delhi. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Silk Road heritage adorned with stunning mosques, madrasas, and bustling bazaars. Enjoy budget-friendly accommodations and delectable cuisine, from flavorful plov to sumptuous kebabs. Experience the blend of culture and affordability that Uzbekistan offers, making it an ideal destination for Indian travelers seeking remarkable experiences without breaking the bank.   Flight Tickets from Mumbai  - Starting at INR 22,000  Daily Expenses - INR 3,500 - INR 4,900 Ideal Duration - 5- 7 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time: March to May and September to early November

15. Indonesia

The natural beauty of Indonesia makes it a tourist magnet among avid travellers looking for an inexpensive adventure. Situated between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, it is the world's largest island country with untouched blue waters, beautiful marine lives, and amazing corals. Indonesia is also one of the best international destinations for honeymooners for a romantic getaway and Bali has a number of romantic resort options.  Flight Tickets from Bangalore - Starting from INR 21,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 6,000 - INR 6,500 Ideal Duration - 10-14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required for most visits Best Time: May to September

16. Georgia

Georgia is located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Owing to this, it is widely influenced by the different and very dynamic cultures of both continents, which is remarkably amalgamated and made it's own. Georgia houses diverse cities. On one hand, we have the capital city of Tbilisi, which is filled with cobblestone pavements, maze-like streets and sporadic works of modern architecture. On the other hand, it boasts a sprawling cave monastery situated in the city of Vardzia. Flight Tickets   from Delhi - INR 29,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 3,000 - INR 5,000 Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : eVisa available Best Time: May to September

Arab countries give you one of the best travelling experiences enveloped with numerous ancient places and historical backgrounds that widen your knowledge while making your trip memorable. Bordered by the Red Sea to the east and south, it adds an element of adventure for all the scuba divers. The local markets are among the remarkable attractions in Egypt for all shoppers out there. The great pyramid of Giza which is one of the seven wonders of the world is worth visiting in Egypt.  Flight Tickets from Mumbai - Starting from INR 31,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2000 - INR 3500 Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time:  October to April

The historic side of Russia is the one for those looking for glittering palaces, high-walled fortresses and ancient churches. Charming and historical villages like Pskov and Suzdal, are within easy reach of these cities. Russia simply delivers what you're looking for be it an adventure or getting some inspiration from artists and writers. A hike around Lake Baikal, water-rafting and trekking in the Altai Republic, skiing or rock climbing in the Caucasus. You will also be swept away by the immense hospitality of people. Flight tickets from Delhi - Prices starting at INR 30,000  Daily expense - INR 3000 - INR 5000 Ideal Duration - 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required, different types available Best Time:  May to September

Taiwan is nothing but a roughly sweet potato-shaped island nation that's densely populated. Besides, the crowded cities, Taiwan is the place of mountains and lush green forests. Known for tropical marine climate and tall mountains and cosy spring weather, one cannot miss its vibrant culture and entertainment hub. As the population is dominated by ethnic Chinese, most festivities are favoured to traditional Chinese culture celebrated with great pomp. Flight Tickets from Delhi -  Starting from INR 25,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 2000 - INR 3000 per day Ideal Duration: 7-10 days Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa or Visa on Arrival Best Time : April - May ; October - December

Located in Western Asia and comprised of beaches Qatar has recently opened its gates to tourism. Visiting this country will be like an Arabic fairy tale. It is overflowing with ancient art displayed in museums, sacred religious places, spectacular skylines, sand dunes, world-class restaurants and active adventures. You can also cruise around the deserts and arrange camping and dune bashing for the never-ending thrill. Don't forget to add this to a load of experience of modern and ancient sites. Flight Tickets from Mumbai -  Starting from INR 20,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 4,000 - INR 6,000 Ideal Duration : 3-4 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required Best Time: November to April

Jordan is the land of camel caravans, legendary king's highway, Muslim armies, Roman crusaders and traders of spice who left behind impressive monuments. The Crusaders' castles, Roman amphitheatres and Christian mosaics have always fascinated travellers around the world. It is the jewel in the crown of Jordan's antiques. A ride during sunset through the Wadi Rum, getting drawn to the weathered stone, reddened dunes and desert landscapes will leave you mesmerised. Flight Tickets   from Mumbai- Prices starting at INR 25,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expense - INR 4323 - INR 6000 Ideal Duration : 5-7 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa on arrival and e-Visa Best Time : March to May, September to November

22. Hong Kong

Known For : Victoria Harbour A Symphony of Lights Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong is another Chinese destination for a cost-effective travel hunter. It is located on the southern coast of China and follows many Chinese traditions despite being cosmopolitan. Also called 'The pearl of the orient', the dazzling skylines, soaring hillsides, religious sites, green parks, street markets for all the bargain maniacs, quiet islands and the fantastic views of the cities will make you visit this place time and again.  Flight Tickets from Delhi - Starting from INR 24,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 8,000 - INR 10,000 Ideal Duration : 3-5 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa-Free for 14 days with pre-arrival registration Best Time:  October to December

Best Time: October to December (Autumn)

337 Hong Kong Attractions

23. United Arab Emirates

UAE is the middle class tourist hub for India because of the affordability and the amount of pleasure it provides to the visitors in terms of desert safaris and desert camping, shopping, swimming and diving in Fujairah to float in the waters of Gulf of Oman, indoor skiing and wayfaring on the beaches to rob your troubles. Two places that you can't miss visiting are Dubai to have a tour of the world's tallest pre-eminent building Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi for the glorious white marble domes and mosques. Flight Tickets from Bangalore -  Starting from INR 19,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 5,000 - INR 6,000 Ideal Duration: 3-5 days Visa Policy for Indians :  Visa required Best Time: October to February

24. Myanmar

Scattered landscape with glided pagodas and the traditional ways, that's Myanmar in short. The place never ceases to amaze travellers, unlike other lands that you've heard of. The Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaiktiyo which stand on the edge of a chasm, the pious monks and the wonder of Shwedagon Paya are the mesmerising spots in Burma, Myanmar. Apart from these, Myanmar lets you experience the simple pleasures of life. Flight Tickets from Delhi - INR 24,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expenses - INR 1,750 - INR 2000 per day Ideal Duration:  10-14 days Visa Policy for Indians : Visa required Best Time:  November to February

25. Oman - Gateway to the Charming Arab World

Oman is an Arab country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Though there is no diversity in religion here, you will find a variety of tranquil landscapes and sceneries. The beauty of the emerald beaches, the rich Arab history in the ancient forts, the lush green mountains, unique wildlife and endless deserts will give you an Arabian adventure unlike any other country in the Gulf Coast.  Flight Tickets from Delhi : Starting from INR 17,000 (Roundtrip) Daily Expense: INR 4,500-INR 5,500 Ideal Duration : 5-7 days Best Time : October to April  Visa Policy for Indians : E-visa

Making an international trip is not just a dream and we have just proved it to you with this list of the cheapest countries to visit from India so that you don't rue the day you put your plans to cold storage and never took it out. From Islands and beaches to mountains and valleys you can fly away for an immense amount of entertainment without making your wallet fall off a cliff.

This post was published by Niki Sharma

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20 Cheap Places to Travel for Your Next Vacation

Posted: April 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 11, 2023

Budget-friendly vacation spots around the world

Vacationing somewhere new or traveling back to a favorite spot is always exciting, but there's no doubt that some getaways can get expensive. And with inflation affecting many bottom lines, it's easy to let a fear of high pricing keep you from booking your next trip. But travel is still a priority for Americans. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel spending will increase this year, even compared with pre-pandemic levels. And while demand may be high, and steals and deals harder to come by (you should know the best time to book a flight and the best time to book a hotel ), there are plenty of cheap places to travel around the world and some great travel apps to help you plan.

We've got you covered with the best low-cost quick trips and big adventures, both in the U.S. and around the globe, and they all have one thing in common: They're perfect for traveling on a budget . These spots offer affordable adventures without giving up any of the relaxation or entertainment that make vacations so enjoyable. And all of them are equally delightful outside of peak seasons, when prices on both airfare and hotels decrease. (In Europe, for example, avoid the prime tourist months of June through August.) For the most cost-effective travel (and to scratch that wanderlust itch), here are our cheap travel picks.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal offers all the greatest hits of Europe , but at a wallet-friendly price. Its capital city, Lisbon, ranked in the top 10 in a recent travel trends report from Kayak for its affordable international airfare (averaging $708 round trip) and low-cost nightly hotel prices (averaging $153 per night).

And you don't need a pocket full of cash to enjoy your time here. Simply walk the winding, picturesque cobblestone streets of Lisbon, lined with shops, restaurants, fountains and statues of leaders and poets. Step into a bakery to sample a pastel de nata (egg custard tart) for only 1 euro, or stop at one of the many stands to down a shot of ginja, the signature Portuguese cherry liquor (served in a tiny chocolate cup) for about 1.20 euro. Live performances of Fado, traditional Portuguese folk music, can be heard at spots like the Tasca do Chico, in the center of town, for an authentic and affordable experience.

Cartagena, Colombia

South america.

Set on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena, Colombia (touted as the most romantic city in the country and perfect for a romantic getaway ) blends heritage with sparkling ocean for a true tropical paradise. It's just a five-hour direct flight from New York and a three-hour hop from Miami. (No major international airport near you? Consider pricing out a separate ticket that gets you to your primary flight's location.) Airfare is typically in the mid-$500 range round trip, and Kayak lists their affordable hotels around $182 per night.

The capital city was declared a World Heritage Site thanks to its history and beautiful architecture, with colorful castles, cobblestone streets and colonial churches, so there's plenty to see. But what makes this city one of the best cheap places to travel is the low cost of living in a country that offers many of the first-world amenities and infrastructure you'd expect in a much more expensive location. Enjoy coffee at less than a quarter and multi-course meals for $4. Also, be sure to sample an arepa con queso (corn cake with cheese). Wondering what to read on your Colombian vacation? Nobel Prize–winning author Gabriel García Márquez set two of his most-beloved books, The Love in the Time of Cholera and Of Love and Other Demons , in Cartagena.

Mason, Ohio

North america.

This one's for the kids! Theme park fans looking for cheap family vacations will be surprised that some of the biggest thrills are right in the Midwest. Ohio is big on fun and equally big on savings as one of the best cheap places to travel in the U.S. It also makes for one of the best road trips in America , thanks to its Midwestern location.

According to experts at Family Destinations Guide, who analyzed every theme park in the country, the best value (between hotels, tickets, food and general expenses) is at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. It's the cheapest day out for a family of four compared with other top U.S. amusement parks , with the lowest daily food spend ($26.32), the lowest average daily cost for park tickets ($160 for a family of four) and hotels at just $79 per night. Want to make a week of it? Cedar Point, Ohio, is about a three-hour drive from Mason and came in a close second, with a daily average ticket price for a family of four at $180.

Mexico City, Mexico

While Mexico has a long list of popular travel destinations , we find this North American city to be a great bang for your buck. There are plenty of historical sites to see throughout the area, including a host of world-class museums and amazing art centers in Mexico City with inexpensive admission fees. Plus, the exchange rate is more than 18 pesos to $1.

Are you interested in some of the best Mexican all-inclusive resorts ? With a pay-one-price model that includes your room, food, beverages and activities, all-inclusive lodging could be a budget-friendly option in Mexico. If you prefer to stay in standard hotels or Airbnbs , there are plenty of inexpensive lodging options in (and cheap flights to) Mexico City. Get ready for cost savings!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of our favorite historical cities in Europe and one of the best cheap places to travel for charm and culture. The perfectly preserved city has bright red trolleys ($1.35 for a ride) traversing original cobblestone streets lined with charming stone buildings. Around every corner, you'll find a new free attraction to appreciate, like the classic pubs (get a pilsner pint for around $2) or the medieval Charles Bridge, which is lined with majestic stone statues. Another highlight: There's an entire castle district centered around the majestic Prague Castle complex.

And it's not just the Prague city center that offers lots to do for a tiny price tag. Head off into the lovely countryside for a budget-friendly day of visiting gorgeous wineries . Plus, we can promise you'll find affordable luxury on the hotel front here too, with stellar stays at grand hotels and boutique hotels alike.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

A hidden gem in South America, Uruguay is just a quick jump from better-known tourist spots, such as Buenos Aires, but is much more low-key and laid back. The exchange rate, from Uruguayan pesos to U.S. dollars, is currently 26 to 1, so Americans will get great value for the dollar when they visit. In particular, the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento is a phenomenal place for history buffs to revel in relics of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The well-preserved urban landscape has landed the city on the World Heritage List, offering historic walking tours of the cobbled streets flanked with colorful homes, restaurants and shops. In the warmer seasons, residents throw block parties, at which you can enjoy homemade Uruguayan street food. And even if you're dining at restaurants, an entire day of eating could cost you less than $10.

Lodging options range from small boutiques for about $50 per night to hotel chains, such as Sheraton, for around $160 per night. Round-trip flight prices tend to average about $540. And since the country is in the Southern Hemisphere, their summer high season is December through February, which makes it one of the best travel destinations during winter . If you want to get the best deals and pleasant weather, plan to visit in November or March.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

It's easier (and way more affordable) to visit Puerto Rico than you may think. Since this beautiful tropical island is part of the United States, you don't have to pass through customs, exchange money or even bring a passport to visit. And once you arrive, there's plenty of inexpensive entertainment, including some of the best all-inclusive resorts .

Puerto Rico is home to a bounty of stunning (and free!) beaches, especially in the main arrival city of San Juan, one of the best places in the U.S. for a cheap beach vacation . While in town, be sure to explore the historic architecture of Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries. When you're ready for lunch, try a tripleta , a popular (and massive) Puerto Rican sandwich of marinated meats that costs about $8 at one of the city's food trucks.

Although we've seen round-trip airfares for around $200 from the East Coast, it can be especially handy to use your points or  credit card travel rewards to fly down to Puerto Rico. Hotels will cost most during peak winter and spring break periods. You'll also want to avoid the late summer and early fall because of hurricane season. But weather during the rest of the year is downright beautiful.

Bangkok, Thailand

Book a trip to the mystical country of Thailand, one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. Known as the Land of Smiles, this Southeast Asian trip of a lifetime is complete with relaxing, adventurous, culinary and cultural experiences, all of which are totally budget-friendly. The most affordable city when it comes to travel is Thailand's capital of Bangkok. It's a city sometimes associated with its backpacking scene , however according to a luxury-on-a-budget survey by money.co.uk, Bangkok was the cheapest city in the world for luxury car rentals, Michelin-starred meals and five-star hotel stays, with the cheapest luxury hotels starting at $110. As far as getting there, we found flights for $860 round trip from the East Coast in the late spring (you'll want to avoid visiting during the steamy mid-summer months).

Once there, travelers can take advantage of other affordable luxuries, such as authentic Thai spas (at $10 an hour), incredible local cuisine for just a few dollars and a tuk-tuk ride (motorized three-wheel rickshaws popular around the city) for just $1.50 to see the golden temples that line the Chao Phraya River.

Toronto, Canada

Cosmopolitan Toronto, one of the most popular destinations in Canada , is just a 90-minute trip from 60% of the United States, so it's easy to reach for many vacationers. Plus, the U.S. dollar is strong against Canadian currency, so it will feel like the whole city is on sale. And according to Kayak, Toronto is one of the top cities for great hotel and airfare deals, with overnight stays averaging $202 a night and airfare about $375 round trip.

While you're there, head to the top of the CN Tower to take in the amazing views. Then, head to the neighboring Ripley's aquarium where you can ride the moving sidewalk through a shark tank. Both are included in the Toronto CityPASS, which features admission to five top attractions for a discounted rate and starts at just $56. The warmer months are peak season to visit Toronto, but they're also when you can take advantage of the city's most notable free attraction: the downtown beaches of one of the Great Lakes , Lake Ontario. Catch some summer rays here with the whole family.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is without a doubt a bucket list destination  and was named one of the best places to travel in 2023 . But can it be affordable? We think so! If flying to South Africa has seemed too prohibitive to keep you from visiting the Rainbow Nation, think again. Recently, both Delta and United have introduced non-stop flights to the country, creating competition on the routes and in turn, making airfare cheaper than we've ever seen—especially in the off-peak seasons of late spring and late fall, when rates dip well below $900 round trip. After you arrive, the exchange rate of nearly 18 rand to the dollar means that most hotels can cost $100 or less. Gourmet restaurants and award-winning wines are also affordable at every budget.

Head to Table Mountain and overlook the city of Cape Town. Visit Robben Island and take in its rich multi-layered history. Explore the surrounding Cape Town Winelands, a beautiful region known for its exceptional vineyards, picturesque settings and history. And then take a day trip to Cape Point to see African penguins, zebra and other wildlife.

Antigua, Guatemala

If you're looking for the next cool city in Central America, head to Antigua in Guatemala (not to be confused with Antigua, the tropical island in the Caribbean). This well-preserved colonial town also happens to be near an especially hot attraction—it's surrounded by the Pacaya volcano. For as little as $22, you can have a local guide take you on a half-day walking tour of the volcano, complete with park entry fee, a water bottle and transportation to and from your hotel. Travelers who pack marshmallows and skewers can even roast them with the heat emanating from the volcano—now that's a once-in-a-lifetime activity at one of the natural wonders of the world .

Hotels here run about $118 per night, and average airfare is about $340 round trip. November through March is the best time to visit to avoid the muddy wet season; however, you may pay a bit more to visit during this time. To get a deal and avoid the rain, try a visit just before November or after March, in the shoulder season.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Flights to Las Vegas are affordable year-round from most regions, especially if you know the best travel tips . CheapAir.com recently listed Sin City as one of its top spots for culture, cuisine and adventure that you can visit without breaking the bank.

Dining and accommodation can be had for a song, even if you're not a high roller, with five-star hotels offering rates just over $100. Depending on the time of year, airfare here tends to start at $160 round trip on budget airlines , such as Spirit, and you won't even need a rental car during your stay, since there's a free shuttle to take you up and down the Vegas strip.

Page, Arizona

This desert spot takes the top spot when it comes to cheap places to travel, especially thanks to its affordable accommodations and stunning Arizona road trip scenery. The average price for a weekend hotel in this northern Arizona town is just $74 per night, making it a solid fit if you're looking for a budget vacation out West. The city also makes the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of the area, including the unique geology of Vermilion Cliffs National Park and Rainbow Bridge National Monument, both of which are inexpensive outdoor entertainment for your getaway.

Although Page has a regional airport, consider flying into Flagstaff, about a two-hour drive away, for more availability and lower airfare, averaging around $368 round trip. And avoid the summer months here, when the temperatures soar and the national parks are packed with vacationers. Spring and fall bring lower prices, better weather and fewer visitors.

Savannah, Georgia

With 22 historic squares surrounded by mansions, cobblestone alleyways and stately oak trees dripping in Spanish moss, Savannah, Georgia, is the quintessential charming southern city . Take in the grand atmosphere free of charge, and enjoy the ambiance by packing a picnic lunch and spending a leisurely afternoon in Forsyth Park. The park's grand, 19th-century cast-iron fountain was modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris and is the perfect spot for a memory-filled selfie (a free souvenir).

Another perk of visiting this southern charmer: the 17-day Savannah Music Festival , where you can enjoy a lineup of jazz, blues, folk, classical and global roots music each spring, with tickets starting at just $31. For a spacious home rental in the area, consider heading to nearby Tybee Island, Savannah's barrier beach, about 15 minutes away. The homes here offer a great value (especially if you're with a group), with a median price of $106 per person, per night, for a home rental during the peak summer months, according to vacation rental platform Home to Go.

Hanoi, Vietnam

If you're looking for a luxe stay for less, Vietnam's culture-filled capital is a destination to watch. Hanoi made it onto Luxury Hotel 's list of the most luxurious hotels for less, with five-star rooms at $118 per night.

Travelers can head to Hanoi to get custom tailoring for a fraction of the cost. You can have button-down shirts made to order for $10, or an entire wardrobe made for less than the cost of a pair of designer jeans, and in about 48 hours. Avoid this northern Vietnamese area in the summer monsoon season, and instead choose early spring or fall for good weather and airfare prices around $800 round trip.

Granada, Spain

A city break doesn't have to be expensive if you can take advantage of free offers, free admission or particularly affordable ventures when choosing what to do. One of the best cheap places to travel is Granada in the south of Spain, thanks to the activities it offers and their overall value. The city includes a total of 112 activities and 60 attractions, many of which are at no cost—so you can actually attempt to travel for free .

Among them is the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex named to the World Heritage Site list and the largest landmark in Granada. A city bus tour here is about $7 per person. If you're into nightlife, Granada's 86 bars and nightclubs include inexpensive food and drinks (beer is just over $2). Wondering where to stay? Luxury boutique hotels start at just $50 per night. Note that most flights from the U.S. will connect through Madrid, at an average cost of $550 round trip. Just make sure to pick the best time to visit Spain before you book your flights!

Verona, Italy

If you think travel to Italy automatically means an expensive trip, think again. One survey found that Verona, Italy, is the third-cheapest destination in the world for taking a luxury vacation. The city is perhaps best known as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , as well as for its medieval old town and the Roman amphitheater, Verona Arena. For inexpensive airfare to the country, consider flying into Milan, where route competition from multiple airlines often results in round-trip fares from the U.S. under $500. From here, hop on the fast, efficient and inexpensive Italian rail from the gorgeous Milan Station for a stunning 70-minute, $7 ride to Verona.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Here is your ultimate American road trip guide . And guess what? There's plenty to do domestically. While the Hoosier state might not scream vacation hot spot, it does offer a great value for families, with plenty of entertainment. Among the highlights in Fort Wayne is the Children's Zoo, which offers 40 acres of rides and hands-on experiences, from feeding giraffes to petting a stingray. It's also ranked one of the best zoos in the country . After visiting the animals, explore the Tree Canopy Trail, slide into a fully accessible playground or splash around in the 260-foot kids canal and more at Promenade Park, where many activities are free. To make your visit even more affordable, check out the multiple discount passes offered each season, with access to many of the city's top attractions.

When it's time to eat, there's a delicious new food hall called Union Street Market, located in an old 1800s General Electric campus, with plenty of big, local flavors for small prices. A night in a hotel room in this Indiana city averages about $126, and airfare tends to go up about 12% in July, according to Kayak.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The beaches of Punta Cana will fulfill all your warm-weather dreams with turquoise waters, pillowy sand and miles of uninterrupted coastline. Flanking the beach like a row of starfish are fabulous all-inclusive resorts and the best affordable beachfront hotels . And the good news about the vast number of properties is that they provide competition both in amenities and pricing. The bad news is that you'll need to choose one!

At these resorts, you can eat, drink and play on gorgeous white-sand beaches, and all for less than $350 per night. Plus, as long as you avoid the busiest periods (Christmas and Easter), you can find airfare for around $300.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

You’re likely familiar with the Netflix show set on this Atlantic chain of barrier islands, but Outer Banks, North Carolina, makes for one of America’s top cheap places to travel (it's an especially affordable spring break destination ). Both hotel rooms and vacation rentals tend not to skyrocket during the summer, but they are extra affordable during the offseason. Which means the Outer Banks ends up being the perfect relaxing coastal escape. More than one family or couple? Split the cost of your oceanfront lodging for extra savings.

Head there in the spring for pleasant temperatures, deserted beaches, low crowds and inexpensive room rates. If fishing, golfing or horseback riding are your thing, you’re in the right place. Plus, driving along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway allows you views of beautiful beaches, wild horses, lighthouses, birds and more.

• Kayak : "Travel Trends for 2023"
• U.S. Travel Association : "U.S. Travel Forecast"
• International Living : "The Cheapest Places in the World to Live in 2023"
• Home to Go : "The Summer of Savvy Travel"
• UNESCO : "World Heritage List"
• Money.co.uk : "Luxury on a Budget"
• Omio : "The Best Travel Destinations in Europe for Travellers on a Budget"
• Travel Lens : "U.S. Staycation Index"

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FAQs - booking Russia flights

What can i do during a layover at sheremetyevo international airport.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russia’s busiest airport located in the capital of Moscow. Plenty of amenities are accessible at the airport for you to enjoy during a layover. Sleep lounges are available at the various terminals where you can unwind and reenergize before your next flight. SVO also has many eating spots that include restaurants, bars, food stores, and cafes. You can order Russian or western cuisines at SVO during your layover. Duty-free toys, clothing, jewelry and accessories, cosmetics, and alcohol stores are available at SVO.

Can I rent a car at popular airports in Russia?

Passengers flying to Russia can rent a car at the airports. Various rental car companies have offices at Russian airports like SVO and LED. These include Europcar, Rentmotors, Avis, and Budget. Drivers must put on their seatbelts and drive on the right side of the road. Any child below 12 years cannot sit in the front passenger's seat without an appropriate child seat. You can get car seats as additional extras from your car rental provider for a small fee.

Which cities do popular airports in Russia serve?

The popular international airports in Russia are Sheremetyevo International Airport and Saint Petersburg Airport. SVO is one of the largest and busiest Russian airports. It is located 17 miles from the Moscow city center and serves Moscow, Sheremetyevskiy, Zelenograd, and Tver. On the other hand, Saint Petersburg Airport is 14 miles southeast of the Saint Petersburg city center. The airport serves Saint Petersburg, Veliky Novgorod, and Pskov.

Which airport should I fly into in Russia if I plan to tour Karelia?

Tourists planning to tour Karelia should fly into Saint Petersburg Airport (LED). Major international US airports like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK) have single-transfer flights to LED. Once you land at LED, you can travel by train or bus to Karelia, which should take just under 10h. Buses are the cheaper public transport of the two.

How long is the flight to Russia?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Russia takes 19h 45m, covering a distance of 5289 miles. The most popular route is New York - Moscow with an average flight time of 22h 15m.

What is the cheapest flight to Russia?

The cheapest ticket to Russia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $470. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Moscow Domodedovo and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $555.

What are the most popular destinations in Russia?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Moscow (84% of total searches to Russia). The next most popular destinations are Saint Petersburg (6%) and Yekaterinburg (0.9%). Searches for flights to Saratov (0.8%), to Kazan (0.7%) and to Krasnodar (0.7%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

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• Most flights to Russia from the popular international airports in the United States like John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), Los Angeles Airport (LAX), and San Francisco Airport (SFO) are stopover flights with one or two transfers. The location of your layover can be Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt (FRA), or Paris (CDG).
• Consider booking KLM flights to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) for cheap flights to Russia instead of flying to Saint Petersburg Airport (LED). All KLM flights to SVO have a transfer or two en route and are half the price of flights to LED.
• Travelers to Russia will find currency exchange booths and banks inside SVO and LED airports. You can exchange foreign currency for Russian rubles at Terminals D, E, and F of SVO and Terminal 1 of LED.
• Travelers flying to popular airports in Russia like SVO and LED can find public transport to the Moscow and Saint Petersburg city centers, respectively. Buses and trains are available from both airports to the city center with buses being more affordable.
• United States citizens flying to Russia must present a passport and visa on entry. The passport should be valid at least six months beyond the intended departure date. It must also have two blank pages for exit and entry stamps.

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Quit your job and move abroad: 10 places so affordable you can live your dream life.

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Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job and moving to a place where it’s so affordable that you don’t need to work? Or perhaps you just want to move out of the U.S. to live out your dream life overseas.

For eight years now, I have been reporting on the most cheapest places to live around the globe. Previous reports from 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 have showcased a variety of destinations where living costs are just a fraction of what they are in the United States.

For 2024, I have once again turned to the experts at International Living, which just released its Annual Global Retirement Index , ranking the best places to retire around the globe—affordably.

An aerial view of the Algarve region of Portugal—one of the best places to quit your job and live ... [+] abroad (affordably) in 2024.

But make no mistake—this list isn’t exclusive to retirees. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a more affordable way of life or those wishing to escape the daily grind, societal pressures and political strife of living in the U.S. These are countries where the cost of living is so low that the need to work could become a choice rather than a necessity.

“Retiring abroad is easier and more affordable than ever before,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, told me in an interview. “This Global Retirement Index makes for an excellent jumping-off point for folks who want to compare and contrast their best options and narrow down the spots where they should be looking.”

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

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Jumping into a swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica—the best place to quit your ... [+] job and live abroad in 2024.

For 2024, the world’s top retirement destination is Costa Rica. “It remains a place where good-value living is easy,” says Stevens. “Your dollars really stretch, and they buy you the sort of lifestyle you'd pay two or three times for back home.”

Besides living affordably, the International Living report also rounds up places where you can live a better life. Full stop. “As we head into an election year in the States—the results of which are likely to have a significant impact globally—internationally minded Americans are beginning to think seriously about putting a Plan B in place—and how they can do it quickly,” says Stevens. “This Global Retirement Index makes for an excellent jumping-off point for folks who want to compare and contrast their best options and narrow down the spots where they should be looking.”

Read on to find out about the most affordable destinations where living your dream is not just possible, but highly attainable.

Relaxing in a hammock in Costa Rica, which is so affordable that you might be able to quit your job ... [+] and move here in 2024. Pictured here: a beach in Corcovado National Park.

Why: “This year, Costa Rica tops our Index, in part because its new 180-day tourist visa makes part-time living there easier than ever. What’s more, its continued commitment to environmental sustainability makes it a particularly attractive option in this era when climate change is at the top of people’s minds,” says Stevens. The country’s reputation for safety, political stability and a friendly society also makes it a top choice for expats.

Where to Move: Costa Rica is an expat wonderland where you can you start your day atop a volcano and end it on a beach, with a stop at a cloud forest along the way. International Living recommends the established expat retreats of Atenas, Grecia and San Ramón in the Central Valley, which offer spring-like temperatures and fertile lands, while Tamarindo caters to people in search of modern amenities and beautiful beaches. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which provides a Caribbean feel with less tourist traffic, making it a peaceful sanctuary.

The Cost: “While prices in Costa Rica are the highest in this part of Latin America, the developed infrastructure, healthcare and services you receive here outperform most neighbors and justify the expense,” says Stevens. According to International Living, a retired couple can live well on $2,000 a month, while singles can enjoy the richness of Costa Rica on $1,600 a month. Another selling point: “The healthcare in Costa Rica is top-notch and costs so much less than we’ve used to paying at home—that’s where a significant savings comes in,” says Stevens.

An aerial view of Funchal in Madeira, which is part of Portugal—one of the best places to quit your ... [+] job and live abroad (affordably) in 2024.

Why: Portugal was number one on International Living’s 2023 list, and its slight dip in the rankings this year doesn’t detract from its charm as the prime European destination for expats, according to Stevens. “Portugal remains our top European pick, though it fell slightly in the rankings this year because of changes to their Golden Visa program and impending changes likely to impact the tax benefits certain visa holders have enjoyed up until now,” she says. Despite this, Portugal continues to be a top choice for people seeking an affordable—and appealing—European lifestyle.

Where to Move: Portugal’s allure lies in its variety, offering everything from the traditional charm of Old World towns to relaxed beach life to countrysides dotted with centuries-old vineyards. International Living recommends Lagos, where the cobblestone lanes and marina-side promenades reflect a rich maritime heritage, while Vilamoura’s planned urban sophistication caters to expats seeking a polished, leisure-oriented lifestyle. Tavira provides a picturesque setting for café culture and serene river views. According to International Living, smart investors are also eyeing up-and-coming Portuguese markets such as the Silver Coast, the charming riverside town of Caminha on the northern border with Spain and the island of Madeira.

The Cost: The cost of living in Portugal presents a European experience at an affordable rate. According to International Living, a couple can live comfortably starting at around $2,200 a month, while singles can expect to live well starting at about $1,700 a month. You can have dinner at nice restaurants for $11.50 or less, including drinks. But if you want to eat at home, the cost for groceries and routine services often comes in lower than in many parts of the U.S., making Portugal not just a dream, but a feasible reality for expats.

A beachfront palapa in Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya of Mexico.

Why: “Mexico lands at number three this year, offering a particularly wide variety of lifestyle and climate options for folks looking to live better while spending less,” says Stevens. With its mix of Colonial cities, tropical beaches and diverse climates, Mexico appeals to a broad spectrum of expats. Another plus: “Well-established expat communities make integrating, making friends and settling in easy,” says Stevens.

Where to Move: International Living recommends checking out Mexico’s colonial heartlands, which offer a blend of cultural riches and modern comforts. The central highlands are adorned with colorful architecture and bustling market squares. Coastal seekers can find solace along the serene beaches of the Riviera Maya or the vibrant Pacific shores, each promising a unique blend of leisure and adventure (established expat communities include Playa del Carmen and Los Cabos). In places like Campeche and Merida, you’ll discover a colonial-tropical charm with modern amenities, while cities like Querétaro balance historic preservation with a dynamic, youthful energy.

The Cost: According to International Living, a modest yet comfortable lifestyle in Mexico can be maintained on a budget of around $1,500 to $2,000 per month for a couple, covering all basic expenses including housing, utilities and food. Singles can expect to live comfortably on $800 to $1,200 per month, depending on lifestyle choices and location. In Mexico, the cost of living is substantially lower than in many U.S. cities, allowing for regular dining out, cultural activities, and travel within the country. Even in popular expat destinations, housing remains affordable, offering a higher standard of living for less, while healthcare services provide excellent quality at a fraction of U.S. prices.

The striking skyline of Panama City.

Why: Panama comes in fourth place on the International Living list, thanks to unparalleled residency options and an enviable quality of life. “Panama’s residency options remain hard to beat, with visas that provide retirees excellent options—whether you’re truly retired or interested in working online,” says Stevens. Panama’s use of the U.S. dollar eliminates currency exchange headaches, and the nation’s healthcare ranks among the best globally. Plus, the country's size allows for quick transitions from idyllic beaches to the buzz of Panama City.

Where to Move: Across the country, from the cosmopolitan capital to the tranquil highlands, expats can find their perfect setting, whether they’re drawn to urban sophistication, beachside relaxation or mountainous retreats. “Because it’s a relatively small country—you can go from beachy escape to big-city vibrancy quickly and easily,” says Stevens. “Expats like that—they can enjoy that easy, beachy lifestyle but still have access to all the big-city conveniences they might want.” Panama City blends modern skyscrapers with the charm of the colonial old town and a rainforest right within the city limits. For beach enthusiasts, Coronado’s luxury gated community offers a mix of high-end amenities and tropical beauty, while Boquete appeals to people seeking a cooler climate amid lush highland scenery.

The Cost: According to International Living, a couple can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in Panama on a budget starting at $2,000 a month, covering all basic living expenses and some luxuries. Singles might find their costs starting at $1,200 a month, allowing for a comfortable and often upscale standard of living. Housing in Panama can be significantly less expensive than in the United States, whether renting in the city, near the beach or in the cooler regions of the highlands. Comprehensive healthcare at a low cost and discounts available to retirees stretch the affordability even further, making Panama an economically wise choice for many expats.

A pretty passage in Marbella, Spain.

Why: According to International Living, Spain’s appeal lies not only in its sun-drenched landscapes but also in its world-renowned healthcare system. And with one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, this means expats can indulge in Spain’s vibrant lifestyle and culinary excellence without breaking the bank. The nation’s healthcare, accessible to residents after certain periods (depending on their visa status) adds to its allure.

Where to Move: Expats are spoiled for choice in Spain, where International Living, recommends the historic streets of Madrid and the tranquil beaches of the Costa Blanca. In the north, the Pyrenees offer stunning mountain scenery and skiing, while the southern coast is famed for its white sandy beaches and warm climate. Cities like Marbella combine the luxury of beachfront living with the convenience and charm of a bustling town. Denia is another appealing expat spot, offering a balance of city attractions and laid-back coastal life.

The Cost: Life in Spain can be surprisingly affordable. According to International Living, a couple can live a comfortable lifestyle starting at $2,000 a month, while singles may spend between $1,500 and $2,000. These figures cover housing, healthcare and enjoying Spain's rich dining scene and cultural offerings. The cost of living varies by region, with more affordable options in the countryside and higher costs in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The Spanish real estate market is welcoming to foreigners, with straightforward processes for both buying and renting. Prices for a two-bedroom home can start as low as €85,000 in rural Andalusia, reaching up to €300,000 in popular coastal areas. In metropolitan areas, prices start around €300,000 and can go higher based on location and amenities. Renting is a practical option for people looking to explore different regions, with monthly costs ranging at around €700 in less touristy areas.

A view of the skyline in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Why: With its stunning blend of beaches, mountains and rainforests, it’s no wonder International Living named Ecuador an emerging haven for expats. The cost of living here is low enough that a fixed income can provide a comfortable, even luxurious lifestyle. Ecuador is not just budget-friendly, it’s also rich with cultural variety and geographic diversity. Plus, it has a comfortable climate.

Where to Move: Ecuador offers a place for every preference, according to International Living, from the historic grandeur of Cuenca to the relaxed rhythms of coastal towns like Salinas and Olón to the vibrant city life in Quito to the tranquility of mountain villages like Vilcabamba. For those seeking eternal spring, the Andean highlands provide temperate climates and breathtaking scenery, while beach lovers can bask in the coastal warmth of places like Manta.

The Cost: In Ecuador, the dollar stretches far. According to International Living, a couple can live well on about $2,000 a month, while singles can manage on roughly $1,000 a month. Housing costs are significantly lower than in the U.S., with rentals in charming expat towns starting as low as $300. Public transport is reliable and inexpensive, healthcare is accessible and affordable, and the cost of groceries is astonishingly low. Plus, retirees enjoy substantial discounts on a range of services and utilities, adding to the financial appeal of this equatorial paradise.

A view of the island of Spinalonga in Crete, Greece.

Why: According to International Living, Greece offers “the quintessential example of a lifestyle so many retirees seek: a low cost of living in a beautiful, warm destination with high-quality, affordable healthcare.” Living costs in Greece can be significantly lower than in the United States (think, housing up to 75% less). Adding to the appeal—a laidback and healthy Mediterranean lifestyle, plus a Golden Visa program that offers residency with a real estate investment that’s surprisingly reasonable.

Where to Move: Whether it’s the idyllic islands with their laid-back lifestyle and iconic white-washed villages or the rustic charm of the Peloponnese mainland, Greece offers a locale for every taste and budget. International Living recommends Athens, which provides urban conveniences at a fraction of the cost found in other European capitals. For a quieter life, check out the islands of Crete or Corfu, which offer a slower pace where the cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle that can be tailored to suit modest budgets.

The Cost: Living in Greece can significantly lower your cost of living compared to the United States: International Living estimates that you’ll save up to 50%. Eating out, a staple of Greek life, is notably affordable, with delicious local meals in casual tavernas averaging around $11 to $16 (€10 to €15) a person. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center can range from $331 to $662 (€300 to €600), while outside city centers, it drops to $276 to $552 (€250 to €500). For those contemplating property, the Golden Visa beckons with a threshold of granting residency and a gateway to the European lifestyle with an investment of €250,000 (around $276,265).

A view of George Town from Penang Hill in Malaysia, one of the best places to quit your job and live ... [+] affordably.

Why: When it comes to places where you can quit your job and live affordably in Asia, International Living calls Malaysia a “hidden gem” With its “unique blend of stunning landscapes, friendly locals and budget-friendly living,” the country has been luring expats from around the world for over 400 years. When it comes to the Muslim world, International Living says that there’s “probably no more liberal country.”

Where to Move: For those seeking the buzz of city life—complete with soaring skyscrapers and cultural diversity—International Living recommends Kuala Lumpur as the go-to. Penang, with its historical allure and renowned street food, has a slower pace of life, along with beautiful beaches. Other appealing spots include the island of Langkawi and the cool, tranquil Cameron Highlands.

The Cost: A couple can live comfortably in Malaysia on about $2,000 per month, while singles can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle on around $1,000 a month, according to International Living. Housing costs are a fraction of what you’d pay in the US or Europe, with luxury rentals available at astonishingly low prices. Eating out is a cultural pastime and is both delicious and affordable, with local meals at casual eateries averaging just a few dollars per person. Utilities and transportation are also notably inexpensive, adding to the overall affordability of the Malaysian lifestyle.

Views of the lake in the village of Huelgoat in Brittany, France—one of the most affordable places ... [+] to live.

Why: France is more than just a picturesque dream destination, it’s a place where the cost of living can be significantly lower than in the United States, particularly if you avoid the upscale neighborhoods of Paris. International Living hails France as the essence of sophisticated European living, offering everything from alpine skiing to vineyard-rich regions and the fashion capital, Paris. This country offers a blend of high culture, excellent healthcare and a lifestyle that’s both vibrant and affordable.

Where to Move: International Living recommends budget-friendly locales like the sun-drenched southern city of Toulon (known for its affordable living and proximity to the Côte d’Azur) and the historical charm of Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne region (ideal for those who love medieval architecture and bucolic charm). For a more rural and serene setting, the picturesque Breton village of Huelgoat in Brittany offers a peaceful lifestyle amid stunning natural beauty.

The Cost: In France, a comfortable lifestyle is attainable at a lower cost than many expect. According to International Living, a two-bedroom apartment in Toulon can be rented for about €800 ($847) a month, offering sea views and proximity to beaches. In Sarlat-la-Canéda, a town with year-round vibrancy, living costs are even more reasonable, with rentals and everyday expenses being surprisingly affordable. In Huelgoat, property prices are among the lowest in France. The healthcare system in France is also a major draw, offering high-quality care at significantly reduced costs compared to the United States, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, affordable European lifestyle.

A small village in Medellin, Colombia.

Why: International Living celebrates Colombia for its diverse natural beauty, welcoming people and affordability. The country is recognized for its range of landscapes: green coffee plantations, snow-capped mountains, soft beaches. Another thing going for it—Colombia is the world’s second-most biodiverse country, offering rich experiences in both urban settings and natural environments. The warm and accepting culture of Colombians ensures that expats feel welcome.

Where to Move: For those who love the beach, International Living recommends Taganga, which offers a relaxing coastal lifestyle. Meanwhile, the capital city of Bogotá presents a culture-rich environment with a more fast-paced lifestyle. Cities like Medellin offer a blend of modern amenities and traditional Colombian culture at a lower cost of living compared to many U.S. cities. For a more tranquil setting, smaller cities like Manizales and Pereira provide beautiful landscapes and a comfortable lifestyle at an even more affordable cost.

The Cost: Living in Colombia can be incredibly affordable. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the United States, with a comfortable lifestyle available from $1,000 per month in smaller cities and around $2,000 in more popular cities like Medellin, according to International Living. Housing in cities like Bogotá can be found for around $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom home, with costs varying depending on the city and neighborhood. Utilities are affordable due to the tiered estrato system, and other daily expenses like food and transportation are also reasonably priced. Health insurance is accessible and affordable, with high-quality care available throughout the country. Entertainment and leisure activities offer a range of options for all budgets, enhancing the overall quality of life in Colombia.

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6 Best Websites for Booking Cheap Flights

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The desire to get a good deal unites practically all travelers. Whether you're looking for a cheap getaway or a luxury vacation, no one wants to spend more than necessary. When it comes to booking flights, travelers may naturally head to an airline's website. However, that's not always the best site to book flights.

Whether it's taking advantage of credit card perks, earning bonus miles or saving money, the best flight booking site can vary depending on your situation and willingness to get creative. Let's take a look at six of the best sites to book flights and when each is the best option.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

The best flight booking sites

1. google flights.

For ease, speed and features, Google Flights is arguably the best website for flight searches. Search results appear almost instantly. Filters let you narrow down to nonstop options, select a subset of airlines, limit by price or factor in the price of a bag. Similarly, you can use Google Flights filters to avoid certain airlines, multi-stop itineraries, long layovers, early flights or pretty much whatever you might want to avoid.

You can easily check flexible dates, and if you're flexible on where you go you can use the Explore map to see prices for a variety of destinations for certain dates, a certain month or anytime in the next six months.

Google Flights partners with hundreds of airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) to pull current flight prices. That way you don't have to search each of these sites to be able to see the options. Once you select your preferred trip, Google Flights links you to the top booking options for actually booking your flight — including the airline itself and the best OTA booking options.

The downsides of Google Flights are few. One is the lack of Southwest flight prices. Although Southwest flight schedules will show in flight search results, Southwest flight prices aren't available. That's because Southwest chooses to publish flight prices only on its website.

» Learn more: Why Southwest is not on Google Flights

Another downside is that Google Flights doesn't always show the cheapest prices — particularly for international flights. That means it's worth double-checking prices on another site before booking through Google Flights.

Like Google Flights, Kayak searches hundreds of other websites and flight booking platforms to find the best deal. Kayak generally doesn't let you book flights directly. However, one benefit of Kayak is the streamlined process. Rather than having to click through several pages to confirm your selection, clicking "view deal" on the results page can take you right to the cheapest booking option.

Also, some travelers may find Kayak's flexible date search a bit easier to work with as you can see results from several days in the search results — eliminating the need to check each day's results separately.

But perhaps the most important reason to use Kayak instead of Google Flights is that it can catch better deals. For example, we found a $550 round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Barcelona using Google Flights. Kayak found a way to lower that price to just $472 round-trip — at least once you scroll past an advertisement.

Note that Kayak manages other flight search sites — including Momondo and Cheapflights — so the results may be very similar between these sister sites.

» Learn more: Is Kayak legit?

So far, we've focused on ease in flight searching, and that's going to be enough for many travelers. However, now let's add in some additional elements to consider when choosing the best flight booking site: earning rewards and saving by booking packages. Expedia excels at both of these.

Through the new One Key rewards program , travelers can earn 0.2% in OneKeyCash from flight bookings made through Expedia. That's not much, but it can stack on top of the awards you earn from the airline and those that you earn on your credit card purchase.

Even better, you'll earn credits toward One Key elite status by booking your flight through Expedia. As you climb up the tiers, you'll unlock up to 20% savings on hotels, get hotel upgrades, priority support and even price drop protection.

Plus, Expedia boasts that travelers can "save up to 30%" when bundling a hotel with a flight booking — although actual discounts are likely to vary.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of Expedia

4. Capital One Travel

For many Capital One cardholders, Capital One Travel might just be the best flight booking site. Part of this is to take advantage of cardholder benefits.

For example, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders earn 5x Capital One miles when booking flights through the Capital One Travel portal. Plus, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders get up to $300 off travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal each cardholder year.

» Learn more: How to maximize the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Also, Capital One Travel can help you truly get the best price for your flight. Capital One partnered with travel data company Hopper to show suggestions about when it's the best time to book.

Capital One backs up these recommendations with money. If you book a flight through Capital One Travel when Hopper recommends doing so, you'll get up to a $50 credit toward future travel if the price drops within the next 10 days.

» Learn more: How the Capital One Travel portal works

Would you be willing to book a trip as two separate tickets in order to save money? That's the idea behind Kiwi. Instead of simply searching flights from your home airport to your destination, Kiwi checks all potential options to get between A and B. That could mean taking a bus or train from your home city to another to catch a flight to your destination. Or, Kiwi might pair a low-cost domestic flight with a cheap international flight from another city to lower your total cost.

Protect your upfront travel expenses by booking with a card that has travel insurance or by purchasing a separate policy .

For example, when we priced out a round-trip flight from Phoenix to Tokyo, the cheapest option when booked as one ticket cost $1,353 round-trip — and that's with an overnight stay in Vancouver.

Pricing out the same itinerary and dates through Kiwi drops the price to just $789 round-trip. The secret? Booking this as two round-trip flights: One from Phoenix to Los Angeles on Frontier and a separate round-trip from Los Angeles to Tokyo on Zipair.

Keep in mind that there are risks with booking separate tickets to get where you want to go. If a delay or cancellation causes you to miss your connection, the second airline/bus/train company isn't obligated to honor your ticket and rebook you on the next option. So make sure to factor in all of the risks of booking travel like this.

» Learn more: When to use Kiwi for your next flight booking

6. BookWithMatrix

ITA Matrix is a very powerful and ultra-customizable search platform for finding exactly the flight itinerary you want — whether that's booking a longer layover, avoiding certain aircraft types or booking nerdy trips such as the Alaska Milk Run .

The catch: Travelers can't actually book flights through ITA Matrix. And, unlike Google Flights, ITA Matrix doesn't even link to the best flight booking site for that itinerary. Instead, travelers are left to attempt to re-create the same itinerary through another flight booking website — which can be hard in the case of certain complex itineraries.

Enter BookWithMatrix. Travelers can copy-paste their perfect itinerary from ITA Matrix into BookWithMatrix to get bookable links through the airline or select OTAs.

Alternatively, travelers have the option to install the PowerTools extension in Google Chrome .

This extension adds booking links right on the ITA Matrix itinerary page, avoiding the need to browse to another page.

Final thoughts on the best flight booking site

There's not a one-size-fits-all best website for booking flights. Instead, the best flight booking site for you is going to depend on how simple you want the process to be, whether you're willing to get creative with your booking, and even which credit cards you have.

For most travelers, the simplicity of Google Flights is going to make it the best one-stop shop for searching and booking flights. However, it's worth considering other options if you're flying internationally, want to book a flight-and-hotel package or have a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.