cheap travel destinations abroad

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.

21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024

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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

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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 Kristin Addis 91 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?

I’ve traveled to over 65 countries over the past decade, and that on the ground research informs this list year after year.

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

The Cheapest Travel Destinations In the World in 2024

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

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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!)

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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 .

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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

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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

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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

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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!)

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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

READ NEXT: The Cheapest 5-star hotels in the USA

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!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel

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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 .

Travel ideas for Greece, created by local experts

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.

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.

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!

Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese

Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.

An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece

Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.

Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip

This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.

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 © Shutterstock

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, South Africa - aerial view © Mark Van Overmeire/Shutterstock

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.

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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 .

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Uruguay. Punta del Este © Chaykovsky Igor/Shutterstock

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

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

Hydra Island, Greece © Anastasios71/Shutterstock

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 visit Guatemala , our tips for travelling in Guatemala and read our breakdown on how many days are the best to spend in Guatemala .

Want to ensure a carefree vacation? Also, check out our important safety tips for Guatemala .

Find budget places to stay in Guatemala

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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

Panoramic view of Golden Sands beach (Zlatni Piasci) in Bulgaria © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

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

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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 .

Tip from Rough Guides: Learn about the best ways to get to 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

Rough Guides tip: Find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico .

Beach Zipolite Oaxaca, Mexico © Shutterstock

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 . And to better prepare for your upcoming trip to Laos read the Laos travel tips we've collected.

Find budget places to stay in Laos

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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

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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

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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.

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

Find budget places to stay in Istanbul

Blue mosque, Instanbul © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock

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

Small Temple of Nefertari, Abu Simbel, Egypt © Shutterstock

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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20 Cheap International Vacations For Travelers On A Budget

It feels like the cost of everything is sneaking up, with a marked increase in groceries, gas bills, house prices, and public transport. And that's before we even get to the topic of international travel, which (given the increase in fees for everything else) might feel like a world away. But we're here to tell you that it's perfectly possible to experience what the rest of the globe has to offer — all you need is a little help from your friends at Explore, and that dream vacation is ready to become a reality — even with the tightest of purse strings.

From the warm turquoise waters of Indonesia and the tropical rainforests of Malaysia to soul-stirring Bulgaria and colorful India, there's something for every budget, complete with a handful of money-saving tips to reduce costs even further. Starting with the good people at Hostelworld — why not book your shared accommodation there? Or, see if you can't bag the cheapest of all flights on Skyscanner .

Before we dig into the unbelievably affordable destinations, it's crucial to signpost how we put this list together. We primarily relied on personal experience to determine the cheap international vacations. We've provided a more detailed look at how we decided which countries to include and how we got to the daily average spend for each at the end of this article. Now, grab yourself a drink, and let us guide you through the most budget-friendly holiday hotspots for your next adventure.

Brimming with dramatic landscapes, white-sand beaches, and tantalizing food, India offers a plethora of soul-stirring experiences — without burning a hole in your pocket. Aside from the cost of flights, you'll find this part of the world is very easy to explore cheaply. If you're careful, we're talking an average of $18 per day. This means staying in shared hostel rooms, eating local food, and using public transport. Don't believe us? Hostels and guesthouses are often no more than $5 per night, while you can expect to fill your tummy with mouthwatering delicacies for just $2. And public buses are very cheap indeed — it's possible to get from Delhi to Agra for just $4!

Wondering how much it would cost to up things just a little bit more in the comfort stakes? Budget for $50 per day, and you can expect to stay in a private hotel room with air conditioning, enjoy sit-down meals and get around in a private taxi. Given India's vastness, you might be unsure where to base yourself, but you're spoilt for choice when it comes to budget-friendly destinations there. Head to the mountainous, holy region of Rishikesh, otherwise known as "The Land of Yoga," for a spot of self-love, visit the home of the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, journey to India's "Pink City" in Jaipur for mesmerizing forts, or make your way to well-known Goa for an affordable beach break with sun, sea, sand, seafood, and spirituality.

Laos is perhaps one of the most affordable countries to visit in the world, and you don't need to be a backpacker to realize it. The "Land of A Million Elephants" packs a real punch when it comes to culture, food, and stunning scenery, meaning even those on a tight shoestring budget can explore happily. $20 a day is all you'll need, but it means sleeping in hostel dorms (around $5 per night) and eating only local food to free you up for all the amazing trips and tours available in this part of the world. Renting a scooter comes in at about $5 per day, and it's perfectly possible to get yourself a hearty meal for no more than $2, alongside the odd beer for a little over $1.

Fancy a private room? You need only push this budget up to $35 per day for a quieter, more comfortable stay, with boutique guesthouses and solid air conditioning, as much alcohol as your liver can put up with, and the odd Western meal thrown in for good measure. It will also allow you to travel up and down the country freely via flash new trains, with each journey costing between $5 and $20, depending on the desired location. Speaking of which, the world's your oyster regarding budget-friendly stops in Laos. This proud nation offers incredible bang for your buck, from stunning waterfalls in Luang Prabang to crystal clear lagoons in Vang Vieng.

Cuba is a romantic and colorful travel destination that can be affordable, depending on how you go about it. On a low-cost budget, you can expect to spend about $20 per day in Cuba or $120 on a mid-range budget. The key is to avoid staying in expensive luxury tourist hotels and instead look for locally-owned and family-operated "casas particulares." These may cost anywhere from $20 in small towns to about $45 in the more popular tourist cities. Most casas particulares also serve food at cheaper prices than many nearby restaurants.

Avoid visiting during the peak season between November and March and shoot for the off-season months of May, June, September, and October. Instead of paying for museums and art galleries, seek street art, parks with sculptures, or free-entry places. Plus, you can buy a cocktail or beer for under five dollars if you avoid the touristy bars.

Vietnam neighbors Cambodia and Thailand in Southeast Asia, so it's no wonder this country is also a low-cost international travel destination. Vietnam has plenty to offer, from limestone mountains and temples to majestic caves and cultural cities. Meals are just a few bucks each; if you fancy a beer, it's only about 20 cents. You can even find hotel rooms for $10 a night without skimping on comfort.

Most people can spend a day exploring Vietnam and only pay $25. Up this to around $46 per day, and you'll have a much more comfortable stay – a cheap hotel, eating at the occasional chain restaurant, and paid activities. To avoid spending more than your budget, book lodging with complimentary breakfast and water included and share transportation with other people to split the costs. Opt for Uber if they exist in the area you're visiting to avoid being scammed by taxi drivers. If you do take a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before leaving.

5. Malaysia

Are you looking for a real adventure without the hefty costs? Malaysia's your ticket, offering buzzing metropolises, glistening waterfalls, dense tropical rainforests, and a breathtaking beach vacation on Langkawi Island. It provides unbelievable value for your money, too — $25 a day is a sufficient shoestring budget, which will see you sleeping in hostel dorms (around $12 per night), eating delicious street food ($3 a dish), and getting around on fantastically well-organized public transport. Buses from the north-western city of Penang to Malaysia's sleek and modern capital, Kuala Lumpur, will only set you back $9, and the transport app Grab offers outstanding value taxi journeys across all the major cities.

If you can increase your budget to $63 a day, you'll have the means to fork out for a private room in a hostel each night, with the occasional cheap hotel thrown in. Not to mention the privilege of enjoying a few drinks and a range of paid activities. The Cameron Highlands tea plantations tour, Langkawi Island's magnificent Sky Bridge, a trip up to the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, or an unforgettable visit to Taman Negara National Park, anyone? If you're looking to scuba dive at world-famous Sipadan Island, you'll need to part with a little extra to share the ocean with barracudas, manta rays, and whale sharks. But a handful of budget-friendly dive lodges offer 3-day packages here, including food and accommodation, for just $120 total.

6. Indonesia

Exploring Indonesia can be inexpensive, depending on how you travel. You can get by on as little as $28 each day. Meanwhile, $71 a day will offer you more comfortable options. This Southeast Asian country is made up of 17,500 islands, and 40% of them are undeveloped and unpopulated. Island hopping and traveling between cities isn't cheap, so the trick to a cost-effective Indonesian vacation is to pick one region and really dive deep. Bali seems to be the most popular of the well-known destinations, as it offers a little bit of something for everyone, from waterfalls and white sand beaches to rice terraces and ancient temple ruins. Bali is even home to some unique black sand beaches.

Hiking Bali's natural wonders and lounging on the beach are technically free; you'll just need to pay for transportation. Your cheapest options are renting a bicycle or taking the local public microbus called Bemo. Renting a motorcycle or scooter is only $4-10 a day, but the roads can be quite harrowing, so be wary of that option. You can find hostels for $5-10 per night here and spend $5-$15 on meals daily. Depending on your haggling skills, you might be able to land a fair price on scuba diving or a surfboard rental.

7. Sri Lanka

You need not break the bank for a visit to this Asian gem, but what you get in return is warm and friendly hospitality, palm-fringed golden sandy beaches, and an island country offering you the chance to spot plentiful wildlife up close . $30 is a good daily budget for Sri Lanka if you're happy to go the backpacker route or accept you'll be staying in hostels for the entirety of your trip. Per night, this will likely set you back around $12, with a private room (including a fan and mosquito net) coming in around $20. It also means eating incredibly flavorful street food for the most part (usually less than $2 per dish) but with the occasional sit-down meal and getting around by public transport — bus journeys often cost less than $1, and you can always try sharpening your haggling skills with Tuk Tuk drivers! There are also plenty of free activities to tick off in this region, including a series of unforgettable hikes in the mountainous region of Ella, not to mention Adam's Peak in southwestern Sri Lanka.

You'll need to up the budget to around $55 a day if you'd prefer a private room with air conditioning or to rest your head at a boutique-style guesthouse. This kind of money will also allow you to eat out at established restaurants and get stuck into some of Sri Lanka's bucket list activities, including the famous elephant safari and shark cage diving.

8. Columbia

Columbia has a bad reputation for being a dangerous country, but in fact, the locals are quite friendly and welcoming to tourists. While there are still some places you should try to avoid, overall, a trip to Columbia can be both compelling and affordable. The country is large and has a wide variety of attractions, from breathtaking beaches and countless national parks to bustling cities with street art and jaw-dropping architecture. The exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Colombian Peso is strong — $30 a day is a good amount for a budget holiday in Columbia, while $61 a day is still affordable but gives you a little more luxury and privacy in the form of private rooms and public transport.

To cater an economical trip in Colombia, opt for street food, hostels or cheap Airbnbs, free walking city tours, public transportation, and avoid touristy areas. If you want to visit some of the phenomenal nature destinations, remember that most national parks charge an entrance fee. For example, a visit to the Caribbean coastline of Tayrona National Park is about $10. Still, you can sleep in a tent or hammock right on the beach for pretty cheap — just make sure to book it ahead of time. However, visiting the iconic Cocora Valley is only about $1. It is a bucket list trip for many, with its seemingly mile-high wax palm trees and green glowing valleys.

One of Asia's most affordable tourist destinations, Nepal offers astonishing mountain views, cheap food, lodging, and economical public transportation. $30 is a comfortable backpacker-style budget for Nepal, but $70 is a good mid-range option for a more comfortable holiday. Backpacking through the Himalayas is considered inexpensive compared to other mountain trekking destinations, so long as you don't go through a guide, which can often be overpriced.

For better deals, avoid the busy season in October and November and shoot for the off-season during the spring, winter, or monsoon months. Also, don't be afraid to haggle, even on room rates. To save money on food, seek out the local "bhojanalayas," basic food spots offering simple but delicious eats. Nepal also has cheap street food, and your trip wouldn't be complete without trying samosas, dumplings, and local tea.

10. Bulgaria

Despite its golden beaches, buzzing nightlife, and jaw-dropping mountains, Bulgaria often flies under the radar for those hitting it up in the region — a strange phenomenon, seeing as it hosts one of the best European cities for budget travelers . If you're backpacking here or plain old frugal, it's possible to get by on just $31 a day. Bear in mind this means sleeping in hostel dorms ($11 per night), using public transport to get around the city ($5), and cooking most of your own meals. It's fairly easy to keep costs down in other ways, too. The best time to visit Bulgaria if you're on a budget is in January because of cheaper flights, but if you'd prefer summertime, save a few bucks each day by grabbing your breakfast at local bakeries selling cheap (and filling) pastries by the name of banica and krenvirshka. Not to mention joining the free walking tours on offer in the likes of Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv.

Fancy sleeping somewhere more private and the luxury of eating out more frequently? Set your max spend to $77 per day. With this sort of money, it's possible to find a cheap hotel room ($30 per night) and enjoy fast food or a sit-down meal for $20 per dish. This budget will also allow you to take the occasional taxi and get sucked into more tours and activities — who wouldn't want to explore the dramatic Rila Mountains?

11. Thailand

If you love Thai food, a trip to Thailand is a must. A neighbor to Cambodia, this country also boasts majestic ancient ruins, stunning tropical beaches, and rich culture. While the beaches and islands in the south are picturesque places straight out of a calendar, they are also more expensive to visit — sometimes more than double the price of northern Thailand destinations. Thailand's capital, Bangkok, falls between expensive and mid-range; you can expect to spend about $60 a day there.

However, northern Thailand is both economical and exciting to visit- it's also less touristy, meaning it is a more authentic and culturally immersive experience. In sought-out cities like Chiang Mai and Pai, you can plan on spending about $5-15 on food and $5-10 a night for hostels. Chiang Mai also has many no-cost attractions, from cabarets to the Sunday Night Market, which is free to stroll but hard to walk away from empty-handed. The city also has over 300 Buddhist temples that can be visited at a far cheaper price than Angkor Wat. Nearby Pai offers waterfalls, canyons, and hot springs, all of which are free or inexpensive experiences. Overall, you can get away with paying around $32 per day in Thailand if you're on a budget. But $75 a day is an excellent mid-range option.

12. Guatemala

Nestled in Central America, Guatemala is an underrated and often overlooked gem. Stunning nature backdrops, friendly locals, and Mayan temples make this destination unforgettable. $32 per day is ample for a trip to Guatemala, while around $83 per day will score you a more comfortable trip with private rooms and guided tours. Street food is abundant and inexpensive, and you can grab a drink at a bar for under $5. Hostel rooms range from $10-20, and affordable Airbnb options abound. Your accommodation will be even cheaper if you enjoy camping and have space in your luggage for a tent since plenty of hostels have camping areas. Some places even offer hammock rentals and a spot to sling it up for just $5 a night.

If you don't mind the rain, visiting in the off-season between May and October provides fewer crowds and better deals. Popular destinations in Guatemala include the Mayan temples of Tikal, Lake Atitlan, its surrounding hippie villages, and the jungle vibes and river of Semuc Champey. Transportation to these attractions may be your most significant expense; if you're feeling adventurous, ride in a chicken bus, a retired school bus now used for public transit. Getting from Antigua to Lake Atitlan on a chicken bus can cost as little as $8. At the same time, the loud music and flashy designs on the bus may seem like a party; beware that passengers are packed in tight, and the standing room is shoulder-to-shoulder. Theft is also quite common on chicken buses, so keep your wallet and phone tucked away.

Peru is known as one of South America's most affordable vacation destinations. $37 a day could be enough to get you by on a budget, but $108 is a solid mid-range budget that means you can eat out more often and enjoy the luxury of your own room. Thanks to Machu Picchu, ancient ruins considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Peru is on many people's bucket lists. While the entrance fee is costly, currently $45, it is attainable with some budget planning. There are other beautiful landscapes to visit in Peru that don't have such a pricey entrance fee, like Lake Titicaca, the Andes, and the Amazon rainforest.

Aim to save money on food by avoiding touristy spots and following the cliche of "eating where the locals go." Further, try to DIY your sightseeing instead of paying for a tour. You can also find budget-friendly hostels and hotel rooms in Peru. In addition, be on the lookout for scams: Always count your change when you get it back; remember, tipping is not customary here, and if you take a taxi, settle on a price before taking off to avoid being overcharged.

Mexico has a fantastic culture, great food, charming cities, and beautiful nature getaways. If you're on a budget, $40 per day is possible there, but if you can stretch to $75, you'll be in for a much more comfortable trip. Most cities have street tacos that cost less than $1 apiece. You can easily get away with spending anywhere from $8-$15 daily on food and the same per night for a hostel. However, Mexico is a vast country, so the key to traveling here on a budget is to pick one region and stay there. Transportation between cities can be costly and time-consuming. One of the most popular cultural cities to visit is Mexico City, where you can find cheap Airbnbs and even affordable luxury hotels.

If you're craving more of a beach vacation, the Yucatan Peninsula is the place to be. Just stick to staying in hostels and traveling by bus to keep it economical. Not only does the Yucatan Peninsula offer iconic white sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and delicious authentic Mexican food, but it's also home to the cenotes, which are underwater caves that boast beautiful aquamarine colors and aquatic life. While diving or snorkeling around them is a bit more pricey, you can pay just $3 to visit one to go swimming for the day.

15. Cambodia

This Southeast Asian country is home to beautiful beaches, spectacular temple ruins, and much more. You could enjoy your time here by spending $45 per day, including lodging. Many hostels charge only $ 6-8 per night, and some even come with breakfast (though don't expect this to be common). Eating out at a restaurant is about $3-10, but you could also get full off a street meal for $1-3. For transportation, consider renting a motorbike, a fun way to sightsee and get around for only $6-15 a day. You can also buy an intercity bus ticket or take tuk tuks, the area's version of taxi cabs — but if you opt for the latter, you'll want to brush up on your haggling skills since tuk-tuk drivers are known for overcharging tourists. Wherever you go, don't skimp on the tips; Cambodia is heavy with poverty, and locals are still recovering from the massive genocide by the Khmer Rouge that ended in 1979.

While you can make do with $45, increasing your budget to $90 daily will offer you a more comfortable stay in Cambodia. This range opens up upgrades like staying at cheap hotels or private hostel rooms and dining at fancier restaurants. Bear in mind that one of the most expensive things to do in Cambodia is a trip to Angkor Wat, the most iconic temple ruins in the area. Ticket prices range from $37-$103 depending on the days you wish to go and if you buy them in person or online.

16. South Africa

This country is sometimes on the expensive-to-travel list, but lately, South Africa has become a low-cost destination due to the excellent exchange rate. You could get away with $46 per day on a shoestring budget in South Africa, but $102 per day will be a more comfortable trip. Hostels remain the cheapest accommodation at just $10-15 per night. However, camping is also an option, and you may be able to find economical hotels and Airbnb options due to the exchange rate.

To save money on food, you'll want to factor in lodging with a kitchen; that way, you can cook some meals on your own instead of always eating out. Saving money on food and accommodation will allow you to splurge on a fancy restaurant now and then or even budget for your dream safari trip. We also recommend renting a car or opting for public transport like buses. Just be sure to check rental car prices across different companies like Priceline, Expedia, and Autoslash to get the best deals.

17. Albania

Incredible mountain scenery, enchanting castles, and dreamy beaches are just three reasons to make your way to Albania, but that's not all. Although a touch more expensive than Bulgaria, the "Land of Eagles" is a cheap vacation by European standards, not to mention a more affordable alternative to nearby Greece. At the lowest end — $47 per day is a solid shoestring budget to aim for, although it requires you to stay in hostels ($14 per night), cook most of your meals, abstain from drinking much alcohol, and use public transport (around $10 per day). Having said this, many of Albania's most popular spots are walkable, meaning you can often save a few bucks. Like Bulgaria, it's also possible to join in with free walking tours in the country's captivating cities like Tirana, Berat, and Shokdër. Buying groceries for making your own meals is affordable, too, especially if you pick them up fresh from farmer's markets.

If you're looking for a touch more luxury, $95 is the mid-range budget to set. It will allow you to enjoy plush private accommodation and explore famous sites like the Palace of Brigades in Tirana and the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë. You can also expect to eat out at a handful of restaurants and let your hair down when it comes to Albania's buzzing nightlife scene.

18. Bosnia-Herzegovina

When planning a low-cost international trip, Europe generally isn't the first place that comes to mind. However, Eastern Europe is much more affordable than its Western neighbors. Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the most economical Eastern European countries, and you can easily get by spending just $48 a day there or about $90 per day on a mid-range budget. Some popular destinations in the country include the capital, Sarajevo, for its impressive architecture and Mostar, a quaint Medieval town.

Hostel rooms range from $15-20 per night and you might be able to find an Airbnb for about $20, but hotels will be more pricey. Book your first night or two ahead of time, then do some legwork once you get there to find better lodging deals by asking locals. Most meals are a bargain — you can get cevapi, a type of grilled sausage, and Bosnian coffee for just a couple of bucks. A full meal, complete with several beers, can easily cost you under $15.

An affordable international vacation list wouldn't be complete without mentioning China. Visiting the cities of China, you can land a $20 hostel room, a meal for under five bucks, and a bus ticket that won't cost more than one dollar. However, if you can go to the countryside, you'll spend even less. If your ideal trip to China involves indulging in some beers now and then, along with entrance fees to a few of your must-sees, you can still get by spending around $50 a day here. But move this up to $140 if you want to go for the mid-range budget option.

The country is vast, so if you want to see a few different places, your best bet is to travel by high-speed train or find a low-cost airline ticket — these are the most efficient and cost-effective options—the good news: Most Chinese food is affordable, and the cheapest food is still delicious.

While not an obvious choice, visiting Greece can be inexpensive. You could get away with spending $66 per day in Greece on a budget. Up this to $144 a day for more mid-range options. For this country, timing is everything. Summer is the most popular season for tourists, so opt out of going in July or August and shoot for an off-season spring or fall trip. Some restaurants can be pretty expensive, so rather than eating out for every meal, plan to buy some groceries and have picnic lunches. Plus, you can find cheap street food on every corner, and you can't go to Greece without eating a gyro.

You can find hostels for $16-27 a night here, and depending on how many people are in your group, you can also track down some affordable Airbnb options. Free walking tours are everywhere, so you can cover all your must-see spots at no price. And if you want to visit the nearby islands, be sure to book an overnight ferry in advance at a cheaper price, which means you'll save money on accommodation for that evening.

How we chose the cheap international vacations

To claim a spot on our list of cheap international vacations, each country needed to record a daily shoestring budget of under $70, with all the bare necessities included, such as food, accommodation, transport, and a handful of activities. We identified each destination using personal budget travel experience, backed up by spending data gathered from travel expert Nomadic Matt 's global destination guides. We've included a mid-range daily budget for each country, giving travelers who'd like to explore with a touch more comfort another affordable option.

We have ranked the destinations from lowest to highest based on the cheapest daily spend. If two countries had the same shoestring expenditure, we ranked them in order of the lowest mid-range spend. Lastly, we converted the average price per day in each destination from local currency into U.S. dollars, which means you should only use it as a general guide. Remember that these figures may go up or down due to ever-changing exchange rates.

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The 20 cheapest holiday destinations around the world, from Cape Town to the Costa del Sol

From a vietnamese city to a greek island, here are the best places when it comes to snaring an affordable break, article bookmarked.

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Cape Town in South Africa has been named the cheapest holiday destination in the world, according to a new study.

Post Office Travel Money has revealed its 17th annual report, which compares the cost of eight travel items in 40 of the world’s most popular holiday destinations in a bid to rank the best-value locations for UK travellers across the globe.

Items assessed include the average price of a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a glass of cola, a 1.5L bottle of water, a glass of wine, a 200ml bottle of suncream, a bottle of insect repellent, and a three-course meal with a bottle of wine, to create a cumulative total.

Boosted by the South African rand’s sharp fall of almost 16 per cent against sterling in recent months and keen pricing in restaurants and bars, Cape Town has emerged as the best-value destination, up from fourth place a year ago.

A fall in prices of 8.4 per cent means that it’s the cheapest place in the world to get a three-course meal (£35.48) according to the Post Office study. Meanwhile, Reykjavek in Iceland ranked last – the most expensive destination surveyed – with an equivalent meal costing £135.87.

Only three European destinations have made the top 10 in the list of best-value destinations.

Despite a 19.2 per cent fall in the value of the Turkish lira, Marmaris in Turkey has dropped from the top spot to runner-up in this year’s barometer.

Prices have more than doubled since last year because of inflationary pressures and a 55 per cent rise in the minimum wage introduced in Turkey’s bars and restaurants.

In third place, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is only marginally more expensive than Marmaris, but prices have also risen steeply by 20 per cent.

Similarly, prices have also risen by a third in Portugal ’s Algarve region, which comes in fifth place.

The study reveals that millions of Britons who have taken trips abroad consider their holiday to be their biggest priority after paying for food, energy and other essential bills.

More than two in five (41 per cent) say they will dip into their savings to afford a holiday abroad, while more than half will do without home improvements or spending on cars.

While prices are up in 80 per cent of the resorts and cities analysed, the study claims that prices have fallen year-on-year in six of the lowest-price destinations.

Ed Dutton, portfolio director, financial services at Post Office, which accounts for one in four currency transactions, said: “Despite the volatility of sterling, it is still possible to bag a bargain with careful planning.

“Check exchange rate movements and the cost of holiday essentials before booking to see where you might get more holiday cash for your pounds but be aware that sterling gains can be cancelled out by big resort price rises as the increase in Turkey proves.”

Mr Dutton added that “it will pay to be flexible when deciding on a holiday destination”.

From idyllic Caribbean islands to bucket-list favourites in Asia, here are the most affordable places for UK travellers to visit right now.

The 20 cheapest holiday destinations

1) cape town, south africa: £51.44.

The Twelve Apostles mountain range, Cape Town

With a breathtaking coastline that boasts 10 Blue Flag beaches, Cape Town is best enjoyed outdoors. Take a hike or cable car to the top of Table Mountain, gawp at the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, and visit one of the world’s best botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch. Head out of the city to take a vineyard tour at some of the world’s most acclaimed wineries, or hit the road on Cape Peninsula, one of the world’s most scenic road trips.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.42
Bottle of local beer: £1.61
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.66
Suncream (200ml): £5.43
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £35.80

2) Marmaris, Turkey: £57.59

Located by the Aegean Sea, Marmaris in Turkey is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, beaches, limpid waters and forested mountains as far as the eye can see. A popular tourist resort, it’s also home to a lively nightlife scene.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.45
Bottle of local beer: £2.84
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.15
Suncream (200ml): £6.48
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £40.39

3) Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: £58.30

Sunny Beach is a lively spot on Bulgaria ’s Black Sea coast. Home to an 8km-long shoreline, this destination offers the opportunity to enjoy water sports such as paragliding and jetskiing, as well as bobbing around in the briny deep. It’s also a popular choice for families, with two aquaparks, playgrounds and minigolf.

Cup of filter coffee: £0.96
Bottle of local beer: £1.91
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.65
Suncream (200ml): £9.57
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £36.12

4) Mombasa, Kenya : £58.96

This historic coastal town is best known for its world-class beach resorts, but travellers can also visit Fort Jesus, one of the most well-preserved 16th-century Portuguese forts in the world,or go snorkelling and diving at Mombasa Marine National Park. Just under two hours away sits the Shimba Hills National Reserve, where visitors can spot wildlife including elephants, giraffes, hippos and zebras.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.36
Bottle of local beer: £2.09
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.49
Suncream (200ml): £8.34
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £58.96

Read more: What it’s like to walk through Kenya’s Maasai Mara with lions for company

5) Algarve, Portugal: £59.95

The Algarve is renowned for its pristine beaches, natural beauty and towering cliffs. Its Atlantic coastline also makes it one of Europe’s most popular surf spots – and it’s beloved by golfers, too.

Cup of filter coffee: £0.81
Bottle of local beer: £2.26
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.59
Suncream (200ml): £7.23
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £39.30

6) Hoi An, Vietnam: £59.99

A former port, Hoi An is often described as Vietnam ’s prettiest city. A melting pot of beautifully preserved architectural styles, temples and some incredible food, its Ancient City is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. Hire a bike and cycle to An Bang beach for soft sand and sea.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.61
Bottle of local beer: £1.73
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.50
Suncream (200ml): £4.42
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £44.49

Read more: How to do Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by train

7) Kuta, Bali: £68.10

Kuta is Bali ’s major resort town and a bit hit with Australian tourists. With a lively nightlife scene and watersports galore, it’s also one of the best places on the island to catch a stellar sunset.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.08
Bottle of local beer: £2.08
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.36
Suncream (200ml): £11.87
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £44.81

8) Tokyo, Japan: £71.49

One of the world’s great global cities, Tokyo is a veritable feast for the senses, melding contemporary and traditional life to sublime effect. Visit temples, eat street food, go bar hopping in Golden Gai, watch sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan, snap cherry blossom… It’s impossible to do it all, but simply pounding the pavement and soaking up the buzz is part of the thrill.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.30
Bottle of local beer: £4.27
Suncream (200ml): £4.34
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £50.07

Read more: Eight ways to save money when travelling around Japan

9) Colombo, Sri Lanka: £73

For many travellers, the Sri Lankan capital is often a stop-gap on their way to the multitude of other riches this incredible country has to offer, but it’s worth staying a few days to explore. Check out the ornate Sri Kaliawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Temple, the pretty Gangaramaya Temple, shop at the Pettah Floating Market, and eat like a king at the many kitchens and restaurants around the city.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.55
Bottle of local beer: £1.80
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.57
Suncream (200ml): £5.67
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £54.90

Read more: Why travellers should put Sri Lanka back on the bucket list

10) Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: £73.32

A popular beach resort with 35km of sandy beaches, Sharm is not only a great option for a fly and flop holiday, it’s also home to some excellent diving opportunities, with wrecks and reefs to explore for both novices and more experienced waterbabies. Alternatively, journey into the Sinai Desert for camel rides and sandboarding down some major dunes.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.25
Bottle of local beer: £2.96
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.31
Suncream (200ml): £10.90
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £46.39

11) Costa del Sol, Spain : £73.99

A beloved stretch of the southern Spanish coastline, the Costa del Sol has long been a hit with British holidaymakers – and for good reason. With more than 150km of beaches it’s an ideal swimming and sunbathing spot, but those after a culture fix are also catered for in Malaga, once the home of Pablo Picasso. Explore Alcazaba, Spain’s best preserved Moorish fortress palace, the Centre Pompidou Malaga for modern art – or head up the coast to the Nerja Caves to gawp at the largest stalagmite in the world.

Bottle of local beer: £1.99
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.53
Suncream (200ml): £12.65
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £49.92

12) Paphos, Cyprus: £78.08

In addition to being a favourite with package holidaymakers, Paphos was the 2017 European Capital of Culture. Enjoy the sun and heat, but don’t leave without a visit to its Archaeological Park, home to some of Cyprus’ most important historic ruins. And a trip to the 10th century Agios Neophytos Monastery, carved into a mountain rock just north of Paphos, makes for a fascinating break from the beach.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.62
Bottle of local beer: £2.89
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.33
Suncream (200ml): £7.45
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £54.89

13) Corfu, Greece : £81.35

Known as the Emerald Isle, Corfu is one of Greece’s greenest islands, carpeted with olive groves, cypress trees and wild flowers. Explore the Unesco-listed old town with its Asian art museum (Greece’s only one), swim in the Channel of Love near Sidari to solidify your romance (allegedly) – or, if you fancy a challenge, take on the 220km Corfu walking trail in the cooler months.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.26
Bottle of local beer: £3.16
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.45
Suncream (200ml): £13.81
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £50.15

Read more: The best hotels in the Greek Islands

14) Funchal, Madeira: £85.02

While Madeira’s green interior makes it a popular destination for hiking, picturesque Funchal is also worth a visit. Shop for souvenirs at Mercado Dos Lavradores, ride the cable car for the best city views, snap the painted doors along Rua de Santa Maria, and admire the remarkable cedar ceiling and tiling at Sé Catedral do Funchal. Don’t leave without sampling Madeira’s most famous export at Blandy’s Wine Lodge.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.58
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.54
Suncream (200ml): £9.94
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £58.28

Read more: Going to ground: Embracing the agritourism life in Madeira

15) Phuket, Thailand : £85.33

As well as white-sand beaches, buzzing nightlife and mouth-watering cuisine, Phuket is also home to several night markets selling everything from fashion to food and handicrafts, floating restaurants, Wat Chalong – the largest and most revered temple on the island – and a 45 metre marble Big Buddha.

Bottle of local beer: £2.81
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.51
Suncream (200ml): £8.96
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £61.28

16) Mallorca , Spain: £86.03

Forget the unfair ‘Brits abroad’ tag that has besmirched this beautiful Balearic island: Mallorca has so much more to offer than all-night discotheques and karaoke bars (although these can be fun). Home to more than 300 beaches lapped by turquoise waters, Mallorca is also home to the Tramuntana mountain range, crammed with superb trails to explore. Elsewhere, the Mallorcan capital of Palma is home to a majestic gothic cathedral, Es Baluard, an excellent contemporary art gallery, and some mouth-watering food.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.12
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.34
Suncream (200ml): £11.52
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £56.29

17) Montego Bay, Jamaica : £87.71

A popular choice with all-inclusive holidaymakers, Montego Bay is home to some of the Caribbean’s most idyllic beaches. Powder-white sand and pristine waters make this an iconic place to simply laze around with a rum cocktail in hand, but there are ample opportunities to snorkel, dive, horseride, water-ski and parasail. Head to Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary to get up close and personal with hummingbirds, while Greenwood Great House offers a sobering and insightful perspective on the island’s colonial history.

Cup of filter coffee: £3.11
Bottle of local beer: £3.02
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.86
Suncream (200ml): £7.11
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £62.47

18) Poreč, Croatia : £88.08

The most popular resort on the Istrian peninsula, Poreč has a rich history that’s worth exploring. Marvel at the glittering gold mosaics at the Euphrasian Basilica, a pristine example of early Byzantine architecture, quarrel over modern art in the gothic interior of the Zuccato Palace, or hike or cycle the 129km Parenza trail. Don’t leave without snapping a picture of the baby-pink Villa Polesini for the ’gram.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.40
Bottle of local beer: £3.25
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.80
Suncream (200ml): £7.77
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £62.52

19) Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: £89.51

Sugar-sand beaches and aquamarine sea are the order of the day in Punta Cana, whose picture-postcard 48km coastline is one of the Caribbean ’s longest. Popular with all-inclusive holidaymakers keen to lie back and develop their tan, Punta Cana is also well-served for watersports, such as jet-skiing, diving, parasailing and yachting. And with 10 golf courses located in the region, it’s also a hit with those wanting to work on their birdie.

Cup of filter coffee: £1.35
Bottle of local beer: £4.28
Bottle of water (1.5L): £1.64
Suncream (200ml): £6.58
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £63

20) Sliema, Malta : £90.85

This resort town sits across the harbour from Valetta’s Unesco-listed cathedrals and castles, but it’s well worth a wander around Sliema. Explore this Catholic nation’s many churches, such as the baroque Stella Maris, feast on the Maltese national dish of stuffat tal-fenek , take a dip in the “Roman Baths” - man-made baths carved into the coastline - or simply take a gentle stroll along the promenade. Don’t miss the sunset from Fort Tigné, one of the oldest polygonal forts in the world.

Cup of filter coffee: £2.48
Bottle of local beer: £2.94
Bottle of water (1.5L): £0.61
Suncream (200ml): £13.10
Three-course evening meal for two, including bottle of house wine: £60.16

Read more: Seven unmissable beach spots in Malta and Gozo

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How do I make sure I don’t miss a flight deal? Sign up for Price Alerts on your favorite flight routes and automatically get live price updates, so you can book flights when the price is right. You can do so next to your flight search results or in the profile menu. If you're on our app, you will find Price Alerts in the navigation menu. You can also subscribe to special offers and limited-time flight deals from our partners. Just sign in, go to Notifications in your profile and subscribe to the topics you’re interested in.

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Cheapflights is more than a travel website; it's your personal travel comparison hub. We empower you to handpick up to four of your preferred travel providers, bringing their offerings side by side for a direct comparison. Our 'Compare To' model is designed to tailor your search experience, ensuring you can weigh options from your favorite airlines, hotels, and rental services in one consolidated view. With Cheapflights, you're not just searching for travel options; you're curating them to perfectly fit your travel style and preferences.

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To fully harness the power of Cheapflights, take advantage of our 'Compare To' feature. This allows you to place your chosen travel providers in a head-to-head comparison, ensuring you can make decisions with a clear overview of what each one offers. Keep an eye on the comprehensive pricing from multiple providers. Our transparent approach means you see all the costs upfront, allowing for an apples-to-apples comparison on price and value. Understand the dynamic nature of travel pricing. Our comparison model provides a snapshot of the best current deals, encouraging you to book quickly when you find the perfect fit among your selected providers. With Cheapflights, you're in control, using our comprehensive comparison features to find the deal that's just right for you.

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Can I get hotel and car rental options too?

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What makes Cheapflights different?

What sets Cheapflights apart is our commitment to simplifying your travel planning by connecting you with the best travel providers. Our team of travel experts and enthusiasts is dedicated to helping you navigate the multitude of options available. We use sophisticated algorithms to bring you personalized recommendations, ensuring you find the best providers for your specific needs. Our 'Compare To' feature allows you to directly compare offerings from multiple airlines, hotels, and car rental companies side by side, giving you a clear view of what each one offers. This transparency and customization help you make informed decisions and optimize your travel experience.

Whether you're searching for the right airline, planning a domestic trip, or seeking comprehensive travel solutions, start your journey with Cheapflights. We are here to help you find the perfect travel providers to make your trip memorable and hassle-free.

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The Cheapest Travel Destinations Around The World
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COMMENTS

11 Dream International Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable
It's cheaper to go during the wet season, when the climate is least comfortable. Prices for a round-trip flight from NYC to Panama City's Tocumen International Airport range from $339 to $659 ...
32 CHEAPEST Places To Travel In 2024
Yes, the Philippines are truly one of the cheapest places to travel in the world! Currency: Philippine peso. Accommodation: $10 for a hostel, $30-50 for private accommodation. Transport: Buses are the cheapest way to get around and can cost from $30-10 depending on distance. Activities: Take surf lessons for $30.
32 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024
12. Hoi An, Vietnam. Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries to travel to and Hoi An comes in as a highly affordable and popular spot within the country to visit. As a holiday destination with beaches, the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and stunning countryside, it's a popular tourist destination for a good reason!
Cheapest international destinations to fly to by month
ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES. 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.
21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024
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 ...
The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024
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.
The 18 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2022
To determine the most wallet-friendly destinations, Kayak analyzed the searches for flights from Nov. 20, 2020, through Nov. 19, 2021, for travel between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022.
Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel
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 Greeceto Guatemala, here are 20 of the cheapest places to travel. 1. Thailand — for fantastic local food and more. 2.
24 Amazingly Cheap Places You Should Travel To In 2024
Cheap places to travel across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Find out which countries offer the best travel experiences on a budget! Indie Traveller. ... While the economic problems long made it an excellent low-cost destination for those visiting from abroad, the current situation is a little uncertain. ...
Best Cheap European Vacations
Sofia. #21 in Best Cheap European Vacations. Sofia's five-star accommodations will cost you less than $150 per night, but this Bulgarian city also boasts a wide variety of budget-friendly boutique ...
20 Cheapest Places to Travel Around the World in 2024
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 ...
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The Best in Travel for your bookshelf. The top 10 countries, cities, regions, value destinations and sustainable spots around the world right now.
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9. Nepal. Olga Danylenko/Shutterstock. One of Asia's most affordable tourist destinations, Nepal offers astonishing mountain views, cheap food, lodging, and economical public transportation. $30 is a comfortable backpacker-style budget for Nepal, but $70 is a good mid-range option for a more comfortable holiday.
The 20 cheapest holiday destinations around the world
Post Office Travel Money has revealed its 17th annual report, which compares the cost of eight travel items in 40 of the world's most popular holiday destinations in a bid to rank the best-value ...
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4. South Africa. Reasons to Visit: Safari, wildlife, outdoor adventure travel, wine tasting, history, culture. The currency of South Africa, the rand, collapsed in value a few years ago and has struggled to gain any traction in the years since.
10 cheap holiday destinations for Brits in 2024
Transportation: Get a Navigo pass for unlimited travel (£18.50 per week) Museums: Some of the best Paris activities include visiting world-renowned museums like the Louvre (£10-£13 entry fee) ... Bulgaria is one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe. In fact, if you're up for a party Sunny Beach has been consistently named as one ...
The Cheapest Places To Travel in 2023
The cheapest places to visit in other regions around the world include Puerto Rico ($4,392), Panama ($4,520), Colombia ($5,876), India ($5,666), Egypt ($13,177) and Fiji ($4,917). According to ...
20 Cheap Places to Travel in 2023
Europe. 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 ...
The top 23 cheap travel destinations you need to visit now
With an average daily cost for backpackers ranging from $25-$35 USD including accommodations at cheap hostels and local transportation like buses or trains, Sri Lanka is a great place for those looking to travel on a shoestring. 9. Nepal: trekking adventures for every budget.
Cheap Flights
Find the cheapest flights with momondo. We find and compare fares from more than 1,000 airlines and travel sites, giving you the best rates. ... Choose your destination and preferred travel dates, and we'll provide you with an overview of the cheapest, quickest, and best flights so you can compare prices and book flights with confidence. ...
Find the Best Flight Deals & Airfare Deals
Flights. Explore the best flight deals from anywhere to everywhere, then book with no fees. Compare flight deals from over 1,000 providers, and choose the cheapest, fastest or lowest-emission tickets. Find the cheapest month - or even day - to fly, and set up Price Alerts to book when the price is right.
What are some of the cheapest international destinations worth ...
A community to discuss frugal travelling, last-minute travel deals, cheap destinations, and cheap means of travel. Whether couchsurfing, camping, or staying in hostels, whether hitchhiking or staying on Airbnb, let's discuss and share the best budget travel ideas and deals! ... The Indian subcontinent is among the cheapest places on earth, so ...
Cheap Flights, Airline Tickets & Airfares
Find cheap flights and save money on airline tickets to every destination in the world at Cheapflights.com. Whether you already know where and when you want to travel, or are just seeking some inspiration, Cheapflights.com is the perfect place to search for airfares, hotels, and rental cars and to plan the best trip.

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

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

Cheapest places to fly from January through March

Traveling from the UK

Cheapest places to fly from April through June

Cheapest places to fly from July through September

Cheapest places to fly from October through December

Bottom line

21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024

South Korea

South Africa

Philippines

North Macedonia

The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

Our Favorite Cheap Destinations Quick List:

1. Laos, $30/day

2. Vietnam, $30/day

3. Cambodia, $30/day

4. Northern Thailand, $32/day

5. Indonesia, $35/day

6. The Philippines, $37/day

7. Malaysia, $40/day

8. Sri Lanka, $35/day

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

10. Taiwan, $45/day

11. India, $30/day

12. Kyrgyzstan, $25/day

13. Uzbekistan, $35/day

14. Romania, $40/day

15. Georgia, $30/day

16. Greece, $45/day

17. Czechia, $40/day

18. Poland, $44/day

19. Croatia, $50/day

20. Turkey, $45/day

21. Lithuania, $44/day

22. Estonia, $44/day

23. Latvia, $47/day

The Americas

25. Nicaragua, $35/day

26. Guatemala, $38/day

27. Colombia, $35/day

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

29. South Africa, $42/day

30. Namibia, $45/day

31. Egypt, $30/day

How Low Can You Go?

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Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel

1. Thailand — for fantastic local food and more

7. Greece for popular tourist destinations on a budget

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20 Cheap International Vacations For Travelers On A Budget

5. Malaysia

6. Indonesia

7. Sri Lanka

8. Columbia

10. Bulgaria

11. Thailand

12. Guatemala

15. Cambodia

16. South Africa

17. Albania

18. Bosnia-Herzegovina

How we chose the cheap international vacations

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