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:
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
Asia
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 –
2. Vietnam, $30/day
I probably had the healthiest and cheapest street food in Vietnam. Think soup with rice noodles, cilantro, amazing broth, and a whole shank of pork for $1.50, or a cup of strong, aromatic coffee for $1. Regarding transportation, if you rent a motorbike, you are all set for the day. However, I understand that not everyone is comfortable riding one, especially in countries like Vietnam, where the traffic can be overwhelmingly chaotic. The good news is that GrabBike (similar to Uber but on bikes!) is widely available in all major cities, and the cost is as low as $0.50 for a 2km ride! Long-distance buses and trains are also affordable and reliable. Accommodation is similarly pleasant and easier to afford than almost anywhere else in the world.
- Meals: $5–12 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
- Accommodation: $5-10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $8–15 for motorbike rental or GrabBike trips
- SIM card with data: $6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
The Ultimate Backpacking Vietnam Route Planner
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!)
– Read More –
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
- Accommodation: $5-10 per night in a hostel
- 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.
– Read More –
Thailand Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do
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
– Read More –
The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months
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.
- Meals: $5–15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- 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
– Read More –
The Perfect Philippines Itinerary
A Complete Guide to the Philippines
7. Malaysia, $40/day
Being one of the most economically developed Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia is often perceived as expensive. On top of that, when I visited for the first time, a few people told me it wasn’t worth staying long. However, I ended up meeting lots of locals, was more able to communicate, and found more common ground with them than I had in Cambodia or Laos. I also had so much fun exploring Cameron Highlands, the jungles of Borneo, and the gorgeous islands.
The cherry on top? They were all affordable. An overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands costs as little as $15. There are also so many interesting local neighborhoods and markets that are free to explore. Finally, Malaysian cuisine is like no other — you can find food from just about any culture, and it’s so cheap and tasty (but not necessarily healthy). Malaysia is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI scuba diving certificate.
The one thing that could make Malaysia expensive to travel in is alcohol, which is highly taxed. However, if you don’t plan on drinking every night, or maybe consider staying sober during your trip, that will not be an issue.
- Meals: $5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- Accommodation: $7–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $5–7 for a full day of train and bus rides, or $15–20 for an overnight intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data: $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
8. Sri Lanka, $35/day
Like many countries, Sri Lanka can be seen on a backpacker budget, or one can spend a small fortune there. The biggest kicker was the price of activities, such as safaris, and admission into the UNESCO World Heritage sites. With each running about $40-$50 per ticket, this made Sri Lanka more expensive to fully explore.
That said, Sri Lanka can be done on closer to $30 per day on the days that you don’t pay for expensive activities. Food, transport, accommodation, and the internet are relatively cheap. One thing to note about transportation is that in some cases, taking a taxi or Uber (in major cities) can be cheaper than renting a bike. Hiring a driver for the day can be as low as $5 per person if you can find people in your hostel to split the cost. The cheapest transportation is the train, which is delightful and (IMO) the best way to travel through Sri Lanka.
- Meals: $5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- 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!)
– Read More –
Sri Lanka’s Best Places to Visit
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.
- Meals: $5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- 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!)
– Read More –
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.
- Meals: $5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- 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
– Read More –
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!)
– Read More –
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
– Read More –
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
– Read More –
Things I Wish I Knew before Visiting Uzbekistan
Europe
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
– Read More –
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.
- Meals: $10–15 per day
- 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.
- Meals: $10–15 per day
- Accommodation: $10–15 per night in a hostel
- 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
– Read More –
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
– Read More –
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.
- Meals: $10–15 per day
- 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!
- Meals: $10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation: $12–20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $1–3 for a taxi ride or $30–60 for an intercity overnight bus ride
- SIM card with data: $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity
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!
- Meals: $10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- 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.
- Meals: $10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- 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
- SIM card with data: Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity
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
– Read More –
Solo Female Travel 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.
- Meals: $10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- 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
– Read More –
READ NEXT: The Cheapest 5-star hotels in the USA
AFRICA
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
- SIM card with data: $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
– Read More –
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!
- Meals: $12–15 per day
- 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
– Read More –
The Perfect Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
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: $2.81 for 12GB with a 30-day validity
– Read More –
How Low Can You Go?
The suggested budget above includes basic accommodation, transportation, and three meals, with a mix of simple breakfasts, hearty lunches, and light dinners, as well as Internet and one paid activity for the day. You will need to add on the other costs, like shopping, alcohol, and little splurges here and there to understand how much exactly is needed.
Some may want to dive or ski, which are typically higher-cost activities, and some just want to walk around and explore neighborhoods. If you are on a shoestring budget, the suggested budgets can be cut down further should you choose to couchsurf, hitchhike, and skip certain activities.
Are there any destinations that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Nicoline says
There are so many of these places I would love to visit or revisit. Especially a Namibian road trip is on top of my bucket list and I hope that I can do it this year. 42$ per day is alright and the flight tickets from Denmark aren’t that bad right now – it must be a sign! ?
Kristin says
It must be!
Jen says
Bosnia is one of the cheapest places in Europe with so much to see! It’s a good deal cheaper than its neighbor Croatia.
Kristin says
Good to know! Thank you!
Anonymous says
Absolutely! Go hungry!! Food is excellent too!!
Jessa L says
Excellent info but main thought regarding SE Asia, especially regarding Vietnamese street food: #1 many foreigners do not have the gut bacteria to fight off many forms of food poisoning that occurs from street food. #2 All the food in SE Asia has loads of MSG which immediately makes it NOT healthy. Sorry but there’s no cheap Vietnamese that can be considered healthy with the amount of MSG they put in the food. Tasty, yes. Addictive, yes. Healthy, ummm nope.
Kristin says
Fact checking this. #1: The food is mostly bought fresh from the market each day and cooked right in front of you. If you go to a stand with lots of people eating there, you can trust it’s good for you, too. I have never had food poisoning after 7 years of traveling and eating street food.
#2: I’ve seen the food made fresh from each raw ingredient and I also know what MSG looks like. I’ve seen it on the stands in China but not in Veitnam. I think it really depends on which stand you eat from, and if you’re worried about MSG the restaurants you eat at can just as easily, if not more easily, add it to the food. I wouldn’t avoid street food because of these reasons. Tourist restaurants serve the same thing, but often less fresh, for more money and you DON’T see it cooked in front of you.
mike says
I agree with your comments Kristen, its also easy to ask and or learn the local word to say dont put it in as a lot of stands will add a little MSG for “extra flavour”
Maria says
‘Hoom, Hoom, Ajinomoto’, is what to say if you don’t want MSG
Marissa says
Agreed. Kristen
Daniel says
I am a US Citizen and often travel to Vietnam at least once a year and I believe you have no idea what you’re talking about. Do not eat food sold on the street or others food stands around the corner. You have no idea what they did to the pre-made ingredients that are served to you in front of you. Most of them do not even have gloves while handling YOUR foods. Most of the times, ingredients are prepared somewhere else and none are monitored as far as food safety is concerned. Anyone can prepare foods without any inspections or licenses requirements and sell to the public whenever, where ever they want!!! Rotten meats are often used to make egg rolls by adding artificial flavorings and fried until the bad smell is gone. Food stands are notorious for being dirty and contaminated badly because they do not have enough clean water to wash or sanitize utensils used to handle their foods. There was a big issue in Vietnam recently when a street vendor was caught “recycling” leftover from the previous customer and sell it to the next customer… Just google about food safety standards in Vietnam and you’ll know.
Kristin Addis says
If there’s a long line of locals eating there, and they’re bringing their kids there, I’m also going to eat there.
Cris says
You clearly dont have a clue abour vietnamese food..they are not into Msg…dont get confuse them with China Mf
So Cu says
Jessa, I think you should educate yourself before taking such a strong opinion on MSG because you clearly don’t have your facts straight. Vietnamese food is pretty healthy whether or not there is MSG in it. MSG alone is simply not bad for you.
If you don’t believe me read this article:
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-10-10/scientists-have-known-msg-is-safe-for-decades-why-dont-most-americans
Lolo says
So safe it will puff many up like a puffer fish. So safe.
Hugo Lindum says
Street food is about as safe as it gets. Rarely had problems, nor do most people. As for MSG being bad, it must be the most researched food product in human history and no peer reviewed researched shows there is anything wrong with it. Even the EU says its safe. MSG being unsafe is up there with antivax and Elvis being alive on the moon.
suzan says
i think it sounds really delicious and MSG is very healthy for you
Jonene Oxford says
Wish I could add the scientific info on here about MSG not being bad for your health. You should read up on it. You’d be surprised
Mohsen Ghiasi says
Whay you dont write iran at the top man, its cheapest in the world with much more facility.
Kristin says
As an American I can’t go there without taking a tour so to me it’s not that cheap, unfortunately 🙁
mark doty says
who in their right mind would go to Iran?
PJ says
I lived there in the 70s and would love to go back to hike the mountains and ski again. Maybe someday.
Hugo Lindum says
I would go there in the 1970s in a heart-beat. But today is 2022.
Kylee says
Great list! Makes my bank account seem all that bigger 😉
Kristin says
Exactly!
Lissa says
Great list! You have been very helpful in getting some unique options together for a Christmas getaway for my husband and I! Although we will probably do AirBnB places instead of hostels, I feel like I have a much better idea of how far our money will go and tips on how to avoid being overcharged.
The biggest expense for me is always the flights since we live in Colorado, but I did find a really good website that has given me fares below what places like Expedia can offer called Skiplagged. If you haven’t checked it out, it can definitely save you some $$! I’m not affiliated with them or anything. Just thought I’d put it out there for other savvy travelers like me who are looking for the best deals!
Kristin says
Thanks Lissa! I’d also suggest travel hacking! I have tips here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-fly-for-free/
Leena Malhotra says
What about Russia ?
Russia is on my list for next year – it has so much to explore but can’t make it in a single trip. How about Russia from India ?
Kristin says
I have heard the cities in Russia can be quite expensive but a few years ago the Ruble fell in value quite a bit which has made it much more affordable.
Abruj says
Nice list. I am planning for Ukraine. Any specific suggestions
Hope says
I have been to Ukraine many times so here is a rundown.
Kiev the capital historical city and very beautiful.
Liviv cultural capital with some of the best food.
Odessa seaside vacation hub and center of comedy.
Each city offers so much to see and do.
These are the cities that you are more likely find someone who speaks english, however I would recommend learning a couple of phrases. The people are hospitable but there still a language barrier.
Much love
Hope
Kristin says
Thanks for the info!
Shubi says
Tanzania is pretty cheap too and the people here are very welcoming!
You should try it out.
Kristin says
Agreed I love it there.
Brad Carss says
I love Namibia and persisted in my efforts to visit the Himba People in Opuwo by catching a taxi from my hostel in Windhoek to the pickup point for the van taking locals to the north of the country. There I arranged with the local tour hut (John Jakurama) to go on day and an overnight visit to the villages of these rarely visited people. It was a very cost-effective and engaging interaction to experience the harsh reality of their lives. At the end of my stay the elder of the family kissed my hand in blessing for seeking his village out and bringing them much needed food stuffs and supplies. My kind of travel, cheap, interactive, moving and low priority on most people’s destinations.
Augustin says
You had already mentioned about a lot of places with less expensive, but the matter is that the flight charges are not economical to many of the destinations. I am from India and feel affordable rates with some southeastern Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, loas, Burma, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
The flight charges to these places are about 100 US Dollars with Air Asia flights, but it is really too high to Europe, Africa or America. This makes trips costlier.
Anyway it is good exploring one.
Kristin says
That’s true, I’m not taking into consideration where you might be flying in from, since we are all coming from different places, but once you get there it’s cheaper than other countries like Norway or Iceland.
Luc says
Hi! I have travelled before, I worked for a long haul airline and spent a few days in most countries. However, I really want to travel properly. What place would you recommend for newbie backpackers? Do you have any tips for me? Thanks 🙂
Kristin says
Southeast Asia! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/best-countries-for-beginner-travelers/
MikesRoadTrip says
Really great piece!
Anonymous says
It seems you generated this list based on where you went. I’m surprised Belorus, Russia, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan are not there
Kristin says
I haven’t been to most of these places, actually, but thanks for sharing more places that are affordable!
Sal says
Pakistan is another beautiful country to visit and also very cheap. The Northern parts of Pakistan are full of natural beauty. People of Pakistan are very friendly and when you go there you will be amazed to find out that country is so different than what it is portrayed in NEWS. The hospitality of people there is simply amazing and food is simply awesome. Highly recommended place to visit.
Kristin says
I’d love to visit!
Marianne says
Hi! My boyfriend and I took a year off to travel Asia, and about 4 months in we have spent wayyy too much money (oops). We would like to settle down somewhere cheap for a month to try and make up for it. We are hoping to find somewhere close to the beach where the food is good. If there were some (free or cheap) things to do and see so we wouldn’t be too bored that would be even better. Does such a place even exist? ? I was thinking Cambodia, maybe, or Vietnam (cause I love Vietnamese food) but really anywhere in SE Asia would be perfect. Do you have any suggestions for a specific place like that you really loved?
Also, I love this blog, I have probably visited daily in the couple of years leading up to our trip ?
Kristin says
Hey Marianne. It happens! I’d look at Southeast Asia for sure. I’d thought about Hoi An personally. The food is good, wifi is fast, it’s cheap. You can also think about Cambodia or even southern Thailand. You could think about Kuta in Lombok, Indonesia as well. Such a place definitely exists 🙂
Keep in mind it’s usually much cheaper to go check things out in person and ask around for places to rent longer term than it is to try to find them online.
Ian Culbertson says
Hi Kristin,
I’d really like to do Incan trail in Peru to MP in December, any advice on tours for doing routes less traveled?
Thanks
Ian
Kristin says
If you want to do the Inca Trail unfortunately there’s just one trail and it’s not less-traveled, but there’s also the Lares trek and the Salkantay which will end up in Machu Picchu. I liked Alpaca Expeditions for the Inca Trail.
marla braden says
I second Alpaca Expeditions. I did the Inca trail in December, not really high season. I got tickets when I got to Cusco (not 6 months advance) and our group of maybe 10 people plus the guides and porters were the only people I saw for 4 days until we arrived at Machu Picchu itself. Off season is the way to go anywhere, imo.
Kristin says
Wow that’s amazing! Definitely wasn’t my experience. Nicely planned.
Renuka Walter says
That’s a great list! I’m glad India is on the list. I have been exploring it for a decade now, and I agree it’s affordable and so rewarding! Would love to experience Romania.
Kristin says
I’d love to experience India!
Md. Shakhawat Hossain says
Hello there,
Thank you very much for sharing a nice as well as the well-informative article here. The information you have described herewith was really amazing! However, if you allow me to add one more place to must-visit I would be glad, and the place name Bangladesh. The place of natural beauty and many more. And, also very cheap.
Thank you very much.
Kristin says
I’d love to go! Yes it should be on the list.
neymasport says
Thank you for sharing the colorful collection here, thank you for this article. This country is very beautiful. Hope to come here and try it once
Nikola Webster says
Hi there,
Wow – super-comprehensive list! I’ve been to more than half on this list. A couple I have on my list to visit that I’m told a super cheap (even cheaper than India) are Pakistan and Bangladesh. I’ve also heard Laos is wicked cheap! Nikki
Kristin says
I’d love to see Pakistan too! Laos is indeed pretty cheap.
Doona Neace says
You recommended most of the places are on my list. Next year I want to visit Croatia and Turkey.
Olly says
This is such a great list which really breaks down the costs and saves a lot of research time! Thanks for sharing.
Hami says
Thanks for such a great post! And thanks for sharing your valuable experiences. I already traveled to Most of EA countries but i have no any idea for african and S. American countries, i will use this post for my future plan.
Tim says
Wow, that’s article is amazing. I did not know that you can travel to places this cheap. This article chsnge the way I look at traveling. I have always thought it costly as I spend a lot when traveling, but after reading this things have changed.
takeoffwithme says
Very nice article. Will be really helpful for backpackers
Vaishnavi Omprakash Jadhav says
There is lot more in INDIA.
Do come. We have a lot more than expected.
Samson says
How is the Covid-19 situation there?
Samson says
How is the Covid-19 situation in India?
Harry says
Great article.
Thanks
Greg Christensen says
Recently did southern Utah (from OH) for 6 weeks and spent 9000 dolllars … that’s about 200 dollars per day. Gasoline 1500 (8000 miles), hotels and campsites 1200, NP pass and BLM trail fees 100, topo maps/books/gifts 400, my own jeep routine and unexpected service 500, jeep rubicon 4WD 10 day rental for The Maze 1950, 4WD and backpacking supplies 400, laundry 50, food/beverages/snacks/water 2900. Biggest expenses are always food from restaurants and the remote expensive trips that are hard to access.
Kristin says
Yes restaurants can be a lot. If you have to rent the 4×4 yes that really adds up!
Amogue says
all this country are awesome I am going ti visit vietnam after the covid situation
Paula says
Maybe Nicaragua is not safe, but I think it’s way safer than Guatemala. Please, be careful if planning to travel to any of this countries. Specially women travelling alone.
Michelle says
Yes, very surprised you didn’t include Morocco! Marrakech (or Casablanca) can get expensive if you want the most luxurious accommodations/prefer gambling, but overall a very cheap country to travel. You can get around easily if you wish to visit multiple cities, for as little as $8 or so intercity. (overnight sleeper trains will cost a bit more) You can even fly from Madrid or Lisbon to Marrakech for around $100 if you know where to look 🙂
I’d say to definitely visit Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen if you are not sure where to travel. Stay in riads or hostels. Walk around the souks, and take in all the sights the cities have to offer. Getting to the desert is a little more difficult and costly, but worth the experience if it is something you have always dreamed of doing!
Kristin says
Good to know!
Catherine says
India very risky for woman, last time I went there was groped, not once but multiple times. In india get used to man staring at your cleavage, boobs and ass all the time.
Lura says
Did that happen in North India?
S says
Only in Punjab . Rest of India is very safe
Linniey???? says
Thank you for sharing… Very interesting and nice places for backpakers… South Korea is also very cheap and beautiful nature for nature lovers… ????
Tina Hallmark says
I know you are already bogged down with reply’s and on to your next adventure but I wanted to pick your brain. Myself, husband and our daughter, age 10 want to spend a month next year in another country (if all goes well, we may make it into an annual thing). We are great outdoors, we love food, we love history and love animals and we are all well traveled. We would like to pick our first month long trip for June 2022 (climate has to be below average of 85 degrees F). Basically we can’t decide on where we should go to stay around 10k for all 3 of us and how best planning for a month in a country. Any insight would be wonderful! We have thought about Bali/Philippians, Greece or Italy but I saw you mention Namibia and that sounds wonderful too!
PS We do not want to stay in hostiles.
Thank you for any information you may want to send our way!
Tina
Kristin says
I’m not sure all of those places fall under your temperature requirements but it really depends on what kind of experience you want. I think they could all be wonderful.
JJC says
Malaysia,muslim country, respectful (i cannot remember one time the call to prayers through loud speakers from the Masjid,like inTurkey ,to wake you up) ,nice roads, good infrastructures,cheap tolls on expressways,good variety of landscapes,mountains (hills as they call them) in the north, definetly mountains, to cool off, a lot of coast lines, a big variety of cuisines, prices quite reasonable overall, you can bargain ,a lot of people speak English (previously British colony of Malaya),ONLY country in south east Asia where you can buy outright a piece of land or an house or start a business without having a partner or local spouse, politically stable and quite safe, compared to the many neighbours and others places in the world. If you drink, it is widely available but heavily taxed ! And gasoline is very cheap as well but cars are not so but definitely cheaper that Singapore, world record !
Brian says
Well done
John says
Excuse me, but Georgia is not in Europe!! It is part of the Caucasus, which is in Asia. And as for Vietnam & most of southeast asia, can we say KRAITS!!! You fail to mention this very big danger…many people have gotten bitten by these snakes and died! Last but not least, that chicken or pork you get in Taiwan and China: might be DOG or CAT!!! Think about that B4 you scarf down just any streetfood!!
Kristin says
lol I don’t think they’re eating cat or dog in Taiwan and I don’t know a soul who has been bitten by that snake you mention.
suzan says
John im glad you got all your anger out on this message but no one really cares and all u did was waste everyones time thanks a lot JOHN!!
Jen says
Ukraine really?
Kristin says
Prior to the current situation it was a great place to travel, and it will be again one day.
Grace Christopher says
I would love if someone can put me through how to go about the process of applying to any of the country mentioned above. That is work visa
Nora says
Hi I am planning to travel to Greece combined with some islands. Could you please tell me more about which places and accommodations you recommend and suggest. I will be traveling with my 21 year old son .
GG says
Hi Nora: Recommend looking at this great BMYM post: 31 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Greece
It includes a huge variety of things to do which I am sure your 21 year old son would enjoy too! Also, in BMTM website, click on “Destinations” at the top of this page and pick “Greece” and it has other great resources! Good luck!
Austin A. McCary says
This article on the cheapest destinations to travel to is a goldmine of budget travel inspiration! I appreciate the thorough breakdown of affordable destinations across different continents. The inclusion of budget-friendly activities and accommodation options is incredibly helpful for planning a cost-effective trip. I’m excited to explore some of these destinations that offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource!
Mani Venkat says
Nice blog!!! Thanks for information
Cammie says
Thanks for all the great info!