Traveling around the world on a budget is possible if you know which destinations offer affordable accommodation, food, and activities. There are plenty of countries where your money can go further without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience. Below are some of the cheapest countries to visit, where you can enjoy rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations. The country offers stunning landscapes, delicious food, and rich culture at very budget-friendly prices.
- Accommodation: Budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses can be found for as low as $5–$10 per night.
- Food: Street food is an iconic part of Vietnamese culture and costs as little as $1–$3 per meal.
- Transportation: Travel around the country is cheap, with buses, trains, and domestic flights available at very affordable rates.
- Top attractions: Ha Long Bay, Hanoi Old Quarter, Phong Nha National Park, and the Mekong Delta.
2. Thailand
Thailand is a dream destination for budget travelers due to its diverse experiences, from bustling cities to serene beaches.
- Accommodation: Dorms and budget hotels start at around $10 per night, while mid-range accommodations are just a bit more expensive.
- Food: You can enjoy delicious street food for as little as $2–$4 per meal. Thai cuisine is flavorful, varied, and widely available.
- Transportation: Public transportation like tuk-tuks, trains, and buses are very affordable, and domestic flights to various parts of the country are cheap.
- Top attractions: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ayutthaya, and the Phi Phi Islands.
3. Indonesia
Indonesia, with its islands and vibrant culture, offers an incredible range of travel experiences for those on a budget.
- Accommodation: Dormitory-style hostels and simple guesthouses cost as little as $5 per night.
- Food: Indonesian food is flavorful, and street food options cost around $2–$3 per meal.
- Transportation: Budget airlines make inter-island travel affordable, and local transportation (buses, trains, and ferries) is cheap.
- Top attractions: Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Ubud, and Komodo National Park.
4. Cambodia
Cambodia is a budget-friendly destination, offering rich history, ancient temples, and beautiful landscapes without the high prices of other Southeast Asian countries.
- Accommodation: Hostel beds and guesthouses are available for $5–$10 per night.
- Food: Street food and local restaurants offer meals for $2–$4.
- Transportation: Buses and tuk-tuks are inexpensive, making travel between cities affordable.
- Top attractions: Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the Killing Fields.
5. Mexico
Mexico is a diverse country with everything from bustling cities and beaches to lush jungles and charming colonial towns, all at very affordable prices.
- Accommodation: Hostels and budget hotels range from $10–$15 per night.
- Food: Street tacos and local dishes are incredibly cheap, with meals often costing $2–$5.
- Transportation: Public buses, taxis, and local flights are very inexpensive. Renting a car can also be a budget-friendly option.
- Top attractions: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tulum, Chichen Itza, and the beaches of Playa del Carmen.
6. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, offering a mix of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historical sites.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels can be found for $10–$20 per night.
- Food: Traditional Bulgarian dishes in restaurants or from street vendors cost around $3–$7 per meal.
- Transportation: Public transport in cities is very affordable, and Bulgaria’s rail network offers low-cost travel options.
- Top attractions: Sofia, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery, and the Black Sea coast.
7. India
India is known for being an incredibly affordable destination, with countless experiences available for all types of travelers.
- Accommodation: Budget accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and simple hotels start at just $5–$10 per night.
- Food: Indian street food is one of the best in the world and costs as little as $1–$3 per meal.
- Transportation: The extensive train network offers cheap travel options, and buses and rickshaws are also very affordable.
- Top attractions: The Taj Mahal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Varanasi, and the Himalayan foothills.
8. Nepal
Nepal is an ideal destination for budget travelers, especially those interested in trekking and exploring nature.
- Accommodation: Dormitory beds and guesthouses can be found for as low as $5–$10 per night.
- Food: Local meals and street food are available for $2–$5.
- Transportation: Nepal’s public transportation system is cheap, with buses and taxis being the most common options.
- Top attractions: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Everest Base Camp trek, and Chitwan National Park.
9. Georgia
Georgia, located in the Caucasus region, offers breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and a low-cost travel experience.
- Accommodation: Budget hostels and guesthouses typically range from $10–$20 per night.
- Food: Traditional Georgian food is hearty and affordable, with meals costing around $4–$8.
- Transportation: Public transport and local taxis are very affordable, and trains offer low-cost options for traveling around the country.
- Top attractions: Tbilisi, Batumi, Uplistsikhe, and the wine regions of Kakheti.
10. Portugal
Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, offering stunning coastlines, historic cities, and delicious food at affordable prices.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels range from $15–$30 per night.
- Food: Traditional Portuguese meals at local restaurants cost around $8–$15.
- Transportation: Public transport is cheap, and regional trains are affordable for traveling between cities.
- Top attractions: Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, the Algarve coast, and Madeira.
11. Romania
Romania is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, known for its medieval castles, charming villages, and low cost of living.
- Accommodation: Budget hostels and guesthouses cost around $10–$20 per night.
- Food: Traditional Romanian meals are available for $5–$10 at local restaurants.
- Transportation: Public transport is inexpensive, and buses and trains connect most cities at low rates.
- Top attractions: Bucharest, Transylvania, Peles Castle, and the Carpathian Mountains.
12. Colombia
Colombia is an affordable and vibrant destination, offering a mix of city life, stunning beaches, and lush rainforests.
- Accommodation: Hostels and budget hotels are available for $10–$20 per night.
- Food: Street food and local dishes can be found for $2–$5 per meal.
- Transportation: Public transport is cheap, and buses offer affordable long-distance travel options.
- Top attractions: Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, and the Coffee Triangle.
