Cheapest Countries to Visit

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing amazing experiences. Many countries offer affordable travel options without compromising on rich culture, lush landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. Let’s explore some of the cheapest countries to visit.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a top destination for budget travelers. Accommodation is incredibly affordable, with hostels and budget hotels priced from $5-$15 per night. Street food, a centerpiece of Vietnamese culture, often costs less than $2 per meal. Key attractions like Ha Long Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An are accessible with modest entry fees. Public transportation, especially buses and trains, is both cheap and efficient.

India

India offers vast diversity in experiences, from bustling cities to tranquil villages. Budget accommodations range from $5-$15 per night. Eating at local eateries or street stalls can cost as little as $1-$3 per meal. Iconic sites like the Taj Mahal have low entrance fees for locals and slightly higher fees for foreigners, yet still affordable. Trains and buses provide a cost-effective way to cover long distances.

Nepal

Nepal, home of the Himalayas, is a paradise for budget travelers. Hostels and guesthouses cost between $3-$10 per night. A common meal at a local restaurant might cost around $2-$5. Treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp can be done relatively inexpensively if you avoid tour packages and organize things yourself. Domestic transportation is also quite affordable.

Bolivia

Bolivia is a hidden gem in South America. Basic accommodations cost $8-$15 per night. Bolivian cuisine is hearty and cheap, with meals from street vendors costing around $1-$3. Attractions such as the Uyuni Salt Flats provide unique experiences at reasonable tour prices. Travel around the country is affordable with extensive bus routes connecting major cities and tourist spots.

Indonesia

Indonesia, particularly Bali, has become increasingly popular among budget travelers. Hostels and guesthouses start at around $5-$15 per night. Traditional Indonesian foods, such as Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng, are available from street vendors at an average cost of $1-$3. Exploring Bali’s many temples, beaches, and rice paddies can be low-cost, especially if renting a scooter for transport.

Ukraine

Ukraine offers rich history and culture at an affordable price. Accommodation ranges from $5-$15 per night. Local Ukrainian dishes such as borscht or pierogies are available for $1-$3 per meal. Public transportation, including metro and buses, is cheap and covers extensive routes across cities. Historical sites and museums charge modest entry fees.

Cambodia

Cambodia is known for its fascinating history and budget-friendly travel options. Hostel prices start from $3-$10 per night. Street food, including the famous Khmer noodles, typically costs around $1-$2 per dish. Entry to the world-renowned Angkor Wat and other temples is more expensive, but still within reach for budget travelers. Local transportation, such as tuk-tuks, offer affordable and accessible travel within cities.

Laos

Laos remains one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia. Hostel prices are generally between $5-$15 per night. Eating local dishes like Larb or sticky rice at street markets can cost just $1-$3 per meal. Visiting natural attractions like the Kuang Si Falls involves minimal fees. Buses and river ferries provide economical means of transportation along key routes.

Georgia

Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers affordable travel experiences. Budget accommodation ranges from $5-$15 per night. Traditional Georgian meals, such as khachapuri, can be enjoyed for approximately $1-$3. Public transportation, which includes marshrutkas (minibuses), is cheap and covers various routes. Visiting historical sites and enjoying mountain treks often require little to no fees.

Mexico

Mexico provides a range of affordable travel options. Hostel prices generally range from $8-$15 per night. Mexican street food, such as tacos, can be found for as low as $1. Many cultural and natural attractions, including cenotes and ancient ruins, charge modest entry fees. Public transportation, like buses and colectivos, is cheap and accessible.

Morocco

Morocco offers exotic experiences at budget-friendly prices. Accommodation in budget hotels or hostels can cost between $5-$15 per night. Enjoying Moroccan street food, such as tagine or couscous, usually costs $1-$3 per meal. Visiting souks, medinas, and historical sites often involves small fees. Trains and buses provide affordable means to explore different regions.

Serbia

Serbia is an increasingly popular destination for budget travelers. Hostel prices range from $5-$15 per night. Local food, including cevapi or burek, is available for $1-$3. Many historical sites and museums have minimal entry fees. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, is economical and connects well to major destinations within the country.

Philippines

The Philippines offers affordable island adventures. Hostel prices typically range from $5-$15 per night. Filipino street food, like adobo or lumpia, costs around $1-$3 per meal. Island hopping tours and snorkeling trips are available at reasonable prices. Transport between islands is affordable with ferries and budget airlines.

Peru

Peru is rich in history and offers budget travel options. Hostel costs range from $5-$15 per night. Enjoying local fare, such as ceviche or lomo saltado, costs around $1-$3 per meal. While Machu Picchu entry tickets are on the higher side, many other remarkable sites have low entrance fees. Buses are the most economical way to travel long distances within the country.

Albania

Albania remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for budget travelers. Hostel and budget hotel prices range from $10-$15 per night. Local food, like Byrek or Tavë Kosi, is available for $1-$3. Visiting beaches, mountains, and historical ruins often involves little to no fees. Public transportation, including buses and furgons (vans), are cost-effective ways to explore.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, and these countries offer some of the richest experiences for those on a budget. From historical wonders to natural beauties, these destinations provide adventures and memories without breaking the bank.