Before we started traveling, we honestly thought it was impossible to see the world without having a ton of money. And yes, in some cases, that’s true. The prices of flights, hotels, restaurants and tours can add up very fast. But we found a way to see the world on a budget, traveling to cheap countries and still having unforgettable experiences. As a result, hat first trip, taken on a tight budget, turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives. That’s when we realized you don’t need a lot of money to see the world. What it takes is a bit of planning, creativity and knowing where to go.

Over the years, after countless flights, buses and hostels, we’ve learned the art of budget travel. There’s a lot to know about keeping costs low while still having an incredible time and the first step is choosing the right destination. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to some of the cheap countries to travel to right now, where your money lasts longer but where there’s still plenty of adventure to be found. Please note that the prices listed are only estimates. Prices may vary depending on season, location, exchange rates and individual choices. You can check daily average travel costs by country here.

If you want more tips about budget traveling, check out our posts Work & Travel Abroad or How to Save For Vacation. Both posts are filled with advice for seeing the world on a budget.

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15 Cheap Countries to Travel Right Now

Asia

Asia is full of cheap countries to go to and is one of the best places to travel on a budget. The cost of living is lower than in many other parts of the world and there are a lot of things to see and do with mountains, beaches, cities and islands. You can eat like a local, stay in simple guesthouses and enjoy adventures that don’t cost a lot. All this while still get an experience of a lifetime.

1. Laos

Laos is often called the cheapest country of Southeast Asia and it’s one of those places that still feels raw and authentic. It’s a perfect destination if you want a slower, more genuine travel experience away from the typical tourist routes.

Hostels and guesthouses can go for around 10$ and streetfood won’t set you back more than a few dollars. It has a relaxed pace, beautiful nature and the people are very warm and welcoming.

Top things to do include exploring Luang Prabang with its waterfalls, temples and Mount Phousi, cruising the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves and discovering Vang Vieng with the Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham Cave.

Daily costs: Budget travelers can get by on $20-40/day. For those wanting a bit more comfort can expect around $40-55/day.
Must-see spots: Luang Prabang temples, Vang Vieng tubing, Mekong river trips, Kuang Si Falls.
Best time to visit: November to February.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam is another top spot for cheap countries to travel in Asia. It’s offering cheap street food, affordable accommodation and a mix of mountains, beaches and cities that are rich in history and culture.

Eat pho and banh mi for just a couple of dollars, sleep in hostels for less than 10$ a night and take overnight buses to save on both travel time and lodging.

Some of the highlights include exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruising the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay motorbiking through northern valleys and walking the streets of Hoi An. You can find and compare cheap flights to Hanoi on Kiwi.

Daily costs: Budget travelers can manage $25-40/day, comfort seekers around $45-60/day.
Must-see spots: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Lat adventures.
Best time to visit: February to April, September to November.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia is not only about Bali and the lesser-known islands such as Lombok, Sulawesi and Flores are perfect for budget travelers. Volcanoes, jungles and beautiful beaches come at a fraction of what you’d pay in more popular spots.

Hostels and guesthouses can cost around $10-20/night, street food $2-5 and local ferries or buses will take you between islands cheaply.

Highlights include Komodo Island for diving, the rice terraces of Flores, trekking volcanoes in Java and exploring Sulawesi’s jungle villages.

Daily costs: Around $30-45/day for budget travelers, with comfort-level travel starting from about $50/day.
Must-see spots: Komodo National Park, Mount Rinjani, Flores rice terraces.
Best time to visit: May to September.

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small country full of beaches, mountains, tea plantations and wildlife that’s all affordable and easily accessible. It’s a perfect destination for travelers wanting variety without having to spend a lot.

Trains between cities are cheap and scenic. Guesthouses cost $10-20/night and local food usually costs just a few dollars per meal.

Highlights include tea-plantation train rides between Ella and Kandy, surfing along the west coast, spotting elephants in national parks and exploring ancient cities like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura.

Daily costs: Budget travelers can manage $25-40/day, comfort around $45-60/day.
Must-see spots: Ella-Kandy train, Sigiriya, Yala National Park, Mirissa beaches.
Best time to visit: December to March.

5. Nepal

Nepal is all about mountains, trekking and incredible landscapes. It’s also one of the cheapest countries in Asia for adventure travel. Tea houses, basic guesthouses and local buses make it easy to stick to a budget.

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit, exploring Kathmandu and Pokhara, or visiting Chitwan National Park are all affordable ways to experience the country. Street meals cost $2–4 and basic hostels $5–10 per night.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $20-35/day, comfort around $40-60/day.
Must-see spots: Annapurna Circuit, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park.
Best time to visit: October to November, February to April.

Europe

Europe isn’t always known for being cheap, but there are still plenty of countries where you can travel on a budget and the money goes a long way, without missing out on the charm and culture. Eastern and Southern Europe are perfect if you want mountains, coastlines and culture but don’t want to pay Western Europe prices.

6. Albania

Albania is one of Europes cheapest countries and a perfect destination if you want to experience Europe without the high prices. There is beaches, mountains and historic towns that all can be explored on a budget.

Guesthouses cost around $10-15/night, meals $5-10 and buses between towns are very cheap. Some top things to do include exploring Berat with its castle and Ottoman architecture, relaxing on the Albanian Riviera beaches, hiking the Accursed Mountains and visiting the Blue Eye spring and ancient ruins of Butrint.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $35-45/day, comfort travelers around $50-65/day.
Must-see spots: Tirana, Albanian Riviera, Accursed Mountains, Lake Komani.
Best time to visit: May to September.

7. Georgia

Georgia offers stunning mountains, historic cities and some of Europe’s cheapest wine and is perfect for budget travelers looking for both adventure and culture.

Guesthouses and small hotels cost $10-20/night, meals $3-8, and local minibuses (marshrutkas) are the best way to get around. Hike the Caucasus, explore Tbilisi’s old town and taste wine in Kakheti.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $20-35/day, comfort travelers around $40-55/day.
Must-see spots: Tbilisi, Kazbegi mountains, Kakheti wine region.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to October.

8. Slovenia

Slovenia have Alps-style landscapes at a fraction of the cost of Switzerland or Austria. It’s great for outdoor lovers with hikes, lakes and gorges all very accessible.

Hostels or small guesthouses cost $15-20/night, meals $5-15 and buses or trains make travel cheap and easy. Hike around Lake Bled, canyon in the Julian Alps or raft on white-water rivers.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $25-40/day, comfort around $45-60/day.
Must-see spots: Lake Bled, Julian Alps, Triglav National Park.
Best time to visit: June to September.

9. Romania

Romania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations and combines medieval charm with natural beauty with castles to mountains and the Black Sea coast.

Guesthouses and hostels cost around $10-20/night, meals $5-10, and local buses are very cheap. Explore Bucharest’s architecture, the fortified churches of Transylvania and hike in the Carpathian Mountains.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $25-40/day, comfort around $45-60/day.
Must-see spots: Bran Castle, Sibiu, Transfagarasan Road, Carpathian Mountains.
Best time to visit: May to September.

Central & North America

This part of the world offers a mix of things to see and do. There’s tropical beaches, historic cities, wild nature and full of volcanos. And it all can be explored at surprisingly low prices, specially if you know where to go. While some of the destinations has gotten more expensive over time, there is still a few that stands out as perfect for budget travelers.

10. Nicaragua

First off on the list is Nicaragua. It’s a perfect destination for those who want adventure and culture, without having to pay prices like in the neighbouring Costa Rica. Volcano hikes, colonial cities and beautiful islands are all cheap to experience. Check out our Nicaragua Travel Guide for more inspiration.

Guesthouses and hostels go for about $10-15/night, meals $3-7 and local buses or colectivos are the best way to travel as well as super cheap. Some of the top things to see and do include climbing volcanoes, exploring Isla Ometepe and surfing in San Juan del Sur.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $30-45/day, comfort around $50-70/day.
Must-see spots: Granada, Masaya Volcano, Ometepe Island, San Juan del Sur.
Best time to visit: November to April.

11. Mexico

Mexico is huge, diverse and very affordable if you avoid tourist traps. There is a lot to experience and cities, beaches and ruins all comes at a fraction of North American prices.

Budget-friendly hotels or hostels cost $15-25/night, meals $3-8 and buses or colectivos are cheap depending on the length of route. Visit Oaxaca for food, cenotes in the Yucatán or explore Mexico City’s history.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $30-50/day, comfort around $60-80/day.
Must-see spots: Oaxaca, Yucatán cenotes, Mexico City, Chiapas.
Best time to visit: November to April.

South America

South America is full of adventure and surprisingly affordable once you get there. From the Andes to the Amazon, you’ll find rich culture, beautiful landscapes and warm people who make you feel at home.

12. Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America, with amazing landscapes and rich culture. Salar de Uyuni, the Andes and colonial towns all come at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere.

Hostels and guesthouses cost $10-15/night, meals $3-7 and buses or colectivos are affordable. Trek the Cordillera Real, explore La Paz’s markets or get lost in the Uyuni salt flats.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $25-40/day, comfort around $45-65/day.
Must-see spots: Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Sucre.
Best time to visit: May to October.

13. Ecuador

Ecuador packs mountains, beaches and rainforest into a small, affordable country. You can trek, surf or explore colonial cities without spending a lot.

Hostels or small hotels cost $8-20/night, meals $3-8 and buses are cheap. Hike in the Andes, visit the Galápagos islands on a budget-friendly tour or enjoy Quito and Cuenca’s colonial charm.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $30-45/day, comfort around $50-70/day.
Must-see spots: Quito, Cuenca, Cotopaxi National Park, Galápagos (budget tours).
Best time to visit: June to September.

Africa

Africa is often overlooked by budget travelers, but some of its northern destinations offer incredible value. With stunning landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality, it’s possible to explore this continent without overspending.

14. Morocco

Morocco is a colorful country where your money goes far. Riads, street food, and public transport make it easy to explore on a budget.

Guesthouses (riads) cost $15-25/night, meals $3-8, and buses/trains are affordable. Explore the souks in Marrakech, hike the Atlas Mountains or relax on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $30-60/day, comfort around $60-80/day.
Must-see spots: Marrakech, Fes, Atlas Mountains, Essaouira.
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November.

15. Tunisia

Tunisia offers Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins and desert adventures, all doable without high costs. It’s a great budget destination for culture, history and coastal activities.

Hostels and small hotels cost $10-20/night, meals $3-7 and buses or shared taxis keep transport cheap. Top things to do includes exploring Carthage, the medina in Tunis or the Sahara Desert.

Daily costs: Budget travelers $25-40/day, comfort around $45-60/day.
Must-see spots: Tunis, Carthage, Sahara Desert, Sidi Bou Said.
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November.

How to Choose What Cheap Country to Travel

Choosing a destination can be tricky but there are a few things that are helpful to keep in mind when making your choice. Here are some things to consider:

• Travel style: Think about what you want, adventure, beach vacation or city visit.
• Consider costs of flights & visas: A cheap country isn’t as budget-friendly if the flight or visa costs are expensive. Make sure to check this before deciding your destination.
• Choose off-peak or shoulder season: If you want better prices and fewer people, travel in the shoulder or off-peak season. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a trip more budget-friendly.
• Check local inflation / travel trends: Prices can change quickly so make sure to keep an eye on inflation and travel trends that may affect the prices.
• Look for a balance between cost and enjoyment: The cheapest option is only worth it if you actually enjoy your time so make sure to balance your budget with enjoyment.

Practical Money-Saving Tips

When choosing cheap countries to travel, make sure to consider accommodation, food and transport costs carefully. In the end, it all comes down to your travel style and how you spend.

• Accommodation: Shared rooms, guesthouses and hostels are major saving options.
• Food: Local cafes and streetfood beat tourist menus.
• Transportation: Use public buses or shared rides to get around instead of tourist vans or taxis.
• Slow travel: Less moving = less transport cost and more local deals.
• Minimalistic travel gear: Pack lightly to avoid extra fees and be ready for rougher roads.
• Travel insurance: An absolute essential. It has saved us multiple times and protected our budget whenever unexpected problems popped up. A good option for travel insurance is the Visitors Coverage.
• Work remotely or try work&travel programs: If you want to travel longer, there are ways to support yourself on the road. Check out our posts on making money while traveling or our guide to work & travel programs for tips and tricks.
• Respect local culture & environment: Being on a budget doesn’t mean being careless. Support and respect the places you visit.

Final Thoughts

If you are on the lookout for cheap countries to travel, remember that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, t means maximizing every dollar for adventure, culture and experience. Choose a destination that excites you, follow smart budgeting practices and stay flexible with your travel style. Remember to respect local cultures and travel sustainably. Also make sure to keep a small financial buffer for unexpected expenses and take advantage of off-peak season and local transport in order to stretch your budget further. Keep in mind that costs always depend on the area and your personal travel style, the prices we mention are simply averages. With good planning, a bit of creativity and an open mind, budget travel can give you some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of your life. For more inspiration and tips, check out our post about How to Save For Vacation.