Many of us love nothing more than packing our bags and heading off around the world. Now, we could save some money, thanks to the cheapest countries in the world for traveling.
If there’s one thing that gets many of us excited, it’s the thought of packing our bags, grabbing our passport, and exploring the world. There is nothing quite like stepping off the plane and taking in a brand new nation for the first time. Thankfully, there are plenty of benefits to traveling, too. Want to learn about a new nation? Fancy trying out all the local cuisine from across the globe? Have an itch for adventure and love to try something new every day? It could be time to go traveling.
Just because many of us love to travel doesn’t mean that we can afford a vacation every year. It turns out that could be a thing of the past thanks to the cheapest countries in the world for traveling. Discovering new lands and meeting new people doesn’t always have to cost the Earth. In fact, some countries are so cheap we could find ourselves heading back time and time again as we explore everything the nation has to offer. All we need is our camera, a few clothes, and a good word with our boss to get some time off work, and it might not be long before the world is our oyster.
Kotor in Montenegro is great for people who love cats
If you want to enjoy one of the cheapest countries in the world and still have plenty to fill your time, it could be time to book some tickets to Montenegro. The city of Kotor is pretty small, as just 13,000 people call it their home, but it’s filled with plenty of amazing sights. That’s just the beginning.
The city is a mere three miles from the airport, meaning you don’t have to spend a lot on travel. Then there’s the number of cats in the Kotor as locals love to leave food and water for the felines. If that hasn’t ticked all the boxes, what about the World Heritage Site filled with the history of the area or the summer festivals that take place?
Hiking in Guatemala offers views like none other in the world
You need to be pretty fit if you want to tackle some of the hikes on offer in Guatemala. However, the views and sights you’ll encounter along the way make it all worthwhile. Plus, how many people can say they’ve hiked up an active volcano? It certainly makes for an interesting topic of conversation.
The rest of Guatemala is filled with plenty of wonder for those wanting to stay closer to sea level. The towns are filled with ancient Incan communities, while the strawberry farms, avocado orchards, and coffee plantations show off the way of life across the nation. Travelers can enjoy hotels in Guatemala for $100 or less, as well as a selection of affordable street food stalls and cafes.
Several ancient cultures have shaped Morocco throughout history
One of the main things that draws so many people to Morocco is the fact the nation is one of the cheapest countries in the world for traveling. However, it’s the diversity and incredibly rich culture that keeps people coming back time and time again. Several cultures, including the French, Spanish, and Romans, have all lived across the country throughout history.
Now, a lot of ancient influences are still seen in the architecture and culture of Morocco. Then there’s the hotels. They’re pretty cheap and should leave plenty in the budget for exploring the local towns. Don’t forget to grab a cup or two of mint tea throughout your stay – you don’t want to miss Morocco’s national drink, after all!
Turkey is filled with beautiful beaches and street bazaars
A trip to Turkey offers up just about anything you could need from a vacation. It’s filled with plenty of sights and sounds, has stunning beaches, and is cheap for traveling. That’s right; the euro and US dollar are usually pretty strong against the Turkish lira, meaning you’ll often get plenty for your money before you even step on the plane.
The city streets are typically filled with bazaars that see just about everything on offer. Just don’t forget to haggle to make sure you get the best price. Of course, it’s hard to ignore the pull of the beaches across Turkey. You’ll hardly have to spend a penny while relaxing under the sun and cooling off in the sea.
Most people get by on less than $30 a day in Bolivia
Perhaps you’ve heard that Bolivia is one of the most isolated countries on Earth? Remoteness often goes hand in hand with pricey, but that’s not the case with Bolivia. The nation is actually one of the most affordable for any traveler on a budget. You just might have to prepare to head to Peru and make the final leg of your journey from there.
Once you’re in Bolivia, the fun really begins. Lake Titicaca is often called the highest lake in the world – and it’s certainly the highest you can enjoy a boat ride. A trip to the lake makes Bolivia a must for anyone with a sense of adventure. Then comes the even better news: most people can survive on $30 or less a day.
Avoiding Bangkok makes Thailand one of the cheapest countries for traveling
Just because Thailand has become one of the hottest new tourist destinations doesn’t mean it breaks the bank. In fact, people can travel to the nation and enjoy one of the cheapest countries for traveling as long as you’re happy to stay outside of Bangkok. The further you go into the city, the more you’ll have to pay.
The same can be said for the coast of Thailand, but even this doesn’t have to be expensive. Most people can find rooms for $30 or less a night and enjoy all the amenities – and pool – for the price. If you’re willing to downgrade or want a backpacking vacation, you could enjoy a stay at a dorm for just $5 a night.
More than 17,000 islands make up the entirety of Indonesia
For many years, Bali has been the place to go in Indonesia. It was once filled with all the luxuries anyone could need from paradise, but heaps of tourists mean the beaches aren’t up to their former standard, and the island has earned a bit of a reputation. Thankfully, the same can’t be said for the rest of Indonesia.
Did you know there are 17,508 islands across the nation? To top it off, around 6,000 are inhibited. They are all filled with their unique charm, such as lush rainforest, volcanoes, and stunning beaches. That’s just the start as traveling around Indonesia – and even a vacation of island hopping – can all be achieved on a budget. Whoever would have thought?
A vacation to Fiji doesn’t always have to be expensive
When you think of Fiji, there’s a good chance you think expensive, right? While you can spend thousands of dollars on top resorts and all the luxuries, you can also enjoy a trip to the country on a budget – and you don’t have to miss out. There are several hotels and guesthouses designed for backpackers or those looking for a cheaper vacation.
Plus, a little bit of shopping around can land some pretty cheap flights. Once in Fiji, you can enjoy everything from trail hiking to snorkeling, scuba diving, and sights that are truly out of this world. The people are incredibly friendly, and a trip to Fiji really can feel like an adventure to an exotic paradise without breaking the bank.
The impressive train system makes it easy to travel around Vietnam
Southeast Asia is famous for being one of the cheapest regions for travelers. Vietnam is up there as one of the cheapest of them all. A trip to the nation offers rolling countryside and plenty of diversity. It’s also an incredible experience for anyone wanting to take their taste buds on a culinary adventure. Eating in the many cities is already pretty cheap.
However, the number of street food stalls on offer will make you wonder why you brought any money at all. Thankfully, Vietnam also has a great transport service, including the Reunification Express, a train that travels between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at plenty of cities along the way. Some tickets can be as little as just $35.
Myanmar is one of Asia’s hidden gems when it comes to cheap travel
If you’re planning a trip to Myanmar, you might want to think about using busses, hiking, or riding a bike, as navigating the country can be pretty tough otherwise. However, the small inconvenience is worth it as Myanmar is one of the most beautiful hidden gems and one of the most affordable countries for traveling.
Tourists can usually get around for less than $30 a day as they tour some of the major sights on offer. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Mandalay Palace, and the Bagan Temples are just some of the many wonders that have drawn people to Myanmar over the years. There are also plenty of religious pilgrimages throughout the year, but some inner circles are reserved for men only.
Even the cities in India are filled with cheap hotels
Everything from hotels to food and anything in between is cheap in India. The best bit? You don’t have to miss out on any of the luxuries. Guesthouses can be found for just $15 a night and come with anything we could need for a pleasant vacation.
Even some of the hotels in larger cities only reach $20 a night, meaning you don’t have to miss the action in India just to stick to your budget. One of the great things about India is that it’s so easy to get around due to the extensive train network. Some 100-mile trips cost a mere $10. A visit to India is a trip for all the senses without spending a small fortune.
Tourists can enjoy Nepal for less than $25 a day
The Himalayan Mountains are reason enough for many of us to add Nepal to the bucket list. Combine that with the fact it’s one of the most affordable countries, and it might not be long before even more of us flock to the nation. Nepal’s guesthouses can be found for $5 a night, while more luxury hotels come with a price tag of around $20 a night.
Even a bowl of Nepal’s famous Thuka only costs around $3. You don’t have to worry about booking a guide if you want to enjoy some of the thousands of miles of hiking trails available across the nation. Plenty of hikers take themselves on self-guided tours and use the tearooms to recoup and learn about the next leg of their journey.
Sri Lanka is filled with just about every type of landscape
Some of us don’t know the kind of vacation we want. Sound familiar? Sometimes, a trip to a sandy beach sounds perfect, while other times, the thought of hiking through the rainforest is what gets us excited. That’s where Sri Lanka could come in. The country is filled with just about every kind of landscape, and visitors can enjoy every inch on a budget.
Sri Lanka has a great selection of train and bus lines that cost around $2 a ticket. Here, you can travel between the mountainous terrain and the idyllic beaches at the drop of a hat. Then there is the rich culture. Plenty of people have left their mark on the land throughout history. The result? Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse.
There is more to Ecuador than just the Galapagos Islands
It can be surprising to learn that Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in the world for traveling. Still, there is a lot more to see in the country than the Galapagos Islands. Staying in Ecuador offers views of the famous islands, but it also comes with views of the Andes Mountains and plenty of rainforests.
The towns are usually filled with open-air markets that sell just about everything from produce to clothes. Even if you stay in the largest city and capital, Quito, tourists don’t need to spend more than $25 for three meals a day. Hostels are the cheapest form of accommodation at $15 a night, but even three-star hotels can be as cheap as $40 a night.
Traveling around Argentina makes it one of the most affordable countries
Visitors might have to do a little bit of research before they head to Argentina, as not all of the lodgings on offer are open at all times of the year. However, if you time things right and look for the best deals, you could soon find yourself on the adventure of a lifetime without having to spend too many pennies.
Traveling is one of the cheapest aspects of a trip to Argentina. A bus ride will usually set you back less than 50 cents. Then there’s eating out, with nice meals at good restaurants in the popular parts of the country often costing less than $15. The further you head into the countryside, the more national parks you’ll see.
Cuba is one of the cheapest countries in the Western hemisphere
Want to stay in the Western hemisphere and enjoy one of the cheapest countries in the world? It could be time to put Cuba on the map. Flights to the capital, Havana, from the US are usually cheap, and things don’t get much more expensive from the moment you land. Visitors can enjoy three-star hotels for $50 per night. On an even tighter budget?
Private rentals and hostels are even more budget-friendly. People can enjoy a number of free tourist attractions throughout Havana or rent a classic American car for $20 for a few hours. Things don’t get any more expensive when eating as private restaurants sell meals for under $7, while government-owned establishments typically set visitors back $1 a meal.
Backpackers can usually find some great deals in Mexico
Of course, you can spend a lot of money and enjoy all the luxuries of the top hotels on offer in Mexico, but it will set you back. Thankfully, there are plenty of other options for people on a budget. It’s best to avoid the large cities if you’re trying to keep hold of your money. Want to check them out without paying a huge price tag?
Car shares are common, meaning tourists can take a trip in and out of the city in just one day at a fraction of the price. Backpackers often get the best deals across the nation as they can survive on less than $20 a day. Don’t forget to sample some of the incredible street food on offer.
Moscow in Russia is one of the most affordable city breaks
Plenty of people enjoy city breaks. They can be a great way to get away and explore a country without having to break the bank. Moscow is one of the best city breaks on offer, and plenty of money-saving aspects of the area might be enough to make it even more appealing to visitors. The metro – aka the subway system – is easy, cheap, and fast to use.
Plus, it has stops at all the major museums and hotels, meaning you’re never more than a short ride away from your next adventure. Eating is another cheap aspect of Moscow as meals typically set people back $5. Don’t forget; tourists will need to buy a visa before they can travel to Russia, but once inside, everything is very affordable.
A vacation in Pakistan is affordable and great for foodies
Plenty of countries across South Asia are known for being some of the cheapest countries in the world for traveling. Pakistan is just another to add to the list. Although some people have been put off by the location over the years, several visitors say the people across Pakistan are nothing but friendly and welcoming to any visitors.
Thankfully, there are plenty of incredible things to enjoy once you’re inside the country. Most people only need $15 a day to cover their food and hotel bills, as meals normally set people back under $4. Like many countries across the continent, some of the best cuisine comes from the many street food stalls that fill the cities with their smells and taste.
Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries on Earth
There are plenty of reasons that people have vacationed to Taiwan over the years. One of the top on the list is how affordable everything is in the country. The nation is one of the most densely populated, meaning there’s never a dull moment in the cities. Hostels cost less than $25 a night, and food is easy to come by, delicious, and equally as inexpensive as everything else.
Taiwan is greeted with an impressive train network that has several high-speed routes between major cities. As if that wasn’t enough, most of the national parks are free and come with waterfalls that make it feel like you’re on another planet entirely. Taiwan is somewhere that should be on many people’s bucket lists.
Surfing in Panama is one of the biggest attractions to the nation
Who would have thought that you can travel to a Caribbean coastline paradise and still stick to your travel budget? Thankfully, a trip to Panama checks all the boxes. One half of the country is greeted by sandy beaches with gently lapping waves – perfect for anyone looking to relax. The story is very different on the other side of Panama as the waves make it a hotspot for budding surfers.
Thankfully, the official currency in the nation is the US dollar. Lodgings can often be found for $10, while meals cost just $6 or $7. One of the best ways to keep your trip to Panama as cheap as possible is to take advantage of the mass transit options available rather than relying on tours.
Traveling around Peru is incredibly cheap and offers plenty to see and do
There is far much more to see in Peru than Machu Picchu. The country is filled with deserts, lush beaches, and rainforests that offer all kinds of experiences around every corner. Some coastlines are famous for the chance to swim with dolphins, while Surfer Beach at Huanchaco is great for, you guessed it, surfing.
In fact, it’s one of the only International Surfer Reserves across the globe. If you don’t want to miss out on a trip to Machu Picchu, it’s best to shop around as travel-savvy tourists can tour the area for just $30 a day. Even the restaurants are cheap as places in Peru usually offer set menus for all three meals – with beverages – for as little as $2.
Staying away from the borders makes Ethiopia a safe and cheap option
Travel to Ethiopia is safe so long as you avoid the borders. Staying in the middle of the country means you can enjoy everything the African nation has to offer without the worry of finding yourself in trouble. Tourists can enjoy hotels for as little as $10, with most serving some of the best locally grown coffee in the world.
If you’re a fan of the pick-me-up juice, you’re in luck as coffee tends to cost just 50 cents a cup. Then comes the food. Vegetarian meals are popular and cost as little as $3, with meat options usually coming in at $1 more expensive. Be sure to check out the former home of the emperor, Gonda, for just $5.
Unrest in the nation means that Egypt is one of the cheapest countries
The civil unrest across the nation means that Egypt’s tourist industry has suffered in the last few years. However, this also means it’s one of the cheapest countries in the world for traveling as Egypt is keen to show off the huge number of ancient wonders it has on offer. Many people will feel at home as Uber is popular across the nation – and cheaper than normal taxis.
Of course, there are also the undeniably breathtaking pyramids. Tourists can enjoy the Pyramids at Giza for under $10, with other destinations fetching a similar price for tickets. Restaurant meals can be found at every turn, and street food stalls fill the gaps in between, all offering plenty of reasonably priced meals.
Macedonia is filled with everything most of us want from a European escape
Many of us want to enjoy a European getaway once or twice in our lifetime. With so much on offer across the continent, it’s not hard to see why. It turns out that a vacation to Macedonia is affordable and offers up just about everything all of us want from a vacation. The nation is filled with plenty of free museums, parks, and hiking trails for those looking to get out and about.
There’s also the freshwater beaches found along Lake Ohrid that are a sight not to be missed. Most couples can get by with $20 for a room that’s complete with a private bathroom, but staying in a hostel could cut that price in half, and just $15 for a three-course meal.
A Mediterranean getaway is affordable if you head to Albania
Although the Albanian Riviera in Albania is one of the more expensive parts of the country, it is still a lot cheaper than many other Mediterranean regions in the area. It’s filled with stunning beaches and plenty of restaurants that offer reasonably priced meals. A stay in the more expensive part of Albania costs just $30 for two, but that gets cheaper if you’re willing to stay in a hostel.
Meals tend to come in at just $10 per person, while the beaches are free and plentiful. Want to save even more money on your trip to Albania? Heading away from the tourist hotspots and into the nation’s lesser-known parts can see people enjoy hotel rooms for $30 in peak season.
Kyiv in Ukraine is one of the cheapest options for a city break
When many of us think of Ukraine, there is a good chance that Chernobyl comes to mind. Tourists wanting something darker from their travels can now head on tours to the nuclear site, but that’s not all the nation has to offer. Traveling across Ukraine is one of the cheapest aspects of the country. In fact, tourists can travel overnight with a bed from Kyiv to Odesa for just $5.
Once in Kyiv, travelers can take advantage of the city’s many affordable aspects as luxurious restaurants seldom charge more than $15 for a meal. Hotel rooms are equally as affordable as people can stay in fancy accommodation for as little as $20 a night. Did someone say “city break on a budget”?
Waiting for the off-season makes traveling to Greece more affordable than ever
There are plenty of islands that make up Greece. Now, you can stick to the mainland, enjoy plenty of history from across the nation, and still enjoy your vacation. Athens is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world, and every inch is filled with another story from the past. Traveling between fall and spring offers the best deals for travelers on a budget.
Here, you can enjoy up to six attractions, including the Ruins of Acropolis, for as little as $30. The street food stalls usually serve the Greek dish gyros, a delicious way to fill up between your adventures and save some money all at the same time. Off-season travel to Greece is more affordable than many realize.
Travelers only need $30 a day to enjoy everything across Estonia
Did you know that Wi-Fi is offered across Estonia for free? That’s right, gathering places, businesses, urban parks, and buses all come with their own Wi-Fi, meaning you can research your next adventure without having to hunt down an internet cafe or spend hundreds on your phone bill. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is filled with some incredible sights.
Visitors can get by with just $10 or $12 for food, but money-savvy travelers can cut that down even more. Many travelers can get around for $1 a day thanks to tickets with unlimited rides, and public sites usually cost less than $5 for entry. Even with less than $30 a day to spend, travelers can enjoy everything Estonia has to offer.
The diversity in South Africa makes it a must for keen travelers
It can be easy to think we need to save up thousands of dollars for the adventure of a lifetime. However, a vacation to South Africa doesn’t always have to break the bank. It turns out the nation is one of the most affordable countries for traveling in the world thanks to the thriving tourist industry. There are plenty of animals that call South Africa their home.
This means you could be introduced to some incredible natural wonders. Traveling is also cheap as tourists can pick up rental cars – and insurance – for as little as $20 a day. Want something a little different? Tiffindell Ski Resort offers snow skiing at all times of the year – an adventure like no other.
