Traveling the world doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Some of the best adventures are found in places where your money stretches further! Based on my own experiences and those of fellow budget travelers, here are 40 of the cheapest countries to travel to, along with some insider tips to keep your costs down.
Budget Hacks for Cheap Travel
- Travel in the off-season – Prices drop drastically.
- Use public transport – Trains, buses, and shared taxis save a ton.
- Eat where locals eat – Street food and markets are cheaper and tastier!
- Book accommodations wisely – Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels help keep costs low.
- Use travel apps – Apps like Skyscanner and Rome2Rio help find cheaper routes.
- Stay longer in fewer places – Moving around less reduces transport costs.
For the best hotel deals, I usually check Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo to find affordable stays that fit my budget.
Asia
- Vietnam – Street food like banh mi and pho costs less than £2. Use sleeper buses to save on transport and a night’s stay.
- Thailand – Hostels in Chiang Mai can be under £5. Eat at night markets and use songthaews instead of taxis.
- Indonesia – Bali can be pricey, but head to Lombok for cheaper stays and fewer crowds.
- India – Trains are dirt cheap. Stick to local thalis for meals under £1.
- Nepal – Trekking permits are affordable, and food is cheap in local tea houses.
- Cambodia – Siem Reap’s hostels cost as little as £3 a night. The Angkor Wat pass is a worthy splurge.
- Philippines – Island-hopping on a budget is possible—use local ferries instead of flights.
- Sri Lanka – Public transport costs cents. Stay in family-run guesthouses.
- Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur has cheap public transport and delicious hawker food.
- Laos – Rent a motorbike in Vang Vieng and explore for just a few dollars a day.
Europe
- Ukraine – Kyiv has hostels under £10, and street food like borscht is filling and cheap.
- Albania – Beaches as beautiful as Greece but at a fraction of the price.
- Serbia – Belgrade is a party hub with budget-friendly accommodations.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – Eat cevapi for cheap and explore Mostar’s old town.
- Romania – Use BlaBlaCar for cheap transport. Bran Castle is a must-see!
- Bulgaria – Sofia’s free walking tours make sightseeing affordable.
- Georgia – Tbilisi offers cheap food and amazing local wine.
- Montenegro – Hike the Bay of Kotor for free stunning views.
- Moldova – The least-visited country in Europe, meaning low prices!
- North Macedonia – Lake Ohrid is breathtaking and budget-friendly.
South America
- Bolivia – Salar de Uyuni tours are affordable. Night buses save on accommodation.
- Peru – Skip Machu Picchu’s high fees and visit Choquequirao instead.
- Ecuador – Public buses cost less than £1 per ride.
- Colombia – Medellín’s metro is cheap and efficient. Free walking tours are excellent.
- Paraguay – Cheaper than Argentina but with similar charm.
- Nicaragua – Free volcano hikes and £1 street food make it a budget dream.
- Guatemala – Antigua’s hostels are cheap, and Lake Atitlán is paradise.
- Mexico – Stick to central and southern regions for cheaper stays.
- Honduras – The Bay Islands offer budget diving options.
- El Salvador – Surf towns like El Tunco have affordable beachside stays.
Africa & Middle East
- Egypt – Visit in the off-season for fewer crowds and cheaper rates.
- Morocco – Riads can be inexpensive if you book outside major tourist hubs.
- South Africa – Hostels in Cape Town are affordable, and safaris can be done on a budget.
- Tunisia – Djerba Island is a hidden, cheap gem.
- Turkey – Street food like simit and kebabs keep costs low.
- Jordan – Get the Jordan Pass for visa and entry discounts.
- Madagascar – Public transport is chaotic but very cheap.
- Ethiopia – Local dishes cost less than £2, and hiking in Lalibela is free.
- Sudan – Friendly locals and super low-cost meals.
- Pakistan – Northern areas are budget-friendly, and bus rides are a steal.
Got a favorite budget-friendly destination? Drop it in the comments!
Happy Travels,
BG Explores xx