26 Amazingly Cheap Places You Should Travel to in 2026

Whether you're seeking a wild backpacking adventure or a chill beach on a budget, these are my top picks...

by Marek Bron

Founder of Indie Traveller

May contain affiliate links. See disclosure & policies.

If you’re looking for some affordable destinations to put on your travel list for 2026, then I’ve got some perfect suggestions for you!

Even as a diehard budget traveller, it’s not just low prices that guide me, however. I look for destinations that are also safe and have a wide array of exciting experiences.

I mean, sure, Venezuela is cheap… but hyperinflation, kidnapping, and the threat of conflict surely makes the average traveler uneager to hop onto the first plane to Caracas. What we’re looking for here is “cheap, but for the right reasons”.

In this list, I’ve included destinations I’ve traveled extensively, plus a few I’m planning to visit in 2026 that offer exceptional value right now.

 

What I love about budget travel destinations is that they can make your trip decisions so much less agonizing, giving you a greater sense of freedom. Realizing just how far your Dollars, Euros, or Pounds can go in cheaper countries can be eye-opening. In many countries, it’s very doable to spend around $35 to $50 on all your travel expenses per person per day.

For the price of a single restaurant meal in, say, London or New York, you could be covering a whole day’s worth of traveling in cheap countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico, or Morocco — to name just a few.

Here are some ideas…

Quick answers — cheap countries to travel

Cheap countries in (and near) Europe:
Bulgaria, Romania, Baltic States, Albania, Bosnia, Georgia

Cheap countries in Asia:
Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Sri Lanka

Cheap countries in the Americas:
Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Bolivia

Cheap countries in Africa:
Morocco, Cape Verde, Egypt

Cheap & easy beach holidays:
Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia

Some classic backpacker bargains:
Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam

Awesome cultural/adventure destinations:
Colombia, Romania, Laos, Bolivia, Albania, Nicaragua

1. Vietnam

To some, this pick might not be surprising. Among backpackers Vietnam has long been known as a classic on the Southeast Asia travel trail.

But lately, Vietnam is getting (re)discovered in a major way. It’s now mainly digital nomads singing its praises: visa reforms made long stays easier, while the highly liveable seaside city of Da Nang has put Central Vietnam in the spotlight with its low prices and clean air. Budget breakdowns of Vietnam have been all over social media lately — and justifiably so!

boat carrying passengers on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, Vietnam

An economic boom has made Vietnam more developed while prices have stayed highly attractive, broadening its tourism appeal. Upscale experiences are there if you want them, though you can also easily spend as little as $25-$30 per day as a budget traveler.

Eat local and you’ll struggle to spend more than a few dollars per meal, while locally brewed beers may cost as little as $0.25 a glass. Hotel rooms offer incredible value; as little as $14 per night will get you a clean and comfortable place to stay. Digital nomads will boast of apartment rentals of around $500/month in Da Nang.

 

While I’d point first to Thailand or Indonesia if you’re looking just for dreamy beaches, Vietnam excels as a cultural and adventure travel hub. We’ve recently created many guides to Vietnam (and one of our team members is based there), so dive in to see if this will be your next trip…

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day
Mid-range Budget: $50 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-Mar, shoulder season Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct 

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All Vietnam Guides

2. Albania

This small Balkan country has been trending lately, though with tiktoks and reels usually focusing on Ksamil, a scenic beach town somewhat unconvincingly compared to the Maldives.

But while prices in Ksamil can be extremely high even by Western European standards, the rest of the country remains highly affordable. In 2025, I paid around $5 for basic local meals, around $10 for a traditional meal in a tourist restaurant, and around $35 a night for a simple apartment or room. Hostel dorm beds usually cost around $11-$14 per night.

aerial view of Gjipe Beach near Himare, Albania

Albania’s time in the spotlight might make you worry about overtourism, but apart from a few Insta-famous places, Albania remains underexplored. When I re-visited in summer 2025, despite the hype, I found almost no tourist crowds.

 

Beyond the viral eye-candy of Ksamil, Albania is blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean coastline — but I think the real secrets are its quirky capital, well-preserved Ottoman-era towns, and beautiful Alps. On my revisit I went to the newly established Vjosa Wild River National Park, which now fully protects one of the last wild rivers in Europe. It’s an incredible under-the-radar place for river rafting, canyon hiking, and hot springs.

Backpacker Budget: $35 a day
Mid-range Budget: $55 a day
When to go: peak season Jul-Aug — shoulder season Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct

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All Albania Guides

3. Bolivia

For some travelers, there is a new reason to put Bolivia on the list: in 2026 Bolivia will finally scrap the $160 visa requirement for Americans (and several other nationalities).

As a European I could already enter Bolivia visa-free, but now more travellers will enjoy this priveledge. This has instantly made Bolivia amore attractive destination, including for quick side-trips from Peru. Visa costs aside, it was already South America’s ultimate budget destination, where you can get by on a basic budget of about $25 a day.

landscape of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia

This landlocked country is often overlooked in favor of other destinations with beaches, but this mountainous country has so much to offer — such as the world’s highest lake Titicaca, and the jaw-dropping and otherworldly salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. With its remote feel and sense of adventure, it’s one of my favorite backpacker destinations in South America.

Not many airlines fly direct to Bolivia, but it combines well with neighboring Peru, where the capital Lima is well connected internationally.

Backpacker Budget: $25-$30 a day
Mid-range Budget: $50 a day

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4. Bulgaria

Perhaps Bulgaria is not on your radar yet, since it’s not an overly promoted destination. It honestly wasn’t on mine — but then I went, I realized what I’d been missing out on!

Not only is it one of Europe’s best travel bargains, but it’s bursting with culture, history, and authenticity. And it’s one of the most affordable countries to boot.

the inner courtyard of the Rila Monastery in Bulgaria

For a taste of what you can experience, check out my cinematic travel vlog, where I take you on a journey through the heart of Bulgaria:

Bulgaria isn’t just beach tourism on the Black Sea. On my trip, I actually didn’t get around to visiting the coast because I had my hands absolutely full with exploring the interior. I loved ancient sites like Belogradchik fortress and Rila Monastery, visiting epic caverns where light rays burst through the ceilings, and spending time in charming Plovdiv — the oldest city in Europe.

Backpacker Budget: $40 a day
Mid-range Budget: $70 a day
When to go: spring, summer, fall

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5. Mexico

Mexico isn’t as attractive against Western currencies as it used to be: whereas last year you could still often get 20 pesos for a dollar at peak, this is currently nearing 18.

However, Mexico remains an inherently affordable destination. The relatively short travel distances also reduce the initial flight costs for North Americans, and even for Europeans like me it’s relatively easy to get to Mexico thanks to affordable flights to Cancun (e.g. as low as $644 return from London, Madrid, or Frankfurt).

a shot of El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza, mexico

The key thing to know is that many popular places in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun and Tulum, are priced essentially at ‘Western’ levels as they are geared entirely towards tourists. Tulum even got so expensive that tourism there collapsed in 2025 with some of the lowest-ever occupancy rates (which makes me wonder if Tulum may start lowering prices).

For greater affordability, look beyond the beach tourism hotspots. Head inland from Cancun to Merida or Bacalar, or go on a cultural trip to Mexico City, Puebla, or Oaxaca — just to name two ideas in areas that are overall safe.

For a deep dive on where to travel in Mexico and what to expect, don’t miss my vlog — and check out my YouTube Mexico playlist for a lot of travel guides!

Backpacker Budget: $40 a day
Mid-range Budget: $65 a day
When to go: peak season Jun-Sep, Jan — shoulder season Oct-Nov, Apr-May

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All Mexico Guides

6. Morocco

Having revisited in 2025, I’m reminded again of how Morocco is an affordable destination that’s just a stone’s throw from Europe.

The key to staying on budget? Steer clear of the pushy salesmen trying to sell you overpriced rugs and trinkets! But unless you go shopping every day in the souks where everything is very tourist-priced, you can still travel in Morocco without breaking the bank.

landscape shot of the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou in Morocco
The ancient fortified village of Aït Benhaddou

For great value accommodation with a bit of luxury, consider staying in some of the iconic riads—traditional hotels with garden courtyards offering a pleasant relief from the buzzing city streets. Riads come in all shapes and sizes; I found a budget option for $46/night in central Marrakech.

 

While Morocco poses some challenges (e.g. touts and pushy salesmen), I love this “country of colors” where you can experience bustling cities and forgotten landscapes. They say the Sahara has more grains of sand than there are stars in the universe, which is a wonderful idea to contemplate while you’re camping under a clear Milky Way sky in the middle of the Moroccan desert.

Backpacker Budget: $40 a day
Mid-range Budget: $60 a day

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All Morocco Guides

7. Indonesia

Indonesia can be an extremely affordable destination for Westerners, as I was reminded again as I revisited it for a 6-week trip in late 2024.

While Bali has always been the clear favorite island, it’s increasingly regarded as overtouristed. It’s still a good place to go for an affordable and easy trip, but if you’re seeking more calm and authenticity you might have to look elsewhere.

Aerial view of the Togean Islands shwoing a sandy beach with anchored boats, and tropical resort buildings

Luckily, the Indonesian archipelago is enormous — and Bali just a tiny speck! — so there is much more to discover. Almost everywhere outside Bali will also be much cheaper to travel.

Consider Bali’s neighboring islands of Lombok and Java, the spectacular Komodo islands and rural Flores, or go further into Sumatra or Sulawesi.

 

My most recent trip was to Sulawesi where about 10 EUR or 12 USD per night for a guesthouse or homestay with AC is the norm. With meals like a stir fry in a casual restaurant often only costing somewhere around $2 to $2.50, you don’t have to dig very deep in your wallet here.

From white sand beaches to jungles and savannahs, and from blue flame spewing volcanoes to remote rainforests where you can meet orangutans in the wild — Indonesia is a budget traveler’s dream.

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day 
Mid-range Budget: $50 a day
When to go: peak season Jun-Sep, shoulder season Mar-May & Oct-Nov

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All Indonesia Guides

8. Bosnia-Herzegovina

a view of the historic city of Mostar dominated by the Neretva River

Most people still associate Bosnia mainly with the war that took place there — checks calendar — an entire thirty years ago. But this Balkan country next to Croatia has gotten back on its feet and has so much to show you if you give it a chance.

The Medieval town of Mostar is a real highlight, its iconic bridge once connecting trade routes going as far as Venice and Constantinople. I was also impressed by the capital Sarajevo, which has such genuine warmth, interesting architecture, and a wonderful historic quarter. It’s delightfully budget-friendly and one of the truly underrated capitals of Europe.

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day
Mid-range Budget: $50 a day
When to go: peak season Jul-Aug, shoulder season May-Jun and Sep

READ MORE

 

9. Thailand

aerial view of the twin bays and limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand with people comtemplating the view on the foreground
The twin bays of Koh Phi Phi — Tonsai and Loh Dalum

The famously tourist-friendly Thailand is known mostly for its islands and beaches, which can be decent value if you know where to go (e.g. avoid Phi Phi Island if you wish to spare your wallet). But for the best prices, make your way to the northern Chiang Mai region and you’ll be in budget travel heaven.

 

Amid the rice fields, Buddhist temples, and hill tribes you can find some of the best-value accommodation anywhere—whether you’re looking for a backpacker dorm bed (from $6 per night) or a quality hotel with a swimming pool (from $35).

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day (inland)
Mid-range Budget: $50-$60 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-Feb — shoulder season Apr-Jun, Oct

READ MORE:

All Thailand guides

10. Colombia

Colombia remains one of the most affordable destinations in South America. It also happens to be an amazing country to travel (and no, these days it’s luckily nothing at all like Netflix’ Narcos, a show that is set over 50 years ago!).

preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of Barichara, Colombia
Barichara, often called the prettiest town in Colombia

You can find a bit of everything within Colombia, having both a Pacific and Atlantic coast, the Amazon rainforest, and the start of the Andes mountain range. Add to this the buzzing cities of Medellín and Bogota, and the warmth of Colombians and their vibrant culture, and you’ve got one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations in the Americas.

Although markedly safer than its past reputation suggests, travelers should still read safety tips before going. While some border regions of Colombia are still best avoided, the welcoming north coast and coffee zone are among the regions that tourists rave about.

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day
Mid-range Budget: $50 a day
When to go: peak season Dec-Mar — shoulder season Jul-Sep

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All COlombia guides

11. Egypt

I must confess that I have long held off on visiting Egypt, simply as word from the travel community focuses consistently on the sheer hassle involved at key sites unless accompanied by a guide. However, I’m strongly being tempted now for two reasons: the pound devaluation has made Egypt incredibly cheap and the Grand Egyptian Museum has at last opened its doors.

Ramses II from The Grand Egyptian Museum GEM, an archaeological museum under construction in Giza, Egypt, near the Giza pyramid complex, Giza Museum of Ancient Egypt
Ramses II from The Grand Egyptian Museum GEM (Tamer_Soliman/DepositPhotos)

Let’s face it: the Pyramids of Giza will forever be a bucket list item, and now that Egypt is particularly good value perhaps it’s time to tick it off the list. The opening in late 2025 of the GEM — said to be the world’s largest archeological museum — gives a new impetus to go.

 

Besides the big cultural attractions, laidback Dahab equally has caught my attention for its windsurfing and scuba diving sites. My mouse cursor is hovering over that ‘book flight’ button.

12. Cambodia

Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the cheapest country in Southeast Asia

Some visit Cambodia almost solely for Angkor Wat — a vast temple complex that was once the heart of the ancient Khmer empire. The sprawling archeological site is definitely stunning and highly worth a visit.

But there is much more to Cambodia, from the gentle town of Kratie along the Mekong River, to the unspoiled jungles of the Cardamom Mountains and the laidback island of Koh Rong Sanloem. Happily, it’s also one of the cheapest destinations in Asia.

Backpacker Budget: $25 a day
Mid-range Budget: $45 a day
When to go: peak season Dec-Feb, shoulder season Apr-May, Nov

READ MORE

All Cambodia guides
 

13. Sri Lanka

I had grand plans for a trip through Sri Lanka that were unfortunately swallowed up by the pandemic. The economic crises in 2022 put my plans further on ice. But as the situation has calmed and tourism has rebounded, I’m putting Sri Lanka back on my to-go list.

Train winding on a hillside track among tea plantations at Sri Lanka
Along the Kandy to Ella train route, one of the world’s most scenic train rides (AlexGukBO/DepositPhotos)

Yes, there is that one scenic train ride to Ella that became an Instagram staple a few years ago. But what has always attracted me to Sri Lanka are the iconic locations like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the diverse opportunities for wildlife-spotting, and the promise of tropical beaches that are less developed than the likes of Thailand.

To top it off, the current weakness of the rupee makes it exceptional value. Travel friends reported paying restaurant meals costing around $3 and $25 per night for a budget guesthouse. I may well be taking tuk-tuks around Sri Lanka in 2026.

14. Transylvania

There’s a reason the above header says Transylvania and not Romania, of which it is a region: many people simply dismiss the country out of hand.

But they don’t just know what they’re missing!

cobblestone pedestrian street in the old town of Brașov, Transylvania
The colorful old town of Brasov

This Eastern European country is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Just like the Dracula it inspired, the spectacular Transylvania region has a whole lot for you to sink your teeth in. Consider its cute medieval towns, ancient fortified churches, and mighty Carpathian mountain range. It’s perfect for a spring or summer trip, but equally enchanting in winter, with low-cost ski resorts and snow-covered castles.

 

You can easily get by on a backpacker budget of about $30 – $40 a day in Romania. If you’re on more of a holiday, you can find cute B&Bs starting at $30/night.

Backpacker Budget: $40 a day
Mid-range Budget: $60 a day
When to go: peak season Jun-Aug – shoulder season Apr-May, Sep-Oct

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15. El Salvador

Wait, isn’t El Salvador supposed to be a crime-ridden no-go-zone?

Not so fast!

While this used to be true, a controversial but admittedly effective crackdown on gangs in 2022 and 2023 has completely transformed the security situation. El Salvador’s crime rates dropped as much as twenty-fold, putting it almost on par with the USA.

Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano trail with a stunning view of Izalco Volcano in El Salvador
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano trail with a stunning view of Izalco Volcano
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Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano trail with a stunning view of Izalco Volcano in El Salvador

This has granted the bite-size country a “see it before word gets out” status, with backpackers and budget travellers blazing the trail.

From surfer beaches to epic volanoes and charming colonial towns, El Salvador has some great sights, while having some of the lowest costs in Central America.

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day
Mid-range Budget: $45 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-Mar

 

16. Argentina

You may question why Argentina is on this list. President Javier Milei’s economic reforms have strengthened the peso, which pushed up prices and caused a 25% drop in tourism arrivals in the first half of 2025. Some travelers report prices exceeding those in Europe.

However….

Argentina is secretly still highly affordable in specific regions. While the capital Buenos Aires and the trekking hubs in Patagonia are maybe not the best bargains right now, there are other options.

cascades and lush tropical scenery of Iguazu Falls, Argentina

I’ve been planning a revisit of Argentina focusing on the northwest. In places like Jujuy, Salta, or Tucuman you can enjoy European-like levels of development but with prices well below those of Spain. Private rooms start around $20 these smaller cities.

Yes, Argentina is still budget-friendly, though costs vary dramatically by region. This might be the ideal time to switch expensive Patagonia for the lush cloud forests, expansive salt flats, and high-altitude deserts of the north.

Backpacker Budget: $50 a day
Mid-range Budget: $70 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-Feb, shoulder season Sep-Oct, Mar-May

17. Cape Verde

Can an entire country be labelled a ‘hidden gem’? If so, then I would nominate Cape Verde!

This small archipelago off the coast of Africa is little-known but oh-so beautiful. For inexpensive resort holidays, the island of Sal has you covered. For culture and nature, it’s all about Mindelo and the magnificent island of Santo Antao. Here, I had some of my favorite hikes ever!

misty, terraced mountains of Santo Antão, Cape Verde
Misty, terraced mountains of Santo Antão

Cape Verde offers good value for money, while also being safe and fairly well-developed (in contrast mainland West Africa). I spent about $45 a day as a budget traveler, staying in B&Bs and eating the local food. Don’t miss my 7 reasons why you should travel to Cape Verde.

 

Backpacker Budget: $45 a day
Mid-range Budget: $70 a day
When: peak season Dec-Jan, Jun-Sep — shoulder season Feb-Apr, Sep-Nov

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18. Nicaragua

You can think of Nicaragua as the budget version of Costa Rica. While the neighboring country has a less developed tourism industry, you can have many experiences similar to Costa Rica but at just a third or less of the price.

Blue bus on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, with a view of Concepción Volcano

Bite-sized Nicaragua packs a punch, with surfer towns along the Pacific coast, the beautiful colonial towns of Granada and Leon, great jungle and volcano treks, and the beautiful volcanic island-inside-a-lake of Ometepe.

Backpacker Budget: $30 a day
Mid-range Budget: $40 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-May

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19. Laos

Think of Laos as Thailand but without the mass tourism. It’s sparsely populated, mountainous, and has nearly 70% forest coverage, making it a paradise for outdoor activities like trekking, climbing, kayaking, zip-lining, and hot air ballooning — all at budget prices.

A sunset cruise on the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos

Thanks to improved infrastructure Laos has become more accessible in recent years while retaining its low-key rural vibe. That makes now the perfect time to go. If you want to escape the crowds and crave some authenticity, skip the Thai beaches and go to Laos. You won’t regret it.

Don’t miss sleeping in tree huts and zip-lining through the jungle canopy at the infamous Gibbon Experience, or Laos’ most epic waterfalls in the Bolaven Plateau.

Backpacker Budget: $25 a day
Mid-range Budget: $45 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-Feb, shoulder season Oct, Mar-Apr

READ MORE

All Laos guides
 

20. Philippines

Batad Rice Terraces and mountain village in Banaue, Philippines

The best beaches in Southeast Asia? If you ask me, with over 7,000 tropical islands, Philippines is the place to go.

Besides having oodles of unspoiled coastline, it’s also a culturally fascinating place, with its mix of Asian and Spanish/US colonial influences. You’ll also find spectacular rice terraces in the north and incredible nature with jungle and volcano treks.

For a stunning beaches-and-islands-focused holiday, consider a 1 or 2-week trip to the island of Palawan.

 

Backpacker Budget: $35 a day
Mid-range Budget: $60 a day
When to go: peak season Dec-Feb — shoulder Nov, Apr-May

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All Philippines Guides

21. India

A “country of contrasts” is a travel writing cliche, but this definitely describes India. While it can be a place of poverty, India’s economy is also booming — and what’s most striking is the sheer range of development and prices you can experience.

The Taj Mahal glows red at morning sunrise next to the holy Jamuna river in Agra, India

A modern mid-range hotel in central Mumbai might cost you at least about 60 USD a night, whereas a room in the desert city of Jaisalmer might cost you just 5. That’s just India for you. But if you are on a budget, you can definitely travel India on a shoestring budget.

Due to the chaos and patience needed, India may not be the first overseas country to tackle, but certain regions have a reputation for being easier to travel. This includes the northern desert region of Rajasthan and the laidback tropical state of Kerala in the south.

Backpacker Budget: $15-20 a day
Mid-range Budget: $40 a day
When to go: peak season Nov-Feb, shoulder season Oct, Mar

22. Nepal

Oh, Nepal… you had me at “namaste.” The kind-hearted nature of the Nepalese and the wonderful bustle of Kathmandu instantly enchanted me when I visited a few years ago. 

Nepal also happens to be one of the world’s cheapest places for mountain trekking, whether guided or independent.

prayer flags and snow-covered peaks in the Annapurna region of Nepal

There are routes throughout the Himalayas that are very well-supported and have many tea houses where you can eat and sleep. When doing the epic 7-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp I spent just under $20 a day.

Backpacker Budget: $20 a day
Mid-range Budget: $40 a day
When to go: peak season Oct-Nov — shoulder season Sep, Dec, Mar-Apr

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23. The Baltic states

Often overlooked and tucked between the Nordic countries and Russia you’ll find the three small Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Why go? Just think ‘Scandinavia on a budget’.

Squint your eyes and the Baltics may well remind you of Finland with its many woodlands, peat bogs, lakes, and log cabins painted in deep red. The people are similarly fond of cross-country skiing, saunas, and vodka. One key difference is that the costs are just a third of what you might find in the Nordics.

skyline and historic churches of Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania

I enjoyed traveling in Estonia, which has a ton of history and charm all the while also being a tech startup powerhouse. While I was sipping some local IPAs in Tallinn, a few friendly Esti’s were regaling me with tales of IPOs. It’s a wonderful mix of modern and traditional.

Tallinn’s small tourist center can be a bit pricier, but the country as a whole is very inexpensive. Great meals can be found under $8 and hotel rooms go for $35 to $46 a night.

Backpacker Budget: $35 a day
Mid-range Budget: $70 a day

24. Guatemala

In Central America, Costa Rica tends to get the most attention as a tourist destination thanks to its bundant wildlife and highly developed eco-tourism. But if you ask me, Guatemala deserves strong consideration as well. It may not be quite as developed, though its landscapes have a wow-factor that few countries can match.

view of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes from a high-altitude hiking trail in Guatemala
 

Hidden in its northern jungles are the Mayan temples of Tikal, a stunning sight especially at sunrise. Equally breathtaking is the highland lake of Atitlan in the south, ringed by volcanoes and quaint villages where the pace of life is delightfully slow. And don’t miss Semuc Champey, a great place to explore river caves by candlelight and swim through cascading pools in the jungle.

And the best part? Many a traveler ends up spending under $25 a day in Guatemala. 

Backpacker Budget: $25 a day
Mid-range Budget: $50 a day

READ MORE

All guatemala Guides

25. Republic of Georgia

Georgia (the country) is a fascinating destination that’s right on the edge of Asia and Europe. It’s super cheap, sometimes even rivalling the low costs of countries in South or Southeast Asia.

It’s still dealing with political issues as the country decides whether it should be Western- or Russia-aligned, but despite some less-flattering news headlines in 2025 it remains a wonderful destination to visit.

stone towers of Ushguli in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia

In its eccentric capital, crumbling façades of traditional wooden Georgian houses stand next to Soviet-era architecture and daring contemporary designs. I loved my stay in Tbilisi and was surprised by its wonderful soul and character. From Tbilisi, you can explore the stunning Caucasian Mountain range, take a dip in the Black Sea, or visit ancient hilltop monasteries (and a few of them even built inside caves).

With 1-year visas for remote workers, it’s an ideal digital nomad hub within a stone’s throw of Europe.

Backpacker Budget: $20 a day
Mid-range Budget: $40 a day

READ MORE

all georgia guides

P.S. I wrote an inspirational book that’s all about how you can travel more and travel cheaply. If you want to the world but not sure where to start or how to do it on a budget, my book will give you the answers!

P.P.S. Keep in mind the budgets listed here are only suggestions and always depend on how you travel. The suggested budgets are per person per day and don’t include one-off expenses like flights or travel insurance.

Backpacker Budget: this assumes you’ll stay in hostel dorms or share rooms in cheap guesthouses. You’ll eat mostly local food in cafes/eateries and use local transportation, and you avoid expensive private tours.

Mid-range budget: this assumes you’ll stay in nicer B&Bs, local guesthouses or budget hotels, regularly take day tours and other organized activities, and have sit-down meals in a nice restaurant at least once a day.

(Re)Published:
December 17, 2025
Last edit:
December 18, 2025

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110 Comments

  5. Very informative list. I visited Bali (INDONESIA) 2 months ago. And they only ask for two doses of vaccine report. And cost-wise, Bali is still very cheap compared to other places.

    Reply

  9. Great locations of countries to travel on a budget! I have already been to a few Asian countries such as Nepal, Thailand, and Indonesia. But have never travelled to the North American and European countries. This list has really raised my curiosity. I would like to start my tour with Brazil. But before that, I will surely take tips from you.

    Reply

  13. I think you must travel to another cities and cultural sites instead of Istanbul if you ever come back to Turkey. Because there are so much hidden gems and the Istanbul is a city with Ottoman culture mostly. But for example in Aegean Region you have cities like Izmir and Mugla which holds a lot of Ancient Greece culture. And on the other parts of the country you can discover the other cultures because Anatolia have so many landscapes from cultures were once there.

    Reply

    • Agreed, I want to see more of Turkey! I’ve also been to the south coast (e.g. Side) but I’d love to do a big trip through the whole country 🙂

      Reply

  14. I just got stuck at home due to this lockdown and want to go out of my house and visit new places. Thanks for your amazing guide about cheap places to visit in 2021. I will definitely plan a trip to Vietnam, as it seems the beautiful place

    Reply

  16. Romania, well Transylvania specifically is indeed a great place to travel. I can’t wait to be back and explore some cities that I have missed. And do hiking on the Omu. Tirgu Mures and Seclerland are the next ones on my list to visit. These places are still mostly populated by Hungarians, and I’m really excited to learn about the local culture, and how it is to live in the middle of another country while they still practice their own culture, language, and lifestyle, which is much different from that Romanian. Can’t wait! Great post! Some more to add to our bucket list!

    Reply

  18. This list gets me so excited about travel in 2021! 🙂 There’s so many amazing countries to visit that are on my bucketlist. I’ve really been wanting to visit more countries in the Americas like Colombia and Guatemala to name a few. In 2019, we took a big trip through the Baltic States and the prices were amazing! As a vegan-ish and gluten-free traveler, it was nice to travel through areas that weren’t more expensive because of my diet. In fact, Kiev has an excellent vegan and gluten-free scene.

    Reply

  19. Komodo island along with Bali makes for a great trip.

    Also, Bali might seem expensive on the face of it, but if you dig deeper, finding affordable gems is certainly possible.

    As for Komodo, it is lesser known and therefore quiet affordable.

    Indonesia is one of the most affordable beautiful and affordable destinations.

    Reply

  22. hi
    we want to explore and see as many as we can , with limit time?
    cheap or affordable , can it be possible? in 2021/2022

    regards
    Rina

    Reply

  23. I can tell you Cuba is not cheap.. its 3 times more expesive than Trinidad and tobago..the cheapest caribbean country.even Panama is cheaper than Cuba. ALSO bulgaria and Lithuania is cheaper than most of those countries mentioned here.. the phillipines is definitely. Cheap.

    Reply

    • Everyone kept telling me Cuba was expensive and then I went there and I found it really cheap. I stayed in the local casas particulares, so maybe the reputation comes from the big resort hotels?

      Reply

  25. The description and the detailed information about the place and expensive was so subtle that it gave me feeling of traveling all those places listed above already. And trust me I’m really a beginner at this very moment and many queries & doubts running in my mind, but your content made it all clear! Thank you so much for this clear cut precious information!

    Reply

  26. I really like that you noticed the $.20 beer in Vietnam too Marek! I couldn’t possibly walk by without trying it. I only found beer this cheap in Hoi An (a little old lady with missing teeth pumped it from a barrel). Did you find it elsewhere?
    We also fell in love with Lviv but I’m going to need to get details of your apartment with that incredible view!
    Take care,
    Mike

    Reply

  32. Perfect for the kind of travel blog I’ve been looking for! Thank God I found this. And. Thank you for this amazing information! I’m from Philippines and would really love to travel outside SEA without breaking the bank. Looking forward to reading more of your content!

    Reply

  33. Try Serbia, safe, cheap and interesting. Does not have a sea, but have beautiful lakes and acquaparks, mountains and rivers. Great food, music, culture. Daily budget €30,00 easy, with accomodation

    Reply

  35. I have a good experience of Laos because I have been there many of the times in my whole life and every time had huge fun there.

    Reply

  36. Am 67 years young female intend travelling through Vietnam this September for about 21 days. Feeling overwhelmed. I don’t know how to ride a bike or motor bike so have to be totally dependent on other forms of transport to get around. Will 21 days be sufficient to get across from one end to the other without feeling rushed?
    Thank You
    Blessings in Abundance for all the information you provide for travelling.

    Reply

    • There are plenty of buses, trains, and minivans so don’t worry, you can still get around easily! You can do it in 21 days for sure – you just won’t be able to see it all, of course. Try to pick 7 places max

      Reply

  39. OMG, this the list I should keep! I’m always dreaming of traveling places within the budget and this post hits it all. Couldn’t believe there are many countries besides SEA that are cheap to travel, but reading this changes it all. I’m really praying one day I’d get to travel around the world. It’s good to know that one of my dream destinations, Morocco belongs in this list! Now my next step is to know how to get a visa or if there are cheap flights going there. Hopefully very soon! Thanks for this! Glad I found it.

    Reply

  40. Yeah the peaks are across the border, but a lot of folks love to explore southern Argentina with those pointy peaks visible in the background. El Chalten seems like a great place to do that!

    Reply

  41. One of the common mistakes in blogs like this is the information about Argentina. Yes, the amount of pesos you will receive is a lot higher BUT inflation is at record pace. The cost of a lot of things has gone up making it a not so cheap destination.

    Reply

  43. In the past few years I have been to all these countries except Bolivia. The first of this year I was in Myanmar, yes they have a political problem but the citizens of the country in general and the fledging tourist industry could really benefit from your travel dollars. Things are unbelievably inexpensive if you desire to travel frugally. Several weeks ago I traveled through Eastern Europe and Albania is very tourist friendly and I found prices e trembly reasonable, especially quality cuisine.

    Reply

  44. hey ! you left out INDIA …it is even more value for money than all these locations especially indian locations which are not in the large metro city areas like Mumbai,Delhi which tend to be more expensive

    Reply

  45. I’ve only been to Romania on this list but there are so many other countries I want to visit! Nepal seems to pique my interest the most! When I went to Romania it was after a trip to Norway and Sweden – it was an insane difference of costs of travel between these countries! Great list! I hope to visit all of this countries one day.

    Reply

    • Hey Crystal. I’d love to go to Norway one day but the cost always puts me off. Maybe it’s a good country to go camping 🙂 Traveling in Romania is so worry free when it comes to the expenses.

      Reply

  47. After reading this and the comments here from Ukrainians, now I really want to visit Ukraine since they seem so excited for people to visit! Whenever I visit other countries I always feel a little shy or anxious because I feel like maybe the locals don’t want me there, so it’d be cool to visit somewhere where I know the people actually like to see tourists.

    Reply

  48. Great collection. As a Ukrainian, I do appreciate you drawing tourists’ attention to Ukraine. I’ve read Tatiana’s comment on safety issues and Chornobyl. I can also vouch that it’s totally safe, but concerning Chornobyl, I have a bit different opinion. It’s a unique attraction in black tourism, frequently visited even by locals. Don’t postpone your visit as many buildings are likely to collapse in the nearest 5 or 10 years. Well, the picture representing Ukraine could be different anyway, I’d suggest placing downtown Lviv, or the Carpathian mountains.
    Finally, about prices. These are definitely ridiculous for tourists from Western Europe or the USA. I’m currently renting a 2-room apartment in Lviv. And my monthly pay is even less than 200 Euros—it’s only 150 Euros.

    Reply

    • Didn’t know Chernobyl was in such a state. I think we all assume it’s “frozen in time” and that there’s no hurry! So that’s good to know. Those prices are definitely super low for anyone living further west.

      Reply

  49. Hi everyone. Thank you for placing Ukraine on the list. As I come from Ukraine (the central-eastern part), I can assure you all that it’s absolutely safe to visit Ukraine. The area of the conflict is too far away and you won’t get there by accident since it’s protected by the military and you can’t get in without a special permission. As for the street crime – it’s almost as safe as everywhere else in Europe. The prices are very good compared to Western Europe. The only point which disappoints me is that European and American tourists think of Chernobyl as the first thing about Ukraine. It’s an old story and nobody cares about it in modern Ukraine. I’d recommend to focus your attention on Odessa, Lviv and Kyiv as the highlights of your trip to Ukraine. And the author of this article should really change the picture of Chernobyl to some beautiful medieval churches of Kyiv or Lviv instead 😉

    Reply

    • Thanks for sharing your insights from a local Tatiana. I guess Pripyat is often the ‘cool edgy thing’ that gets people interested in Ukraine at first, and that’s probably quite annoying! I’d hate to be pigeonholing Ukraine in that way so when I update this page I’ll definitely take your suggestion 🙂 It’s actually Kyiv and Lviv that travelers speak about the most excitedly!

      Reply

    • I dunno… everyone keeps saying that, but when I traveled in Cuba and stayed in casas particulares I found it very, very cheap. Maybe it’s just expensive if you stay in the resorts or only visit Havana’s tourist district?

      Reply

      • Hi Mareck, I have been 1 month travelling in Cuba, and I can not say that a room in family houses, was the cheapest considering how good is the lodging quality in Vietnam by instance.

        Reply

  54. I found Morocco delightfully cheap and I liked the trains that were quite comfortable. The cheapest country I have been is Albania. It was a third of the price as Greece. I found India quite cheap to visit. I will visit Thailand in 2019. In the future I would love to visit Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. I hope to visit Georgia and other countries near to it.

    Reply

  56. Only my first experience on your site, which I found through your funny and ecclectic 91 lessons article. I really love this list- so many places that I really hope to experience. I am in love with Europe, and the Balkens, Ukraine and Georgia are all on the gotta sees. Looking forward to exploring your page more. Thanks!

    Reply

  60. Hi Marek! Great list! Thanks so much for mentioning me. I hope you get to visit Georgia soon, it’s definitely one of the best places I’ve been to. Let me know if you need some more information! 🙂

    Best,
    Rose

    Reply

  62. Thanks for the list Marek. A lot of these places are on my travel list. A few of them I will finally get to see after years of dreaming, in a few months time when I will be backpacking through central and South America for 6 months or so. I am mostly looking forward to seeing Guatemala, Colombia, Peru and Nicaragua. I can’t wait to go adventuring!

    Reply

  67. That’s pretty cool, I am planning a trip in this October with my family, it is a great guide for me to plan accordingly. I am thinking about Nepal this time as it is a good place to enjoy the nature and to visit temples, I got this idea after checking your article, thanks for that 🙂

    Reply

  69. Thanks for all the helpful advice, Marek. I’ve spent the last six months travelling around Europe. There were so many places I loved, including Athens, Palermo and Barcelona, to name a few, but Sofia in Bulgaria has stolen my heart. So much so that I’m returning for a full month in September. Prices are between a quarter and half of the prices found in most of Europe and the city is beautiful, laidback and friendly.

    After that I’m off to SE Asia for three months. By the way, I’m 64 years young and travel alone.

    Once again thanks for providing so much useful information.

    Reply

    • I love to hear that Sean, and it’s of course fantastic you’re doing these trips at your young age 😉 I want to be doing the same at 64! I must admit I’ve not yet been to Bulgaria but I’m very intrigued, and may end up there on an upcoming trip to the Balkans.

      Enjoy SE Asia and best of luck on your travels!

      Reply

      • Hey, Marek.
        Defo don`t miss coming to Bulgaria. You`ll be pleasantly surprised. One of the reasons why it`s not so popular is the lack of tourist advertising, but virtually every international traveler I`ve been talked to had liked my home country and said there is a lot of value here for the money you spent.
        Cheers

        Reply

  72. I can’t believe I’ve only been to 2 countries in your list! South Africa and Morocco. But I’m definitely placing the others in my bucket list. Thank you for the list.

    Reply

  73. Agree with your list of most affordable destinations in 2017. Thailand, Vietnam, and Morocco are going to be in any list of cheap travel destinations……I have been to these places and I can’t forget the wonderful experiences I had…..some countries with unique cultures, amazing nature and exceptional food (very cheap yet delicious)

    Reply

    • Hey Jacob! Budapest is SUPER cheap! & also my favourite country. Holy crap I had fun there. Even if it wasn’t cheap, spend all your money! It’s worth it.

      Reply

  77. Perfect list, would love to follow every inch of it. I´m a wanderer myself and I could put quite a few check marks to some from these list and still willing t see more and more. So happy travelling to all of us!

    Reply

  79. This is an awesome list. Can’t wait to plan for my next travel adventure. I will surely consider taking one from this list. Thanks for this article. Hope you’d continue to inspire people to discover the beauty of the world.

    Reply

  80. Thailand – the tonsai in the image doesn’t exist anymore and hasn’t for nearly two years.

    Sadly, It got bought by developers who were replicating Railay.

    Reply

  81. Love this list, Marek! Almost all of them are on either my “recently traveled” list of my “want to get there soon” list–except for Mexico, because I’m there now! Nothing like good value when you’re on the road.

    Reply

  82. India, Pakistan, Central Asian countries, Caucasian countries, Ukraine and maybe Iran are inexpensive too
    but perhaps they’re more challenging to travel independently, except Ukraine

    Reply

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