Which countries offer the most value? Where can you travel to in 2024 that will allow you to go for longer, enjoy a higher standard, and save more money?
I’ve traveled to over 65 countries over the past decade, and that on the ground research informs this list year after year.
The following are 31 destinations around the world that offer the essentials — accommodation, transportation, and food — for less:
Table of Contents
Our Favorite Cheap Destinations Quick List:
- Best in Southeast Asia for Food:Vietnam
- Best in Southeast Asia for Beaches:Philippines
- Best in Asia for Hiking:Kyrgyzstan
- Best in Europe for Food:Greece
- Best in Europe for Beaches:Croatia
- Best in Europe for Quaint Towns:Estonia
- Best in Europe for Smaller Crowds:Georgia
- Best in the Americas:Guatemala
- Best for Safari:South Africa
1. Laos, $30/day
Back in mybudget backpacking days around Southeast Asia, Laos was one of the two destinations where I was able to keep my budget at $30/day, even though accommodations were slightly more expensive than most places in Southeast Asia at that time. Many of the amazing activities you can do in Laos are very affordable. For example, I paid $2.50 to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, $7 for a full-day tubing experience along the Vang Vieng river, and $6 for an awesome tiger-balm massage. You can also rent an inexpensive motorbike and venture off to smaller towns, where everything is even cheaper!
With more and more new hostels built to cater to the increasing number of backpackers, you can go for less money and for longer. However, if you have a bit more to spend, you can get a gorgeous room for closer to $35/night, which would easily cost $100 in the US.
- Meals:$3–9 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast
- Accommodation:$5-10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$6–15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills),or up to $25 for an intercity bus ticket
- SIM card with data:$6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
A Complete Guide to Laos
2. Vietnam, $30/day
I probably had the healthiest and cheapeststreet food in Vietnam. Thinksoup with rice noodles, cilantro, amazing broth, and a whole shank of pork for $1.50, or a cup of strong, aromatic coffee for $1. Regarding transportation, if you rent a motorbike, you are all set for the day. However, I understand that not everyone is comfortable riding one, especially in countries like Vietnam, where the traffic can be overwhelmingly chaotic. The good news is that GrabBike (similar to Uber but on bikes!) is widely available in all major cities, and the cost is as low as $0.50 for a 2km ride! Long-distance buses and trains are also affordable and reliable. Accommodation is similarly pleasant and easier to afford than almost anywhere else in the world.
- Meals:$5–12 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
- Accommodation:$5-10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$8–15 for motorbike rental or GrabBike trips
- SIM card with data:$6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity
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The Ultimate Backpacking Vietnam Route Planner
A Complete Guide to Vietnam
3. Cambodia, $30/day
I know for sure that if you choose to rough it, you can easily spend a month in Cambodia with just $1000. Dorms are very basic but can be dirt cheap; the same goes for food and alcohol. I also had my haggling skills to thank, as I was almost always able to talk my way out of being charged unfairly by tuk-tuk drivers. There are some one-off expenses, such as the three-day pass toAngkor Wat, which is currently set at $62, and diving trips that add up, but there will also be days of riding a bicycle in a small villageandeating cheap and delicious meat skewers whenjust a dollar or two could stretch very far.
Another thing is to consider the gorgeous, mostly newboutique hotels on Booking.com. They are obviously not as cheap as staying in hostels, but for the price, they are so worth it! I’d definitely splurge on a couple of nights and have some R&R time by the pool.
READ NEXT:23 Cheapest 5-Star Hotels around the World
- Meals:$5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- Accommodation:$5-15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$6-15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills)or for an intercity bus ticket
- SIM card with data: $2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)
– Read More –
A Perfect Cambodia Itinerary
A Complete Guide to Cambodia
4. Northern Thailand, $32/day
The north of Thailand is easy on a tight budget. As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple. Stay up north if you are short on time and money for your Thailand trip. Even in popular places likeChiang MaiandPai, you can easily find basic dorms for less than $7/night. If you stick with eating street food (to each her own, but why eat pasta when you can have pad thai, am I right?), not only will you save yourself some money, the experience will be much more authentic and tasty, too.
As far as activities go, you really do not need a lot of money to enjoy your day, as most activities such as visiting the White Temple, hiking, or gathering three other people from your hostel to rent a car andgo on some day trips, are all affordable.
- Meals: $5–15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- Accommodation:$5-10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $6-10 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) ora rental car split between four people
- SIM card with data: $7 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity. See the best SIM cards in Thailand.
– Read More –
Thailand Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do
A Complete Guide to Thailand
5. Indonesia, $35/day
The thing about Indonesia is thatit can be really cheap, or it can be quite expensive, depending on one big thing: transportation. Intercity traveling can be very time-consuming and costly, as is traveling from one island to another in a private boat. To save costs, stick with one region or two.There’s a lot to do and see, and spending more time in one place will allow you to travel deeper and havea more meaningful experienceanyway. If you want to travel far and wide on a budget, my biggest tip is to take local transportation!
On the flip side, food and drinks are cheap throughout the country, not to mention absolutely yummy too! Riding a scooter through the mountains costs very little, and so does hiking,chasing waterfalls,and slouching in a hammockby thebeachall day long. Hostels are plentiful, social, and affordable, especially in places likethe Gili Islands.
- Meals:$5–15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- Accommodation:$7-15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$8–15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills)
- SIM card with data:$5 for 2GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
The Perfect Indonesia Itinerary for 2 Weeks to 2 Months
A Complete Guide to Indonesia
6. The Philippines, $37/day
The Philippine archipelago can cost quite a lot of money and time to get around, and the hostel options aren’t nearly as abundant as in other Southeast Asia countries. While these two factors seem like a big turn-off for travelers trying to stretch their budget as far as possible, there are ways to keep your costs there low. If you choose to travel during shoulder seasons, book your flights and plan your journey way in advance (it is not the country to always wing it!), and try to stick within 1-2 regions, the Philippines can still be affordable.
On top of that, the country has some of themost gorgeous islands, beautiful dive sites,affordable group island-hopping tours, andhidden gemsthat you’d have had to pay so much more to experience in other parts of the world. In that sense, the Philippines is worth every peso you spend.
- Meals:$5–15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- Accommodation:$7-20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$10–15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike condition and your haggling skills) or $15–20 for a boat ride from one island to another
- SIM card with data:$6 for 2GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
The Perfect Philippines Itinerary
A Complete Guide to the Philippines
7. Malaysia, $40/day
Being one of the most economically developed Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia is oftenperceived as expensive. On top of that, when I visited for the first time, a few people told me it wasn’t worth staying long. However, I ended up meeting lots of locals, was moreable to communicate, and found more common ground with them than I had in Cambodia or Laos. I also had so much fun exploring Cameron Highlands,the jungles of Borneo, and the gorgeous islands.
The cherry on top?They were all affordable. An overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands costs as little as $15. There are also so many interesting local neighborhoods and markets that are free to explore. Finally, Malaysian cuisine is like no other — you can find food from just about any culture, and it’s so cheap and tasty (but not necessarily healthy). Malaysia is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI scuba diving certificate.
The one thing that could make Malaysia expensive to travel in is alcohol, which is highly taxed. However, if you don’t plan on drinking every night, or maybe consider staying sober during your trip, that will not be an issue.
- Meals:$5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- Accommodation:$7–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$5–7 for a full day of train and bus rides, or $15–20 for an overnight intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data:$8 for 2GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
A Complete Guide to Malaysia
8. Sri Lanka, $35/day
Like many countries, Sri Lanka can be seen ona backpacker budget, or one can spend a small fortune there. The biggest kicker was the price of activities, such assafaris, and admission into theUNESCO World Heritage sites. With each running about $40-$50 per ticket, this made Sri Lanka more expensive to fully explore.
That said, Sri Lanka can be done on closer to $30 per day on the days that you don’t pay for expensive activities. Food, transport, accommodation, and the internet are relatively cheap. One thing to note about transportation is that in some cases, taking a taxi or Uber (in major cities) can be cheaper than renting a bike. Hiring a driver for the day can be as low as $5 per person if you can find people in your hostel to split the cost. The cheapest transportation is the train, which is delightful and (IMO) the best way to travel through Sri Lanka.
- Meals:$5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- Accommodation:$8–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $15–20 per person for a private car and driver split between four people, or $3–5 for a second-class cabin train ride between cities
- SIM card with data:$2 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)
– Read More –
Sri Lanka’s BestPlaces to Visit
A Complete Guide to Sri Lanka
9. Nepal, $25/day ($15/day if trekking)
Nepal is a very cheap country to travel through, with most food, accommodation, and transport running just a few dollars if you eat, sleep, and travel using local options. The street food in Nepal does not have the best reputation, though I never seem to get any stomach problems eating it. You can get cheap and delicious home-cooked meals in local-run small cafés though.
Be very mindful when you book your accommodation online, as big corporations have taken over homestays and turned them into boutique hotels and resorts, so the “local guesthouses” you’ve booked may very well be part of a big hotel chain. I suggest booking the first couple of nights online, and looking for accommodation from real local guesthouses when you arrive.
If you end up trekking, as long as you do so independently and avoid Mt. Everest itself, which costs tens of thousands of dollars, you can travel for as cheap as $10 per day on food and accommodation at the lower elevations, and closer to $20 USD at higher elevations on popular routes like theAnnapurna Circuit.
- Meals:$5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- Accommodation: $7–12 per night in a local guesthouse
- Transportation:$10–15 per person for a private car and driver split between four people, or a local bus ride between cities
- SIM card with data:$3 for 1.25GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)
– Read More –
A Complete Guide to Nepal
10. Taiwan, $45/day
Two words: street food, which is delectable and ridiculously cheap. For less than $2, you can get a plate of fragrant rice with pork or chicken on top, a large deep-fried chicken chop, or a bowl of yummy vermicelli with oysters. If you are a foodie on a budget, you know where to go!
In cities like Taipei and Tainan, you can register for city bikes, which cost less than $0.50 per hour per ride and are free for the first 30 minutes. This means you can possibly get around the city all day without spending any money on transportation at all.
That said, high-end food and clothing prices in Taiwan can sometimes be at US levels. Intercity traveling is either expensive on the high-speed rail (HSR) or time-consuming (if slightly cheaper). The internet is also not as cheap as in the countries above.
- Meals:$5–10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast
- Accommodation:$10–35 per night in a hostel(I highly recommendthis one in Taipei!)
- Transportation: $0–3 for a full day of bike, bus, and train rides, or $20–40 for an HSR ride between cities
- SIM card with data:$33 for unlimited data with 28-day validity
– Read More –
That One Time I Became an Illegal Alien in Taiwan
11. India, $30/day
Indiais one of the cheapest countries to travel to, but if and only if you’re willing to haggle and hunt for deals. Keep in mind that cheap rooms that run in the $3 range will be very basic, and it’s normal to shower with buckets of heated water.You will be hard-pressed to find cheap gems in the north, but the south, with its gorgeous beaches, may prove more fruitful when it comes to budget accommodation.
The best way to travel through India on a budget is to book things yourself. This means no agents and no online booking sites (except for some intercity travel — for that, check out12Go Asia). Similar to Nepal, if you walk into local guesthouses, restaurants, and tour companies, you could easily get the same things in person for half the quoted price online.
- Meals:$3–6 per day
- Accommodation: $5–10 per night in a local guesthouse
- Transportation: $1–3 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $8–30 for an intercity train ride (sometimes a domestic flight costs as little as $30, if you want to splurge without actually splurging!)
- SIM card with data:$3 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity (yes, it is that cheap!)
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Solo Female Travel Stories: Archana from India
12. Kyrgyzstan, $25/day
Kyrgyzstan is the country of choice for most travelers interested in trying out Central Asia, and thus most well-suited totravelers of all budgets. The cuisine is cheap and interesting, and so is getting around using the minibuses. Public transportation prices are fixed and are probably the cheapest aspect of traveling in Kyrgyzstan. If you are doing a multiday hike like theTian Shan Mountains, the tour price should include most things.
As for accommodation, you can find hostels in major destinations and local homestays in more rural places for less than $10/night.
- Meals:$4–8 per day
- Accommodation:$8–12 per night in a hostelor a local guesthouse
- Transportation:$0.20 for a local minibus ride, or $4 for an intercity bus ride — yep, that’s right!
- SIM card with data:$3 for 3GB with 30-day validity, though I wouldn’t expect it to work in the mountains
– Read More –
A Quick Guide to Kyrgyzstan
13. Uzbekistan, $35/day
I bet Uzbekistan wasn’t originally on your radar when it comes to cheapest places to travel, but I’m here to tell you that it should be. This Central Asian country has so much to offer, including stunning architecture, the legendary Silk Road, and an awesome blend of old and new. And the best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly. We’re talking $20 for food and drinks in even the fanciest of restaurants. On top of that, Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries to travel in, and the locals are known for their welcoming hospitality. Win-win!
- Meals:$8–10 per day
- Accommodation: $8–10 per night in a hostel dorm
- Transportation:$1 for a subway day ticket in Tashkent, or $9 for a high-speed train ticket
- SIM card with data: $3 for 8GB of data with 30-day validity
– Read More –
Things I Wish I Knew before Visiting Uzbekistan
14. Romania, $40/day
If you are planning aEuropean trip that’s affordableand a little bit off the beaten path, Romania is perfect for you. While the country is known for Dracula, many charming towns and free activities remain unknown to most foreigners. Whether you’re taking a long stroll through the medieval villages or people-watching in one of the beautiful parks, Romania is great for anyone after a European experience on a budget. You can also make use of the free walking tours to check out the numerous historical sites.
Hostels run $10–15 per night, and the food is hearty and scrumptious (a money-saving tip: have your breakfast at the hostel, have a big hearty lunch, and cook your own dinner — it’s easy and affordable to get fresh produce from the local market, so make sure your hostel has a kitchen!). Public transportation is reliable and affordable.
- Meals:$10–15 per day
- Accommodation:$12–20 per night in a hostelor a local guesthouse
- Transportation: $5–10 for a full day of bus and train rides
- SIM card with data: $6 for 3GB with 28-day validity
– Read More –
The Top 14 Cheapest European Countries to Visit
15. Georgia, $30/day
Georgia is another underrated European destination that’s absolutely beautiful and affordable. Also, get this: most of you will be able to enter Georgiawithout a visa, and stay forone year.Say what?!
Quality hostels at a reasonable price range, a meal at a local restaurant for as low as $3, and a local minibus ride for less than $1 are just some of the great things Georgia can offer to its visitors. What’s more? Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are mostly less than $2. The locals are extremely warm and welcoming, and hitchhiking is totally possible for short and long-distance travel. There are many day trips, hikes, and monasteries in Georgia, so one can easily spend months here and not get bored. It’s perfect if you have more time than money.
- Meals:$10–15 per day
- Accommodation:$10–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$3–5 for a full day of bus and train rides, $5–10 for an intercity ride, or $0 if you hitchhike!
- SIM card with data:$3 for 1GB with one-month validity
16. Greece, $45/day
Timing is crucial if you want to travel in Greece on a budget. While prices of flights, accommodation, and tours have been largely cut down since the country’s debt crisis in 2010, summer months still cost more than others. This means avoiding July and August, which are the hottest and busiest months in Greece. Instead, go a few weeks before or after summer, and you will be able to enjoy the country with smaller crowds and a lower budget. You can also cut down on food costs by buying fresh produce from the market and making your own meals, since eating out in restaurants can be expensive in certain areas. A little picnic by the gorgeous beach can be as enjoyable as a lavish meal at a seafood restaurant!
As far as activities go, opt for free walking tours, and if you are planning to do someisland-hopping in Greece, plan well and stick with a group of islands to minimize transfers. Remember that sometimes a domestic flight can be cheaper than a bus ride for any long-distance travel.
- Meals:$10–15 per day
- Accommodation:$10–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $10–15 per person fora rental car split between four people(note: scooter rental costs about $25–30/day), or $10–20 for ferry tickets around the islands
- SIM card with data: $12 for 2GB with 30-day validity
– Read More –
Elafonisi Beach, Greece: The Ultimate Travel Guide
31 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Greece
17. Czechia, $40/day
As more and more tourists flock to Czechia, or more specifically Prague, for its rich history and cheaper-than-water beer, prices have inflated over the last few years. However, it is still easily one of the cheapest Central European countries to travel in, especially if you go beyond Prague, such as Český Krumlov and Telc, to experience true Czech culture at a much lower cost. Local transportation is reliable and affordable, and if you plan to do a lot of traveling, consider getting a three-day pass for $16.
Czech cuisine is very hearty and comes in large portions. While it’s not the healthiest (most meals consist of potato and meat), it will surely fill you up, so to stretch your budget: eat out at a restaurant for lunch, and have a light snack for dinner. Entrance fees to historical sites and museums can be quite expensive ($18 to enter the Prague Castle), but you don’t always have to actually enter — the hike up is awesome, and you can always admire the architecture from outside, and pick only the most intriguing destinations to go in.
- Meals: $10–15 per day
- Accommodation:$12–20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$5 for a full day of tram rides, $15–20 for an intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data: $13 for 2GB with one-month validity
– Read More –
15 of the Best European Cities to Visit in December
18. Poland, $44/day
It’s a shame that Poland is often overlooked by tourists. It’s one of those countries where you can easily spend an entire day just wandering and people-watching. There will be days when you spend nothing else but on essentials.
If you are a fan of heritage sites, Poland, rich with culture and history, has 14 to offer. It costs an average of $5 to enter museums and historical sites, which is fairly affordable by European standards. The cuisine is delicious and has a bit more variety than its neighboring countries, though it’s still heavy on the calories. (Make sure to eat at a “milk bar,” an affordable yet tasty option that’s popular with locals.)
The trains are a bit dated but cost very little. Go beyond Krakow and Warsaw, and explore other smaller towns like Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Zakopane, which are all stunning and possibly even cheaper to travel in.
- Meals:$10–15 per day
- Accommodation:$9–20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$1–3 for a full day of train rides, $10–15 for an intercity train ride
- SIM card with data:$3 for 2GB with one-month validity
19. Croatia, $50/day
If you like turquoise waters, sunshine, and parties,look no further than Croatiafor your next budget trip. There are thousands of islands off the mainland, excellent weather from May to October, and beach and yacht parties year-round. There is also beautiful architecture to marvel at, interesting sights such as theMuseum of Broken Relationships, and cute small towns to explore.
The essential expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and food, all come with a reasonable price tag. To travel in Croatia on a budget, you need a similar approach to Greece — go in the shoulder season. July and August are the country’s busiest months, so avoid them if possible. Also, keep your island-hopping to a group, to minimize transfers. Since Croatia is gaining more popularity each year, expect prices to keep rising, and aim to visit sooner than later if you want to snag a deal.
- Meals:$10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation:$12–30 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $12–15 per person fora rental car split between four people, or $10-$15 for a ferry ride
- SIM card with data: $8 for 2GB with 30-day validity
20. Turkey, $45/day
Turkey can be cheap or expensive, depending on what you want to do and how deeply you want to travel through the country.A hot-air balloon ridecosts around $400–500, and intercity traveling can be really long and costly. However, there are a bunch of other bucket list–worthy items that cost way less, and if you plan your route well, it is definitely possible, if not easy, to travel through Turkey on a budget.
The stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the breathtaking white travertines in Pamukkale, and the hustling bazaars all over the country are relatively affordable to enter. While long-distance buses are expensive, if you plan well and take overnight buses, you get to save on accommodation. If you are short on time and money, stick with a city or two. Turkish food is delicious and cheap, so that’s one less thing to worry about!
- Meals:$10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation:$12–20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $1–3 for a taxi ride or $30–60 for an intercity overnight bus ride
- SIM card with data:$8 for 2GB with 30-day validity
21. Lithuania, $44/day
Lithuania is a small country that most travelers skip or spend at most a night or two in, just the capital city, Vilnius. However, this charming place is not only underrated but also very affordable! If you enjoy partying, the nightlife scene in Vilnius is vibrant and fun, and alcohol is fairly affordable. If you’d like a quieter experience, check out the Old Town in Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Curonian Spit. Bear in mind that outside of the capital, hostels can be hard to come by, so book in advance or even consider Couchsurfing!
- Meals:$10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation:$10–20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $3–6 for a full day of bus rides within the city, or $15–20 for an intercity bus ride. Buses seem to be more reliable than trains in Lithuania!
- SIM card with data:Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity
22. Estonia, $44/day
Nature lovers will love Estonia — 53% of the country is forested. This also means that activities like hiking and exploring the national parks are plentiful and affordable (if not completely free). The small towns are also great for walking and cycling, so transportation costs can be minimized. On that note, affordable hostels can be hard to come by in these towns, so consider basing yourself in the capital city, Tallinn, and make day trips to visit them.
- Meals:$10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation:$10–20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$3–6 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10–15 for an intercity train ride
- SIM card with data:Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity
23. Latvia, $47/day
Similar to Estonia, half of the country is covered in forests. There are also thousands of lakes and rivers, perfect for canoeing lovers. One can also easily spend an entire day wandering through the enchanting forests with castles hidden in them (okay, maybe not “hidden,” but this sounds dreamier, as castles should be). The best time to go to Latvia is during fall or winter, when you can canoe down the rivers with the color-changing leaves accompanying you, or when theChristmas vibeis on full display at the markets. All of these activities are affordable/free, which is why traveling in Latvia can be done on a budget.
- Meals: $12–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation:$14–25 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$2–5 for a full day of train rides within the city, or $10–15 for an intercity train ride.
- SIM card with data: Get a Baltic SIM card for $7 for 3GB with 30-day validity
24. Mexico, $42/day
FromTulumtoBaja California, Mexico is full ofendless adventures. This vast country is rich in culture, nature, and some of the best food in the world. Though it does not have the best reputationas far as safety goes, most violence takes place in certain areas, and Mexico hasplenty of safe places to explore.
The best news? It’s easy to travel in Mexico on a budget. For less than $20, you will be able to exploreat least five stunning cenotes, like the one in the picture above; for less than $3, you can devour delicious street food like tacos (I love tacos), quesadillas, and tortillas;the white-sand beachesare essentially free; and the hospitality? — priceless.
While getting around within a city is cheap, intercity traveling in Mexico can be costly, mainly because of how big the country is. The best-case scenario is torent a car, which costs about $50–70 per day and can be split between four people. If you arebackpacking Mexico solo, try to stay in the same place for a longer time to stretch the transportation costs out. That way, you are able totravel deeperand experience authentic Mexico too.
- Meals:$8–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
- Accommodation:$10–17 per night in a hostel(click here for the best hotels in Tulum)
- Transportation:$3–5 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $30–50 for an intercity bus ride (yikes!)
- SIM card with data:$10 for 2GB with a 30-day validity
– Read More –
Solo Female Travel Guide to Mexico
A Complete Guide to Mexico
25. Nicaragua, $35/day
Nicaragua is one of the cheapestCentral American destinationsto travel in, although it’s not likely to stay that way for much longer. The country is nicknamed “the nextCosta Rica,” and we all know what that means. For now, it remains affordable, fun, and interesting, so go before the prices go up and mass tourism hits.
For outdoor lovers, Nicaragua is great for surfing, volcano hiking, and diving. For a more relaxing journey, the colonial cities are beautiful to take a stroll in, and there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to lie on all day on. the cuisine is cheap and tasty, albeit repetitive. There are hostels all over, so you don’t have to worry about finding cheap accommodation.
One thing to note is that there are unfortunately safety concerns, so checkthe official advisory siteand be your own judge before going.
- Meals:$6–10 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
- Accommodation:$5–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $3–5 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $8–15 for an intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data: $12 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
26. Guatemala, $38/day
For an amazing Central American adventure on a budget, check out Guatemala. A visit there is no complete without seeing the beautifulLake Atitlán, but that’s not all — the country is covered in lush jungles, volcanos, and ruins, ideal for outdoor lovers. When you need a break from outdoor sports, colonial cities likeAntiguaor unique spots likeHobbitenangowill capture your heart with their stunning architecture and cobblestone streets.
Local food is delightful and affordable, at about $3 for a full meal (except in Antigua, where prices are actually close to US levels).
Local transportation can be very cheap but at times confusing and risky. The locals typically take the “chicken buses,” converted school buses from North America, which are the cheapest way to get around. The buses do not have specific stops, nor is there a board with prices on it. Instead, people simply wave them down and pay the collector. Watch how much the locals are paying and do the same.
- Meals:$10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation:$10–15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation:$1–3 for a full day of chicken bus rides, or $5–10 for an intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data:$13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity
27. Colombia, $35/day
A colorful destination with a dark past, Colombia is fast becoming a popular affordable destination. If you are a history geek, you will love the museums and historical sites in Bogotá, the Lost City, and beyond. If you are into nature, the Amazon awaits. As for diving enthusiasts, Colombia also boasts some of the world’s best sites and gorgeous beaches. With accommodation, transportation and food being so affordable, you will have room for some occasional splurges, so consider booking a luxurious villa for a night or two — you won’t get a deal this great anywhere else in this part of the world!
- Meals:$10–15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast
- Accommodation:$8–12 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $1–3 for a full day of bus rides, or $10–50 for an intercity bus ride (be sure to check the domestic flights, which can sometimes be cheaper than buses)
- SIM card with data: $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity
28. Arizona & Utah (for a road trip!), $45/day
While the US is generally not a super budget destination, if you are doing a road trip, you can definitelysave in some areas and splurge in others to even out your overall budget. For myAmerican Southwest road trip, I spentan average of $110/day, which includeda camper van rental, food, gas, and camping, plus little splurges here and there. Now, it was definitely more expensive because I was solo;if you had just one other person, you’d be able to split the costs almost perfectly in half (more if you had two other people along, and so on). The more, the merrier (until you run out of room and start elbowing each other).
Some quick tips on saving money:
- Get a national park pass and for $80, you will be able to get a carload of people into any national park in the US for an entire year.
- Rent a camper vanif you are renting a car.Then your accommodation, apart from the van fee, can be absolutely free bycamping only on BLM land.
- Cook your own meals! Again, renting a camper van with kitchen facilities will enable this and save you a lot of money
- Meals: $12–15/day
- Accommodation: free
- Transportation: $9/day for a camper van split between four people
- SIM card with data: $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
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29. South Africa, $42/day
If you are traveling on US dollars or euros, the exchange rate alone will do you a big favor. At this time of writing, one South African Rand is equal to six cents US.
Any hostel, guesthouse, or tourist accommodation in South Africa is called a “backpackers,” and they are typically in beautiful settings and have a unique personality, not to mention they areaffordable too. Food is where thebig budget eater or saver can be, as it can get expensive in South Africa.To save money, cook your own food. Grocery stores are plentiful and have reasonable prices. By at least preparing your own breakfast and the occasional dinner, you can save a lot.
Unfortunately, public transportation outside ofJohannesburgandCape Towncan be pretty limited. While there are a few private companies and trains thatprovide transportation around the country, the best (and possibly) cheapest way to get around is to rent a car and share with three other people, and go onan epic road triptogether.
- Meals: $12–15 per day
- Accommodation:$14–18 per night in a “backpackers”
- Transportation: $9 per day for a camper van split between four people
- SIM card with data: $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
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30. Namibia, $45/day
Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular views, includingthe gorgeous Sossusvlei, the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, and the massive Fish River Canyon, just to name a few. At first glance, Namibia may not seem like a budget destination, as most accommodations cater to the luxury category, and transportation from one place to another can be limited in such a vast country. However, you just need todo things a little bit differentlyto save a lot of money.
The most important thing is to choose to camp instead of staying in a lodge. The luxury lodges cost about $50–200 per night, but you can camp at their sites for about $8–10 per night; government campsites will set you back about $15–18 per night. As for transportation, ideally you would want to rent a 4×4 and share it with a few people to split the cost. If your accommodation comes with a communal kitchen, make full use of it as cooking your own meals will definitely save you money. Entrance fees are generally cheap!
- Meals: $12–15 per day
- Accommodation: $8–18 per night
- Transportation: $15–18 per day for a 4×4 split between four people
- SIM card with data:$16 for 1.5GB with a 60-day validity
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31. Egypt, $30/day
Pyramids, ancient temples, and royal palaces once inhabited by pharaohs make Egypt seem like it would come at a high price. However, the reality is that this Middle Eastern country can be surprisingly affordable for travelers. One of the biggest expenses in Egypt is getting there, but with some planning and flexibility, you can find decently priced flights to Cairo or Luxor. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find that hostels and guest houses, food, and transportation costs are surprisingly affordable, especially if you avoid resort cities like Hurghada.
- Meals: $3–5 per meal
- Accommodation: $10–15 per night for a dorm room
- Transportation: $0.50 for a ride on a local bus
- SIM card with data: $2.81 for 12GB with a 30-day validity
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How Low Can You Go?
The suggested budget above includes basic accommodation, transportation, and three meals, with a mix of simple breakfasts, hearty lunches, and light dinners, as well as Internet and one paid activity for the day. You will need to add on the other costs, like shopping, alcohol, and little splurges here and there to understand how much exactly is needed.
Some may want to dive or ski, which are typically higher-cost activities, and some just want to walk around and explore neighborhoods. If you are on a shoestring budget, the suggested budgets can be cut down further should you choose to couchsurf, hitchhike, and skip certain activities.
Are there any destinations that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
