Ever scroll through Instagram and think, "Dream trip, but my bank account says absolutely not"?
Yeah, I feel you. Here’s the thing though: Travel doesn’t have to drain your savings or max out your credit cards. I’ve spent way too much time researching (okay, maybe rabbit-holing) the cheapest places to travel, and let me tell you — there are some absolute gems out there where your dollar goes ridiculously far.
So if you’re anything like me and want to squeeze maximum adventure from every dollar, this list is for you. These aren’t just random budget destinations I found online; these are places where you can genuinely have an incredible time without constantly checking your bank balance.
Let’s get into it.
1. Vietnam
Daily Budget: $34-$50
Best time to visit: March-April or September-November for mild temps and fewer crowds
Population: 101.6 million
Vietnam is honestly backpacker heaven. Picture this: You’re eating the most incredible street food for pocket change, getting woken up by motorbike symphonies (in the best way) and navigating jaw-dropping scenery without your wallet crying.
Not gonna lie, Vietnam has been on my bucket list forever, and the budget breakdown makes it even more tempting.
Why your money goes far here:
• Accommodation: Dorm beds start around $5, private rooms from $15
• Food: Street food meals for $1-$3, even sit-down restaurants rarely hit $10
• Transport: Cross-country night buses cost less than your morning coffee back home
• Activities: Temple visits, cooking classes and motorbike tours won’t break the bank
2. Guatemala
• Daily budget: Around $36
• Best time to visit: November-April (dry season)
• Population: 17.98 million
Emerald lakes, volcano-framed vistas and markets that look like works of art, all without the European price tag.
You can sip world-class Antigua coffee by day and chase Mayan ruins at dawn, and your budget will actually thank you for it.
Money-saving tips:
• Transport: Chicken buses are an adventure (and cost practically nothing)
• Food: Tostadas and local markets keep meal costs under $1
• Accommodation: Hostels from $8, even nice guesthouses stay under $25
• Activities: Many Mayan sites have reasonable entry fees, hiking is mostly free
3. Portugal
Daily budget: $44-$50
Best time to visit: April-May or September-October
Population: 10.75 million
Yes, you can actually explore Western Europe on a budget. Portugal gives you Lisbon’s famous azulejos tiles, vinho verde on the beach and those iconic pastéis de nata, all for way less than you’d spend in neighboring Spain or France.
This one surprised me when I was researching it. Portugal is seriously underrated for budget travel.
Budget breakdown:
• Acommodation: Hostels from $22, Airbnbs from $36
• Food: Local tascas (taverns) serve full meals for $12–$17
• Transport: Inter-city buses around $15, trains slightly more
• Activities: Many museums have free days, beaches are obviously free
4. Albania
Daily budget: Around $40
Best time to visit: Late May-June or September (warm seas, no August crowds)
Population: 2.40 million
Here’s Europe’s best-kept budget secret — and I mean that. Albania gives you rugged mountains, gorgeous Adriatic coastline and a surprisingly hip capital in Tirana, all without the euro-level prices that’ll make you wince.
You’ll find byrek (flaky pastry) for breakfast, boutique guesthouses under $30, and crumbling Ottoman castles with your morning espresso. What’s not to love?
Why it’s so affordable:
• Accommodation: Seaside guesthouses around $20, city hostels from $12
• Food: Byrek and local dishes for pocket change
• Transport: Buses between cities cost just a few euros
• Activities: Historical sites have minimal entry fees
5. Thailand
Daily budget: Around $68 (less up north, more on islands)
Best time to visit: November-early April
Population: 71.7 million
Thailand is still the undefeated champion of bang-for-your-buck travel. We’re talking temples, beaches, legendary Thai smiles and $1 street food that’ll ruin you for expensive Thai restaurants back home.
From bustling Bangkok to jungle-surrounded Chiang Mai and the southern islands, your money goes surprisingly far, especially if you can dodge the obvious tourist traps.
Smart spending tips:
• Food: Street food and local markets vs. tourist restaurants
• Transport: Sleeper trains and local buses over private transfers
• Accommodation: Guesthouses and hostels in non-touristy areas
• Activities: Free temples, cheap cooking classes, budget-friendly island hopping
6. Oaxaca, Mexico
Daily budget: Around $41
Best time to visit: November-April, or late October for Día de los Muertos
Metro population: 714,000
Oaxaca is like that vibrant friend who throws the best parties — folkloric, flavourful, full of colour — but somehow keeps everything surprisingly affordable. Between mezcal-fueled nights and UNESCO-listed colonial streets, it’s a cultural feast that won’t demolish your budget.
Quick note on this one: The food scene alone is worth the trip.
Budget-friendly highlights:
• Food: Tacos al pastor for about $0.50, market meals under $3
• Accommodation: Local casitas and hostels from $15
• Transport: Local buses cheaper than gum (seriously)
• Activities: Free walking tours, affordable day trips to ruins
7. Morocco
Daily budget: Around $34
Best time to visit: March-May or September-October
Population: 37.5 million
Morocco is this incredible mix of medinas, mint tea culture and Sahara desert adventures where the colours and spices hit you immediately, but your budget stays intact. Walking through Marrakech’s souks or hiking Atlas Mountain foothills doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Money stretchers:
• Accommodation: Riads (traditional houses) from $25
• Food: Tagine lunches for around $3, street food even less
• Transport: Local buses and shared taxis keep costs low
• Activities: Many historical sites have reasonable entry fees
8. Indonesia (Bali and beyond)
Daily budget: Around $27
Best time to visit: April-October
Population: 277 million
Think Bali is just overpriced yoga retreats and crowded beaches? Think again. Indonesia offers this wild, budget-friendly archipelago adventure — surfing, rice terraces, spotting Komodo dragons, island hopping — all for the price of a fancy coffee back home.
And here’s the thing: Most people only hit Bali, but the rest of Indonesia is where the real adventure (and savings) happens.
Why it’s so cheap:
• Food: Full meals for $2, even nice restaurants under $8
• Transport: Scooter rentals for practically nothing
• Accommodation: Long-term stays from $280/month
• Activities: Island hopping tours, temple visits, and hiking adventures
9. Colombia
Daily budget: Around $41
Best time to visit: December-March for clear skies, July-August works too
Population: 51.8 million
Colombia has completely reinvented itself, and every peso you spend here feels worth it. Coffee farm tours, pastel-coloured Cartagena, salsa lessons at dawn — you get this incredible diversity without the tourist markup you’d find in other South American hotspots.
Budget winners:
• Accommodation: Hostel dorms around $10, private rooms from $20
• Food: Menu del día (daily menu) lunches for $3
• Transport: Long-distance buses are comfortable and cheap
• Activities: Many museums and cultural sites have minimal fees
10. Nepal
Daily budget: $27-$34
Best time to visit: October-November or March-April
Population: 29.69 million
Ever wanted to wake up to mountain views from your bed without paying Swiss prices? Nepal’s trekking trails, mountain teahouses and unlimited dal bhat (the local staple) will fill your soul and your belly for less than a smoothie back home.
This part is actually super underrated: The hospitality in Nepal is incredible, and the value you get is just unmatched.
Trekking budget tips:
• Accommodation: Teahouses around $5, guesthouses from $8
• Food: Dal bhat with unlimited refills for about $3
• Activities: Trekking permits are reasonable, many cultural sites are free
• Transport: Local buses are incredibly cheap
11. Romania
Daily budget: $48-$55
Best time to visit: May-June or September
Population: 19.8 million
Romania’s medieval towns, wild Carpathian mountains and legitimate castle vibes will completely win you over — while your wallet breathes easy. It’s like getting all the Eastern European charm without the Budapest or Prague price tags.
Why Romania works for budget travel:
• Transport: Train rides across Transylvania cost less than iced coffee
• Accommodation: Hostels from $12, guesthouses under $30
• Food: Hearty traditional meals for $5-$8
• Activities: Castle visits, hiking, and cultural sites stay affordable
12. The Philippines
Daily budget: Around $27
Best time to visit: December-February (skip typhoon season June-October)
Population: 114 million
Want island-hopping paradise on an actual shoestring budget? The Philippines delivers turquoise lagoons, affordable scuba diving and that tropical vibe you’re craving — all while keeping your daily budget under $30.
Island life on a budget:
• Accommodation: Beachfront hostels around $15
• Food: Local meals from $2, fresh seafood surprisingly cheap
• Transport: Island-hopping tours around $25 (lunch included)
• Activities: Snorkeling, diving, and beach time won’t drain your savings
Where should you go first?
So there you have it, 12 countries where you can have incredible adventures without needing a trust fund or maxing out credit cards. From slurping pho in Hanoi to chasing sunsets on the Albanian Riviera, these places prove you don’t need deep pockets to travel meaningfully.
My honest take? Pick the vibe that speaks to you most. Want temples and street food? Hit up Vietnam or Thailand. Craving European charm without European prices? Portugal and Albania are calling. Need that Instagram-worthy beach life? The Philippines and Indonesia have you covered.
The key is booking that flight, eating where locals eat, staying flexible with your accommodation and taking the scenic route whenever possible. Your next great adventure is way more affordable than you think. You just need to be smart about where you go.
Now stop scrolling and start planning. Your bank account (and your sense of adventure) will thank you.
FAQs
Where is the cheapest nicest place to vacation?
Based on our research, Vietnam consistently offers the best value. You can have an amazing time for around $34 to $50 per day, including accommodation, incredible food and activities. Thailand and Indonesia are close seconds, especially if you avoid the most touristy areas.
Where is it cheapest to travel to now?
Right now, Albania and Romania offer incredible value in Europe, while Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia remain budget champions. South American destinations like Colombia and Guatemala also provide excellent bang for your buck.
What is the cheapest and safest country to visit?
Portugal tops this list. It’s one of the safest countries in the world while remaining budget-friendly for Western Europe. For absolute cheapest with good safety records, Vietnam and Thailand have excellent tourist infrastructure and are generally very safe for travellers.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
