12 Cheapest Countries in the World To Travel More and Spend Less
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Expensive destinations do not always translate to the best travel experiences; any avid traveler knows this. If well-planned, traveling on a small budget can offer memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The first step to traveling on a budget is choosing a cheap destination. It isn’t easy to pull off a budget trip in some countries, and that is just it. Luckily, even when most parts of the world are grappling with inflation, some countries remain cheap and manage to offer unique experiences to tourists for very little money.
If you want to get value for every coin you spend on travel, add these cheap countries to your travel bucket list. From accommodation, food, moving around, tours, and entrance fees to tourist spots, these destinations ensure your money stretches far.
Thailand
While flying to Thailand can be expensive, other services such as accommodation, dining, and activities will cover up the cost. To maximize your experience, fly into Thailand but combine your trip with Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam, all of which are also cheap countries that you can travel to by train from Thailand.
Once you get transportation out of the way, the experience of exploring Thailand can be unforgettable.
From tropical beaches to lush jungles and bustling cities like Bangkok, Thailand is a heaven every traveler should experience. There is so much to see and experience in the country at no or low cost; it is no wonder it is the most visited country in Southeast Asia and is now very popular among digital nomads and backpackers.
While the country offers many tourist attractions, some unmissable sites include the Grand Palace, the Big Buddha temple in Phuket, and the Mo Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Read also: Countries That Don’t Want Tourists
Sri Lanka
Accommodation is among the highest traveling expenses, but Sri Lanka has many choices, including budget options. Besides, you will like the fact that many of the activities in Sri Lanka have modest entrance fees. From the ancient city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, you have a high chance of saving money exploring Sri Lanka.
Take advantage of Sri Lankan natural beauty, which includes popular attractions like Ella, Yala National Park, and the beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna. If you are into active adventure, go hiking in the hills, surfing on the coastlines, whale watching in Mirissa, or on a safari in the country’s national parks.
Read also: Least Walkable Cities in the World
India
India is truly a land of many offerings, with rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality, and a diverse landscape. As if the diversity were not good enough, your money will go far when traveling in India.
There are many budget accommodations you can choose from when visiting India. Besides, the culinary scene is rich but incredibly affordable. Whether you choose to go with classic favorites like curry and biryani or street foods like samosas and chaat, you can enjoy a hearty meal for close to nothing.
There are so many experiences to enjoy without breaking the bank, including exploring the stunning forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, and the ancient city of Varanasi.
India is also a destination where you can go on a wildlife safari without spending a fortune. If a safari is on your bucket list, make sure you add Ranthambore National Park to your Indian itinerary.
Read also: Places Where You Can Live For Less Than $500 a Month
Indonesia
When you think of visiting Indonesia, you are likely thinking of Bali, which almost always features on lists of the best places to visit in the world. However, there is more to see and experience in Indonesia, thanks to the over 17,000 Indonesian islands.
Stunning beaches, giant komodo dragons, volcanoes, and vast mountain ranges—Indonesia offers so many experiences at very pocket-friendly prices.
Some of the most Instagrammable experiences are super affordable. From swinging on the Ubud swings to visiting Waterbom in Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Borobudur Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Prambanan Temples, and Ijen Crater, there are endless things to enjoy in Indonesia.
Read also: Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a great destination to consider if you are looking for a budget European escape. The country offers gorgeous beaches, historic towns, lively cities, and ancient ruins, all for far less money than most European countries.
Beyond the history-steeped Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, there is so much you can do, such as lounging on the gorgeous sandy beaches of Varna, hitting the trails of the Vitosha Mountains, or exploring the Ancient Temple of Philippopolis.
You may also want to skip the expensive ski towns in the rest of Europe and head to Bansko, a picturesque ski town in Bulgaria that offers ski runs for both beginners and experts.
Read also: Visa-Free Countries
Turkey
Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey is a melting pot of cultures and an excellent choice for any traveler looking to get value for their money. With stunning architecture, a next-level culinary scene, bustling markets, and pristine beaches, Turkey has much you can experience without breaking the bank.
For starters, food is incredibly cheap in Turkey, whether you stick to street food, eat at restaurants, or get groceries from open markets.
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When it comes to exploration, you can choose to soak in the colorful and bustling Istanbul, go window shopping at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Europe, tour the Blue Mosque, or head to dreamy Cappadocia.
Read also: Secret Romantic Getaways
Jamaica
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Jamaica should be your top choice if you are looking for a cheap destination in the Caribbean. Whether sunbathing at the famous Seven Miles Beach, hiking the Blue Mountains, river rafting on the Martha Brae River, or exploring Dunn’s River Falls, there are diverse ways to enjoy Jamaica’s beautiful nature.
Jamaican cuisine is a top draw for travelers, and luckily, it is very affordable. Whether you eat in local eateries, from street food vendors, or roadside stalls, traditional Jamaican foods like jerk chicken, ackee saltfish, and patties are almost always reasonably priced.
Read also: Incredible Hidden Gems Across the World
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most visited countries by American tourists, and it’s pretty obvious why. With white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and pleasant all-year-round beaches, the country is a little paradise for nature lovers.
If you want to save on food, prioritize local delicacies such as mangu, sancocho, and empanadas, which are typically affordable, especially in local eateries.
Many of the Dominican Republic’s top attractions are affordable. Whether you go to public beaches in Punta Cana or Los Haitises National Park, the Dominican Republic offers a wealth of nature experiences for cheap.
Read also: Incredible Natural Wonders Across the Globe
Costa Rica
Jungle lodges, volcanoes, thick-canopy forests, and a coastline on both the Caribbean and the Pacific make Costa Rica a serious catch when it comes to budget-friendly destinations that have so much to offer tourists.
Costa Rica is home to stunning national parks like Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. These parks typically charge entrance fees ranging from $10-20, a worthwhile investment considering their stunning biodiversity and natural beauty.
Furthermore, Costa Rica is constantly being rated as one of the best places to retire, thanks to its breathtaking nature and stress-free, slow-down lifestyles—all at low prices.
Read also: Amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries
Egypt
If you are a budget traveler, there are so many things you can do and experience in Egypt. History buffs will especially have a memorable experience touring the Pyramids of Giza and the many other historical sites in the country.
Luckily, you will not have to worry about accommodation as there are many budget and mid-rage options to consider.
The cost of food is also very low in Egypt, especially if you stick with vegetarian meals, street foods, and local options.
Traveling by train across Egypt is filthy cheap. If you are on a budget, skip flights and travel by train from Cairo to Aswan or Cairo to Luxor, which are the country’s most sought-after cities.
Some unmissable spots, especially for history buffs, include Abu Simbel Temples, the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, Luxor Temple, Valley of Kings, and Giza Necropolis. All are breathtaking but cheap to explore.
Read also: Rediscovered Ancient Cities
Philippines
The Philippines has something for every type of traveler, but what stands out is that the budget experience can still be comfortable enough. And yes, it is easy to score hotel deals in luxury hotels, especially during the low season.
If you are into island life and coastal escapes, you do not want to miss out on Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. These tropical paradises offer public access to beaches, waterfalls, caves, and lush landscapes waiting to be explored.
While Palawan is truly a scene out of a fairytale, it remains reasonably priced. When in Palawan, visit Kayangan Lake, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Barracuda Lake, Las Cabanas Beach, and Twin Lagoon.
Read also: Awesome Paradise Islands
Vietnam
Known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Vietnam is a country of great diversity and many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
It is a great budget travel destination, especially because accommodation is cheap even in larger cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
There is so much to experience in Vietnam, including ancient temples, historic sites, traditional villages, the lush rice terraces of Sapa, and the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc Island.
What stands out even more is how budget-friendly luxurious experiences are. Consider exploring Halong Bay, kayaking at Phong Nha & Paradise Cave, visiting the Mekong Delta or exploring Lan Ha-Ha Bay. These activities would have cost an arm and a leg in another country but remain pocket-friendly in Vietnam.
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