The World’s Cheapest Countries to Travel to Make Vacations Surprisingly Affordable

General Travel

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Dream destinations don’t always demand deep pockets.

We’ve discovered the cheapest countries to travel to, where your dollars stretch like magic – think ancient temples, pristine beaches, and bucket-list adventures at backpacker prices.

Bagan Myanmar

Ready to explore paradise on a budget? Dive into these 15 incredible destinations where every penny transforms into unforgettable experiences.

The World’s Cheapest Countries to Travel to This Year

Here’s a comprehensive list of the world’s most affordable and worthwhile destinations, showcasing why they’re perfect for budget travelers.

1. Argentina

Buenos Aires Argentina
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $11 (AR$11,045) per day on your vacation in Argentina. 

Argentina emerges as one of the cheapest countries to travel to – your money stretches incredibly far here.

The peso’s favorable exchange rate means you can feast on world-class steaks, sip Malbec wine, and stay in charming neighborhoods for a fraction of what you’d expect.

Mount Fitz Roy, Patagonia, Argentina

Your $11 daily budget covers tango shows in Buenos Aires, exploring the thundering Iguazu Falls, and even ventures into Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes.


2. Laos

Affordable Travel Destinations for Students - Laos
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $18 (₭401,464) per day on your vacation in Laos.

Laos stands among the best countries to travel on a budget, where $18 daily lets you experience Southeast Asia without breaking the bank.

From the laid-back capital of Vientiane to the mystical temples of Luang Prabang, this enchanting country keeps costs remarkably low.

Your budget covers tubing adventures down the Nam Song River, exploring the mysterious Plain of Jars, and island-hopping through the 4000 Islands of the Mekong.

Staying in simple guesthouses and feasting at local markets along the way keeps costs super low, whilst exploring one of the best Asian countries.


3. Egypt

Egypt Pyramids
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $19 (E£956) per day on your vacation in Egypt. 

Egypt ranks among the cheap beautiful countries to visit, with a $19 daily budget covering guided tours of the pyramids, affordable Nile River cruises, and comfortable hotels in Cairo or Luxor.

Egypt ruins

Local transportation and street food keep costs minimal, letting you focus your spending on experiences that matter – like sunrise at Abu Simbel or diving in the Red Sea.


4. Georgia

Georgia in Europe
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $37 (GEL103) per day on your vacation in Georgia

Georgia emerges as one of the budget-friendly travel destinations, where $37 per day gets you European charm at Asian prices.

The cost of meals and accommodation in Tbilisi remains remarkably low, while the quality rivals more expensive destinations.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Your budget stretches to include wine tastings in Kakheti, stays in family guesthouses, and hearty Georgian feasts.


5. Mongolia

Altai Mountains Mongolia
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $31 (₮106,859) per day on your vacation in Mongolia. 

Mongolia attracts adventurers as one of the cheap countries to travel, offering incredible value at $31 daily.

Your budget covers stays in traditional ger camps while watching eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains, exploring the monasteries of Karakorum, and camping under the stars in the Gobi Desert.

Gobi Desert in Mongolia

Local markets and basic restaurants keep costs low, while adventures to Lake Khovsgol’s blue waters and the dramatic flaming cliffs of Bayanzag provide priceless experiences that would cost a fortune elsewhere.


6. Myanmar

Bagan Myanmar
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $39 (MMK127,122) per day on your vacation in Myanmar. 

Myanmar showcases itself as one of the cheapest countries for travel, where $39 daily covers clean guesthouses, flavorful street food, and local transportation.

Bagan Myanmar

This modest spending lets you explore thousands of temples in Bagan by e-bike, watch sunrise over Inle Lake, and wander through colonial Yangon.


7. India

Visiting Goa with Family, Goa Palolem Beach, India
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $45 (₨3,858) per day on your vacation in India.

India remains one of the low budget countries to visit, where even a $45 daily budget feels luxurious.

Your money covers comfortable rooms and travel between iconic sights like the majestic Taj Mahal, the holy ghats of Varanasi, and the golden beaches of Goa.

Taj Mahal, India

From the palaces of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala, budget-conscious travelers can explore widely without compromise, thanks to delicious street food and efficient rail networks.


8. Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $45 (NP₨6,029) per day on your vacation in Nepal.

Nepal proves that Himalayan adventures don’t require mountainous budgets at $45 per day.

Trekking teahouses offer basic rooms and hearty meals at remarkably low prices, while city guesthouses remain affordable even in popular areas.

Manaslu Nepal Natural Beauty

Your budget covers guides, permits, and accommodations for those snow-capped mountain views.


9. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $63 (LKR18,464) per day on your vacation in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka stands as one of the budget-friendly countries to visit, where your dollar buys endless paradise experiences.

The island’s affordable guesthouses and efficient train system make exploring a breeze without breaking the bank.

Sri Lanka Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

Your $63 daily budget covers bucket-list adventures like climbing ancient Sigiriya fortress, spotting leopards in Yala National Park, and taking epic train rides through misty tea plantations in Ella.


10. Bolivia

Bolivia Mountains
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $63 ($b437) per day on your vacation in Bolivia

Bolivia represents one of the cheap countries to travel to, where $63 daily unlocks otherworldly landscapes.

Basic hotels and local markets help maintain low costs while you explore the Salar de Uyuni salt flats or Lake Titicaca.

Salt lake - Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

Adventure activities and guided tours cost a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.


11. Vietnam

Hanoi Train Tracks
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $68 (d1,742,779) per day on your vacation in Vietnam.

Vietnam exemplifies the best countries to visit on budget at $68 per day.

From bustling street food markets to comfortable hostels, costs stay remarkably low while quality remains high.

Your budget stretches to include overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, wandering lantern-lit Hoi An, motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop, and exploring the Mekong Delta’s floating markets.

Hoi An Old Town Travel Guide

While still having plenty left for Sapa’s rice terraces and Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter.


12. Indonesia

Raja Ampat Indonesia
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $69 (Rp1,116,183) per day on your vacation in Indonesia. 

Indonesia rounds out our list of cheap countries to travel to, where $69 daily unlocks adventures across thousands of islands.

From watching sunrise over ancient Borobudur temple to meeting orangutans in Borneo’s jungles, your budget stretches incredibly far.

Pulau Padar in Komodo National Park

Basic guesthouses and local warungs keep costs low while you chase bucket-list experiences like swimming with Komodo dragons, lounging on the Gili Islands’ pristine beaches, and diving the world-class reefs of Raja Ampat.


13. Botswana

Botswana
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $70 (P970) per day on your vacation in Botswana.

Botswana emerges as a surprising entry among affordable safari destinations, where $70 daily makes African adventures accessible.

Your budget opens up the elephant-rich plains of Chobe National Park, traditional mokoro rides through the Okavango Delta’s waterways, and unforgettable camping experiences under the Kalahari’s star-filled skies.

Kalahari Botswana

Local lodges and clever transport planning let you experience world-class wildlife viewing without the luxury price tag.


14. Peru

Cusco Peru
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $71 (S/.263) per day on your vacation in Peru.

Peru welcomes adventure seekers with a modest $71 daily budget that unlocks some of South America’s most iconic wonders.

Your money stretches from wandering the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu and exploring colonial Cusco’s cobblestone streets to sailing Lake Titicaca’s floating islands.

Machu Picchu

Local markets and family-run hostels keep costs surprisingly low while you tick off bucket-list experiences like hiking the Rainbow Mountain and soaring over the mysterious Nazca Lines.


15. The Philippines

Palawan Philippines
  • Budget: Plan to spend around $74 (₱4,337) per day on your vacation in the Philippines.

The Philippines welcomes beach lovers at $74 daily, where island paradise comes without the premium price tag.

Your budget stretches to include swimming with whale sharks in Cebu, exploring the Underground River in Palawan, and island hopping through El Nido’s limestone lagoons.

Prettiest Islands in the World - Palawan island in Philippines

Local guesthouses and fresh seafood markets make extended stays affordable, even in postcard-perfect destinations like Boracay and Siargao.


Final Thoughts on the Cheapest Countries to Visit

Each of these destinations proves that amazing travel experiences don’t require deep pockets – just smart planning and an adventurous spirit.

The remarkably low daily costs include accommodation, food, local transport, and entry to major attractions, making these countries perfect for extended stays or deeper exploration.

Side Note: All costs of travel trips are credited to Budget Your Trip.

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Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!