In economic difficulty, tourists look for a bargain. However, there is a dilemma with traveling on a budget: you want to enjoy your adventure, but without breaking the bank. Therefore, choosing wisely is key to the overall experience.
Some of these countries require a long-haul flight. Yet, at the end of this odyssey, there is the guarantee of cheap lodgings, excursions, and food.
Why not choose somewhere where cost isn’t an option and the culture is still as rich as anywhere else?
1. Vietnam
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This beautiful boomerang-shaped tropical country in Southeast Asia is perfect for anyone on a shoestring. Motorbike rental is as cheap as $5 per day, while a bowl of pho and a banh-mi sandwich will be just a few bucks.
Moreover, one can sleep in a shack on the beach for next to nothing and eat well for $10 per day. Expat insurance firm William Russell puts the cost of living “around 59.5% lower than in the United Kingdom and 60.1% lower than in the United States.
2. Nepal
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Nepal has a gross national income (GNI) of roughly $1,400 per capita, making it one of the poorest nations on Earth. However, this South Asian nation has some of the warmest, most gentle-natured people I have met.
What’s clear is that they all benefit from tourism, and anyone who visits will receive kind treatment. Furthermore, Nepal boasts the most impressive mountain views known to humanity, achievable for $25 per day. It won’t include excursions and treks, but these are also much cheaper than one might expect.
3. Cambodia
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West of Vietnam sits Cambodia, which is far less developed than its famous neighbor, though no less beautiful. The great thing about Cambodia is the value for money one gets. With hostels from $5 per night, as well as easy transport, food, and excursions, Cambodia is a dream for any backpacker.
“There’s no better way to get around than by jumping on your push-bike and ambling along a street, or down an idyllic countryside lane!” states International Volunteer HQ. “There’s no sitting in traffic with SUVs bumper to bumper here!”
4. Serbia
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Serbia is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe between Bosnia and Romania. This part of Europe is almost like a separate continent, with unique cultures that developed over millennia across the Balkan Mountains. It is generally cheaper than its Western European counterparts.
“A bottle of water is 40 US cents, a single room at a basic hotel is about 30 dollars a night,” reads a post from TimeTravelTurtle. “Add onto all of that the safety and the friendliness of the local people, and you’ve got a pretty comfortable experience.”
5. Bulgaria
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“It’s one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever been to, and … it’s likely things will stay that way,” reads a post from travel expert Bren on the Road. This offer sounds appealing. Is there more we should know?
“Average salaries range around $300 per month and things in the country are priced accordingly,” he adds. “That means $2 for a cab ride, $3 for a restaurant meal and $5 for a movie ticket.” What’s more, Bulgaria has some of the cheapest skiing in the winter and some of the best-kept beaches in the region. Okay: sold.
6. Thailand
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Like Vietnam, Thailand is a favorite for backpackers who enjoy cheap flights around the country, low-cost motorbike hire, and great value street food. Furthermore, one can easily go island hopping in the south or adventuring in the northern mountains for better prices than anywhere in the Western world.
Plus, the food is delicious, affordable, and second to none. “The cheapest options for dining in Thailand are street food and small local bars catering to locals,” reads a Camp Rest post. “Just remember to eat at places that are popular with locals.”
7. Poland
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Poland is becoming a go-to for budget travel with a rich history, well-preserved architecture, and vast, beautiful countryside and mountain range to explore. The Treasures of Poland blog lists all the prices one can expect as a visitor, and it is very reasonable.
It might not be the cheapest option in the world, but the value for money is still excellent for Northern Europe. The cheapest period to visit is “May, early June, late September or October, because that’s when it’s most beautiful,” reads the blog entry.
8. Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia might be a controversial choice, perhaps, but why not? Tourism is cheaper in the mega-rich desert state than in its wealthy compatriot nations, which is confirmed by experts. “The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is cheaper than in all neighboring nations,” reads an International Citizens guide. If anything, the low-cost gasoline makes for a great driving vacation.
Due to Saudi Arabia’s role as an emerging tourism destination, one can still find outlandish bargains while living like a Sheikh or Sheikha. What’s more, the country is changing socially, though you should expect to be teetotal during your stay.
9. Egypt
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I lived in Egypt for one year, during which time I went horse riding around the Pyramids, snorkeled over the best reefs I have seen, and visited countless other historical monuments. Here, mindblowing cultural sites like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel all come at soberingly low prices.
In two weeks, you can see the best of cities like Cairo, Alexander, and Luxor. After that, soak up the beach resorts in the Sinai Peninsula, visit an oasis, or take a Nile Cruise through Upper Egypt. A fortnight here might cost the same as a long weekend in Las Vegas without the casinos.
10. Sri Lanka
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India’s little neighbor to the southwest has a host of nicknames like Ceylon, Pearl of the Orient, and the Teardrop of India. However, my favorite is the “Resplendent Isle,” which summarizes the place well.
If one chooses the backpacker route, life in Sri Lanka is frugal. For easy money, this tropical getaway has some of the best surf in the region. Sri Lanka is a popular spot for surf addicts and beach hermits. Meanwhile, if you tire of palm-lined beaches, exploring the inland jungles, tea plantations, and Buddhist mountain temples provides plenty of diversion.
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