Forget the luxury holiday – thanks to competitive airfares, cheap accommodation, digital planning, and favorable exchange rates, amazing travel experiences are now affordable for everyone. These countries consistently rank top on budget travel reports with backpackers sometimes spending as little as $20-40 a day excluding international airfare: Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, Guatemala, Albania.
Planning your first trip or searching for your next cheap getaway? Here we look at the countries where you get the most bang for your buck with incredible food, culture, landscapes and unforgettable memories thrown in.
Why is Budget Travel More Popular Than Ever?
Travelling internationally is now within reach like never before. While the price of flying fluctuates, travelers are quickly realizing that where you travel to is often more important than how cheaply you get there. Less expensive countries allow you to book better hotels, more unique culinary experiences and pack in more sights at a far lower cost than the more established hotspots.
Budget travel isn’t about roughing it. It’s about stretching your money further. Picture yourself feasting on authentic street food for a few dollars, staying in beautiful boutique guesthouses that would cost a fortune elsewhere, or travelling across stunning mountain passes on cheap scenic train routes. That is now a reality for travelers around the globe.
Another factor to the boom in budget travel is the rise of the digital nomad and longer-term travelers. Rather than one extravagant holiday a year many individuals are now spending weeks or even months travelling through affordable countries where daily expenses remain surprisingly low.
What Makes a Destination Budget-Friendly?
A country can be considered budget-friendly based on several factors:
*Low accommodation costs
*Cheap local transport
*Low food prices
*Favorable exchange rates
*Low cost or free attractions
*Low flight prices
When accommodation, transport, food and activities can be enjoyed comfortably without constant worry of overspending, then a destination is truly budget-friendly.
What Factors Affect Travel Costs?
Even in the cheapest country, expenses can quickly escalate through travel during peak times or staying solely in luxury accommodations. A budget traveler typically saves most money by traveling during shoulder season, utilizing public transport, eating local cuisine, and booking flights months in advance.
Transport will most likely be your second biggest expense after flights. Luckily, most affordable countries have excellent bus networks, cheap domestic flights or inexpensive trains to get you from city to city for a few dollars.
Top Budget-Friendly Countries
Vietnam
Year after year Vietnam appears on global lists of the best-value destinations on earth. Visitors adore its dramatic landscapes, busy cities, flavorful food and very low costs, with a day trip budget for backpackers often ranging from $20 to $35 per day, with mid-range traveler comfort for those with slightly more funds.
Highlights: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City, the terraced rice paddies of Sapa.
Street food is legendary, with a bowl of authentic pho usually costing only a few dollars and a coffee culture rivaling many world capitals.
Thailand
Thailand has long been established as the ultimate budget travel destination. Although some of its famous islands have risen in price, there is still much to see at a low cost. Street food, hostels and public transport can help you stick to your daily budget, all while soaking up the gorgeous beaches, ornate temples, vibrant street markets and bustling nightlife.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Pai are perennial favorites among backpackers and first-time international travelers. With affordable massages, fun island-hopping and incredible cuisine, Thailand is one of the easiest countries on the planet to explore on a budget.
Nepal
Adventure lovers flock to Nepal knowing that few other countries can rival its majestic mountain scenery for such a low price. While prices do increase at premium trekking sites, a day trip budget rarely needs to exceed $30.
Visitors will enjoy: trekking the Himalayas, exploring ancient temples, visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, relaxing on the lakes of Pokhara and wildlife spotting in national parks.
With a welcoming culture and inexpensive guesthouses, a longer stay in Nepal is both enjoyable and affordable.
Indonesia
While Bali may hog the limelight, Indonesia is home to thousands of islands, offering visitors the chance to surf, climb volcanoes, scuba dive on vibrant coral reefs or simply immerse themselves in diverse cultures.
Outside of the more luxury-based resorts on Bali, the price of accommodation, transport and food still remains relatively low. Locals will serve you filling meals at their warungs (small family restaurants) for just a few dollars and there are numerous affordable ferries that criss-cross the islands.
Visitors looking for an island paradise at a lower price than many of its contemporaries may find a new favorite in Lombok, Java, Flores or Sumatra.
Sri Lanka
Quickly returning as a popular destination for international tourists, Sri Lanka is well worth its place on any budget travel itinerary. The country is packed with incredibly scenic train journeys, stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, tea plantations and historic cities.
The average traveler can enjoy the island easily with a moderate budget if they choose to use trains and local buses, or if they opt for smaller, local guesthouses. It’s a surprisingly compact country, so it’s possible to take in beaches, mountains and ancient ruins in just one trip.
Albania
Crystal-clear beaches, ancient Ottoman architecture, breathtaking mountains and delicious Mediterranean food mean that Albania has truly earned its title of one of the best-value destinations in Europe.
Inexpensive food and accommodation can be found for less than those across the border in Italy or Greece and while the busiest summer months are more costly, prices remain dramatically lower than other European hotspots at other times of the year. Budget travelers can expect to spend $35-60 per day.
Georgia
A country of incredible Caucasus mountain scenery, centuries-old monasteries and a world-famous wine culture combined with amazing hospitality is Georgia.
You will find unique, but relatively affordable, boutique hotels in the capital, Tbilisi, along with many cheap restaurants and bars. The transportation infrastructure is great, and Georgia is very lenient with visa restrictions.
Guatemala
Central America offers incredible value and Guatemala stands head and shoulders above many others.
See the ancient Mayan ruins, browse colorful local markets, hike up volcanoes, marvel at Lake Atitlán and explore charming colonial architecture.
Food and buses remain cheap in Guatemala and this a rewarding destination for any backpacker searching for authenticity.
Budget Comparison Table
| Country | Budget Per Day | Best For |
| :———- | :————- | :——————— |
| Vietnam | $20-35 | Food, culture, scenery |
| Thailand | $25-40 | Beaches, nightlife |
| Nepal | $20-30 | Trekking |
| Indonesia | $25-40 | Islands, diving |
| Sri Lanka | $25-40 | Beaches, trains |
| Albania | $35-60 | Affordable Europe |
| Georgia | $30-45 | Mountains, wine |
| Guatemala | $25-40 | History, adventure |
Daily budgets exclude international airfare and vary greatly depending on travel style.
Tips to Save Even More Money While Traveling
Flights and Accommodation
Book flights in advance whenever possible, be flexible with your dates and research traveling to secondary airports. Hostels, guesthouses and locally-owned guesthouses provide fantastic value for money and allow for real cultural immersion.
Food and Local Transport
Eating where locals eat is nearly always more affordable and will most likely mean that the food tastes better. Use public buses, metro systems, trains or ferries rather than paying premium prices for taxis and tours.
Travel During Shoulder Season
Prices at hotels are significantly cheaper during shoulder seasons, when tourist numbers have decreased but the weather remains enjoyable, making it the savviest time of year to travel for maximum value.
Conclusion
Budget travel no longer involves dirty dorms and instant noodles. Today, more affordable countries boast incredible accommodation and unique experiences at bargain prices, available for any traveler, regardless of age. Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Albania, Georgia, and Guatemala all consistently prove that you don’t need a fortune for a life-changing adventure.
The smartest traveler learns not to spend more money, but rather spend money wisely. In countries with more affordable daily costs, travelers are granted the opportunity to stay for longer, experience more, and have greater freedom and flexibility without sacrificing any of the luxury in their trip. Whether you dream of tropical beaches, imposing mountains, ancient temples or bustling cities, these budget-friendly countries have you covered at a surprisingly affordable price.