12 Cheap Countries For Extended Travel—And 8 Expensive Ones To Think Twice About
Dreaming of slow travel without draining your savings? Finding the right destination can be the difference between months of adventure and a short, expensive detour. I’ve explored places where a modest budget covers cozy stays, tasty local food, and even some unexpected luxuries.
Countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and Georgia (yes, the one by the Black Sea!) can turn a tight travel fund into an unforgettable long-term experience. You’ll be amazed at how far your money goes when street food costs $2 and scenic train rides are cheaper than your daily coffee back home.
But on the flip side, there are stunning destinations—like Switzerland or Iceland—where even a week can test your bank account. Some spots sneak up on you with pricey transportation, tourist taxes, or $10 lattes (ouch). So, are you ready to find out where to stay longer… and where to just stay for a weekend?
1. Vietnam
How does a steaming bowl of pho for less than a dollar sound? Vietnam’s lively cities and serene countryside offer affordable meals and transport, making extended travel a breeze. Beds in hostel dorms are often just a few bucks a night.
Street vendors whip up banh mi sandwiches and fresh juices for change. Overnight buses connect ancient towns and beach towns, so it’s easy to move around.
Are you curious about hidden gems? The northern mountains and tucked-away fishing villages let you experience culture at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere.
2. Cambodia
If you dream of exploring history on a shoestring, Cambodia delivers. Entry fees to temples are low compared to global landmarks, and local guesthouses serve up comfort without the cost.
Markets overflow with tropical fruits and spicy noodles for just a few coins. Meeting fellow travelers in Siem Reap’s lively hostels is part of the package.
Did you know? Locals often invite visitors to village celebrations, turning strangers into friends with a generous smile and a shared meal.
3. Laos
Where slow boat rides and lush hills collide, Laos feels like a secret for those traveling on a budget. Backpackers find dorms and home-cooked food for less than a city coffee back home.
Villages along the Mekong offer a gentle pace and breathtaking scenery. Night markets tempt with sticky rice and noodle soups for pocket change.
When the day winds down, sunsets over the river cast a golden glow on daily life—no luxury needed to feel rich here.
4. Nepal
This country offers more than just mountain views for hikers. Nepal’s tea houses cater to wanderers, offering basic beds and hearty meals for less than you’d expect.
Treks in the Annapurna region come with scenery that’s priceless. Local buses are a wild ride and cost only a handful of rupees.
If you’ve ever wanted to stretch your budget to the very top of the world, Nepal is that rare place where adventure and affordability meet in every village.
5. India
Did you ever imagine tasting world-famous curry for pocket change? In India, street eats and train journeys cost next to nothing. Budget guesthouses dot every city, waiting for your arrival.
Train rides connect centuries-old forts to palm-lined beaches. Each region has its own story and flavor.
How about a bit of history? India’s chai culture made tea the nation’s most shared drink—perfect for conversations with locals at every stop.
6. Indonesia
If you crave spicy meals and turquoise seas without splurging, Indonesia beckons. Island-hopping ferries keep transportation costs down between volcanoes and coral reefs.
Homestays and warungs (local eateries) serve big flavors for little money. Even popular Bali offers budget lodging minutes from the surf.
Here’s a quirky fact: Komodo dragons roam wild on a few islands—just one more reason to extend your adventure on the cheap.
7. Georgia
How would it feel to tour ancient monasteries and feast on dumplings without worrying about your wallet? Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, buzzes with culture and affordable wine.
Family-run guesthouses offer a slice of local life for a song. High mountains and Black Sea beaches are connected by cheap minibuses.
Are you a food lover? Khachapuri, the cheesy bread, is a national treasure you’ll find on every corner, filling both your stomach and your heart.
8. Albania
Where coastal beauty meets a gentle budget, Albania is still under the radar for many. Beaches rival those of pricier neighbors, but the bill rarely shocks.
Hostels and family-run inns offer cozy stays without hefty price tags. Local buses wind through mountain passes and seaside towns.
It’s fascinating: Communist-era bunkers now house quirky museums and cafes, blending history with today’s traveler life in unexpected ways.
9. Nicaragua
When people ask about true budget destinations in Central America, Nicaragua tops my list. Stunning lakes, volcanoes, and colonial towns are all within reach for travelers watching their expenses.
Street food, like fried plantains, and open-air hostels keep costs way down. Surf towns and sleepy islands both welcome long-term visitors.
Are you up for adventure? Volcano boarding, a local thrill, lets you race down black ash slopes—no fancy gear needed.
10. Bolivia
Where else can you snap endless photos of surreal salt flats and spend so little? Bolivia’s transport, hostels, and meals are famously affordable.
Markets brim with llama wool hats and fresh fruits for pocket change. Lake Titicaca ferries cost less than a movie ticket.
Did you know? The world’s highest capital, La Paz, greets travelers with thin air and thick markets—perfect for budget explorers.
11. Morocco
Are you drawn to winding alleys and bustling souks? Morocco’s cities whisk you away with their flavors and scents, all without draining your funds.
Street-side cafes pour sweet mint tea for next to nothing. Hostels and riads (traditional houses) shelter travelers in style at low prices.
A surprising fact: The blue city of Chefchaouen offers Instagram-worthy streets and mountain hikes, all at a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
12. Philippines
Though islands like Palawan sound exotic, the Philippines can be a budget traveler’s paradise. Ferries and buses are affordable ways to hop between sun-soaked beaches.
Street-side barbecues, fresh mango shakes, and family-run hostels mean small bills go far. Even scuba diving is within reach for a modest fee.
How about a fun fact? Jeepneys, the colorful buses, are recycled U.S. military jeeps and make every ride an adventure.
13. Switzerland (expensive)
If you plan to ski or hike here, prepare your wallet. Switzerland’s train rides, mountain lodges, and even grocery store snacks come with eye-watering price tags.
Chocolate and cheese taste divine, but cost more than a full meal elsewhere. Even budget hostels feel anything but cheap.
Did you realize? The stunning Matterhorn might be free to admire, but everything nearby will remind you why this country tops the expensive list.
14. Norway (expensive)
Where northern lights and wild fjords reign, Norway’s costs climb high. Even a simple café coffee might shock your senses—and your budget.
Hostels, public transport, and sightseeing can quickly add up. Grocery shopping feels like a splurge compared to cheaper European neighbors.
Fun fact: Norwegians enjoy some of the world’s highest living standards, so you’ll notice quality everywhere—but it comes at a price.
15. Iceland (expensive)
How do you feel about spending $20 on a sandwich? In Iceland, that’s the norm. Car rentals, tours, and accommodation all reflect the country’s remote, wild nature.
Even hot springs, while stunning, charge steep entry fees. Groceries and snacks rarely come cheap.
A quirky note: Despite the cost, locals love swimming in geothermal pools year-round, often regardless of freezing temperatures.
16. Denmark (expensive)
Are you a fan of design and cozy cafés? Denmark welcomes you in style, but at a premium. Even simple pleasures like coffee and pastries strain the daily budget.
Hostels and public transit feel pricier than in neighboring countries. Museums and attractions charge robust entrance fees.
How would you like a taste of Danish hygge? It’s everywhere, but you’ll need to budget for it.
17. Japan
When you picture Tokyo’s bustling streets, you might expect excitement—and high prices. Japan dazzles with bullet trains and sushi bars, but the cost of accommodation and daily meals adds up.
Convenience stores help save money, but attractions, transport, and lodging can burn through your funds quickly. Rural areas may offer savings, but the cities don’t hold back.
Did you know? Capsule hotels provide a futuristic experience, but they’re rarely as cheap as they look.
18. Singapore (expensive)
This city-state sparkles with modern marvels, but your wallet feels every step. Singapore’s food courts are affordable, but most attractions and hotels command a hefty fee.
Public transport is efficient, yet not always easy on the budget for extended stays. Shopping and nightlife can drain funds quickly.
Where culture blends seamlessly with skyscrapers, Singapore dazzles and demands. It’s a destination for splurges, not for shoestrings.
19. Australia (expensive)
When travelers talk about sticker shock, Australia often comes up. Meals out, city transport, and attractions quickly rack up costs, especially in Sydney or Melbourne.
Hostels and budget rooms exist, but rarely feel truly cheap. Tours to the Outback or Great Barrier Reef come at a premium.
A curious note: Locals enjoy free public beaches, yet everything else in Australia usually comes with a high price tag attached.
20. New Zealand (expensive)
How often do you find a country famous for road trips and jaw-dropping scenery, but tough on budgets? New Zealand’s adventure tours, car rentals, and stays are almost always expensive.
Groceries and fuel cost more than most places. Even camping isn’t the bargain it used to be.
Are you curious about outdoor thrills? Kiwis love bungee jumping and skydiving, but these experiences come at a premium for long-term travelers.