The 15 Cheapest Countries For Tourists To Visit

Traveling the world doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many beautiful countries offer amazing experiences at a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. From stunning beaches to ancient temples, these budget-friendly destinations let you stretch your travel dollars further while creating unforgettable memories.

Ready to explore without breaking the bank?

1. Vietnam: Street Food Paradise

Your dollars stretch incredibly far in this Southeast Asian gem. For just $25-30 daily, you can enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious street food, and local transportation. The northern mountains offer breathtaking landscapes while coastal cities provide beautiful beaches.

Don’t miss trying a steaming bowl of pho from a street vendor for less than $2! Museum entries typically cost under $5, and overnight sleeper buses between major cities run about $15, making country-wide exploration affordable.

2. Cambodia: Ancient Wonders on a Budget

Exploring this historical treasure trove costs surprisingly little. A comfortable guesthouse runs $10-15 nightly, while local meals average just $2-3. Beyond the magnificent Angkor Wat temples (where a day pass costs $37), Cambodia offers pristine beaches and lush jungles.

Transportation remains incredibly cheap with tuk-tuks charging $2-3 for city trips. Friendly locals often invite travelers to join family meals, creating authentic cultural experiences that money simply can’t buy.

3. Bolivia: South America’s Hidden Bargain

Many travelers overlook this landlocked gem, missing out on its incredible value. A daily budget of $30 covers comfortable accommodations, transportation, and delicious meals.

The surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni offer otherworldly photo opportunities, while Lake Titicaca showcases breathtaking beauty at 12,500 feet elevation. Three-course meals often cost under $5 in local restaurants. Even guided multi-day treks through the Amazon rainforest are affordable at $50-80 per day all-inclusive.

4. Indonesia: Island Hopping Without Splurging

With over 17,000 islands, this archipelago nation delivers endless adventure for budget travelers. Bali gets all the attention, but islands like Lombok and Flores offer similar beauty at lower prices. Beach bungalows cost $15-25 nightly, while delicious local meals run $2-4.

Renting a scooter ($5 daily) provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Snorkeling trips, volcano hikes, and cultural experiences typically cost 50-70% less than comparable activities in Western countries.

5. Nepal: Himalayan Adventures for Less

Trekking through the world’s highest mountains seems like it should cost a fortune, but Nepal makes it surprisingly affordable. Guest houses along popular trekking routes charge just $5-10 per night. A daily budget of $25-30 covers food, accommodations, and local transportation.

Even guided treks with porters cost a fraction of similar experiences elsewhere. Between adventures, Kathmandu offers incredible cultural experiences with temple entry fees rarely exceeding $2, and full meals costing $3-5.

6. Sri Lanka: Tropical Paradise on a Shoestring

If pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and wildlife safaris sound expensive, Sri Lanka will pleasantly surprise you. This island nation delivers all three for roughly $30-40 daily. Train journeys through tea plantations and mountain ranges cost just $1-3 even in first class.

Beachside guesthouses run $15-25 nightly, while flavorful curry meals rarely exceed $3-4. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species at national parks where entry fees hover around $15.

7. Mexico: Affordable Cultural Riches

Just south of expensive vacation spots lies a country where $40 daily buys incredible experiences. Skip touristy Cancun for colonial cities like Oaxaca, Guanajuato, or Merida where authentic Mexico shines. Street tacos cost less than $1 each, while comfortable guesthouses run $20-30 nightly.

Local buses provide reliable transportation between cities for a fraction of tourist shuttles. Ancient Mayan ruins, stunning cenotes (natural swimming holes), and vibrant festivals offer unforgettable experiences without the hefty price tags.

8. Georgia: Europe’s Best-Kept Budget Secret

While Western Europe drains wallets, this Caucasus nation delivers European charm at Asian prices. A daily budget of $30 covers comfortable accommodations, hearty meals, and local transport. Tbilisi’s charming old town rivals any European capital, yet private rooms cost just $15-25 nightly.

Traditional Georgian cuisine bursts with flavor—a feast with wine costs $10-15 per person. Breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient churches, and Black Sea beaches remain blissfully uncrowded and affordable compared to mainstream European destinations.

9. India: Endless Diversity on a Budget

Few countries offer such incredible variety at rock-bottom prices. From Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches, ancient temples to bustling markets, India delivers experiences for $25-30 daily. Budget guesthouses cost $8-15 nightly, while delicious thali meals (platters with multiple dishes) run $2-4.

Long-distance trains connect major cities for $5-15 even in comfortable sleeper class. Iconic sites like the Taj Mahal charge different prices for foreigners ($15) but remain reasonable compared to major attractions elsewhere.

10. Albania: Mediterranean Beauty Without the Price Tag

Imagine Greek-like beaches and Italian-inspired cuisine at a third of the price. Albania delivers Mediterranean magic for roughly $35-45 daily. Pristine beaches along the Albanian Riviera remain uncrowded even in peak season. Beachfront accommodations cost $25-35 nightly compared to $100+ in neighboring countries.

Ancient ruins, mountain villages, and vibrant cities offer diverse experiences. Restaurant meals typically cost $7-10 with generous portions and local wine included.

11. Morocco: Exotic North Africa on a Budget

Getting lost in ancient medinas, sleeping in the Sahara Desert, and exploring colorful markets costs less than you might expect. Morocco delivers exotic experiences for roughly $40-50 daily. Staying in traditional riads (courtyard houses) costs $25-35 nightly, including elaborate breakfasts.

Street food and market meals run $3-5, while sit-down restaurants charge $7-12 for complete meals. Even organized desert excursions remain affordable at $50-80 for two-day camel treks with overnight camps under the stars.

12. Laos: Serene Southeast Asian Bargain

Life moves slower in landlocked Laos, where $25-30 daily buys peaceful riverside accommodations, flavorful meals, and cultural experiences. The laid-back atmosphere provides a welcome break from neighboring Thailand’s tourist crowds.

Boat trips along the Mekong River cost $5-10, while comfortable guesthouses run $10-15 nightly. Beer Lao (the excellent local brew) costs just $1-2 per bottle even at riverside restaurants. Buddhist temples welcome visitors for free, and night markets offer handcrafted souvenirs at prices perfect for budget travelers.

13. Peru: Inca Wonders Beyond Machu Picchu

While Machu Picchu itself requires splurging, the rest of Peru delivers incredible value. A daily budget of $35-45 covers comfortable accommodations, transportation, and delicious meals including the famous ceviche.

Lesser-known archaeological sites often charge just $5-10 entry fees compared to Machu Picchu’s $45+. The stunning Sacred Valley offers similar mountain scenery at a fraction of the cost. Local markets burst with colorful textiles, fresh produce, and street food where complete meals cost $2-4.

14. Romania: Gothic Castles and Countryside Charm

Medieval towns, vampire legends, and stunning mountain landscapes await in this Eastern European gem. Romania delivers memorable experiences for roughly $40-50 daily. Charming guesthouses in Transylvania cost $25-35 nightly, often including homemade breakfasts.

Traditional Romanian meals with hearty portions run $7-12 including drinks. Even famous attractions like Bran Castle (associated with Dracula) charge reasonable entry fees around $10. Public transportation between cities costs a fraction of Western European prices.

15. Thailand: Classic Budget Destination That Still Delivers

Despite growing popularity, Thailand remains incredibly affordable with a daily budget of $30-40 covering comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and transportation. Northern cities like Chiang Mai offer even better value than southern beach areas.

Street food meals cost $1-3, while comfortable guesthouses run $15-25 nightly. Even Thai massage treatments ($6-10/hour) and cooking classes ($20-30) remain affordable luxuries. Beach bungalows on less-developed islands cost $20-30 nightly compared to $100+ at international resorts.