If you are like me and basically plan your next destination based on what the most affordable countries to travel in are, then this post is for you.
Seriously, if I had a dollar for each time I googled “cheapest countries to visit”, “affordable destinations to travel to” or “backpacker friendly countries” I would have enough money to fund my travels in those more expensive countries such as France, basically just so I can eat all the cheese.
But, until then I will keep marking off the cheapest countries to backpack off my must-visit list. So here is the cheapest countries that are backpacker-friendly round-up for 2023!
Cheapest Countries To Visit: The Ultimate List
I have traveled to both expensive and extremely affordable countries and for some reason, I always have the best experiences in the cheapest countries. If something goes wrong then I know that I will be able to afford to fix the issue without breaking the bank.
My monthly expenses are always cheaper than what they are even in my home country of New Zealand. I spent $4000.00 in Asia over a 6 month period, that amount also includes return flights and insurance. That same amount in somewhere like the United Kingdom might last me 3 months max if I am lucky!
So let’s get into the details about which countries are the cheapest to travel to and why.
Cheapest Countries In Asia
Let’s start with the most obvious continent, Asia. This is a region in the world which is famous for affordable holidays. Accommodation, food, and activities are all cheap. Flying around Asia can also be extremely affordable with budget airlines galore. Whether that is traveling the banana pancake trail in Southeast Asia or trekking in the Himalayas. You will certainly get a lot of bang for your buck in Asia, ultimately allowing you to travel better and longer.
Find out what you need to know before traveling Asia
Sri Lanka
I feel like India is on every single cheapest countries list, so I decided to mix it up and add in Sri Lanka instead. This teardrop-shaped island is located off the southern coast of India, so it is super accessible and can also be easily reached thanks to cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur.
With rolling green hills, tea plantations, urban cities, surf beaches and wildlife safaris Sri Lanka seriously has something for everyone. It is a cheap country to travel to with backpacker hostels in all main towns and transport is crazy cheap! Enjoy some of the best meals of your life while sipping a beer on the beach.
Ever heard of Bentota? Well, you should have! This coastal town is the perfect way to spend a few days, there are so many fun things to do in Bentota!
Remember not to miss the gorgeous train journey between Kandy to Ella.
Check out the impressive formation of Sigiriya.
Cost per day: $30.00
Laos
Laos is a super up and coming country, slowly growing in popularity and making its mark within the South East Asia banana pancake backpacking trail.
Even though Laos is a landlocked country you will have no problem finding the perfect place for a swim. From the Mekong River which flows straight past Luang Prabang to the beautiful blue lagoons which are dotted around Vang Vieng and the amazing Kuang Si Falls, you will be spoiled for choice in activities that will help beat the heat.
As Laos was colonized by the French prepare yourself for deliciously cheap baked goods and baguettes. I highly recommend checking out the Luang Prabang night market for the best danishes of your life!
Unfortunately, Laos is one of the pricier destinations in South East Asia, well in comparison to Vietnam and Thailand. Though, compared to other places around the world and it is still one of the cheapest countries to travel for 2023.
Cost per day: $30.00
Find out exactly how I backpacked Laos for $30.00 per day!
Indonesia
Indonesia is no doubt one of the most affordable countries to travel. As well as being cheap it is also super stunning with surf beaches, rice paddies sprawling metropolises and beautiful islands. Your time in Indonesia will for sure be one to remember.
Thanks to cheap and delicious street food, super affordable backpacker hostels and the low cost to hire a motorbike, it is no doubt Indonesia is a backpackers paradise. You can even find yourself in a private bungalow for the same price as a hostel bed in Western Europe! This has made it a super popular hangout for digital nomads (if you are interested in becoming a digital nomad have you thought about Remote Year?) and tourists from all over the world!
Just remember to eat local and get away from the tourist destinations. Staying in touristy Bali and eating at restaurants catering for western tourist will result in you breaking the bank. I happened to find this out the hard way.
Cost per day: $28.00
Nepal
Nepal is known as the cheapest country in the world and because of this, it has an excellent backpacker scene. Hostels are in all major towns and if you are getting off the beaten track you will be able to find an affordable guesthouse with no issue.
The perfect country for the adventurous, Nepal will keep you constantly busy. Whether that is exploring a new city, hiking or checking out rhinos in the amazing Chitwan National Park. Home of the Himalayas and one of the best trekking scenes it is the perfect place to do shopping, with knock-off Patagonia and North Face clothing for cheap.
If you are wanting to hike in the Himalayas I highly recommend the Annapurna Circuit. It won’t break the budget unlike the Everest Base Camp trek and the views are equally amazing thanks to the Annapurna Himalayas. You can even find yourself free tea houses to spend the night at, which these days even have wifi!
Make sure you try the cheesy momos and some delicious Indian curries. To say I ate well in Nepal would be an understatement.
Cost per day: $18.00
Thailand
You certainly cannot talk about the cheapest countries of 2023 in Asia and not include Thailand! Phuket is the perfect place to visit post covid and was actually the first part of the country to reopen to international tourism. This backpacker paradise is an absolute hub of international travelers and the perfect place to travel solo.
This is a country full of amazing people, beautiful landscapes and paradise beaches. Mix this in with a desirable travel scene and you are in heaven. Arriving in the bustling city of Bangkok you cannot miss the backpacker hangout of Khao San Road, especially if you are a party person. From there head up north to Chiang Mai to check out an elephant sanctuary or head south to the islands to enjoy the paradise beaches in Koh Phangan.
Hostels can be easily found in many towns where you can quickly meet new people. The famous 7/11 provides the most affordable toasted sandwiches you could ever imagine. It is seriously a major hang out spot for travelers at breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Khao San Road Hostels For Backpackers
- Best Elephant Sanctuaries In Chiang Mai
- Travel Bangkok To Koh Tao
Cost per day: $22.00
Vietnam
Vietnam is an awesome country full of some amazing sights. Whether you are wanting to check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, the rice fields in Sapa or discovering rolling sand dunes, it is a country for everyone. Oh, and I must say the food in Vietnam is some of the best I have ever had.
There is a train which runs down the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. This makes it extremely easy for travelers to move around with minimal stress. I took plenty of overnight trains and cannot recommend them enough!
Vietnam is also one of the streetfood capitals of the world. There are so many enticing dishes to get your taste buds watering. All for just a few dollars as well! Hostels are plentiful here and many of them will have happy hour specials such as free beer!
Cost per day: $25.00
Find out exactly how I backpacked Vietnam for $25.00 per day!
Cambodia
A country filled with history and some of my favorite islands in the world, Cambodia is a must on the cheapest countries to visit list! There is an excellent backpacker scene here with hostels extremely easy to find and affordable nightly rates.
Make sure you head south to the islands and check out Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. These places have some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and I spent over a week exploring these two islands alone. Staying at Sunset Beach over of Koh Rong Samloem I even got to swim with stingrays right off the beach, its complete paradise.
Transport is extremely easy here and the majority of hostels will be able to organize it for you. In all but one trip in Cambodia we traveled around in minivans, rather than buses like you would in the rest of South East Asia.
As with many South East Asian countries, you will need to negotiate in order to receive a good price when hiring a tuk-tuk or purchasing souvenirs at a market. Though we managed to hire tuk-tuks for $9.00 for half a day on multiple occasions.
Make sure you don’t miss visiting the impressive Angkor Wat Archaeological Complex!
Cost per day: $22.00
Myanmar
One of my favorite countries, it is often considered one of the most expensive countries to backpack in South East Asia, but I am proof that it is possible. From the temples in Bagan, the colonial architecture in Yangon and the impressive U-Bien Bridge in Mandalay there are plenty of magical sights to keep you busy while exploring Myanmar.
In my personal opinion, what makes Myanmar a slightly more expensive country than its neighbors is the accommodation costs. This is certainly not the land of $3.00 hostel beds, you will be paying at least $10.00 per night. Though I did notice that the overall quality of the hostels is much higher than the rest of South East Asia.
Don’t be too concerned by the high cost as it balances out the overall cost per day thanks to the availability of extremely affordable food.
Cost per day: $26.00
Find out exactly how I backpacked Myanmar for $26.00 per day!
India
The cheapest country to travel, India. This would be complete without including India in the cheapest countries to backpack list. With gorgeous sights such as the Taj Mahal and the backwaters of Kerala, India is certainly a country to visit if you are tight on money. Make sure you cross off some bucket list items and check out the top things to do in Varanasi.
You can find rooms here from a few dollars per night, though up that budget slightly and you could be sleeping extremely comfortably. This large country has an impressive train network to help you get around. There are a variety of tickets you can choose from at different price points. Though, if you are going to get the cheapest, just remember to expect the most basic comfort levels.
Nevertheless, it is worth traveling India just for the food alone. A delightful mix of spices it will get your mouth watering and have you excited for your next meal. Street food is abundant here are very affordable. Just make sure to eat where the locals do and if you are not comfortable with the hygiene levels just walk away.
Cost per day: $20.00
Cheapest Countries In The Americas
You certainly won’t find the cheapest countries to travel in the Northern parts of the Americas. Though, head further south and the range of affordable destinations becomes plentiful.
With a whole new culture and language to discover Central and South America provide an excellent backpacker scene for travelers coming from all around the world. Whether you are into pristine sandy white beaches, lush rainforests or snow-capped mountain ranges, The Americas certainly have something for everyone. Combine this with a low cost of travel, it makes the places in this region some of the cheapest countries to travel in 2023 for backpackers.
Guatemala
The popular backpacking destination of Guatemala is no doubt one of the cheapest countries in the world. You will be sure to find plenty other like-minded people traveling on a budget and exploring this picturesque country.
Grab your meals to local restaurants called Commodores, order the ‘meal of the day’ at restaurants and eat cheap street foods. Taking chicken buses to get around rather than private transport will also cut down on costs. Though, watch to see what the locals are paying so you don’t get ripped off.
With stunning locations such as Semuc Champey, Flores, Lake Atitlan and Tikal you will surely be in awe of this amazing cheap country!
Cost per day: $43.00
Cuba
Having become a lot more accessible in the past year, Cuba is welcoming travelers and sharing their amazing culture. This is why it has been added to the cheapest countries for 2023 list. Prices are currently affordable, though being a growing destination which has dramatically increased in popularity, the costs are beginning to reflect this.
Enjoy the sun, sand, cigars and vintage cars as you explore this amazing country. Check out the Paladres for cheap eats and great food, which will be a great relief to your budget as accommodation prices in Cuba are on the rise.
Though, do what the locals do, by speaking Spanish and bargaining, drinking rum instead of fancy cocktails and stay away from the touristy areas.
Cost per day: $47.00
Mexico
This vast country has so many landscapes and experiences to offer you could spend months here and not even see half of it. Spend your days on the beaches, checking out the unique things to do in Cancun, surfing in the Pacific, and learn the history by spending 4 days in Mexico City. Everything you could ever want is available here, from beautiful beaches, sprawling cities, Mayan Riviera cenotes, and lush jungles. This is the only North American country that is in the cheapest countries to travel while backpacking list.
There are plenty of hostels available while exploring Mexico, so you will have no problem meeting like-minded individuals and traveling on a budget. It can also sometimes be difficult to explore a country where you do not speak the native language so you might find yourself a friend who even speaks Spanish. Many people will start their travels in Mexico and backpack all the way down to Panama on the Gringo Trail. This allows you to see the best of Central America and some of the amazing places on offer.
Whether you are into big cities, exploring nature, or simply a foodie wanting to check out the best restaurants, there is something in Mexico for everyone! So make sure to chuck some reef-safe sunscreen in that Tulum packing list, and get ready for a whole lot of cenotes, beaches, and incredible culture.
Cost per day: $38.00
Colombia
If you are traveling from Colombia from Central America make sure to catch a sailboat from Panama via the San Blas Islands for the ultimate paradise. Though, if you are arriving via the airport you may just find a bit of paradise here in one of the cheapest countries of 2023 that are backpacker friendly.
Colombia is truly a country which seems to have it all. From the warm weather, colorful buildings, and gorgeous beaches to the ancient ruins, green rainforests, excellent coffee and great culture. It is hard to get bored in this destination which has really exploded in the backpacker scene over the past couple of years.
There is an awesome backpacker scene here and you can even find some of the best hostels in Colombia you will ever experience. They are located all around Colombia from large metropolitan cities to the small rainforest towns. They are extremely affordable as well and often times will include a delicious breakfast in the room rate, a good way to fill up for the day and save money on lunch.
Cost per day: $30.00
Bolivia
No doubt one of the cheapest countries to travel in The Americas is Bolivia. If you are a real adventure lover looking for a backpacker friendly destination you cannot beat Bolivia.
This hidden gem in the heart of South America as a variety of landscapes which will leave you in complete awe. Explore the most untouched parts of the Amazon Rainforest, appreciate the gorgeous views in the Andes Mountains and discover the many beautiful colonial towns.
If you are interested in exploring Bolivia, but have hesitations such as the language barrier or worried about heading to a new part of the world, there is no better way to travel than with a group tour. There are plenty of different tours in Bolivia which will take you to a variety of places such as the famous Uyuni Salt Flats.
Cost Per day: $25.00
Cheapest Countries In Europe
Europe is a part of the world not often associated with affordability and definitely has some of the most expensive countries. Though, if you know where exactly to explore you can discover some of the cheapest countries to travel.
With cheap airlines servicing the majority of the continent, not just you’re in-country expenses can be kept low, but your international flights as well. Just make sure to read the fine print as when something is often cheap it is oftentimes never easy. Of which, Ryanair is a perfect example of.
Portugal
One of the cheapest countries to travel to in Western Europe is no doubt Portugal. This country borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean so has an amazing culture and equally as amazing beaches. Have a weekend in Lisbon, the country’s capital, or if you have enough time, explore all of Portugal, or perhaps even do a Spain and Portugal itinerary!
The prices of a hostel bed are super affordable, especially when considering Portugal’s location in the more pricier part of the world. You will be able to find cheap food in bakeries and intercity public transport is super affordable. Also if you are confident enough give CouchSurfing a try. There is an excellent Couchsurfing community in Portugal and it is a great way to experience how the locals live.
Lastly, like the majority of Europe, thanks to budget airlines it is super affordable to travel to Portugal. If this is sounding like a good option for you make sure you just out Portugal travel tips prior to visiting!
Cost per day: $42.00
Hungary
The picture perfect and one of the cheapest countries in Eastern Europe is Hungary. The capital Budapest is a beautiful fairy tale looking city with an excellent backpacker scene and super affordable hostels, at least by European standards. The street food is absolutely delicious and cheap. Though, if you are wanting to eat out at a restaurant there are plenty of budget options in a wide range of cuisines that won’t break the bank.
Hungary has really been put on the map in the past couple of years, securing its place on the European backpacker trail and thanks to its affordable prices even has a large expat community.
Hungary is also super accessible and you can find cheap flights there from nearly all major hubs in Europe. You will also be spoilt for choice when deciding where to go next. Why not hit up some lesser visited backpacking spots such as Estonia, Belarus, or Russia (though make sure you check whether you need a visa of Russia for entry).
Cost per day: $40.00
Greece
With the famous Santorini and Athens, the European country of Greece is certainly more on the pricier side of the cheapest countries to travel scale. Though, nonetheless, it can be surprisingly affordable, especially in comparison to nearby Croatia and Italy (be aware that come 2024 you will require an ETIAS to enter Croatia and other Schengen countries).
Greek food will be your saving grace here and will certainly help you keep your costs down. You can find $1.00 gyros nearly everywhere, which will easily keep you going until the next meal. Just remember to splash out on a delicious gelato every now and then! Backpacker Hostels can be surprisingly affordable, even in the wanderlust destination of Santorini (though book a flight instead of a ferry to save money).
If you are thinking of booking flights to Greece check out Sky Scanner to find the best possible price. I recommend checking ‘entire month’ when inputting your date, as changing your flight dates by a couple days can make a surprisingly large difference!
Cost per day: $38.00
Bulgaria
If you are in Europe and running low on cash then there is no better way to stretch your bucks than to head to Bulgaria. This underrated gem in Europe is a backpackers paradise, with cheap food, affordable accommodation and a good party scene.
Don’t worry too much about the cost of international flights either! The infamous Ryanair and Whizzair both fly here. Book ahead of time to get the lowest rates. You can also travel around the country with ease thanks to affordable public transport.
No matter what type of landscapes you love, you can find it in Bulgaria. From the beautiful mountains, the seaside towns and big city living, you will love exploring this awesome country which has so much to offer!
Cost per day: $27.00
Turkey
The amazing country of Turkey is extremely underrated. From the impressive mosques of Istanbul, the beaches along the coast and the dream-worthy landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey is a destination which more backpackers need to explore!
Buses here are an excellent way of traveling around the country. They are known for being extremely high quality, I’m talking entertainment units in the headrests! Though, if you are short on time like I was when exploring Turkey, internal flights are not too expensive. Just remember to book ahead to save money.
What really surprised me was how affordable hotels and backpacker hostels were while in Turkey. You can get a dorm room for less than $10.00 in the heart of the city. Though, if you are like me and prefer a bit of privacy and traveling with someone else we found private rooms including a traditional Turkish breakfast from $30.00, that’s $15.00 each.
Cost per day: $32.00
Cheapest Countries In Africa
There is so much more in Africa than just South Africa where most backpackers seem to congregate in this area. Head north to some other affordable countries such as Morocco and Egypt. These places are also just an easy flight from many international hubs in Europe.
Wanting a real adventure while in Africa? Why not do an overland tour traveling in a bus around this impressive continent with a bunch of like-minded people.
South Africa
Who knew South Africa is considered one of the cheapest countries to visit, especially for such a developed country. Well, thanks to affordable accommodation, a well-worn backpacker scene and cheap alcohol (and free wine tastings) it has resulted in South Africa being one of the cheapest countries to travel to as well as being extremely backpacker friendly.
One of the best things to do in Africa is going on a safari to see the big five, though with park fees and tours prices can quickly add up. Thankfully South Africa is the perfect place for finding affordable safaris, ensuring you are able to tick off those animals for your list.
Cost per day: $55.00
Morocco
One of the most beautiful destinations which often appears in the cheapest countries lists is Morocco. From the Sarah Desert to the surf beaches and the mountains, Morocco is an affordable destination that will keep you amazed by the changing landscapes. The seaside town of Essaouira is a popular beach spot, though if you are looking a more relaxed vibe definitely check out Sidi Kaouki.
There are plenty of Morocco travel tips to know to make the most out of your stay. One of my favorite parts of the country was the beautiful and surprisingly affordable Riads to stay in you will be feeling like royalty as you fall asleep each night. Make sure to try the street food with delicious kefta meat and kebabs you certainly will not be going hungry!
Thanks to regular flights from all around Europe you could be exploring a country on a whole new continent without having to spend that much money! No matter whether you are traveling solo, bikepacking Morocco with your partner, or even exploring Morocco with kids, you are in for an amazing time.
Cost per day: $40.00
Egypt
Having unfortunately decreased in popularity in current years thanks to the situations in nearby countries, the cheap country of Egypt has unfortunately fallen off the radar a bit.
Luckily prices here are crazy cheap and I highly recommend you pay this amazingly cheap country a visit. Book in at the Pyramids Loft in Cairo with a rooftop view overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza for as little as $20.00 per night for a single room. Egypt is a place where you will get a lot of value for your money. The prime example of this is the entry fee to the Great Pyramids only costing around $4.00!
Cost per day: $48.00
Where to Next? The Cheapest Countries to travel for backpackers in 2023!
No matter where you decide to explore during your adventures there are plenty of affordable countries to explore on a backpacker budget. All around the globe, you will find some of these amazing destinations, offering some excellent landscapes, a new culture to discover and plenty of new experiences to be made!
So which countries will you be traveling to in 2023 and do you have any other recommendations?
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Want more travel inspiration? Check out….
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thanks for sharing this perfect article with us, it has made me a perfect reader
Currently in Laos (January 2023) and visiting with my Thai relatives, they say food and massages are cheaper in Laos. But clothes are more expensive because imported from Thailand. When it comes to dorms in hostels, they’re about the same I guess. The inflation stuck Laos really hard so I don’t if this article is updated.
Hey Tasha, thanks for the great guides. Just letting you know the “Cheapest Countries…” image on the right sidebar is incorrectly pointing to your Vietnam destinations page instead of this one!
I know this is meant for backpackers but I totally agree for honeymooners as well! You can get luxury for less and extend your stay when you go to more affordable countries! Love the blog and keep up the great work!
This is great! We definitely picked to visit South Africa for our safari because 1) we wanted to see the awesome cities and wineries too and 2) it was much more affordable to get to and find a good priced safari!
I know this is meant for backpackers, but I totally agree for honeymooners as well! You can get luxury for less and extend your stay when you go to more affordable countries! Love the blog and keep up the great work!
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Great list and stunning photos. Very inspiring. I am learning Greek and Turkish right now for my next trip. I see Greece is on you list. Any thoughts on the Turkish Riviera?
AARGH what an amazing list. I have only been to Greece on this list and I’m itching to get back on the road. Thanks for the inspiration :)
I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal and Morocco and had no idea they were so inexpensive to visit! Otherwise, I would have visited by now. Time to book tickets!
Morocca and Portugal seem to be blowing up on social media – so popular this year! not sure if that negatively impacts the cost. I tweeted, pinned and flipped this for #BPS I was too afraid to post on FB after the BPS closing time!
Great suggestions. I´ve been to Cuba and Portugal lately and totally agree. Next on my list is Hungary:)
Hi Tasha Amy,
Good post. Yes, I agree with Hungary completely. I had a stopover there recently and found everything to be good value.
I’ll be honest, I found I was constantly ripped off in Cuba and the currency fluctuations at the time didn’t help either.
What a brilliant list! I am visiting Cuba in less then 3 days. We have been wanting to visit Portugal for a long time, but flights from Canada are expensive!
Thank you for sharing this great list! So many amazing countries I to put on my bucket list, Morocco definitely on top of it!
That’s a great list! Never would have guessed that SA and Portugal would be on this list, although Portugal is the cheapest country in Western Europe. I would actually want to visit every country on this list ?
This post is perfect timing for me, i’ve just starting a long trip! Thinking of south africa and sri lanka, so very happy to see them in this list! :)
I’m heading to Athens and Santorini soon so I’ll see how costs of meals compare to elsewhere in Europe. Some of the destinations you suggest are cheaper to travel to from New Zealand than they are from the UK but they all look interesting.
Totally agree with you on some of these places being so affordable to visit! Need to add Morrocco to my list of cheaper places! I’ve been dying to go didn’t realize it was affordable!
This is a great list, and these places are not just cheap but amazing!!!
Gorgeous photos. Nice to show people how to do these things affordably. Been to all but three of these (Nepal, Hungary and Guatemala). Need to get to those. Just was in Indonesia (Yogyakarta) in March and it is extremely affordable and fun.
Some great ideas here! I have had Sri Lanka and Morocco on my list for awhile, let’s see if I can fit them in 2018.
Great list! You’ve opened my eyes to some new destinations ?
I’ve been to about half these places I think and two of them are very close to where I’m currently living so that’s a good start for me. Thanks.
Such an awesome list! I am feeling left out as I haven’t even been to any one of these countries. Need to add a few more interesting countries to my list for next year :D
Wow first of all, these photos are just spectacular!! And secondly; you gave me so much inspiration where to travel this year. Thank you!
Loving this! I’ll be keeping my eye on this for future planning! I sometimes worry though with a cheap country does safety get compromised… I’ve been reading horror stories of Nepal lately… I should probably stop that! Thanks for sharing!
Indonesia <3 <3 <3 miss this country so much! And totally agree it is cheap, apart from Bali. And is wonderful, the archipelagos and beaches and waters volcanos, I stayed one month and ever since I dream to spend six discovering as much. Some others in the list, agree with everything about the destinations I visited so far, like Portugal, Greece, or Morocco, Cuba. Still to see about half of the destinations :)
Awesome round-up of countries to visit in 2018. I’ve been to most of the countries on this list and can totally attest to their affordability. I was especially surprised to visit Greece, Portugal and South Africa, to find out just how budget friendly they can be.
This is a great list! Thanks for this :)
This is noted. Thanks !
Love this list! I’m using this to plan my trip next year!
This is great! We definitely picked to visit South Africa for our safari because 1) we wanted to see the awesome cities and wineries too and 2) it was much more affordable to get to and find a good priced safari!
I know this is meant for backpackers, but I totally agree for honeymooners as well! You can get luxury for less and extend your stay when you go to more affordable countries! Love the blog and keep up the great work!
It’s a great list.. I would love to visit all the countries in this list. So far, I have only been to Greece..
I am studying at Singapore which is the most expensive country in South East Asia but is good to have amazing and cheap neighbor countries, looking forward to visiting Indonesia and Laos this year.
What an awesome list — all these years later Sri Lanka is still one of my favourite countries! :)
What an awesome list you have! I would love to visit every single one of them. The image you have for Egypt is not Egypt but Granada, Spain.
What a great way to plan 2018 already :) Thanks for sharing
Perfect timing! Just working on some plans for 2018! Great list :)
Such a great list! Thanks for sharing!
I’m seriously thinking about a trip to Egypt next year, and I’m glad to see it on this list. Pretty much all of these destinations are on my list, and it’s good to know they will be friendly to my wallet.
I’m glad to see Greece and Portugal on the list! We’re planning to finish our trip around the world in those two countries :-D
I love Portugal and Morocco! Well worth a visit!!
Love this list, currently in Nepal and considering Laos in January if I have the time!
This list is amazing!! Hoping to visit some of these countries next year. Thanks for sharing.
What gorgeous photos!! I’ve been to most of these countries but not all. I’d love to tick off the rest of them, especially Nepal and South Africa.
I love this post! It’s a happy coincidence that almost all of these countries are near the top of my “To-travel” list! Guatemala is gorgeous, but the chicken buses can be a little scary on the narrow, cliffside highways. When I was there I commented to a local that Guatemalan drivers must be very talented not to crash. He informed me that crashes are actually not that rare :O Ack!!! Buuut, it IS the best way to get around!
I had no idea Hungary was one of the cheapest places to travel to. It’s been on my list forever, so I’m hoping I can check it off in 2018 now.
I had no idea South Africa was an inexpensive country! I’ve always wanted to travel to Africa, and now it’s even higher on my list.
Super useful! I am always spending too much on travel..
This is such a cool list!!! And there are so many countries on here that I really want to visit :)
Thanks for putting together a very detailed list!
Dream photos & great pics! I would add Bulgaria to the list… :) thatfestivallife.com
Great and informative post!!! So many great places to visit! I’m going to Cuba in January and CANT WAIT!!!
This is a great list! I would have never guessed South Africa would be on the list! And Nepal, oh I want to go there! Thanks for sharing!
I was already in Indonesia, Hungary and Portugal… South Africa would be interesting!
I love your pictures! and you are right with Indonesia – if you stay away from the touristic cities it can be quite cheap.
Tasha, have you visited all of these countries? Which one is your favorite??
How have I never heard of the banana pancake backpacking trail before? It sounds right up my street!
Thanks so much for sharing this list – I’ve been guilty of booking destinations regardless of price recently but I need to think about my budget in 2018!
Great post, just in time for 2018 holiday planning! Thanks for sharing :)
Yes! I absolutely love this list! I have visited everywhere but Morocco and that is conveniently the next trip that I am planning for 2018! Such an incredible compilation of countries! Absolutely gorgeous photos as well!
Thanks for compiling this list! I was quite surprised to find European countries on the guide, but it’s great that the list is a global mix of destinations..
Awesome! Adding some of these to my list for sure… Sri Lanka was already up there but I wanna go even more now!
So many great countries on this list that I would love to go to! Another thing that I think helps is being able to travel Monday through Friday instead of Friday to Sunday for cheaper travel. Flights and accommodation are almost always cheaper that way!
Always love your posts and photos! Good thing I have tickets for a few of these places already this year :-)
Xx, Eleonore
Awesome list! South Africa is a surprise, I didn’t really consider it a budget destination. I want to visit quite a few of these! (South Africa included!)
Just came from Portugal this October and can attest that it was very affordable, for Western Europe. Still blew my budget, but I was eating extravagantly every single night because the food was just too yummy!
Such a helpful post! I’ve noticed so many cheap deals for Morocco recently, very tempted to go :) xx
Interesting list! I’m not a budget traveler or backpacker, but I still like these lists as I know I can get “luxury for less” in these destinations!
Great list with some nice variety. I’ve only been to Greece once (and it was just Santorini) but keep thinking I need to get back and explore more of it.
I was in Indonesia a couple of months ago and it was so cheap! I was very pleasantly surprised! Great post!
I was in Portugal earlier this year and I was really pleasantly surprised with how cheap it was. Also, I am surprised that Vietnam didn’t make your list?
This post is INSANE! I want to pack everything and leave right now!
Great photos, stunning places ♥
Love this, good to know where to go next time! Super inspiring and love the pictures. They are beautiful.
Aaaah this list is giving me such itchy feet!! So many places to choose from! I’m heading to Morocco in the new year so I’m glad to know it’s not going to break the bank. Totally agree about Sri Lanka, but South Africa really surprised me! Great list, saving for future travels!
I’m so happy to find a few countries I want to visit on this list! Hope that means it is going to happen!
So many of these are already on my list! But I love having them all in one place. I also love seeing more photos. After traveling to Paris this fall I definitely need a more adventurous/cheap location to go to next year. Or more than once if I can! :)
I don’t know which one to choose, so many of those have been on my bucket list for a very long. Going to Budapest in 10 days!
I have been to Hungary and Laos, all the rest will go straight on the list haha! Loving the post and what amazing pictures, thanks for sharing
This is an interesting list. And I am happy to see Greece here as it’s in my bucket list for sure. Thanks for sharing ?
this is a great list, though some entries surprised me. Sri Lanka, South Africa and Greece are certainly very tempting. Just came back from Nepal.
Well, it looks like I have a new list! Most of these places were already on my list and not because they were budget. Actually, I didn’t think of South Africa as budget at all! Time to reconsider. Great list, thanks for posting!
Perfect list!! Round of applause from me :) Hungary was kind of the surprise addition, I hadn’t really considered it as an affordable destination before, so grateful for the insight! Indonesia is having a bit of a rough trot at the moment (with the volcano etc.) – once that’s resolved, it’ll be the best time to book, as prices will be as low as possible to entice the visitors to keep coming back. I know my husband is super eager to get to Greece (good to know it will likely be more affordable than I thought), but I’m more keen on Sri Lanka! Guess we’ll have to compromise and do both ;) hahaha. Thanks again!
Wow! So many great places! I am just like you in that I literally choose travel destinations based on price. I am excited to continue my adventures by adding some of these places to my list! Cheers!
I’m going to be back in India beginning January 2018 and cannot wait to head to Nepal, Laos, and Sri Lanka. Just have to figure out how to work them all into my schedule, but happy to hear they’re going to be budget friendly trips (my wallet took a beating from all the travel I did this year!)
You’ve just added some many destinations to my bucket list! Thank you! THANK YOU for this! love it so much! I am dying to get to Cuba and Egypt!
Great list, I just came back from Hungary. Visited Cuba earlier this year, they do know how to take your money. :)