Travel Tips

The 20 Cheapest Countries to Visit: Your Ultimate Budget Travel Guide (2025)

October 21, 2025

12 min read

Traveling abroad doesn't have to drain your bank account. From the bustling street markets of Bangkok to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Guatemala, some of the world's most incredible destinations offer unforgettable experiences for a fraction of what you'd spend elsewhere.

The secret? Knowing where to go, and most importantly, how to get there for less. With Going, members save an average of 40–50% on international flights, which means one of the biggest expenses of your trip becomes much more manageable.

Key takeaways

The cheapest countries to visit in 2025 once your feet are on the ground include Vietnam, Thailand, and Nepal, requiring daily budgets as low as $20–$35. There are also other affordable destinations in Southeast Asia (like Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia), Eastern Europe (such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary), and the Americas (Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia).

Top budget destinations (as of 2025)

Vietnam: Consistently ranked among the cheapest, offering stunning landscapes, incredible street food, and rich history
Thailand: The gold standard for budget travel with top-tier beaches, ornate temples, and world-class street food
India: A vast and culturally rich country offering everything from Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches
Nepal: Perfect for adventure and trekking enthusiasts, offering Himalayan experiences on a budget
Indonesia: An archipelago spanning thousands of islands with diverse culture, volcanic landscapes, and beaches
Mexico: Close to the US with a wide array of experiences, from beaches to colonial cities and ancient ruins
Guatemala: Dramatic volcanic landscapes, colorful markets, and Mayan ruins at remarkably low prices
Cambodia: Home to Angkor Wat and quality beaches with authentic Southeast Asian experiences
Romania: Fairytale castles and medieval towns in Eastern Europe at prices far below Western Europe
Bulgaria: One of Europe's most underrated destinations with Black Sea beaches and UNESCO sites

What makes these destinations affordable:

Favorable currency exchange rates that make your dollar stretch further
Low local cost of living means cheaper food, accommodation, and transportation
Abundant budget accommodation options, from hostels to guesthouses
Inexpensive local transportation and street food culture
Free or low-cost natural attractions and cultural sites

Budget travel tips that maximize savings:

Book flights during shoulder season, and use flight deal alerts (available in the Going app)
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses or hostels instead of international chains
Eat at local markets and street food stalls where residents eat
Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis
Take advantage of free attractions and walking tours (tips typically appreciated on expert-led tours)

Top 20 cheapest countries to visit

Vietnam

Vietnam offers one of the best value-for-money travel experiences in the world. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, this Southeast Asian gem delivers stunning landscapes, incredible food, and rich history at remarkably low prices. You can easily travel here on $25–35 per day, including accommodation, meals, and activities.

Average daily budget: $25–35
Standout experiences: Ha Long Bay cruises, Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, Mekong Delta boat tours, Vietnamese coffee culture
Money-saving tip: Take overnight buses or trains between cities to save on transportation and accommodation.
Best months to visit: November–April for most regions
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 24,000 VND (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $853 roundtrip

Related reading:

Hanoi: The Vietnamese capital that's home to 20 lakes

Thailand

With immaculate beaches, ornate temples, vibrant cities, and some of the world's best street food, Thailand offers incredible variety without breaking the bank. Most travelers spend $30–50 daily, depending on whether they're island-hopping or exploring cities.

Average daily budget: $30–50
Standout experiences: Bangkok's Grand Palace, Chiang Mai's night markets, southern island beaches, Thai cooking classes
Money-saving tip: Eat at street food stalls and local markets where meals cost $1–3.
Best months to visit: November–February for cooler, dry weather
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 35 THB (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $842 roundtrip

Related reading:

India

From the Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches, bustling cities to peaceful ashrams, India's vast landscape offers endless exploration at ultra-low costs. Budget travelers can comfortably travel on $20–30 per day, while those seeking more comfort can still enjoy excellent value at $40–60 daily.

Average daily budget: $20–40
Standout experiences: Taj Mahal, Kerala backwaters, Rajasthan's palaces, Goa beaches, Himalayan trekking, spiritual Varanasi
Money-saving tip: Travel by train using sleeper class for overnight journeys.
Best months to visit: October–March to avoid extreme heat and monsoons
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 83 INR (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $717 roundtrip

Related reading:

Indonesia

Spread across thousands of islands, Indonesia offers beach paradise, volcanic landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant culture at prices that make long-term travel feasible. While Bali has become pricier due to its popularity, countless other Indonesian destinations remain incredibly affordable.

Average daily budget: $25–45
Standout experiences: Bali's rice terraces and temples, Komodo dragons, Java's Borobudur temple, surfing in Sumatra, diving in Raja Ampat
Money-saving tip: Explore beyond Bali to places like Lombok, Flores, or Java for better value.
Best months to visit: April–October during dry season
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 15,700 IDR (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $860 roundtrip

Related reading:

Bali: The Indonesian island home to part of the most biodiverse reef in the world

Mexico

Mexico combines proximity to the US with incredible affordability and diverse experiences. From Caribbean beaches to colonial cities, ancient ruins to modern metropolises, Mexico offers world-class travel at a fraction of European prices. Budget travelers manage on $30–50 daily, while mid-range comfort costs $60–80.

Average daily budget: $30–60
Standout experiences: Mayan ruins, Oaxaca's food scene, Mexico City's museums, Yucatán cenotes, Pacific coast beaches, Day of the Dead celebrations
Money-saving tip: Take second-class buses between cities and eat at local taquerías.
Best months to visit: November–April for most regions
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 17 MXN (Favorable)
Average Going deal:

Related reading:

Guatemala

Often overlooked by travelers wanting to head to Mexico, Guatemala rewards visitors with dramatic volcanic landscapes, colorful markets, Mayan ruins, and authentic Central American culture at remarkably low prices. Most travelers spend around $30 per day including accommodation and activities.

Average daily budget: $25–40
Standout experiences: Antigua's colonial architecture, Lake Atitlán villages, Tikal jungle ruins, Semuc Champey natural pools, Chichicastenango market
Money-saving tip: Stay in family-run hospedajes, and eat at comedores (local diners).
Best months to visit: November–April during dry season
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 7.8 GTQ (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $311 roundtrip

Related reading:

El Mirador: The 5-day Guatemalan trek

Nepal

Nepal offers some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery and warmest hospitality at prices that seem almost too good to be true. Whether you're hiking in the Himalayas or exploring ancient Kathmandu, Nepal delivers unforgettable experiences for less than $40 per day. (Note: More-strenuous treks that require a porter may require a higher budget.)

Average daily budget: $20–35
Standout experiences: Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, Kathmandu Valley temples, Pokhara's lakeside tranquility, mountain monasteries
Money-saving tip: Opt for more accessible, independent hikes without guides to save on trekking costs—but always research the route to ensure it falls within your comfort level.
Best months to visit: October–November and March–May for trekking
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 132 NPR (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $793 roundtrip

Cambodia

Cambodia combines incredible archaeological wonders with jungle landscapes and beaches for all trip types, all at rock-bottom prices. Beyond the famous Angkor Wat temples, Cambodia offers authentic Southeast Asian experiences, including floating villages and delicious cuisine.

Average daily budget: $25–40
Standout experiences: Angkor Wat temple complex, Phnom Penh's history, southern beaches, Tonle Sap floating villages, Cambodian cuisine
Money-saving tip: Rent a bicycle to explore Angkor temples independently.
Best months to visit: November–March for cooler, dry weather
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 4,100 KHR (Highly favorable; USD widely accepted)
Average Going deal: $815 roundtrip

Related reading:

Siem Reap: The Southeast Asian city home to a 900-year-old temple

Laos

Often described as Southeast Asia's most laidback country, Laos offers peaceful riverside towns, Buddhist temples, and natural beauty without the tourist crowds. This landlocked nation provides authentic experiences for every budget.

Average daily budget: $25–35
Standout experiences: Luang Prabang's morning alms ceremony, Vang Vieng's karst landscapes, Mekong River slow boat, Plain of Jars, 4,000 Islands relaxation
Money-saving tip: Take slow boats on the Mekong instead of speedboats.
Best months to visit: November–February for pleasant weather
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 21,500 LAK (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: Not available

Ecuador

Ecuador packs incredible diversity into a small package: Amazon rainforest, Andean peaks, colonial cities, and the Galapagos Islands, all financially accessible (excluding Galapagos, which costs more). Besides, using the US dollar eliminates currency exchange hassles.

Average daily budget: $30–50 (mainland)
Standout experiences: Galapagos Islands, Quito's historic center, Amazon lodges, Cotopaxi volcano, Otavalo market, coastal beach towns
Money-saving tip: Book Galapagos tours from Puerto Ayora for better prices than pre-booking.
Best months to visit: June–September for highland areas
Approximate exchange rate: Uses USD (no exchange needed for US travelers)
Average Going deal: $344 roundtrip

Bolivia

Bolivia stands out as South America's arguably cheapest destination, offering dramatic landscapes from salt flats to Amazon jungle at prices that make extended travel possible. Even if you have a tight budget, you can travel comfortably.

Average daily budget: $20–35
Standout experiences: Uyuni Salt Flats, La Paz cable cars, Lake Titicaca, Death Road biking, Sucre's colonial charm, Amazon rainforest
Money-saving tip: Book Uyuni tours in Bolivia rather than from Chile for significant savings.
Best months to visit: May–October during dry season
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 6.9 BOB (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $501 roundtrip

Romania

Romania offers fairytale castles, medieval towns, and stunning mountain scenery at prices far below Western Europe. This Eastern European gem provides authentic experiences for low budget travelers, making it perfect for travelers seeking European culture without European prices.

Average daily budget: $40–60
Standout experiences: Transylvania's castles, Bucharest's architecture, painted monasteries of Bucovina, Carpathian Mountains hiking, Danube Delta
Money-saving tip: Stay in family-run pensions in rural areas for authentic experiences.
Best months to visit: May–September for warmest weather
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 4.6 RON (Favorable)
Average Going deal: $483 roundtrip

Related reading:

Transylvania: The mysterious region where a legend was born

Hungary

Budapest ranks among Europe's most beautiful capitals while maintaining remarkably affordable prices. Beyond Budapest, Hungary offers thermal baths, wine regions, and charming towns, all accessible on $45–70 per day.

Average daily budget: $45–70
Standout experiences: Budapest's thermal baths and ruin bars, Danube cruises, Lake Balaton, Hungarian cuisine, Parliament Building tours
Money-saving tip: Visit thermal baths on weekday mornings for lowest prices.
Best months to visit: April–June and September–October
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 360 HUF (Favorable)
Average Going deal: $518 roundtrip

Portugal

Portugal provides Western European quality at Eastern European prices, making it one of Europe's best value destinations. Beautiful beaches, historic cities, excellent wine, and warm hospitality come at $50–80 daily, less than neighboring Spain.

Average daily budget: $50–80
Standout experiences: Lisbon's hilltop views, Porto's port wine cellars, Algarve beaches, Sintra's palaces, Douro Valley wine region, pastel de nata pastries
Money-saving tip: Lunch is the main meal, with better-value set menus than dinner.
Best months to visit: April–June and September–October
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 0.92 EUR (Moderate)
Average Going deal: $554 roundtrip

Related reading:

Greece

Greece combines ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices, especially outside peak summer months. While many tourists focus on popular destinations like Mykonos or Santorini, islands like Anafi, Karpathos, and Astypalea also offer stunning landscapes at half the cost.

Average daily budget: $45–70
Standout experiences: Athens' Acropolis, Santorini sunsets, Crete beaches, Meteora monasteries, Greek islands, fresh seafood and local wine
Money-saving tip: Visit in shoulder season (April–May, September–October) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Best months to visit: April–June and September–October
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 0.92 EUR (Moderate)
Average Going deal: $538 roundtrip

Philippines

The Philippines offers more than 7,000 islands with top-tier beaches, world-class diving, and warm Filipino hospitality at budget-friendly prices. Most travelers spend around $40 daily, making this tropical paradise accessible for extended island-hopping adventures.

Average daily budget: $30–50
Standout experiences: Palawan's lagoons, Boracay beaches, Chocolate Hills, whale shark swimming, Manila's history, island-hopping adventures
Money-saving tip: Travel during shoulder season, and book island-hopping tours locally.
Best months to visit: December–May during dry season
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 56 PHP (Highly favorable)
Average Going deal: $829 roundtrip

Morocco

Morocco brings North African culture, Sahara Desert landscapes, and ancient medinas at very reasonable prices. The blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences manages to create unique experiences, even on a tight budget.

Average daily budget: $35–55
Standout experiences: Marrakech's souks, Sahara camel treks, Blue City of Chefchaouen, Fes medina, Atlas Mountains hiking, Moroccan cuisine
Money-saving tip: Barter in markets, and take CTM buses between cities.
Best months to visit: March–May and September–November
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 10 MAD (Favorable)
Average Going deal: $568 roundtrip

Related reading:

Marrakesh: The North African city where storytelling is an art

Turkey

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia with historical sites, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities at prices that make extended travel feasible. You can comfortably travel with excellent food and accommodation for less than $60 daily.

Average daily budget: $40–65
Standout experiences: Istanbul's mosques and bazaars, Cappadocia hot air balloons, Ephesus ruins, Pamukkale thermal pools, Turkish coast beaches
Money-saving tip: Eat at lokanta restaurants serving home-style Turkish food.
Best months to visit: April–May and September–October
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 34 TRY (Favorable)
Average Going deal: $629 roundtrip

Related reading:

Istanbul: The ancient Turkish city that spans two continents

Colombia

Colombia has emerged as one of South America's most exciting destinations, offering Caribbean beaches, coffee region landscapes, colonial cities, and Amazon jungle access at affordable prices.

Average daily budget: $30–50
Standout experiences: Cartagena's colonial walls, Medellín, coffee region tours, Tayrona National Park, Bogotá museums, salsa dancing in Cali
Money-saving tip: Use long-distance buses overnight to save on accommodation.
Best months to visit: December–March and July–August
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 4,100 COP (Favorable)
Average Going deal:

Related reading:

Bogotá: The South American capital 8,600 feet above sea level

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks as one of Europe's most underrated budget destinations, offering Black Sea beaches, mountain skiing, and UNESCO sites at unbeatable prices.

Average daily budget: $35–55
Standout experiences: Sofia's history, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv's Old Town, Black Sea resorts, Bansko skiing, Bulgarian wine and cuisine
Money-saving tip: Travel by shared minibus (marshrutka) between cities.
Best months to visit: May–September for warm weather, December–March for skiing
Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 1.8 BGN (Favorable)
Average Going deal: $599 roundtrip

What makes these countries so affordable?

Currency exchange advantages

Favorable exchange rates make your dollar stretch further in these destinations. When the US dollar is strong against currencies like the Thai baht, Vietnamese dong, or Romanian leu, everything becomes cheaper. A $15 meal in the US costs just $3–5 in Vietnam or Thailand. Countries with historically weaker currencies—Southeast Asian nations, Eastern European countries, and much of Central and South America—consistently offer better value for American travelers.

Lower cost of living

These destinations are affordable because often the cost of living for locals is inherently lower, too. This means everything from accommodation to meals becomes proportionally cheaper. A comfortable guesthouse room costing $100+ nightly in Paris might cost just $15–25 in Hanoi, offering similar quality at a fraction of the price.

Affordable accommodation options

Budget destinations provide diverse, low-cost places to stay. Family-run guesthouses, backpacker hostels, and budget hotels offer comfortable beds at prices that can allow you to extend your travel time. Many countries also feature unique options like homestays with local families, monastery stays, or beach bungalows that cost less while providing more authentic cultural experiences than standardized hotel chains.

Inexpensive local transportation

Getting around costs remarkably little in budget-friendly countries. Buses, trains, shared taxis, and ferries operate at prices designed for local budgets—long-distance journeys rarely exceed $10–20, while shorter trips often cost just a dollar or two. Within cities, metro systems, tuk-tuks, and bicycle rentals provide affordable options. Many budget destinations also feature compact, walkable city centers where you can explore on foot for free.

Regional itineraries for cheap travel

Southeast Asia: Best value destinations

Countries: Thailand & Cambodia
Suggested duration: 2 weeks
Daily budget: $30–45
Must-see highlights: Bangkok temples and street food (Thailand), Chiang Mai night markets (Thailand), Angkor Wat complex (Cambodia), Siem Reap night markets (Cambodia), Phnom Penh history (Cambodia)
Total estimated cost for 2 weeks: $800–1,200 (including accommodation, food, activities, and regional transport)
Best route: Bangkok (3 days) → Chiang Mai (3 days) → Siem Reap (4 days) → Phnom Penh (3 days)

Eastern Europe: Affordable European travel

Countries: Hungary & Romania
Suggested duration: 10–14 days
Daily budget: $45–65
Must-see highlights: Budapest thermal baths and ruin bars, Transylvania castles (Bran & Peles), Bucharest's Palace of Parliament, Brasov medieval town, Hungarian Parliament Building
Total estimated cost for 2 weeks: $1,200–1,800 (including accommodation, food, activities, and transport)
Best route: Budapest (4 days) → Brasov (3 days) → Sibiu (2 days) → Bucharest (3 days)

North and Central America: Budget-friendly adventures

Countries: Mexico & Guatemala
Suggested duration: 2–3 weeks
Daily budget: $30-50
Must-see highlights: Oaxaca food scene and markets (Mexico), San Cristóbal colonial charm (Mexico), Lake Atitlán villages (Guatemala), Antigua colonial architecture (Guatemala), Tikal jungle ruins (Guatemala)
Total estimated cost for 2 weeks: $900–1,400 (including accommodation, food, activities, and regional transport)
Best route: Oaxaca City (3 days) → San Cristóbal de las Casas (3 days) → Lake Atitlán (3 days) → Antigua (3 days) → Tikal (2 days)

South America: Andean adventure

Countries: Ecuador & Bolivia
Suggested duration: 2–3 weeks
Daily budget: $25–45
Must-see highlights: Quito historic center (Ecuador), Amazon jungle lodges (Ecuador), La Paz cable cars and markets (Bolivia), Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia), Lake Titicaca (Bolivia)
Total estimated cost for 2 weeks: $1,000–1,600 (including accommodation, food, activities, and transport)
Best route: Quito (3 days) → Amazon (3 days) → La Paz (3 days) → Uyuni (3 days) → Lake Titicaca (2 days)

South Asia: Cultural immersion

Countries: India & Nepal
Suggested duration: 2–3 weeks
Daily budget: $20–35
Must-see highlights: Delhi's monuments and markets, Taj Mahal (Agra), Jaipur's palaces (India), Kathmandu temples (Nepal), Pokhara lakes and mountain views (Nepal)
Total estimated cost for 2 weeks: $800–1,200 (including accommodation, food, activities, and transport)
Best route: Delhi (2 days) → Agra (2 days) → Jaipur (2 days) → Kathmandu (4 days) → Pokhara (3 days)

Essential budget travel tips

Planning and booking strategies

Let flight deals come to you instead of searching all day every day yourself. Sign up for our cheap flight alerts to receive notifications when prices drop. To save even more, travel during shoulder seasons (the periods just before and after peak season) for lower prices and fewer crowds. Research visa requirements early, and factor these costs into your budget, as they range from free to $100+ depending on destination.

Money-saving accommodation tips

Stay in locally-owned guesthouses and hostels rather than international hotel chains—they cost less and often have more character. Consider longer stays in one location, as many accommodations offer weekly or monthly discounts. Book places with free breakfast, and look for properties with kitchen access so you can prepare some meals yourself, dramatically reducing food costs.

Eating like a local on a budget

Apart from cooking yourself, eat where locals eat and not where tourists gather. That restaurant by the main square charging $20 for pasta? Walk two blocks away, and you can probably find local spots serving better food for $5–8. Make lunch your main meal in countries where lunch specials offer generous portions at lower prices than dinner.

Free and low-cost activities

Take advantage of free walking tours available in most cities—these tip-based tours provide excellent orientation while letting you pay what you think it's worth. Explore natural attractions like hiking trails, natural pools, or scenic viewpoints that cost little to nothing. Visit temples, churches, and cultural sites during free entry times. Many museums offer free admission one day per week, so research these schedules to plan accordingly.

Safety and practical considerations for budget travel

Staying safe while traveling cheaply

Budget travel doesn't mean unsafe travel. Many of the world's cheapest countries—like Thailand, Vietnam, Portugal, and Guatemala—are also among the safest for tourists. Research neighborhood safety before booking accommodation by reading recent reviews and checking locations on maps. Keep valuables secure using hostel lockers, don't flash expensive electronics, and stay aware of common tourist scams. Most safety issues involve petty theft rather than violent crime, and simple precautions can prevent most problems.

Health and insurance essentials

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance before any international trip, whether it’s available through a credit card or purchased separately. Look up policies covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruption. Also remember to research required vaccinations 4–6 weeks before departure, as some destinations may require shots for yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A and B.

Pack a basic medical kit with pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, bandages, and prescription medications. If you forget something, don’t worry. In many budget countries, antibiotics and prescriptions are available over the counter, making it easy to address minor health issues.

Start planning your budget adventure

The world's most affordable destinations are more than low budget. They provide rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that expensive destinations can't buy. Whether you're drawn to Southeast Asia's temples and beaches, Eastern Europe's medieval towns, or Central America's jungles and ruins, budget travel makes longer trips feasible, allowing you to dive deeper into the destinations’ culture and communities.

But the key to make the most out of your budget is finding cheap flights. That's where Going makes the biggest difference. Our Premium and Elite members receive alerts about promotional deals, price drops, and even mistake fares from their followed airports, often saving hundreds of dollars on international flights.