Traveling around the world does not have to be expensive. For those with a sense of adventure, yet a tighter budget, going to foreign lands can still become a reality. By taking careful consideration in planning, coupled with the internal tips one may have, this can become reality for budget travelers through rich experiences, fascinating cultures, and breathtaking scenery without having to spend a fortune. In this blog, we will go over 10 amazing countries for budget travelers-places where you can travel cheaply without losing out on the experience. From the ones a little off the beaten path to some mainstays of the backpacking circuit, these countries will guarantee amazing memories without having to break the bank.

10 Incredible Countries for Budget Travelers

Vietnam

Vietnam remains, by default, one of the favorite countries to travel on a shoestring budget for many reasons. This beautiful slice of South East Asia offers an excellent combination of rich heritage, picturesque landscapes, and delicious street food at unbelievable prices. Taking accommodation, food, and transportation into consideration, it’s about as affordable as it can get in comparison with most global destinations, which indeed cements its position as the frontrunner among destinations for budget travelers around the world.

• Highlights: Elaborate limestone islands dot Ha Long Bay, while bustling streets in Hanoi, with its ancient town of Hoi An.
• Budget Tip: Extensive networks of buses and trains facilitate low-cost travel throughout Vietnam.

Thailand

Thailand offers up a kaleidoscope of tropical beaches, pulsating cities, and reasonable prices. From the cultural northern city of Chiang Mai to bustling Bangkok and tranquil islands in the south, the list of endless entertainment is at hand. For budget travelers, it ranks among the most-visited countries for great value for money, especially in street food and economy-class hotels.

• Highlights: The Grand Palace in Bangkok, ancient town Ayutthaya, and the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
• Budget Tip: Street food is all delicious but super affordable. You could get a plate of Pad Thai for less than $1!

India

India is one of the cheapest countries to travel to compared to others. India can boast of bustling markets in Delhi and peaceful backwaters in Kerala, which will give you wide-ranging experiences without burning a hole in your pocket. It is also among the very best countries for budget travelers who have interests in culture, history, and spirituality.

• Highlights: The Taj Mahal, palaces of Jaipur, and the sacred Ganges River of Varanasi.
• Budget Tip: Use the easily accessible and relatively cheap railway network that criss-crosses India to travel extensively through the country, eating in the plentiful restaurants serving tasty yet cheap food.

Mexico

Mexico mixes the vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and interesting history at very reasonable prices. Whether you tour around ancient ruins, lounge around the beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula, or stroll through the artsy neighborhoods of Mexico City, you will find Mexico among the most budget-friendly countries.

• Highlights: Chichén Itzá, Mexico City’s museums, and the beaches of Tulum.
• Budget Tip: Avoid the major resorts and use locally-owned guesthouses to save on money and to be more culturally submerged.

Portugal

Portugal is often passed over for some of the other European destinations that are a bit more pricey, but it’s really a great place to budget travel. The weather is warm, the coast is beautiful, and the cities historic, so you get a lot for your buck. The food is cheap, and accommodation options abound for low budgets, making it one of the best countries for budget travelers in Europe.

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• Highlights: Vibrant Lisbon, fairytale-like Sintra, stunning beaches of Algarve.
• Budget Tip: The public transportation in Portugal is excellent, and it’s quite affordable; use it to move around within the country.

Indonesia

Indonesia encompasses 17,000 islands, each providing its own unique budget travel options, from Jakarta’s hustling and bustling streets to Bali’s sun-kissed beaches and the volcanoes of Java. It is among the best nations for any traveler who wants adventure and culture on a budget.

• Highlight: The temples in Bali, the Komodo Islands, and the surreally beautiful landscape of Mt. Bromo.
• Budget Tip: Instead of staying in hotels, stay in guesthouses or homestays; these are incredibly cheaper and give you a more real experience.

Greece

Some may associate Greece with luxury travel, but it’s very reasonable for budget travelers. If you avoid the peak tourist season, you can get a chance to see ancient ruins, lounge on stunning beaches, and eat amazing traditional Greek food, all on a minimal budget. Greece is still a great option among European countries for budget travelers.

• Highlights: The Acropolis in Athens, Santorini’s sunset, and beaches on Crete.
• Budget Tip: If you travel in the shoulder season of April to May or September to October, then there are fewer people, and prices aren’t as high.

Cambodia

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when mentioning Cambodia is the beautiful temple complex of Angkor Wat, but this Southeast Asian country offers so much more at a fraction of what its neighbors charge. From the capital city of Phnom Penh to the beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia is among the most budget-friendly countries to travel in all of Asia.

Highlights: Angkor Wat, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Koh Rong.

Budget Tip: Accommodation and food are very affordable, and it is regularly possible to find comfortable guesthouses for less than US$10 per night.

Bolivia

From the Uyuni salt fields to the majority of the Amazon part, Bolivia is a pearl of nature in South America, and all at very reasonable prices. It is one of the cheapest countries to travel to in South America, and the nature there will impress you a lot.

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• Highlights: Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca.
• Budget Tip: For places like salt flats, group tours will cost less compared to private tours.

Morocco

Morocco offers an exciting mixture of Arab, Berber, and French cultures, with busy markets, stunning deserts, and majestic mountain ranges. With the greatest affordability, especially in cities like Marrakech and Fez, it is a country considered to offer budget travelers history and adventure.

• Highlights: the medinas of Marrakech and Fez, Sahara Desert, and Atlas Mountains.
• Budget Tip: Haggling is widely acceptable in Morocco-from market goods to taxi rides. Stay in riads, a cheap alternative for travelers.

Final Thoughts

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive; it really depends on which places you travel to. Whether backpacking through Southeast Asia, beach relaxation in Europe, or the cultural enlightenment of South America, these countries for budget travelers will give you some incredible experiences at low prices. It might be careful planning or just doing that little bit more research, but you really can explore the world without breaking your bank.

Which of these places will you head to next? If you have traveled to one of these wonderful countries, let me know below and share your own stories or suggestions for other budget travelers!