Following a gradual recovery in 2021, more people like yourself are projected to travel in 2022 as travel restrictions are rescinded globally, and countries reopen for travel.
If you’re looking for countries to visit that aren’t too expensive, I’ve got some terrific ideas for you. The countries I’m about to discuss have already reopened to tourists or plan to do so soon.
Suppose you want to travel more but are budget conscious. In that case, the most crucial decision you must make is choosing a country where you’re purchasing power is highest. It’s eye-opening to realize how far your Dollars, Euros, or Pounds may go in less expensive nations!
Ok, Let me give you the information that led you to my blog. Here are the ten cheapest countries to explore for budget travelers, digital nomads, backpackers, and those simply searching for a means to save money while traveling the world.
1. Turkey
Turkey is located halfway between Asia and Europe. As a result, the country has a touch of East and West. It is known for its enthralling historical structures representing centuries of culture; you can feel the ambiance. The Byzantine and Ottoman Empires both ruled over Turkey. The 1,500 years old Hagia Sophia is a national historic site and a marvel to behold; it’s served as both a Christian church and an Islamic mosque. There are numerous sites to see and activities to keep you engaged in Turkey. There’s something for everyone, from ancient ruins to delicious local cuisine to stunning beaches.
Cappadocia is an ideal location for a romantic trip. Cappadocia is rated one of the best places to ride a Hot air balloon. The breathtaking view of Cappadocia and its natural beauty from above will leave you speechless. I haven’t mentioned the food, but the food in Turkey is fantastic, to say the least.
Estimated cost per day: $30 – $50. In Turkey, a meal costs between $5 and $15 for one person. While in Turkey, I chose to stay in Airbnb properties. 6 nights in a 3 bedroom apartment cost me $174 near Taksim square.
Popular destinations: Istanbul, Taksim Square, Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia, Topkapi Palace, Pamukkale, Mount Nemrut, Patara and Antalya.
2. Romania
Romania is the place to visit if you want to see medieval castles. Tourists come from worldwide to see the Transylvanian castles and beautiful churches. Romania is rich in ancient and enigmatic sites. The bright tombstones at the Merry Cemetery in North Romania are well-known. Each gravestone is hand-painted with images and eccentric words depicting the deceased’s life. Unusual, yet mysteriously intriguing.
You’ll enjoy strolling through towns filled with charming cottages. One of the cheapest nations to visit, Romania will astound you with its lush Carpathian mountains, Medieval cathedrals, and ancient castles.
Estimated cost per day: $30 – $60. The average price for an Airbnb in Romania is $30 per night. This includes an entire house or apartment for you to stay in.
Popular destinations: Cascadia Bigar, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Corvins’ Castle, Bucharest, Sinaia, and Salina Turda (salt mine).
3. Georgia
Located in Europe and not to be confused with the U.S. state, The Republic of Georgia is a great place to visit. Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia. The name Tbilisi derives from Tiflis. Additionally, you’ll hear locals refer to the country as Sakartvelo in the local language. Tbilisi has its own hidden treasures like the rest of the country. One of them is fantastic restaurants and wineries on the outskirts. These are not just any old wineries either – they have a rich history, famous for producing some of the best wine in the world. In fact, did you know the world’s oldest wineries are in Georgia? Outside Tbilisi, Georgia is home to some of the most stunning scenery. One spot I loved was Kazbegi. Kazbegi is home to Georgia’s tallest mountains. In Georgia, you’ll experience centuries-old monasteries, classic Georgian residences, chateaus, wineries, etc. Make a note of Georgia on your list of the cheapest countries to visit. Because you will have a fantastic time.
Estimated cost per day: $20 – $40. Airbnb prices vary depending on where you are staying in Tbilisi. The average cost for an Airbnb rental in Tbilisi is $50 per night.
Popular destinations: Georgia Aquarium, Blue Ridge, Stone Mountain Park, Savannah, Golden Isles, Athens, Atlanta, Cumberland Island, and Amicalola Falls State Park.
4. Indonesia
The country of Indonesia is a vast archipelago with over 18,000 islands. Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world and has a rich culture, history, and biodiversity. With its diverse landscape and culture, Indonesia offers many sights for travelers to explore. You’ll find volcanoes, fabulous beaches, rice fields, jungles, and much more in Indonesia. Traveling on a budget, the places to visit are Canggu or Wae Rebo Villag, both beautiful and not too expensive.
Estimated cost per day: $25 – $50. The cost of an Airbnb in Indonesia ranges from $10 to $200 per night. The average price for a room is about $30 per night.
Popular destinations: Bali, Ubud, Jakarta, Canggu, Monkey Forest in Ubud, Wae Rebo Village, Tanjung Putting National Park, and Lake Toba.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with many hidden gems. It is one of the cheapest countries in the world to visit. For those looking for a budget vacation, Vietnam is an excellent choice. The country’s currency, the Vietnamese đồng, is one of the cheapest in Asia and one of the strongest against other currencies in Southeast Asia. Vietnam has plenty of affordable accommodation options available, and it also has some of the best food in South East Asia. You’d be crazy not to have a bowl of pho. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles called bánh phở, a few herbs, and meat. The word pho comes from the French word for “soup”, pot-au-feu. Vietnam is a country with a rich culture and heritage. It is also an emerging market in Asia, so it has a lot to offer to any traveler. It was once called the “Pearl of Eastern Asia” and the “Land of the Morning Calm.” The Vietnamese people are very friendly and welcoming to foreigners. They also have a strong sense of family values seen in their customs. You can definitely visit Vietnam on a budget and enjoy the best of Vietnam’s attractions without breaking the bank.
Estimated cost per day: $25 – $45. The cost of an Airbnb room in Hanoi is around $30-$40 per night.
Popular destinations: Hoi An, Halong Bay, Hoi Chi Minh City, Phong National Park, Hue, Sapa Countryside, Cu Chi tunnels, and Nha Trang.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan is a country that has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. There have been many efforts to promote tourism in Pakistan to counter the negative news. Pakistan is a country known for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and rich heritage. The Pakistani people are hospitable, friendly and warm-hearted. The country of Pakistan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The country has a lot to offer for any traveler looking for an authentic experience. Pakistan is home to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world, including K2 and Nanga Parbat which are among the tallest peaks on Earth. Pakistan also has many beautiful beaches like those found in Karachi, which are perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing vacation by the sea.
The food culture in Pakistan is also one of its major attractions. Pakistani food is a diverse cuisine, with each region of Pakistan having its own specialties.
Pakistan’s cuisine has been influenced by its proximity to Central Asia, India, China, and Persia. The cuisine is characterized by heavy use of spices or masalas, giving it its distinctive taste.
Some popular dishes from Pakistani cuisine are Biryani (a rice-based dish cooked with meat or vegetables), Haleem (a stew made with wheat flour and meat or vegetables), Nihari (a slow-cooked beef or lamb curry), and Korma (meat in a gravy sauce).
Estimated cost per day: $20 – $70. Hotel prices range from $10 to $60 per night in Pakistan, depending on the city.
Popular destinations: Gilgit, Attabad Lake, Kalash Valley, Karakoram mountain range, Fairy Meadows, Deosai Plains, Gorakh Hills, Katpana desert, Rohta’s Fort, and Khunjrab Pass.
7. Mexico
Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Mexico has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient ruins and colonial architecture. In Mexico, you’ll find some of the best beaches and resorts in the world and rich culture and history. Mexico has 5,000 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. The Mexican people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. They are known for their hospitality and their sense of humor. In addition to beautiful beaches, Mexican culture offers many exciting things, like museums that showcase ancient artifacts from Mexico’s past civilizations, such as Mayan pyramids and Aztec temples. The food in Mexico is just as diverse as the culture. From street tacos to traditional dishes like mole poblano. Mole poblano is made from chocolate and chili peppers, and it’s often served over chicken or other meats. It’s not hard to find something tasty in Mexico, at least in my experience.
Estimated cost per day: $40 – $60. The price of an Airbnb is around $30 per night in Mexico. The price of an Airbnb in Mexico can vary depending on the location and season. For example, in Cancun during Christmas time, the average cost for a two-bedroom apartment is about $110 per night. However, during off-peak seasons like summertime, the prices can be as low as $30 per night.
Popular destinations: Mexico City, Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Yucatan Peninsula, Holbox, and San Miguel de Allende.
8. Bolivia
Bolivia is a country with a rich culture and history. It is one of the poorest countries in South America, but it is also one of the most diverse.
The Bolivian people are known for their kindness and hospitality. They live in a beautiful natural environment where you can find many different animals and plants. The food in Bolivia is diverse because Bolivia has many different cultures that have influenced its cuisine over time. The people are mostly Aymara or Quechua-speaking Indigenous peoples who live in the Andes Mountains. The capital city is La Paz, located at 3200m above sea level, and it’s home to about half of the country’s population.
Bolivia offers many tourist attractions for both domestic and international travelers, such as the Salar de Uyuni, the highest navigable lake in the world; Lake Titicaca, which borders Peru; or Potosi, one of the oldest cities in South America. The Inca ruins of Tiwanaku are second only to Peru’s Machu Picchu in popularity among tourists to South America.
Estimated cost per day: $25 – $45. The average price of an Airbnb in Bolivia is $30 per night.
Popular destinations: Salar de Uyuni, Tiwanaku, Lake Titicaca, Sucre, Cerro Rico, Reserva Eduardo Avaroa, World’s most dangerous Yungas Road, and Madidi National Park.
9. Morocco
Morocco is a country in North Africa with a population of about 34 million people. It is the only African country to have a coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco is bordered by Algeria, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city of Morocco is Rabat which lies on the coast in the northwest corner of Morocco. Other major Moroccan cities include Casablanca and Tangier in the north; Marrakesh and Fez in central Morocco; Agadir. The country is diverse and offers many different landscapes, from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. Morocco has a rich history; it was once part of the ancient Roman Empire. It was then invaded by the Muslim Arabs in 711 AD. This invasion led to many changes in Morocco’s culture and religion. Morocco is also home to many different cultures, like Berber, Arab, African, Spanish and French cultures mixed together over time. Morocco is attractive for many reasons:
- Its vast desert landscapes
- Its cultural diversity
- The ease of visiting as a tourist
- Its diverse cuisine
The country has been attracting more tourists because of these attractions in recent years.
Estimated cost per day: $40 – $60. The cost of living in Morocco is pretty low, as it ranks as one of the cheapest countries to live in Africa. The cost of food is also relatively low, with a meal at a restaurant costing around $5-$7. The average price for an Airbnb rental in Morocco during the peak season is about $50 per night and $30 off-season.
Popular destinations: Sidi Ifni, Sahara Desert, Atlas mountains, Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, Chefchaouen (the blue city), Merzouga, and Asilah.
10. Egypt
Egypt has one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country is also home to many natural wonders that are worth exploring. One of Egypt’s most popular tourist attractions is the Great Pyramid of Giza. The pyramid was built by Pharaoh Khufu over 4,500 years ago. It is one of the oldest and most prominent structures in the world.
Egypt has a diverse landscape that includes mountain ranges, deserts and beaches. Besides the Pyramids of Giza, there are countless landmarks worth visiting, such as Luxor’s Karnak Temple Complex and Abu Simbel’s Temples.
Suppose you want to venture outside of Cairo. In that case, Luxor is the world-famous ancient city located on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. Luxor is known for its vast temple complexes and its many tombs.
Sharm El-Sheikh, located on the Red Sea, is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations if you’re not into history. The area offers lots to do for tourists and visitors, including scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing. Opposite Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada is a popular seaside resort town in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera on the Gulf of Suez coast.
Estimated cost per day: $30 – $70. The Great Pyramid of Giza attracts millions of tourists every year, but it can be expensive to visit for some people because there are no nearby hotels or hostels available to stay at for low prices. That’s why Airbnb has become an affordable alternative for people who want to stay near this ancient landmark without paying too much money. The cost of an Airbnb in Egypt ranges from $14 to $28 per night.
Popular Destinations: Giza Pyramids, Luxor Karnak Temple, Nile Cruise, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Red sea diving, Cairo, White Desert, Alexandria, and Siwa Oasis.
Conclusion
To summarize, there are many locations you can travel to on a budget worldwide. I hope this post was helpful to you see and inspires you to book your next trip.