I have visited every country in the world on a small budget of US $50 per day, and there are many countries where you need a lot less to travel around.

I know this as I have done it myself.

My journey to every country was amazing. I have taken the public bus to see the Meroe Pyramids in Sudan, backpacked South East Asia to find the best cheap meals in Chiang Mai, and crossed many borders to see more of the world, the Dominican Republic to Haiti was just one of the many travel days on the journey.

So to help your plan your next adventure, I have focused on the 21 most affordable countries in the world. Depending on what country you live in, you could choose the region that makes the most sense due to the cost of flights, which is usually the most expensive part of the journey.

But sometimes it’s worth paying more for a flight to Central America or South East Asia as you will save in the long term, by spending less daily than travelling near your home just because there is a $50 flight.

And don’t forget, that travelling overland to neighbouring countries is usually the best and cheapest way to see more for less. So when you visit Thailand (don’t miss our 26 best Thai travel tips), consider travelling across the border to Laos or Cambodia. 

Below is a list of destinations around the world to travel around on a budget. I have focused on the cheapest countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas as well as Africa to make this list diverse.

I’ve listed the daily budget which includes accommodation, transport, meals, and some form of fun & sightseeing.

In some countries, your accommodation can be a private room in a small guesthouse/hotel. And if you are not a solo traveller and travelling with someone, you can sleep in a private room in all of these countries.

If you are travelling solo, I suggest Hostelworld to book the best deals in hostels all over the world. It’s a great way to sleep for less and hostels are a fantastic place to meet other travellers so a must-do for solo travellers.

I recommend Booking.com for the best prices on a range of accommodations across the globe.

When it comes to food, places like South East Asia allow you to eat well and out all the time. And, with other parts of the world, you might stick with bakeries and cheap eats. Here and there, you might be able to cook up something in your hostel/guesthouse or simple apartment.

These 7 Tips for how to find the best food when travelling have you covered for eating well (and under budget) on your travels.

Of course, taking public transport when travelling around these cheapest countries is the key to staying on budget.

I suggest Omio and Trainline for booking transport in the USA, Canada, and Europe. And 12Go is your best resource for booking transport in South East Asia.

Which are the cheapest countries to visit now? Let’s get started!

1) The Philippines $35/day

I’ll start with some amazing countries in Asia to travel with a limited budget. The Philippines is the perfect destination, cheap, warm and friendly. The locals are easygoing and they love their karaoke bars, you will most likely be invited to join.

The best place to travel to in the Philippines is Palawan island to island-hop the stunning El Nido emerald archipelago. I absolutely loved it here and spent two weeks in El Nido. The town is a big hub for travellers and you can hire a scooter to explore other parts too. 

You can also fly to Cebu, Boracay and Bohol, all of them have many activities like waterfalls, sardine runs and chocolate hills, plus a large range of budget accommodations. 

Manila is busy and chaotic with terrible traffic, so it’s better to skip it and fly to the islands.

The food is not as delicious as in Thailand or Vietnam, it consists mostly of rice and meats but is usually $3-$5. You can take ferries from the islands but domestic flights are very cheap as well.

I use Skyscanner to book my flights online.

2) Thailand $25/day

The holy grail of every backpacker, Thailand would be my number one choice for any first-time traveller. 

What’s not to like? Delicious and omnipresent food can be found everywhere on the streets often for $1.50-$2.50. Find a great range of cheap and clean accommodation anywhere in Thailand (Agoda has unbeatable prices on accommodation) and easy transport options too. 

Oh and the best part, there is so much to see: incredible beaches along Phuket (Kata Beach is a fave of mine), Koh Samui and Krabi. Then, see the temples and palaces in Bangkok, Phuket Town or Chiang Mai (read this complete accommodation guide for Chiang Mai). There is a thriving backpacking scene across the country and everyone speaks English.

I have probably spent less than $20 if not $15 per day when travelling in Thailand over the years. I returned at the end of 2022 and I could still see that this is one of the cheapest countries to visit. It’s not only affordable, but it’s also very enjoyable to travel here. I found the eSIM for Thailand incredibly convenient to stay connected, especially because it offers unlimited data.

And once you are here, make it count and travel to other affordable countries in South East Asia. 

Did you know that Thailand is a hotspot for digital nomads and remote workers to live? Read more about what you can expect living in the southern islands of Ko Pha-Ngan & Ko Samui as a digital nomad and in Thailand’s northern cities of Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai.

3) Kyrgyzstan $30/day

The Stans, as the Central Asian countries, are commonly known, are an amazing part of the world. This is where you shake off the backpacking crowds and get the feel of lesser-visited countries. I have travelled here extensively over a few months and found Kyrgyzstan the cheapest.

Also, the cheapest flights to Central Asia from Europe are to Bishkek.

The country’s capital is a nice introduction to the Central Asian way of life, hit the markets, chill in the cafes and check out the monuments of Bishkek but make sure you head out of the capital for some awesome hiking. The mountains in Kyrgyzstan are just stunning and the locals are so friendly.

Issyk Kul is a lake east of Bishkek and we loved it here. Our friends at Nomadasaurus wrote this helpful guide on what to do at Issyk Kul.

Song Kul, further south is another stunning alpine lake and a must – there are great homestays here as well as the southern city of Osh which can also be the starting point of your Pamir Highway Adventure, should you choose to do so.

But be aware it’s about 12 hours on a bus so you may want to break up the journey or fly as the domestic flight was very cheap.  Overall we found the food so cheap in Kyrgyzstan and the buses in Bishkek cost like 6 cents. I recommend staying at Apple Hostel in Bishkek.

But the best parts were most likely the homestays, hot home-cooked meals, and epic days of hiking.

RELATED POST – What is Central Asian Food? 7 Popular Foods

4) Nepal $25/day

Another one of my favourites that I love to return to whenever I have the chance. In fact, Nepal is the county where I paid the least for a private room, our hotel room in Kathmandu for 2 people cost just $4 per night and it was comfortable and clean!

There are some great hostels like Monkey Bunkey with private rooms for $6 per night or Family Peace House has private rooms for $6.50 per night, and the location is ideal, just 5 mins walk from Thamel.

Kathmandu is the centre for all travellers, you’ll find hardcore hikers here, younger backpackers, and some curious tourists too.

You will fall in love with momos, typical Nepalese dumplings, and Nepalese tea. The climate is cool, but if you don’t bring warm clothes, you can buy them here for a very good price.

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Travellers for an idea of what to pack for your trip!

Public transport and buses are also affordable. It costs only a few dollars for a long-distance bus to get to Pokhara and it feels like a different and much more peaceful world. Set around Phewa Lake it’s a perfect base for activities.

Hire a bicycle, go trekking or even paragliding, there are so many things to see and do at Phewa Lake.

5) Vietnam $25/day

Another one of the South East Asia classics. So cheap to travel around, sleep and eat. You will find plenty of budget travellers here and you can get a decent private room for $15 and a dorm bed in a pretty flashy hostel will set you back around $7. 

There are buses and trains and even sleeper overnight buses if you are on a super low budget. Reserve your transport on 12Go for the best deals.

One of the best things about Vietnam is the food. You will get hooked on pho – a type of Vietnamese soup, typically made from beef stock and spices and noodles. Read more about the 10 Most Popular Dishes in Vietnam.

You can explore cities such as Hanoi (don’t miss reading our Complete Hanoi Food Guide) or Ho Chi Minh, linger at beaches at Nha Trang or Da Nang and you can join a food tour or sign up for a cooking class in Hoi An – another charming place not to miss.

Our hand-picked list of best restaurants and places to eat in Hoi An is essential.

RELATED POST – 17 Best Da Nang Vietnam Restaurants – A Complete Guide

6) Georgia $35/day

If you are struggling to place Georgia on the map, it’s located in the Caucasus wedged between Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Oh, and it’s a real gem. The capital city of Tbilisi will keep you happy for a few days with its charming old town and fortress looming above. Many cute cafes and restaurants are serving cheap Georgian food which is simply delicious. Try khinkali (dumplings) or khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), both will cost around $2-$3.

Don’t miss these 9 Best Cafes in Tbilisi when you stop by. You’ll need this Ultimate Food Guide to eating in Georgia too.

You can explore the country easily with reliable public buses that will take you into the mountains. Buses are usually $5-$10 and in the Kazbegi or Svaneti region, your best option is to stay at a guesthouse. They often included hearty dinners as well. 

VIEW POPULAR PLACES TO STAY IN SVANETI REGION | VIEW POPULAR PLACES TO STAY IN KAZBEGI

And while you are here, you might want to check out neighbouring Armenia which I also consider one of the cheapest countries to travel to. 

RELATED POST – Ultimate Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan Itinerary

7) North Macedonia $35/day

When people tell you that travelling to Europe cannot be done on the cheap, don’t listen to them. Sure it’s harder to do so in Norway or Switzerland, but the cheapest countries in Europe won’t break the bank. We wrote a whole article on the most affordable countries in Europe.

One of my favourite countries is North Macedonia, in the heart of the Balkans. Never heard of it? Well, you should put it on your bucket list. While the capital city Skopje is an interesting mix of the old town, loads of statues and cute cafes, it does offer some nice apartments for rent and a few hostels.

Expect to pay $12-$15 for a dorm bed or get a private room for $25. But the best part of North Macedonia is Lake Ohrid, where you can easily get stuck for a few days.

I love their bakeries (burek every day) and fresh produce from the markets. In fact, I recommend you try these 8 delicious foods in North Macedonia during your visit.

Buses are cheap to get around the country and getting into Skopje can be super cheap too since WizzAir now connects a few major European cities for as little as $20. Book the best flight deals here.

8) Bulgaria $35/day

Let’s stay in the Balkans region now, as travel here is cheap. If you are getting the Balkans and Baltics confused, read our quick explanation here.

Bulgaria is a secret place that many digital nomads flocked to in the last few years. Why? Well, the internet is fast and living here is cheap. The same goes for travelling around. Explore Sofia’s main attractions, and head out to the stunning Rila Monastery and the beach towns along the Black Sea.

You can definitely see this country for less than $35 per day if you stick to public transport, cheap eats and take in all the freebies Bulgaria has to offer.

9) Moldova $30/day

I have recently heard from another traveller that they wouldn’t go to Moldova because they have heard it isn’t nice. I was stunned! Moldova was such an enjoyable country to explore. No need to fight the crowds of tourists that you see in other parts of Europe and Moldova is one the cheapest countries to visit in Europe.  

If you didn’t know, the country is known for its wine and you can visit Cricova Winery and do a tour of the estate. So much fun.

The capital Chisinau has some nice parks and cute cafes. And there are a few monasteries worth travelling to. Dorm beds are around $10-$15 and a small apartment or simple private room starts from $30.

And if you are keen on an adventure, you can take a day trip to Transnistria – a country that officially doesn’t exist.

RELATED POST – Discovering Transnistria – What it’s like to visit this disputed territory

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

• ROME 3 Days Itinerary
• VENICE 1-Day Itinerary
• FLORENCE 2 Days Itinerary
• AMSTERDAM 3 Day Itinerary

• PARIS 4 Days Itinerary
• BUDAPEST 2 Days Itinerary
• PRAGUE 2 Days Itinerary
• LONDON 1 Day Itinerary

• ATHENS 1 Day Itinerary
• BERLIN 2 Days Itinerary
• VIENNA 2 Days Itinerary
• LISBON 2 Days Itinerary

10) Greece $40/day

Ok, I hear you… what, Greece? How can Greece be one of the cheapest countries to visit? Well, you are right. Visiting Mykonos or Santorini islands at the peak of the summer season doesn’t come cheap. 

But have you considered exploring mainland Greece? Take the capital city of Athens, for example. There are cheaper flights to available to get you to Athens. Then, public transport, cheap eats & bakeries are all relatively cheap compared to the rest of Europe.

In the off-season, you can get a decent hotel in Athens for under $50 per room so if it’s two of you, it will be equal to the cost of a dorm bed.

Apartments on Airbnb and Booking.com are plentiful and staying further out of the city centre isn’t a problem as the Athens metro is cheap and reliable. 

You can explore the Acropolis (reserve a single entry online) or book a guided tour of the Acropolis. 

I wrote this perfect itinerary about How to See The Best of Athens in One Day.

My other recommendation is the city of Thessaloniki. It’s the foodie capital of Greece with a young vibe, a few hostels and plenty of affordable apartments (usually under $40). You can also access some of the best beaches in Greece by travelling to the region of Halkidiki. The key is to book early or come here outside the main summer season to grab a good deal on accommodation.

As for food, wow where do I even start? You can eat well and cheaply in local tavernas and the delicious Greek gyros will be your go-to ($3.30) just as all the fantastic bakery goods. One thing is for certain, you will never go hungry in Greece.

Read more about our favourite places to eat in Athens, Greece, one of the cheapest European countries to visit now.

11) Turkey $30/day

Turkey has always been a more affordable destination but in recent years the Turkish Lira struggled which makes Turkey even more attractive for budget travellers. 

Your biggest challenge will be to choose where to go. Naturally, Istanbul is the biggest drawcard located between Europe and Asia it is packed with things to do.

Istanbul makes for the perfect starting point. Explore the city, drink tea with locals and for a unique experience, visit Turkish Baths. And try the famous “balik ekmek” – a fish sandwich for $1, I loved it.

Our Turkish Food Guide lists the most popular Turkish foods to try around the country. And, we recommend you buy an eSIM for Turkey to stay connected.

A sit-down dinner is usually $4-$5 max and you can find some really tasty and cheap student eateries. I recommend staying in Taksim and Besiktas.

From Istanbul you can travel by bus to other parts of Turkey, bus travel is cheap, however, you might also be lucky with some cheap domestic flights.

I’d recommend visiting Bodrum, Antalya, and the famous Cappadocia although the balloon flight is not so budget friendly at $200 per person. 

12) Ethiopia $25/day

Every time someone asks me about my favourite country in Africa, I think of Ethiopia. Not only is it an awesome country to explore, but it is also one of the cheapest countries in Africa to visit.

And to be perfectly honest, some parts of Africa are pretty expensive to travel to due to the high cost of visas and accommodation and crazy expensive flights to get in (Gabon, Central Africa, or Equatorial Guinea).

Our post about travelling overland through West Africa will give you an idea of what to expect from travelling in this region of the world.

So let’s get back to Ethiopia, and what is there to see in Ethiopia? The capital of Addis Ababa is a bustling city and I loved the National Museum and learn more about the past. The food is so delicious and you can eat well and cheaply.

Our Ethiopian Food Guide has you covered for everything you need to eat!

And the espressos are the best in Tomoca! I think it was less than 40 cents for a great espresso. 

Travel to other parts of the country can take some time, but visiting the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela or the Simien Mountains National Park is amazing.

If you fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian airlines you are also able to get cheaper domestic flights which can save you a lot of money and a lot of time. Accommodation is mostly in simple hotels/guesthouses. 

13) Morocco $25/day

Another cheap and affordable country to visit in Africa is Morocco. Flights from Europe can be as little as $20 and you can fly into Fez, Marrakesh or Casablanca and explore from there. 

Getting around is easy with cheap buses and trains as well. Trainline is a great website to book tickets from here to there in Morocco. There are hostels, hotels, riads and guesthouses to stay in across Morocco.

You will quickly fall in love with tagines, the quintessential Morrocan dish, but there is more to Morrocan cuisine than just tagine.

Check out our Morocco Food Guide for 25 must-try dishes to taste when you’re there. 

Don’t miss our post about What To Eat in Marrakech (and what to avoid).

Hostel dorms can be as little as $5 although $8 will buy you a bed in a flashy hotel and a private room can be anything from $20-$30 depending on the city. 

14) Tunisia $25/day

Another underrated country in Africa is Tunisia. I spent 3 weeks travelling around and absolutely loved it. The fact that this is also one of the cheapest countries to visit is a bonus. Everything is designed for budget travellers: cheap and fast transport, plentiful and affordable accommodation, and fantastic street food – here are 8 of the best ones to try in Tunis.

There are ancient Roman sites such as the incredible El Jem Amphitheatre, Mediterranean towns, beaches at Djerba Island, and plenty of Star Wars sites.

For a better idea of where to go, read this detailed 14-day itinerary for Tunisia. 

RELATED POST – Travel in Tunisia – 10 Best Tips for Independent Travellers

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15) South Africa $30/day

My final vote for a budget-friendly country in Africa goes to South Africa. While it might be a long way from other parts of the world, travelling here and the daily cost are pretty low. The number one destination is Cape Town, naturally with its beautiful Table Mountain.

You may travel the Garden route on this 2-day safari tour, select one of these great tours, or as a self-driving tour.

Car hire is very cheap in South Africa. I rented a car for $9 from Johannesburg to drive around Kruger National Park and it was one of the best things ever. Find the best car rental prices with Discover Cars.

You can join a morning safari, or simply follow the vehicles, they are usually a great way to see animals you might not see on your own. Of course, you can arrange a 4-Day Kruger National Park Tour if that’s in your budget too.

On my first trip to South Africa, I stayed at hostels but the last time I went I found some self-contained apartments on Booking.com very cheap and I could cook some food which helped with the budget as well.

16) Bolivia $25/day

The list of cheapest countries to visit in the world must include countries in South America. In fact, there are a few you could travel on $40 below, but my list starts with Bolivia which is one of the cheapest countries in South America. $25 per day will pay for simple accommodation, food and bus rides, and even some fun. 

Although Peru seems to be the golden child of South America, Bolivia has a ton to offer. The Uyuni Salt Flat was just a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We hunted down the best day trip to the salt flats from Uyuni once we got there and it was pretty affordable.

I recommend pre-booking this day trip to Uyuni Salt Flat to have a confirmed reservation or a 3-Day Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat including coloured lagoons.

The city of La Paz is really high up (more than 3,500m above sea level), so the evenings are cool. One of the craziest things I have seen here was Cholita wrestling, don’t miss it.

Then there are the mines in Potosi and the gorgeous Lake Titicaca; so many activities to do from here.

17) Colombia $25/day

I have so much love for Colombia and it remains my favourite country in South America. It is at the very top of the countries I want to revisit. Is Colombia budget-friendly? You bet it is and as a bonus, the country is safe to travel to as well. 

Flights to get to Colombia are relatively cheap from North America and if you are flying from Europe, you might find some great deals via Spain. Play around with different flight routes on CheapOair to get a good deal.

Medellin is a great student hub, and Cartagena has some incredible beaches if you love dancing, then spend some time in Cali and learn how to dance the salsa.

And if you want to shake the tourist trail, just pick a small town in Colombia and I bet you will have a fantastic time.

As for food, I adored their empanadas (filled pastries) and their daily menu usually served at lunch. No need to make choices, just ask for the “almuerzo” which will usually consist of soup and main and cost you less than $3.

18) Guatemala $30/day

One of the cheapest countries in Central America to travel around would be Guatemala. Sure there are some boutique hotels and nice restaurants in Antigua, but there is plenty for backpackers and travellers on a shoestring.

Corn, beans, rice, pork, beef, chicken, cheese, and tortillas form the backbone of most Guatemalan cuisine and once again, empanadas are great snacks.

Places to visit include Lake Atitlan for some beauty and the Mayan ruins of Tikal are just wow.

19) Mexico $35/day

For anyone who visits Mexico as part of a holiday package might disagree with it being featured on the 21 Cheapest countries in the world, but once you leave the fancy resort, Mexico is a beautiful and affordable destination. It is also one of the cheapest countries to visit from the US as flights here are cheap or you can even cross the border.

The fact that great food is everywhere, plus cheap street food is found on every corner, it’s one of the reasons that any budget traveller will love Mexico. 

There are plenty of hostels and cute little pensions and Casas. I have spent 3 months here and tracked my budget every day to see how much it costs to travel here. And after 3 months of pretty extensive travels, I spent on average $32 per day.

The most expensive part of Mexico is Mexico City (mainly the pricey accommodation) and anywhere near the touristy Cancun and Tulum. Your pesos won’t stretch far, so I recommend travelling to other parts of Mexico.

I suggest Merida, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca (remember to visit Tlacolula Markets here for an authentic Mexican experience).

Read about the top 5 food cities to visit in Mexico and if you’re a self-confessed food lover; then don’t miss a visit to Oaxaca. I recommend you search for these Best Foods to Try in Oaxaca.

20) Ecuador $30/day

Ecuador is often overshadowed by nearby Peru and its attractions, however, there is plenty to see and do in Ecuador. 

The capital city, Quito is a charming place and the small town of Banos is the adventure centre and a dream for any backpacker. I loved the special baths here and you can hire a bike and ride along the famous Ruta de las Cascadas, the road of the waterfalls.

Sure you might leave the Galapagos Islands for another time when money isn’t so tight, but you won’t be disappointed. 

The dorm bed will set you back $10 and a small private room in a simple guesthouse for around $25-$30. Food and transport are both budget-friendly and you can travel to Colombia or Peru easily by bus. 

21) Sri Lanka $30/day

The final country on the list of the cheapest countries to visit is beautiful Sri Lanka. While you can certainly travel around India on the cheap, I prefer the small island of Sri Lanka. 

This island nation packs some amazing beaches, tea plantations, temples and monasteries and some really yummy food. You will get hooked on egg hoppers; thin, bowl-shaped pancakes for breakfast with a strong cup of tea. And for dinner, the spicy Sri Lankan curry.

Check out this post on where to find the best food in Sri Lanka.

I travelled around Sri Lanka by bus, train (although make sure you have a seat), and tuk-tuk! So much fun. 

How not to overspend in the cheapest countries to visit now

Of course, there are a few things that will help you stay on budget when visiting these cheap countries. These are my best tips:

• Use public transport whenever you can. 
• Eat where the locals eat. Cheap eats, lunch deals and street food is where it’s at. And don’t be afraid to cook.
• Stay in hostels and simple guesthouses or try Couchsurfing.
• Keep track of your daily spending so you know you won’t overspend in the long run.

Do you have any other suggestions regarding the cheapest countries to visit now for travellers? Let us know in the comments below. 

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

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More Tips to Travel The World

Planning to visit Europe on a budget? These 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe may be just the tool you need to start planning an epic trip.

But, know these 8 Things To Know About Travelling to Eastern Europe before you go, and these are 7 Misconceptions about Eastern Europe that every traveller should know.

Our ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe has you covered for all the essentials!

We’ve got a bunch of Tips for How you can Save Money to Travel the World, and even when you’re out there travelling, maybe these 20 Jobs that PAY YOU to Travel the World will help you travel longer. It worked for us, and we bet it can work for you too.

From our list of 20 Signs You’re Addicted To Travel, how many apply to you?

Finally, these Top 6 Travel Hacks to Save You Money and our Best Travel Tips from Over 15 Years of Travel are some of the best travel advice we can share with you.

And, we recommend you consider buying an eSIM for international travel to stay connected out there!

For more travel tips, and products we use regularly on the road, head to our Travel Resources Page.