Is your growing bucket list putting pressure on your pocket? Do you want to travel but are worried about the price of accommodation, attractions and food all adding up?
One of the most daunting things about travel is the cost… but it doesn’t always have to be expensive! The world is full of bargain destinations that exude fun, flavour and beauty. Here are 16 of the cheapest countries you can visit without breaking the bank.
(All average costs in AUD)
1. Sri Lanka
From whale watching in Mirissa to historical climbs at Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka has it all. There are pristine beaches and chilled vibes along the coast, tea country and epic train rides in the hills, and national parks galore.
Food is delicious – think fresh samosas, vegetable roti and some of the best curries you’ve ever tasted.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $15-20
Dorm: $10
Meals: $5
We told you it was cheap! You can find tons of roadside snacks for as little as 50 cents, and dosa, roti and kotthu for around $2.
If you want to splurge, a full meal of curry and rice (enough for two) will only set you back about $5.
2. Thailand
It’s become the must-see backpacker destination, but that hasn’t changed Thailand’s dirt-cheap prices. From stunning islands, to temple retreats and bustling cities, there’s no shortage of places to visit and things to do.
You can see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world here (hello Maya Bay) and enjoy world-class diving and treks while still staying within your budget.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $15-$25
Dorm: $4 - $10
Meals: $10
Street food is the way to go here. Pad Thai can be as cheap as $3 and papaya salad, various soups and red curry can be found for around $4.
Wash it down with some cheap beers ($3) and you’re set!
3. Nepal
Namaste! Welcome to the land of incredible treks and mountain views galore. If you avoid the big tour companies, you can find treks for quite reasonable rates here, or you can enjoy other highlights like jungle safaris and kayaking on Lake Phewa. The many temples of Kathmandu are also worth spending a day exploring.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private room or dorm : $4 - $10
Prices are around the same whether you're in a dorm or your own room here, so it’s the perfect excuse to ‘splurge’.
Meals: $4 - $6
You can eat a meal in a restaurant for as little as $2.50 and find market snacks and street side goodies for less than $1.
4. Laos
Sitting between popular Vietnam and Cambodia, little Laos can often be overlooked, but it really is worth a visit. Head to Van Vieng for a classic backpacker scene (look out for the ‘baguette street’ for cheap eats) or explore Luang Prabang if you’re after more history and culture. Things get really cheap when you head up into the mountains, and there are some great walks and waterfalls to find. One must see spot is the dramatic Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $6 - $15
Dorm: $5 - $10
Meals: $5 - $9
Grab a meal at a restaurant for around $3- $4, or head to the streets for food that’s just a gold coin. You can find great ‘self-serve’ spots at most markets that allow you to pile up a plate for around $2.
5. Indonesia
Bali is usually near the top of any travel list, and while it's tranquil and beautiful, it’s worth branching out to further Indonesian islands if you want to save your money. Puluh Weh off the coast of Sumatra is relaxing and beautiful for a quarter of the cost, or exploring bustling cities like Medan and Jakarta makes for a great fast paced trip.
Indonesia is home to tonnes of must-see spots like Lake Toba, Borobudur and Komodo National Park, plus there are endless secluded islands that are among the most untouched in the world.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $9 - $15
Dorm: $4 - $7
It depends where you stay here… a room in popular Bali will cost more than a bed on an island in Sumatra, but there’s still bargains to be found country wide if you know where to look.
Meals: $4 - $5
If you eat local, there’s no chance of spending over $5 a day here. Streetside noodles, like Kwetiau and Mi Goreng, can be snapped up for around $1, and Nasi Goreng will set you back the same.
6. Vietnam
Diverse, exciting and full of delicious food, Vietnam is a must-see for any South Asia adventurer. It’s home to natural icons like Halong Bay, the Marble Mountains, Sapa’s rice fields, as well as historical attractions like the Cu Chi Tunnels and Hanoi Old Quarter. You can ride bikes through Hội An, take a cruise down the Mekong and trek through the mud for stunning views in Sapa.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $8 - $15
Dorm: $4 - $8
Meals: $5 - $8
Grab pho, Bahn mi and noodles from street sellers for only $1.50 - $3.00 or splurge in a restaurant where a meal will set you back around $4.
7. Cambodia
An easy hop from Vietnam, Cambodia is a great place to soak up some history. It’s bursting with world-famous attractions so you’ll find plenty to occupy your days. Obviously, you can’t miss Angkor Wat, and the Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) in Phnom Penh offers an eye-opening experience. Islands like Koh Rong are great for a laid-back bungalow vibe.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $5 - $10
Dorm: $3 - $6
You can really sleep on the cheap here.
Meals: $4 - $8
A meal in a restaurant will cost about $3 - $5 here and street food is even cheaper. Rice dishes, noodles and fried veggies can all be found for under $1.50, and fresh juices cost about $1.
8. India
You can really get bang for your buck in busy, bustling India. It’s home to the famous Taj Mahal as well as countless other must-see sights. There are architectural masterpieces like the Amer Fort, Red Fort, Hawa Mahal and Golden Temple and the cities themselves are full of fascinating highlights like local markets and colourful buildings.
The hill country is home to some sweet, laidback villages and is a good spot for treks. If you journey into South India, take some time to relax on a houseboat ride and soak up the more relaxed ambience Kerala and Goa offer.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private room or dorm: $2 - $7
You really can find a bed for $2 here, and whether it's a dorm or private, rooms are roughly the same price.
Meals: $2 - $8
If you’re eating on the street, chances are you won’t spend more than $2 a day, but snacking in established restaurants will start to eat into your budget.
Fill up on various curries for less than $1 or gorge on street snacks like chaat and roti for just 50 cents.
9. Portugal
From the hills of Lisbon and Sintra to the beaches of Faro and Porto, there’s something truly special about Portugal. Seeped in history, with street art and medieval castles sitting side by side, it’s a treat for the senses!
Ride a tram in Lisbon, visit the Alfama, go surfing in Ericeira and explore the towers of Sintra.
Oh, and don’t forget to try a famous Portuguese Tart in Belem!
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $20 - $30
Dorm: $14 - $20
Hostels here have been voted among the best in the world, and they’re still super affordable!
Meals: $14 - $20
A decent meal in a cheap restaurant will set you back around $7, whereas street food or takeaway costs about $5.
10. Mexico
Hola! You’ve arrived in the country of colour, flavour and TACOS! This is a truly diverse spot, offering everything from beaches to vibrant nightlife. Izamal, the ‘yellow city’, will blow your mind and Playa del Carmen is great for lively bars and beachside atmosphere. For those after Mexican culture, Guadalajara and Mérida are great destinations.
Wherever you choose to visit, be sure to make the most of the fantastic street food on offer.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $11 - $20
Dorm: $4 - $12
Meals: $5 - $9
There’s some of the cheapest street food in the world here. You can find tacos for 50 cents to $1, tuck into a massive bowl of pozole for $2 or grab grilled chicken with salsa, rice and frijoles for $4.
11. Turkey
While you need to choose where to travel carefully here, exploring in the right spots can be incredibly rewarding.
Capital city Istanbul is an oasis of historical buildings, grand structures and bustling streets and Cappadocia is home to some of the strangest and most intriguing landscapes in the world.
You can’t miss the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, and the Spice Market and many rug stores are worth a look.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $14 - $35
Dorm: $8 - $20
Meals: $6 - $12
Most hostels offer free breakfasts, and Turkish breakfasts are not to be missed. Fill up on boiled eggs, fresh veggies, halva, toast and olives to keep you going for most of the day.You can grab delicious lamb sandwiches and other goodies no the go for around $2, or enjoy a sit-down meal in a restaurant for just $6.
12. Colombia
Exceptional street art and awesome nightlife make Colombia a fun destination for any traveller. Safety has improved in recent years, and cities like Bogota and Medellin are booming.
Spend your day's trekking to lost city Ciudad Perdida, relaxing in riverside Mompox or exploring stunning Cartagena, then dance the night away in salsa capital Cali. Clubs here stay open all night!
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $7 - $15
Dorm: $4 - $10
Meals: $3 - $15
Street snacks like arepas, empanadas and patacones will cost you less than $2 or you can indulge in a larger meal for just $4.
Eating in a restaurant cots around $6-$8, but if you’re in a more touristy area you could pay up to $12 for a meal.
13. Guatemala
Heaving with history, culture and wild beauty, Guatemala will make you feel at one with nature and the world. Head to picturesque Antigua, marvel at Lake Atitlán’s three volcanos and explore the largest native market in North America, Chichicastenango Market. You can’t miss the ruins of Tikal National Park either.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $15 - $35
Dorm: $9 - $15
Meals: $10 - $20
Street food like pupusas, corn, tostadas and more can all be found for between $1 - $3. More filling dishes with black beans, rice and tortillas are readily available for around $5.
14. Greece
Wherever you choose to explore in Greece you can be sure you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views and near perfect sunsets each night. It’s ideal for island hopping, and you can take your pick from any spot knowing that incomparable beauty awaits you. Santorini, of course, is your best bet for breathtaking sunsets and iconic blue and white vibes, but sleepy Naxos and romantic Paros are also worth a trip. For the party animals, head to Ios or Mykonos for a good time. Capital Athens is a little grittier an experience than island life but is the spot to soak up incredible culture and structures like the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $20 - $35
Dorm: $10 - $20
Booking ahead is key in Greece. Prices in the offseason drop significantly and you can find some real bargains.
Meals: $10 - $20
As usual, street food is your best bet. A huge gyros wrap will only set you back $2.50 and you can find other goodies like koulouri and cheese pie for $1 - $2. Eating dinner at restaurants can get expensive but you can find tasty meals for around $10 if you try.
15. Serbia
Travelling Serbia is like one big party. It's one of the cheapest places in the world for alcohol, and cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad offer epic parties and clubs. Everywhere here is warm, welcoming and tons of fun, and you won't leave without making a least one new friend.
Once you’ve had your fill partying in Belgrade, it’s worth visiting the Kalemegdan Citadel and heading quaint town Subotica. Tara National Park and
Djerdap National Park are good spots to immerse yourself in nature and history.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $13 - $20
Dorm: $8 - $13
Meals: $8 - $15
Bakeries and fast food stands are popular and you can grab burek, pastries and pizza for around $2. A meal of grilled meat or beef patty in a restaurant will set you back up to $7.
16. Morocco
Fancy a camel ride through endless sand hills or a traditional Hammam bath? Then you’ve come to the right place. Natural beauty abounds here and the sparkling seas, sweeping mountain ranges and desert sands are endless. Marrakesh, Fes, and Meknes are good spots to visit for vibrant bazaars, stunning palaces, and bustling town squares and the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir are worth a look too.
Average costs per day:
Accommodation
Private Room: $15 - $25
Dorm: $7 - $16
Meals: $5 - $17
Streets stalls offer authentic meals like bessara, eggplant fritters and sardines costing $2 at the most.
Restaurants will cost around $8 - $12 for a meal.
So there you have it – you can travel the world without breaking the bank. These 16 stunning spots prove you don’t need hundreds in your wallet to go on an adventure… a nose for a bargain and a handy list is enough! For more tips for travelling on the cheap check out our blogs on 7 tips for cheap travel and why you don't need the lottery to travel!
