Cheap travel destinations get a bad reputation — but cheap doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. The best budget destinations combine low cost (US$50/day or less for backpackers) with excellent infrastr…
Cheap travel destinations get a bad reputation — but cheap doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. The best budget destinations combine low cost (US$50/day or less for backpackers) with excellent infrastructure (clean accommodation, safe transport, decent food). We’ve ranked 10 destinations where you can travel well on a real budget. Here’s the list.
Top 10 ranked destinations
By traveler type / mood
- Under $30/day: Cambodia, Nepal, India, Bolivia, Vietnam (low-end)
- Under $50/day comfortable: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Portugal
- Best value Europe: Albania, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Portugal
- Best value Latin America: Bolivia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia
- Best value Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, India, Indonesia
Tips for your trip
- Eat where construction workers eat. Best meals are usually under $3 — and locally famous.
- Public buses beat private tours in most budget destinations — same destinations, 1/5 the cost.
- Stay 1 week per city minimum. You’ll find the local cheap places and save 50% on daily costs.
- Hostels still beat hotels per dollar — especially the new generation (Selina, Generator) that combine hostel cost with hotel quality.
A local insider tip
If you want extreme budget travel without the discomfort, base in Hoi An, Vietnam for 1 month: dorm bed in luxe hostel ($8/night), 3 meals at street stalls or local restaurants ($6/day), bicycle rental for transit ($2/day), private beach access (free), 1-2 day trips to Ba Na Hills or My Son weekly. Total monthly cost ~$700. You’ll be more relaxed than people spending $50000 on month-long luxury trips.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest country to travel?
Bolivia, Cambodia, Nepal, and Vietnam consistently rank cheapest. Daily budgets of $25-30 for backpackers, $50-80 for comfortable mid-range.
Can I travel on $50/day comfortably?
Yes in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and most of Eastern Europe. Includes 3-star hotel, 3 meals at restaurants, local transport, and 1-2 activities daily.
Are budget destinations safe?
Mostly yes — Vietnam, Thailand, Portugal, Mexico (touristed areas) are all comparable to or safer than Western European cities. Always check current advisories for any country.
What’s the cheapest European country?
Albania ($35/day), Bulgaria ($40/day), Romania ($45/day), Portugal ($60/day), Czech Republic ($55/day). All offer European infrastructure at fraction of Western European cost.
How do I keep daily costs low?
Stay 5+ nights per city, cook at hostel/Airbnb 50% of meals, use public transport, walk between sites in old towns, do free walking tours.
Plan your trip
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.