Best-value destinations
The cheapest places to travel
Our ranking of the world's best-value travel destinations - 20 countries and cities where a comfortable mid-range trip costs $80-150/day for two, with current pricing and visa-status notes.
Currency fluctuations have reshaped the value landscape. Sri Lanka post-economic-crisis, Vietnam post-visa-expansion, Albania pre-tourism-boom, and Cusco pre-Machu-Picchu-permit-changes all stand out. Here's where to stretch a budget furthest.
Albania
See our albania travel budget guide for current costs.
Vietnam
October-April for north + south together. New 90-day visa-free for many nationalities makes longer trips easier.
India
October-March in most regions. Multi-week trips compound the rewards; pick one region to start.
Sri Lanka
December-March for the southwest coast and cultural triangle. Post-economic recovery makes this exceptional value.
Cusco
May-September for the dry season. Machu Picchu access is well-managed but book tickets weeks ahead.
Cartagena
December-April. Caribbean walled-city charm at South American prices.
Medellin
Year-round eternal spring (18-24C). Digital-nomad hotspot if you stay longer.
Guatemala
See our guatemala travel budget guide for current costs.
Prague
April-October and Christmas market season. Still half the cost of Paris for an equally photogenic capital.
Porto
April-October. 15-25% cheaper than Lisbon; Douro Valley adds dimension.
Lisbon
April-June and September-October. Still one of Western Europe's better value capitals despite tourist boom.
Cappadocia
April-June and September-October for optimal balloon weather. Cave hotels at exceptional value.
Marrakech
October-April. Sahara extension trips are the trip-defining add-on.
Chiang Mai
See our chiang-mai travel budget guide for current costs.
Bangkok
November-February for the cool dry season. Visa-free entries extended; new airport rail link cuts city transfer to 26 minutes.
Tbilisi
See our tbilisi travel budget guide for current costs.
Samarkand
See our samarkand travel budget guide for current costs.
Bali
Dry season May-October. New tourist tax (150,000 IDR) added but trip costs remain among Asia's best value.