It might seem like a dream to travel around the world, but when so many countries offer you an incredible experience for a fraction of the cost, it’s easier than ever to make that dream a reality. For those looking to get the most out of their travel budget, here are 11 cheap travel destinations you’d want to check out for your next trip.
1. Nepal
A country of breathtaking mountain views and ancient temples, Nepal is a perfect destination for tourists who want to travel big on a small budget. According to a traveler, you can get a full meal, a bus ticket, a pot of ginger tea, a short tuk-tuk ride, and much more for $1. Rates for accommodation are also typically low, ranging from $10 to $40 per night, and the fact that Nepal is a hiker’s paradise means you can save money by camping out in the countryside.
2. Bolivia
Much of Latin America has always offered an enticing proposition to tourists. How does a subtropical ecosystem packed full of exotic wildlife, poppin’ nightlife, a vibrant slate of varying cuisine, and people with an inviting demeanor sound? And what if I cut the price of everything roughly in half of what it would cost in the U.S.?
Bolivia stays true to this offer a tourist can’t refuse, combining modern cities like La Paz with scenic destinations like Lake Titicaca to great effect.
3. Costa Rica
While we typically associate the word “vacation” with “expensive,” it’s all relative. Costa Rica remains a tropical paradise where full-time residents can get by on relatively little money. This means that, once you account for airfare and accommodations, the cost of throwing back daiquiris on a Costa Rican beach is quite reasonable.
4. Poland
OK, right now is not the best time to visit Poland, but when this World War 3 is averted and things cool back down, keep Warsaw on your to-visit list. Veterans of Polish travel cite medieval castles, Renaissance architecture, national parks, and diverse landscapes as reasons to visit this affordable Eastern European nation.
Check your Polish jokes at airport security, though.
5. Vietnam
If you know many people who have traveled to Asia, you know that something about Vietnam leaves a distinctly positive impression on visitors. Anthony Bourdain said he always went back to Vietnam whenever he had a chance, as the combination of cheerful and determined people and breathtaking scenery (rice fields alone are a sight to behold) was captivating.
And here’s the kicker: as far as Asian vacations go, Vietnam can be very affordable.
6. Mexico
Especially for Americans, Mexico can be among the cheapest “getaway” destinations when you factor in the cost of travel. Whether you’re simply hopping the border for a few days of low-cost partying or seeking a more scenic jaunt on the Yucatan Peninsula, you can’t go wrong in Mexico.
7. Cambodia
Located on the Vietnam border, one traveler comments that “you can feel guilty for paying so little” to visit Cambodia. Once a war-torn region of the world (thanks, Kissinger), Cambodia has become a must-go zone for cash-limited vacationers who want an authentic taste of Southeast Asian culture.
8. Egypt
On a continent known for its affordability, Egypt offers unparalleled history, natural beauty, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that won’t come close to bankrupting you. While you’ll hear some mixed reviews about the security of Egypt and must consciously avoid tourist traps, a trip to Egypt done right can be a thing of Cleopatra-level beauty.
9. Bhutan
A favorite destination of backpackers, Bhutan is renowned for its temples, monasteries, and breathtaking mountainous terrain. Nestled in the Himalayas between China and India, the remoteness of Bhutan is also what makes it a potentially affordable travel destination.
Though Bhutan won’t be a practical vacation for most families and casual vacationers, it can be a bucket-list trip for more adventurous travelers on a budget.
10. Indonesia
Few regions of the world combine such rich culture with such a low cost of living (i.e., cost of vacationing) as Southeast Asia. That’s why Indonesia becomes the third entrant on this list from that naturally breathtaking, culturally vibrant area of the world.
Though Bali gets all the love, Indonesia offers volcanoes, islands, ruins, and countless other attractions that you might even venture outside of Bali to take in. It won’t cost you as much as you might assume.
11. Thailand
When it comes to the sheer affordability of a vacation, few countries place higher than Thailand. When you consider that Thailand offers pristine beaches, ornate palaces, elephant rides, and so much more, Thailand almost seems too good to be true.
Plus, your 13-year-old self would never forgive you for passing up the chance to say, “I went to Bangkok.”
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Pop Culture Writer, Life Hack Aficionado
Focus: Film and Television, Life Advice, Comedic Writing
Education: Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of South Florida - Tampa
Published in several international publications, including stories completed as a Wealth of Geeks geek
Nearly seven years' experience writing professionally
Experience: Sam Mire is a freelance writer with over seven years' experience writing about entertainment, global events, American law, and sports. He got his start as a journalism major at the University of South Florida, and has since spent weeks in the Alaskan wildlands, immersed himself in the world of Florida's homeless population, covered live sporting events, and served as a linchpin for media outlets in the legal, tech, and entertainment spaces. Sam has written news stories and Op-Eds featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Entrepreneur, AP News, Fox News, and, most notably, Wealth of Geeks. Sam focuses on popular culture, film and television, and general life advice in his role for Wealth of Geeks. He strives to turn readers onto the directors, actors, and other creatives who deliver compelling content outside of the box-office top-ten. In his free time, he enjoys boxing, woodwork, engaging in battles of strength and wit with his dog, and spending time with good company.