Budget Travel doesn’t have to be shady hotels, dodgy restaurants, and hitchhiking rides! Travel doesn’t have to expensive! There are plenty of budget travel destinations where you can get a lot more for your money! And these incredible countries offer not just great value but also unforgettable sights and experiences. The trick is knowing where to go, and spend your money wisely.
From India to Portugal, here are 20 budget travel destinations around the world that offer the essentials – accommodation, transportation, and food without breaking the bank.
Exotic Asia
India
India is a fantastic destination if you are looking for an affordable yet enriching experience. Thanks to the weak Indian Rupee, the US Dollar goes a long way here. Hence you can stay for a long time on a minimum budget.
India is a mix of different cultures and languages. The north of India is as different from the south as the east is from the west. You can visit every state and find some very unique and beautiful sights and experiences.
India’s landscapes are as fantastically varied as its cultural traditions. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Himalaya to the sun-splashed beaches of the tropical south, the country has a bounty of outdoor attractions.
You can scout for big jungle cats on scenic wildlife safaris, paddle in the shimmering waters of coastal retreats, take blood-pumping treks high in the mountains, or simply inhale pine-scented air on meditative forest walks.
Among all these natural treasures is a wealth of architectural gems, from serene temples rising out of pancake-flat plains to crumbling forts peering over plunging ravines.
Is India expensive to visit?
Food is both cheap and expensive depending on where you dine. Asking a local for recommendations is always the best option but do keep in mind that “Delhi Belly” is a possibility no matter where you eat. So, always try to get fresh hot food and bottled water.
Traveling is also very cheap. You can hire a private taxi to travel between cities but if you really want to see the countryside, use the train. India has the largest network of trains in the world and most places are accessible by train. Traveling in second class is comfortable and affordable but you do need to book in advance as tickets tend to go quickly especially during festivals, holidays and weekends.
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 5 - 20 per day (Meal in midrange restaurant)
Accommodation: USD 21 - 70 per night (For a double hotel room)
Transportation: USD 7 - 28 per day (Local taxi/autorickshaw)
Visa: Travelers can now apply for a Tourist eVisa with either 1 month, 1 year or 5 years of validity, allowing for double or multiple entries, according to the validity.
Here’s a set of things you could do.
Sri Lanka
If you are on the lookout for a destination that’s not only cheap but stunning and offers lots of great things to do, then Sri Lanka should be on your budget travel destination list.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with gorgeous beaches, stunning waterfalls, mountains, culture, and safaris. You’ll never get bored and you’ll struggle to leave.
Is Sri Lanka expensive for tourists?
Food, accommodation, the internet, and transport are relatively cheap. The cheapest transportation is the train, and much like India is the best way to travel throughout the country.
Local food costs around USD 2-4 for a meal. If you decide to eat in “Westernized” restaurants, expect to pay around USD 6 upwards depending on the quality. FYI - local food is super spicy and there is a reason most dishes names begin with “Devilled“
Hotels in Sri Lanka are very reasonable. You can get shared rooms in a hotel for as low as USD 19 per night.
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 5 - 16 per day (Meals at hotel/restaurant)
Accommodation: USD 19 - 50 per night (For a double hotel room)
Transportation: USD 17 (Local taxi/trains) per day
Visa: You can apply online for a tourist e-visa here
Here’s a set of things you could do.
Myanmar
Myanmar formerly known as Burma is unlike any other Southeast Asian country. You will find the infrastructure can be lacking and travel challenging but don’t let that deter you from visiting this exquisite country.
Myanmar is slightly more expensive than some of its neighbors but not significantly. Because they have opened up to tourism in the last decade, you’ll find most services are still pretty cheap, including accommodation, transportation, and tours.
What is Myanmar known for?
Among the best things to do in Myanmar is visiting Yangon and Mandalay, cycling around the temples of Bagan, climbing up to the Golden Rock and visiting the Inle Lake.
With some of the friendliest people in the world and hundreds of temples, pagodas, and monasteries this is one travel destination that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 2 - 6 per day (Local restaurant or street-stall meal)
Accommodation: USD 40-50 per night (Double room in midrange hotel)
Transportation: USD 80 - 100 (Driver and guide)
Visa: Myanmar launched the Tourist e-Visa system on 1 September 2014. e-Visas are issued online for tourism and business purposes only.
Here’s a set of things you could do.
Cambodia
From the grandeur of the capital Phnom Pehn to the historical Hindu temple of Angkor Wat, from the stunning natural landscapes of the north to the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville Cambodia is a country that has so much to offer!
Despite their horrific recent history, Cambodians are open and welcoming to visitors, relishing the opportunity to share the secrets of their homeland.
Is Cambodia cheap for tourists?
Cambodia is also a great place to visit if you are looking for a budget travel destination. Bus travel between destinations in Cambodia is cheap and efficient. Expect to pay around USD 10 for a reserved seat on an air-conditioned coach between Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap or Sihanoukville.
Overland transport connections to neighboring Thailand, Vietnam and Laos are also frequent and affordable, making Cambodia the ideal place to base yourself whilst exploring this fascinating part of the world.
Another thing is to consider the gorgeous, mostly new boutique hotels on booking.com. They are obviously not as cheap as staying in hostels but for the price, they are so worth it! Definitely worth splurging on a couple of nights and have some R&R time by the pool.
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 5 – 10 per day (Decent local restaurant meal)
Accommodation: USD 15 - 50 per night (Air-con hotel room)
Transportation: USD 2-3 per 100km (Local buses)
Visa: With the new e-Visa travelers are authorized to enter Cambodia for up to three months without any visa issuance at airports in Cambodia or consulates abroad.
Here’s a set of things you could do.
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the top value-for-money destinations in Southeast Asia. Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Vietnam. Don’t let this initial cost put you off: once you’re in, everything is cheap.
Of course, there are lots of good reasons to travel to Vietnam beyond the low costs. The country is incredibly diverse, offering everything from trekking in the magnificent hills of Ha Giang, to boat rides in the Mekong Delta backwaters. An excellent way to experience the country is to travel between Hanoi and Saigon on the Reunification Express train, stopping at beaches, historic towns, and national parks along the way
Accommodation is similarly pleasant and easier to afford than almost anywhere else in the world.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
All in all, Vietnam is an extremely safe country to travel in. The police keep a pretty tight grip on social order and there are rare reports of muggings, robberies or sexual assaults. Scams and hassles do exist, particularly in Hanoi, HCMC and Nha Trang (and to a lesser degree in Hoi An)
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 8 per day (Meal in a restaurant)
Accommodation: USD 9 – 16 (Cheap hotel)
Transportation: USD 2.50 – 5 (10 minute taxi ride)
Visa: Now citizens of 46 countries can apply online and get their e-Visa electronically. The process is 100% online – no more embassy visits.
Here’s a set of things you could do.
The Philippines
Southeast Asia is home to among the cheapest countries to live in, and the Philippines is no exception.
The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smoldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.
What is the Philippines known for?
With more than 7,000 tropical islands to choose from, the Philippines is a beach bum’s delight. There’s an island to suit every taste, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to volcanic fantasy-scapes concealing hidden lagoons, to sprawling mega-islands such as Luzon and Mindanao.
Sun worshippers and divers should head straight to the Visayas, where island-hopping opportunities abound and the perfect beach takes many forms. More adventurous travelers can pitch a tent on a deserted stretch of coastline in Palawan and play solo Survivor for a few days.
When traveling around the Philippines, living on USD 50 - 100 a day as a family is already a good range, and could already put you in a mid-range budget.
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 15 - 20 (Restaurant meal with drinks)
Accommodation: USD 16 - 80 per night (Air-conditioned double room)
Transportation: USD 20 (Group van or Bangka tour)
Visa: The Philippines provides a visa on arrival for most nationalities. Check to see if you need one prior to traveling.
Here’s a set of things you could do.
Ready to travel to some of the cheapest countries in the world?
If you said no, I don’t blame you! This part just scratches the surface of budget travel destinations! We still have so much more to go! Now go read Part 2 - Gorgeous Central and South America!
If you’ve not booked your 2020 family holiday, let me help you plan your next trip.
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P.s.- As someone who spent close to 20 years working in insurance, I strongly recommend buying travel insurance if you are going on holiday even if it is to a budget travel destination. It costs a fraction of your holiday but covers the potential risk of the entire holiday. You can read my post on why you need travel insurance.
You may also want to read Top 10 Must-visit Travel Destinations for 2020
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Great post! Headed to Southeast Asia soon so I might have to check some of these countries out 🙂
Hi Sarah,
Happy New year! Glad you liked it! Since you heading to SEA, you may also want to check out my post Top 10 Must-visit Travel Destinations for 2020
All of these vacations spots seem amazing. I always wanted to go to the Philippines…I hear the islands are just incredible 🙂
Yeah, some of the islands feel like they have come out of a photoshoot! They place is beautiful and the people very friendly!
I have never been to any of these places but I like seeing and read about it.
That’s great to hear Michelle, but you really should visit these places if you can! I’ve found visiting new places makes you grow as a person!
Great post, thanks for sharing cant wait to get back out to Asia 🙂
The Vietnam post brings back a lot of great memories, Halong Bay was awesome!!
Hi Kay,
Vietnam & Cambodia are 2 places I want to take my kids to! Their natural beauty is just out of this world!
Budget or not, these are amazing places and to be less expensive than other locations is such a bonus.
Honestly, I feel if you connect with a place and take a bit of it home with you no matter how much you spent on that trip is a bonus!
Lots of temptation here for when travel opens up again. Thanks for putting this all together.
Hi Beth, glad you liked it
All the countries on this list are on my bucket list. We had actually planned a river cruise on the Mekong from Vietnam to Cambodia (ending at Siem Reap) for this year but have had to cancel! Hopefully next year!
oh that’s a shame, Jacqueline! Hopefully, you will get to go next year!
These places look so stunning! I’ve visited a few on this list and I want to do the Philipines next!
That’s great to hear! Which countries did you go to Nart?
This was a great read and some really helpful tips I like the Budget by day bit very cool, thanks for sharing.