Let’s be honest – traveling costs money… We love exploring new destinations, new cultures and new landmarks but even after paying for your flight, you have more money to spend. Paying for hotels, activities and food once you’re there are additional expenses. Learning which countries offer the best value for money will help you choose your destination wisely and get the best out of it without overspending! We’re here to help you find the best budget-friendly destinations!
There are plenty of affordable destinations for you to choose from, you just have to find the one that suits your vacation plans! We are not including flight prices, but how much your vacation lifestyle will cost you throughout your stay. A flight can cost up to 60% of your total costs, so it is important to keep other expenses within that leftover 40%. Some of the world’s most popular destinations are the cheapest – so which are the best destinations if you’re on a budget? Read on to find out more…
Laos
Fall for Laos and its affordable lifestyle! It is an ancient and often-overlooked country bordering Thailand, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is the perfect place for backpackers, and it is also a budget-friendly destination! Enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, kayaking, zip-lining and hot air ballooning. You can really take in the natural beauty of the place, with its towering mountains and green spaces. Think of the destination as Thailand without the mass tourism – because cheap doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be surrounded by crowds of people! Escape the tourists and make it your next vacation destination!
The views are scenic and you can expect ancient temples, stunning waterfalls and some magical caves to explore. This is the perfect destination for nature lovers on a budget! You’ll also love its picturesque bamboo bridges and its wildlife. You can see animals such as the sun and moon bears, Asian elephants, gibbons and dolphins. The sight is truly spectacular!
The food is another highlight – you can take part in cooking classes and learn all about local cuisine. You’ll love tucking into delicious food in Luang Prabang, the heart of the country. It offers a wide range of cuisine – you can taste Laotian dishes and modern French cuisine. The Belle Rive Terrasse offers Lao and Thai dishes, and is where a lot of tourists come for breakfast. You can enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset – and that is priceless!
Vietnam
Despite being one of the cheapest countries in Asia, Vietnam is also hugely underrated! It is one of the budget-friendly destinations that can suit any budget. There are hostels and guest houses that cost around 30 US$/night, and luxury resorts for those who don’t have a budget. The fact that they cater to all sorts of price ranges makes Vietnam all the more appealing. This is just one of the many reasons why people love this country! During high season, be sure to book your trip in advance to ensure that you get the best prices. During this time, tourists flock from all over the world, from Europe, the US and Australia.
The country is renowned for its food, and it’s more than Pho Noodles and spring rolls. You’ll love the fresh produce, such as vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood which are all sourced locally. If you’re on a budget, the street food is divine and not costly at all! Wander around the local markets and tuck into some unique and delicious food. Bún bò huế, or spicy beef noodle soup, is served with bean sprouts and lime and is a tasty and fragrant dish to taste upon your travels.
Last but not least, you’ll love Vietnam for its people. As well as being affordable, the country is the home to some of the most welcoming locals. You will feel at home and be welcomed like a friend upon your arrival. The local farmers are also kind and smiley, you’ll never want to leave!
Indonesia
Choose Indonesia for its affordable lifestyle and its striking landscapes. It boasts beautiful islands and beaches that will take your breath away. As the biggest island country in the world, it is a popular destination for surfers and yoga fanatics. As one of the world’s most budget-friendly destinations, it has so many cheap activities for you to enjoy! The countless beaches are one of the reasons why – the turquoise waters and pristine beaches are picture-perfect! Several of Indonesia’s beaches have been rated the best in the world, so it’s time to tick this off your bucket list!
If planned out carefully, Indonesia can be one of the world’s cheapest destinations. A million rupiah is worth around 70 US$ – a little can go a long way here! You can easily live in Bali for 20$, including a private room, meals and scooter rental. Though Bali is more expensive than other provinces such as Java, it is still incredibly affordable compared to other destinations! From October to April is the rainy season in Indonesia, and this is the cheapest season to travel to Indonesia.
To eat cheap, eat local. The local cuisine is delicious, hearty food at amazingly affordable prices. You can eat fried noodles or fried rice for less than 1$ – incredible food at incredible prices! Because they are cooked on the spot, the ingredients are fresh and local, creating quite the taste sensation! You can really enjoy a feast for around 2$ – Indonesia really is a foodie’s haven!
Fiji
Choose Fiji for its idyllic views and Instagrammable beaches. Though it is known for luxury resorts and very expensive water, it can be affordable. Despite appearances, you can enjoy the local lifestyle without breaking the bank. There are several tips and tricks to enjoy your stay at a low price, such as sharing a taxi, eating at snack stands and packing your own water bottle. If you’re looking for more affordable accommodation, then stay on the main island of Viti Levu. It boasts over 300 islands, so choosing the right place to stay is important – this can really impact your budget.
There are several places to stay that are affordable – Bamboo Backpackers have dorms that offer as little as $15 FJD a night. They are right on Wailoaloa Beach for jaw-dropping views at a cheap price! If you are looking for a hotel room, then the Smugglers Cove Hotel is a boutique hotel that will suit your needs. It has an on-site restaurant with delicious food and cheap drinks for only $100 FJD a night. Be warned of the hotels on the more remote islands – as there are little food and drink opportunities around, they offer food packages that aren’t cheap! Be sure to bring some snacks to avoid eating at the restaurant three times a day!
Another way to embrace the traditional culture at low prices is by shopping at local markets and grocery stores. There are also plenty of free events in the island country, and there is a lot of free entertainment to keep you busy in the evenings. The nightlife is vibrant and exciting – you can even catch a fire dance for free!
Czech Republic
The charming country of Czech Republic, in the heart of Europe, is one of the most affordable destinations in the continent. It is rich with history and culture, and its tourist attractions are extremely affordable. Life generally isn’t expensive and you can have a great time with a small amount of money. Its castles are stunning – and you have plenty of choice as there are over 2000 castles here! You can enjoy the gardens and castle grounds. In particular, Prague’s castle is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage! In terms of culture, the Czech Republic is the birth country of some world-renowned artists.
Food here is also very affordable. The prices of restaurants here are relatively low, and though the food is very particular, it is also very delicious! Czech people love their food and eat a lot, so expect copious quantities! The prices are beyond reasonable, even when it comes to their international cuisine options. You can eat at new bistros offering French, Italian and Asian food. Drinks are also a lot cheaper than other parts of Europe – in fact, a pint of beer can cost less than a bottle of water! You can pay even less if you’re not in a big city. In small provincial cities, you can pay up to 2 to 3 times less for your meals.
You can also enjoy ecotourism in the Czech Republic. Admire the Lake Lipno, located in the Shumava Nature Reserve. Outdoor activities in the fresh air will always cost less. Daredevils will love going hiking, cycling, windsurfing and sailing! If you’re an avid fisher, then Flywheel Lake will make your itinerary. The artificial reservoir was built in 1376 for fish farming by the order of King Charles the Fourth.
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