Travel doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. In fact, some of the cheapest countries to visit right now offer experiences that rival those of far more expensive destinations.
From Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe and Latin America, travelers are finding that favorable exchange rates, low local costs, and abundant budget options make it possible to explore the world without draining savings.
These picks are drawn from recent budget travel analyses, including Going’s 2025 guide to affordable destinations, which highlights countries where travelers can stretch their dollars further.
Here’s a closer look at 10 of the cheapest countries to visit right now, each combining culture, scenery, and affordability in ways that make them especially appealing for budget‑minded travelers.
Vietnam
Travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend about $25 to $35 per day. Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An all deliver memorable experiences at modest cost.
Overnight buses or trains are a practical way to move between cities, and local food stalls keep meal prices low. November through April brings cooler, dry weather across much of the country.
Thailand
Daily costs in Thailand average $30 to $50. Bangkok draws visitors with its temples and busy markets, while Chiang Mai is known for its night bazaars.
Southern islands offer beaches that remain affordable compared with many other destinations. Meals from street vendors often cost only a few dollars. The cooler, dry season runs from November to February.
India
Travel in India can be done on about $20 to $30 per day, with mid‑range comfort closer to $40 to $60. The country offers a wide variety, from the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan’s palaces to Kerala’s backwaters and Himalayan trekking routes.
Trains in sleeper class provide inexpensive overnight travel between cities. The best months to visit are October through March, when extreme heat and monsoons are less likely.
Nepal
A trip through Nepal can be surprisingly inexpensive, often running $20 to $35 per day. Kathmandu’s temples and historic squares give a sense of the country’s past, while Pokhara’s lakeside setting is a gateway to trekking routes.
Hiking in the Himalayas is a dream for many. Choosing an independent hike rather than a guided trek can save money, but it’s important to pick a route within your comfort level. The main trekking seasons are October to November and March to May.
Indonesia
Travel in Indonesia usually costs $25 to $45 per day. Bali is famous for rice terraces and temples, while Komodo National Park draws visitors with its dragons.
Java offers Borobudur, one of the world’s great temple complexes, and Sumatra is known for surfing. Exploring islands beyond Bali often brings lower prices and fewer crowds. The dry season runs from April to October.
Mexico
Many travelers find Mexico affordable, with typical daily expenses around $30 to $50. In Mexico City, museums and historic districts showcase the country’s culture. Oaxaca draws attention for its food and festivals, while the Yucatán Peninsula combines beaches with Mayan ruins.
Long‑distance buses keep travel costs manageable, and street vendors sell meals for only a few dollars. The dry season, November through April, is the most popular time to visit.
Guatemala
Travelers often spend $25 to $40 per day in Guatemala. Antigua is known for colonial architecture and nearby volcano hikes, while Lake Atitlán offers villages and mountain views.
Tikal showcases ancient Maya ruins deep in the jungle. Local buses and street food help keep costs low. The dry season runs from November to April.
Cambodia
Travel in Cambodia usually costs $25 to $40 per day. Angkor Wat near Siem Reap is the country’s most famous site, while Phnom Penh offers museums and riverfront views.
Sihanoukville and nearby islands provide beaches at modest prices. Street food and guesthouses keep daily expenses low. The dry season runs from November to April.
Romania
Exploring Romania’s fairytale castles and Dracula lore is feasible on a daily budget of $40 to $60. Transylvania offers castles, legend, and mountain scenery, while Bucharest offers modern boulevards with older architecture.
Painted monasteries in Bucovina and wooden churches in Maramureș highlight local traditions. Trains and buses link towns at modest prices. May through September make wonderful months to visit due to the warm weather.
Bulgaria
Just south of Romania, travelers can tour Bulgaria for $35 to $55 a day. Sofia shows Roman ruins alongside modern boulevards, and Plovdiv’s old town and amphitheater add historic charm. The Black Sea coast offers beaches, while mountain trails are most inviting in late spring through early autumn.
Folklore traditions and rose festivals give the country a distinctive character, and trains and buses connect towns at modest prices. May through September provides warm weather, while December through March is best for skiers.
