The CHEAPEST Places To Travel On A Budget

Here are the cheapest places to travel right now, categorized by daily budget.

In 2026, “budget travel” has shifted. While classic hubs like Thailand and Bali are seeing price hikes due to their popularity, new “value frontiers” in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have emerged as the best spots to stretch a dollar.

1. The “Ultra-Budget” Tier ($20 – $35 per day)

These are destinations where your biggest expense will be the flight. Once you land, life is remarkably inexpensive.

Laos: Often called “Thailand at a 40% discount.” While its neighbors modernize, Laos remains slow and affordable. In towns like Vang Vieng or Nong Khiaw, you can find riverside guesthouses for $10 and hearty local meals for $2.
Vietnam: Specifically the North (Ha Giang and Cao Bang). While Saigon and Da Nang are rising in price, Northern Vietnam remains the gold standard for value. You can rent a semi-automatic motorbike for $8/day and eat world-class street food for less than $2 a bowl.
Nepal: Outside of the high-altitude Everest treks (which are pricey), Nepal is incredibly cheap. Pokhara is a budget traveler’s paradise where a private room with a mountain view often costs less than a hostel bed in Europe.

2. The “Hidden Europe” Tier ($35 – $50 per day)

If you want the “European feel” without the Paris or London price tag, look East.

Albania: The “Maldives of Europe” is the trending budget destination for 2026. The Albanian Riviera (Ksamil and Himarë) offers turquoise waters and Mediterranean food for a third of the price of neighboring Greece or Italy.
North Macedonia: Home to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. It offers a stunning UNESCO setting, ancient churches, and great wine for prices that feel like 1995.
Georgia (The Country): A favorite for digital nomads. It’s famous for its hospitality, the Caucasus mountains, and a literal 8,000-year history of winemaking. You can get a high-quality feast with wine for about $12.

3. The Latin American “Value” Spots ($30 – $45 per day)

Bolivia: Consistently the cheapest country in South America. The Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats) tours are life-changing and surprisingly affordable, and in cities like La Paz, a “menu del dia” (3-course lunch) is often under $4.
Guatemala: While Costa Rica has become expensive, Guatemala offers the same volcanic landscapes and lush jungles for half the cost. Staying in Lake Atitlán or Antigua allows for a high quality of life on a very slim budget.

💰 2026 Budget Comparison Table

Destination	Daily Budget (Avg)	Coffee / Beer	Hostel Bed
Laos	$22	$1.20	$6 – $9
Vietnam	$30	$1.50	$7 – $12
Albania	$45	$2.50	$15 – $22
Bolivia	$28	$1.80	$8 – $11
India	$25	$1.00	$5 – $10

💡 Quick Tips for Saving in 2026

The “Second City” Rule: Don’t go to the capital. In Indonesia, skip Bali for Lombok or Java. In Mexico, skip Tulum for Bacalar or Oaxaca.
Eat “Mercado” Style: In Latin America and Europe, the local municipal markets have the freshest food at “non-tourist” prices.
Slow Travel: The most expensive part of budget travel is the traveling. Stay in one place for 10 days instead of three cities in 10 days to save 50% on transport.