Found By Accident contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
15 Cheap Countries That’ll Blow Your Mind Without Blowing Your Budget
Traveling doesn’t have to drain your savings or have you surviving on instant noodles for months afterward. Because believe it or not, there are places across the globe where you can stretch your cash further than you thought possible (and still enjoy incredible experiences).
Think amazing food, rich cultures, and adventures that don’t break the bank. Maybe you’re saving for something big, or maybe you just prefer spending less on tour excursions and more on, well, actual exploring. Whatever your reasoning, budget travel is not just doable; it’s a whole experience.
Sure, you could splurge on a fancy resort and overpriced cocktails, but where’s the charm in that? Sometimes, the most unforgettable trips are the ones that don’t come with a hefty price tag or a side of buyer’s remorse.
It’s time to start packing light and thinking bigger, because we’re about to uncover some destinations where living large and spending small go hand in hand.
Bangladesh
Welcome to budget travel heaven, where every penny decides to work overtime. Bangladesh is often crowned one of the cheapest countries to explore, and for good reason. Some crafty travelers report getting by on an almost absurd $7 USD per day in rural areas (yes, that’s food, transport, and lodging, all for the cost of a fancy coffee back home).
Craving adventure? Hop aboard a rickety local boat and cruise through the Sundarbans, home to the elusive Bengal tiger. Hungry? Feast on fragrant biryani or piping-hot samosas without even denting a five-dollar bill. Every corner in Bangladesh offers colorful chaos, and the people? Probably the friendliest you’ll meet, ready to strike up a conversation and (likely) feed you too.
Sure, the infrastructure might keep you on your toes, but where else can you feel like a millionaire while treating yourself to endless cups of tea? Bring an appetite for curry and curiosity, and don’t be surprised if this destination leaves you redefining what “low-cost” luxury means.
India
India is where your wallet breathes a sigh of relief while your senses are thrown into overdrive. With an average daily budget of around $18 USD (if you’re traveling simply), you can go from sipping chai on crowded train platforms to wandering through UNESCO World Heritage Sites without missing a beat.
Accommodations? Think charming guesthouses that won’t drain you dry. Food? Whether it’s a towering plate of steaming masala dosas or a butter naan that melts in your mouth, you’ll eat like royalty for the price of a parking meter.
And if you’re in rural areas, costs can plummet even further, though navigating goats on the road might become a regular thing. Sure, your definition of “adventure” might have to include learning to bargain like a local… but isn’t that part of the fun?
Vietnam
Vietnam has perfected the art of making mere pennies look like dollars. Here, with just $25 USD per day, frugal travelers can eat, sleep, and explore abundantly. Start your day with a steaming bowl of pho from a street vendor who’ll happily dish out generous portions for less than two bucks.
Next, rent a bike and explore ancient towns like Hoi An, or zoom along rice paddies on a scooter while dodging the occasional roaming water buffalo. If “low-cost lodging” makes you cringe, relax. Vietnam hosts some downright delightful homestays and guesthouses that feel far more luxurious than what the price tag suggests.
When it’s time for a caffeine fix? The Vietnamese iced coffee hits different, especially when paired with a view of Halong Bay. And don’t forget to quench your thirst with an outrageously inexpensive beer, lovingly nicknamed “bia hoi.”
Bolivia
Bolivia is the kind of place that makes your credit card feel neglected. Budget travelers usually can get by on $25–35 USD per day, and that covers not just the basics, but access to jaw-dropping experiences.
Want to gaze at endless mirrors of sky at the Salar de Uyuni? You’re in luck. Bolivia’s famed salt flats are both stunning and surprisingly wallet-friendly to explore. Craving altitude? La Paz, one of the world’s highest cities, offers exhilarating cable car rides for just pennies (not to mention the thrill of just trying to walk up a hill without gasping for air).
It can be a bit rough around the edges in certain places, but isn’t that part of its charm? Pack a jacket (it gets cold), your sense of humor… and an empty stomach for all the empanadas your budget can handle.
Laos
If you’ve been dreaming of Southeast Asia on a dime, Laos is ready to steal the show. Voted the cheapest in the region in 2025, you can live comfortably here for $17–20 USD per day. Think lush green landscapes, sleepy riverside towns, and a laid-back feeling that whispers, “Why rush?”
Luang Prabang’s night markets are a feast for both your senses and your wallet. A few dollars can snag you grilled meats, sticky rice, and local peanut sauces that may ruin you for all other cuisines. And activities? Whether you’re tubing down rivers dotted with bamboo bars or exploring peaceful temples, most experiences here are as budget-friendly as they are breathtaking.
Lodging offers a variety of options as well, ranging from cozy guesthouses to riverside bungalows. Just don’t forget to treat yourself to a Mekong sunset cruise without draining your trip funds. Turns out, Laos rewrites the script on affordable travel in a way that’ll leave your inner cheapskate wiping away a single happy tear.
Moldova
If being thrifty is your guilty pleasure, Moldova might just be your soulmate. This Eastern European country has somehow managed to stay under the radar, making it a haven for budget-conscious travelers.
Guesthouses for around $3 USD? And dinner for under 1 USD? That’s less than a bag of chips back home. But Moldova is more than just cheap eats and stays; it’s a wine lover’s paradise. Did you know that the Milestii Mici winery holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection? Imagine sipping a world-class vintage in underground limestone halls, all for a fraction of what you’d pay in France.
Plus, the monasteries carved into rocky cliffs and the charming countryside villages ooze unique history. Moldova may not flaunt itself loudly, but it’s like stumbling upon an out-of-this-world experience at dollar tree prices.
Bulgaria
Who says Europe has to break the bank? Bulgaria sits proudly in the Balkans as a go-to destination where daily expenses can land as low as $35 USD.
Sofia, the capital, is a blend of charming old-world architecture and trendy cafe culture that doesn’t drain your wallet. Craving the mountains? Head to the Rila Monastery and hike amid incredible views. Want to unwind? Bulgaria also spoils you with its Black Sea coastline, home to sunny beaches and seaside resorts that are shockingly affordable.
And don’t forget the banitsa, a flaky pastry that tastes like heaven but costs less than a subway ride. Bulgaria is proof positive that this corner of Europe knows how to deliver a first-class experience with an economy-class budget.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the land where the horizon seemingly goes on forever, is quietly making waves in “cheapest countries to travel in 2025” lists. Why, you ask? Because this Central Asian country offers a mix of jaw-dropping landscapes and wallet-friendly travel.
From the surreal alien-like terrain of the Charyn Canyon to the serene shores of Lake Kaindy with its haunting submerged trees, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into ten different countries at once… all without your bank account staging a protest.
Internal travel is remarkably affordable, with $30-40 USD per day covering food, transport, and even those adrenaline-pumping hikes. And did I mention the capital, Astana? It’s like a futuristic fever dream with architecture that looks plucked out of a sci-fi movie. If endless horizons and cultural discoveries sound like a great trade for peanuts on the dollar, Kazakhstan is your spot.
Mali
Mali may not be top of mind for many travelers, but for those in the know, it’s a cultural jackpot at bargain-bin prices. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Timbuktu (yes, it’s a real place) or marveling at the mud-built mosques of Djenne, this West African country effortlessly combines rich history with affordability.
For $30-40 USD a day, grab local dishes like jollof rice and to, a millet-based porridge that’s pure comfort food. Transportation? Minibuses and river boats might not scream “luxury,” but they’ll get you places, and for virtually nothing.
And if you’re musically inclined, make some time for the Festival au Desert when it’s running. It’s a legendary celebration of Tuareg music and culture, held on the windswept sand dunes. Sure, Mali requires a bit more travel savviness, but if you’re up for it, it’ll reward you a hundred times over. Plus, your budget will barely notice you left home.
Myanmar
Myanmar often flies under the radar, but big mistake; it’s lush, cultural, and kind to your travel budget. For just $20-30 USD a day, you can explore gilded pagodas that shimmer in the sun, like the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
If golden architecture isn’t your thing, hop on a rickety train to Mandalay and watch fields, villages, and curious locals pass by as you slowly chug along. Food? Your stomach will thank you after snacking on dishes like mohinga, a fish noodle soup that’s as flavorful as it is dirt cheap.
But, fair warning: don’t skip a little homework before booking. Myanmar’s political climate has fluctuated in recent years, so travel with safety in mind. That said, the country’s warmth and hospitality, combined with jaw-dropping natural wonders like Bagan’s endless sea of temples, make it a steal for budget travelers.
Cambodia
Cambodia is the ultimate playground for adventurers hoping to save a bit of cash, but still provides a taste for the extraordinary. A multi-day pass to explore the sprawling Angkor temple complex sets you back just $37 USD… cue the comparison to how much you spent on coffee last week.
Even better, guesthouses and street food (hello, Amok curry) come dirt cheap, meaning $ 25-35 USD a day can unlock a wealth of experiences. Ever dreamt of cruising through Tonle Sap Lake or wandering Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace without maxing out your budget? Here, it’s all within reach.
Beyond affordability, Cambodia’s palpable resilience and rich culture will leave you marveling. Even on a budget that feels borderline criminal.
Cuba
Cuba is a living postcard of pastel walls, classic cars, and salsa rhythms, but guess what? It’s also incredibly affordable if you know how to roll with the locals. Thanks to controlled pricing, $30-40 USD will stretch to cover delicious street eats (ropa vieja, anyone?), casa particulars (think cozy guesthouses run by families), and transport ranging from old-school buses to horse carts.
Havana’s vibrant streets may steal the show, but venture beyond them to explore Vinales, where limestone hills covered in tobacco plantations make for unforgettable hikes or horseback rides without breaking the bank.
And those beaches? Varadero might get the attention, but hidden spots like Playa Larga offer pristine sands for a fraction of the cost. Just remember, though, Cuba runs on its own unique rhythm. So brush up on your Spanish and get ready to haggle for a taxi ride.
Indonesia
Indonesia isn’t just Bali, although hey, no one’s complaining about Ubud’s rice terraces or Seminyak’s sunsets. But for travelers who venture beyond Bali’s packed beaches, the rewards (and savings) are immense.
Imagine island-hopping on a budget across places like Flores or Sulawesi, where untouched coral reefs and traditional villages await. Daily budgets of $25-35 USD are easy to achieve, thanks to inexpensive warungs (local eateries) serving up steaming plates of nasi goreng and satay sticks that redefine cheap eats.
Getting around? Buses and ferries might take twice as long as planes, but you’ll save a small fortune and see parts of the country most tourists bypass. And for those travelers looking for the next wow moment? Climbing Mount Rinjani on Lombok or kayaking through Raja Ampat’s crystal-clear waters will make your inner explorer do a happy dance.
Nepal
Think you need deep pockets to scale the mighty Himalayas? Think again. Nepal is not only breathtaking in its natural beauty but also kind to your wallet. Trekking through world-famous routes like the Annapurna Circuit costs a mere $20-30 USD a day, inclusive of meals and accommodations.
And when you’re done hugging mountains, Kathmandu’s chaotic charm and Lumbini’s serene spiritual energy are there waiting to pull you in. Be sure to dig into dal bhat, the all-you-can-eat carb party locals swear by. It’s flavorful, filling… and costs less than your overpriced airport sandwich.
Nepal proves that even when you’re watching your wallet, adventure and awe-inspiring views don’t have to be out of reach.
Albania
Who knew you could wake up to turquoise beaches, hike dramatic mountains, and feast on Mediterranean cuisine all without spending a small fortune? Turns out, Albania delivers all the charm of a Greek getaway but without the sky-high prices.
You can experience Albania for as little as $30-40 USD a day, including accommodations so cozy they feel too good to be true. And whether strolling along the cobblestone streets of Berat (nicknamed the City of a Thousand Windows) or soaking in the views of the Albanian Riviera, every corner of this underrated country promises an adventure worth double what you’re paying.
The best part? Fewer crowds. It’s just you, the stunning scenery, and your bank account sighing in relief.
Like Our Content? Follow Us On MSN (or click the Follow Button above) to see more from Traveling In Focus.
