Top 10 countries to visit on a budget
Are you dreaming of traveling the world but worried about your budget? Do you think you need to spend a fortune to see amazing places and have unforgettable experiences? Think again! There are plenty of countries that offer incredible value for money, where you can enjoy stunning scenery, rich culture, delicious food, and friendly locals without breaking the bank. In this blog post, I will share with you the top 10 countries to visit on a budget in 2023, based on my own research and personal experience. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, history, or nature, you will find something to suit your taste and wallet in these destinations. Let's get started!
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular and affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, and for good reasons. It has everything you could ask for: beautiful beaches, lush jungles, ancient temples, vibrant cities, and mouthwatering cuisine. You can easily travel around Thailand on a budget of $25-35 USD per day, staying in cheap guesthouses, eating street food (which can cost as little as $1 USD!), taking local buses, and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Thailand include exploring the majestic ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, island hopping in the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand, trekking in the northern mountains and meeting ethnic minorities, experiencing the nightlife and culture of Bangkok or Chiang Mai, and learning about Buddhism and meditation at one of the many monasteries. Thailand is also a great place to volunteer or take courses in yoga, massage, cooking, or diving. No matter what you are interested in, you will find something to love in Thailand.
Central America
If you want to experience the diversity and beauty of Latin America without spending too much money, Central America is a great option. This region consists of seven countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Each one has its own charm and attractions, but they all share some common features: stunning nature, rich history, colorful culture, and warm hospitality. You can travel around Central America on a budget of $40-50 USD per day (or even less if you avoid the more expensive countries like Costa Rica and Panama), staying in hostels or home stays, eating local food (which can be as cheap as $2 USD per meal), taking public transportation or hitchhiking (which is quite common and safe), and enjoying free or cheap activities like hiking, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, or visiting ruins. Some of the highlights of Central America include exploring the ancient Maya sites of Tikal in Guatemala or Copan in Honduras; witnessing the natural wonders of volcanoes (like Arenal in Costa Rica or Masaya in Nicaragua), lakes (like Atitlan in Guatemala or Nicaragua), waterfalls (like Semuc Champey in Guatemala or La Fortuna in Costa Rica), or islands (like Caye Caulker in Belize or Bocas del Toro in Panama); experiencing the colonial charm and culture of cities like Antigua in Guatemala or Granada in Nicaragua; and partying with locals and travelers alike at beach towns like San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua or Tamarindo in Costa Rica.
Cambodia
Cambodia is another gem of Southeast Asia that offers a lot of value for money. It is a country with a tragic past but a hopeful future; a country that combines ancient heritage with modern development; a country that will touch your heart and soul with its people and places. You can travel around Cambodia on a budget of $20-30 USD per day (or even less if you are really frugal), staying in basic guesthouses or dorms (which can cost as low as $4 USD per night), eating street food (which can cost as low as $1 USD per meal), taking local buses or tuk-tuks (which are very cheap and convenient), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Cambodia include marveling at the magnificent Angkor Wat complex (the largest religious monument in the world) and other Khmer temples near Siem Reap; learning about the dark history of the Khmer Rouge regime at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh; and relaxing at the beaches or islands of Sihanoukville or Koh Rong.
Vietnam
Vietnam is another country in Southeast Asia that deserves a spot on your budget travel list. It is a country with a rich and turbulent history, a diverse and vibrant culture, a delicious and varied cuisine, and a stunning and varied landscape. You can travel around Vietnam on a budget of $25-35 USD per day (or even less if you are very thrifty), staying in hostels or homestays (which can cost as low as $5 USD per night), eating street food (which can cost as low as $1 USD per meal), taking trains or buses (which are very cheap and comfortable), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Vietnam include cruising along the scenic Halong Bay, hiking in the rice terraces of Sapa, exploring the ancient imperial city of Hue, wandering around the charming old town of Hoi An, experiencing the bustling and chaotic Ho Chi Minh City, crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels, and enjoying the beaches or islands of Nha Trang or Phu Quoc.
Nepal
Nepal is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is home to some of the highest and most majestic mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, as well as lush valleys, serene lakes, exotic wildlife, and colorful temples. You can travel around Nepal on a budget of $20-30 USD per day (or even less if you avoid flying and trekking), staying in guesthouses or teahouses (which can cost as low as $3 USD per night), eating local food (which can cost as low as $2 USD per meal), taking buses or taxis (which are very cheap and convenient), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Nepal include trekking in the Himalayas (there are many options for different levels of difficulty and duration), visiting the cultural and spiritual hub of Kathmandu, exploring the medieval city of Bhaktapur, witnessing the sunrise or sunset over the Annapurna range from Pokhara, spotting rhinos and tigers at Chitwan National Park, and experiencing the hospitality and generosity of the Nepali people.
Peru
Peru is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in South America. It has a rich and ancient history, a vibrant and colorful culture, a mouthwatering and diverse cuisine, and a stunning and varied landscape. You can travel around Peru on a budget of $30-40 USD per day (or even less if you avoid flying and tours), staying in hostels or home stays (which can cost as low as $6 USD per night), eating local food (which can cost as low as $2 USD per meal), taking buses or colectivos (which are very cheap and reliable), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Peru include visiting the iconic Machu Picchu (the most famous Inca site in the world), exploring the colonial and cosmopolitan Lima (the capital city), experiencing the culture and cuisine of Cusco (the former capital of the Inca empire), hiking in the Sacred Valley (a beautiful region full of Inca ruins and villages), sailing on Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world), sand-boarding in Huacachina (a desert oasis), and discovering the Amazon rainforest (one of the most biodiverse places on earth).
India
India is a country that will challenge and inspire you, a country that will overwhelm and enchant you, a country that will make you fall in love and break your heart. It is a country of contrasts and contradictions, of beauty and chaos, of spirituality and materialism. It is a country that you have to see for yourself to believe. You can travel around India on a budget of $20-30 USD per day (or even less if you are very adventurous), staying in hostels or guesthouses (which can cost as low as $3 USD per night), eating street food (which can cost as low as $1 USD per meal), taking trains or buses (which are very cheap and efficient), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of India include visiting the iconic Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders of the world) and other Mughal monuments in Agra; exploring the colorful and cultural Rajasthan with its forts, palaces, deserts, and camels; experiencing the holy city of Varanasi with its ghats, temples, and rituals; enjoying the beaches or backwaters of Kerala with its coconut trees, houseboats, and ayurveda; discovering the diversity and dynamism of Mumbai with its Bollywood, slums, markets, and nightlife; and witnessing the natural beauty and wildlife of the Himalayas, the Andaman Islands, or the national parks.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the most underrated and affordable destinations in Europe. It is a country with a rich and diverse history, a vibrant and colorful culture, a delicious and varied cuisine, and a stunning and varied landscape. You can travel around Portugal on a budget of $40-50 USD per day (or even less if you avoid the peak season and big cities), staying in hostels or Airbnb (which can cost as low as $10 USD per night), eating local food (which can cost as low as $5 USD per meal), taking trains or buses (which are very cheap and convenient), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Portugal include visiting the charming and historic Lisbon with its hills, trams, castles, and fado music; exploring the romantic and picturesque Porto with its bridges, port wine, churches, and tiles; enjoying the beaches or cliffs of Algarve with its sunny weather, seafood, golf courses, and water sports; discovering the fairy-tale-like Sintra with its palaces, gardens, forests, and castles; experiencing the culture and cuisine of Alentejo with its cork trees, olive groves, vineyards, and cheese; and hiking in the natural parks or islands of Madeira or Azores with their volcanoes, waterfalls, lakes, and flowers.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the most diverse and exciting countries in Africa. It has a rich and complex history, a vibrant and multicultural society, a delicious and varied cuisine, and a stunning and varied landscape. You can travel around South Africa on a budget of $40-50 USD per day (or even less if you avoid the peak season and big cities), staying in hostels or campsites (which can cost as low as $10 USD per night), eating local food (which can cost as low as $5 USD per meal), taking buses or minibuses (which are very cheap and reliable), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of South Africa include visiting the cosmopolitan and scenic Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point, and penguins; exploring the cultural and historical Johannesburg with its Apartheid Museum, Soweto Township, Constitution Hill, and street art; enjoying the beaches or mountains of Durban with its Indian influence, surfing culture, uShaka Marine World, and Drakensberg range; experiencing the wildlife and nature of Kruger National Park with its Big Five animals (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), and indulging in the wine and cuisine of Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point, and penguins.
Morocco
Morocco is one of the most exotic and affordable destinations in Africa. It is a country with a rich and diverse history, a vibrant and colorful culture, a delicious and varied cuisine, and a stunning and varied landscape. You can travel around Morocco on a budget of $30-40 USD per day (or even less if you avoid the peak season and big cities), staying in hostels or riads (traditional guesthouses with courtyards) (which can cost as low as $10 USD per night), eating local food (which can cost as low as $3 USD per meal), taking buses or trains (which are very cheap and comfortable), and visiting free or low-cost attractions. Some of the highlights of Morocco include visiting the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat with their medinas, souks, mosques, and palaces; exploring the Sahara desert with its sand dunes, camels, and stars; enjoying the beaches or mountains of Essaouira, Chefchaouen, or the Atlas range; discovering the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis or the Berber villages of Ait Benhaddou; and experiencing the hospitality and generosity of the Moroccan people.
So there you have it: the top 10 countries to visit on a budget in 2023. These countries are full of amazing sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. And the best part is: you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy them. All you need is a sense of adventure, a bit of planning, and a lot of curiosity. Happy travels!
