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Where can I Travel Cheaply?

By Brendan McGuigan
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,213
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In order to travel cheaply, you don’t need to have special connections or be willing to sleep outside every night and live on very little food. In fact, in many countries in the world, it’s possible to travel cheaply at a very high standard of living, simply because the difference in relative economy between many economically advanced nations and those countries is so great.

When looking to travel cheaply, there are a few things you need to decide. The first is whether you want to be somewhere that has a fairly established tourist infrastructure, which will be more comfortable but not nearly as cheap, or whether you’re comfortable making your own way in a country or region that may not be set up for tourists. You can often travel cheaply and stay in nice places while traveling off of the beaten path, but it requires a bit more ingenuity and an ability to go with the flow.

The second big thing you need to decide is what section of the world you want to travel in, and what exactly you mean when you want to travel cheaply. If that means spending $5 US Dollars (USD) a day, you’ll be limited to the cheapest regions in the world, or else wind up sacrificing a lot of comfort. If, on the other hand, $20 USD a day would qualify as being able to travel cheaply, then you’ll have no problems in much of the world.

In Asia, many of the countries that are not hugely popular as tourist destinations are very cheap. Cambodia and Laos, for example, are remarkably cheap locations. Lodging can be had at the low end for only a few dollars a day, and even nice rooms can be found for around $10 USD a day. Meals rarely will cost more than a dollar or two, and even restaurants catering to tourists cost around $5 USD for a good meal. It is quite easy to travel cheaply in Cambodia in relative luxury for $20 USD a day, and Laos is even cheaper. Much of Southeast Asia is incredibly cheap, and budget travelers will also find incredible deals in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Within the countries, the cheapest destinations are usually those less appealing to mainstream tourists. So, for example, in Indonesia Bali is relatively expensive when compared to other islands that are less well-known. Similarly, in Cambodia, the town of Siem Reap, near the Angkor complex is considerably more expensive on average than a small beach town like Sihanoukville.

In Europe most of the best opportunities to travel cheaply are found in Eastern Europe. Countries like Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary all offer strong tourist infrastructures and beautiful European destinations, at a fraction of the cost of nations in Western Europe.

Much of Central and South America is very cheap to travel in, as well. Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia are some of the best deals for countries that are relatively stable. Countries such as Costa Rica, which at one point were very affordable, have become quite a bit more expensive since becoming more popular with Western tourists and ex-pats.

And of course, most of Africa is very cheap to travel in, although it can be expensive to get there. Countries like Ghana offer amazing deals, while still having enough of a tourist infrastructure that most travelers will feel safe and comfortable navigating. Ethiopia and Egypt also offer cheap lodging and food, and have rich histories and cultures that make them prime destinations.

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Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon42604 — On Aug 22, 2009

C'mon easily offended reader. Do you feel safe wherever you are? Danger lurks everywhere and in every corner of the globe. You do have to be watchful everywhere. However, there are countries that not only have the common thief, purse-snatcher, mugger and even psychopath, but their own political and economic instability breed additional criminal and terrorist activity. Don't be offended by an unfortunate but very realistic fact. Tourists may face problems in Third World countries which they would most likely not have to in advanced countries.

Natives may feel very safe and comfortable in their own land, but a tourist? C'mon, be real!

By anon42288 — On Aug 20, 2009

There are many beautiful beaches in the Philippines. You can try Tagbilaran, Bohol, Coron, Palawan and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Very lovely places. A new tourist destination is in Camarines Sur, southern part of Manila.

By anon41830 — On Aug 17, 2009

Just thought I might mention that Russia is an incredible location, rich with history and a beautiful place. And the rouble is pretty low compared to the dollar, so a beautiful and relatively affordable vacation is guaranteed. Of course it isn't the cheapest, and probably about as expensive as the Czech Republic but it is worth it if you go. Also parts of Scandinavia, and Northern Europe has a quaint, serene feel and it's a nice, affordable getaway

By anon41750 — On Aug 17, 2009

What about travel to jamaica?

By anon41711 — On Aug 17, 2009

I can assure you it is pretty cheap traveling within Zambia if you just manage to get here. When you come to this country you won't regret having come. No wonder Zambia is called the real Africa!

DEGK.

By anon41700 — On Aug 17, 2009

What about security? Most of the mentioned countries have high crimes ratio especially in Central and South America, ‎and Africa

By anon41640 — On Aug 16, 2009

South Africa has a great tourist infrastructure and a fantastic road network with many bed and breakfasts in the countryside as one travels by road in case they need a place to sleep overnught.

By anon41627 — On Aug 16, 2009

Why were the words "safe" and "comfortable" only used in connection with African countries? How do you know that travelers will be safe or comfortable in European and/or Asian countries only? You need to be careful not to offend any of your readers.

By anon41608 — On Aug 16, 2009

Just a gentle reminder: you didn't mention the Philippines as a pristine destination for 3 reasons among many: English is spoken countrywide by many; many quiet beaches and fantastically beautiful places are comfortable, but not tourist traps like El Nido Palawan; many types of cuisine are available; people are known for hospitality and friendliness, and prices are quite low! ($25 per diem.)

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