Luckily, there are still plenty of destinations around the globe that won’t break the bank. For less than $50 a day (sometimes a lot less), these countries offer the most bang for your vacation buck. Here are my top 12 places to eat, drink, and kick back (in style) on a budget.
Fiji
We think of Fiji as expensive (thanks Fiji water!) but in reality, it’s a popular destination with many travelers because, unlike its expensive island neighbors, it’s actually cheap. Yes, there are many $1,000-a-night resorts, but there are also dorm rooms, hostels, and all-inclusive local guesthouses you can stay in for $25 a night. Transportation around the islands isn't expensive and the beach is free. It’s easy to splurge here, but you can get pristine beaches, great diving, and tasty seafood while chatting with friendly locals -- without having to mortgage your home. Bula!
Cambodia
While you could put most of Southeast Asia on the list, Cambodia is one of the best value countries in the region. Everything here is super cheap! You can get a private, air-conditioned room for $20. Local food is $2 and most western meals are $7. This country is very budget travel-friendly and, if you are spending close to $50 a day, you are living large. Cambodia is one of the best countries in the world with some of the nicest people, most beautiful beaches, ruins, and jungles out there. It’s rough, it’s raw, and it’s stunning.
Portugal
Another cheap Eurozone country is Portugal. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, wine country, stunning cliffs, and historic cities at bargain prices. Lisbon is also one of the most affordable cities to stay in a 5-star hotel. Throw in helpful, outgoing locals who serve up delicious food (especially seafood), and you have the making of a perfect place.
Peru
Most people come here attracted to the Inca trail, but there's a lot more to the country than that. Here you can sail the Amazon, visit the deserted, white sand beaches of Mancora, and explore the ruins of other Inca destinations like Moray and Choquequirao. Meals are rarely more than $5, private guesthouse rooms are around $25, and you can go anywhere in the country for less than $30. Don’t let those jaw-dropping prices for the Inca trail you see online deter you from one of the funniest, happiest, and cheapest countries in South America. Pro tip: If you go to Cuzco, you can get last-minute deals to Machu Picchu for 50 percent off!
China
China has fascinated travelers ever since Marco Polo traversed the Silk Road. While the days of China being a super-cheap destination are long gone, the country remains a budget destination with many opportunities for savings, especially in the countryside. Rooms are less than $20 a day, food is $2-5 per meal, and local transportation in cities less than dollar. Those who travel in China are richly rewarded with friendly people, delicious food, a country in constant flux, and beautiful mountains, beaches, and valleys on a budget anyone can afford!
India
While India has always been a cheap country, the Indian rupee used to ride high at 39 rupees to the dollar. Now, you get 60 rupees to the dollar -- that's nearly 50 percent more money to travel with. Even if you splurge on mid-range accommodation and food, you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than $50 per day, unless you book 5-star resorts. Flights to India are the most expensive part, but once you're there, everything's a bargain. That makes the long flight to see the historic Taj Mahal, the beaches of Goa, and metropolises of New Delhi and Mumbai much more appealing.
Greece
Even before Greece went bankrupt, the country was a European bargain. Now, it’s a budget traveler’s paradise. Gyros cost around $3, you can get a huge lamb dinner for $10, drinks go for around $3, and single rooms can be found for under $30. Declining tourism has only helped ensure cheaper prices. Go there, enjoy historic sights, help the local economy, and save money.
Guatemala (or Nicaragua, or El Salvador, or...)
Want to roam ancient ruins, trek through the jungle, surf, and eat delicious food with few tourists around? Visit the smaller countries in Central America (El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala). Here you will find most budget hotels for around $15 per night, meals for $3, most bus journeys for the same price, and beer for less than a dollar (you can’t go wrong with beer for less than a dollar!). Sure, these countries get a bad wrap in the news, but as long as you aren’t roaming bad neighborhoods at night or trying to buy drugs off cartels, you'll be fine. Added bonus: Flights from the U.S. are cheap!
Indonesia (specifically, Bali)
Bali sounds exotic, but will actually let your wallet relax, too. In the touristy south near Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, you’ll find overpriced resorts, food, and dirty beaches filled with loud foreigners. However, get out of those areas and you’re rewarded with a beautiful island with affordable rooms ($15-20/night), inexpensive local meals ($2), and activities that cost around $10. And, away from those crowds, you get beautiful rice terraces, black and white sand beaches, volcanoes, food markets, and jungles virtually to yourself. Zig when everyone zags and you'll be greatly rewarded here!
Thailand
Despite being a hugely popular destination, Thailand remains cheap. Budget hotel rooms (bed, fan, shared bathroom) cost between $6-10 per night, local street food costs around $5 per day, a beer will cost about $2, and sightseeing activities run at about $15. Even those picturesque islands you see in travel brochures are a bargain. Friendly locals, warm weather, delicious food, lots of activities, jaw-dropping beaches, and stunning jungles mean you'll have plenty to explore. Thailand has it all.
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