One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that travel doesn't have to cost a lot of money. You can see beautiful sights, eat delicious local food, and learn about other cultures—all without going over your budget—if you plan ahead. As we get closer to 2025, more people are looking for places to …
15 Most Affordable Countries to Travel in 2025
One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that travel doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can see beautiful sights, eat delicious local food, and learn about other cultures—all without going over your budget—if you plan ahead.
As we get closer to 2025, more people are looking for places to visit where their money goes further. The good news is? Many places around the world are great for vacations where you can have a lot of fun without spending a lot of money. You can have the best of both worlds in these countries: you can have great experiences for very little money. You can hike through beautiful mountain trails or drink coffee on busy city streets.
So grab your backpack and a sense of adventure, and let’s look at the 15 cheapest places to go in 2025.
Vietnam: Beautiful scenery and great street food
Vietnam is a place that keeps your senses on edge. Budget travellers dream about the sound of noodles frying on a street corner, the sight of lanterns floating above Hoi An, and the thrill of riding a motorbike through the mountains.
You can eat like a king here, even if you don’t have a lot of money. You can get a bowl of hot pho for less than the cost of your morning coffee at home, and guesthouses are warm, friendly, and cheap. Long trips across the country are cheap thanks to sleeper buses and trains.
Don’t miss sailing around Ha Long Bay, watching the sun rise over the rice terraces in Sapa, and visiting the Old Quarter in Hanoi.
Cambodia: Temples and Beauty That Lasts
It’s lovely to stand in front of Angkor Wat at sunrise and watch the fog slowly clear so you can see the temple. Cambodia has a lot of moments like that—strong, embarrassing, and very cheap.
Along the river, you’ll find peaceful towns with friendly people and beaches that are just as nice as those of their neighbours, but they cost a lot less.
You should definitely visit the temples of Angkor, learn about Khmer history in Phnom Penh, and relax on the golden dunes of Koh Rong.
Nepal: An Adventure That Doesn’t Cost Much
Nepal will answer your heart’s call for mountains louder than anywhere else. When you hike here, it’s not just about getting to Everest; it’s about the journey. You’ll walk past prayer flags waving in the wind, stop for tea in small towns, and be amazed at every turn.
Nepal is a great place to visit, even if you don’t like to hike, because of its culture and friendly people. Kathmandu’s busy streets and Pokhara’s quiet lakeside are a good mix of fun and peace.
Don’t miss hiking in the Annapurna region, visiting Buddhist stupas, and taking a boat ride across Phewa Lake.
Indonesia: Not Just Bali
Indonesia is a lot bigger than just Bali, which is beautiful. What would you do if you could wake up to the sound of waves on the Gili Islands, climb Mount Bromo to see the sunrise, or dive among coral reefs in Flores?
The food is good and not too expensive. It costs less to eat nasi goreng than to take the bus home. And with cheap boats and planes, it doesn’t have to cost a lot to get from one island to another.
Don’t miss hiking up Mount Batur before dawn, walking through Bali’s rice terraces, and finding hidden waterfalls.
India: A Place with Lots of Value and Variety
India has a thousand different countries. One day you could be visiting the palaces of Jaipur, and the next you could be sunbathing on the beaches of Goa or boating in the backwaters of Kerala.
Street food, trains, and guesthouses are all very cheap, making it one of the cheapest places to visit. The hardest part isn’t the money; it’s figuring out where to begin.
You shouldn’t miss seeing the Taj Mahal at dawn, eating a thali lunch, and taking in the beauty and chaos of Delhi.
Sri Lanka: The Island Getaway
Sri Lanka is small enough that you can easily get around it. It has a lot to offer, like beaches, mountains, temples, and animals. It feels like a small version of Asia, and it’s not too expensive.
The food is fresh and good, buses and trains are cheap, and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet.
You should definitely take the train from Kandy to Ella, climb Sigiriya Rock, and see elephants in national parks.
Thailand: The Best Place for Backpackers
For good reason, Thailand is a great first trip for people on a budget. You can go to beautiful temples in the morning, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and go to a busy night market in the evening, all without spending too much money.
It’s a great place for both new and experienced tourists because it’s cheap and has a lot to do.
You shouldn’t miss the street food in Bangkok, the peace and quiet of Chiang Mai, or the blue waves in Krabi.
Laos: The Best Place to Take Your Time
You don’t have to rush in Laos. Days go by more slowly here, which is great for people who just want to relax and have fun. Imagine yourself floating down a river, walking past waterfalls, or drinking coffee while looking out over calm hills.
It’s easy to save money in the country because life moves slowly. The food is simple but good, and guesthouses are cheap.
Philippines: Beaches That Don’t Cost Anything
The Philippines is a great place to go if you love beaches and water sports. There are thousands of islands, and each one has something unique to offer, such as blue lagoons, surf towns, and hidden caves.
Traveling between islands is cheap, the food on the street is great, and hostels are cheap and friendly.
Don’t miss: swimming in the rock pools in Siargao, diving in Cebu, and going from island to island in Palawan.
Mexico: Less Money for Food and Culture
There is more to Mexico than just tacos, even though they are delicious and cheap. It has a lot to offer, like old ruins, busy markets, and beaches that get a lot of sun.
You can easily get around on public buses, and you can find cheap places to stay in both big cities and small towns.
Don’t miss swimming in cenotes in Yucatán, checking out the food scene in Oaxaca, and walking around Guanajuato’s colourful streets.
Guatemala: Colour and Fun
The bright fabrics in local stores and the painted houses in Antigua show how colorful Guatemala is. It is also a place for adventure, with volcano hikes, lakes, and old buildings.
The best part is that it doesn’t cost much. You can get food, rides, and even adventure experiences for a lot less than you would elsewhere.
You should definitely go to Lake Atitlán, climb Pacaya Volcano, and see the Mayan ruins at Tikal.
Colombia: Cheap and full of colour
Colombia is now one of the most exciting places to visit in South America. Medellín and other cities are full of creative energy, but Cartagena is like stepping into a beautiful dream.
There are also some of the cheapest places to stay on the continent, with cheap buses, good food, and friendly hostels.
Don’t miss climbing in the Cocora Valley, walking through Cartagena’s Old Town, and seeing the street art in Bogotá.
Bolivia: Weird and Cheap
Bolivia is not like many other places. From the endless white salt flats of Uyuni to the high-altitude city of La Paz, this country never fails to amaze.
It’s also one of the least expensive places to live in South America, which is great for people who travel on a budget.
You shouldn’t miss the Uyuni salt flats, Lake Titicaca, or riding the cable cars in La Paz.
Romania: Europe’s Cheap Jewel
Romania shows that Europe doesn’t have to be too expensive. You can visit medieval towns, castles that look like they came straight out of a fairy tale, and beautiful hills. Prices are much lower than they are in Western Europe.
It’s great for people who want the beauty of Europe without the high prices.
You should definitely see Bran Castle (also called Dracula’s Castle), take a tour of Bucharest, and hike in Transylvania.
Georgia: Mountains and Friendly People
Georgia is the best place to be because it is where Europe and Asia meet. The food is unique and delicious, the mountains are beautiful, and the people are known for being friendly.
Prices are low, and the experiences are real because it’s still a secret place.
Don’t miss: hiking in Kazbegi, wandering around Tbilisi’s weird streets, and drinking wine in Kakheti.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to see the world in 2025. You can have amazing experiences in the countries on this list for a lot less money than you might think. You can go to mountains, temples, beaches, and busy markets.
One of the best things about traveling on a budget is that it helps you meet the people who live there. You will eat with locals in small family-run restaurants, stay in guesthouses where the owners treat you like family, and ride the bus with people who are going home from work. These times are often the most important parts of the trip.
This is the year to finally go on the trip of your dreams if money has been holding you back. You can have fun without spending a lot of money. You only need to take the first step.
