Updated: 02/03/2020 | February 3rd, 2020
We all want to take that vacation, career break, or gap year trip. No matter what kind of trip you want to take, chances are you are going to encounter one of the largest obstacles when it comes to travel: money.
Saving money to travel can be an uphill battle, and with so many expensive destinations out there it can sometimes feel impossible.
Even if you’re fortunate enough to find a cheap flight, the daily cost of living in a new country can often be prohibitive.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of amazing places to visit that are still quite affordable.
To help you make the most of your next trip overseasons, here are ten incredible places to travel on $30 USD per day — or less!
10 Destinations Under $30 Per Day
1. Thailand
Despite being a hugely popular tourist destination, Thailand as a whole has remained relatively cheap.
Outside of a few of the popular tourist islands, it’s easy to live on less than $30 USD per day. Budget rooms cost $6-10 USD per night, you can eat on less than $5 USD per day, drinks are about $2 USD, and sightseeing activities cost around $10 USD.
To live on $30 USD a day, stay in guesthouses, eat the delicious local food, avoid lots of expensive drinks, and take local transportation.
But even when I splurge here, I still barely break $30 USD per day. Most of the time I spend around $20-25 USD per day. This is a country where drinks cost more than food, so as long as you go light on drinks, you’ll find Thailand quite inexpensive.
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Thailand!
2. Bali
Even cheaper than Thailand, Bali is a great destination for those looking to avoid spending a lot. In the south, especially around Kuta, you’ll find more rooms for $1,000 USD per night than any other place in the world.
However, right next to them are rooms for less than $10 USD a night. Though flights are long and expensive, the island itself is amazingly cheap. Most local meals cost $2 USD while “Western” dishes are about $5 USD. Activities such as snorkeling tend to cost no more than $10 USD.
Moreover, once you leave the touristy southern part of the island and go inland, everything gets even cheaper.
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Bali!
3. Greece
Even before Greece almost went bankrupt, the country was a bargain. Now, it’s even cheaper.
I was shocked at how cheap it was. Gyros cost around less than $5 USD, you can get a huge lamb dinner for $10-15 USD, drinks go for under $5 USD, and single rooms can be found for under $20 USD.
An expensive night for me in Greece was $55 USD and that included an evening of drinks. Yes, if you’re island-hopping during the peak summer months you’ll need closer to $45-50 USD per day. But if you aim for the shoulder season (or stick to the less-touristy islands) and travel slow, you’ll be able to cut your costs significantly.
If you want to enjoy Europe on a budget, visit Greece.
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Greece!
4. Central America
Most of Central America is pretty cheap, and you can travel on less than $30 a day.
Of course, you’ll need to exclude Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama, as they are more expensive (about $35-40 USD per day!).
But throughout the other countries in Central America (El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala), you will find most budget hotels for around $10 USD per night, meals for $3 USD, most bus journeys for the same price, and beer less than a dollar.
In the central part of Central America, if you are spending more than $30 USD per day, you’re living large!
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Central America!
5. Budapest
I love Budapest. It’s a beautiful, historic city.
And it’s cheap.
It was a warm welcome coming from expensive Western Europe. Hostels in Budapest start at $10 USD per night, and private rooms were double that. Meals at the markets or at the plethora of kebab and sandwich shops are around $3-5 USD. Trains and buses were just a few dollars.
Unless you are going out for a big night of drinking or paying for lots of attractions and activities, $30 USD will give you plenty of room to enjoy the sites and sounds of Budapest. Budapest is a great alternative to more popular destinations like Prague or Vienna.
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Budapest!
6. Peru
Home to the epic Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, Peru is one of the most popular countries in South America.
While hiking the Inca Trail will definitely burst your budget, everyday life in Peru is quite affordable. Hostels can be found for as little as $6 USD while street found is available for $1-2 USD.
Unless you’re going to do tons of activities, it will be easy here to enjoy Peru well under $30 USD per day.
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Peru!
7. Bulgaria
While often overlooked, Bulgaria is actually one of my favorite countries in all of Europe.
Because the country is under the radar, you’ll find no crowds and affordable prices. Hostels are only $12 USD per night and there are plenty of ruins, beaches, and a great mix of Turkish and European culture.
If you’re traveling Europe and need to leave the Schengen, Bulgaria is a great place to spend some time!
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Bulgaria!
8. Vietnam
While I didn’t love my time in Vietnam, there are tons of travelers who find the country as fun and welcoming as Thailand. Best of all? It’s one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia!
If you’re on a backpacker budget you can enjoy a day in Vietnam for as little as $10 USD per day. Hostels can be found for as little as $3 USD, with many including free breakfast and free beer (during limited hours). Street food can be found for under $1 USD, and buses around the country are incredibly cheap.
For $30 USD a day, you can live here like a king.
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Vietnam!
9. India
No budget travel list would be complete without India. While I’ve never been (yet!), I know plenty of travelers who have and they rave about the budget-friendly foods and accommoation.
Hostels and guesthouses here are as little as $2 USD, while delicious food can be had for under $1 USD. If you’re a foodie on a budget, India should definitely rank high on your list.
If you’re looking to get some value for your dollar, this is a great destination to splurge in. $30 USD a day here will get you a nicer hotel, allow you to take taxis to get around, and keep you stuffed with as much delicious food as you can eat!
For more information, check out our guide to visiting India!
10. Madagascar
While getting here might not be incredibly cheap, once you’re here, daily life in Madagascar is quite affordable.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, one that is commonly found on the’ bucket lists of intrepid travelers — and for good reason! The wildlife here in bountiful and unique, and both the food and accommodation are as cheap as it gets.
Less than 400,000 people visit Madagascar each year, which means you won’t have many crowds to deal with either. In short, if this magical country isn’t on your list it should be!
For more information, check out our guide to visiting Madagascar!
There are many great destinations in the world that don’t have to cost a fortune. While some of these destinations might be expensive to fly to, once you get there, they are incredibly affordable.
You may not be able to embrace the luxurious lifestyle you’ll see on social media, but any trip is better than no trip!
By visiting some of these more affordable budget destinations you’ll be able to stretch your budget and make your trip financially attainable.
The only question is: which of these places are you going to visit first?
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!
Alex Cuadrado
I also went to Budapest (coming from expensive Northern Italy) for a few days last December, and you are absolutely right. I paid about $6 USD for a MASSIVE meal at a Christmas market in Pest … including goulash in a bread bowl, a large Hungarian sausage, a potato fritter, and spiced wine.
Also, when you say Greece is cheap, are you referring to a certain part of it, or is it cheap everywhere? Are the tourist oriented islands more expensive than say, mainland Greece?
Ann Whaley
I just spent a month and a half in Greece and it was phenomenal! So inexpensive, and the most beautiful country I’ve ever been in.
steph
What time of the year did you go? Need to get over to Europe! 🙂
dave
Yes greece is definitely the most beautiful in Europe. Spain is also amazing.
Eel
Cool, whats your average budget for your whole trip in greece? How long were you in greece? 🙂 Planning a backpacking trip for next year, Greece is def top of the list lol.
Richzel
Is it safe for ladies to travel to Budapest alone?
Thanks. Cheers
Morgan
A couple of girlfriends and I went to Budapest (SO CHEAP) for a weekend and we felt incredibly safe! Everyone was really friendly. It was one of our favourite places that we went to!
Carol Kurrusk
Can you tell us where we can find cheap accommodations in budapest we will be there in a couple of weeks.
Amanda
Would it be just as cheap if we wanted to stay longer term about 6 months? and not on someone’s couch in Bali???
rick be
I haven’t been to Greece in many years,but with the Euro falling I will come a calling once again.I almost went there last year,but stopped in Bosnia which is also very cheap,Croatia too is a bargain.
Kristina Luna
Scott and I spent Christmas 2005 (while students on a budget) in Budapest, and it probably remains one of my favorite European cities. Love it in the winter with the snow and Christmas markets–makes the outdoor baths even more fun!
Bella
when is the snow season in budapest?
Sean B
Great article Matt. After visiting so many places around the world, and factoring everything from cost to people, nature, food, etc…there is no place like THAILAND.
rick
You are so very right,I might even go back….
Alouise
I never knew Budapest and Greece were inexpensive. I’ll have to keep all these places in mind when I’m feeling a bit of wanderlust and my wallet is a bit light.
crazy sexy fun traveler
Everywhere I look, I see Thailand. It means just one thing, should be my next destination after Mexico 🙂
Brian
Great list, and like others, I was surprised by Greece.
I also liked the editorial note. It’s a shame that you have to add it, but that’s the way things are I guess.
NomadicMatt
Wow! Greece is the hot button topic!
Yes, Greece was that cheap. I went to the Athens and a few of the Greek Islands, including the expensive Santorini and Mykonos. I found everything to be cheap. On Mykonos, food and accommodation where more expensive than elsewhere. I remember a meal being $20 USD on Mykonos but for the most part everything was over 1/2 the price of elsewhere in the Eurozone. Moreover, in Athens my friend and I had a dinner for two with wine and it cost only 35 Euros.
Delaluna
Question:
I heard that fascism is on the rise in Greece and that many people are being “disappeared” for being gay, immigrant, black, weird, etc. As a woman of color who really wants to go to Greece this worries me.
Did you find this to be true?
Do you have links to other travel bloggers of color as well? Just as traveling in some places as women can be a completely different experience from men, so too can traveling as a person of color, and I would like to make sure that I am enjoying these places while keeping aware of the potential dangers that might come from them.
Kelly
I’m a blonde middle aged woman, and I’ve traveled solo to Ireland, Scotland, Amsterdam, England, Mexico, and Egypt. I also have plans to go solo to Africa, Greece, and Turkey in November. I have never had a situation where I felt endangered and, in fact, was treated in a very protective manner by a couple of the guys who worked at a hostel in Amsterdam who warned me about venturing out at night during a Dutch vs English soccer match and the streets were filled with drunk sports fans. I explore every destination thoroughly, walking miles, taking public transportation, etc., but I dress modestly and try not to draw a lot of attention to myself. I have only been inappropriately groped on a crowed bus in Italy with my husband standing next to me. My best tips are travel light, investigate your destination so that you have a loose itinerary in mind, stay in centrally located highly rated hostels, and keep an open mind and positive attitude!
Irene
I live in Greece and trust me, you will have no problem being gay/black or whatever.. The thing is, we love tourists, and as long as you behave nicely to us, we don’t care about your skin color. It is true, there is a party in the government that supports fascism, but it is condemned by the largest part of the Greek population (i don’t even know anyone who voted for it, i am still trying to figure out who would even do that). Think about this, Mykonos is considered the gay island! (because it’s full of gays) and nobody minds!
pawan
hi! i love greece n its people. would love to visit as soon as possible.
jenny
I would love more info on greece me and my boyfriend plan on visiting
dorothee
Hi,
I would recommend you to stay with locals in Hungary by BeWelcome, Couchsurfing or Hospitality Club. I have had an invitation from a Hungarian Teacher. She cared about me very well and we didn’t stay only in Budapest. I spent less than 100 EUR for the week. I paid once for the theatre (for a ballet) for both of us – in the 4th row – only 7 EUR! But more important than the money is, that you have a great guide and an interpreter if you need, because the Hungarian language is hard to understand / learn and there are not so many people, who speak English if you don’t stay on the touristic places. Szia
Sofia - As We Travel
I love how Greece is so cheap at the moment!
I too found Budapest quite cheap, as long as you don’t buy clothes and stuff like that (crazily expensive!).
NomadicMatt
I stick to buying clothes in Asia. It’s super cheap there!
Carol Kurrusk
Matt can you suggest a place to stay in Budapest reasonably.
Nikesh
How much cost it will take to spend one week on italy, france, uk, Switzerland and germany…can u tell me the total cost to travel on above countries.
dorothee
The prices for the public transport are very different in the different areas. In Hamburg for e.g. you pay around 6 € a day for “the bigger area” and you can go all around Hamburg with all kind of public transport, even the ferries in the harbour – I recommend a trip from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder. For small groups (2 -5) they have a lower price/person. If you are not travelling by your own ask for it. In Switzerland in general prices are very high – even for people from e.g. Germany. This is the same for public transport. In Zurich I paid 6.60 CHF for an one-way-ticket for only two zones. Buy “tourist tickets” only for public transport if you will stay there for a couple of days. It is possible to check that on the internet. – Don’t forget to buy an European Railpass if you want to go to all these countries.
Kristin
Great article! Definitely putting Greece back on the list!
Kenan Lucas
Awesome list and a few surprises there – Greece?!
I think that the first two should be combined into South East Asia in general. I am in Malaysia right now and am often surprised at how things are cheap here – but it is consistent for the entire region, from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and beyond.
CJ
Greece and Thailand look great for budget travel. I think I’m going to try and get Australia and New Zealand out of the way first though and see what kind of budget I can survive on there.
Great list!
NomadicMatt
There’s a few posts on the site about how to visit both countries and survive! Check them out in my travel guides section!
Liv
Inexpensive is always helpful! Your article proves that a bit of research often goes a long way!
NomadicMatt
Thank you!
dorothee
I think you found it out already, but if you still need a tip. I’m staying at hihostels and prefer a bed in a dorm if I don’t find a couch to surf. Also backpacker hostels are quite inexpensive. They are easy to google.
hopscotchtheglobe
North Thailand is definitely cheap. The south, not so much. You can definitely live there for less than $30, but you got search around. It depends what kind of experience you want. If you are into the hardcore partying, then you are going to need more than $30 a day. If you like nature and hiking and doing things outdoors, then Thailand is a great place to go. The best way to see the islands and the rest of the country is by renting a scooter for really cheap ($4-$6 a day), eating street food and just admire the beauty of the place.
I found Bali to be a little more expensive than I had anticipated, however, you can definitely do it on less than 30 a day. Since the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” came out, tourism has definitely boosted in Bali and so have prices. Another great island is Lombok. It’s about an hour and a half from Bali and a lot cheaper, not to mention very beautiful.
NomadicMatt
If you are spending all your time on the islands, getting drunk, then you will spend a lot more than $30 USD per day. I totally agree. But if you say no to buckets of alcohol, you can do it for less than $30.
Nicole
Great post and really enjoying your blog since I discovered it recently! I always thought Bali was quite touristy (and therefore expensive) but I’ve always wanted to visit – Thanks to this post it’s definitely been bumped higher on my list – thank you!
NomadicMatt
The area around Kuta is a bit touristy but once when you get out of that area, prices drop a lot. But even in that area I could find places to stay for $10 USD a night.
Johnsson
Greece is definitely not cheap, especially not Athens. Clubs charge around 20€ entrance fees. The akropolis is like 25€ entrance to walk around. Sure, tavernas are pretty cheap, but once you go up from backpacker hostels and low-end tavernas Greece is hella-expensive.
I’m waiting until they get kicked out of the euro and go back to drachmas. There is a reason people go to Turkey instead of Greece. Telling people that it’s on par with Thailand and Bali is just plain misinformation…
NomadicMatt
Scroll up for a breakdown of my expenses. However, as mentioned in the comments, if you go to Thailand or Bali, I could also spend lots of money. Bali has the most $1,000 USD per night hotels in the world. Thailand? Those resorts aren’t cheap. Neither is the heavy drinking most people do. (Thai Buckets (big things of booze) are like $6 dollars.
I knew eventually someone would come in and write a comment like yours so I was preparing for it. Yes, Greece can be expensive. In fact, every place listed here can be expensive. I could write a post talking about how Laos is the most expensive country in the world. It’s how you travel. If you are going clubbing a lot, eating lots of good food, and staying in 50 Euro a night hotels then yes you are right, Greece is expensive but if you go cheaply, it’s not. Just like you can do Thailand on a budget of 20 USD a day or a budget of 200 USD per day.
Again, it’s how you travel. Maybe people will go to all of these places and spend more than 30 USD per day but at least they know that it can be done for the cheap and can try to find ways to lower their costs. Some days you go over, some days you go under. But if you avoid say 20 Euro clubs and 40 Euro meals, you’ll find Greece cheap. But that can be said for anywhere. I’m in NYC a lot. I can go to the expensive clubs and spend 200 USD or I can walk to the Irish pub down the corner and spend 20 bucks.
Kerry Dexter
agreed, Matt. it is in how you travel, how you plan, and what trade offs you are willing to make. thanks for the heads up on Budapest — sounds as though it’d be a good winter destination to add to my list.
Jen
Very helpful advice as I am planning to go on my first long term travelling trip! I definitely want to go to Greece, so I am very glad to hear it can be done on the cheap. Your site has been immensely helpful to see how travel truly can be done by people without a lot of money. I am currently teaching in South Korea and plan on travelling when I am done with my contract at the end of July.
My main places I want to go to (not in any order) are Greece, Italy, Thailand, China and possibly Spain or Mexico along with side trips to Romania, Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian countries. I am so excited to be planning for this and am loving all of your advice!
Pascal
Jen, don’t forget Paris, although not cheap but I love my city!
rick
I always say the USA is the cheapest place in the world-IF you know your way around.A cheap motel for $30 or a fancy place for $300 can often be found on the same block.
Kirk
I am from Greece and believe me you can find the best quality and cheapest foods in hidden places, don’t be fooled by big company names and think oh that’s where I want to eat….The good looks traditional 😀 The drinks are way cheaper if you are a couchsurfer and you don’t want to spend 3$ for a pint , if you ask people and go to local shops you can buy beer with 0,60E. Souvlaki and Giros costs usually 2,50E to 3,00E at the “big name” take-aways, but in my homecity for example and I believe in the rest of Greece there are take-aways where you buy it for 1E and saves your day! You see because of the crisys the sellers tried to solve the problem with reducing the prices more, so the customers where easier to get attracted! When I was in Greece I was always satisfied because everything were cheap and I didn’t have to worry despite I was unemployed.
NomadicMatt
Yeah, that’s a huge budget for Greece! Since I write everything down, here’s how my expenses broke down (I wrote them down in Euros):
Athens subway: 2 Euros
Hotel Room in Athens: 30 Euros (Split by 2 = 15 Euros)
Dorm in Ios: 10 Euros / Private Room on Ios: 20 Euros
Food costs per day: 15 Euros (Usually a nice meal for dinner and a cheap lunch.)
Super nice hotel in Mykonos: 50 Euros
Fish Dinner: 25 Euros (That was a whole fish catch during the day)
My expenses can be skewed sometimes since I make money while I travel, I sometimes get a nice hotel room or a more expensive meal. The cheapest accommodation I found was 10 Euros a night ($13 USD) and if you avoid eating big dinners all the time, you can do food for under $13 USD per day. My friends would live on $7 USD a day by cooking their own food or sticking to gyros and other quick local food. The cheapest day I have written down is 17 Euros, the most expensive I have is 40 Euros. Most average 25 Euros. The exchange rate when I went was pretty good with the dollar getting .77-.79 Euros. At the current exchange rate, 25 Euros is 34 USD.
What will really send your budget flying is the ferries. There are super cheap overnight ferries but if you take the fast boat expect to pay around 20 Euros for an inter-island boat. Also if you head to Greece in the middle of July, you will probably end up doing it for more than 30 USD per day. At my per day high of 45 Euros that is now 62 USD, which is still a lot lower than your 88 USD per day.
Point here is that Greece is cheaper than you think.
Ruth
i like to travel, but i have limited budget… i wish you want to share which hotel that i can pick? or some link…
rick be
The Euro may be on par with the Dollar by Spring,that will bring it down further.
Jessie
good to know – i can’t wait to get to thailand and bali – thanks!
Nani
Matt, in response to the negative comment left earlier, I have to agree with you; it’s how you travel. Some of the best trips I’ve taken are also the most economical (sans the airfare) thanks to careful planning, staying away from the adult beverages and avoiding fancy foods!
Kinda makes me wish that was the case with Japan, where I’m headed a couple of weeks from now. 🙂
Sean
Great points, especially about Greece.
Paul
That’s pretty impressive that you can do Greece at under $30 a day.
Clare Appleyard
I must admit that I’m surprised with Budapest on the list – I was there 6 years ago and whilst it was cheaper than “mainstream” Europe, with the exchange rate from South Africa it didn’t necessarily work in my favour.
Then again, it was a business trip so I didn’t pay too much attention to the tab 😉
NomadicMatt
I never pay attention to the bill when someone else is paying. Budapest can be very cheap though.
rick be
The Rand is falling like sand….
Kirk
Before I stated reading travel blogs a lot of these places would have seemed out of reached. I see now it is more if what you are willing to plan for or even sacrifice in order to go and experience something somewhere. Matt another great write up. Some of these places such as Bali and Thailand I would love to visit.
Ruth
Bali can be cheap or expensive depend on what you choose.. I am agree with Mat, there are some cheap rooms you can find in Bali, i lived there.. and have some connections for cheap accomodations
Lindsey
Hi Matt,
Like everyone else commenting, I’ve found some great surprises on your list! One country I immediately thought of that wasn’t included however is Bolivia! What a sweet wallet relief to cross the border from Argentina! My boyfriend and I were getting a double room, grilled fish and other yummies and potosi mine tours for under $30US easy! The people are so lovely, the sights so wonderful that I think everyone should put their laptop lids down and go right now!
Katrina
Just got back from Morocco. One of the most inexpensive travel destinations ever. Amazing!
Charlie
Yes! I love Morocco. I have been spending a month there each of the past three Christmases. It is a fantastic country and very inexpensive!
Brenda
What a wonderful post… you definitely have me dreaming and planning!
NomadicMatt
Awesome. That’s my goal!
Melindy
I appreciate the fact you only include places you’ve visited.
Tameka
I am going to Greece in a week…..can’t wait. This article and the comments are very helpful My package is paid for, hotels, air, transfers, ferries and breakfast….Was hoping that I could make it there 8 days with $500USD or less. Sounds like i can!!!! Looking forward to visiting the other destinations as well.
Heather
Any suggestions for good places to go in mid-March with still youngish kids? We’re in Canada and looking for a way to bring a little more adventure and culture into family vacations…stepping away from the typical Florida stuff. Ideas?
NomadicMatt
Anywhere in Central America
Daniel Johnson
That wasn’t my experience of Budapest! Suppose it shows that planning and/or willpower are just as important as your destination!
Jonny
No negativity here, all good posts. Having just come through the area myself though, this is hardly realistic, even for ultra-budget travel confined only on the mainland. Hostels can be relatively rare outside major hubs, and almost always expensive than listed (think 12-19 Euro). Buses, trains, metro, and entry fees (delphi, meteora, etc) cannot really be avoided, and will take a good bite out of your budget, without even considering boats. When even very modest food and drinks are considered, you’re well out of the SE Asia/Central America leagues.
Point taken, it is significantly more inexpensive than northern europe (particularly sweden!). But it seems strange to single Greece out when neighboring Turkey and eastern europe offer exponentially more value?
That said, Greece is great. If you were looking for dirt cheap, you would have gone to Egypt! Cheers for the posts!
chris
I think in southeast asia Vietnam and Laos are the cheapest places to visit,specially food and accomodations are really cheap in those places
Shweta
Thanks for all the information Matt. I’m an Indian but currently working in Nepal. I’ve done a lot of travelling in India but now I’m planning for a solo trip to another country. Your information has been very helpful. I was wondering if Greece is good n safe for single women travelers ? I have my concerns about safe accommodation for single women. I’d appreciate your reply. Thanks 🙂
Stephen
Good to hear Budapest is so inexpensive. Didn’t know that. I will have to linger there a few extra days this fall.
Roy
Langkawi , the tropical Island south of Phuket on the Malaysian side.Access from Singapore or Kuala Lampur by flight or ferry from Thailand.
Charles Rahm
Thailand has to be my favourite destination for budget travel. Eat local food and use the public transport to not only save money but to enjoy the experience of being in Thailand even more.
jack2
In 1978, a Gyros, right on the Plaka, cost 25… cents US
Jay Armstrong
What about the cost of flights? Why wasnt that included, that seems to be the most expensive portion of the trip.
Mohsin
Very useful information.
Reading the comments from others, the whole idea is that it all depends on you how much your trip would cost. If you want to have luxoriuos weekend in Dubai, it can cost you more than a week stay in Europe.
I am very new to travelling and it has been only 2years that I have started going to other countries. My first destination outside Pakistan was Thailand (honeymoon trip for one week), and yes it was cheap (A part from this I have travelled alot in Middleast). Although I did not arrange it myself and paid a tourist Company to arrange my trip, still it was cheap (USD3,500 for a week, a great bargain and very beautiful). Last year I went to Spain (barcelona, madrid, Palma Mallorca) and Paris. This time I arranged it myself, including airfare, hotels (average three stars but clean or apartments), entertainment. It only costed me USD 7,000 (EVERYTHING INCLUDED). I travelled with my wife and a daughter (This does not include clubs, alcohol etc).
Next year my plan is to travel from Saudi Arabia to Italy and Greece (and if possible Croatia). I am keeping a budget of USD 7,000 again. I need to research a lot on this to assess whether its financialy feasible or not. But roughly I think I can manage.
Many thanks
Daniel
Greece and Budapest then may be my next destinations? 😀
Excellent post!
I will research more for this 2 places… starting with your website 🙂
Sonya
I usually can do Costa Rica in under $30 per day. A dorm bed is about $10 per night on the beach, and I don’t drink alcohol (I find that’s what most of my friends spend a lot on). That leaves $20 to eat and play, which I find do-able. Though I usually park in one spot for awhile and don’t do too much expensive stuff, like zip-lining.
Sarah Laurence
Thanks so much, we were debating between a trip to Italy or Greece last night. No that we are earning in South African rands again the exchange kills us! R10.50 to the dollar which makes SA a great option for tourists but travelling internationally pretty tough! Looking forward to our Greek trip already 🙂
Jamie
Good response on inexpensive travel in Greece. I would recommend checking out the Greek islands, Crete, Corfu ect. My girlfriend and I went to Kefalonia this summer and, although it includes many wealthy areas such as super-yachting communities, we found the food and living extremely cheap. If you head away from the coasts there’s some brilliant places to eat for dirt cheap – only thing is, you need to hire a car as public transport on Greek islands isn’t that great, especially in a mountainous region like Kefalonia.
Great article 🙂
NomadicMatt
Thanks! I agree!
Gianluca Orlandi
Skopje in Macedonia and Sofia in Bulgaria are 2 cheap destinations as well. Meals starting from 2€ and hostels from 5€! And amazing places too!
Christine
Great list! I definitely agree, if you’re spending more than $30 a day in Central America, you are living the high life! Bali & Budapest are definitely on our to-do list. Mexico should be on this list as well! Although it’s a bit pricier than Central America, it’s definitely do-able under 30 a day. I just wrote a budget breakdown for living in the south of Mexico for under $350 per month. People always assume it takes a lot of money to travel, but its possible to travel on the cheap!
Barry
We were so surprised at how cheap Central America is, especially Nicaragua! Budapest sounds great as well, not too far from us as well which is a bonus!
Alexander
wow incredible. I can`t believe that these countries are so cheap for an accomodation.
Luke
The last time I was in Bali I only took $2000AUD for a 3 week trip. I physically could not spend all of my money. I ate in restaurants for all my meals, partied every night, did all the touristy things and brought home gifts for all my family and still returned to Australia with $500 in my pocket.
Annebelle
Bali is definitely on my list!
Brian
Matt, love your site – my wife and I are embarking on a RTW trip starting tomorrow in Bangkok. All the resources you provide through this site, the How to Travel on $50/ Day book, twitter, etc. have been incredibly helpful for us and just wanted to say thanks!
NomadicMatt
You’re super welcome! Feel free to ask my any questions if you need help!
Nuno
Bali is great. But I think Thailand is still one of the cheapest places in Southeast Asia. Of course if you end up going Phuket or Pattaya you’ll spend more than local places. But Chiang Mai and all Isaarn region is dirt cheap. You can have a fantastic holiday for ridiculous prices.
Izy Berry
I’ve been to 3/5.. off to a good start. Greece next, hopefully this year!
NomadicMatt
Time to hit the other two this year? 🙂
Dan Robertson
Haha, I’ll add these to my list. I always seem to enjoy cheap places more.
Foqrul
Matt, how about the islands? Do they cost the same?(Under $30)
NomadicMatt
Which islands?
Alexandra Brown
Amazing article, shared immidiately! <3
James
Hi Matt, great article. A couple of years since you made this post, do you think the price estimations are still accurate (particularly in, you guessed it, Greece)? I’ve been backpacking around USA and South America at US$37 per day budgeted for a year for 6 months now. No problemo to stay under this for Greece, including Athens?
Kaushal Karkhanis
Might i also add, most of South America (Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia) and smaller towns of India. My personal favorite is Goa. Here too, if you’re spending more than $30 a day, you’re living large!
Iulia
I think actually that most places on earth can be done on a budget of 30 $ per day, it’s just the overly touristic parts of the world and also super developed countries that are more expensive.
Sam
Greece indeed is cheaper than Western Europe, but it’s still quite expensive. Turkey was much cheaper (at least in my case). Malaysia and Morocco were like “wow!” very very cheap. Unbelievable!
Budapest is surprisingly expensive. It’s not like Vienna or Barcelona, but not much cheaper. And food is quite expensive, hotels as well…
Jason
Nice choice for 30 dollars per day. Agree with Escapist about Budapest. Great city, a lot of must-see attractions, and quite inexpensive. Greece also good choice.
Rod Austin
Thanks for sharing inexpensive (and very beautiful!) destinations to travel to! This is an awesome list.
Carol Kurrusk
Hi Joya can you give me some cheap places to stay in both Budapest and Prague as we will be there in a couple of weeks. Trying to find pensions to stay in. We are older and dont want to stay in hostels perhaps but not 4 star hotels either. If you have some cheap places to eat that would be great information.
Sam
Thailand isn’t the bargain it once was. Currently the Thai Baht is very strong compared to before, and costs have risen. In Bangkok cheap rooms are more expensive than before, Thailand is getting more wealthy year by year. Travellers are now choosing cheaper areas like Issan, or travelling only in the low season to get the bargains. Travelling on the cheap to South East Asia means less time in Thailand, more time in other cheaper nearby countries.
Asian countries like India will ALWAYS be a bargain, but are one hell of a travelling experience. South America and Central America offer great ‘bang for buck’, especially places like Guatemala, and the Andean countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia are simply made for adventure seeking cheapscates like me.
Lots of previously cheap Eurozone countries like Poland and Czech Republic, are now getting expensive, so that leaves a lot less bargains. One must be selective and do their research.
rob
I know you mentioned that you left China off the list because you haven’t been here. Having just finished up 6 weeks here I can say that it definitely belongs on the list! Many days I spend under $15 for food, lodging and some cheap transportation. Even if you splurge, you can get buy pretty well for $20-25.
Nic
When I clicked on the link I thought to myself “Budapest!”, such a great place for so little money, we rented an apartment just around the corner from one of the main squares/ metro stops, walking distance to Chain Bridge and was really cheap for the standard. Of course you mentioned Prague too,again we ended up in a 4* hotel there for the price we paid for a hostel in NYC so although more popular still quite cheap! We are headed to Krakow soon and believe it to also be cheap, just looking at the accommodation the prices look great!
We went to Kos, Greece in 2012 and found accommodation/ food/ drinks expensive for what you got but other things such as renting out quads and buggies good value.
Ken
I stayed in Barcelona right next to the Ramblas (=directly in the city centre) for 5 € weekdays and 7.50 on the weekend. Also in Portugal’s most visited city, Lisbon, In stayed relatively cheap: 12 € / night in peak season. Both places were equipped with kitchen so that spending no more than 15 to 20 € was easily possible!
Kelsey Weissner
Where can we find these “budget” hotels you speak of? Are they hostels or private rooms?
Mark
I often find myself not really looking for cheaper places to eat and other ways to save because from traveling for so many years it seems like I just do it automatically. It is funny how going to Italy a lot as well as the surrounding countries that I just seem to be able to spot what I am looking for.
Kathleen
I’m planning to take my 2 kids (age 13,15) abroad for 6-8 mos next year. Hoping to stay in one local ( possibly 2) with a little bit of traveling. I want it to be a cultural experience immersing as much as possible in the local community. Definitely on a budget. Need to be active outdoors- also public transportation and safe and comfortable for kids ( 13 yr old is biracial). Thoughts on SE Asia, Spain/France (would probably go for German resident visa because self employed), or South America. Your thoughts?
Shubham Saikia
I guess, you all should try India… Definitely under USD 30. Its a huge state so one has to do careful planning…
Gillian
Don’t forget Romania too! Very cheap.
Eric
Hey Matt — I noticed this article is from 2011, would you say most of the information is still accurate?
Anthony Lombardo
I was actually going to ask the same question. I’m thinking that maybe it under $70 now.
swanny
personally I found Vietnam far cheaper and better than Thailand (but i drank a lot more Beer in Thailand!)
Greece is cheap and will only get cheaper if they go back to the Drachma.
Budapest, i agree, was a massive surprise. Whilst i can’t say it was $30 a day, it was still far cheaper than Western Europe (especially London!)
I hate Bali, i am an Aussie and i will never go back there after what i saw. Place is full of Aussies of the bad sort, don’t care or respect the culture at all, they just go there to get pissed!
Now i am all for a good drinking sesh, but at least show a bit of respect for the Balinese as it is their country. It’s as if they are just down at the local pub. What i saw in Bali was my fellow countrymen embarrasing themselves and our country being stupid!
If you are going to go to Bali at least stick to Seminyak and Ubud, at least they are a little bit classier than Kuta.
But to be honest, for the same price or cheaper, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos are all there. Why go to Bali?
Stacey
i just got back from Athens and Kos. Sailed to a few Greek Islands in the Northern Aegean Sea. The islands are more pricey. I also thought that Turkey was way cheaper than Greece and so nice. I would recommend heading over to Turkey. Note: Many Syrian refugees staying in Greece and the islands as Turkey and nearby countries refuse their refuge.
Reka Kaponay
Matt,
Would you like to know how we (a family of four) lived in Budapest on only 16 USD a day and still got to see all the sights? I would happily write you a guest post!
Reka from Dreamtime Traveler.
Dee
Someday, I hope Philippines is part of this blog too. 🙂
Sarah Kohl
Thailand was the first place I traveled solo. I think it’s important to mention that besides it being a really cheap place to visit it’s amazingly safe. I got lost and stranded a few times and ALWAYS the locals were extremely helpful and kind about helping me get back on track. I can’t wait to get back there!
Jeremiah
A week in Budapest with all the tourist sites and ridiculous amounts of alcohol is still so cheap compared to most of Europe.
I love it.