The 10 Absolute Cheapest Countries to Visit in 2025 (Daily Budgets Inside!)

Are you dreaming of tropical places to travel on a budget or exploring Europe without breaking the bank? I’ve got you covered! Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive—you just need to know where to go and how to plan. Whether you’re using a travel budget planner or just looking for budget travel tips, these 10 destinations are perfect for anyone who wants to see the world without emptying their wallet.

From budget-friendly travel destinations in Southeast Asia to hidden gems in Europe on a budget, this list has something for every type of traveler. Plus, I’ve included some must-have travel products to make your trip even smoother and more affordable. Let’s dive in!

1. Laos – $18/day

If you want to escape the crowds of Thailand but still experience Southeast Asia’s charm, Laos is your spot. This country is a backpacker’s paradise, offering breathtaking waterfalls, lush jungles, and a relaxed vibe for pennies.

Fun Fact: Laos is home to the 4,000 Islands, where you can spot rare freshwater dolphins!

Why Visit?

Visit the ancient city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a boat ride along the Mekong River at sunset.

Explore the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, perfect for a swim.

Budget Tips:

• Stay in a guesthouse dorm for $5-7/night.
• Rent a motorbike for under $10/day to explore.
• Try Laap, a traditional dish, for $2-3.

2. Kazakhstan – $26/day

If you’re looking for epic landscapes, futuristic cities, and Central Asian hospitality, Kazakhstan will surprise you. The cost of living here is low, and the country is still an underrated travel destination.

Fun Fact: Kazakhstan is home to the world’s largest steppe, making it perfect for adventure lovers!

Why Visit?

Visit the futuristic capital, Astana, with its space-age architecture

Budget Tips:

Explore the Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan.”

Take a cable car up to Medeu, a high-altitude ice-skating rink.

• Public transport costs less than $0.30 per ride.
• A full meal is under $4.
• Hostels start at $8-12/night.

3. Vietnam – $25/day

Vietnam offers bustling cities, stunning beaches, and delicious street food, all at incredibly low prices.

Fun Fact: Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, famous for its unique egg coffee!

Why Visit?

Visit the lively street markets of Ho Chi Minh City

Cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wander through the ancient town of Hoi An, famous for its lanterns.

Budget Tips:

• A bowl of pho costs $1-2.
• Overnight buses save on accommodation.
• Hostels start at $5/night.

4. Bolivia – $27/day

Bolivia is one of South America’s most affordable destinations, with breathtaking salt flats and stunning Andean landscapes.

Fun Fact: The Uyuni Salt Flats create an incredible mirror effect when covered in water, making it one of the most surreal sights on earth!

Why Visit?

Take a boat ride on Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest lake.

Experience the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.

Visit La Paz, the highest capital city in the world.

Budget Tips:

• A salteña (empanada) costs $1.
• Hostels start at $8/night.
• Book tours locally for better prices.

5. Mongolia – $32/day

For those who love wild nature, wide-open spaces, and nomadic culture, Mongolia is magical.

Fun Fact: You can stay in a traditional ger (yurt) with a local family for an authentic experience!

Why Visit?

Explore the vast Gobi Desert.

Ride horses across the Mongolian steppes.

Experience the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s version of the Olympics.

Budget Tips:

• A bowl of noodle soup costs $2-3.
• Camping is free in the countryside.
• Local transport is $5-10.

6. Indonesia – $30/day

Beyond Bali, Indonesia offers pristine beaches and lush jungles at a fraction of the cost. Indonesia is a dream destination for budget travelers who love tropical islands, vibrant culture, and adventure.

Fun Fact: Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, and Bali is just one of them!

Why Visit?

Explore Ubud’s lush rice terraces and temples.

Relax on the stunning beaches of Bali and Lombok.

Hike up Mount Bromo for an unforgettable sunrise.

Budget Tips:

• A plate of nasi goreng costs $1-2.
• Local ferries are cheaper than flights.
• Guesthouses start at $7/night.

7. Georgia – $35/day

Georgia is a mix of European charm and Asian hospitality, with stunning mountains and delicious wine, it is a hidden gem in the Caucasus, offering stunning mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, and delicious cuisine at an affordable price.

Fun Fact: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with a history of winemaking dating back 8,000 years!

Why Visit?

Visit the cave city of Uplistsikhe and the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church.

Explore the vibrant capital, Tbilisi, with its cobblestone streets and sulfur baths.

Hike in the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains.

Budget Tips:

• A khachapuri (cheesy bread) costs $2-3.
• Guesthouses start at $10/night.
• Public transport is cheap and reliable.

8. Nepal – $20/day

Nepal is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, offering breathtaking Himalayan views on a tight budget.

Fun Fact: Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak!

Why Visit?

Explore Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Trek in the Annapurna or Everest region.

Visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur.

Budget Tips:

• A plate of momos costs $1-2.
• Teahouse treks include meals.
• Hostels start at $5/night.

9. Albania – $40/day

Albania is a budget-friendly destination with pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and a rich history waiting to be explored.

Fun Fact: Albania has over 750,000 bunkers scattered across the country, built during the communist era.

Why Visit?

Hike in the Accursed Mountains for breathtaking views.

Relax on the stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”

Budget Tips:

• A meal costs $3-5.
• Hostels start at $10/night.
• Public transport is affordable.

10. Serbia – $49/day

Serbia is a vibrant and affordable destination in the Balkans, offering a mix of lively cities, historic sites, and stunning natural beauty.

Fun Fact: Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history dating back over 7,000 years!

Why Visit?

• Experience the nightlife and café culture in Belgrade.
• Visit the stunning Đavolja Varoš (Devil’s Town) rock formations.
• Explore the medieval fortresses of Novi Sad and Petrovaradin.

Budget Tips:

• A burek (pastry) costs $1-2.
• Hostels start at $12/night.
• Public transport is $0.90 per ride.

Traveling on a budget is all about planning smart and packing the right gear. With these budget travel tips and budget-friendly travel destinations, you can explore the world without stress. Don’t forget to grab a travel budget planner to keep track of your expenses and make the most of your trip.

If you want even more money tips, check out 15 Genius Ways to Travel on a Budget on Your Next Trip.

Which of these countries is calling your name? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to save it for later. Happy travels! 🌍✈️

• Travel Budget Planner – A5 Budget Travel Journal with Expense Tracker
• Portable Water Bottle with Filter – LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
• Packing Cubes – Amazon Basics Packing Cubes Set
• Universal Travel Adapter – EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
• Lightweight Travel Towel – Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel
• Reusable Travel Utensils – Portable Stainless Steel Travel Cutlery Set
• Kindle or E-Reader – Kindle Paperwhite
• Compression Socks – Physix Gear Compression Socks