Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel

Thailand
There’s a reason why Thailand remains so popular with backpackers – it’s got idyllic islands, a rich culture, beach-huts aplenty, tantalising cuisine and adventures galore, and all available at often staggeringly low prices. Despite the well-trodden routes through the country, it’s not hard to get away from the crowds – check out Nakhon Si Thammarat for some of the very best food the country has to offer, or hire a motorbike to make the 600km trip along the Mae Hong Son Loop through the forested northern mountains.

Read our tips for backpacking Thailand and travelling solo in Thailand before you go.

Thailand

South Africa
One of the great things about travelling in South Africa is that it’s possible to have a safari experience here – complete with the Big Five – without encountering a budget-breaking bill. Head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi to see white rhino and to avoid the crowds of Kruger, to the Drakensberg for superlative hiking, and don’t forget to factor in at least a few days in amazing Cape Town.

Start planning your trip with our list of the best road trips across the country.

South Africa

Vietnam
Despite a remarkable rate of change over the decades since the end of the American War, Vietnam remains amazing value for Western visitors. The country’s greatest attraction is its sublime countryside, from the limestone karsts of the north to the waterways and paddy fields of the Mekong Delta, with blissful beaches and frenetic cities crammed in between.

Then there’s the cuisine – pull up a stool at a pho stall and for only a couple of dollars you’ll eating some of the best food on offer, shoulder to shoulder with the locals.

Check out our 9 tips for backpacking Vietnam and discover how to get off the tourist trail before you go.

Vietnam

Uruguay
If you’ve already visited Brazil and Argentina, or are just looking for a better value destination, head instead to neighbouring Uruguay. You’ll be relieved to hear you can still find excellent steak here; plus, there plenty of lovely beaches to choose from – head to Cabo Polonio for quieter sands and abundant wildlife – and the gorgeous old capital of Montevideo.

Want to learn more? You’ll find all the information you need to plan a budget trip in our Snapshot Guide to Uruguay.

Uruguay

Cuba
Since relations between Cuba and the US started rapidly warming up, there’s never been a better time to visit this Caribbean island. Go now before it changes beyond recognition – and before the prices start to go up and up even more. Hit the salsa clubs of Havana, get caught up in the heady July carnival of Santiago, or dip your toes in the warm Caribbean at Varadero Beach – whatever you do, you’ll find it hard not to leave utterly intoxicated.

Get started with these 12 tips for backpacking Cuba.

Cuba

Prague, Czech Republic
Despite being firmly on the tourist – not to mention bachelor party – trail these days, Prague remains one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities to visit. For just a few Czech Crowns you can enjoy a hearty meal, washed down with decent local beer, of course. The city itself is a beauty, crammed full of history and perfect for leisurely explorations by foot.

Want to explore more of Europe on the cheap? Check out The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget.

Prague, Czech Republic

Greece
Don’t be put off Greece by the country’s ongoing economic crisis – if anything, the financial situation is all the more reason to travel here and to support the local people. The situation does mean that prices are still cheaper than they once were, and that means that you might be able to squeeze an extra island or two into your itinerary. Pay by credit card in advance, but take enough cash with you for your travels, and you’re pretty much guaranteed an amazing trip.

Read these 11 tips by Nick Edwards, co-author of The Rough Guide to Greece, before you go.

Greece

Guatemala
It’s hard not to fall under the spell of Guatemala and its compelling mix of natural beauty, Maya traditions and colonial legacies. Rock-bottom prices make this one of the best places to study Spanish; once your linguistic skills are up to scratch, jump onto one of the country’s famous camionetas or “chicken buses” to explore, soak up the sights of graceful Antigua, or be wowed by the monumental Maya temples of Tikal.

It’s easy to extend your trip to see more of Central America, too. Check out The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget for advice, and also discover why you shouldn’t rush through Guatemala City.

Guatemala

Bulgaria
Often unfairly overlooked, Bulgaria has a lot to offer budget travellers – not least some of the most deserted beaches in Europe, at bargain prices. In addition to its appealing coastline, there’s also lots of lovely old towns, including Varna on the coast and ancient Plovdiv, and a number of dramatic mountain ranges that are perfect for exploration on foot or by bike.

Bulgaria

India
India remains one of the ultimate destinations for budget travellers – there are few countries where you can still travel so extensively and eat so well for so little. If you’re after a beach break, eschew Goa for the gorgeous beaches of the temple town of Gokarna; for amazing food, it’s hard to beat the puris and kebabs of Mumbai’s street stalls; or head to the Golden City of Jaisalmer from where you can explore the seemingly endless sands of the Thar Desert.

Need more inspiration? Discover the most romantic places in India, check out our favourite places off the tourist trail and find out what it was like to write the first ever Rough Guide to the country.