Thailand
Southeast Asia
Daily Budget: $35 - $50
Accommodation: $8 - $20
Food: $5 - $15
Transport: $2 - $10
Visa: Visa exemption for many countries (30-60 days)
Safety Tip: Watch out for common tourist scams in major cities and be careful when renting scooters.
Vietnam
Southeast Asia
Daily Budget: $30 - $45
Accommodation: $5 - $15
Food: $4 - $12
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: E-visa available for most nationalities (30-90 days)
Safety Tip: Traffic in major cities is chaotic; learn to cross streets slowly and steadily.
Cambodia
Southeast Asia
Daily Budget: $25 - $40
Accommodation: $5 - $12
Food: $5 - $10
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: Visa on arrival available ($30)
Safety Tip: Be cautious of bag snatching in Phnom Penh and stick to well-lit areas at night.
Laos
Southeast Asia
Daily Budget: $25 - $40
Accommodation: $5 - $12
Food: $4 - $10
Transport: $3 - $8
Visa: Visa on arrival available for most ($30-$40)
Safety Tip: Roads can be winding and dangerous; avoid overnight bus travel if possible.
Indonesia
Southeast Asia
Daily Budget: $30 - $50
Accommodation: $8 - $20
Food: $5 - $15
Transport: $2 - $10
Visa: Visa on arrival available for many countries (30 days)
Safety Tip: Stay aware of local customs and dress modestly outside of major tourist hubs like Bali.
Guatemala
Central America
Daily Budget: $35 - $50
Accommodation: $10 - $20
Food: $8 - $15
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: 90-day visa exemption for many countries
Safety Tip: Use reputable transport companies and avoid traveling at night between cities.
Nicaragua
Central America
Daily Budget: $30 - $45
Accommodation: $8 - $18
Food: $6 - $15
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: 90-day visa exemption for many countries (Tourist card fee $10)
Safety Tip: Keep up to date on local political situations and avoid large protests or gatherings.
Honduras
Central America
Daily Budget: $35 - $50
Accommodation: $10 - $20
Food: $8 - $15
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: 90-day visa exemption for many countries
Safety Tip: Stick to well-known tourist areas like the Bay Islands or Copán and avoid major cities at night.
Albania
Eastern Europe
Daily Budget: $40 - $60
Accommodation: $12 - $25
Food: $10 - $20
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: Visa free for many countries (up to 90 days)
Safety Tip: Generally very safe, but driving conditions and local traffic norms can be chaotic.
Georgia
Eastern Europe
Daily Budget: $35 - $55
Accommodation: $10 - $25
Food: $8 - $18
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: Visa free for 1 year for many nationalities
Safety Tip: Very safe overall; take care when hiking in remote mountain regions.
Romania
Eastern Europe
Daily Budget: $45 - $65
Accommodation: $15 - $30
Food: $12 - $25
Transport: $4 - $12
Visa: Visa free for Schengen/EU and many others (90 days)
Safety Tip: Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and train stations in Bucharest.
Bulgaria
Eastern Europe
Daily Budget: $40 - $60
Accommodation: $12 - $25
Food: $10 - $20
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: Visa free for Schengen/EU and many others (90 days)
Safety Tip: Use official taxis to avoid being overcharged and keep valuables secure in tourist areas.
Nepal
South Asia
Daily Budget: $25 - $40
Accommodation: $5 - $15
Food: $5 - $12
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: Visa on arrival available for most (15/30/90 days)
Safety Tip: Always trek with a guide or partner in remote areas and monitor weather conditions.
Sri Lanka
South Asia
Daily Budget: $30 - $50
Accommodation: $8 - $20
Food: $6 - $15
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: ETA required before arrival for most nationalities
Safety Tip: Respect local customs, cover shoulders/knees in temples, and negotiate tuk-tuk prices beforehand.
India
South Asia
Daily Budget: $20 - $40
Accommodation: $5 - $15
Food: $4 - $10
Transport: $2 - $10
Visa: E-visa required for most nationalities
Safety Tip: Be vigilant against common scams, dress conservatively, and drink only bottled or filtered water.
Morocco
Africa
Daily Budget: $35 - $55
Accommodation: $10 - $25
Food: $8 - $20
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: Visa free for many countries (up to 90 days)
Safety Tip: Firmly but politely decline unwanted touts and agree on taxi fares before getting in.
Egypt
Africa
Daily Budget: $30 - $50
Accommodation: $8 - $20
Food: $5 - $15
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: E-visa or Visa on arrival for many nationalities ($25)
Safety Tip: Expect aggressive vendors at major tourist sites; dress modestly to respect local culture.
Bolivia
South America
Daily Budget: $30 - $45
Accommodation: $6 - $15
Food: $5 - $12
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: Requirements vary; US citizens need a visa (often available on arrival)
Safety Tip: Acclimatize slowly to the high altitude in cities like La Paz to avoid altitude sickness.
Colombia
South America
Daily Budget: $35 - $55
Accommodation: $10 - $25
Food: $8 - $18
Transport: $3 - $10
Visa: 90-day visa exemption for many countries
Safety Tip: Avoid walking alone at night in major cities; use ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs off the street.
Ecuador
South America
Daily Budget: $35 - $50
Accommodation: $10 - $20
Food: $8 - $15
Transport: $2 - $8
Visa: 90-day visa exemption for many countries
Safety Tip: Keep a close eye on belongings on public buses and be cautious in certain neighborhoods of Quito and Guayaquil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest region to travel?
Southeast Asia and South Asia are generally considered the cheapest regions for budget travel, where you can comfortably survive on $25-$40 per day.
How much should I budget per day in Southeast Asia?
A daily budget of $30-$45 is typically sufficient for a budget traveler in Southeast Asia, covering hostel accommodation, local street food, and public transport.
Are budget destinations safe?
Yes, most budget destinations are safe for travelers who exercise standard precautions. Always research specific areas, avoid walking alone at night in unlit areas, and secure your valuables.
Do I need a visa for these destinations?
Visa requirements vary greatly by your nationality and the destination country. Many offer visa-on-arrival or e-visas, but it is essential to check official government websites before booking your trip.
How can I find cheap accommodation?
Use booking platforms like Hostelworld, Agoda, and Booking.com to find budget hostels and guesthouses. Booking slightly in advance or negotiating longer stays locally can also help reduce costs.