Have a tight budget? Going on a holiday can be heavy on the pocket, and it would be difficult to embark on the journey, but if you choose the destination wisely, you can go for your vacation and return with money left in your wallet. Yes! It is possible.
Read on to know about the cheapest places to travel for a holiday. Being cheap does not mean they are not beautiful, they are worth every penny and still cost less than many other high priced countries.
1. Vietnam
Average Daily Costs Per Person: $68 / Day
A beautiful country with everything from architectural beauty to lush green rice terraces, Vietnam is a country with breathtaking natural treasures at prices so low that it occupies the top place on the list of the cheapest countries to visit in the world. Gaze over surreal limestone islands from the Chinese deck at Halong Bay or explore spirituality in the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. A holiday in Hanoi provides the best of Vietnam’s lifestyle experiences in a bustling city.
It has pristine beaches and an enlightening cultural history, but the cheap prices make Vietnam way too cool. You can practically buy a dish for $1, a hearty breakfast meal for $4 to $7 and a Vietnamese coffee for $2. If you plan to go to a decent restaurant and have a delectable table of 5-7 dishes, you are going to shell somewhere around $55-$60 dollars. The cost of visiting attractions, buying a beer, and even booking accommodation is unbelievably low. You can stay in a great room with a geyser, plasma TV with cable service, A.C., 24-hour security, water heater, all for approximately $26 per night in low seasons. Vietnam has great shopping options at low prices, so if you want to take home souvenirs, you are in for a great deal.
Low-Cost Holiday Budget: $26 per day
Mid-Priced Holiday Budget: $68 per day
Top Attractions and Experiences: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Delicious Food, and Mekong Delta
Best Time to Visit: November to April (Peak Season) and April to June and September to October (Shoulder Season)
2. Cambodia
Average Daily Cost Per Person: $74 / Day
Cambodia can make you happy and depressed at the same time. It has an empire of temples and the torturing tales of Tuol Sleng prison; Cambodia calls you for an intoxicating and addictive journey of diversity. The Cambodian treasury lies in having the 8th wonder of the world and the warmth of its people. Anyone who has ever been to Cambodia can vouch for their optimism and always smiling faces.
In Cambodia, accommodation is the cheapest part of your trip (unless, of course, you want to stay in a suite). Also, considering Cambodia’s hot weather, you are not going to miss hot water and for the air conditioner, nights are much better than the days there. As for transportation, you can easily rent a bike for just approximately $2 a day. Similarly, a standard satisfying meal can come between $11. While booze eats up most of anyone’s travel budget, you can have the famous Angkor beer for just $2 in the Cambodian capital. Visit this place during the off-season, and you won’t believe the prices.The average cost for a holiday package for budget travellers is around $120 per day; these may obviously vary as per the duration of stay and quality of travel amenities booked.
Low-Cost Holiday Budget: $26 per day
Mid-Priced Holiday Budget: $74 per day
Top Attractions and Experiences: Angkor Wat, Fascinating ancient temples, Phnom Penh nightlife, spotless beaches, and floating villages
Best Time to Visit: December to March (Peak Season), April to May and November (Shoulder Season)
3. Bulgaria
Average Daily Cost Per Person: $77 / Day
While you cannot consider Bulgaria the cheapest country to visit, it is certainly one of them. When compared to European standards, visiting this country is an absolute steal. This small country has great seashores (and resorts), sky-high mountains, picture-perfect, cozy small towns, and everything you would want to experience as a tourist but at a cheaper cost.
Accommodation is not on the higher side, but if you are looking for a real deal, then stay a bit farther from the main cities, and you can easily get rooms and hostels for as low as $15 but that might not be as comfortable as you would want it. It’s best to keep a realistic expectation and opt for a stay with comfort at a reasonably affordable rate. The average cost for a single room or hostel is around $36. Meals are quite cheap; a typical Bulgarian fast food costs around $4 and a meal costs about $5 onwards. Take care of your waistline, as with such inexpensive food options, you are most likely to get carried away.
Low-Cost Holiday Budget: $40 per day
Mid-Priced Holiday Budget: $85 per day
Top Attractions and Experiences: The Black Sea Coastline, Pristine Lakes and Rivers, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Bulgarian BreakfastBest Time to Visit: June to August (Peak Season) and April to May and September (Shoulder Season)
4. Sri Lanka
Average Daily Cost Per Person: $63 / Day
Sri Lanka is no less than a paradise for those who are in love with palm trees, white sandy beaches, tea plantations, waterfalls, exceptionally beautiful architectural marvels, and warm and friendly people. Sri Lanka is not only an inexpensive country; it is also a significant Buddhist place, with 70% of the Sri Lankans following Buddhist culture. It is a seafood lover’s paradise- not to mention at incredibly cheap rates.
In Sri Lanka, even if you plan not to live a meager life, you can easily live under $30 per day like royalty. Average accommodation prices projected for budget hotels are around $25 in the low season and $ 40 in the high season. However, be cautious, as foreigners tend to pay more than the actual fares for traveling, so it’s better to ask for regular rates beforehand. Ideally, it is better to keep a budget of $65 per day for a budgeted yet smooth vacation in Sri Lanka. It’s always better to book your trip itinerary when finalizing your Sri Lanka visa formalities. The food, the accommodation, and even the sightseeing can be availed of at a lower price in Sri Lanka but the places and the culture are priceless.
Low-Cost Holiday Budget: $35 per day
Mid-Priced Holiday Budget: $65 per day
Top Attractions and Experiences: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Rich Wildlife, Ceylon Tea, Marvelous Beaches, Traditional Sri Lankan Food
Best Time to Visit: December to March (Peak Season) and September to November and April (Shoulder Season)
5. India
Average Daily Cost Per Person: $45 / Day
If you plan to shop in the high-end streets of Mumbai in the branded stores, then it’s a different story; otherwise, India is a magnificent destination to visit at comparatively very cheap rates. Traveling by train is more affordable and both trains and buses are amazing means of transportation. The largest democracy in the world is so full of diversity that it will be difficult to decide which of the 29 states to visit. Hence, it is recommended not to be in a hurry when visiting India, as it can be an experience of your lifetime.
The pink city of Jaipur, the Taj Mahal in Agra, the backwaters in Kerala, Rajasthan’s palaces and forts, and the monasteries in Ladakh are must-visits. If you are not looking for royal luxury, the accommodation is cheap and won’t cost you more than $34 per day. Similarly, street food in India is famous all over the world, so if you can, try to have street food that comes at unbelievably cheap rates and is delectable. You’ll be spoilt for choices, particularly if you have a sweet tooth. India is vast and diverse and your perfect vacation in India depends on the season you intend to visit, the type of amenities you would require, and the number of days you would spend there. Regardless, you should budget around $45 every day for a hassle-free Indian trip.
Low-Cost Holiday Budget: $25 per day
Mid-Priced Holiday Budget: $50 per day
Top Attractions and Experiences: Abundant Natural Beauty, Cultural and Gastronomic Diversity, Ancient Palaces and Forts, Rich Wildlife, Himalayan Adventures, and the Backwaters of Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February (Peak Season) and October (Shoulder Season)
Conclusion
Don’t let holidays take a toll on your pocket; instead, get the most out of them and plan your next holiday to these inexpensive destinations around the world. The experiences of travelers are bound to differ, and we are just as curious as you. So, if you have been to any of these countries or are planning to go, share your experience with us.