Cheapest Countries to Visit in 2026: Budget Travel Ranked

Finding the cheapest countries to visit in 2026 means more adventure for less money. This guide ranks 20 destinations by daily travel costs, covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Southeast Asia, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Central America, and Africa offer the world’s best value, letting you stretch your budget further while experiencing rich culture and scenery.

Each country listing provides a daily budget estimate, average hotel rates, typical meal prices, and an insider tip to help you save even more. Use this ranking to compare destinations, plan your trip, and take advantage of Travorio’s hotel booking and pay-in-4 options. Travorio accepts crypto payments, helping you avoid currency exchange hassles in many developing countries.

Vietnam leads Southeast Asia for budget travelers. Expect to spend about $22 daily, covering a hotel ($10), street food meals ($1.50 each), local buses ($0.30 per ride), and entry to museums or attractions ($2-3). Visit between March and May for mild weather and lower prices. Insider tip: Use sleeper buses to save on both accommodation and transport costs.

Cambodia comes in close at $25 per day. Hotels average $11, while a hearty Khmer meal costs $2-3. Ride a tuk-tuk for $1-2 in city centers. The best months are May and June, just before the rainy season. Insider tip: Buy an Angkor Pass for three days rather than one, as it lowers the daily entry cost.

Laos offers serene riverside towns for $27 a day. Hostels or basic hotels run $12, noodle soup is $1.50, and intercity buses are $3-5. Visit from November to February for cool weather. Insider tip: Rent a bicycle in Luang Prabang for under $2 a day to explore like a local.

Indonesia is accessible for $28 daily. Hotels average $13, a nasi goreng meal is $1.50, and ferries between islands start at $3. May to September sees the best prices and fewer crowds. Insider tip: Use local warungs for meals to eat well for less than $2.

Philippines rounds out the region at $29 per day. Hotels are $13, meals $2, and jeepney rides $0.25. Shoulder seasons - February to May - offer good weather and lower rates. Insider tip: Book ferries and flights early for the best fares between islands.

Georgia allows travelers to explore for $30 daily. Hotels cost $14, khinkali dumplings are $2, and marshrutka rides are $1. May and September offer great value and pleasant weather. Insider tip: Wine is cheaper than bottled water in many towns.

Albania sits at $32 per day. Hotels go for $15, local meals $2.50, and city buses $0.50. Visit in May or October for fewer crowds and low prices. Insider tip: Use furgons (shared minibuses) for cheap regional travel.

Romania costs $33 a day. Hotels are $16, hearty meals $3, and trains start at $2. Late spring and early autumn are ideal. Insider tip: Many museums offer free entry on the first Wednesday of each month.

Bulgaria at $34 daily features hotels at $16, banitsa pastries for $1.50, and metro rides in Sofia for $0.80. Visit in June or September for bargains. Insider tip: Buy intercity bus tickets in advance for best prices.

Turkey comes in at $36 per day. Hotels cost $18, kebabs are $2.50, and ferries in Istanbul are $1. Visit in April or November for lower rates. Insider tip: Use Istanbulkart for discounts on public transport.

Morocco offers a $39 daily budget. Hotels are $19, tagine meals $2.50, and city trams $0.60. March to May and October bring mild weather and bargains. Insider tip: Shop at local souks but always negotiate prices.

Egypt is $41 per day. Hotels run $21, koshari meals are $1.50, and Cairo metro rides are $0.30. Travel in February or November. Insider tip: Buy train tickets at the station for the lowest fares.

Tanzania comes in at $44 a day. Hotels cost $22, ugali meals $2, and dala dala minibuses $0.40. Visit in June or October for the best value. Insider tip: Visit national parks on a group tour for lower safari costs.

Use Travorio’s hotel platform to compare prices and find options that fit your daily budget. Flexible payment plans are available for many properties (pay-in-4 hotels), subject to approval, so you can lock in rates even if you’re still saving. Travorio also accepts crypto payments, letting you avoid currency exchange fees and ATM charges in countries where cash is king.

Always compare transport options, as local buses and shared taxis offer the best value. Eat at markets and street food stalls for authentic meals at the lowest prices. Many museums and attractions have free or discounted days, especially in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

For up-to-date country safety and visa information, check resources like the U.S. State Department or UK Foreign Office.