Top 15 beautiful and cheap countries to travel in the world
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the most beautiful destinations in the world. There are plenty of cheap, yet incredible, places to travel.
10min
Most countries can be done on a budget. You can eat street food, take part in only free activities, or even volunteer in return for free accommodation. There are endless ways to save money!
That being said, some countries are easier to travel cheaply than others. Let’s be honest, you don’t want to be focusing on how much you’re spending all the time. Or missing out on unforgettable experiences because they're too expensive.
There are countries out there that are so cheap that you can leave your budget tracker at home. Instead you can enjoy your time, make memories and still not say goodbye to all of your savings.
To do this, picking the right countries to visit is important and a key step in travel preparation.
The top places to travel on a budget in Latin America
1. Nicaragua
Give it a few more years, and Nicaragua is going to be one of the most popular destinations in the world. Why?
It has everything you could want — surfing, volcanoes to climb, volcanoes to slide down, Caribbean islands, stunning colonial cities, diverse nature. And it’s cheap!
In fact, it’s one of the cheapest countries in Latin America. The average hostel costs between $10-15 per night, good meals are $3-5, transportation is usually a couple of dollars and activities are affordable.
Top money saving tip: For activities like the popular volcano boarding in Leon, try to get a big group together. This way you can haggle on the price and pay less.
2. Colombia
The first word that springs to mind when I think of Colombia is ‘magical’. It's hard to put your finger on exactly why, but it has something to do with the music, dancing and extraordinary people that Colombia has to offer.
Without having to splash too much cash, you can visit Colombia's vast deserts, sprawling cosmopolitan cities, Caribbean beaches, jungle and thriving coffee plantations.
Travelling on a budget in Colombia is almost something that you don’t have to think about. With $1 arepas for dinner, you’ll be below budget!
Top money saving tips: Look out for signs advertising a ‘menu del dia’. These can usually be found at local restaurants during lunchtime. For around $3, you can enjoy a drink, soup and main course.
Another way to save money and enhance your experience in Colombia, is to volunteer. Why not spend a few weeks creating content for a foundation or learn bioconstruction in the Sierra Nevada?
3. Peru
Peru is home to the famous Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It’s also a haven for hikers. If getting the bus to Machu Picchu doesn’t sound like enough of an adventure for you, then you can spend 4-5 days hiking there instead!
Similar to Colombia, Peru is incredibly diverse. You can visit an oasis in the middle of the desert, get lost in the Andes, spend a night on the highest lake in the world or step back in time to join the Inca people.
What food instantly comes to mind when you think of Peru? Probably Ceviche or Guinea Pig! Whilst Guinea Pig (a must try) is a little pricey, it's easy to eat cheap in Peru. Visit a local market and enjoy delicious ceviche for less than $2.
Top money saving tip: The journeys between destinations can be pretty long in Peru. Opt for a night bus to save money on accommodation.
Check out 15 more money saving tips to help you travel on a budget.