Cheapest countries around the world for a budget friendly/ Student or Backpacker trip!

Published on: 11/12/201514/09/2022 by Nic Hilditch-Short Category:Backpacking Adventures, Backpacking Advice, Budget Travel, Off The Beaten Path, Saving Money, Travel Advice 2 Comments

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With everything feeling like it is becoming more and more expensive over the past few years it can be hard to feel like travel is an affordable thing to do. But that is where many are mistaken and miss out on a whole world of adventure…the global economy might have struggled in some places, but many other places around the world were either unaffected or actually came out on top! Here is a list of the cheapest and most budget friendly countries around the world to prove that all it takes to make travel affordable is a bit of research! Backpackers, students, scrimpers and savers…you don’t have to spend a fortune to visit somewhere amazing!

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Here we have 14 of the most budget friendly destinations around the world! All it takes is a bit of saving up, some research and away you go! Don’t let money stop you from exploring your world! Of course, you need you airfare so check out our best tips for saving up here! How to save for travelling: It’s easier than you think!

India

With some of the most impressive sights in the world, impressive religious ceremonies and of course the mecca of Vegetarianism India is one of the countries we are most looking forward to visiting as we pass through Asia. Not only will be finally be able to stand in from of the Taj Mahal but we will be able to do it for a tiny sum!

Accommodation average: 50-1000 Rps Per night
Food average: 30-300 Rps
Entrance fees average: 5-750 Rps
Local Transport: 70

100 Rupees = £1 / $1.49

Poland

If you are based in Europe then Poland is an amazing opportunity to see a beautiful country full of moving history and stunning architecture for a tiny price. Flight from the UK cost as little as £25 and accommodation is a steal. We visited in November 2015 and absolutely fell in love with Poland as well as eating out every night and picking up a few bargain buys! Alcohol is also crazily cheap too and the tram and absolute steal! We hardly spent any money in Krakow and had an amazing time!

Accommodation average: PLN 50- 135 per night
Food average: PLN 20- 60
Entrance fees average: PLN 5- 20
Local Transport: PLN 10

100 Zloty = £16.59 / $25.17

Cambodia

The home of amazing ancient ruins such as Angkor Wat, the stunning Preah Vihear Temple and the emotional Killing Fields. Cambodia is a country still in recovery from its horrific past but one which sparkles with the kindness of its people, the beauty of its landscapes and the serenity of its ancient temples. And its right at the top of our bucket list for South East Asia, this backpacker magnet attracts this crowd because of a combination of what it offers and the low price that comes at.

Accommodation average: 15,000 per night
Food average: 19,000
Local Transport: 6,500

1000 Cambodian Riel = £0.16 / $0.24

Ukraine

The second largest country in Europe and one time part of the Soviet Union Ukraine is often over looked and misunderstood. Offering historic cities with a unique blend of architecture and a fascinating look into the past Ukraine is a off the beaten track gem. We visited the western city of Lviv and struggled to spend our money, it is by far the cheapest place we have ever visited, going up the main town hall tower set up back only £0.20 and a can of red bull only £0.10…crazy when it cost sometimes as much as £2.00 at home!

Accommodation average: 290 per night
Food average: 70
Entrance fees average: 10-20
Local transport: 10

100 Ukrainian Hryvnia = £2.80 / $4.28

Slovakia

Despite being within the Euro zone Slovakia has still somehow managed to stay out of the financial crisis of the rest of Europe and keep their prices low! We headed over to the capital city of Bratislava this year to experience the charming and contrasting nature of the architecture, history and culture. Set only an hour away from Vienna this is also a great way to take the trip over to what is an expensive place without breaking the bank and also experiencing how wonderful Slovakia is too!

Accommodation average: 28Euros per night
Food average: 10 Euros
Entrance fees average: 5-20 Euros
Local Transport: 1-4 Euros

100 Euros = £72 / $109

Vietnam

Again its back to South East Asia where you can visit paradise and it will literally cost you hardly anything at all!! It’s no wonder this region is popular with travellers, whether they are backpackers or luxury tourists their money goes further and they get to see some stunning places such as Ha Long bay, the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City or one of the most important archeological sites in the region, the temple of My Son!

Accommodation average: 154,081.01per night
Food average: 83,885.56
Local Transport: 38,803.83

100,000 Vietnamese Dong = £2.93 / $4.45

Hungary

Another place we visited in 2014 and fell in love with, the capital of Budapest has to be one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen, not only that but Budapest has a refreshingly understated attitude that other such cities lack. It has a bohemian edge alongside its old world charms which come together to make a unique and intriguing city. It’s also a great bargain when other like cities as Paris, Rome and Vienna and expensive and crowded, Budapest is humble and affordable.

Accommodation average: 5,041.54 per night
Food average: 2,040.14
Local Transport: 950.24

1000 Hungarian Forint = £2.27 / $3.40

Bulgaria

Another in Eastern Europe…are you seeing a trend here! And also one which we will be visiting in 2016 with much anticipation. From the capital of Sofia with its impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, to the striking and historic Eastern Othodox Rila Monastery or the miles and miles of stunning beaches along its black sea coast and the mountainous regions famed for their snow sports…Bulgaria has something for everyone as well as being affordable for all too!

Accommodation average: 21.29 per night
Food average: 8.38
Local Transport: 5.57

100 Lev = £36.90 / $55.95

Turkey

A country both of us are very familiar with, Shorty having visited almost every summer when he was growing up and subsequently somewhere in which we have quite a few friends. Turkey is also somewhere that we plan on touring more extensively in the future as it has a wealth of both natural and historic sights on our bucket list; from the Blue Mosque to Cappadocia, the imposing saklikent gorge and the beautiful salt pools of Pamukkale.

Accommodation average: 31.90 per night
Food average: 12.43
Local Transport: 4.78

100 Turkish Lira = £22.56 / $34.21

Philippines

Again we return to South East Asia for a slice of Paradise. The Philippines is fast becoming the hottest backpacking destination in the world after the fact that is was dirt cheap and yet afforded a wealth of culture, natural sites and of course amazing beaches to explore. I have to admit to being quite naïve of the beauty that is at home in The Philippines despite having an Aunt who comes from there! Well now it is firmly in our plans for next year!

Accommodation average: 509.58 per night

Food average: 191.95
Local Transport: 102.67

100 Philippine Peso = £1.40 / $2.20

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic was the first country I ever visited in Eastern Europe and it really opened my eyes to just how different this region is but also how much I loved those differences. On the university trip I also fell in love with the gothic character and charm of Prague. Having kept its own currency when many around it have switched to the Euro has kept this picturesque country affordable for any who want to explore all it has to offer!

Accommodation average: 390.00 per night
Food average: 200.97
Local Transport: 56.93

100 Czech Koruna = £2.67 / $4.00

Bolivia

Our first foray over to South America on this list but it is to the wonderful country of Bolivia, one which we have dreamt of visiting for many years. This unique country is home to the largest indigenous population in the continent as well as being one of only two landlocked countries in South America. This remote country is also incredibly diverse from its climate and geography to its culture and demographics. The famous salt flats: Salar de Uyuni draw in many visitors per year to gaze at the mirror like desolate landscape.

Accommodation average: 24.45 per night
Food average: 28.80
Local Transport: 5.59

100 Bolivian Boliviano = £9.50 / $14.47

Egypt

Again we press on to yet another continent, Africa! We visited the land of the Pharaohs back in 2010 and was a little unsure what to expect. It was our first footsteps into Africa and to a country that had always fascinated me. We sailed down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and witnessed some of the most astounding historical sites we could ever have imagine alongside lush riverside villages, scorching deserts and passionate locals.

Accommodation average: 75.52 per night
Food average: 35.54
Local Transport: 19.92

100 Egyptian Pound = £8.40 / $12.77

Thailand

Well it only seems fitting to finish on the backpackers haven that it Thailand and the place that really sparked off our desire to travel in Asia. A staple of the travellers route through the region much like many of the other countries on this list it offers an almost unrivalled combination of diverse geography, sights, culture, adventure and paradise at an amazing budget price. For years it has been near the top of our list of places to explore and finally next year we get that chance!