25 CHEAPEST Travel Destinations for 2022

Which countries in the world offer the most value? Where should young travelers go to make the most of their money? Where can you travel in 2022 for the lowest costs, longest time, and experience awesome adventures?

I am a budget traveler through and through, so you already know I am constantly looking for travel deals! As a young traveler I wanted to make my part time incomes last as long as possible during trips. Here are 25 of the cheapest places to travel in the world next year where you can experience adventure, accommodation, food, and transportation for less!

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Jump Right To The

Cheapest Destination in the World for 2022 >>> India
Cheapest Food >>> Bali
Cheapest Accommodations >>> Cambodia
Cheapest Transportation >>> Vietnam

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ASIA

BY FAR, the CHEAPEST place to travel is Asia. The continent has many small bordering nations that offer unlimited activities, adventures, accommodations, and amenities for an extremely good value! The region offers price saving opportunities using the well established public transportation systems on buses, trains, and domestic flights.

1. Bali – $25/Day

Bali is one of the most affordable travel destinations I have ever visited, and it is perfect for any young traveler who wants to see dramatic waterfalls, rainforests, volcanoes, and sea life without spending a fortune. Bali is actually my favorite place to scuba dive so far, and I will be posting a complete dive guide soon!

The biggest expense is actually traveling to Bali, because it is in the middle of the Indonesian Ocean and halfway around the world from Europe and North America. Once you get there you will see how crazy cheap everything is, but the trick to saving the most money is by haggling for every purchase you make. Haggling is a skill and it will take practice, but even saving a few dollars here and there will add up.

Be prepared if you rent a moped that cops have been known to pull tourists over without cause, and many travelers describe how they had to be bribe the police to avoid getting detained.

Accommodation: $5-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $5-$10 moped day rentals. (can vary depending on bike condition, renter, and bargaining skills).
Food: $5-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $5 for 2GB every 30 days.

2. Laos – $30/Day

Laos is a backpacker’s best friend when it comes to budget travel destinations. Your daily budget can easily be kept below $30 per day, and that price includes great activities! You can see beautiful waterfalls, tube down the majestic Vang Vieng river, get a massage, or adventure on a moped for only a few dollars! A large variety of hostels are distributed throughout Laos, catering to every kind of backpacker, at virtually every price range.

Accommodation: $5-$10 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $6-$15 motorbike day rental (can vary depending on bike condition, renter, and bargaining skills) or $25 intercity bus tickets.
Food: $3-$9 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $6 for 1.5GB every 30 days.

3. Cambodia – $25/Day

I know several people who have spent months backpacking across Cambodia with only $1,000, so it is definitely on my list of the cheapest destinations. This country is another great place to practice your haggling skills, and there are always deals to be had. You can rough it and explore the country for dirt cheap by staying in dorms, buying local food and alcohol, and staying away from the most popular cities.

Accommodation: $3-$10 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $6-$10 moped day rental (can vary depending on bike condition, renter, and bargaining skills) or intercity bus ticket.
Food: $5-$10 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
SIM card and data: $2 for 1.5GB every 30 days.

4. Vietnam – $30/Day

Vietnam is a a food lover’s dream destination for authentic Vietnamese street food and local cuisine. You can spend under $10 per day on meals and snacks backpacking around the country tasting piping hot soup, rice noodles, and pork meals for less than $2. Motorbikes and mopeds are equally as cheap, and many cities have rideshare bicycles as cheap as $0.25 per kilometer.

Accommodation: $5-$10 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: starting at $0.25.
Food: $10-$15 per day.
SIM card and data: $2 for 1.5GB every 30 days.

5. Thailand – $30/Day

Thailand is my favorite cheap travel destination in Southeast Asia. This country has almost unbelievably cheap accommodations, food, and activities! I stayed in hostels from Hostel World for $6 per day! The country has amazing local street food, but follow my guide how to safely eat street food in Asia so you do not get sick!

Each city in Thailand offers different levels of accommodation and you may even find nicer places to stay in local beach towns. I also recommend checking Airbnb properties because sometimes you can spend closer to $30 per day and get an entire house that comes with a private chef, breakfast, and sometimes even a driver.

Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Phuket for awesome travel ideas for southern Thailand. The activities around Thailand are cheap too, and I found a lot of package deals through hostels that let you see multiple destinations on a single trip, giving you more bang for your buck.

Accommodation: $5-$10 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $6-$10 moped day rental, driver, or included activity pickups.
Food: $5-$15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
SIM card and data: $7 for 1.5GB every 30 days.

6. Philippines – $35/Day

The Philippines is another obvious destination for budget backpackers and travel bucket lists with hundreds of tropical islands, world class dive sites, and hidden gems to explore. Depending on where you fly from, getting to the Philippines is usually the most expensive part. There are many different islands to choose from and each has different activities, sights, and associated costs. Each island has their own luxury and affordable sections so you can locate money saving accommodations or splurge anywhere you go.

The island archipelago offers less hostel choices than other parts of Southeast Asia, but some of my favorite hostels I have ever stayed in are in the Philippines! The cheapest way to get to the Philippines is by connecting through a major airport like Seoul, South Korea or Singapore rather than trying to find a direct flight.

You can also save money by exploring nearby islands instead of travelling across the entire country. Some islands have ferries and other forms of transportation, that can offer budget friendly alternatives to flying.

Accommodation: $7-$13 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $10-$15 moped day rental, (can vary depending on bike condition, renter, and bargaining skills). There are also city/island buses that leave from the airport, and groups can save money renting private drivers for less than $50 per day. Boats to nearby islands may cost $15-$20.
Food: $5-$15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
SIM card and data: $6 for 2GB every 30 days.

7. India – $20/Day

India is a vast country with many different areas that offer varying costs and expenses, but for predominantly low costs. Southern regions offer the best budget friendly accommodations and transportation with hostels and rooms as low as $3 for a basic room. Keep in mind that showering is commonly done using buckets of heated water. and cheaper accommodations will not be privy to any kind of amenity luxuries. Book every activity yourself to save money otherwise using agents, booking sites, and tour companies will add up.

Accommodation: $3-$6 per day in communal guesthouses.
Transportation: $1-$3 per day for local bus and train tickets, and $8-$30 for intercity transportation. Domestic flights start around $30.
Food: $3-$6 per day.
SIM card and data: $3 for 1.5GB every 30 days.

8. China – $25/Day

Traveling to China saved my budget when I flew around the world! It gave me the chance to recuperate my savings while enjoying relaxation, food, and activities without stressing about costs.

Choose smaller or lesser explored cities instead of going to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong for better cost savings and authentic experiences. I travelled to Xian, Chong Qing, and Cheng du which are relatively small for China but still enormous cities. Affordable provinces you should check out include Guangxi, Sichuan, and Dali.

Many cities in China have multiple ride share, bike rentals, and inner-city bus options that only cost a few dollars. Large tourist cities like Beijing and Shanghai can be done on a budget by staying at hostels and eating street food. The most expensive costs in China is the domestic transportation on bullet trains and airfare between provinces. Domestics travel can run you upwards of $20 per train ticket, but costs can be reduced by spending more time traveling inside each province on local trains, sourcing buses, or opportune domestic flights.

Accommodation: $5-$10 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $1-$3 for ride share, bicycle rental, and inner-city buses and trains. $10-$30 intercity trains, buses, and domestic flights.
Food: $4-$10 per day.
SIM card and data: $15 for 2GB every 30 days. Download a VPN to bypass firewalls and stay connected with your social media and Google!

NORTH AMERICA

9. Mexico – $40 to $60/Day

One time I spent a week in Mexico at an all inclusive resort, went on multiple dive trips, and explored ancient Mayan ruins for less than $60 per day. I know if you want to do Mexico on a budget there are ways to save even more money, while still doing adventure activities crossing items off of your travel bucket list.

A guaranteed way to save money traveling to Mexico is to stay away from tourist capitals like Cancun and Play del Carmen! Mexico is a large country with cities that cater to budget backpacker lifestyles including Oaxaca, Tulum, and Sayulita. The reputation of Mexico for being dangerous for tourists is concentrated to specific areas, and there are many other safe destinations to explore around the country.

Authentic street tacos, enchiladas, and tequila can be enjoyed for less than $3, expeditions to Mayan ruins or exotic cenotes for less than $20, and stunning white sand beaches outside of hostels and resorts for FREE!

If you are traveling to Cancun or other tourists capitals grab an all inclusive Groupon deal that can cover your accommodation, food, drinks, and sometimes even airfare!

Accommodation: $8-$15 per day in hostels. All inclusive resorts start at $50 per day, and there are many opportunities for work stays elsewhere.
Transportation: $3-$5 using public buses, private drivers, and taxis.
Food: $8-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $10 for 2GB every 30 days.

10. Costa Rica – $60/Day

Costa Rica offers some of the most interesting wildlife, nature adventures, and luxury experiences for affordable rates across either of the American continents and the world! You can:

• Hike to volcanos, waterfalls, and beaches.
• Explore the rainforests to see sloths, toucans, and jaguars.
• Photograph river crocodiles from a kayak or baby sea turtles hatching on a beach.
• Relax in Arenal volcano hot springs while meditating inside ethereal cloud forests.
• Ride horseback through coffee plantations and enjoy magical butterfly pavilions.
• Enjoy tropical shave ice, fresh bananas, coconuts, pineapples, and star fruit on beaches on both sides of the country.

The biggest expense in Costa Rica is the activities you choose to do and the transportation to get there. Some destinations require river ferries, while most can be accessed by bus. Costa Rica is known for illustrious adventures because where else can you kayak with crocodiles, river raft with snakes, snorkel with pufferfish, and zipline through clouds?

Plan ahead of time and save up a chunk of adventure money because I assure you it will be well worth the extra splurge.

Accommodation: $15-$30 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $15-$30 per day.
Food: $7-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $2 for 1GB every 30 days.

11. Cuba – $30/Day

Cuba is an island paradise with cars and architecture that looks preserved out of a 1950’s time capsule. This island nation has been cut off from American tourists for almost 50 years and has recently been reopened, encouraging many young travelers to explore the island. You can get awesome deals in Cuba, compared to other nearby Caribbean destinations.

Food and transportation may cost you less than $10 per day eating local and using public transportation. Hotels cost $37 and hostels will save you about half of that! You can adventure around the island on mopeds, beach hop, and make sure you get an authentic Cuban cigar to smoke while you are there.

Accommodation: $15-$20 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $10 on public transportation.
Food: $10 per day.
SIM card and data: $25 for 2.5GB every 30 days (EXPENSIVE), but you can find cheaper prepaid plans that use preloaded minutes.

12. Puerto Rico – $70/Day

Puerto Rico is the most expensive destination I have included on this list, but it is on here because of outreagelosly cheap airfare usually associated with flights from the USA.

Expect to spend about $70 per day in Puerto Rico because hotel accommodations start at $45 and food will cost you about $30 for all three meals. You can save money by eating local and cooking meals with ingredients purchased from local markets. Domestic transportation is cheap, and the island is small so many sights can be walked or biked to. Be mindful of hurricane season and periods of distress when storms damage the island’s limited power grid and resources.

Accommodation: $30-$40 per day in a hostel or hotel.
Transportation: $14 for local transit tickets.
Food: $30 per day.
SIM card and data: $12 for 3GB every 30 days.

SOUTH AMERICA

South America is NEXT on my travel bucket list, and when I go I want to make the most out of my money by spending the most amount of time in each country. I plan on saving money by going to destinations known for amazing food, hikes, culture, and affordable activities.

13. Guatemala – $38/Day

Guatemala has long been on my travel wish list because of its unique volcanos, inland lakes, ancient ruins, lush jungles, and stunning architecture in historic colonial cities. Local street foods are delicious and can be as cheap as $3 for a full meal!

The best way to save money in Guatemala is by staying outside of Antigua and large city centers. Local settings are always going to be your best friend when budget backpacking as long as there is adequate return transportation. Guatemala’s transportation system consists of outfitted buses that can be risky and confusing. My best tactic for situations involving crazy travel is to watch and replicate what the locals are doing, because most of the time they are going in the same direction you are trying to go too.

Accommodation: $10-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $1-$3 for inner-city buses and $5-$10 for intercity buses.
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $13 for 2GB every 30 days.

14. Nicaragua – $35/Day

Nicaragua is very cheap compared to its Central American neighbors like Costa Rica and Panama. The country offers similar features like volcanoes, hot springs, rainforests, wildlife, and native American cultures. Nicaragua has been nicknamed the next Costa Rica, and it is only a matter of time before its prices increase to match its neighbors in coming years.

The small nation has oceans on its east and west borders great for surfing, hiking, and diving. The country is filled with ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins, stunning beaches, and dense rainforests. Hostels are dispersed around the country so you can easily find accommodations journeying through the mountains.

Be forewarned, Nicaragua does have unfortunate safety concerns and the country experiences intermittent periods of unrest so stay up to date on the official advisory site, before going.

Accommodation: $5-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $3-$5 per day for inner-city bus rides, or $8-$15 for intercity buses.
Food: $6-$10 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $12 for 1GB every 30 days.

15. Columbia – $35/Day

I have heard so many good things about traveler’s adventure backpacking Columbia in recent years that I had to add it to my South American bucket list. The country has historically been quite dangerous with reputations of drugs, human trafficking, and high crime rates. Harsh times seem to be changing and Columbia is rapidly transforming into a popular and affordable backpacker destination and global contributor.

The country is full of historical sites, colonial architecture, local lore, legends, and nature. Columbia sits along the Amazon and offers quite the repertoire of jungle adventure tours for nature enthusiasts or intrepid explorers. Diving is supposedly some of the best in the region, and splurging will be easy considering food and other travel expenses are so affordable.

Accommodation: $8-$12 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $1-$3 per day for inner-city buses and $10-$50 for intercity buses. Check for cheap domestic flight rates!
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $13 for 2GB every 30 days.

EUROPE

16. Greece – $30/Day

Greece is one of those places in the world that is way cheaper than you would think. Traveling to Greece on my around the world tour saved my budget from total collapse after Italy’s gelato escapade broke my bank. Street food around the country is almost always less than $10 and transportation on public transit it incredibly affordable.

I stayed in Airbnbs near public transit so getting around was easy and stress free. If you travel to Greece in peak tourist weeks from July to August, you may experience increased prices and crowds. Plan your trip a few weeks earlier or later to get the best prices on flights, accommodation, authentic experiences, and more tolerable weather.

Walking tours and site entries are fairly priced, but if you plan on island hopping get ready to start spending money. It can be more affordable splitting costs in groups to minimize transfer costs between destinations. Aegean airlines is my go to Grecian airline, and you are likely to find domestic flight deals, but if all else fails you know Ryan Air is my girl!

Accommodation: $10-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $10-$15 for car rental split between group. $30 daily moped rental. $10-$20 island ferry tickets.
Food: $10-$15 per day.
SIM card and data: $12 for 2GB every 30 days.

17. Italy – $40

Ok I know what you are thinking, that Italy cannot be on a list of the cheapest travel destinations. Except you would be completely wrong, because I know for a FACT you can visit Italy for very cheap, even with gelato escapades after every meal! I travelled through Italy on a budget of less than $30 per day, but to do that you are going to need EXTREME self control to stick to your savings tactics.

I am telling you! You NEED to budget for gelato! Not one, not two, but four times a day! It is so good in every city in Italy, and the perfect treat after any hot day of sight seeing around cities. There are so many flavors you have never heard of and it completes every meal.

The largest expenses you will find in Italy are food, gelato, train transit, and accommodations. The Airbnb and hostels across Italy are accessible, relatively cheap, and they are perfect for small groups to split. Trains are also affordable and will take you all over the country.

Accommodation: $15-$20 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $10-$20.
Food: $5-$15 not including gelato.
SIM card and data: $5 for 5GB every 30 days.

18. Romania – $33/Day

Romania is Dracula territory and definitely off the beaten path of most European backpacking trips. The country offers many small towns and unknown activities that are free or extremely cheap!

Romania is a great place for sightseeing through medieval villages and historical architecture lining cobble stone streets. There are many free walking tours in popular cities. Hostels are usually less than $15 per day and there is delicious fresh produce at all local markets.

Accommodation: $10-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $5-$10 for daily bus or train tickets.
Food: $10-$15 per day by cooking some meals.
SIM card and data: $6 for 3GB every 30 days.

19. Georgia – $30/Day

How many people have you heard going to Georgia on a European trip? Probably not that many, but it is an absolutely beautiful and affordable destination. Georgia has one of the most lenient entry requirements and you will likely be able to stay for up to a year without a visa!

Georgia is known for its wine, historic towns, medieval lore, and mountain hikes. You could easily entertain yourself for an extended period of time in this country exploring monasteries, local cuisine, and wild nature. Hitchhiking for short distances is also a popular method of transportation if you want to save bus and train fares.

Accommodation: $5-$15 per night in a hostel.
Transportation: $3-$5 for daily bus or train tickets.
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $3 for 1GB every 30 days.

20. Croatia – $40/Day

A lake and waterfall lovers paradise can be found on the stunning turquoise banks of Croatia. This country is known for its parties, year round sunshine, and crystal clear waters. There are countless boat and beach parties around the hundreds of islands surrounding the country’s coast.

Traveling to Croatia is similar to Greece where you will find cheap food, accommodations, and transportation with the greatest associated costs with island transfers. Traveling outside of the peak season is the best thing you can do for your photography and experience as this is a very popular summer destination.

Accommodation: $12-$16 per night in a hostel.
Transportation: $12-$15 for car rental split between group. $10-$15 daily ferry tickets.
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $8 for 2GB every 30 days.

21. Estonia – $40/Day

Estonia is the perfect destination for adventure traveler’s that love hiking, national parks, and exploring nature. Over 53% of the country is covered by dense forests with many hiking trails that are either free or very affordable. Small towns across the country are great for biking, walking, or short rides lowering the overall cost of getting around.

Accommodations are cheaper in large cities so it is probably a good idea to base yourself there and do day trips to smaller towns.

Accommodation: $10-$12 per night in a hostel.
Transportation: $3-$6 for daily train tickets. $10-$15 for intercity train tickets.
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $7 Baltic SIM card for 3GB every 30 days.

22. Turkey

The land of a thousand hot air balloons! Turkey is an amazing travel destination and should be on everyone’s bucket list. Hot air balloons rise every single morning in Cappadocia city in central Turkey for about 90 minutes so you can see them any time of the year!

Note that hot air balloon rides will run you almost $300, but watching is for FREE!

Traveling around Turkey can be quite costly so plan your tip by grouping nearby activities you want to do to minimize expenses. Take overnight buses to save you accommodation costs and time traveling between destinations. Food in Turkey is always cheap and delicious.

Accommodation: $5-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $1-$3 for taxi ride, and $30-$60 for overnight buses.
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $8 for 2GB every 30 days.

AFRICA

23. Egypt – $35/Day

Egypt is a classic travel destination with thousands of years of Mediterranean history, culture, archaeology, and ruins to explore. Hostels and overnight buses between cities can start as cheap as $5 per night! Foreign perceptions often highlight safety dangers of the country, but most of Egypt is free from any of those hazards.

Street foods around Egypt are to die for, an even better reason to stay away from the more expensive western chain restaurants. You can literally buy bread from street vendors for 5 cents, making stuffed sandwiches and hummus dishes often less than $2!

Accommodation: $4-$8 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $5 overnight intercity buses. $10-$80 train tickets.
Food: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels include breakfast.
SIM card and data: $12 for 5GB every 30 days.

24. South Africa – $40/Day

If you can time your travels to South Africa outside of periods of unrest, water shortages, or humanitarian crises, then you can do it for a reasonable price. Make sure to research the area around the hostel or hotel accommodation you are reserving to be fully aware of potentially dangerous situations.

To save money on food, cook your own using accommodation amenities and buying ingredients at local grocery stores. Public transportation is concentrated inside major city centers and traveling outside of these areas will face some limitations. The best and cheapest way to travel around the country is by renting a car and sharing it with a small group. Again make sure you understand where it is safe to stop and places you should avoid.

Accommodation: $12-$15 per day in a hostel.
Transportation: $9 per day for car rental split between 4 people.
Food: $12-$15 per day by cooking meals.
SIM card and data: $35 for 1GB every 30 days.

25. Namibia

Namibia on Africa’s southeastern coast is often marketed toward luxury travelers, but it can still be explored on a reasonable budget. This country is home to one of the world’s biggest deserts, huge sand dunes, and of course Africa’s charismatic wildlife.

Visiting Etosha National Park is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhinoceros, which supports a healthy population. You can see cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, zebra, kudus, and wildebeest. The country is sparsely populated and you will be able to have more intimate adventurers with wildlife and the African scenery.

Camp at government campsites instead of luxury lodges to save more than $150. The best option for transportation is to rent a 4×4 vehicle split between a small group, because other transportation is very limited. Make use of communal kitchens and accommodation amenities to save money on meals.

Accommodation: $8-$15 per night at government campsites.
Transportation: $15-$18 per day for vehicle split between 4 people.
Food: $12-$15 per day by cooking some meals.
SIM card and data: $16 for 1.5GB every 60 days.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links where I earn commission, if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use and the income helps me operate my site and travel plans!

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