The Top 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in 2022

Travelling is expensive- it is a myth. If you have held yourself back from travelling because you think you don’t have enough money for it, you have done wrong to yourself. If you are one of those people who have no idea about the cheapest countries to visit, I’m here for your rescue!

I don’t travel because I don’t have enough money to fulfil such a luxurious dream- sounds funny to me. And when you reach the end of this article, you’ll find it funny too. People who say this don’t travel for two reasons- 1) They don’t like travelling, or 2) They don’t know about the cheapest countries to visit.

If you are one of these people, I can’t magically ignite your love for travelling, but I can tell you about the cheapest countries to visit in 2022 and help you choose your next best travel destination(within a budget!).

The 15 Best Cheapest Countries to Visit

1. India

The buzz of Mumbai, the pompousness of Delhi, or the beautiful culture of Kolkata, in short, the varying qualities of Indian cities, make travelling to the country impressive. And most importantly, India is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Southeast Asia.

From visiting the epitome of love, the Taj Mahal, to The Red Fort of New Delhi, you won’t be bored on your journey in India. And the extra spicy and extra oily food might be a bit odd for health-conscious people, but the taste and smell will pull you, and you won’t be able to resist the Indian street food.

Major Tourist Attractions in India

It’s been difficult for me to name only a few attractions of India as there is so much to see on this 812.3 million acre of land. Yet I’m mentioning three of them(in detail) so that you know from where to start-

Some other popular tourist attractions in India are-

• Golden Temple
• Amber Palace
• Botanical Gardens
• Backwaters of Kerala
• Shimla
• Tawang
• Gadi Sagar
• Darjeeling
• Nohkalikai Falls
• Hawa Mahal

Accommodation in India

You can stay in a decent Indian hotel for a minimum of $5 per night. You can even stay in an ashram for free. If you stay in an ashram you’ll get to enjoy the best hospitality and gather an idea about Indian culture.

Foods in India

In India, there’s a beautiful saying that the road to a person’s heart is through his stomach. It means that if you serve a person with good food, you’ll win that person’s heart. It’s not any sort of black magic or something, but India does have some magical touch in its cuisines.

The taste of paratha, puri, rice, biriyani and different sorts of curries will make you want to travel to India again. A full-course meal in India will cost you less than $2. You should also try Indian street foods like- bhelpuri, panipuri, vada pav, lemon juice which will cost you a few cents.

Transportation in India

The traffic of India might make you regret your decision of travelling to India, but there are so many travel attractions that this much tiredness is worth it. You can travel by bus or hire a cab inside the city. You can take a train from one city to another. Inside the city, the fare of a bus or taxi will be around $5, and the fare of the train will be around $10.

Best Time to Visit India

The best time to travel to India on a budget is during May-November. Even though it rains in India during these months, the weather remains hot. But during this time there aren’t many foreign tourists so you’ll enjoy without much crowd(there will always be a bit of crowd as India is highly populated). During winter, prices of accommodation and transportation rise, and the tourist attractions remain highly crowded, so avoid visiting India during winter.

Travel Restrictions in India

As part of Covid-19 travel restrictions, international travellers to India must be vaccinated and provide a negative PCR-test report on the 8th day of arrival in India after being quarantined for the first seven days. See here Indian tourist visas and protocols.

2. Indonesia

White sand beaches, surfing and scuba diving- that’s all that comes to my mind when I hear the word Indonesia. And you might already be imagining Bali.

Major Tourist Attractions In Indonesia

White sand beaches, that’s the number one attraction that Indonesia has to offer. But Indonesia is definitely not limited to the sea and beaches. It has so much more! So, let me name three top tourist attractions in Indonesia in detail for you-

Already decided to visit Indonesia? Then don’t forget to check out these tourist attractions too-

• Sacred Monkey Forest
• Borobudur
• Tana Toraja
• Orangutans of Borneo
• Komodo National Park
• Banda Islands
• Kalimantan
• Mount Krakatau
• Gunung Rinjani
• Lake Toba

Accommodation in Indonesia

You can stay in a hostel for $10 per night and in a basic hotel for $15 per night. You can even get a private pool villa for $50 per night in Bali.

Food in Indonesia

Local seafood meals in Indonesia cost less than $3. So, your food cost for an entire day will be around $10! Imported alcohol and beer have a high price in Indonesia, so don’t even think of buying alcohol and beer if you are on a tight budget.

Transportation in Indonesia

You can hop on public transport while going from one place to another in Indonesia. You can also rent a bike or a car for $10-$15 per day.

Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia during October-April is the cheapest. Most tourists visit the country during Christmas and New Year, so the prices rocket. Also, avoid a trip to Bali during July-August as Bali is most crowded and expensive then.

Travel Restrictions in Indonesia

Indonesia is now open to international tourists, but you need to have health insurance, you have to show your Covid-19 vaccination card and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test. If you are unsure about which travel insurance to choose that will include the best health package, you can read the best long term travel insurance.

3. Romania

The origin of Dracula is known to many, but the country remains underrated as a travel destination. Impressive castles and colourful villages definitely count as a reason to visit the country. From the Carpathian Mountains to the beaches of the Black Sea, Romania has so much to offer that I fail to understand why Romania isn’t very famous to tourists.

Maybe this country goes unseen to tourists because Europe is filled with many other travel destinations. Europe is costly; Romania, even after being a part of Europe, is not. So, if you are in search of a hidden gem within your budget, Romania is just for you.

Major Tourist Attractions in Romania

Castles

Romania has so many castles that if I name one then it’d be an injustice to the others. So, I’m writing a bit about all the Romanian castles here.

Bran Castle: Also known as Dracula’s castle, Bran Castle is the number one tourist destination in the country, located in Transylvania. To most tourists, Romania is only about this castle so this is also the most crowded tourist destination of Romania. The castle consists of four floors and 57 rooms filled with ancient furniture and clothing.

Peleș Castle: You’ll come across the royal heritage of Romania in this castle. There are 2 floors and 160 rooms inside the castle consisting of thousands of artefacts of the 15th century.

Corvin Castle: Corvin castle is a fairytale-like castle popular for its architecture and dark history.

Jidvei Castle: Other than the 45 beautiful watches of the main hall of Jidvei Castle, the myths and legends surrounding the location make the castle a remarkable tourist attraction.

Some other castles of Romania are Cantacuzino Castle, Rasnov Citadel, Banffy Castle and the Fagaras Citadel.

Some other tourist attractions in Romania are-

• Danube Delta
• Palace of Parliament
• Merry Cemetery
• Bucharest
• Berca Mud Volcanoes
• Herăstrau Park
• Wooden Churches of Maramures
• Cluj-Napoca
• Sinaia
• Vaser Valley Forestry Railway

Accommodation in Romania

In Romania, you can stay in a hostel or a local guesthouse for $10-$15 per night.

Food in Romania

Other than beautiful and exciting tourist attractions, Romania offers the most refined taste of vegetables. The food in Romania is made from home-grown vegetable and animal products, which makes their food different from westernised food. A full-day meal will cost you around $10-$15.

Transportation in Romania

You can roam around the country on a bus or a train for $5-10 per day.

Best Time to Visit Romania

During September-June, accommodation, food and transportation costs are comparatively lower. Also, you are most likely to get cheaper flights to Romania during these months. From June to August, the prices remain high, all the hotels and hostels are booked, and there’s high traffic on the roads.

Travel Restrictions in Romania

Just like Indonesia, Romania also has Covid-19 travel restrictions. To enter the country, you need to be vaccinated and show a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

4. Greece

Living a fairytale life is expensive, but living in the fairytale country Greece, is not. Yes, you heard it right! It doesn’t cost you much to walk through the picturesque lanes of Greece and try the yummy seafood.

Major Tourist Attractions In Greece

Some other beautiful tourist attractions in Greece are-

• Delphi
• Mount Athos
• Myrtos Beach
• Mystras
• The medieval town of Rhodes
• Palace of Knossos
• Lindos
• Temple of Apollo
• Elafonisi Beach
• Balos Lagoon

Accommodation in Greece

You can stay in a hostel for $10-$15 per night. You can even rent an apartment in Greece for $20 per night!

Food in Greece

Greece is primarily popular for its seafood meals which cost less than $8. But Greece is obviously not limited to seafood meals, and there are meals for everyone! In Greece, your per day food cost will be around $10-$15. But in a few places in Greece, restaurants are expensive, so you can buy produce from the market and make your own meal.

Transportation in Greece

Ferry costs around the islands in Greece cost around $10-$20. You can even rent a boat, including gas, for $95 per day. And obviously, you can’t roam around the city in a boat, so in that case, you can rent a car for $10-$15 per person(the rent splits between 4 people).

Best Time to Visit Greece

Greece is the cheapest during October-April. During this time, you can easily find accommodation at a discounted rate. The weather in Greece is good all year round, and every weather has so much to offer, so there isn’t any best time to visit the country based on weather.

Travel Restrictions in Greece

Before entering Greece, travellers must fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and submit negative PCR test results, a Negative Rapid Antigen test and a vaccination certificate. And if you were infected with Covid-19, you have to provide a certificate of recovery along with the other documents.

5. Turkey

Turkish dramas and Turkish food- what else do you need in life? If you aren’t a fan of Turkish dramas or haven’t tasted Turkish food yet, the Blue Mosque of Istanbul and the white travertines of Pamukkale will turn you into a fan of Turkey.

Major Tourist Attractions In Turkey

Pro tip: The pools at the top are boiling, and the ones at the bottom have lukewarm water. So, don’t jump at the first pool that you see. Check the temperature of the water with your hand and then jump.

Some other major tourist attractions in Turkey are-

• Topkapı Palace
• Hagia Sophia Mosque
• Antalya
• Mount Nemrut
• Ephesus
• Aspendos Theatre
• Oludeniz
• Bodrum Castle
• Patara Beach
• Sumela Monastery

Pro tip: Some tourist attractions in Turkey, mainly the mosques, have an entrance fee. But most of them are free to enter.

Accommodation in Turkey

You can stay in a hostel for as low as $5-10 per night. And in the major cities of Turkey, you can get guest house rooms for $20 per night.

Food in Turkey

Whether you have a sweet tooth or are a street food lover, Turkey has delicious traditional foods for every tastebud under $5. As the food costs are low, you should try every Turkish traditional food item. And the main amazing thing is that a single meal has a massive quantity that is enough for two people!

Transportation in Turkey

Transportation in Turkey is super cheap as a taxi ride will cost you around $1-$3, and an intercity bus ride will cost around $50-$60 per day.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

Summer in Turkey is too hot to handle, and during this time, prices are high too. So, you should visit Turkey during the Winter(November-March) as the hotel and flight prices are the lowest then. 

Travel Restrictions in Turkey

Turkey also has the same travel restrictions as every other country. You have to submit negative PCR test results, a Negative Rapid Antigen test and must be vaccinated.

6. Mexico

The intoxicating vibe, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine of Mexico come within a budget, and thus Mexico made it to this list of cheapest countries to visit.

Major Tourist Attractions in Mexico

Some other tourist attractions in Mexico-

• La Paz
• Puebla
• Lake Chapala
• Mazatlan
• Merida
• Monterrey
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Vallarta
• San Miguel de Allende
• Guadalajara

Accommodation in Mexico

You can stay in an Airbnb house or in a hostel for $8-$15 per night. If you stay in the most popular destinations in Mexico, the cost will be higher.

Food in Mexico

Food items cost less than $4 in Mexico. Mexican street foods like tacos, quesadillas, and tortillas only cost a few cents. And if you are looking for something cheaper than this, you can buy your own groceries and cook your meal.

Transportation in Mexico

As Mexico is a big country, transportation inside the country from one city to another can cost you a lot. In such a case, the best thing to do would be to rent a cab for a day and split the rent among 4 people. The fare of a car per day is around $30-$50. Intercity bus rides cost the same for a single person, so it is better to avoid bus rides in Mexico.

Best Time to Visit Mexico

If you want to save money while visiting Mexico, you should plan your trip during April-October. But during November-March the country has the best weather conditions. Most tourists visit Mexico during this time, so the prices are usually high. And in the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, the prices are a bit higher for budget travellers year-round, so aim for the less popular destinations.

Travel Restrictions in Mexico

You’ll be glad to know that Mexico isn’t only one of the cheapest countries to visit, rather it is also one of the easiest countries to visit in 2022 as it has the loosest travel restrictions. You will only need to provide a negative Covid-19 test report and complete a health declaration form.

7. Nepal

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to visit and a great place of adventure for explorers. If you love trekking and other outdoor activities, Nepal is right there for you and that too within a budget.

Major Tourist Attractions in Nepal

Read Travel to Nepal from India by Road

Nepal isn’t limited to these three tourist attractions; some other tourist attractions in Nepal are-

• Kopan Monastery
• Mt. Everest Basecamp
• Durbar Square
• Pokhara
• Annapurna Region
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Langtang National Park
• Patan
• Chitwan National Park

Accommodation in Nepal

You can stay in a hostel or local guesthouse for $5-$10 per night. If you stay in Bhaktapur town, the accommodation cost will be around $15 per night. Most tourists prefer to stay in Bhaktapur due to its calm environment.

Food in Nepal

Street food in Nepal is cheap, but it isn’t the best option because of the low quality. You can try local food in the cafes and restaurants that are cheap. In Nepal, meals will cost you around $5-$10 per day.

Transportation in Nepal

Intercity bus rides are available in Nepal, which will cost around $10-$20. You can also hire a private car and split the fare among 4, so the fare will be $10-$15 per person for a day.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

To make the most out of your budget, you should visit Nepal during January-March or August-October. And if you want to enjoy the spectacular weather of the country, you should visit during October-December.

No matter whenever you visit Nepal, it’ll always be within your budget as it is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia. But if you visit the country during January-March or August-October, you can explore the country more within your budget compared to other months of the year.

Travel Restrictions in Nepal

To enter Nepal, travellers must complete a traveller online arrival form beforehand and show a negative PCR COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, and proof of a hotel reservation at the arrival.

8. Georgia

Just like Romania, Georgia is another underrated tourist destination in Europe. But as entrance to the country is possible without a visa, Georgia is gradually becoming popular with digital nomads and travellers.

Major Tourist Attractions in Georgia

Some other famous tourist attractions in Georgia are-

• Chiatura
• Tbilisi
• Bakhmaro
• Katskhi Pillar
• Vardzia
• Sighnagi
• Mtskheta
• Kazbegi
• Gudauri
• Tusheti National Park

Accommodation in Georgia

You can stay in a hostel in Georgia for $5-$15 per night. If you live in Juta or any other village or mountain area, you will find many guest houses there. The best thing about living in a mountain area is that you can do hitchhiking, so there will be no transportation cost at all.

Food in Georgia

In local cafes and restaurants, a single meal will cost you around $3. You won’t find much street food in Georgia as most parts of the country are mountainous and rural.

Transportation in Georgia

An intercity bus or train ride will only cost you around $5-$10, and inside the city, bus and train rides will cost $3-$5 per day. I think this is the lowest transportation cost on this list!

Best Time to Visit Georgia

Georgia has pleasant weather during November-May, and the accommodation costs are low too. Avoid staying in expensive areas like Gudauri or Lopota Lake. And if you plan to visit Georgia solely with the intention of hiking, June-September will be a perfect time.

9. Argentina

As of now, in January 2022, the official exchange rate of the Argentine Peso is $1 = 104.48 Pesos, due to which Argentina is one of the cheapest countries to visit this year. The country is mostly popular for its wide variety of landscapes, Patagonia mountains, waterfalls, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks, and fly fishing.

Most people don’t know about the current economic struggle of Argentina, so they think that it is an expensive destination. Argentina once used to be expensive for travellers, but in the last 1-2 years, it has become one of the cheapest countries to visit. 

Major Tourist Attractions in Argentina

Tourist attractions in Argentina are not limited to the above three. Some other popular tourist attractions in Argentina are-

• San Carlos de Bariloche
• Los Glaciares National Park
• Recoleta Cemetery
• Volcan Lanin
• Fitz Roy
• Quebrada de Humahuaca
• Nahuel Huapi National Park
• Puerto Madryn
• Ibera Wetlands 
• Mar del Plata 

Accommodation in Argentina

There are a variety of budget-friendly accommodations to choose from in Argentina. The lowest accommodation price in a hostel is $2.28. And if you choose to stay in a hotel, the cost will be around $22-$50 per night. 

Food in Argentina

The prices of street food in Argentina are lower than restaurant food prices. Breakfast is also cheap compared to lunch and dinner. In Argentina, your daily food cost will be around $10-$15. If I break it down a bit more, your breakfast cost will be around $5, lunch and dinner costs will be around $5-$8. If you want an expensive lunch or dinner, the cost will be around $10-$20. Beverages in Argentina cost around $1-$3. 

Transportation in Argentina

In Argentina, an hour of bus ride will cost you around $5. Hiring a taxi will cost you around $15 per day.

Best Time to Visit Argentina 

If you want to avoid crowds and peak prices, you should visit Argentina during September-December or April-June. The country also is the most beautiful during these months of the year.

Travel Restrictions in Argentina

Argentina’s travel restrictions are the same as the other countries on this list. You have to be fully vaccinated and take both PCR and antigen tests. Minors are allowed to enter Argentina without vaccination or quarantine. If any traveller is tested positive, they will have to stay in quarantine for 7/10 days based on their condition and whether they are vaccinated or not. 

10. Morocco

Morocco, the country mainly known for the Sahara Desert, is a great mix of architecture, culture, history and natural beauty. And this country that holds so much variety is one of my favourite cheapest countries to visit.

Major Tourist Attractions in Morocco

Some other tourist attractions in Morocco are-

• Draa Valley
• Meknes 
• Legzira Beach
• Hercules Cave
• Jardin Majorelle
• Agdal Gardens
• The high Atlas Mountains
• Hassan II Mosque
• El Badi Palace
• Plage d’Agadir

Accommodation in Morocco

There is accommodation in Morocco for every price range. The cost of staying in a hostel will be $5-$10 per night. The cost in hotels will be more than that.

Food in Morocco

Most hostels and hotels in Morocco offer complimentary breakfast. As Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohols and beers are only available in high-end hotels and restaurants that serve international tourists. Lunch and dinner in Morocco will cost you $5-$15. Tap water is not eligible for drinking, so you’ll need to buy bottled water. To sum it up, your meal cost for a day in Morocco will be around $20-$25.

Transportation in Morocco

You can travel inside Morocco by train or bus. Intercity train and bus tickets will cost around $15-$20. Taxi rides inside the city will cost around $5-$10.

Best Time to Visit Morocco 

The cheapest time to visit Morocco is January-February. During this time, there are fewer tourists in Morocco, and you can get a better idea of the life of the Moroccan people. The country changes its beauty during different seasons. But tourists mostly prefer March-May and September-October as the weather is warm and pleasant. 

Travel Restrictions in Morocco 

Travellers from low-risk countries have to provide a vaccination certificate and fill out a health form. Travellers from moderate risk countries have to provide a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test and also fill out a health form. 

Travellers from the six high-risk countries- Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, aren’t allowed to enter Morocco. If a local or foreigner residing in Morocco is tested positive, they must undergo a 10 days quarantine. But tourists, if tested positive, won’t be allowed to enter the country. 

11. Cambodia

Cambodia is another cheapest country to visit in Southeast Asia. Famous with backpackers and fun-loving tourists, Cambodia is a great country to visit in 2022.

Major Tourist Attractions in Cambodia

Some other popular tourist attractions in Cambodia are-

• Bokor Hill Station
• Banteay Srei 
• Battambang Bat Caves
• Phnom Kulen National Park
• The Bayon
• Koh Rong
• Preah Vihear
• Phnom Penh Royal Palace
• Silver Pagoda
• Sihanoukville Beaches

Accommodation in Cambodia

Dorms in Cambodia are the cheapest to stay in. There are no special facilities in dorm rooms like air conditioning or hot water. The price of hostels in Cambodia will range from $3-$10 per night. 

Food in Cambodia

You can easily find street food that will cost you a few cents. A standard western meal will cost anything from $2-$6 in Cambodia. As the food prices are really reasonable, don’t forget to try some of the popular food items of Cambodia like- fish amok, Cambodian curry, Khmer noodles, etc. 

Transportation in Cambodia

Taxi rides in Cambodia for short distances cost below $5. The cheapest mode of transportation is a tuk-tuk or bike. For a day, the total fare of a tuk-tuk or bike will be around $5-$15. An intercity bus ticket for 10 hours of travelling will cost around $10.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

You can visit Cambodia any time of the year. But if you want to walk around the tourist attractions of the country without much crowd, you should go there during November-February. And this is also an excellent time to visit if you are looking for pleasant weather. During these months the temperatures are lower, and it doesn’t rain much, so you can spend enough time outdoors. 

Travel Restrictions in Cambodia

Travellers in Cambodia must provide a vaccination card or certificate and a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Unvaccinated travellers will have to undergo a 14 days quarantine. Tourists from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Angola and Zambia will undergo a 7 days quarantine.

12. Colombia

Colombia, famous for its landscapes, culturally rich heritage, and specialised coffee, is the last one of the cheapest countries to visit on this list. But it doesn’t make this country any less unique than the other countries on this list.

Major Tourist Attractions in Colombia

Wanna know more about Colombia? Here are a few other tourist attractions in Colombia that you might want to check out-

• Tayrona National Park
• Ciudad Perdida
• Leticia
• Mount Monserrate
• Museo del Oro
• Zoologico de Cali
• Medellin 
• Bogotá La Candelaria
• Cartagena
• Valle de Cocora

Accommodation in Colombia

The per-night cost in a dorm room of a hostel in Colombia is $8-$12. The cost for a double room will be much higher than that, which is $30-$40. You can also stay in an apartment for $50 per night.

Food in Colombia

You can get a complimentary breakfast in the hostel you are staying in. Your per day food cost will be anything between $10-$15. You can switch between trying out street food and restaurant food. Groceries in Colombia have a reasonable price, so you can even cook your own meal. Beer and alcohol in Cambodia are cheap; a bottle of beer or alcohol will be $5-$10.

Transportation in Colombia

A full day bus ride within the city will cost around $1-$3. Tickets for intercity bus rides range from $10-$15. Domestic flights are also available, which sometimes cost less than buses. 

Best Time to Visit Colombia

If you want to avoid crowds and get accommodation and food at better prices, you should visit Colombia during November-March. The weather is also dry and warm, making these months the perfect time to visit the cities and beaches.

Travel Restrictions in Colombia

A vaccination certificate and presentation of a negative PCR test result are necessary to enter Colombia. Unvaccinated non-resident tourists aren’t allowed to enter the country. 

13. Nicaragua

One of the most fascinating and cheapest countries to visit in Central America is Nicaragua. Here, you can do a lot with a few dollars in hand. The country is packed with mesmerizing beaches, making it an excellent destination to learn surfing. Other than that, the colonial cities, jungle and volcanoes, are reasons to visit this natural paradise. So, for a backpacker who wants to do a lot with less money, Nicaragua is that one place to visit.

Major Tourist Attractions in Nicaragua

Some other popular tourist attractions in Nicaragua are-

• Corn Islands
• Cerro Negro 
• Somoto Canyon
• Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve 
• Reserva Natural Miraflor
• Isla Ometepe
• Lake Nicaragua
• Granada
• Leon
• Mombacho Volcano Nature Preserve

Accommodation in Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, there are comfortable accommodation places for every budget. Most budget travellers stay in a Nicaraguan hospedaje. Hospedajes are small and basic pension-type hotels owned and managed by families. 

The cost of accommodation in such places will be around $5-$15, without any complimentary breakfast and a private bathroom. It means that you only get a bed and fan, and you might have to share a bathroom with other tourists. However, you might find some hospedajes with private bathrooms which is rare.

Hostels charge around $5-$10 for a dorm bed in Leon and Granada. In other cities, finding hostels is tough. Luxurious hotels can be found in big towns with a cost of a minimum of $20 per night. You can do camping in San Juan del Sur and some other beach spots. But with such a low rate of accommodation, camping is quite rare in Nicaragua.

Food in Nicaragua

Local food in Nicaragua is fresh, organic and inexpensive. However, as expected, the cost of imported food is higher. You can cook your meal by buying organic produce from the market. The best quality meat costs $4 per pound, rice costs $.30-$.40 cents per pound, a dozen eggs cost around $2.40, and chicken costs $1.20 per pound. Vegetables and fruits are the least expensive food in the country. 

If you don’t want to toil through the cooking process, you can have your meal in any low or mid-range restaurant. The cost of a meal in such a restaurant will range between $5-$10. But food is quite expensive in good restaurants. So, I think, cooking your own meal is better and more cost-effective when you are in Nicaragua. 

Transportation in Nicaragua

Chicken buses are the most fun and exciting transportation method in the country. These are old and decommissioned American school buses, crowded, hot and favoured by pickpockets. Moreover, there’s added risk of falling from the edge of a cliff due to the recklessness of drivers. That’s why not everyone dares enough to get on the vehicle. 

You can also get on a high-quality taxi or bus. You can also self-drive. But the cheapest method of transportation is a chicken bus, and the maximum fare will be $7.

Best Time to Visit Nicaragua

The dry season is considered to be the best time to visit Nicaragua. It is during the months November-April when the weather is dry and uncomfortable! But still, travellers prefer to visit the country during these months so that the trip isn’t disrupted by rain or extreme winter. Most travellers visit Nicaragua during the dry season, but the prices don’t do up much high and still remain within a backpacker’s budget.

Travel Restrictions in Nicaragua

Nicaragua has country-specific travel restrictions which can be found here. However, you have to be fully vaccinated and maintain the safety rules while travelling to the country. 

I only named the 13 best cheapest countries to visit but the actual number of cheapest countries to visit in the world is way more than that. There are 193 countries in the world, and I think every country has something to offer. Maybe there are so many countries that have some great attractions, but we don’t even know about these countries.

14. Czech Republic

Filled with castles, beautiful mountains, historical towns, and ancient ruins, the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, has gained many travellers’ attention over the last couple of years. The Czech Republic is a great place to head to, especially for someone who wants to travel without breaking the bank. That’s why this country has gained a place in this list of cheapest countries to visit in 2022.

Major Tourist Attractions in the Czech Republic

Prague Castle

Most people like me who were unaware of the Czech Republic might’ve heard of Prague at least once in their lifetime. And if you’re reading this article from the Indian subcontinent, I’m pretty sure that you heard about Prague and saw a bit of it in the Bollywood movie “Rockstar”. Honestly, I didn’t know which country Prague belonged to until I started writing this article. 

Now that you know where Prague belongs, I should inform you that this beautiful castle in Prague is around 1000 years old. The Prague castle is renowned as the largest coherent castle complex in the world. With an area of around 70,000 m², the castle has gained the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the large-scale composition of its palaces and the various architectural styles of its ecclesiastical buildings.

The view of Prague castle is said to be one of the most spectacular views in the world, so thousands of tourists flock there every year. Art lovers and tourists visit the Prague Castle to explore the historic palaces, buildings, gardens, offices, churches and other architectural foundations in this castle complex. 

Diana Observation Tower

Imagine enjoying a panoramic view up to a distance of 70 kilometres from the height of 35 metres, exciting! Diana Observation Tower offers this mesmerizing view for over 100 years. It is said that a visit to Karlovy Vary is incomplete without watching the breathtaking view of the spa town from the Diana Observation Tower.

With a total height of 40 metres, the tower has its lookout gallery at 35 metres height. You can reach the gallery after climbing 150 wooden stairs or a lift. The tetragonal brick structure, bevel corners set on a prismatic stone base, and the wooden lookout gallery complement each other perfectly. From the tower, you can get a sight of almost every notable corner of the city.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest, most important and most visited temple in the Czech Republic. Coronations of Czech kings and queens, the burial of several patron saints, noblemen, sovereigns and archbishops, and religious services took place here. The medieval architecture and history of the Cathedral attract several tourists every year.

The Cathedral has five notable attractions that you must check out- St Wenceslaus’ Chapel, South Tower viewing point, Art Nouveau stained-glass windows by Alphonse Mucha, Last Judgement, and the tomb of St John Nepomuk. You will be awed by the use of semi-precious stones and silver on the walls of St Wenceslaus’ Chapel and the tomb of St John Nepomuk.

The three major tourist attractions that I mentioned above cannot be missed. But the Czech Republic has some other notable tourist attractions, they are-

Prague’s Charles Bridge

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Villa Tugendhat

Cesky Krumlov

Tyn Church

Dancing House

Adrspach-Teplice Rocks

Old Town Square

Bohemian Paradise

Prague Astronomical Clock

Accommodation in the Czech Republic

If you are tight on budget, I’d suggest you to stay in a hostel dorm of 8-10 beds per dorm room that might cost you around $ 10-13. It’d cost you more if the bed numbers are less. In every hostel, there are kitchens and free Wi-Fi available. If you want a private hostel room the cost will be $ 44 per night. The most basic hotel room would cost the same. You can also book your stay in an Airbnb house for $13-30 per night. Prague is the most famous tourist spot in the country, so prices might be higher there. However, if you have a mid-range budget, you can manage to stay there as well.

Food in the Czech Republic

You’ll find a combination of Poland’s and Germany’s food in the Czech cuisine. You can enjoy a fulfilling meal of traditional Czech food for only $9. Fast foods and Asian foods will cost around $ 6-10. Expect to pay $ 2-3 for any kind of drink. A week’s groceries will require around $40, so I think cooking your own meal will be a very good option. 

Transportation in the Czech Republic

The cheapest way to travel inside the Czech Republic is by bus or renting a car. Bus ticket costs differ based on time. For example, a 2-2.5 hour interstate ride can cost you around $ 6-8. Train rides will cost a bit higher, like $ 10-15 for train journeys of more than 3 hours. You can rent a car for $ 20-25 per day which I think is a budget-friendly option for a whole day. Avoid Air Travel as its the costliest transportation method in the Czech Republic.

Best Time To Visit The Czech Republic

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Czech Republic during the best weather and without any crowd, you should go there in September-October. During these months, the weather isn’t much hot or much cold, the prices aren’t high, and fewer tourists visit the country. You can also pay a visit during May, but during this month there’ll be crowds and high prices for accommodation, transportation and food. 

Travel Restrictions in the Czech Republic

Starting from 9th April 2022, there are no Covid-19 related travel restrictions in the Czech Republic. Anyone can enter the country without even showing an infection-free status.

15. Ecuador

Mountains, hospitable people and delicious food- I think these three reasons are enough for a backpacker to plan a relaxing trip to Ecuador, one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America. 

Major Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

Some other major tourist attractions in Ecuador are-

The Devil’s Nose

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Cloud Forest

Quilotoa Loop

La Compania de Jesus

Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila

Cotopaxi Volcano

Santa Cruz Fish Market

The Amazon Rainforest

The Devil’s Cauldron

Accommodation in Ecuador

Accommodation in Ecuador is cheaper than in the Czech Republic. Here you can stay in a hostel dorm room for $ 5-6 per night. If you want a private room in a hostel, it will cost you something between $ 10-20. Room prices in budget hostels range from $ 25-40 per night. You can also stay in an Airbnb with shared accommodation for $ 15-20 per night.

Food in Ecuador

The traditional food in Ecuador is really cheap. A traditional meal prices around $ 3-5. You’ll find many streetside food stalls that cost around $ 1-2. If you want to enjoy your meal seating at a mid-range restaurant, you might have to pay around $ 20 for a meal. 

Western cuisines cost around $ 10-12. Prices of drinks range from $ 1-3. You can also buy groceries for one week for only $ 20-30. So, cooking your meal can be the cheapest option, and you can even cook anything you wish to eat that might not be available in restaurants. 

Transportation in Ecuador

Buses are available throughout Ecuador and it is the cheapest mode of transportation in the country. A bus ticket costs as low as $ 0.25 within the city, and $ 1-2 per hour for long rides. Taxi rides for short-distances cost as low as $ 5. 

Unlike in other countries, air travel is affordable in Ecuador. However, flying to the Galápagos Islands is a bit costly as it’s the most touristy spot in the country. Car rentals are also available at a low price, which is $ 25 per day. But the poor conditions of roads make it an unsafe transportation option. I’d suggest travelling by bus or taxi in Ecuador, both are cheap and reliable.

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

According to me, January-May is the best time to visit Ecuador. During these months, the temperatures are cool for most parts of the country. However, you can’t visit the Amazon due to flooding and road closures. But temperates in the Galápagos are milder, ocean waters warm and calm making these months a great time to visit the country. 

June-December is a really busy time in Ecuador. The temperatures are high and the weather is dry. So, the price for flights and accommodations will be higher than normal. Especially during the last months of the year, the Galápagos Islands remain the busiest. 

Travel Restrictions in Ecuador

Although many countries have already removed their Covid-19 travel restrictions, Ecuador still hasn’t. All travellers above 3 years of age must provide a COVID-19 vaccination card with a QR code or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate upon entry to the country. 

Travellers must be vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Ecuador. Reports of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken less than 72 hours before boarding the flight must be provided. A health declaration form must be completed from the official website of the Ministry of Public Health. 

So, as a Bonus, I am naming some more cheapest countries to visit from around the world:

Asia

• Laos
• Philippines
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan

Europe

• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Lithuania
• Croatia
• Albania

The Americas

• Guatemala
• Arizona
• Bolivia

Africa

• Namibia
• South Africa

F.A.Q on The Cheapest Countries To Visit

When you are thinking about travelling on a budget, there must be so many questions running in your mind as you can’t afford to go beyond your budget. So, below I’m answering some questions that I think you might have in your mind-

• What should be the total budget to travel to any of the cheapest destinations?

Talking about the budget, I think it depends. I have mentioned food costs, transportation costs and accommodation costs of some of the cheapest countries but there are some other costs too. For example, there are entry fees, shopping costs, etc.

But if you decide to do camping and hiking, there won’t be any transportation or accommodation costs. So, it is you who has to choose your activities, tourist attractions you want to visit and then sum up the cost along with food, transportation and accommodation costs.

• Are these countries cheapest only during the best time to visit and expensive at other times of the year?

No! These countries are always cheap to visit. You can visit these countries any time of the year, but you can make the most out of your money only during the best times to visit that I’ve mentioned. And during these times there are fewer tourists so you can enjoy the tourist attractions all by yourself.

And during other times of the year, it’ll be hard for you to find any accommodation at all as all places remain filled with tourists. To sum it up, these countries are the cheapest countries to visit compared to other countries all year round. The prices just change a bit during different seasons (but don’t go beyond a backpacker’s budget).

• Are these countries safe?

You won’t find a single country that is entirely safe. Every country is unsafe in some way or the other, even the most expensive ones. A few thieves and robbers are everywhere, but a regular traveller knows how to tackle such situations. Other than this, it is safe to travel to these countries, and the local people of every single country that I’ve mentioned above are really welcoming.

• Is trekking riskier in these countries?

Trekking is an adventurous activity. And any kind of adventure includes a bit of risk, so does trekking. Whether you are trekking in any of the cheapest countries or in an expensive country, the risk will be there.

The risk of trekking doesn’t depend on whether the country is a cheap or an expensive travel destination. It depends on your experience and the right use of trekking gear. If you have never done trekking before, let me tell you that choosing the right trekking gear is really important.

•  Do I need travel insurance?

Well, this is a question that I get asked every time. And my answer always remains the same, and that is- yes! Accidents are unpredictable. By buying travel insurance, you can at least make sure that if any mishaps happen in an unknown country, your costs will be covered by the insurance company.

And travel insurance is a prerequisite whether you visit an expensive country or any of the cheapest countries. If you aren’t much satisfied with my answer, you can read in detail about travel insurance here and here.

(These are the questions that I could think of as of now. But if you have any more questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.)

So, out of the 15 best cheapest countries to visit, which one did you choose as your next travel destination? Travelling is fun, and not always expensive. If you can’t afford to travel to any expensive country, you can always travel to one of the cheapest countries.

Have you already visited any of the countries listed above? How was your experience? Or have you visited any country cheaper than the ones on this list? Let me know by dropping a comment below.