Top 8 Cheapest Countries to Travel to and How to Get There for Less

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on adventure or amazing experiences. In fact, some of the most fascinating destinations are also the cheapest countries to travel to. If you’ve been wondering what the top cheapest countries to visit without missing out on culture, cuisine, and fun, this guide is for you. 

Below, we highlight 8 of the cheapest (but most interesting) countries to travel to, with a peek into 2026 as well. We’ll cover what makes each special, how far your dollar goes, and how to get there from the US affordably (with some budget flight route examples you can easily find through Ovago, your go-to for wallet-friendly international flights).

Let’s be real, the travel bug has a nasty habit of biting right when your wallet is feeling a little light. You’re scrolling through Instagram, bombarded with images of turquoise waters and ancient ruins, while your bank account is gently weeping in the corner. But what if we told you that you don’t need a trust fund to have an epic international adventure? The world is brimming with incredible destinations that are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also shockingly affordable.

1. Laos: The Laid-Back Heart of Southeast Asia

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Laos is a land of serene beauty, gentle people, and a refreshingly slow pace of life. It’s the perfect destination to unwind and connect with nature. Watch the saffron-robed monks during the morning alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang, swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls, and explore the mysterious Plain of Jars. Among the cheapest countries to travel to, Laos lets you live slow and large without spending much.

Affordability: You can find a bed in a guesthouse for as little as $5 and a delicious meal for just a couple of dollars. A daily budget of $20–$30 is more than enough. If you want a little extra comfort, expect $25–$40 for private rooms in family-run guesthouses and $5–$8 for sit-down restaurant meals. 

Coffee or a cold Beerlao is usually $1–$2, bicycle rentals are often $2–$3 per day, and motorbikes $6–$10 per day. Intercity minivans and buses commonly run $6–$15 depending on distance; scenic riverboats and the two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang typically cost $30–$50 total (plus a $10–$20 guesthouse in Pakbeng). Entry fees are modest—Kuang Si Falls and similar sites are usually just a few dollars—and massages, laundry, and SIM cards are bargain-level (think $3–$5 for a data pack). 

Getting there from the US: You’ll need to connect through another major city in Asia, like Bangkok or Hanoi, to get to Laos. The most reliable gateways are Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and Singapore (SIN), with onward flights to Vientiane (VTE), Luang Prabang (LPQ), or Pakse (PKZ) on regional carriers (Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines). 

Typical sale fares from the US to Bangkok/Hanoi can land in the $700–$950 round-trip range, and the regional hop into Laos is often $60–$150 one-way. A popular money-saving alternative is to fly into Chiang Mai or Bangkok, cross the Thai–Laos border at Chiang Khong/Huay Xai or Nong Khai/Thanaleng, and continue by slow boat or train to Luang Prabang or Vientiane. 

Use Ovago to compare multi-city combos (e.g., LAX → ICN → VTE or JFK → BKK → LPQ) and add short stopovers; shifting dates by a day or two often unlocks lower fares. 

2. Vietnam – Budget Backpacker Heaven with Rich Culture

Vietnam is another Southeast Asian gem that qualifies as one of the cheapest countries to travel to. It’s a country of dramatic landscapes (e.g., the terraced hills of Sapa), bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and French-colonial charm in places like Hoi An. 

Best of all, experiencing Vietnam’s rich history and natural beauty comes at a bargain price. No wonder savvy travelers flock here.

Affordability: A daily budget of $25–$35 can be enough for frugal travelers in Vietnam, making it easily one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Asia. Delicious bowls of pho or banh mi sandwiches on the street cost only $1–$2, and even a sit-down meal in a local restaurant might be $3–$5 – talk about getting a lot of pho for your money! Guesthouse rooms or hostel beds often run under $10.

Getting There from the US: Flights from the US to Vietnam can be surprisingly reasonable. One trick is to fly into larger Asian hubs and then catch a budget airline to Vietnam. For instance, you might fly from Los Angeles to Seoul or Taipei, then connect to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on a low-cost carrier. At times, round-trip flights from the West Coast USA to Vietnam can be found in the $700–$900 range.

3. India – Incredible Experiences at Incredible Prices

Few places can match India for sheer diversity of experiences and ultra-low costs. India is not just one of the cheapest countries to travel to – it’s practically in a league of its own. You can explore the marble grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur, the beaches of Goa, or the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, all on a shoestring budget. 

Travelers often joke that in India you’ll spend more on souvenirs and chai than on hotels and food, and that’s not far from the truth!

Affordability: How cheap is India? To put it in perspective, a couple could travel in India for half a year on roughly $1,000 per month total with some effort. That’s about $17 per person per day. Street food like samosas or chai tea can cost mere cents, and a tasty curry lunch might be $2–$3. Basic guesthouses or hostel beds can be found for well under $10 per night in many towns. With a favorable exchange rate for the US dollar, your money goes a very long way here.

Getting There from the US: Flights to India from the US have become more affordable in recent years, especially with Middle Eastern carriers competing on price. You can often find round-trip flights from the East Coast to Delhi or Mumbai in the $600–$800 range with airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Etihad (connecting through Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi). 

For example, a flight from New York to Delhi with a stop in Doha might be around $650 if you book at the right time. On the West Coast, flights may be a bit more, but deals pop up (like San Francisco to Mumbai for ~$700 on sale). Use Ovago to compare routes and nab those deals. 

4. Mexico – Affordable Adventure Just South of the Border

For American travelers, Mexico is a superstar among the cheapest countries to travel to – and it’s right in our backyard. Beyond the all-inclusive resorts and tourist traps, Mexico offers vibrant culture, ancient history, and diverse landscapes at budget prices. 

Think Mayan ruins in the jungle, colorful colonial towns, spicy street tacos, and palm-fringed beaches. One big advantage is proximity: it’s quick and inexpensive to get to Mexico from the US, and once you’re there, the cost of living can be very low outside of the high-tourism zones. 

The Mexican peso’s exchange rate has been favorable to USD travelers recently – the peso even dipped past 20 to the dollar in early 2025, making everything from enchiladas to excursions even more of a bargain.

Affordability: Although Mexico might not be the absolute cheapest in Latin America, it often proves to be the best value for Americans when factoring in travel costs. Why? Cheap flights and short travel time mean you spend less just getting there. Plus, once on the ground, you can easily get by on $40–$50 a day as a budget traveler in many parts of Mexico. For example, in places like Oaxaca or Puebla, local meals are $5 or less, and hostel beds $10–$15. Even tourist hotspots like Cancun or Tulum have budget options if you venture off the beaten path (tacos and local buses cost a fraction of resort prices). With the money you save, you can “treat yourself” to extras like a guided cenote tour or a surf lesson – still likely under $30.

Getting There from the US: There are tons of affordable flights from the US to various Mexican destinations, thanks to competition among airlines and the short distance. You can often find round-trip flights for $300 or less from major US cities to Mexico City, Cancun, or Cabo, especially if you’re flexible on dates. For instance, it’s not uncommon to see Los Angeles to Mexico City for ~$250 round-trip on airlines like Delta or Aeroméxico, or New York to Cancun for under $300 on JetBlue or United. 

5. Portugal – The European Dream on a Budget

Forget what you’ve heard about Europe being expensive. Portugal is here to shatter that myth. With its charming cobblestone streets, historic trams, and a coastline that will leave you breathless, Portugal offers a first-world experience at a fraction of the cost of its Western European neighbors.

Get lost in the Alfama district of Lisbon, indulge in the world-famous Pastéis de Nata, and explore the magical castles of Sintra. The Algarve region in the south boasts some of Europe’s most stunning beaches, perfect for surfing or just soaking up the sun.

Affordability: A delicious meal with wine can cost you as little as $15-20. A bed in a highly-rated hostel is often under $30, and private rooms on Airbnb can be found for a steal.

Getting there from the US: Major airlines like TAP Air Portugal, United, and American Airlines offer direct flights from cities like New York (EWR), Boston (BOS), and Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS). With a little planning, you can find round-trip fares for under $500, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). 

A great way to snag these deals is by using a flight booking platform like Ovago, which specializes in economy class fares and can help you find the best prices.

6. Bulgaria – Europe’s Bargain Treasure

Tucked in the Balkans, Bulgaria is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe and a hugely underrated travel spot. It boasts gorgeous mountains, Black Sea beaches, historic monasteries, and lively cities like Sofia and Plovdiv. 

Here you can explore ancient Roman ruins and medieval fortresses by day, then enjoy a hearty dinner of local cuisine (like banitsa pastry or grilled meats) with wine for under $10. Museum tickets and attractions are usually just a few dollars (often under 10 Bulgarian leva). Even skiing in Bulgaria is a deal – lift passes in Bansko are a fraction of what they cost in the Alps. 

Affordability: Bulgaria is frequently cited by travel gurus as a top bargain. In fact, you might spend 50% (or less) of what you’d spend in Western Europe for a similar trip. A frugal traveler in Bulgaria can manage on $30–$35 a day, and even a comfortable mid-range budget might be only $60 a day. To give an idea of costs: a hostel dorm bed can be $10–$15, a decent hotel $30–$50, and public transport in cities is often under $1 per ride.

Getting There from the US: While there might not be nonstop flights from the US to Sofia (Bulgaria’s capital) on budget carriers, you can fly to a major European hub (London, Paris, Rome, etc.) and then hop on a cheap flight to Sofia. For instance, it’s common to find London-to-Sofia or Milan-to-Sofia flights on low-cost airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair for under $50 one-way. So, a strategy could be: find an inexpensive fare from the US to London/Europe (sometimes New York to London can be as low as $300 round-trip on a sale), then take a separate cheap flight to Bulgaria.

7. Albania – The Balkan Beauty on a Budget

Albania is another Balkan country giving Bulgaria a run for its money as one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. If you haven’t heard much about Albania as a travel destination, that’s exactly why you should go! It’s an underrated paradise with stunning Adriatic coastlines (often likened to an affordable alternative to Greece or Croatia), dramatic Alps in the north for hikers, and ancient historical sites from Greek, Roman, and Ottoman times. 

The best part? Prices in Albania are astoundingly low for the quality of experience. Albania has its own unique culture and very friendly locals eager to show you around – you’ll feel like you’re discovering a secret, and doing it on the cheap. Travel experts frequently name Albania as a top value destination in Europe, right alongside Bulgaria.

Affordability: With a modest budget, you can live very well here. We’re talking $30–$40 a day for backpackers (and that’s including intercity travel and a few sightseeing tours). Even splurging on nicer meals or private accommodation, it’s hard to spend $100 a day unless you’re staying at the fanciest resort in town. In the capital Tirana, trendy cafes serve up macchiatos for $1, and a full restaurant dinner might be $5–$7. Guesthouses and family-run B&Bs are often $20–$30 a night. 

Getting There from the US: There are no direct flights from the US to Tirana. However, you have plenty of affordable options: fly into a European hub and then connect. Many travelers fly to Italy first – for example, New York to Rome can be relatively cheap, and from Rome you can catch a direct flight to Tirana often for under $100. Italy’s proximity also means there are ferries from Bari or Brindisi to Albania if you’re doing a multi-country trip. 

Alternatively, flying through Istanbul is a great option; Turkish Airlines often has competitive fares to Tirana. We’ve seen flights like Chicago to Istanbul to Tirana in the $600s range round-trip. 

8. Egypt – Ancient Wonders at Basement Prices

Egypt needs no introduction – pyramids, pharaohs, and the mighty Nile have beckoned travelers for centuries. What’s amazing today is that Egypt has become shockingly affordable. It is one of the cheapest countries to travel to right now, especially considering the unparalleled historical attractions on offer. 

You can hire a private guide to explore the Pyramids of Giza or the temples of Luxor for much less than you’d spend on a simple day tour in many other countries. In short, Egypt lets you enjoy five-star experiences on a two-star budget.

Affordability: On a backpacker budget, one could manage Egypt for $25–$40 a day and still see a lot. Daily costs are incredibly low: tasty street food like falafel or koshari (a filling rice/lentil pasta dish) can be had for the equivalent of $1 or $2. A Nile-side dinner of grilled meats and mezze might only set you back $5–$10. Decent hotels in Cairo or Luxor can be found for $20–$30 a night, and even nicer ones often under $60 due to the currency advantage. 

Entrance fees to major sites (like the Egyptian Museum or Valley of the Kings) cost anywhere from $5–$15 – reasonable compared to Western museums. And local transport (Uber and taxis in cities) often costs just a couple of dollars for rides across town.

Getting There from the US: Several airlines offer one-stop routes from the US (often connecting in Europe or the Middle East). For instance, it’s common to find flights from New York to Cairo via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines for around $700, and we’ve even seen deals in the $600s. In fact, some flight deal trackers reported fares like Washington D.C. to Cape Town (South Africa) $520, which means North Africa can similarly see sub-$600 fares if you catch the right moment.

Tips for Booking Budget Flights (and Why Ovago Helps)

Getting to these affordable destinations without breaking the bank is half the battle. Here are a few tips to score cheap flights to these countries:

• Book Early & Be Flexible: Airlines often release their cheapest seats 6-9 months out. If you can travel in shoulder seasons (just off-peak), you’ll find better deals. For example, flying to Europe in early spring or late fall can save you hundreds compared to summer. Thrifty travelers in 2025 snagged deals like Boston to the Canary Islands for $250 or Washington D.C. to Prague for $300 by being flexible on dates and jumping on sale fares.
• Use Hubs & Low-Cost Carriers: As mentioned, consider flying into a major hub near your destination, then taking a budget airline or other transport. A cheap flight to a popular city plus a $50 regional flight can be cheaper than a single ticket to a smaller airport. For instance, rather than flying direct to a Balkan country, fly to London or Rome on a discount airline and then a low-cost hop to your final stop.
• Leverage Flight Search Tools: Websites like Ovago specialize in helping travelers find budget-friendly flights, especially for economy class. We aggregate options across many airlines to highlight the lowest prices. Ovago’s interface is geared toward flexible date searches and multi-city itineraries, which is perfect if you’re piecing together a long trip or are open to adjusting your schedule to save money.
• Monitor Deals and Alerts: Subscribe to fare alert newsletters. Many amazing deals are time-sensitive – when you see that $280 LAX–Morocco fare or a $300 New York–Athens fare, you have to act fast. Setting up alerts for your target destinations (and checking Ovago for flash sales) means you’ll be ready to pounce when prices drop. 

Big Adventures, Small Budgets

Planning for 2026 doesn’t have to cost a lot. These eight cheapest countries to travel to prove that you can have an enriching, exciting journey for less. Remember, the key to budget travel is balancing savvy planning with openness to spontaneity. Use a service like Ovago to secure your low-cost flights, but once you’re on the ground, allow yourself to go with the flow–cheaper options often reveal themselves when you’re flexible (like catching a local festival or sharing a ride with new friends). Travel is as much about the unexpected moments as the planned highlights.