Cheapest Countries to Visit Around the World
Holidays are great. Holidays are bright. Holidays are memorable. But they sure make your pockets light!
Come on, it’s not possible that you never considered the cost of a vacation before embarking on one. With the world that it is today, and the inflation in most 1st and 2nd world countries where it stands, the most basic of food-travel-accommodation costs end up making huge dents in your yearly savings. That is partly the reason that the smarties of the world, the intelligent travellers, the lonesome backpackers, the non-touristy kind of folks prefer to do their research and hunt for the best destinations to holiday in the world that are cheap. That is exactly the reason why we here have compiled this list for you and yours; to plan your next vacation in a place so beautiful and so cheap that your purses will weep with pleasure!
Thailand
South East Asia is the foremost on most cheap holiday destinations list. And Thailand usually tops them. With its line of beautiful islands, pristine beaches, massage and spa parlours as well as stunning cliff and beach cafes; Thailand makes for a unique beach holiday. Here you can do everything, from scuba diving to parasailing to snorkelling, from meeting tigers to visiting quaint Buddhist monasteries; explore night markets as well as shop for some of the trendiest and cheapest clothes in the continent. With places like Phuket, Krabi, Ko Tao and Ko Samui, and of course the capital Bangkok - Thailand is cheap and pretty.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 15,000 - 20,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 3,000 - 3,500
Malaysia
Bordered north of Thailand, Malaysia is just as beautiful and almost as cheap as Thailand when it comes to holidaying. Renowned world over for its tropical forest covers, archipelagos of wonderful islands and beach paradises and mountain ranges that rise and fall like a child’s water colour sketch; Malaysia is a diverse piece of land. The food here on the streets (Thai, Malay and Indian) is better than tasty; and super cheap. The travelling expenses can also be controlled by choosing public transport options instead of luxurious cars. And accommodation is cheap at hostels, lodgings and mid-range hotels. And of course, Malaysia is also amazing to shop at!
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 15,000 - 20,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 3,200 - 5000
Turkey
A crossroads of East and West, of Asia and Europe, of the modern and the ancient; Turkey is a very coveted holiday destination first and foremost. What makes it all the moe attractive and downright irresistible is the fact that it is one of the cheapest places to visit from India. With the Turkish economy slightly down and the Lira dipping against Dollar, Turkey is cheaper than ever; be it food (even high-end restaurant food), transport or accommodation. With destinations like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Trabzon, Cappadocia and Pamukkale, Turkey will be a great delight. Beaches, piers, mosques and churches; and people who are the sweetest.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 25,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 2,500
Georgia
Georgia is a country in the Eurasia region, sharing land borders with Turkey and water borders with the likes of Russia. This little country is a beautiful amalgamation of untouched nature and the wonders of Eurasian culture; i.e. a unique mix of Islamic, Roman and Christian. With its diverse destination cities, caves and mountains with monasteries and cobblestone streets, Georgia is an upcoming tourist delight. And the best part? It is dirt cheap to holiday in. Your flight fares to the country may not be water priced but once inside, you are bound to sail through. Also, you may find that Georgia has served as a location for many a great movies and TV series (re: Black Panther, Baywatch, Stranger Things).
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 20,000 - 30,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,000 - 2,000
Philippines
The Philippines is a collection of tropical islands, more than 7000 in number, hosting some of the most beautiful things on this earth - like the dancing rice fields, like volcanoes smoking red, like walls outside houses painted in bright graffiti, like gypsies scavenging beaches. For beach babies, this is paradise all over again. Beach camps, tents pitched among the buffer of forests and sands, adventure, beauty and sunshine all rolled into one is Philippines. And for all the pale sands of its shores, this country is dirt cheap to travel in. You can go ziplining, kiteboarding, kayaking, mountain biking or swimming, and not spend more than 2-3000 in a day (with lodging and food in modest places). How cool is that!
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 24,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 2,600 - 3,500
Sri Lanka
A neighbour of India’s, Sri Lanka is cheap holiday personified. With its Buddhist monasteries, tea gardens, rice fields, mountains that resemble Scotland and beaches out of a sea-lover’s wet dream, Sri Lanka is incomparable if you want a fun fledged international holiday experience with a culture that is closer home. With its coconut gravy based dishes, seafood curries and rice delicacies, this country gives you food cheaper than India most of the times. With destinations like Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya at your disposal, you are in for some memorable holiday pictures. The hotels here, even the high end ones are quite reasonable, and if you spend carefully, then you can do a 7-10 day trip on a budget of around 30,000
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 10,000 - 18,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,500 - 2,000
Vietnam
Gone are the days when Vietnam was at war. Today the country is very much at peace and blooming in the sunshine of its own beauty. With the rich heritage of Buddhist monasteries and temples, rolling terraces of rice and paddy fields, lush forests stretching into the horizon and islands that remind you of a simpler, natural way of life; Vietnam is a gold mine hidden in the many gemstones of South East Asia. Tourists from the west find this country dirt cheap, and tourists from India are no different. The place hardly even makes a tiny prick in your wallet. If you spend wisely, buy fresh produces from local floating markets and cook in, or eat pho noodles and the most delicious stews at the floating boats, then you can easily enjoy a luxurious trip at the price range of an average one elsewhere (Thailand or Malaysia). Places like Halong Bay, Hanoi and Sapa mesmerise you like no other.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 25,000 - 30,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 2,500 - 3,000
Russia
At first thought, Russia might seem like a pretty expensive place, knowing all we know about its geography, history, economy, military might and a power status on the geopolitic map of the atlas. That, however, is not the case. After the fall of Soviet Union, Russia hasn’t enjoyed many days of superpower glory even though it is still one of the most uniquely beautiful countries you will ever see. The charming dome temples coloured in stripped bright hues of Moscow, the ancient palaces and buildings and statues of St Petersburg, the charm and historical hamlets of Suzdal and Pskov; they all show you a new kind of stunning. You can ski here, go rock climbing, rafting, or even trekking in the Caucasus region. Russia has a lengthier and more expensive visa procedure, but once you are in, there is no looking back. Food, travel, sightseeing, and even lodging costs are pretty affordable for a Eurasian country.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 40,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 3,000 - 5,000
Egypt
The country of mummies and pharaohs, pyramids and souks, camels and caravans; Egypt is a rugged beauty on the bosom of Earth, one that breathes in the scent of its own rich history and heritage. This Arab country is not as expensive as its neighbours, even though it lies in Africa. Scuba divers go diving in the Red Sea, historical lovers go exploring its pyramids and deserts and ancient markets, while others enjoy the modernity of Cairo’s city life. What’s more is, in Egypt, you get food pretty cheap. All you need to be concerned about is sightseeing tickets and passes and a little travel expense. Accommodation in smaller, family owned hotels and hostels is affordable as well. Cairos is, through a Swiss Bank USB Survey, the cheapest city in the world after all!
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 25,000 - 30,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,500 - 2,500
Bhutan
A country that bases its growth on the Gross National Happiness and not the Gross Domestic Produce, Bhutan is considered a sacred and beautiful land. It is renowned for its beautiful Himalayas, mountain monasteries, dense forests and the unique vibe of its people; some of the happiest in the world. Bhutan, being India’s neighbour, is easily reached from the country. And hence travel costs are cut drastically, especially if you drive or take a bus across the Eastern border of India. The area is spectacular and offers trekking, meditation, spa, yoga as well as adventure excursions. And even if you splurge a little on food and stay, you will still be on a budget trip.
Roundtrip Flights: Travel by road from Kolkata is very cheap
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,200 - 2,000
Hong Kong
One first thought, Hong Kong looks like a luxury city, a destination that is bound to empty your savings in less than a week. But that may be stretching the facts a bit too far. Yes, Hong Kong is expensive; but only if you choose to splurge at five stars, eat at the most expensive places and shop like no tomorrow from its brands. This pearl of orient destination can really be enjoyed on budget and comes out cheaper than you’d expect. With its superb city life and quaint green parks outside, rising hills and towering temples, Hong Kong charms you almost at first site. The streets of Hong Kong serve the best and cheapest food, and it is as tasty as it looks, hygienic too. Go for that. Instead of shopping brands, choose local stores and high street. Live modestly and enjoy fully. Also, try and go during off season.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 30,000 - 33,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 6,000
Cambodia
An Asian country that is not too developed, and yet offers a great deal of tourism. Cambodia is all about beaches, Buddhist temples, French bakeries and colonial streets. You will love the greens and blues of nature stretched out here, waterfronts that are pristine and welcoming, and rice fields that make for postcard pictures. The villages are best explored on cycles and colonial towns like Battambang best taken a tour at leisure. The best thing about Cambodia is the fact that it is cheap, very cheap for daily expenses. From street food and basic restaurants to local establishments, you are all set to do things under budget. Even international cuisine like pastas, pizzas and baked goods are relatively affordable. Buses are cheaper for transport than planes any day. They also show more connectivity.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 25,000 - 30,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 3,000 - 3,200
Laos
Not far from Cambodia is the mountainous country of Laos. With its pine forests and hills and waterfalls, tribes that are aborigines and architecture of cities that has a colonial touch to it, Laos makes for a peaceful holiday. And cheap too of course. Here you can enjoy sightseeing, picnics by lakes, cycling across villages, meals at meagre rates and stay at some very luxurious resorts at the outskirts under budget. For a single person living on average to mid-average standard of food and stay, Laos is cheaper than any of its neighbours.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 30,000 - 33,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,000 - 1,200
Nepal
One of India’s closest neighbour and a country that literally opens its balconies into the Himalayas, Nepal is very cheap to travel to. Almost as cheap as Indian states like Bihar and Jharkhand. Obviously, the touristy places and sights will charge you more money, but otherwise, for food, stay and even domestic travel, Nepal’s exchange will make you feel like you are not far from home. The country is famous for its Himalayan peaks, trekking trails, Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples (especially Pashupatinath), wild forests and loads of adventure. In Nepal, you can easily make you way through a day within a couple of hundred Indian Rupees. A bowl of dal-bhaat, which is also a local staple and delicacy, will cost you not more than fifty bucks. You do the math for the rest now.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 20,000 - 30,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,700 - 2,500
China
China is one of the top growing economies of the world, and also the most populated country. Taking both these factors into consideration, it is no surprise that it falls on this list of cheap holiday destinations. While a part of China is all tall buildings and amazing infrastructure, another is quaint little villages, Mongolian settlements and mountain tribes with beautiful temples. Again, as in any other highly developing country, when holidaying in China, ensure that you choose a mid-range hotel, spend your dime wisely on food options and choose to travel smartly. If these are taken care of, China will feel almost as good as Indian exchange.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 30,000 - 35,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 4,500 - 6,000
Kazakhstan
Oh, you have missed out on a world of beauty if you haven’t yet heard of Kazakhstan. It is oil rich, large, blessed with stunning desolate mountains and valleys, and makes for an easy ride from India as it sits just above Afghanistan. One of the most economically forward and developed countries among its neighbours, Kazakhstan has a beautiful natural charm to it, that is not at all compromised by the urban infrastructure of its cities. Being one of the most significant centres on the ancient Silk Route, Kazakhstan today holds much history of heritage. Even if you visit the country during the peak months from April to June, you will find yourself enjoying everything at affordable rates. With its exchange rate at 5 Kazakhstani Tenge for 1 Indian Rupee, you do the math of what’s in store for your pockets!
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 40,000 - 55,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 1,500 - 2,000
Taiwan
A potato shaped island off the coast of China, Taiwan is a country that we all know as the hub of techno gadgets and first copies. But it is definitely more than just its geek ware on sale. There are tropical beaches and tall, green forested mountains here, there are Chinese festivals celebrated and Japanese way of life that endures. You will get to see a new country, enjoy its nature, meet the people of the world’s most densely populated country, and be able to get yourself some gadgets on the way. All for the price of nothing! Well, Taiwan is pretty cheap that way. Most national parks and natural sceneries are free to enter here, the food is cheap and good even at small establishments, and transport easy on the pocket most of the time. Win-Win!
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 15,000 - 25,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 2,000 - 3,000
UAE
The United Arab Emirates has recently risen to the fore of luxury tourism. With the beaches of the Gulf of Oman, skyscrapers and deserts of Dubai, the polished lifestyle of Qatar and the ancient history of Bahrain, UAE is awesome multiplied by 7. What’s more is, the union is more affordable than most Indian holiday hotspots, with places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai showing you a beautiful royal time while charging you menial amounts for the experience. It may be expensive by some Indian standards - the tents in the deserts, the private chambers in palaces, tours of Burj Khalifa and Sahara deserts; but each one is worth it.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 15,000 - 20,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 5,000 - 6,000
Jordan
Caravan serais and deserts that breathe the warmest earth into you, Roman amphitheatres and castles that turned to souks selling Indian spices; Jordan is a paradox of many things and many ideas. This is the land of Christian crusaders and Roman rulers, of Muslim warriors and Sufi architects. In spite of being a high and mighty Arab nation, Jordan is relatively reasonable when it comes to the basics of food, stay and travel here. Even if you go to its highlight ancient city of Petra, where most tourism is ripe, you would still feel okay with the charges.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 33,000 +
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 4,000 - 6,000
Kenya
A wild wild country, if there ever was one, Kenya is one of the cheaper bets in Africa. If you want a safari, wish to see the Big5 game, enjoy the coastline of the African-Indian Ocean - and all of that not at the cost of your life savings, then Kenya is where you go. Not South Africa or Tanzania or even Namibia. You have the options of visiting national parks, marine parks, go deep sea diving in coral reef fringed areas, take a hot air balloon ride, go into the savannahs on a safari or check out the islands around. And on an average, you won’t be shelling out as much money as you would on an equivalent trip somewhere else.
Roundtrip Flights: Rs. 30,000 - 38,000
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 5,000 - 6,000
Cuba
Cuba is known for communism and cigars and pastel painted heritage towns; but of course, it is a little more than all of that. With the turn of the century, the country has become one of the most unique vacation spots for lovers of history, culture, cute things and vintage cars (yes, really, Cuban roads are all about pastel coloured vintage cars). When in Cuba, prepare yourself for a holiday of your dreams. For endless rounds of mojitos and salsa dance lessons in idle garages, for backgammon games with old men in the street square and heritage towns that smell of Cuban cigars all the time. The Caribbean Sea sits by just quietly as you do so. The only expensive part of Cuban vacation is the flight you will take from India to Cuba. Once there, you can tide over with a meagre 3-4,000 on a daily budget (all inclusive).
Roundtrip Flights: Expensive
Daily Expense per Person - Rs. 3,500 - 5,000
