The 5 Best Cheap Countries for Student/Budget Travellers
Hello friends! A very common misconception about travelling (and the one I hear the most) is that travel is super expensive. Don't get me wrong, you can absolutely make travel boujie and expensive but you can also make it like… super affordable. Take it from me, I ve been travelling twice a year every year, for a total of 5 weeks or more as a full time student on a part time salary. If travel was really that expensive I wouldnt be able to do that would I? Theres a ton of ways you can get around spending a ton of money when youre travelling, the first of which being selective about your destination. Here are the 5 cheapest countries I’ve visited, with a breakdown of how much I spent so you can learn from me and save some dollars.
Peru
Peru was easily the coolest trip I’ve done so far, and it didnt break the bank either. From incredible nature and beautiful culture (and Machu Picchu) you get a lot of value for what you spend. The food is affordable, filling, and delicious, tons of hostels are available, and getting around on a budget is easy peasy.
Flights: $700
Hostel stay: $200 (10 nights)
Activities: $600*
Average meal price in a restaurant: $5-20
*Bear in mind that 400$ of this was me taking a one-day train trip to Machu Picchu because I did not have time for the cheaper option. You could definitely knock this down to 250$ and still do everything that I did
Hawaii
(yeah, I know it's not a country, it's in the US but just go with it) Hear me out, because Hawaii CAN be majorly expensive. The biggest money-saving tips here are:
Avoid the restaurants along the main strip in Waikiki, opt instead for the locally owned places nearby. The food is way better, and it's less than half the price.
Take the public transport! Hawaii has an amazing public transportation system, and it can take you practically anywhere on the island
Flights: $600
Hostel stay: $764 (14 nights)
Activities: $350
Average meal price in a restaurant: $15-30
Portugal
Portugal is one of the more reasonably priced countries I’ve been to in Europe, and its absolutely stunning. I stayed in Lisbon and took the trains around to a couple other smaller places nearby. Public transportation is cheap, the food is amazing (and affordable), and the hostels are super clean and cute. You can easily eat well, get around, and see the sights without spending much. Portugal felt like a luxury vacation without the luxury price tag.
Flights: $790*
Hostel stay: $227 (5 nights)
Activities: $175
Average meal price in a restaurant: $20
Czechnia
Czechia (the czech republic) is a gem for budget travellers. I stayed in prague, which is super walkable and all the best sights are pretty central. It’s filled with beautiful architecture, friendly people, fun nightlife, and more. Theres truly something for everyone here, and even the touristy stuff was super affordable and not overrun like in some places. 🙂
Flights: $996
Hostel stay: $125 (5 nights)
Activities: $200
Average meal price in a restaurant: $20-30
Croatia
Croatia is definitely one of my favourite countries I’ve been to. It is stunningly beautiful and kinda gives a vibe that's crossed between Greece and Italy and is way more affordable than either. I spent my time in Dubrovnik, which is where they shot game of thrones! The beaches are gorgeous, the people are lovely, and your money really goes a long way. If youre looking for mediterranean vibes without mediterranean prices, this is definitely your spot.
Flights: $1100
Hostel stay: $165 (6 nights)
Activities: 150$
Average meal price: $20
So there you have it—five amazing places that won’t wreck your bank account. Traveling doesn’t have to be some big, unattainable luxury. With a little planning and the right destination, it’s totally doable on a slim budget. I’ve made some of my favorite memories in these countries without spending thousands, and you can too. Whether you’re dreaming of beaches, mountains, history, or just a good adventure, there’s always a way to make it affordable. Save this post for later, send it to your travel buddy, and start planning your next trip—you’ve got this!
