Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Travel in 2026
Traveling the world doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With the right destinations and smart planning, you can explore vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences — all on a budget. In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 10 cheapest countries to travel to in 2026 and break down how much you can expect to spend for a 10-day adventure in each destination.
Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, student traveler, or just someone who loves affordable adventures, this guide will give you detailed insights into cost-effective travel in 2026.
How We Determined the “Cheapest” Countries
We evaluated the most budget-friendly destinations based on:
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Average cost of accommodation
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Food and drink prices
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Local transportation costs
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Sightseeing and activity costs
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Overall value for money in 2026
All price ranges are estimates and can vary based on travel style (backpacker vs. mid-range), seasonality, and personal spending habits.
1. Vietnam
🇻🇳 Why It’s Cheap
Vietnam is famous for flavorful food, friendly locals, diverse landscapes, and extremely low travel costs. It’s a bucket-list favorite for budget travelers.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel) | $60–$100 |
| Meals & Snacks | $80–$120 |
| Transportation (local + intercity) | $30–$60 |
| Activities & Sightseeing | $40–$80 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $210–$360 |
Highlights
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Street food like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls for under $2.
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Explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and breathtaking Ha Long Bay.
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Free or cheap cultural sites and local markets to explore.
2. India
🇮🇳 Why It’s Cheap
India’s diverse regions offer dramatically different yet affordable travel experiences, from Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (budget guesthouse) | $80–$140 |
| Meals & Street Food | $70–$100 |
| Trains & Local Transport | $40–$80 |
| Activities & Entry Fees | $30–$60 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $220–$380 |
Highlights
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Local trains for cheap intercity travel.
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Explore Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, or Kerala’s backwaters.
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Street food and local meals for $1–$3.
3. Cambodia
🇰🇭 Why It’s Cheap
Cambodia’s low prices make it one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable travel destinations — especially for history lovers visiting Angkor Wat.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel) | $50–$90 |
| Meals | $60–$90 |
| Transportation | $20–$40 |
| Entry Fees & Activities | $50–$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $180–$320 |
Highlights
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Angkor Wat pass (historical site) is the largest expense.
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Beach towns like Sihanoukville for relaxation.
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Easy budget buses between cities.
4. Indonesia
🇮🇩 Why It’s Cheap
Indonesia offers islands, jungles, rice terraces, and surfing beaches — all at friendly prices, with Bali being more affordable away from tourist hotspots.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (simple guesthouse) | $80–$140 |
| Meals & Drinks | $70–$120 |
| Local Transport | $30–$60 |
| Tours, Activities | $50–$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $230–$420 |
Highlights
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Affordable meals of nasi goreng or satay.
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Visit Bali, Lombok, or Yogyakarta.
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Scooter rentals for cheap island travel.
5. Nepal
🇳🇵 Why It’s Cheap
Nestled in the Himalayas, Nepal offers scenic treks, spiritual culture, and city life — all for low costs.
🧳 Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (budget hotel) | $60–$100 |
| Meals | $50–$80 |
| Transport & Local Buses | $20–$40 |
| Treks & Permits | $60–$120 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $190–$340 |
Highlights
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Trekking costs vary, but basic Annapurna circuits are affordable.
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Visit Kathmandu’s heritage sites.
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Cheap local food like dal bhat.
6. Egypt
🇪🇬 Why It’s Cheap
Rich in ancient history, Egypt lets you explore tombs, pyramids, deserts, and Nile cruises without high prices.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (budget hotel) | $90–$150 |
| Food | $80–$120 |
| Transport & Local Taxis | $40–$70 |
| Sightseeing & Museum Fees | $80–$140 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $290–$480 |
Highlights
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Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples, and Nile river views.
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Local meals like koshari are cheap.
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Bargain for taxi rides and tours.
7. Mexico
🇲🇽 Why It’s Cheap
Mexico combines culture, food, beaches, and history at fractions of North American prices — especially outside big resort zones.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (budget hostels) | $100–$160 |
| Food & Snacks | $80–$120 |
| Local Transport | $50–$90 |
| Activities & Attractions | $60–$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $290–$470 |
Highlights
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Street tacos and local markets for cheap eats.
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Visit Mexico City, Oaxaca, and coastal areas.
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Buses are affordable for journeying between cities.
8. Peru
🇵🇪 Why It’s Cheap
Peru blends history, mountains, rainforests, and beaches with costs that fit a tight budget — especially for street and local travel.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $80–$140 |
| Food | $60–$100 |
| Transport (buses, local) | $30–$60 |
| Activities & Entry Fees | $70–$120 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $240–$420 |
Highlights
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Visit Cusco and Machu Picchu (trek budget varies).
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Affordable local foods like ceviche.
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Public buses are very budget-friendly.
9. Morocco
🇲🇦 Why It’s Cheap
Colorful and culturally rich, Morocco offers markets, deserts, mountains, and coastlines for affordable prices — especially in local riads and eateries.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $90–$150 |
| Food | $70–$110 |
| Transport (trains, buses) | $50–$90 |
| Sightseeing & Activities | $60–$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $270–$450 |
Highlights
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Explore Marrakech, Casablanca, and Sahara tours.
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Try tagine and mint tea at local spots.
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Affordable desert camping experiences.
10. Philippines
🇵🇭 Why It’s Cheap
With over 7,000 islands, tropical beaches, and friendly culture, the Philippines is a budget traveler’s paradise — especially if you stick to budget flights and boats.
Estimated 10-Day Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $80–$140 |
| Meals | $60–$100 |
| Local Transport (boats/jeepneys) | $30–$60 |
| Activities & Beaches | $50–$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $220–$400 |
Highlights
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Island hopping in Palawan or Cebu.
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Beachside BBQ meals for cheap.
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Jeepney rides and ferries for local travel.
Tips to Travel Cheap in 2026
No matter which country you visit, these smart budget tips will help you stretch every dollar further:
1. Choose Budget Accommodation
Hostels, guesthouses, homestays, or dorm rooms can save you a lot compared to mid-range hotels. Booking in advance often gets lower prices.
2. Eat Local Food
Street food and local restaurants offer authentic meals at tiny prices. Try local traditional dishes — they’re often cheaper than international fast food.
3. Use Public Transportation
Rather than taxis or private cars, take buses, trains, trams, or shared vans to explore cities and neighboring towns.
4. Book Group Tours or Shared Experiences
Some sightseeing tours are cheaper when done as a group or booked with local vendors.
5. Travel Off-Season
Visiting during shoulder seasons (not peak tourist months) can drop prices for flights, hotels, and tours.
6. Use Budget Travel Apps
Apps for cheap flights, hostels, rideshares, and local deals help you find discounts and live travel deals.
Traveling on a budget in 2026 is not only possible — it’s incredibly rewarding. The world offers amazing destinations where you can stretch your travel dollars without compromising adventure or cultural richness.
Whether you’re planning an extended backpacking trip, a gap-year journey, or a quick 10-day escape, these top 10 cheapest countries offer incredible value, unforgettable experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.