Traveling is a very exciting prospect for most people; it’s not only a mind-opening experience, but it’s also a way to continue one’s education. Of course, any kind of travel can only be better if your dollar can be stretched that much more. For that, it’s good to travel to places where your dollar buys you more than in other places. Here are the top 10 least expensive countries in the world for travel.
1. Hungary
This European country is truly beautiful and has a rich, intriguing history. With its recent falling economical status, one USD converts to 200 Hungarian Forint. Convert this to 5 dollars for a market meal, train fare at 1 dollar and hotel stay at 20 dollars and you can see why travel in Hungary is cheap.
2. The Philippines
You couldn’t go wrong in the economy travel department by visiting the second-biggest archipelago in the world. Food is cheap, with a filling meal and a beer setting you back by no more than a few dollars. You can rent an apartment for as low as 30 to 40 dollars for an entire month in a small city. Tourists don’t haunt Filipino cities as they do a Thai city; that means you get a unique vacation with mostly local people.
3. Cambodia
500 dollars is good for a month in Cambodia. A cheap room can be had for 2 dollars a night. Food is definitely cheap. You can enjoy a complete restaurant meal for just 4 USD or so; throw in a beer at 70 cents and you’re done. Transport by the local rickshaws is cheap and fun.
4. Vietnam
You can rent an apartment in Vietnam at 130 USD for a month. A bus ride will cost you about half a dollar, and a filling dish of Hanoi Beef Soup or fried rice will set you back by a dollar or so. The local beer, Bia Hoi, can be had for about a few cents for a glass. With stunning landscapes, multiple cuisines and activities, you will never be bored. Vietnam’s average retail price index is about 39% of New York’s. Do the math.
5. Costa Rica
Stay outside of the capital city, San Jose and you can rent an entire house for about 200 USD or less. Buy a decent meal for a 2 USD at a good local restaurant, or grab some tropical fruit for less than a dollar. Bus journey in and about Costa Rica also costs only a few dollars. You get nearly 500 Costa Rican Colons for a single USD; if you’re frugal, 500 USD is good for a month here.
6. Colombia
You can easily travel Colombia for a fortnight on a budget of $500. Rent a shared dormitory for $10 a night or pay about $25 for some privacy, but either way, it’s dirt cheap. Seafood is sold at local beachside stalls can fill your belly and you’ll pay only about $2 or $3. If you do pay more for food, offset that expense by sleeping on beach hammocks for $5.
7. India
In Bangalore, a cheap meal at a local restaurant can be had for 5 USD, and renting an apartment in an economical layout will be 100 USD a month. Cheap hotels and lodgings are also available. Transport via the bus service is cheap, but avoid using the auto-rickshaws. Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi are definitely more expensive than Chennai and Bangalore.
8. Iceland
Take a midweek flight from the US to Reykjavik for $600 or less to start your frugal travel. Even a luxury hotel costs only $80 a night, so cheaper options are available. Beer costs $5 downtown and food is also cheap. Haunt the bakeries. Your dollar gets you twice here what it’ll get you in Moscow or London.
9. Argentina
On a $500 budget, you can spend 10 days in Buenos Aires, which is saying a lot since it’s the Capital City. You can rent a dorm bed for about $10, or a private lodge for $20 to 30. Food is not all that cheap, so renting an apartment for $25 a day and cooking will save you money. Still, for 10 dollars, you can get a good, large steak, and for another 10, a decent wine.
10. Thailand
A single plate of fried rice sets you back by only 1 USD. 50 cents for a beer and your belly is truly full. Food on the Thai islands is more expensive, especially on the beach. Buy large containers of water and use water refilling stations for a cheap deal. Lodgings can be a little expensive so look for cheap, shared accommodation, away from the beach. Trains and local buses are cheap but avoid taxis, but avoid first class train travel. 500 USD is good for about 10 days here, if you are frugal.
Teena is a contributor at gift company Adrenalin. They sell experience gifts made especially for men like hot air ballooning in Melbourne, skydiving, V8 Race experience and more all across Australia.
This post was written for chinasouthern.asia by Teena Celis











