I’ve Traveled Broke for 10 Years – These 19 Places Still Let You Do It

Reality check: These days, budget travel is nowhere near as cheap as it was even a few years ago. Inflation is a global issue, and no nation has been 100% unaffected. Some places have gotten pricier, while others are still dirt cheap if you move right.

The daily budget I travel on is tight but realistic: some days may end up being a bit more, while others are less, all depending on the country, needs of the moment, and what’s available. But basically, these are my main expenses: sleep, food, local transport, and small bits of fun like a boat trip every now and again.

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It doesn’t account for visas, long-haul flights, big tours or fancy nights out, but this is how I’m really able to make it work…

The reality is that speed is expensive. Slow travel is what really keeps my budget alive. My cheapest trips are always the ones where I move the least and dive in the deepest.

How to use this guide: If you want the easiest cheap, pick tropical countries in Southeast Asia. But if you want the wildest cheap, the Central Asia Stans are where it’s at.

The Rules I Actually Follow 

If you know why you want to travel cheaply, it will make it far and away easier to choose a place to go to. If you’ve got a pocket full of spare change and a hitchhiking thumb, then you will want to stick to the absolute dirt-cheapest places in the world.

For me, traveling broke has led to the most incredible moments and memories on the road, experiences I never would have been able to have if I were splashing more cash.

I also aim to travel in countries where being a Broke Backpacker isn’t a constant struggle: you can camp and dumpster dive just about anywhere, but that’s not always a good time. Here’s what I actually live by:

• Rule #1: Move slow or pay for it.
  Fast travel = transport costs + impulse spending + burnout
  
• Rule #2: Eat local, not convenient.
  Street food is the obvious choice here, but you can also find incredible options at actual sit down restaruants too, provided you stick to hole-in-the-wall. Grocery stores are also a good move in many places, too.
  
• Rule #3: Sleep cheap, but don’t sleep unsafe
  Hostel dorms, homestays, and guesthouses all got you covered here. Never go camping where it’s legitimately unsafe just to save a few bucks. Broke doesn’t need to mean stupid.

• Rule #4: Travel to affordable countries
  You don’t see Western Europe or the States on this list for a reason: they’re hella expensive. And yes, while there are ways to hack them, they’re not ideal for anyone trying to break into this type of travel.
  
• Rule #5: Keep the majority of your activities free
  Hiking, walking through a new city, parks, beaches, and going on waterfall hunts are some of the best things to do on the road, and they all cost zero dollars. Some paid excursions are worth it, but those should be the exception, not the rule.

Now let’s see exactly where you should travel on the cheap…

For Broke Backpackers who want to explore the world without breaking the bank, here are 19 cheap travel destinations to add to your bucket list where your money goes far, the experiences are raw, and adventure still exists.

1. Pakistan

• The broke budget: $15-$20/day but you can go lower if you camp!
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouse, activities
• One thing I’d pay extra for: A shared car or even a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit Baltistan. The public bus is a bit of an ordeal.
• Friction warning: Various parts of the countries are NOT easy to travel in due to paranoid police. I’d highly recommend sticking to Gilgit Baltistan and the major cities and avoiding the Sindh province (besides Karachi), Azad Kashmir, and Yarkhun Valley.
• Broke pro tip: Travel hella slow and bring a tent! Many hostels/guesthouses will be willing to give you long-term rates or allow you to pitch a tent in their garden.

I first visited Pakistan in 2019, where I Couchsurfed across the mainland cities and fell hard and deep for the Hindu Kush mountains in Chitral. I couldn’t stay away for too long, and found myself back in 2021, not knowing I was about to make the even more impressive Karakoram Range my home.

The mountains in Pakistan are the best in the world and the hospitality you will experience here is truly very special. I couchsurfed my way across Pakistan with no problems. The amazing food, the surreal natural beauty, the chaotic traffic, the chai – it all leaves a very special mark on your heart!

I have spent many months on many trips to this incredible country. I can say that Pakistan feels like a second home to me. I believe in its potential as a cheap place to travel to, but I also believe in it as one of the premier destinations, (especially for hikers) period.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Islamabad 2. Karimabad 3. Attabad Lake 4. Ghulkin 5. Passu 6. Khunjerab Pass 7. Fairy Meadows 8. Lahore

Best Base Town: Aliabad in Central Hunza move on to Passu in Upper Hunza next

2. Sri Lanka

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, activities
• One thing I’d pay extra for: The experience of renting a tuk-tuk and driving it around the country!
• Friction warning: Buses are cheap but can be extremely long and insanely loud. Invest in some good noise-cancelling headphones!
• Broke pro tip: While many bits of Sri Lanka are touristy and overpriced these days, there’s still plenty of cheap spots to get off the beaten path. Stick to them!

Somehow, backpacking Sri Lanka has slipped off the radar for many budget travellers. With the ever-increasing popularity of India and Southeast Asia on either side, I expected Sri Lanka to be a little more crowded!

Okay, so maybe the backpacking route is fairly well-trodden here, but that makes it easy to get to different sections of the island, from where you can set out on your own to find a lesser-known beach or a wild section of jungle.

What I found there is a country full of landscapes just begging to be explored by foot or train, especially in the Sri Lanka National Parks. There’s also a smaller community of vibing backpackers spending their holiday hiking mountains or chilling on beautiful beaches.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Colombo 2. Hikkaduwa 3. Galle 4. Unawatuna 5. Midigama 6. Weligama 7. Mirissa 8. Ella 9. Nuwara Eliya 10. Kandy

Best Base Town: Weligama for the coast and Kandy once you head into the highlands.

3. Nepal

• The broke budget: $10-$20 (a bit more on trail)
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: A trek. It’s totally and completely worth it!
• Friction warning: While Nepal is super cheap if you stick to cities and towns, getting into the mountains can add up. Boiled water, Wifi, and even basics like toilet paper can be PRICEY at altitude, but I promise you won’t regret splurging on the experience.
• Broke pro tip: Nepal is cheaper and way better in the winter months. I had an incredible time trekking in December!

I’ll never forget spending 19 days trekking to Everest Base Camp while backpacking Nepal in the second half of December. We beat mass tourism crowds and even had the incredible BC all to ourselves.

Living in the Gilgit Baltistan territory of Pakistan, I’m no stranger to epic mountains, but there’s something about the Buddhist pagodas you encounter while hiking through this country that will easily have you fall in love with the many, many trails.

Nepal has so much more to offer than just big mountain sends though: think EPIC wildlife experiences in the south, thousands of off-the-beaten-path villages all over, and a very cool capital city.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Kathmandu and Around 2. Langtang trek 3. Bandipur 4. Pokhara

Best Base Town: Kathmandu and Pokhara are the best places to base yourself, as they’re an easy jumping off point to a ton more epic towns, villages and treks

4. Laos

• The broke budget: $12-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Trekking with hill tribes in the north
• Friction warning: It’s a bit harder to get off the beaten path as many places are off limits due to unexploded land mines. There’s also been numerous cases of methanol poisoning in the party capital of Vang Vieng. Stick to beer.
• Broke pro tip: Luang Prabang is super cute, but it’s the most expensive place in the country. Don’t linger!

I first went backpacking in Laos before the Chinese trains and the country’s newfound popularity, and quickly fell in love with the sleepy, South Asian nation long before it started trending on Instagram. Everyone says Laos is what Thailand was like decades ago, and even now, you can find a bit of truth to that.

Prices are still pretty cheap just about everywhere, and you can still find places to get off the beaten path, like trekking with some real hill tribes in the “mountainous” north.

Though you won’t find the stunning tropical beaches you’ll see in its neighbors, the chill island of Don Det is a river isle, so that just about makes up for it.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Luang Prabang, 2. Vieng Vang, 3. Vientiane, 4. Thakhek Loop, 5. Don Det

Best Base Town: Don Det is my fave place in Laos as it gives a bit of beach to this landlocked country. After lazing about for a bit, you can easily cross the land border to Cambodia.

5. Uzbekistan

• The broke budget: $20-$30
• What you get for cheap: Food, transport, accommodation
• One thing I’d pay extra for: The bullet train (warning, these sell out FAST)
• Friction warning: While Uzbekistan may seem less-visited, it’s unfortunately getting very touristy and you will have to start very early at popular sites to avoid zoo-like settings
• Broke pro tip: Flights in and out of the country can be expensive, but land borders are where it’s at!

I went on an Uzbekistan backpacking trip a few months ago and y’all, this one really surprised me! I loved Tajikistan so I had high hopes for its neighbor, and all expectations were properly exceeded. The main tourist attractions really were as impressive as they’re made out to be, and the cities are undoubtedly some of the nicest and cleanest in all of Asia.

But let’s talk prices! I was truly shook by how CHEAP it was. Maybe not India cheap, but deff more Broke Backpacker friendly than some other parts of Central Asia. I also found so many beautiful places to get off the beaten path since the vast majority of tourists stick to the four main cities.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Tashkent, 2. Samarkand, 3. Bukhara, 4. Khiva

Best Base Town: Samarkand is so green and such an awesome “city” (it really gives “large town” vibes), to chill out in. The train station here will take you anywhere and it’s also an easy gateway to some epic rural spots.

6. Sulawesi, Indonesia

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Boat trips on the islands, the most amazing snorkeling sites, and deserted beaches can be found here
• Friction warning: It’s EXTREMELY hot here year-round, it’s always worth it to pay extra for AC unless heat doesn’t bother you
• Broke pro tip: Don’t try to rush, as it will end up costing you way more. This island is MASSIVE and could literally be its own country. You need at least a month to see a good amount of it.

While Sulawesi can be part of a larger Indonesia backpacking adventure, it’s big diverse enough to be it’s own trip, which is exactly what I did!

Bringing in the New Year by snorkeling through the best coral reef life I’ve ever seen, boat tripping to completely untouched beaches, and riding around a waterfall-filled volcano town are just a few of the highlights, and I didn’t even see everything in the end. And while I didn’t make it there on this trip, it’s also home to an ethnic group with some of the most unique rituals on the planet.

Sulawesi is undoubtedly an adventure travel paradise, and it’s cheap as heck for Western backpackers: you won’t find Bali prices here.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Manado, 2. Bunaken, 3. Tomohon, 4. Gorontalo, 5. Togean Islands, 6. Ampana, 7. Luwuk, 8. Banggai Islands, 9. Makassar, 10. Tana Toraja

Best Base Town: Tomohon is a true hidden gem (I extended my stay three times!), and it might have the best weather in the entirety of Indonesia. From here, you can easily reach Manado and jump off to some islands when you’ve had enough volcano vibes.

7. Vietnam

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: The Ha Giang Loop!
• Friction warning: Vietnam isn’t quite the same as the rest of Southeast Asia. There’s more scams, significantly more noise, and locals aren’t as into foreign tourism. It’s very much a “love it or hate it” destination, much like India.
• Broke pro tip: Lots of hostels are down for work exchanges. These can be particularly fun in party hostels in cities like Hanoi, where you can get free accom + food by managing the hostel bar

I’ve traveled Vietnam extensively, much of it via motorbike, and whew, is this a special one. I’ll never forget spending time cruising through villages that were barely on Google Maps, well off the typical backpacker route. The hotspots are great, but it’s at rural karaoke sessions with not a single word of English where I really got to know this country.

But hey, even if you want to stick to the icons, Vietnam is CHEAP. Though prices are creeping up in digital nomad hotspots like Da Nang, I’d still go as far as to say it’s the highest value country in SEA at the moment. Take advantage of the sleeper buses, pho and banh mi to stay happily full on a low budget.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Hanoi, 2. Ha Giang Loop, 3. Hue, 4. Hoi An, 5. Da Lat, 6. Ho Chi Minh

Best Base Town: Hanoi in the north and Hoi An (on the outskirts) are my fave places to post up in Vietnam. Both are gateways to lots of cool spots.

8. Nicaragua

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, activities
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Volcano hikes, you can’t go to Nicaragua and miss them!
• Friction warning: Central America isn’t as safe as SEA, so you’ll have to be a bit more on guard
• Broke pro tip: Use chicken buses to get around, they’re cheap AF and an experience you deff won’t forget

I spent nearly three months backpacking Nicaragua and it is HANDS DOWN my favourite place to travel on a budget in Central America. It is a wonderland of volcanic peaks, crazy parties, jungle treks, and Mayan sites.

Nicaragua is safe, easy to get around, and has something for everyone. I made some dear friends for life here, while going volcano boarding, learning to surf, and eating the best damn tacos!

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Leon, 2. Laguna Apoya, 3. Granada, 4. Ometepe, 5. San Juan del Sur

Best Base Town: Both Ometepe and San Juan del Sur are sticky places you can easily find yourself at for awhile.

9. Cambodia

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, activities, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Getting off the beaten path with a trekking guide in the very offbeat Mondulkiri region up north
• Friction warning: Cambodia’s history is VERY dark, and sadly, the vibe remains even decades later. Locals are lovely, but remember they are dealing with immense generational trauma. This is NOT Thailand.
• Broke pro tip: Giant Ibis may not be the cheapest bus company out there, but it’s the safest and in a country that doesn’t have the best rep on this, it’s worth it!

A popular stop on the backpacker trail, traveling Cambodia is a deservingly popular, cheap place to travel to! You can score beers for 25 cents and dorm rooms in hostels for just a couple of dollars.

At a fraction of the price of neighbouring Thailand, and with plenty of gorgeous beaches, steamy jungles, and the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat, Cambodia is another solid choice for a first-time budget traveler. One minute you find yourself deep within the ruins that inspired Tomb Raider and the next you are tripping balls on a jungle island!

Many backpackers in South East Asia save Cambodia for the last part of their trip as this is one of the places you can make your money stretch the furthest! It is safe, easy, and fun.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Siem Reap, 2. Phnom Penh, 3. Kep, 4. Kampot, 5. Koh Rong, 6. Battambang

Best Base Town: Siem Reap is a really chill, green city that’s got a nice location toward the north while Koh Rong has some of the best beaches I’ve ever seen and is an ideal island to really spend some time on.

10. Albania

• The broke budget: $25-$40
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Renting a car can be an EPIC way to see the country on your own schedule. You can even car camp in some spots!
• Friction warning: Peak summer can be every bit as crazy as more popular places in Europe, so I deff recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons
• Broke pro tip: Bring (or buy) a tent! You’ll have so much more flexibility and save a ton of cash.

I first went backpacking in Albania just over a year ago and it quickly became one of my favorite countries on the entire planet. From hiking in some seriously underrated mountains and chasing waterfalls, to cruising along beachside roads and filling up on delicious and backpacker-friendly Albanian eats, there’s really something for every traveler here.

And this being the Balkans, you can expect a mix of European and Asian vibes, with prices much more like the latter! But while yes, it’s cheap, you ARE going to have to spend a bit more here than in some of the other countries we discussed. Which makes it a solid choice for a larger, overland-only trip through the region.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Tirana, 2. Valbona, 3. Theth 4. Shkoder, 5. Berat, 6. Vlora, 7. Himara

Best Base Town: Shkoder is one of the coolest places to chill, and there are pretty great hostels here, too. Himare is also the place to be when it comes to beaches.

11. Kosovo

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transportation
• One thing I’d pay extra for: A nice stay somewhere in the country. There are tons of unique places to rent, especially in the mountains!
• Friction warning: There are still unexploded landmines in more rural areas. Always ask locals before trekking on untrodden paths.
• Broke pro tip: Eat at local hole-in-the-wall restaurants for the cheapest food

After spending four months backpacking around the Balkans, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Kosovo, but the kindness and openness of its people made it a place I’d 100% return to. While you’ll find a ton of similarities to Albania (many locals are ethnic Albanians), their unique history and struggle sets it apart.

It’s easily one of the friendliest countries you’ll find while backpacking in Europe, and a great place to dive into Workaway or Couchsurfing to both save cash and immerse yourself deeper.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Prizren, 2. Gjakova, 3. Peja, 4. Pristina

Best Base Town: Pizren, where you’ll find ton of culture and fun, or Gjakova which feels more like a large town than a city.

12. Bosnia

• The broke budget: $35-$45
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Car rentals are super cheap, don’t count them out if you have a license.
• Friction warning: Like Kosovo, you also have the issue of landmines here. Though again, easy to avoid if you stick to the typical itinerary spots
• Broke pro tip: Land borders are your best friends in the Balkans and Bosnia is no exception. You’ll end up seeing more and saving cash on flights.

Backpacking Bosnia just about tops out Europe for me. The people, the landscapes, the unmatched vibe of its capital, Sarajevo, and let’s not even get into the food. It’s still flying under the radar for most, and prices are very backpacker-friendly.

If you’re looking for an adventure, head to Banja Luka to see a whole other side of the country, as it’s quite literally in the Republika Srpska, one of the two confederal entities in Bosnia.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Mostar, 2. Kravice Falls, 3. Konjic, 4. Sarajevo, 5. Lumomir

Best Base Town: Both Mostar and Sarajevo are must-sees and have the most tourist infrastructure. There are lots of places you can jump off to from either.

13. Turkey

• The broke budget: $25-$40
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Hot air ballooning in Cappadoccia. It’s not cheap, but it’s magical as can be and 100% worth it.
• Friction warning: Istanbul can be super scammy. Luckily there are so many better places in this country to explore!
• Broke pro tip: It’s worth travelling with a tent when backpacking Turkey. There are also lots of caves – especially around the Cappadocia region!

In 2016, I hitchhiked across Europe to Turkey. Then I went from Turkey up to Georgia. This is a fucking BEAUTIFUL destination to travel to – and a cheap place at that! Turkey isn’t quite European, isn’t quite Asian, isn’t quite Eastern European. It is a truly special blend of them both.

In 2017, I returned to stay in Cappadocia for some time without my phone and some time beneath the stars.

Turkey is an often overlooked destination, but this is crazy! Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with incredible places to stay. It is a crossroads of cultures – and the fantastic food reflects this. It has epic hiking and is easy to hitchhike.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Istanbul, 2. Selcuk, 3. Pamukkale, 4. Fethiye, 5. Antalya, 6. Cappadoccia

Best Base Town: Cappadoccia will always be one of my favorite places I’ve ever been so I can’t not recommend it. For beach lovers, the many stunning towns of Antalya are where you want to be.

14. India

• The broke budget: $10-$20
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, activities, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: A flight to the Northeastern States. It’s EXTREMELY far overland and not really recommended.
• Friction warning: India is undoubtedly the most challenging place to travel on this list. It is the true definition of chaos, and you’ll see things that will break your heart and genuinely shock you. It’s also the dirtiest place on the planet (sorry, but it’s true), but it also has some of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. It’s also a very difficult place to travel as a woman, and I do not recommend any female to travel solo there without some legit experience elsewhere.
• Broke pro tip: Get a 6-month visa! India is a world within itself and there’s enough to see to fill up an entire lifetime. Slow travel rewards the wallet, so take advantage of that and land borders.

When I was nineteen, I spent a year backpacking around India and spent under $3000. And it’s still possible to survive here comfortably on $10 a day! Especially if you stick to the delicious street food and cheap sleeps.

India is one of the most popular budget travel destinations and sometimes that can burn you out. There is a lot of sensory overload to contend with here, and travelling to this wild place can feel like an uphill battle. BUT! You can use it as your training ground for even more epic adventures in South Asia.

In India, the cost of living is low. But, the trick to super cheap backpacking in India is to travel slow. The faster you travel, the more it will cost.

In total, I’ve spent nearly two years backpacking across India and have probably only scratched the surface of the amazing experience India has to offer.

Like many veterans of travel in India, I both love and hate the country. I’ve had some of the best days of my life riding a tuk-tuk around the countryside, but the struggle to carve out a life here – as a local and a traveller – can sometimes get too much.

But, the juicy truth remains: India is absolutely one of the cheapest places to travel in the world.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. New Delhi, 2. Kasol and Around, 3. Rishikesh, 5. Varanasi, 6. Agra, 7. Jaipur, 8. Pushkar, 9. Bundi, 10. Jodhpur, 11. Jaisalmar, 12. Udaipur, 13. Mumbai, 17. Goa, 18. Hampi, 19. Kerala

Best Base Town: I spent over a month in the Kasol region. You’ll find some truly stunning villages and lots of fun psy trance vibes in the mountains if you’re into that. Hampi is another very backpacker-y town that lots of travelers end up settling into.

15. Mexico

• The broke budget: $20-$30
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Whale watching in Baja, the most incredible thing I’ve ever expereinced.
• Friction warning: Various parts of Mexico are legitimately unsafe for foreign tourists, especially. Don’t get too far off the beaten path!
• Broke pro tip: Speaking Spanish (even a bit) helps a LOT so do try to learn a bit of the language

Mexico is a country that’s hard to sum up in a few sentences! I’ve been traveling here for years and it’s one of my happy places.

My favourite place to visit in Mexico is Baja, especially around January to March when this little slice of heaven turns into one of the best grey whale watching spots in the world! And interacting with whales is something I can’t even properly describe if we’re being honest.

Backpacking Mexico is an incredible experience with endless options. In just one trip, you can wander around ancient Mayan cities, stroll through colourful colonial towns, get lost in Mexico City, and wind down on a pristine beach. Plus, tacos for DAYS, son!

That said, unfortunately, many tourists never see Mexico outside of their resort walls. Yikes.

You can hitchhike through the countryside and drink mezcal until you see stars; you can hike through the jungle; some of the world’s best diving is here; you can even have a taste of the boat life! The Gulf of Mexico is very popular to go sailing in.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Baja, 2. Guadalajara, 3. Mexico City, 4. Oaxaca, 5. Zipolite, 6. Puerto Escondido. 7. Isla Holbox

Best Base Town: Zipolite has got to be TBB’s favorite place in Mexico, it’s creative, super cheap and vibey. You’ll also be pretty close to Puerto Escondido and not to far from Oaxaca city.

16. Bolivia

• The broke budget: $15-$25
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, activities
• One thing I’d pay extra for: A tour to the Salt Flats for the best views perhaps ever. That’s the beauty of travelling like a dirtbag: you save money in your everyday activities and get to splurge on some truly special experiences.
• Friction warning: Road blocks and protests can happen but not always. Try to avoid traveling around election times and stay updated on the news.
• Broke pro tip: If you want to exchange money, USD is best. But if you’re coming in via Peru, you can get similar exchange rates for Peruvian Soles in border areas.

Backpacking Bolivia is probably my favorite experience in South America. It’s one of the only places in the world to rival the mega mountains of Central Asia, and the Uyuni Salt Flats were undoubtedly one of the most jaw-dropping places I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Unlike its neighbors, Bolivia remains an off-the-beaten-path destination. Intrepid travellers who make it here are rewarded with an abundance of adventure activities and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent!

With its extraterrestrial landscapes, stunning architecture, dirt-cheap parties, and world-renowned trekking, Bolivia is an EPIC budget travel destination in South America.

And if you stick mostly to local markets and restaurants, it’s easy to fill up your belly without emptying your wallet. You can surely get a good meal for $2-3.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. La Paz, 2. Lake Titicaca, 3. Sucre 4. Potosi, 5. Uyuni Salt Flats

Best Base Town: Potosi is a cool place to chill in the southern highlands, where Copacabana on the lake is a personal favorite

17. China

• The broke budget: $30-$40
• What you get for cheap: Food, dorms/guesthouses, activities, transport
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Visiting Tibet. A lot of its traditional culture has already been lost, so I’d recommend getting in while you can!
• Friction warning: There’s virtually zero English to be found in China/their apps, so be very prepared with a good online translator! Also, as you may know, the country has its own internet so you’ll need a VPN to access virtually every app you typically use. LetsVPN has always worked reliably for me!
• Broke pro tip: China is absolutely massive, so consider going even slower than usual!

Backpacking China is trending these days, with many “at a very Chinese time in their lives” as recently seen all over Instagram and TikTok, but I visited years before the popularity (and the visa-free entry). And that hype IS REAL.

The Great Wall is a World Wonder for a reason, and the entire experience is unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled. You’ll really feel like you’re in an entirely new world, and immediately see that Western media missed the mark with their China-criticism.

And we’re talking about it because it’s cheap too! You’ll find prices for just about anything to be affordable as a backpacker, but just make sure you have your essential apps downloaded and squared away before landing to make your life a million times easier.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Beijing, 2. Xi’an, 3. Chongqing, 4. Zhangjiajie, 5. Longji Rice Terraces, 6. Guilan, 7. Daxu, 8. Shanghai, 9. Tibet

Best Base Town: Beijing and Shanghai are typically the best options for flights into the country, but if you’re from one of the many visa-free countries, you can easily enter China at any land border. Other nationalities can get a proper visa, which will allow you to save money on your entries and exits too.

18. Myanmar

• The broke budget: $12-$20
• What you get for cheap: Food, transport, activities
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake through some hill tribes
• Friction warning: As of 2026, Myanmar is still in the midst of a civil war, BUT this is concentrated in certain areas where tourists are not allowed to go. There are many checkpoints, so you won’t find yourself accidentally in these places. Even so, locals desperately want tourism and I felt very safe in the touristy areas. You’ll also need a VPN to access most sites. I recommend JumpJump.
• Broke pro tip: Never let an accommodation book your bus ticket for you. It’s ALWAYS cheaper to do it yourself, and you’ll know exactly what type of bus you’re signing up for.

I spent three weeks backpacking Myanmar in 2025, and I can honestly say it was one of the best travel experiences of my life. The people are the kindest and most hospitable in Southeast Asia, and the raw mix of utterly insane Buddhist pagodas and temples with excellent nature and eclectic cities is something else.

While the country is currently in the midst of a civil war, checkpoints ensure you won’t be allowed to get near dangerous areas. I felt very safe in the country, and locals desperately want tourism as the industry has just about died out in 2020.

With tourism and prices at a record low (exchange dollars for the best rates), a visit to Myanmar (previously Burma) these days is like stepping back into Southeast Asia 50+ years ago, before mass tourism hit.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Yangon 2. Kalaw 3. Inle Lake 4. Mandalay 5. Bagan 6. Ngwe Saung

Best Base Town: Both Kalaw and Bagan were my fave places to chill out in Myanmar. Depending on if it’s open for foreign tourism, Ngwe Saung is the best for beach vibes

19. Morocco

• The broke budget: $25-$35
• What you get for cheap: Food, transport, activities, hostels
• One thing I’d pay extra for: Splurging on a riad for at least a night. They’re not as cheap as a dorm bed, but some are pretty affordable.
• Friction warning: Harassment (especially for solo women) is a notable problem in cities like Marrakesh. Going with a trusted guide could be a good move in them!
• Broke pro tip: Visit classic, local hammams instead of spa hammams for the same experience for way less.

I spent a few months exploring Morocco, visiting popular destinations like Marrakesh and Chefchaouen, then went on to volunteer at a little olive farm near Fes before landing in a Medina apartment on the coast. You’ll find everything here, from laid-back surf towns to historic tanneries!

Prices aren’t quite as cheap as Southeast Asia or Central America, but you’ll still find it to be one of the most affordable countries on the continent. One thing you gotta know though: haggle hard! It might as well be the country’s national sport and you’ll be massively ripped off if you don’t.

A quick broke itinerary: 1. Marrakech, 2. Ait Ben Haddou, 3. Todgha Gorge, 4. Essaouira, 5. Taghazout, 6. Merzouga, 7. Fes, 8. Chefchaouen

Best Base Town: Fes and Chefchaouen are the best places for backpackers to chill. If you’re in Morocco to surf, you can’t find better than Taghazout though!

As we all know, prices of EVERYTHING have gotten crazy over the past few years, and many destinations that used to be very broke backpacker are now giving “flashpacker” at best these days.

We want to be honest with you guys about this reality and recognize the fact that it is NOT anywhere near as easy to travel super broke as it was ten years ago.

This bit is all about helping you avoid disappointment, as tourism increases or pricing/currency changes have hit all the following:

Philippines

• Why it’s creeping up: Inflation has hit The Phillippines hard, which means the cost of EVERYTHING has gone up for locals. This naturally spills into tourism, along with a general tourism boom over the last few years.
• How to still do it cheap: Transport is what tends to hit most backpackers hard as the country really isn’t ideal for the last-minute planning that we love. That’s why you should really try to embrace slow travel if possible, avoid traveling around religious/public holidays, and aim to move between regions as little as possible.
• Go here instead: Sulawesi, Indonesia! Some parts of it are even close to the Philippines, and you’ll find underwater life that’s just as incredible

Thailand

• Why it’s creeping up: As tourism continues to grow in the ever-popular Land of Smiles, prices are going up. The value of the Baht is also going up, which isn’t ideal for travelers.
• How to still do it cheap: I personally LOVE backpacking Thailand even though I’m an offbeat traveler through and through. Why? Because there are SO many places to get away from crowds and high prices in this country. Head there instead of the same old Krabi, Phuket, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui itinerary.
• Go here instead: You can check out Cambodia for similar (though fewer) beaches and vibes, but really I think you can just go off trail WITHIN Thailand and find what you’re looking for.

Georgia

• Why it’s creeping up: Tbilisi has been a digital nomad hotspot for a while, and has always been regarded as one of the cheapest cities in Europe. With serious inflation, though, prices now rival those in other traditionally more expensive countries.
• How to still do it cheap: Traveling in Georgia is still very affordable and provides a ton of value for less, so I’m not saying don’t go. Just come in the shoulder seasons and avoid eating anything in tourist hotspots like Tbilisi’s Old Town.
• Go here instead: Armenia is less touristy and offers many of the same things (mountains, cool cities, excellent food) as Georgia.

Poland

• Why it’s creeping up: Backpacking in Poland has long been thought of as one of the cheapest EU adventures. Thanks to a strong economy and increasing wages, prices have gone up across the board.
• How to still do it cheap: Look for agroturystyka, or rural accommodation (in super beautiful places, I may add!), as these often include some meals too.
• Go here instead: Romania and Hungary are both cheaper than Poland these days and should fulfil the Eastern Europe travel vibe you’re looking for.

Being able to camp and cook your own meals shaves all-important dollars from your daily spending. If you are committed to travelling to all the best budget destinations on offer, it’s worth sorting out your packing list. Not only do you open yourself up to more epic camping, but your valuables are safer too. A happy camper is a prepared camper!

Being a budget traveller is only fun as long as you live to tell the tale. Call me dramatic all you want, but you gotta take care of yourself on the road!

• At the end of the day, dabbling in drugs can eat into a budget very quickly. And where the drugs are cheap, it’s pretty easy to get stuck in your vices. But drugs on the road are almost guaranteed to be part of your travelling experience. Use them wisely, and take care of your homies!
• Trust your gut always, especially if you’re traveling solo
• Parasites are a very real concern in all these countries, stick to bottled water or a more Earth-friendly filtered water bottle
• Call it getting older, but I think getting insured is a good idea. I can let my wild side loose in good conscience knowing that, if shit hits the fan, I won’t be left to rot in the Guatemalan jungle!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There is no need to have thousands of dollars in your bank account before you go travelling! There are many amazing and affordable destinations just waiting to welcome you. As a backpacker, you will quickly learn how to stretch your precious dollars just that little bit further!

Because let’s be real: on the road, the best things aren’t things. They’re the people you meet when you’re forced to hitchhike since you all missed the last bus.

But, not all destinations were born equal! You will find it easier to travel cheaply in Asia than you will in Australia or America. That being said, the tried and true methods of hitchhiking and volunteering can make most places accessible. As for sticking to local food and local transportation.

Travel is truly one of the greatest things you can do for your personal growth and understanding of the world.

So pack your bag, count your coins, and get exploring–the cheapest places to travel in the world are waiting for you!