15 Cheapest Countries To Visit That Isn't Thailand
Traveling can be so expensive! These 15 cheapest countries to visit (that isn't Thailand) are seriously so amazing and are super affordable.
When researching the cheapest countries to visit, I find that the top result is always Thailand. While Thailand is an amazing country and is very cheap, there are so many other countries that a just as amazing and even more affordable.
This post is all about 15 cheapest countries to visit that isn't Thailand.
This post may contain affiliate links - if you purchase a tour or hotel via Daisies Abroad we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
Cheapest Countries To Visit
1. Nicaragua
Nicaragua is easily one of the cheapest countries to visit in Central and South America.
Nicaragua is located in Central America bordering Costa Rica and Honduras. Over the past few years Nicaragua has become increasingly more popular and a hotspot for backpackers, digital nomads, and budget travelers.
Nicaragua attracts people who love to party and a younger crowd due to there hostel parties & raves. Some of the most popular include the Treehouse Rave every Friday in Granada and Sunday Funday in San Juan del Sur. I am not into this sort of thing - but if you are, Nicaragua seems like an awesome option!
Nicaragua is a great place for a family vacation as well. The flights to Nicaragua from the US and accommodation by the beach are extremely inexpensive (for USA standards).
The best places to go in Nicaragua are San Juan del Sur, Leon, and Granada.
Where To Stay In San Juan del Sur
La Santa Maria Resort is a gorgeous boutique hotel + health club in the heart of San Juan del Sur. This hotel is the definition of affordable luxury - in the US this place would probably be around four hundred a night, but in Nicaragua its only one fifty!
HC Liri Hotel is also located in San Juan del Sur. Only $50 a night for nice accommodation on the beach.
Where To Stay In Leon
Hotel El Convento - This hotel is a beautiful + historic boutique hotel in the heart of the charming village of Leon!
Where To Stay In Granada
Miss Margrits is located in the adorable town of Granada. This hotel is very inexpensive for it's amazing quality.
2. Guatemala
Guatemala is also located in Central America just a bit north of Nicaragua. With cheap prices and endless things to do Guatemala has become a backpackers hotspot. Home to pristine beaches and amazing volcanos Guatemala is for anyone who loves an adventure.
My favorite place to visit in Guatemala is the historic and charming town of Antigua.
Places to stay in Antigua:
Hotel Boutique Los Pasos is a lovely place to stay in Antigua. This luxury hotel is only $120 a night!
An even cheaper option in Antigua is Hotel La Galeria at only $50 a night (subject to change).
3. Colombia
Colombia is such an amazing place and it is super affordable. Plane tickets from the US are extremely cheap and the hotels are also very inexpensive. My favorite city in Colombia is Medellin, but I also loved my time in Bogota & Guatape!
Places To Stay In Medellin
Medellin is known as the city of eternal spring because the weather is always very nice. My favorite hotels in Medellin are: Selvario 36 and The Art Hotel.
Places To Stay In Bogota:
Bogota is the capital city of Colombia is an amazing place to visit because of the beautiful architecture, fascinating culture, and beauty. My favorite place to stay in Bogota is Hotel Coco.
4. Morocco
From bustling medina’s to gorgeous mosques - Morocco is for adventure seekers and culture lovers. Morocco is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination with travelers flocking from all over the world to experience the beautiful coastline and unique culture.
Best places to stay in Fez
Fez is my favorite city in Morocco because of the amazing Medina and stunning architecture. While in Fez make sure you visit the Bab Boujloud and Al Attarine Madrasa. Fez is also very close to the blue city, Chefchaouen. My favorite hotel in Fez is definitely Riad Fes Nass Zmane.
Best places to stay in Marrakech
Many people love Marrakech, and for good reason. Marrakech is absolutely beautiful and is full of so much unique culture. Be sure to stop by the stunning Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle. Here are the best places to stay in Marrakech: Riad Villa Wengé & Spa
Best places to stay in Essaouira
Essaouira is a gorgeous seaside town in Morocco with a stunning coastline and amazing surfing. If you want a cheap beach vacation with a little culture Essaouira is great. Here are the best place to stay in Essaouira: Riad Mellah
5. Portugal
Portugal is the cheapest country in western Europe If you are looking for an inexpensive beach holiday, Portugal is perfect.
The best places to visit in Portugal are Lisbon and Porto.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is such an amazing and unique city. Known for its blue tiles and delectable pastel de nata's, Lisbon is totally worth a visit. My favorite place to stay in Lisbon is Tempo FLH Hotel, but for mor hotel inspo read our Lisbon Hotel Guide here.
Where to stay in Porto
Known for their port wine and the beautiful Douro River, Porto is an amazing destination. Slightly less expensive than Lisbon, Porto is perfect for a romantic getaway or girls trip. Here are the best place to visit in Porto: Architects House
6. Croatia
Croatia is a lovely country on the Mediterranean Sea with crystal blue water and an intriguing culture. This insanely cheap country is becoming more and more popular so be sure to visit soon before the prices go up due to tourism.
The best places to go in Croatia are Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Where to stay in Zagreb
The capital of Croatia, Zagreb is located in the northern part of the country. If you are looking to learn more about the Croatian culture than you should visit the inexpensive city of Zagreb. Here is the best place to stay in Zagreb: art'otel
Where to stay in Split
Split is the most popular destination in Croatia, and for good reason. Split is located next to the gorgeous blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Here is the best places to stay in Split: Zephyrus
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is just south of Split also located on the Mediterranean Sea. Dubrovnik is like a cheaper version of Greece. Here is where to stay in Dubrovnik: Villa Voinic
7. Hungary
Hungary is another cheap destination in Europe. If you are looking for a European city break that is inexpensive, book a flight to Budapest.
Where to stay in Budapest
Budapest is a city that you could spend weeks exploring, and you could actually do it because it is so inexpensive. Here is the best place to stay in Budapest: Kimpton
8. India
India is super inexpensive (for USA standards). It is truly a fascinating country, but it is uncomfortable at times - especially if you are traveling on a budget. Anyway, this list of the least expensive countries to visit would not be complete without a mention of India.
My favorite places in India are New Delhi, Mumbai ,and Jaipur.
Best Places To Stay In New Delhi
New Delhi is a great starting point on your india adventure. In the northern part of India, New Delhi is the capital of the amazing country of India. New Delhi is known for Mughal-era Red Fort and the Jama Masjid mosque. Here is the best place to stay in New Delhi: The Imperial
Where To Stay In Mumbai
Mumbai is located on the Arabian Sea. Mumbai is the fifth most populous city in the world, so be ready for some serious crowds. Here is the best place to stay in Mumbai: The Leela
Where To Stay In Jaipur
Jaipur is just south of New Delhi. Known as the pink city, Jaipur is a must see destination in India. Jaipur is a beautiful city that was once home to the Indian Royals. Here is the best place to stay in Jaipur: Sawai Man Mahal
9. Indonesia
Indonesia is located in southeast Asia. This collection of islands is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning volcanoes. In this tropical oasis you will find beautiful 5 - star resorts for under $100 a night. If you are looking for a beach vacation or an adventure head over to Indonesia. Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Asia.
The best places to visit in Indonesia is Ubud.
Where To Stay In Ubud
Ubud is home to secret waterfalls and tropical beaches. If you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime book a flight to Ubud, Indonisia. Hereis the best place to stay in Ubud: SereS
10. Taiwan
Known for their delicious pineapple cakes, Taiwan is a lovely (and cheap) country to visit. The stunning country of Taiwan is located in east Asian - just off the coast of China. In Taiwan you will find gorgeous resorts, delicious foods, and so much natural beauty.
I have never been to Taiwan, but I have hear from so many people that it is a must visit - so I had to add it to this list!
Where To Stay In Taipei
The capital of Taiwan, Taipei is home to amazing street markets, beautiful skyscrapers, and lovely hiking spots around the city. Here is a good hotel option in Taipei, Taiwan: The Grand Hotel
11. Peru
The lovely country of Peru is located on the western coast of South America. Peru is home to Machu Picchu, parts of the Amazon Jungle, and the lovely city of Lima. Peru is extremely cheap to visit. You can get away with only spending $40 a day.
The best places to visit in Peru are Lima and Cusco.
Where To Stay In Lima
Located right on the coast, Lima, is known for delicious peruvian seafood and the surf scene. Here is the best and most affordable place to stay in Lima: Souma Lima
Where To Stay In Cusco
Cusco is a super popular city to stay in because of its close proximity to Machu Picchu. Not only will you be close to Machu Picchu, you will also be able to explore this lovely city. Cusco is known for its amazing cafes, shopping, and architecture. Here is the best place to stay in Cusco: Palacio Nazarenas
12. South Africa
If you ever get the chance you visit South Africa you need to go! South Africa is an amazing country with endless adventures. South Africa is for my fellow thrill seekers. You will never run out of adventures, from surfing with penguins by your side to going on a safari and seeing lions, elephants, hippos, and more.
The best places to visit in South Africa are Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Where To Stay In Cape Town
Cape Town is located on South Africa's coast so it is perfect if you are looking for an inexpensive surf or a beach holiday. You will also find amazing hikes in Cape Town. Here is a hotel I adore in Cape Town - The Onyx
Where To Stay In Johannesburg
You should visit Johannesburg if you want to explore the African nature as you can do safaris in the surrounding areas. Here is the best place to stay in Johannesburg: Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank
13. Namibia
Located just north of South Africa, Namibia is such an underrated country. Namibia is home to a gorgeous coastline and the beautiful Namib Desert.
The best place to visit in Namibia is the capital, Windhoek and the stunning Namib Desert.
Where To Stay In Windhoek
Windhoek is a charming city in the center of Namibia. Known for its German roots and beautiful artitecture, Windhoek is a must see city while in Namibia. Here is the best places to stay in Windhoek: Windhoek Country Club
14. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is located off the southern tip of India (known as the teardrop of India). Sri Lanka is truly beautiful and underrated country with pristine beaches, cool surf towns, a unique culture, and so much to do.
One of the best places to go in Sri Lanka is Colombo & Dikwella.
Where To Stay In Colombo
Colombo is the most popular city and capital of Sri Lanka. Known for the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple and blue waters. Colombo is a lovely destination for budget travelers. Here is the best place to stay in Colombo: Vivanta Colombo
15. Turkey
Turkey is one of the best destinations in the world. Part of both Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is known for Turkish Tea, hot air balloons, and a gorgeous coastline.
My favorite places to visit in Turkey are Istanbul and Bodrum.
Where To Stay In Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. While in Istanbul be sure to visit Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Here is the best place to visit in Istanbul: The Ritz Carlton
Best Places To Stay In Bodrum
Bodrum is located on the southern coast of Turkey and is known for its beautiful coast and inexpensive prices. While in Bodrum be sure to visit the Bodrum Castle. This is the best place to stay in Bodrum: Oalis Boutique Hotel
15 Cheapest Countries To Visit That Isn't Thailand Wrap Up
I hope that these 15 places will help you choose an affordable and amazing destination for your next trip. If you liked this post all about the cheapest countries to visit we think you will love our guides to Portugal, Colombia, and Croatia!
Happy Travels,
Daisy