Backpacking is a fantastic way to tour the world, get involved in various cultures, meet new people, and take in breathtaking scenery.
In this article, I will show you the ten cheapest backpacking countries you can go to.
It is understandable why hundreds of people each year decide to pack a bag and travel the world on trips that can last up to a year.
Cost is the biggest issue with travel, though.
Flights, transportation, lodging, sightseeing, and other expenses can quickly mount up and deplete your savings.
Check out the list of some of the cheapest places to go backpacking in the world if you’re seeking to plan your next vacation and are looking for places to visit on a budget.
10 Cheapest Backpacking Countries in the World (Safe & Adventurous)
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a backpacking destination – cost being one of the most important.
If you’re on a tight budget, check out our list of the cheapest countries to backpack.
All of these destinations offer great value for your money, whether it’s cheap accommodation, food, or activities.
01. Morocco
Morocco is one of the most stunning locations and frequently shows up on lists of the cheapest nations.
You will feel like a king or queen every night as you go to sleep, thanks to the lovely and surprisingly reasonable Riads available for your stay.
You will be left wanting more if you try the wonderful kefta meat and kebabs from the street food vendors!
Best Time for Backpacking: The best seasons to travel to Morocco are from mid-March to mid-May and from September to October.
Best Backpacking Trails: Morocco is a cheap vacation spot with a variety of stunning landscapes, including the Sarah Desert, surf beaches, and mountains.
Although Sidi Kaouki has a more laid-back atmosphere, the beachfront town of Essaouira is a well-known beach destination.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $40.00.
Safety: The country of Morocco is regarded as being largely safe. You should be cautious when traveling alone, and you should try to keep your possessions close to you.
02. Turkey
Turkey is an outstanding nation that gets very little credit. In this country, buses are a great way to go around.
I’m talking about the entertainment systems built into the headrests, which are renowned for being of the highest quality!
Best Time for Backpacking: Turkey is best visited in the spring (March to June) or the fall (Sept-Oct).
Best Backpacking Trails: Turkey is a country that more travelers ought to see, with its magnificent mosques, beautiful beaches, and Cappadocia’s picturesque scenery.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $32.00. The cost of hotels and traveler hostels in Turkey truly caught me off, guard.
In the center of the city, dorm rooms cost less than $10. There are also private rooms with traditional Turkish breakfast starting at $30.00 or $15.00 per person.
Safety: Turkey is a well-liked vacation spot and is generally safe, especially if you stay in tourist areas. Despite the potential threat of terrorism and the potential for future political turmoil, Turkey is doing well.
03. Greece
Greece, a European nation, is undoubtedly more expensive than other nations due to the popularity of Santorini and Athens.
But even so, it may be surprisingly inexpensive, especially when compared to the surrounding countries of Croatia and Italy.
Best Time for Backpacking: The best months to go are May through August. March or September are my top choices.
Best Backpacking Trails: There are many peaceful beaches, historic sites, and charming villages to discover.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $38.00. Greek food will be your savior in this situation and will undoubtedly aid in cost-effectiveness. Just keep in mind to occasionally treat yourself to some delectable gelato!
Even in the traveler haven of Santorini, backpacker hostels may be surprisingly inexpensive (though I book a flight instead of a ferry to save money).
Safety: Greece is among the safest countries in which to travel because it is a part of the EU. To remain safe, travelers should stay away from confrontations like political protests and criminal areas like Glyfada Square.
04. Hungary
Hungary is one of the most beautiful and affordable nations in Eastern Europe.
Hungary has gained significant international recognition in the last several years, establishing its spot on the European backpacker circuit and boasting a sizable ex-pat population partly due to its reasonable rates.
Best Time for Backpacking: In the months of September and October, hiking trails, alpine forests, and natural parks all around the nation are at their most picturesque.
Best Backpacking Trails: Budapest, the nation’s capital, is a stunning, fairy-tale-like city with a fantastic backpacker scene and, by European standards, incredibly cheap hostels.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $40.00. The street food is inexpensive and unbelievably good. However, there are many inexpensive restaurant options in various cuisines that won’t break the wallet if you want to eat out.
Safety: For visitors, Hungary is a safe country. However, you should use caution when in these large cities and stay away from protests and demonstrations. Make sure you look up local safety advice and pay attention to your surroundings.
05. Bolivia
Bolivia is, without a doubt, one of the most affordable destinations in The Americas. Bolivia is the best option if you are a true adventurer looking for a place that is welcoming to backpackers.
There is no better way to travel than on a group tour if you want to explore Bolivia but are hesitant due to factors like the language barrier or concern about visiting a foreign country.
Best Time for Backpacking: Season and altitude have an impact on the climate in Bolivia, with the Salt Flats and southern Altiplano being the coldest and most exposed area.
The greatest time to visit Bolivia is between May and October when the dry weather provides sapphire skies and fewer travel hiccups.
Best Backpacking Trails: This undiscovered treasure in the middle of South America has an array of breathtaking sceneries.
Discover the numerous charming colonial villages, venture into the Amazon Rainforest’s wildest regions, and take in the breathtaking Andes Mountain views.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $25.00.
Safety: Travelers might find relative safety in Bolivia by taking a few simple safety precautions and using common sense.
06. Colombia
The ultimate paradise can be reached by sailing via the San Blas Islands from Panama if you are coming from Central America.
However, if you fly in, you might just find a little bit of paradise in one of the budget-friendly, backpacker-friendly countries of 2023.
Best Time for Backpacking: Although the ideal times to go are often from December to March and from June to September, Colombia is completely navigable all year long.
Best Backpacking Trails: Colombia is a place that has it all, in all honesty. From the pleasant climate, vibrant architecture, and stunning beaches to the historical sites, lush rainforests, delicious coffee, and fascinating culture.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $30.00. Hotels are also quite reasonably priced and frequently offer a sumptuous breakfast in the lodging charge, which is a great way to save money on lunch.
Safety: In general, Colombia is safe, and most visitors enjoy uneventful travels there.
07. Mexico
You might spend months visiting this large country and not even see half of the varied landscapes and experiences it has to offer.
This one is the only country in North America to appear on the list of budget destinations.
Best Time for Backpacking: In Mexico, from December to May, during the dry season, when temperatures are mild, is the ideal time to go backpacking.
Best Backpacking Trails: Beautiful beaches, vast towns, Mayan Riviera cenotes, and lush jungles are all here for your enjoyment.
There is something in Mexico for everyone, whether you enjoy visiting large cities, getting out into nature, or are just a foodie looking to check out the best restaurants in Playa Del Carmen.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $30.00. While visiting Mexico, there are several hostels to choose from, so you won’t have any trouble finding like-minded people and traveling on a budget.
Safety: Although it’s typically safe to travel in Mexico, you can never be too vigilant.
08. Guatemala
Guatemala, a well-known travel destination, is undoubtedly one of the least expensive nations in the world.
There will be no shortage of folks who share your interest in visiting this beautiful nation on a budget.
Best Time for Backpacking: The dry season, which in Guatemala runs from December to May, is the ideal time to go backpacking there.
Best Backpacking Trails: Semuc Champey, Flores, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal are just some of the breathtaking places in this affordable nation that will leave you speechless.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $43.00. Eat cheap street snacks, order the “meal of the day” at restaurants, and grab your food at neighborhood eateries called Commodores.
You can save money by using chicken buses to move about rather than paying for private transportation.
Safety: Tourists are unlikely to become victims despite this nation’s unfavorable reputation for having a high percentage of violent crimes.
Petty theft and scams in congested areas of the city are the only common crimes committed against tourists.
09. India
India is the least expensive country to visit. Without India, this wouldn’t be a list of the cheapest places to backpack.
Even still, visiting India is worthwhile for the food alone. With this wonderful spice blend, you’ll be salivating and looking forward to your next meal.
Best Time for Backpacking: Large portions of India are best visited between November and March. The weather is cool and dry in the northern regions, making it ideal for trips to crowded Delhi or romantic Rajasthan.
Best Backpacking Trails: India is undoubtedly a country to visit if you have limited funds because it has stunning sights like the Taj Mahal and the backwaters of Kerala.
Total Cost: A daily budget of $20.00. Here, rooms start at a few dollars per night, but if you spend a little more, you may be sleeping very nicely.
Safety: Major tourist destinations like New Delhi, Agra, and Goa are safe to visit. However, due to sporadic terrorist attacks, northern borders or war zones like Kashmir and Jammu are now not advised.
10. Cambodia
Cambodia must be included on the list of the cheapest places to go, as it is a nation rich in history and home to some of my favorite islands in the world.
Most hotels will be able to arrange transportation for you because it is so simple to get around here.
Best Time for Backpacking: The best time to travel to Cambodia is between November and May when the country still has pleasant weather and little rain.
However, Cambodia’s weather is typically hot and muggy all year round.
Best Backpacking Trails: Be sure to visit Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem while traveling to the islands in the south. I have never seen beaches as gorgeous as those in these locations, yet I spent more than a week traveling alone between these two islands.
Don’t forget to check out the magnificent Angkor Wat Archaeological Complex!
Total Cost: A daily budget of $22.00. Hotels are quite accessible and have reasonable nightly prices, making this a great place for backpackers.
Safety: Although it is generally safe to travel to Cambodia, there are some regular issues and cons that travelers encounter.
Most visitors to Cambodia won’t be the target of serious crimes, although petty theft is common, particularly in tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which country is best for backpackers?
They are listed above. They are on my list not only because they are affordable but also because they are wonderful places to visit regardless of price.
What country is the cheapest for Americans?
Costa Rica, Vietnam, Romania, India, Argentina, South Africa, Cambodia, Mexico, and Everywhere
Right now, if you’re an American, everything is “discounted.” The euro has never been weaker against the US dollar, and the pound, Japanese, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand dollars are all in decline.
It is extremely advantageous to visit normally pricey nations at this time.
Since you don’t really know how long this will persist, you should really take advantage of the fact that your money will go a lot further than in previous years!
How much should a backpacking trip cost?
The daily budget for a backpacker should range from $40 to $70 in the east and from $70 to $100 in the west.
What is the Best Country to Go Backpacking In?
There are definitely some countries that tend to be more popular with backpackers than others. One of the most popular places to go backpacking in Southeast Asia.
This region is home to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, which are all extremely cheap and easy to travel around.
Backpackers often flock here for the beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and delicious food. Another popular destination is South America.
This continent has a lot of variety to offer travelers, from the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
And of course, let’s not forget about Europe – a classic backpacker destination that has something for everyone.
Whether you want to party in Barcelona or explore the picturesque villages of Greece, Europe has it all.
Which Country is the Cheapest for Tourism?
Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia tend to be relatively cheap for tourists.
This is due in part to their lower cost of living, which means that accommodation and food costs are usually lower than in other parts of the world.
These countries also tend to have a wide range of affordable activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Other cheap tourist destinations include Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia.
However, these countries offer a great mix of culture, history, and natural beauty at very reasonable prices.
For example, you can find budget-friendly accommodation options in Mexico City and Cusco, while still being able to experience all that these amazing destinations have to offer.
So, if you’re looking for a cheap place to travel to, there are plenty of options out there.
It’s just a matter of doing some research and finding the right destination for you.
Which of the 10 Cheapest Countries in the World to Travel is the #1 Cheapest?
According to my recent study, the 10 cheapest countries in the world to travel to are as follows:
- Bolivia
- Nepal
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Laos
- Guatemala
- Ecuador
Bolivia is the clear winner when it comes to being the cheapest country in the world to travel to, with Nepal coming in a close second place.
When it comes to Southeast Asia, Cambodia and Indonesia offer the best value for money, whilst Vietnam and Laos are slightly more expensive but still offer great value compared to other parts of the world.
In terms of South Asia, India is incredibly cheap to travel around, with Sri Lanka also offering good value for money.
How Do I Start Backpacking With No Money?
There are some easy but effective ways to save money while backpacking, such as cooking your own meals, staying in hostels, and taking public transportation instead of taxis or renting a car.
Of course, it’s not always easy to find work or places to stay for free, so another option is to save up some money before you hit the road.
This will likely take longer than simply finding a job on the fly, but if you’re patient and disciplined, it will eventually allow you to travel without worrying about where your next meal or bed will come from.
No matter which route you decide to take, remember that backpacking can be an incredibly rewarding experience – even if it doesn’t come with a hefty price tag attached.
So don’t let a lack of funds deter you from embarking on an adventure of a lifetime!
Final Words
There are many economic nations to explore on a backpacker budget, wherever you choose to travel during your trips.
You may find some of these incredible places all over the world, giving wonderful landscapes, a fresh culture to explore, and lots of new experiences to have!
This article should have provided you with some helpful information on some destinations you can visit and backpack through on a shoestring budget, demonstrating that you don’t need a huge budget to take in some of the most breathtaking views, sounds, and civilizations on the planet.
If your vacation plans are still constrained by your budget, have a look at these suggestions for cheap travel. Which nations will you be visiting in 2023, and do you have any further travel suggestions?
