15 Countries Where You Can Travel for Under $30/Day

Traveling the world doesn’t have to drain your wallet—if you know where to go. Some countries offer rich culture, delicious food, beautiful landscapes, and even private rooms or guesthouses, all on a shoestring budget. Whether you’re backpacking solo, slow-traveling as a digital nomad, or just watching your spending, these 15 countries let you stretch $30 a day without missing out on the experience.

1. Vietnam

With $30 a day (and often less), you can eat like royalty and sleep in comfy guesthouses across Vietnam. Street food like pho and banh mi costs $1–2, buses are cheap, and many attractions (like temples and museums) are free or just a few dollars. From bustling Hanoi to beachy Da Nang or the rice fields of Sapa, it’s a dream for budget travelers.

2. India

India is a sensory overload—and one of the cheapest countries to explore. You can find hostels or budget hotels for $5–10/night, eat flavorful meals for under $3, and ride long-distance trains for just a few bucks. Rajasthan, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh offer completely different vibes—and all are wallet-friendly.

3. Indonesia

Beyond Bali’s tourist bubble, Indonesia is full of budget-friendly islands. Places like Java, Sumatra, and Lombok offer dirt-cheap meals, local homestays, and nature for free. Scooter rentals cost a few dollars a day, and you’ll find local warung meals under $2. Beaches, volcanoes, and culture—without breaking the bank.

4. Nepal

Nepal is one of the best value destinations in the world, especially for adventure lovers. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, hostels and hotels cost around $5–10 per night, and meals like daal bhat (lentils, rice, and curry) are filling and cheap. Trekkers can stay in mountain tea houses for just a few dollars per night, with meals included. Even major treks like the Annapurna Circuit can be done on a tight budget.

5. Bolivia

Bolivia is the most affordable country in South America and a favorite for budget adventurers. Hostels cost $5–10 per night, street food is often under $2, and you can take long-distance buses for next to nothing. Attractions like the Uyuni salt flats and Lake Titicaca can be visited cheaply with local tours. It’s a rugged, raw country—but an incredible deal for travelers who like a challenge.

6. Georgia

Tbilisi has become a hotspot for digital nomads—and not just for the wine. Georgia’s affordability, welcoming visa policy, and rich cuisine make it perfect for travelers. You can eat khachapuri and drink wine for under $5, stay in hostels or family guesthouses for $10–15, and hike the Caucasus for free.

7. Cambodia

Cambodia offers Southeast Asia’s beauty and history at rock-bottom prices. In cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, dorm beds cost around $5 and private rooms about $10–15. Meals are $1–2, and even multi-day tours of temples or islands stay well under budget. Visiting Angkor Wat is the biggest splurge—but you can still fit it into your $30/day plan if you budget around it.

8. Albania

Albania is one of Europe’s last true budget destinations. Hostels and budget hotels cost $10–20 a night, meals are often under $5, and buses connect the coast and mountains for just a few dollars. The beaches rival those of Greece, but at a fraction of the price. Cities like Berat and Gjirokastër offer old-world charm without tourist crowds or costs.

9. Guatemala

Guatemala offers volcano hikes, lakeside villages, and Mayan ruins—all on a shoestring. Hostels around Lake Atitlán and Antigua go for $5–10 per night, and you can eat well at local comedores for $2–3. Chicken buses take you across the country for almost nothing. Spanish schools are also cheap, making it a great place to learn the language while traveling.

10. Egypt

Egypt is packed with ancient history—and it’s surprisingly easy on the wallet. You can explore the pyramids, cruise the Nile, and visit temples in Luxor on less than $30 a day. Hostels in Cairo cost $8–15, street food like falafel and koshari is delicious and cheap, and even domestic flights are affordable. Just be ready to haggle a little at the markets.

11. Laos

Quiet and less touristy than its neighbors, Laos is an underrated haven for slow travel. In towns like Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, budget accommodations are $5–10 per night and meals are often $1–3. Rent a bicycle, float down a river, or explore temples and waterfalls—all without spending much. It’s relaxed, scenic, and easy to enjoy without rushing.

12. Pakistan

For the adventurous traveler, Pakistan offers stunning mountain landscapes, deep culture, and some of the lowest prices in Asia. Local transport, food, and accommodation are all under budget. The hospitality is legendary, and places like Hunza Valley are breathtaking and safe for travelers.

13. Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of Asia’s least-visited destinations, but it’s rich in culture and incredibly affordable. Buses, trains, and ferries cost very little, meals are rarely more than a few dollars, and you can find basic lodging for under $10. The people are famously hospitable, and you’ll often be invited in for tea. It’s a rewarding destination for travelers who want to get off the beaten path.

14. Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers beaches, volcanoes, colonial cities, and lakes—all for much less than its neighbors. Hostels are widely available for $5–10, meals from street vendors or local restaurants are $2–3, and transport between cities is super cheap. Places like Granada, León, and Ometepe Island are popular with backpackers and digital nomads. It’s also one of the safest countries in Central America.

15. Serbia

Serbia is one of Eastern Europe’s best-kept secrets. Belgrade has great nightlife, street food, and museums—without the high prices of Western capitals. You can find dorms or budget hotels for $10–15 per night, eat burek or ćevapi for $2–3, and get around the country for almost nothing. The countryside and small towns are equally charming and even cheaper.