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10 cheapest countries to visit
We look at the cheapest countries to visit, where your money will stretch the furthest without compromising on quality.
In brief: The best countries to visit when you’re travelling on a budget are those that offer cheap accommodation and food, low-cost activities, sunshine and stunning scenery. Indonesia, Poland and Thailand are the cheapest countries for travellers, while Vietnam, South Africa, Turkey and Mexico aren’t far behind. While long-haul flights can be expensive, these countries offer great value for money once you arrive. Book off-season to lower your costs further.
Planning for a trip can be time-consuming – from finding the best time to book flights to choosing the right travel card. But if there’s one thing savvy travellers know, it’s how to make their money go further and save on a holiday.
Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations around the world that offer fantastic value for money. We've tapped into research from our sister publication, Kiplinger, to highlight the cheapest countries to visit and the exchange rates, so you know how far your money will go.
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Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Indonesia is home to more than 17,000 islands, where orangutan colonies, smouldering volcanoes, pink-sand beaches and crater lakes shape one of the world’s most diverse landscapes. Bali – the country’s most popular island – regularly ranks among the world’s most desirable destinations, celebrated for its hospitality, vibrant cuisine and lush scenery. But even with its growing popularity, Indonesia remains affordable once you arrive. Across the archipelago, travellers can expect exceptional service and natural beauty.
Average hotel cost per person: £23
Average daily food cost: £18
Typical round-trip fare from Heathrow: £780
Exchange rate for £1 = ~ 23,761 Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
A new entrant on this list, Poland is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, where you can find vast landscapes, a hearty cuisine and medieval charm, all without the high price tag of the western part of the continent. Kraków is renowned for cobbled streets, Gothic churches and a lively cafe culture, while Warsaw is more of a modern metropolitan city and a creative capital, with a thriving gastronomic scene. With good public transport, boutique hotels and a vibrant nightlife, Poland can make for a great long weekend or a budget holiday.
Thailand is known for its jungle temples, tropical beaches, delicious food and elephant sanctuaries. Whether you want to enjoy city life, excellent shopping and night markets in Bangkok and Phuket, or indulge in a slower pace on one of the many islands, including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, the country has something to offer everyone.
Vietnam is a beautiful country brimming with culture – it has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and tasty local dishes like bánh mì, pho and fresh spring rolls. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are bustling with energy, and you can move up the coast and take a tour of Ha Long Bay, cruise along the Mekong Delta or awe at the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Average hotel cost per person: £40
Average daily food cost: £15
Typical round-trip fare from Heathrow: £750
Exchange rate for £1 = ~ 35,388 Vietnamese dong (VND)
Famous as a haven for safari lovers, South Africa is home to the Big Five animals (elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions and leopards), which visitors may be able to see during a visit to one of the national parks or game reserves. As well as getting to see the wildlife, you can walk among the wildflowers of Namaqua, hike up Table Mountain, go whale watching or relax on one of South Africa’s beaches. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try surfing or even shark diving, or watch whales in Hermanus.
Average hotel cost per person: £40
Average daily food cost: £27
Typical round-trip fare from Heathrow: £1,000
Exchange rate for £1 = ~ 22.13 South African rand (ZAR)
With cuisine that will satisfy all taste buds – from succulent kebabs and mezze platters to the sweet, flaky layers of baklava – it’s easy to see why people flock to Turkey. This diverse destination is one of the most visited countries in the world and offers access to everything from palaces and underground cities to idyllic beaches on the Aegean Sea. Istanbul is home to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace, offering a unique blend of history and culture. For those seeking adventure, Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes are perfect for hot air balloon rides and exploring cave dwellings.
Mexican food alone is reason enough to visit, as you can enjoy tacos, tamales and fresh ceviche for just a few pounds at local taquerías.Beyond the all-inclusive resorts of Cancún and the Riviera Maya, Mexico is home to ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins, and its beaches are regularly listed as some of the best in the world.
Average hotel cost per person: £36
Average daily food cost: £35
Typical round-trip fare from Heathrow: £1,180
Exchange rate for £1 = ~ 23.28 Mexican pesos (MXN)
Costa Rica topped the chart for the best place to retire abroad in 2024, according to the International Living Index, when housing, climate and cost of living are taken into consideration. It’s among the smaller Central American countries, but it has a lot to offer, such as luxury wellness retreats, jungle hideaways and hikes around the volcanic landscapes of Arenal. Make sure to take advantage of the amazing wildlife, whether you go whale watching, watch baby turtles hatch or get up close to some sloths.
Average hotel cost per person: £49
Average daily food cost: £34
Typical round-trip fare from Heathrow: £800
Exchange rate for £1 = ~ 606.87 Costa Rican colones (CRC)
Portugal enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, with beautiful beaches and vibrant citiesto explore. It’s one of the best value destinations in Europe and is ideal for those who love to explore. Portugal is also renowned for its port wine, produced in the scenic Douro Valley, which is well worth a visit, along with Porto, home to historic tasting rooms and lodges where you can try all kinds of port. For those who crave a more energetic break, the Azores – an archipelago off the coast of Portugal – offers breathtaking hikes and stunning landscapes.
The climate in the Dominican Republic is wonderful throughout the year, which gives you the advantage of being able to book off-season to secure even lower prices. The island has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach or head to the rainforest for an adventure. And there are plenty of water sports to try – be it scuba diving, sailing, paddleboarding or even flyboarding.
Average hotel cost per person: £65
Average daily food cost: £47
Typical round-trip fare from Heathrow: £1,200
Exchange rate for £1 = ~ 79.08 Dominican pesos (DOP)
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Oojal has a background in consumer journalism and is interested in helping people make the most of their money.
Oojal has an MA in international journalism from Cardiff University, and before joining MoneyWeek, she worked for Look After My Bills, a personal finance website, where she covered guides on household bills and money-saving deals.
Her bylines can be found on Newsquest, Voice.Cymru, DIVA and Sony Music, and she has explored subjects ranging from politics and LGBTQIA+ issues to food and entertainment.
Outside of work, Oojal enjoys travelling, going to the movies and learning Spanish with a little green owl.
