The 10 cheapest countries to travel to

If you’re on the hunt for a summer getaway but are worried about how deep into your pockets you’ll have to reach, it’s worth looking at the 10 cheapest countries to travel to right now.

Even though inflation has slowed and you can cut the costs of travelling with the best travel credit cards, households are still being bitten by the high cost of living, with high interest rates and household bills still rising. 

But, that isn’t stopping Brits from getting some sun, as data from banking giant NatWest shows a third of people plan to increase their holiday spending this year compared to last year. 

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We’ve dived into research from our sister publication Kiplinger, which ranks the following 10 destinations based on how much you might pay per day once you arrive, including accommodation, food and the cost of living.

You’ll still have to factor in the cost of getting there, but that will depend on where you’re flying from and the time of the year. Once you’ve worked that out though, these are the top 10 places to consider if you want to holiday without breaking the bank.

The 10 cheapest countries to travel to

10. Greece

Greece has been a top holiday destination for some time now, and for good reason. Prices have remained cheap since the 2010 debt crisis, and the country offers everything from sunny beaches to historical sites. The average daily cost on holiday is around £135, while accommodation costs around £130 a night. This is up from a year ago, but the cost of an average daily meal is down by around £3. The country is well-known for its islands, and these will be more expensive than mainland or less-travelled to destinations. Book outside the busy summer time period to make sure you secure lower prices.

Average daily cost: £135

Average accommodation cost per person per night: £130

Average daily meals cost: £26

9. Portugal

Portugal boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, on top of beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, fresh seafood and delicious pastries. Plus, it’s one of the best value destinations in Europe, with the daily cost of a holiday averaging at £119. If you want to cover a couple of destinations, you can either move from city to city within the country itself, or you can hop on a train from Lisbon to Madrid for around £25 if you book seven days in advance, according to Rail Europe. 

Average daily cost: £119

Average accommodation cost per person: £52

Average daily meals cost: £35

8. Turkey

This destination has gotten a little pricier compared to a year ago, but Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world, offering visitors access to everything from bustling cities to idyllic beaches on the Aegean Sea. With a Mediterranean climate, you’re pretty much guaranteed booming sunshine between June and September. 

Average daily cost: £112

Average accommodation cost per person: £45

Average daily meals cost: £28

7. Dominican Republic

You can count on beautiful weather regardless of the time of year in the Dominican Republic, so you can 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. If you’re searching for Caribbean nightlife, Punta Cana is the hotspot with the renowned Coco Bongo located here. 

Average daily cost: £104

Average accommodation cost per person: £65

Average daily meals cost: £30

6. Mexico

Mexico City is the fifth largest city in the world, known for its top-tier food scene and historical sites. The country’s other cities have plenty to offer, its beaches are regularly listed as some of the best in the world, and it’s home to ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins – all for relatively low prices. Cancun offers some of the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts including the Moon Palace Resort and the Dreams Riviera Resort.

Average daily cost: £102

Average accommodation cost per person: £40

Average daily meals cost: £24

5. Costa Rica

Costa Rica tops the charts for the best place to retire in 2024, according to the latest index by International Living. The destination might be among the smaller Central American countries, but it has tonnes to offer. It’s a quiet destination with access to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, jungles to explore, and volcanos to hike.

Average daily cost: £94

Average accommodation cost per person: £48

Average daily meals cost: £20

4. Hungary

Budapest is a beautiful historic city with lots to offer at affordable prices. The countryside is home to picturesque villages and beautiful valleys, rivers, thermal baths and mountains to enjoy. If you’re looking for a city break, there’s plenty to do with the capital broken up into two parts to explore – Buda (the quieter side of the city filled with sights to see) and Pest (an area filled with tourists and more hustle and bustle). 

Average daily cost: £55

Average accommodation cost per person: £27

Average daily meals cost: £14

3. Thailand

Don’t be put off by expensive flight costs. If you’re looking to travel east, the lower cost of accommodation and meals in Thailand can make up for pricey flights. The country is known for its jungle temples, tropical beaches, delicious food and bustling cities. Again, Thailand offers the best of both worlds – you can find city life and night markets in Bangkok and Phuket, but if you’re looking for somewhere to wind down, its islands are a must including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui. 

Average daily cost: £67

Average accommodation cost per person: £29

Average daily meals cost: £14

2. Indonesia

Bali regularly ranks as one of the best places to visit in the world, but with over 17,000 islands Indonesia has plenty to offer – from orangutan colonies to volcanoes to beautiful beaches, all of which you can enjoy for low prices. For a more city vibe, its capital Jakarta offers culture, museums and lively evenings. 

Average daily cost: £48

Average accommodation cost: £26

Average daily meals cost: £13

1. Laos

This destination in southeast Asia remains the cheapest country to visit. Despite being landlocked, Laos boasts more than 4,000 islands to visit. Its natural beauty remains largely untouched, and visitors can enjoy tasty local food, jungle treks, and temple visits as well as waterfalls in the mainland.

Average daily cost: £12

Average accommodation cost: £5

Average daily meals cost: £5