15 Budget-Friendly Countries to Visit in 2024: Travel for Under $50 Per Day

Did you know that the average American spends over $271 per day while traveling abroad? But here’s the exciting truth – you can explore incredible destinations around the world for less than a fifth of that! From the sun-soaked beaches of Vietnam to the ancient temples of Cambodia, we’ve discovered 15 countries where your daily budget of $50 can cover accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Pack your bags and let’s explore 15 of the cheapest countries to visit in order to that prove you don’t need deep pockets to satisfy your wanderlust!

Understanding Budget Travel in 2024

Let me tell you something about budget travel that took me years to figure out – it’s not about suffering through terrible hostels or eating nothing but convenience store ramen. The magic number of $50 per day can actually get you pretty far in the right destinations! I learned this the hard way after blowing way too much money on my first international trip to Western Europe (ouch, my bank account still remembers that one).

Here’s what you can realistically expect to cover with $50 in budget-friendly countries in 2024. I’ve broken this down based on countless spreadsheets and real-world experience helping other travelers plan their trips:

Accommodation: $15-20/day You’re looking at clean, basic hostels or guesthouses, often with free WiFi and breakfast included. In places like Vietnam or India, this might even get you a private room! Pro tip: I’ve found that booking hostels directly through their Instagram or Facebook pages often gets you better rates than the big booking sites.

Food: $10-15/day This is where the magic happens! Street food and local restaurants are your best friends. I remember this incredible week in Thailand where I was spending about $2 per meal at local markets, and honestly, it was some of the best food I’ve ever had. You’ll want to budget:

• Breakfast: $2-3 (if not included with accommodation)
• Lunch: $3-5
• Dinner: $4-7
• Snacks/drinks: $1-2

Local Transportation: $5-7/day Most budget destinations have incredibly affordable public transport. Between local buses, shared taxis, and the occasional tuk-tuk, you can explore pretty extensively. Just remember to always negotiate prices for tuk-tuks and taxis before getting in – learned that one the hard way in Bangkok!

Activities: $8-10/day Here’s where understanding the cost of living index becomes super helpful. I use Numbeo.com religiously to check local prices before visiting anywhere new. In countries with a lower cost of living index, activities that might cost $50-100 in the US often run $10-20. Think cooking classes in Vietnam, temple tours in Cambodia, or guided hikes in Nepal.

The real secret to stretching your budget? Timing is everything. I’ve found shoulder season (just before or after peak tourist season) to be the sweet spot. For example, visiting Southeast Asia in November or March can save you up to 30% on accommodation compared to peak season prices. Plus, you’ll deal with fewer crowds and more pleasant weather.

Some money-saving travel tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• Download offline maps and travel apps before you go to avoid expensive roaming charges
• Get a good travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees (seriously, those 3% fees add up fast)
• Always carry a reusable water bottle with a filter (bottled water costs can sneakily eat into your budget)
• Join local Facebook groups for your destination – they often share deals and local insights you won’t find elsewhere

One thing that still amazes me is how the cost of living index impacts everything from museum tickets to coffee prices. In countries with a lower index, you might pay $2 for a museum entry that would cost $25 in the US. I keep a spreadsheet comparing costs across different countries, and it’s mind-blowing how far your money can go in places like Vietnam or Georgia.

Remember, budget travel in 2024 isn’t about penny-pinching every single expense – it’s about being smart with your money so you can have amazing experiences without ever breaking the bank. And trust me, some of my favorite travel memories came from $3 street food dinners and $15 hostel rooms where I met incredible people from around the world.

Without further ado – let’s explore some of the cheapest countries to visit for under $50 in daily cost!!

Cheapest Countries To Visit In Southeast Asia

I’ve spent countless months exploring Southeast Asia throughout my life, and let me tell you – this region is an absolute heaven for budget travelers! Every time I visit, I’m amazed at how far my dollars stretch. Let me break down these incredible destinations that I’ve come to know like the back of my hand.

Vietnam still holds a special place in my heart, and I’ll never forget my first bowl of pho in Hanoi that cost less than $2. In 2024, you can easily stick to $30-40 per day here. The trick is to embrace local living. In Hoi An, I discovered that staying in homestays (around $12-15 per night) gives you a much richer experience than hotels. Plus, many include bike rentals and home-cooked breakfast! Pro tip: download the Grab app for reliable, meter-based transportation – it’s saved me from countless taxi overcharges.

Cambodia taught me that sometimes the best experiences are the cheapest. For $25-35 daily, you can live pretty comfortably here. I remember watching sunrise at Angkor Wat (a $37 day pass in 2024) and thinking it was worth every penny. Here’s a money-saving hack I discovered: many guesthouses in Siem Reap offer free tuk-tuk service if you book your temple tours through them. And don’t get me started on the $1 fresh coconuts and $2.50 beer-and-burger deals during happy hour!

Laos is where I learned to slow down. With $30-40 per day, you can kayak through stunning limestone karsts in Vang Vieng or explore the peaceful temples of Luang Prabang. The secret here? Time management. Overnight buses between cities, though not the most comfortable, save you both accommodation costs and precious daylight hours. My favorite budget find was a family-run guesthouse in Luang Prabang that included free Lao coffee and fresh fruit every morning.

Indonesia (outside Bali) – this is where budget travelers hit the real jackpot. For $35-45 daily, you can explore islands that most tourists never see. In Flores, I stayed in beachfront bungalows for $20 a night, complete with breakfast and epic sunset views on stunning beaches. The local warungs (family-run restaurants) serve incredible nasi goreng for about $2-3. One money-saving tip I swear by: learn basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases. I’ve noticed prices often magically drop when you negotiate in the local language!

Some practical tips I’ve picked up for Southeast Asia:

• Always carry small bills – breaking large notes can be challenging in local markets
• Book accommodation for the first night in each new city, but negotiate better rates in person for longer stays
• Get a Charles Schwab or similar ATM-fee-refunding card – those $5 ATM fees add up fast
• Download offline translation apps – they’re lifesavers for reading menus and negotiating prices
• Check Facebook Marketplace in bigger cities – locals often sell train/bus tickets they can’t use at discounted rates

Let me share something that nobody tells you about Southeast Asian budget travel – prices can vary dramatically between high and low seasons. I once paid $8 for a fantastic private room in Vietnam during rainy season that would’ve cost $25 in peak season. And the rain? Usually just short afternoon showers that give you a perfect excuse to sample local coffee or get a $5 hour-long massage.

Cheapest Countries To Visit In South Asia

India – You know what blows my mind about India? The incredible value you get for $25-35 per day. My first time in Rajasthan, I couldn’t believe I was staying in converted heritage havelis (traditional mansions) for just $10-15 a night. The key to budget travel in India is embracing local experiences. I learned to love the chai wallahs serving sweet tea for 20 cents, and the thali restaurants where $3 gets you an endless variety of dishes.

Transportation in India taught me patience – but wow, is it affordable! I once traveled from Delhi to Agra on a comfortable AC train for less than $10. Pro tip: download the IRCTC app and book trains in advance. The difference between a last-minute ticket and one booked 2-3 months ahead can be substantial.

Nepal changed my perspective on trekking expenses. With $25-35 daily, you can experience the mighty Himalayas without joining expensive tours. Tea houses along popular treks like the Annapurna Circuit cost around $5-8 per night, including dinner and breakfast. One thing I wish I’d known earlier: get your trekking permits directly from the Tourism Board office in Kathmandu rather than through agencies – you’ll save at least $20-30.

Sri Lanka surprised me with its mid-range budget needs ($35-45/day), but the experiences justify every dollar. Local guesthouses often include incredible home-cooked breakfasts that’ll keep you full until dinner. My favorite budget hack here? Use the incredibly scenic train system – a 7-hour journey through tea plantations costs less than $2 in second class!

Cheapest Countries To Visit In Eastern Europe

Albania stole my heart with its Mediterranean charm at Balkan prices ($35-45/day). The coastal city of Saranda offers beachfront apartments for $20-25 per night in shoulder season. I discovered that local markets sell fresh produce for pennies on the dollar – I once made a week’s worth of Greek salads for less than $10!

Bosnia and Herzegovina taught me that sometimes the best experiences are free. Walking tours in Sarajevo (with optional tips) provide incredible insights into the city’s complex history. Food costs surprised me – hearty portions of ćevapi (local grilled meat) with sides rarely exceed $5. Budget tip: many hostels organize shared rides to Mostar, splitting the cost between travelers.

Georgia‘s legendary hospitality means your $35-45 daily budget stretches incredibly far. Wine tastings in Kakheti often cost just $5-10, including generous pours and snacks. Here’s something I discovered: many family-run guesthouses offer cooking lessons with your stay – just ask! The local marshrutkas (minibuses) between cities cost a fraction of tourist shuttles.

Cheapest Countries To Visit In Central America

Nicaragua showed me that $35-45 per day gets you paradise access. I stayed in Granada’s colonial center for $15 a night, complete with courtyard pool. Local comedors serve huge portions of gallo pinto and plantains for $3-4. The money-saving trick here? Book volcano boarding and other activities through your hostel rather than online – you’ll save about 40%.

Guatemala‘s $35-45 daily budget covers amazing experiences, especially around Lake Atitlan. Local lanchas (boats) between villages cost under $3, and traditional cooking classes run about $15-20. Here’s a tip I cherish: many language schools include homestays with local families, providing accommodation, meals, and cultural immersion for incredibly reasonable rates.

Cheapest Countries To Visit In Africa

Morocco‘s medinas initially intimidated me, but $40-45 daily works wonderfully here. Authentic riads (traditional houses) in Fez or Marrakech’s old town cost $20-25 per night. The real secret? Learn basic haggling phrases in Arabic or French – it completely changes market prices. Remember to book desert tours from smaller towns like Merzouga rather than major cities – you’ll save at least 30%.

Egypt surprised me with its affordability ($35-45/day). Felucca trips down the Nile cost around $30 for two days, including meals. Student ID cards (even expired ones) can halve entry fees at major sites. Pro tip: book overnight trains between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan in advance through your accommodation – they’re much cheaper than flights and save a night’s lodging.

Tanzania requires careful planning but $40-45 daily works if you avoid expensive safaris. Zanzibar’s local areas offer amazing experiences at half the tourist strip prices. I found that joining other travelers for shared taxi services and buying spices from local markets instead of tourist shops saved significant money. Plus, many guesthouses offer free snorkeling gear rentals – just buy your own mask if you’re staying longer.

Money-Saving Tips for Budget Destinations

Let me share some hard-earned wisdom from years of budget travel – lessons that have literally saved me thousands of dollars. Some of these tips I had to learn the hard way (like that time I forgot to check for ATM fees and racked up $100 in charges in just two weeks!).

When it comes to accommodations, timing is everything. I’ve found that booking hostels or guesthouses between 2-4 PM often gets you better rates – that’s when owners know which beds will stay empty and are more willing to negotiate. And here’s something most travel blogs won’t tell you: in many countries, showing up in person can get you way better rates than online booking. In Vietnam, I once got a $25 room for $15 just by walking in and offering to pay in cash.

Transportation hacks have saved my budget countless times. Most budget travelers know about night buses saving a night’s accommodation, but here’s my secret weapon: local transportation apps. Grab in Southeast Asia, Careem in the Middle East, and Bolt in Eastern Europe often cost 50% less than regular taxis. Plus, apps eliminate the haggling hassle! Another game-changer: many cities have unofficial “local” buses that run the same routes as tourist buses for a fraction of the cost.

Food strategies? This is where the real savings happen. I’ve developed what I call the “one splurge meal” rule – eat like a local for breakfast and lunch, then maybe splurge a bit for dinner if you want. Local markets are your best friend – I usually grab fresh fruit for breakfast, saving $5-10 daily compared to restaurant prices. Another tip: many hostels and guesthouses have kitchens, and cooking just 2-3 meals a week can save you serious cash.

For activities, timing matters more than you’d think. Want to visit temples in Southeast Asia? Go during lunch when tour groups are eating. Need to book a day trip? Wait until the day before – many operators offer last-minute discounts to fill spots. I once booked a $50 snorkeling trip in Thailand for $30 just by showing up at 8 AM the day of the tour.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Let’s talk about something super important that many budget travelers overlook – safety and practical matters. Trust me, skimping on certain safety measures to save a few bucks can cost you way more in the long run (learned this after my fiance’s phone got snatched in Dublin).

First up, travel insurance. I know it seems like an unnecessary expense when you’re trying to travel on $50 a day, but hear me out. A good policy covering medical emergencies and theft costs about $2-3 per day. After having a brand new Galaxy S23 stolen in Dublin and seeing a fellow traveler face a $5,000 medical bill in Thailand, I never travel without insurance. World Nomads and SafetyWing offer solid budget-friendly options.

Health precautions don’t have to break the bank. I always pack basic meds (painkillers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines) from home – they cost way more in tourist areas. For drinking water, a good filter bottle pays for itself in days. I use a Grayl bottle, and while it was a $70 investment, it’s saved me hundreds on bottled water and probably prevented a few stomach issues.

The best travel apps are usually free, and they’re absolute lifesavers. Maps.me for offline navigation, XE for currency conversion, and Google Translate with downloaded offline languages have gotten me out of countless sticky situations. Pro tip: screenshot important addresses and emergency numbers in the local language before you go.

When it comes to local customs and etiquette, doing your homework can save you money and embarrassment. In many countries, showing respect through proper dress code gets you better prices at markets and more helpful treatment from locals. I always carry a light scarf – it’s saved me entrance fees at temples where covering up is required (and they usually charge for rental scarves).

Some practical money tips I wish I’d known earlier:

• Always have a backup debit card stored separately from your main card
• Use cash for small purchases and cards for larger ones
• Never exchange money at airports – walk at least a few blocks into the city
• Keep small bills in different pockets – it’s safer and helps with bargaining
• Learn to say basic numbers in the local language – it helps immensely with negotiations

Budget travel isn’t about being cheap – it’s about being smart with your money while staying safe and respectful. The goal is to have amazing experiences while keeping costs low, not to put yourself at risk to save a few dollars. After all, the best travel stories come from staying healthy and secure enough to fully embrace each adventure!

Embrace Your Wanderlust

Traveling on $50 per day isn’t just possible – it’s your gateway to some of the world’s most extraordinary experiences! Whether you’re haggling in Marrakech’s souks or watching sunrise over Angkor Wat, these 15 countries prove that amazing adventures don’t require a fortune. Start planning your budget-friendly journey today, and discover how far your travel dollars can really take you. Remember, the memories you’ll make are priceless, even if your daily spending isn’t!

Want more insight to traveling on a budget? Check out our Complete Beginners Guide Post!