There are a lot of top 10’s out there on “cheapest destinations” but many of those cities people don’t actually want to travel to and they simply the list the cheapest cities in the world. I would rather show you 10 destinations you will love and are travel hacker friendly.
1. Cambodia
Photo: TripHackr
Cambodia might rank as he #19th most corrupt country in the world but don’t let that stop you from going. Cambodia is beautiful and the people are probably the most friendly I have ever met. With full meals for only a few dollars and 50 cent beers there is no reason to skip Phnom Penh. It is a great place to start before heading to the ancient city of Angkor in Siem Reap and from there the rest of SE Asia.
2. India- Mumbai and New Delhi
Another great jump off city to explore India. It ranked second cheapest place to live last year and the cost of living is very low. India is a huge country so flying into a major city like Mumbai is a great place to start. Delhi also ranked as the 4th cheapest city in the world. Bottom line India is cheap.
3. Panama City, Panama
Photo: TripHackr
Panama City is an incredibly developed and beautiful country but yet the dollar still goes a long way. The best part is their currency is the US dollar. There are very expensive sides to this city but you will have no problem travel hacking your way around the city for less than $50 a day.
4. Thailand
The key is Thailand is to try avoid the big resorts and tourist traps. It is easy to spend a lot at those but if you stick to small family hotels or boutique hotels you can save money easily. The Thai Baht goes a long way for your dollar and its easy to stretch. Amazing meals can be had for less than $2 and hostels for around $10. Depending on your comfort needs your costs may go up but they will still be relatively low. Thailand is another perfect place to begin your SE Asia tour.
Photo: TripHackr
5. Vietnam
Saigon is an up and coming city. In the southern parts of the country it’s hard to believe it’s a communist country and there are new development everywhere with foreigners buying up properties. I spent $30 a night for a nice room at a family owned hotel in the tourist district, district 1. If you get away from there hotels and hostels will go down considerably. In the smaller countryside towns even less. Pho is filling and around $1.50. I love Vietnam and can’t wait to go back.
Photo: TripHackr
6. Honduras
Considered one of the cheapest places in the world to Scuba Dive, Honduras has endless marine life and beautiful scenery. The island of Roatan has beds ranging from $9 and up. Of course accommodations can go up as much as you would like but as a budget traveler the options to stay for less are available.
7. Uganda
Well it is not cheap to get to Uganda but once you get there you won’t be breaking the budget. It is not as cheap as SE Asia or even South America but it is still a amazing place to travel on a budget. You can get by on $25 USD a day. There are some higher costs once you start visiting parks or excursions but that is the case with most destinations. Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi National Park is reason enough to go. However, that will set you back $500. Maybe with the money you save it will make it worthwhile. It is certainly an amazing experience.
Photo: Flickr
8. Morocco
The country of vibrant colors and scents, Morocco is an amazing destination for explorers and backpackers. You can get buy here on around $30 a day. Marrakesh, Tangier, and Casablanca have an endless amount of budget hostels. Getting around in this African nation is much easier than its neighbors. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall.
Photo: Flickr
9. Turkey
The place where East meets West Turkey is a budget travelers haven. You will get a great value for your dollar here but the costs have been steadily rising recently due to the increase in tourists. Still there are bargains to be had in this country is cheaper than its Mediterranean friends like Greece and Italy. The best thing to do in Turkey is avoid the tourist areas to help cut costs. You should be able to keep them under $50 a day.
Photo: Flickr
10. Mexico
Mexico is getting a bad reputation right now because of the drug wars. But realistically this is limited to select cities and states in Mexico so you can still have a safe and wonderful time in Mexico. If all you know Mexico for is Margaritas and resorts its time to make a change. Head to the Yucatan but stay away from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Head to Meridia where you can experience real Mexican culture. Hostels and guest houses range from $8-18. The cost of meals is very cheap. You could get by on $30 a day no problem. Its close to home and flights aren’t bad. Plus there are dozens of archeological wonders within hours of you.
Photo: TripHackr
