As the world gradually reopens after the lockdowns and border closures due to COVID-19, people are itching to hit the road and explore. Many of us have been cooped up for months, eager to get out and discover the wonders of the world.
Even if you’ve faced financial difficulties during the pandemic, traveling the globe is still achievable. There are numerous incredible affordable countries waiting to be explored around the world.
From cheap food and transportation to hostel and work exchange options, these are the best places to travel on a budget. So here are some of the cheapest places to travel right now!
**Cheapest Places to Travel Right Now in Asia**
Here are 6 of the cheapest places to travel in Asia. Many of them are in Southeast Asia, a renowned region known for its affordability and tropical charm.
**Visit Cambodia**
Cambodia often gets overshadowed by its popular neighbor, Thailand. But this country is a treasure trove of gorgeous natural scenery, delicious spicy curries, colorful street markets, historical sites, and work exchange programs! One of Cambodia’s most famous attractions is the temples of Siem Reap, including the iconic Angkor Wat. You can stay in hostels in Siem Reap for as low as 4 USD per night!
**Go on Vacation in Laos**
This small country is one of the best places to travel in Southeast Asia for nature lovers. Laos is famous for its lush landscapes and countless adventure opportunities. You can trek through the jungle, swim in tumbling waterfalls, explore caves by boat, raft down mighty rivers, zip line through the forest, snorkel in the ocean, bike through hilltop villages, and so much more. It also offers delicious street food where you can enjoy cheap meals.
**Meet Vietnam**
Vietnam is not only one of the cheapest places to travel right now but also a popular destination for volunteering abroad. If you want to volunteer with children or work in a hostel, you can save a lot on accommodation in Vietnam. You’ll have a fun and enriching experience, and during your free time, you can explore Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and bustling cities.
**Do a Volunteer Work in Thailand**
Pretty much every traveler has Thailand on their bucket list, and for good reason! Thailand offers everything you dream of for a tropical vacation and more. With rich jungles and wildlife-filled mountains in the north, picturesque islands in the south, and the iconic city of Bangkok in the middle, there is no shortage of amazing sights and activities in Thailand. You can catch domestic flights around the country for as cheap as 20 USD with local budget airlines, making traveling to Thailand very affordable.
**Visit Nepal**
Nepal is another great country in Asia for doing a work exchange. It’s not a highly touristy place, so many areas are quite remote. A work exchange will allow you to stay with locals and learn about the country through their eyes. You can volunteer at a school, work on an organic farm, or assist an adventure tour company with marketing. With any of these work exchanges, you’ll gain insight into the special culture of Nepal and learn about the food, the landscape, and the traditions, allowing you to see the country in a more meaningful way.
**Live in Sri Lanka for a While**
If you follow standard budget travel tips like using public transport, eating street food, and staying in hostels, Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest places to travel right now. For a tiny island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse. Spend your time hiking in the mountains, touring tea plantations, or observing wildlife in a national park. You can even take the Kandy to Ella train journey, one of the most scenic train rides in the world, for just 1.50 USD!
**Cheapest Places to Travel Right Now in Europe**
Europe is not typically as inexpensive as Southeast Asia. However, prices are currently very low in certain countries due to the pandemic. So here are some of the cheapest places to travel right now in Europe!
**Go on Vacation in Italy**
When it comes to cheap vacations in Europe, Italy is the place to be this year. Italy’s economy was hit hard by COVID-19, as this stunning country relies heavily on tourism for its income. So now is the perfect time to travel to Italy! See ancient ruins, sip wine in vineyards, admire world-famous Renaissance art, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, ski in the Dolomite Mountains, stroll through quaint villages, and indulge in plenty of fresh Italian food and gelato. There are just too many great cities in Italy to discover, such as Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, and Amalfi, among others.
**Finally Meet Greece**
Greece is one of the cheapest places to travel in the world right now. A hostel typically costs around 10-20 Euros per night, but a work exchange in Greece will save you a lot of money. Cheap meals like Greek salads and gyros, and shopping at local markets can help you manage your budget as well. Try to stay in a hostel with a kitchen so you can cook a bit! Admiring the historical monuments, hiking in the mountains, and sunbathing on the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands are free ways to enjoy this beautiful country as well.
**Consider Going to Iceland**
Iceland used to be a very expensive country to visit, but traveling to Iceland is now very accessible and affordable. The local currency has decreased in value, and many budget airlines are flying into Iceland more frequently. An epic road trip around Iceland may cost a bit, but if you’re on a budget, you can simply do a quick trip to Reykjavik, the charming capital city. From there, you can take a day trip to the famous Blue Lagoon and soak in the hot, mineral-rich, natural turquoise pools.
**Do a Work Exchange in Portugal**
Full of intricate architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture, Portugal is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Food and transportation can be quite cheap, even in the big touristy cities like Lisbon and Porto. Accommodation in Portugal is a bit pricey, with hostels costing around 10-20 Euros per night. However, you can do a work exchange in Portugal to reduce costs and still have an amazing time. Volunteering in a hostel is a great way to meet people and experience the fun Portuguese nightlife.
**Get to Know Romania**
Eastern Europe has some of the cheapest countries on the continent. Romania is an underrated and amazing destination where you can explore on a budget. Tour the colorful villages of Transylvania, ski or trek in the Carpathian Mountains, or have a beach vacation by the Black Sea. You can do all of this by applying for a position in a volunteer program in Romania.
**Cheapest Places to Travel Right Now in the Americas**
Between North America and South America, there are numerous cheap destinations at the moment. Here are a few of the cheapest places to travel right now in the Americas.
**Travel to the USA**
COVID-19 hit the USA quite hard, but domestic travel opened up quite quickly compared to other countries. So for Americans who love to travel, exploring the USA is one of the best ways to travel on a budget at the moment. There are plenty of cheap destinations in the USA, including New Orleans, Austin, Denver, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and many more.
**Go to Canada**
Similar to the USA, Canada is not typically a cheap country. But it’s one of the cheapest countries to travel through right now, as domestic flight prices have dropped significantly. A work exchange will help you save a lot of money in Canada as you can get free accommodation. You could help with cleaning at a homestay in the Yukon Territory, work on a horse ranch in Alberta, volunteer in a social and fun hostel, or assist with building and maintenance at an eco-village.
**Visit Colombia**
Colombia has always been an affordable country to visit and remains so today. Public transport, local eateries, and hostels are all cheap around Colombia. Those looking to enjoy the nightlife and culture can head to the big cities of Bogota, Medellin, or Cartagena. For exploring nature, go to one of the many beaches, national parks, valleys, mountains, or rivers. You can hike, snorkel, tour coffee plantations, and stay in charming local villages as a volunteer.
**Travel to Guatemala**
As an extremely diverse country with a prominent Mayan culture, Guatemala is a stunning country to visit. From the impressive Mayan ruins in the north to the multicultural Caribbean coast, to the volcanoes and lakes in the highlands, to the dense jungle, there is a wide variety of landscapes to see in Guatemala. By doing volunteer work, taking cheap local buses around the country, and shopping for food at local markets, it is easy to explore this fascinating country on a budget as well.
**Live in Mexico as a Worldpacker**
Mexico is another one of the cheapest places to travel in the world right now. There is affordable street food, cheap public transport, low-cost hostels, and plenty of work exchange opportunities available. Whether you’re looking for a spring break getaway, an epic road trip, a surfing adventure, or a tropical beach vacation, Mexico has it all. This is also the perfect country to practice Spanish as the dialect here is generally clear and easy to understand.
Did you see how many affordable countries there are to visit at this moment? So don’t waste time, sign up and start exploring these and other destinations as often as you want! Keep planning your budget trip, read: Cheap ways to travel: 12 awesome hacks everyone needs to know and Cheapest places to fly from USA in 2022.