The Most Bang for your Buck

By: Joseph Akintaju on March 4, 2013 @ 12:01 am

One of the biggest obstacles people generally associate with travel is cost. Plane tickets, hotels rooms, museum fees, and meals in restaurants are expensive––and they all add up fast. Of course, this is undeniably true in most places, but it isn’t always the case. In fact, there are many exciting travel destinations that are a lot cheaper than your hometown. Here are the 5 best countries in the world to go a long way on a short budget.

India

India is one of the globe’s most popular tourist destinations, and it is also one of the cheapest. Of course, it is a massive country and has a vast number of cities, all of which have varying costs of living. But for the budget conscious traveler, £20 per day will be more than enough to obtain relatively comfortable transportation, good meals, plenty of souvenirs, and midrange accommodations. To give you some idea of typical prices, samosas cost about 5Rs and a beer runs about 30Rs. (73Rs = £1)

Keep in mind that prices go up during festivals, of which there are many, and that the big cities (Mumbai, Delhi) are much more expensive than other parts of the country.

Myanmar

Burma is somewhat off the beaten path. Political unrest and a strict dictatorship kept the country closed off from the outside world for many years. However, the government has recently lifted many sanctions, and the country is rapidly beginning to open up to tourism. Typical meals are easily obtained for less than £1, as is beer, and long overnight bus trips only cost around £4-£5. The currency (kyat) is a bit tricky to obtain, however, and can only be exchanged on the black market for crisp US dollars or Euros. There are also no ATMs or credit card services, so you’ll need to carry enough cash to last the whole trip.

Nepal

Another affordable place to visit, a budget of £3 a day will be enough for the low-budget backpacker in Nepal. For travelers who prefer a bit more comfort, however, £10 will allow you to live quite well. Be aware that it is difficult to exchange money and break big bills in many places, though. So, like Myanmar, it is necessary to carry lots of cash in small bills.

Bulgaria

Though it can’t quite compare to the first three countries on our list, Bulgaria is quite reasonable in comparison to its neighboring countries. Rooms typically run between £5-£10 per night, basic meals are about £1, and good beer can be found for well under £1. Bulgaria is the place to visit for a cheap winter ski trip or a secluded beachside summer getaway in the picturesque villages along the Black Sea.

Egypt

This country is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world and many of the most famous ruins to be found anywhere. Its vibrant cultures, languages, religions, and cuisines make it a favorite destination for travelers. The most inexpensive time to visit is winter (but not at Christmas or New Years), and traveling by bus is the best option for getting around cheaply. Hotels run about £3, while restaurant meals can typically be around £5. Be sure to hone your haggling skills before visiting.

Greece (Honorable Mention)

Economic woes are terrible for a nation. But they have a distinct advantage from the perspective of the tourist. Greece deserves a brief mention, as it has become very inexpensive in recent years.

You don’t have to break the bank to take that international trip you’ve always dreamed of. The fact of the matter is that if you want to see the world, money is no reason to let yourself be dissuaded. There are thousands of places throughout the world where your money, if spent wisely, can get you a long way.

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Guest post contributed by Amanda a freelance blogger who loves writing about travel and how you can save money along the way.

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