We all want to travel more, whether for a vacation, a career break, or a gap year. While our travel dreams and destinations may differ, the desire to explore is universal. However, regardless of the type of trip we plan, we often face a common obstacle: money. Saving enough to travel can feel like an uphill battle, especially with many costly destinations and additional expenses like travel insurance, necessary gear, and flights. It can sometimes seem impossible to achieve those travel goals.
1. Thailand
Outside of a few of the popular tourist islands, it’s easy to live on less than USD 35 per day. Budget dorms cost USD 10 per night or less, you can eat on less than USD 10 per day if you stick to street food, drinks are just a couple of bucks, and tours and activities don’t cost much more than USD 10.
And, while the islands are more expensive than the mainland, it’s still possible to visit them for under USD 50 per day as long as you travel slowly.
Most people go overboard on partying and alcohol here, however, if you stick to happy hours and buy your beer at convenience stores like 7-Eleven you’ll be able to have fun for a fraction of the cost.
2. Vietnam
If you’re on a backpacker budget you can enjoy a day in Vietnam for as little as USD 15 (though that will mean cutting costs down).
Hostels can be found for as little as $4-5 USD, with many including free breakfast and free beer (during limited hours). Street food can be found for under $1-2 USD, and buses around the country are incredibly cheap.
Even activities here are cheap. The Cu Chi Tunnels (tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War) are just USD 5 to visit while a full day of canyoning is just USD 20.
3. India
Hostels and guesthouses here are as little as USD 5, while delicious food can be had for USD 2 or less! If you’re a foodie on a budget, India should rank high on your list.
You can get by for $25-30 USD a day here quite easily, which means if you splash out and spend USD 50 a day you’ll ve living large.
