You might think that foreign travel has to be expensive, but this isn’t the case for every destination. There are plenty of places where your dollar will stretch enough to make your dream vacation a reality.
You can still hike around World Heritage sites or relax on the best beaches and it will cost you less than many other popular travel hotspots.
Some destinations may have regional safety concerns or travel advisories, so it’s important to check current government travel guidance before booking and departing. The cost estimates below reflect typical mid-range travel, including average hotel stays and daily meals, to give you a realistic sense of what you might spend.
Data sources include The Federal Reserve, Oanda FX Date Services, Statistica, Budget Your Trip, Bloomberg and Numbeo's cost of living database.
If you want to find the cheapest countries in the world to travel to, we’ve got the details to help you decide where to head next.
Argentina: Big value for food, wine and culture
Argentina/Argentine Peso
• $1 USD ≈ 1,392.74 ARS
• Average hotel: ~$47 per night
• Average meals: ~$6.36 per day
Argentina is one of the best places right now to stretch your travel budget, with favorable exchange rates and low daily costs making everything from dining to accommodations more affordable.
The country’s love for literature is reflected in iconic spots like El Ateneo Grand Splendid, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. In Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America,” you’ll find a vibrant mix of historic architecture, world-class museums and contemporary culture.
Art lovers can explore institutions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and MALBA, along with colorful street art in neighborhoods like Palermo. Beyond the capital, destinations like Patagonia offer dramatic natural beauty, while northern regions like Salta and Jujuy showcase Indigenous traditions through music, crafts and festivals.
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Vietnam: Ultra-affordable travel with rich cultural experiences
Vietnam/Vietnamese Dong
• $1 USD ≈ 26,330 VND
• Average hotel: ~$26 per night
• Average meals: ~$21 per day
Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations in the world, with low daily costs for lodging, food and transportation helping your travel budget go further.
You could find yourself one morning soaking up city sights with a cup of famous Vietnamese coffee and a fresh baguette, then exploring war history museums or visiting one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in the afternoon. Getting around is also budget-friendly, with transportation averaging about $11 per day.
With its stunning landscapes, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the serene waters of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam offers a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty at an unbeatable value.
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Mexico: Strong value for food, resorts and cultural travel
Mexico/Mexican Peso
• $1 USD ≈ 17.42 MXN
• Average hotel: ~$49 per night
• Average meals: ~$48 per day
While the Mexican peso has strengthened against the U.S. dollar, travelers can still find strong value in Mexico, particularly when it comes to food, drinks and a wide range of accommodations.
An inexpensive meal can cost around $10, and in many areas, you can still find a beer for just a few dollars, helping keep daily costs manageable. Beyond affordability, Mexico offers a vibrant cultural experience.
In Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find iconic landmarks like the historic Zócalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Art lovers can explore the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, while history buffs can visit the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. With its rich traditions, cuisine and creativity, Mexico delivers a travel experience that balances cultural depth with solid value.
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Indonesia: Where your dollar stretches across islands and culture
Indonesia/ Indonesian Rupiah
• $1 USD ≈ 17,306.40 IDR
• Average hotel: ~$31 per night
• Average meals: ~$25 per day
Indonesia offers strong value for travelers, with affordable lodging, inexpensive meals and a wide range of experiences that make it easy to stretch your budget.
Much of the appeal centers around Bali, where visitors can explore iconic sites like Uluwatu Temple and the lush rice terraces of Tegallalang. For those looking to branch out, Borobudur, one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples, offers a cultural experience you'll never forget.
Beyond sightseeing, Indonesia is known for its beaches, volcanoes and vibrant local markets, where food and handmade goods remain relatively inexpensive. With thousands of islands to explore, the country offers a mix of relaxation, adventure and cultural depth at a price point that’s hard to beat.
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Peru: Strong value for adventure and cultural travel
Peru/Peruvian Sol
• $1 USD ≈ 3.47 PEN
• Average hotel: ~$27 per night
• Average meals: ~$29 per day
Peru continues to offer strong value for travelers, with relatively low daily costs for lodging and food.
With millions of visitors each year, the country has no shortage of highlights. You can explore the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, visit the Maras salt flats or experience the vast Amazon River. Coastal areas also offer scenic beaches and laid-back towns.
Peru is known for its vibrant festivals and world-class cuisine, including ceviche and pisco sours, making it a destination that combines cultural depth with solid value.
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Colombia: Affordable culture, food and historic neighborhoods
Colombia/Colombian Peso
• $1 USD ≈ 3,556.92 COP
• Average hotel: ~$16 per night
• Average meals: ~$21 per day
With its vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes, Colombia offers a remarkable blend of culture, adventure and value. The country has immaculate beaches along the Caribbean coast, lush jungles in the Amazon and the iconic Coffee Triangle’s rolling green hills. Soak up the sun and see the crystal clear waters of Playa Blanca, a beach with distinctive white sand. Colombia also ranked on this list of the best countries to retire.
The average cost of food in Colombia is just $10 to $21 per day, making it easy to enjoy local dishes like bandeja paisa and fresh arepas. While there, don’t miss Cartagena’s colorful colonial charm, Medellín’s innovative transformation, or Bogotá’s markets and historic La Candelaria district.
The U.S. government currently lists Colombia at a Level 3 travel advisory (“Reconsider Travel”) due to crime, terrorism and civil unrest in some areas, particularly near the Venezuela border. Travelers should check updated advisories before booking and avoid high-risk regions when traveling.
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Romania: Affordable European charm with rich history
Romania/Romanian Leu
• $1 USD ≈ 4.36 Romanian Leu
• Average hotel: ~$33 per night
• Average meals: ~$62 per day
Romania stands out as one of Europe’s better-value destinations, offering lower daily costs than many Western European countries while still delivering a rich cultural experience.
Visitors can explore medieval towns like Brașov, tour the legendary Bran Castle, often linked to Dracula lore, or wander the cobblestone streets of Bucharest’s Old Town. Beyond the cities, the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania region offer scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
With its mix of history, architecture and natural beauty, Romania provides a European getaway that feels both immersive and relatively affordable.
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Hungary: One of Europe’s best values for travelers
Hungary/Hungarian Forint
• $1 USD ≈ 313.59 HUF
• Average hotel: ~$51 per night
• Average meals: ~$43 per day
Hungary offers solid value for a European getaway, with lower daily costs than many neighboring countries, especially when it comes to food and accommodations.
Whether you're trying Hungarian goulash (the national dish), taking a river cruise along the Danube or listening to a traditional folk band in Budapest, the costs of dining out, transportation and entertainment in this eastern European country are all significantly lower than their counterparts in the West.
Hungary’s rich culture adds immense value to its affordability. In Budapest, marvel at architectural wonders like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, or soak in the historic thermal baths that date back to Roman times.
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Laos: Ultra-affordable travel with rich culture and scenery
Laos/Laotian Kip
• $1 USD ≈ 21,930 Laotian Kip
• Average hotel: ~$7.81 per night
• Average meals: ~$11 per day
Laos is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, with extremely low daily costs for lodging and food, making it easy to travel on a budget.
Known for its laid-back pace and natural beauty, Laos offers experiences that feel both authentic and unhurried. In Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, visitors can explore temples, night markets and colonial architecture. Nature lovers can visit the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls or take in views along the Mekong River.
With its mix of cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and low costs, Laos is a standout destination for travelers looking to stretch their dollars while experiencing something unique.
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Kyrgyzstan: Strong value for adventure and off-the-beaten-path travel
Kyrgyzstan/Kyrgyz som
• $1 USD ≈ 87.42 Kyrgyz som
• Average hotel: ~$50 per night
• Average meals: ~$25 per day
Kyrgyzstan offers strong value for travelers looking to explore beyond more traditional destinations, with relatively affordable lodging and food costs.
Known for its rugged landscapes and nomadic heritage, the country is a destination for outdoor adventure. Visitors can take in the alpine beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake or trek through the towering Tian Shan mountains, where scenic views and wide-open spaces are a major draw.
Cultural experiences are just as compelling, from staying in traditional yurts to visiting local markets. With its mix of nature, culture and affordability, Kyrgyzstan is a unique option for travelers seeking value and adventure.