Travel Cheap Countries: The 10 Best Affordable Gems

Are you looking for some of the best travel cheap countries you can visit? I got the 10 hidden gems that you can visit if you are on a budget!

Even with some of the problems caused by inflation,  the US dollar is still a strong option that can buy you amazing experiences at a low cost.

These places can offer you a variety of adventures, delicious food, and stunning scenery, all on 4 continents!

The ranking was made thinking about a budget cost and a middle-term cost, the values take into consideration one person's expenses a day.

I looked for some places that had some unique feelings, the best travel cheap countries:

• 10. Colombia
• 9. Indonesia
• 8. Sri Lanka
• 7. Latvia
• 6. Kyrgyzstan
• 5. Namibia
• 4. Uzbekistan
• 3. Morocco
• 2. Romania
• 1. Croatia

• Transportation: 3$ to 7$ 
• Accommodation: 4$ to 22$
  
• Food: 4$ to 10$
• Entertainment: 5$ to 13$ 
• Best season: December to March

Why you should go: A unique country that will fill your eyes with its vibrant colors, Colombia offers many diverse experiences, from visiting part of the Amazon rainforest to exploring ancient ruins.

Archaeological Wonders: If you are an "Indiana Jones" fan and love adventure, be sure to visit Ciudad Perdida, a hidden city in the Sierra Nevada mountains that predates Machu Picchu, and the stunning underground salt cathedral of Zipaquirá.

Ecotourism and Wildlife: With its incredible biodiversity, you will have the opportunity to see the unique pink dolphins of the Amazon River or refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the Rosario Islands.

• Transportation: 3$ to 10$ 
• Accommodation: 12$ to 33$ 
  
• Food: 6$ to 16$ 
• Entertainment: 4$ to 10$
• Best season: July to August

Why you should go: A tropical paradise that will warm you with its hospitality and hot springs, Indonesia is the place for nature lovers and those seeking peace.

Island Hopping: The country is formed by countless islands, which provides a great opportunity to see the amazing landscapes and waters. Each island has its own experience, and some of the main ones are: Java, Papua, and
Kalimantan.

Volcanic Adventures: I said it would warm you up, didn't I? Well, Indonesia is home to over 130 active volcanoes where you can find exciting opportunities to hike. My recommendation would be the mighty Mount Bromo in Java or Mount Rinjani in Lombok.

• Transportation: 1$ to 20$
• Accommodation: 4$ to 21$ 
  
• Food: 3$ to 7$ 
• Entertainment: 3$ to 8$ 
• Best season: December to April

Why you should go: A teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is the place to learn about a rich culture of more than 2500 years and what it left behind!

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: You can visit 8 of these sites, look for sacred temples, like the city of Kandy, or get to witness Sigiriya, a fortress carved into the rock.

Endemic species: Sri Lanka is home to many endemic species, rare animals that you literally can't find anywhere else in the world, like the Sri Lankan Leopard or the Sri Lankan Elephant; your best bet is to go on a wildlife safari or try to visit a sanctuary, like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

• Transportation: 8$ to 21$ 
• Accommodation: 23$ to 55$ 
  
• Food: 14$ to 36$ 
• Entertainment: 6$ to 16$
• Best season: April to September

Why you should go: Going to colder climates, Latvia is a true fantasy place with medieval-style architecture. Here you must try the vibrant festivals full of music and taste the delicious Latvian cuisine.

Charming Old Towns: Some of the cities in Latvia will make you feel like you are in a magical place, especially Riga. In the capital, you can admire medieval architecture and visit historical landmarks such as Riga Castle and the famous House of Blackheads.

Food for the Soul: Here, you can taste some of the best dishes in the world. Feast on the rye-bread cake, the gray peas with bacon, or get drunk on a traditional Latvian beer.

• Transportation: 0.20$ - 1$ 
• Accommodation: 7$ to 12$ 
  
• Food: 2$ to 8$ 
• Entertainment: 5$ to 10$
• Best season: July to August

Why you should go: Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, this is the best place on this list if you are looking for adventure and hiking. Mountains, trails, ancient cities, canyons, bazaars, you name it, Kyrgyzstan has it.

Outdoor heaven: As I said, the options for outdoor activities are many, go trekking in the famous Ala-Kul and Altyn Arashan trails, or challenge yourself with mountaineering in the majestic peaks of Lenin and Khan Tengri.

Silk Roads: Kyrgyzstan lies on the historic Silk Road, and remnants of this ancient trade route can be found throughout the country. You can explore ancient cities like Osh and Karakol or visit the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata, a true adventure into the unknown!

• Transportation: 13$ - 18$ 
• Accommodation: 9$ to 21$
  
• Food: 3$ to 15$
• Entertainment: 50$ to 130$
• Best season: July to October

Why you should go: An ethereal sunrise over an endless expanse of sand, Namibia is a place out of a movie—a truly unique place with many epic scenarios, wildlife, and culture.

Namib Desert and Sossusvlei: One of the must-sees is the desert, a breathtaking landscape of one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world. At Sossusvlei, you will see a beautiful contrast between the orange dunes, the white dried-out terrain, and the dead trees.

Etosha National Park: Namibia isn't just sand; at Etosha National Park, you can experience some of the largest mammals in the world, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. Here, you can enjoy the interaction between many of these creatures at the park's famous waterholes.

• Transportation: 1$ - 3$ 
• Accommodation: 2$ to 6$
  
• Food: 1$ to 5$
• Entertainment: 0.30$ to 2$
• Best season: April to May OR September to November

Why you should go: Experience history at every turn on the streets of Uzbekistan, the perfect place if you love beautiful and colorful architecture and hospitable culture.

Living History: One of the main activities is to appreciate the beautiful and historic buildings, from mosques and mausoleums filled with a memorable shade of turquoise to entire cities that look like ancient mazes.

Rich Cultural Heritage: Uzbekistan is one of the best places on the list to truly appreciate and experience a different culture, delicious food, vibrant music, and art. Try something different by witnessing the craftsmanship of silk weavers in Margilan or learning the art of pottery making in Rishtan.

• Transportation: 3$ - 9$ 
• Accommodation: 11$ to 26$
  
• Food: 7$ to 16$
• Entertainment: 4$ to 10$
• Best season: September to November OR March to April

Why you should go: An enchanting destination that blends ancient traditions with modernity, Morocco is the place to warm your skin under the world's most famous desert and explore its markets to find some souvenirs.

Sahara: Here you have the unique opportunity to visit the largest desert in the world, hop on the back of a camel and explore the sea of dunes, spend the night in a traditional desert camp, and experience the breathtaking star-studded sky.

Vibrant Souks and Markets: Morocco is known for its typical markets and souks, it's the place to shop for colorful textiles, curios, aromatic spices, and much more. And please don't forget the first rule of Moroccan markets: BARGAIN!

• Transportation: 9$ - 20$ 
• Accommodation: 13$ to 30$
  
• Food: 11$ to 28$
• Entertainment: 8$ to 10$
• Best season: April to October

Why you should go: Wine, hot springs, mountains, and vampire castles—Romania is a place that's often overlooked, but I assure you it's worth every minute.

Transylvania and Dracula's Castle: Transilvania is a historic region where you can find numerous medieval buildings, including entire villages, fortresses, walls, and castles, such as Bran Castle, commonly associated as the home of Bram Stoker's vampire Dracula.

Drink and Relax: Romania has a long history of winemaking, and exploring its vineyards, such as Dealu Mare, will allow you to taste some excellent wines, and then you can stop by a spa and relax even more!

• Transportation: 5$ - 13$
• Accommodation: 22$ to 53$
  
• Food: 13$ to 31$
• Entertainment: 6$ to 14$
• Best season: May to June OR September to October

Why you should go: With beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, national parks, Roman ruins, and, of course, Game of Thrones locations, Croatia is the ultimate destination on the list.

Landscapes, Landscapes Everywhere: You can choose from the stunning turquoise of Dubrovnik, the green forests and cascades of Plitvice Lakes, or if you prefer civilization, what's left of it, you can wander through the Roman ruins of Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Game of Thrones: For fans of the series, Croatia offers the chance to visit iconic film locations, walk the streets of King's Landing in Dubrovnik, explore the ancient city of Braavos in Sibenik, and discover the picturesque landscapes of Split that were used for various scenes.

Exploring the world doesn't have to be expensive, and these 10 travel cheap countries provide the perfect opportunity to prove it.

From the ancient ruins of Colombia to the landscapes of Croatia to the cultural wonders of Morocco, these destinations offer incredible experiences you'll never forget.

In this article, you will learn that these countries can offer affordable accommodations, food, transportation, and entertainment, depending on how you expect to travel, on a budget, or in the medium term.

So now that you know the best time to travel, pick a place, make your plans, and go!