There are many factors to consider when planning a vacation, from finding cheap travel destinations and the safety of your intended destination to hotel options. But, like it or not, one thing influences your travel decisions more than anything else
money.
All those resort fees, airline tickets, and life-changing meals add up quickly, so at the end of the day, you want to prioritize where the US dollar has the most purchasing power.
We did a little research to find out which countries have the most advanced US dollars based on recent exchange rates. Due to the volatility of the global economy, these prices may fluctuate at any time, but they have remained consistent over the years. Some places have tried and offered better prices. Without further ado, here are 21 of the best cheap places to travel the world.
Hungary
1 USD = 377.27 Hungarian Forint
Hungary’s booming economy is good news for anyone planning a trip to Budapest. Budapest has a growing scene of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-tech spas, beckoning us from all over the world. Budapest is full of 5-star hotels with 3-star prices. But if you want to pamper yourself, relax in a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. The old-world hotel was filled with chandeliers, stained glass, and white stucco. After all, this is the hedonistic capital of Europe.
South Korea
1 USD = 1,280.24 South Korean won
While other travelers hit the top tourist destinations of Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, we set our sights on another South Korean city.
Mokpo is located in the Jeolla region at the southern tip of the peninsula. The port city is home to some of the country’s most interesting restaurants, and specialties such as hon-gyo (a naturally fermented, extremely spicy stingray dish) attract foodies from all over the world.
Mexico
1 USD = 19.37 Mexican Peso
Mexico has consistently been one of my favorite places to travel on a budget. Mexico City has a street food culture second only to its hipster restaurant scene, where most of the money is spent on food. But be sure to leave some cash to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, including the legendary Jumex Museum. If you want to go further out, head to Jalisco to see tequila made with the sauce, or head to Isla He Holbox for a sleepy beach scene.
Argentina
1 USD = 173.95 Argentine Peso
The Argentine Peso is currently at an all-time high. Some additional benefits for American travelers to the country: In 2016, the Argentine government eliminated a $160 “reciprocity fee” for U.S. citizens, allowing foreigners to pay 21% of their hotel stays. received a VAT refund of Announced that we could spend the extra money on steak and Malbec if we wanted.
Vietnam
1 USD = 23,585.00 Vietnamese dong
Many countries in Southeast Asia currently have good deals for dollar carriers, but a trip to Vietnam is recommended. Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path on your next visit:
Places like Ninh Van Bay and Phu Quoc Island have pristine beaches and cozy resorts not found in tourist areas.
Brazil
1 USD = 5.17 Brazilian Real
Like many countries in South America, Brazil is a good place to visit if you don’t want to break the bank. But for $1 she’s getting 5.32 Brazilian Reals, which means she’s getting even more value than usual. Rio de Janeiro is the most obvious place to invest your time and money, with amazing hotels like 2018 Hot List winner Emiliano just steps away from some of the best beaches in the world. But don’t forget to visit São Paulo too. A younger generation has brought trendy galleries, museums, and bars to some long-overlooked neighborhoods.
South Africa
1 USD = 17.01 South African Rand
The value of the South African Rand has fluctuated a lot in recent years, but we are happy with its current level. (By comparison, ten years ago a dollar was just R8.57.) Once you’ve picked up the 21-course tasting menu at Cape Town’s Test Kitchen, step into the wilderness at Singita Castleton Lodge in Sabi Game Reserve Sands. Step in.
Costo Rico
1 USD = 581.88 Costa Rican Colón
Costa Rica’s Colon has fallen somewhat in recent months but remains cheap for US travelers. Then there’s the fact that most of the country’s best assets (namely, its natural beauty) can be enjoyed for free. From trekking in the tropical cloud forests of the Alajuela Mountains to surfing on the Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica is one country where outdoor adventures thrive. (And the hotel is pretty nice too.)
Columbia
1 USD = 4,732.05 Colombian Peso
Colombia feels like a microcosm of South America at its finest, with Andes mountains, Amazonian jungles, and sandy beaches within its borders. In addition to its natural attractions, major American cities are undergoing a renaissance in food, arts, and technology, yet it remains one of the most affordable places Americans can visit.
Philippines
1 USD = 55.22 Philippine peso
Never dreamt of island hopping in the Philippines. Considering that places like Palawan and Siargao are among the most beautiful places on earth, it’s hard to believe they’re so economically accessible. Even his five-star resorts like Shangri-La Boracay can be booked for under $350 a night.
Egypt
1 USD = 24.63 Egyptian Pound
Following in the footsteps of the Pharaohs in Egypt may seem expensive, but the Egyptian pound has skyrocketed this year. So, a tour of the pyramids, a Nile cruise, or exploring Cairo has never been more affordable. We look forward to more recent openings such as St. Regis Cairo and Beachfront Villas at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria. We’ve been eagerly awaiting the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum for years, and it looks like it will open in 2023.
Malaysia
1 USD = 15.40 Maldivian Rufiyaa
Money goes a long way in Malaysia, especially when eating street food and exploring cities like Kuala Lumpur on foot. It’s also cheap (and sometimes free) to visit pristine beaches, limestone caves, and some of the country’s finest tea plantations. However, if you are ready and willing to indulge, I highly recommend staying at The Datai Langkawi.
India
1 USD = 82.60 Indian Rupee
India is always a cheap travel destination. But now that you can get around 83 rupees per dollar, the country is more affordable than ever. Hotels range from $60 a night bungalows to expensive outposts in Oberoi and Six Senses, with hundreds of options in between. However, unless you are confined to a resort all the time, you can visit many attractions and eat at local restaurants on a very limited budget.
Serbia
1 USD = 110.53 Serbian Dinar
Belgrade continues to emerge as one of Europe’s most exciting cultural centers, yet it’s far cheaper than Paris or Berlin (at least for now). It’s relatively easy to find a hotel for under $100, but when you’re dancing all night in clubs around town, accommodation doesn’t matter. But you’ll want to take a break to explore Belgrade’s wealth of museums and contemporary art installations. Many of them have just opened in recent years.
Nepal
1 USD = 132.50 Nepalese Rupee
Nepal is one of the cheapest travel destinations for all travelers, but the US dollar is particularly strong at the moment. Everest is what most people think of when they think of Nepal, but there’s more to this tiny country than just climbing your to-do list. Kathmandu can be overwhelming at first, but once you start digging in, it hides some great hotels and museums. Bhaktapur and Patan — both near the Kathmandu Valley — are a bit more understated, but still steeped in culture.
The Gambia
1 USD = 61.95 Gambian Dalasi
It may be the smallest country on the African continent, but don’t miss the Gambia. The ultra-affordable country has long been a coveted destination for nature lovers, but it’s beginning to rise in the ranks as both a food destination and a luxury cruise destination.
Indonesia
1 USD = 15582 Indonesian Rupiah
Overall, despite the influx of tourists to eat, pray and love, Indonesia remains an affordable vacation spot. With millions of people flocking to Bali (where resort prices are correspondingly high), you can enjoy cheaper and more peaceful trips to Sumba and Lombok. And don’t forget Jakarta. On his full day, makeshift stalls fill up on greasy noodles and nasi gorengira, all for just a few bucks.
Uzbekistan
1 USD = 11225 Uzbekistani Som
Uzbekistan is still on the rise when it comes to international travel, making it one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Central Asia. The big city is full of intricate mosques and ghoulish monuments, all free to explore, and in restaurants, he would find it hard to spend more than $5 a meal. There aren’t many branded hotels yet, but even hotels like the Hyatt Regency Tashkent are under $170 a night.
Turkey
1 USD = 18.67 Turkish lira
Sightseeing in Istanbul and staying in luxury hotels can eat up the lira quickly, but Turkey remains a viable option for budget travelers. (Currently, the exchange rate is also very good.) Prioritize non-touristy restaurants and street vendors, and visit free attractions such as the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia.
- NOTE: The price of each dollar compared to respective countries is written particularly on the date on which this blog is written, it may differ at the time you read because it doesn’t be constant all the time.