Summer is here; for families or couples, that means time off. The kids don’t have school, and it’s time to book a trip and travel. Summer is one of the best times to travel because it’s nice and sunny, you can swim, surf, hike, and more. But how do we know where we should go? This list has you covered with the cheapest countries you should visit before the summer months are over.
Lisbon
Portugal is a great place to explore, and Lisbon is sun-kissed. It has affordable meals (some as cheap as $5 a person) and accommodations. If you want to see the wonderful historical charm of the area, the cultural sites offer free days or discounted options, making it even cheaper.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria probably isn’t on your radar, and that’s because it isn’t talked about enough. But it’s a great place to go for cheap travel, and it has history, authenticity, and culture. Not to mention, it’s insanely beautiful. Because tourists don’t have to overrun it, you can explore the city leisurely and enjoy not having crowds.
Vietnam
Cheap and breathtaking, Vietnam offers inexpensive meals and accommodations. Some hotels offer rooms for less than twenty dollars, and locally sourced meals can cost less than $5. Some local beers only cost $.025! If you want to visit the popular places or veer off into less visited spots, you’ll find that the price fits your budget.
Thailand
If you travel to the northern Chiang Mai area, it’s said to be a tourist hot spot. It’s also touted as budget-friendly and an amazing choice. You can find great accommodation and phenomenal food. Street food is popular here, so be sure to try what the area offers. When tired, you can book a quality hotel with a pool for only $35 a night.
Transylvania
If you’re not afraid of vampire lore, come to Transylvania. You’ll see castles, medieval towns, fortified ancient churches, and beautiful mountains. You can get around for $40 a day, and there are bed and breakfasts that can reduce your hotel budget further. They also have safaris available if you travel here.
Colombia
Don’t let television and movies frighten you off. Colombia is a wonderful place to visit, and you can find everything here. It’s warm, the culture is vibrant and welcoming, and it’s budget-friendly. While you should still read safety tips and watch out for honey traps, the beaches are fantastic, and you can get around for less than $50 a day.
Bosnia
Bosnia is mainly known for the wars that took place there. However, the communities are warm and welcoming, the architecture is unique, and there are historic quarters. For $30 a day, you can see a lot, and it’s considered an underrated area of Europe that deserves more attention. Pro tip: Check out Mostar or Sarajevo.
Laos
Laos offers many budget-friendly activities, including zip-lining, hot-air ballooning, and hiking. It doesn’t have the mass tourism of other areas, and it’s become more accessible over the years while retaining its rural charm. You can sleep in tree huts here and get around for $25 a day.
Cuba
Cuba is like stepping back in time. It’s beautiful, and if you avoid the luxury hotels, it can be a lot cheaper. Vintage cars can still be seen, the food is excellent, and it offers a wonderfully unique experience. Not to mention the dancing here. Be sure to experience all that Cuba provides for less than $70 a day; it’s worth it.
Mexico City
With affordable accommodations and excellent dining options, you can eat and be merry while visiting historical sites, beautiful neighborhoods, and enjoying mouthwatering street food. Meals can be as cheap as $2, and hotels can be as low as $30. Not to mention, many museums are free or have low entry fees.
Krakow
Kraków, Poland, is one of the oldest cities in the country. The architecture is stunning, and visiting the Wawel Castle is a must. You should also check out the salt mine and the Old Town historic district. Hotels are around $50 a night, and the food ranges between $5 and $10. Many of the sites you’ll want to see have discounted entries, making sightseeing easy.
Cape Town
There are endless options to explore here, with outdoor activities being mostly free or incredibly cheap. The museums are similarly affordable, and you can also visit Table Mountain, which is a once-in-a-lifetime sight, the beaches, or explore the neighborhood’s history. The landscapes here are beautiful and picturesque, so bring your camera.
Taiwan
People have said that if you come here, you must eat the street food for less than $2 a plate. If you’re a foodie, come here and savor rice with pork, vermicelli with oysters, or deep-fried chicken chops, all for cheap. Rent a bike to save on transportation, but be cautious of high-end food and clothing, as they can be on par with prices in the USA. Also, watch out for expensive internet access.
Kyrgyzstan
You can explore for about $25 a day. It’s said to be the country of choice for travelers of all budgets, and the food is unique and tasty. Getting around is also easy with minibuses and other options, and because the prices are fixed, it is cheaper than in other countries. If you take a tour, it should include most attractions, but if you want to explore independently, you’ll still find the prices affordable.
Georgia
Underrated and affordable, this European destination is one you should add to your list. Quality hotels are reasonably priced; a meal in a local restaurant costs less than $3, and the bus fares are under $1. Museums and historical sites charge only around $2, and the community is welcoming and friendly, offering plenty of thoughtful spots. People say that time slows down here, making it a peaceful location to spend weeks if you can.
Travel All Summer
With cheap food and hotels, you can travel to multiple areas if you have the time, see truly spectacular sights, and experience genuine beauty and wonder. Be sure to eat locally, as that will save you money, and look for spots that aren’t overrun by tourists. You’ll have a great time, and I hope you stay longer.
