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17 Inexpensive Countries For Backpacking Adventures

Backpacking isn’t just for gap-year students. It’s all about adventure and experiencing the world – something that can be a great eye-opener to travelers of all ages. And, it can also be one of the most inexpensive ways to see and do it all, particularly when you head to one of these inexpensive destinations.

Turkey Istanbul, Turkey
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Turkey

As a country that links Asia and Europe, Turkey offers something for just about everyone, with its fascinating mix of western and eastern culture, stunning landscapes and ancient ruins. It’s also one of the cheapest backpacking countries. Plus, the food is not only amazing, but it’s also affordable. You can buy Tavuk pilav (chicken, rice and steamed lotus seeds) on a street corner for a healthy, hot and filling meal at a price of just a little more than one dollar. Be sure to head to the Grand Bazaar food market while you’re in Istanbul, known as one of the best food bazaars on the planet – it dates back over 500 years and features more than 4,000 vendors. Other not-be-missed sights in Istanbul include Old Town, Chora Church and the Hagia Sophia museum.

Bolivia Copacabana, Bolivia
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Bolivia

While the neighboring countries of Peru, Brazil, Chile and Argentina attract thousands of tourists every year, only a few head to Bolivia, yet it’s the ultimate cheap South American backpacking destination. By eating locally, you’ll save a lot on food, with the main dish typically made up of meat, salad and rice as well as soup and a small dessert. And, while this landlocked nation isn’t for beach lovers, you will find plenty of largely untouched, breathtaking landscapes, including some of the highest volcanoes in the world, the largest salt flats on earth, fiery-red lakes and a picturesque capital city with a laid-back atmosphere, indigenous culture and prehistoric sites.

Nepal Kathmandu
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Nepal

Nepal is one of the world’s top backpacking destinations, renowned as one of the best places for safe and affordable mountain trekking. Its deal for the active and adventurous, featuring some of the highest peaks in the world, but even those who are looking for something more relaxed will appreciate the country’s peaceful aura. If you choose to take a hike through the Himalayas, there are numerous teahouses and lodges along the way for resting and recovering. You also won’t want to miss the sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples, like Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha, and Manakamana, or visiting Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley.

Thailand's Northern Region Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Credit: Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai by bigstock.com

Thailand's Northern Region

While touristy beach areas in Thailand’s southern region, like Phuket and Krabi are definitely pricey, by heading north you can enjoy the Thailand of old, and get around fairly inexpensively. Head to Chiang Mai, a travel hub for digital nomads and backpackers, known for its spectacular mountains, vibrant hill tribes and a relaxed vibe. As soon as you head inland, you’ll enjoy one of the best values for your dollar, with quality at a low price. Filling and tasty Pad Thai stir fry is available from street vendors – and while you can do that in other budget-friendly destinations, you’ll probably get something that isn’t near as delicious.

Albania Saranda's City Port, Albania
Credit: Saranda's City Port, Albania by Bigstock.com

Albania

If you’ve been dreaming of Italy or Greece but find those destinations just too expensive for you to travel, consider Albania instead. This small, often misunderstood Balkan state is an open, friendly nation with similar Mediterranean views, while expenses are far cheaper. As one of Europe’s most affordable countries, it has a rich, cultural heritage. In its capital city of Tirana, there are a host of interesting museums and historical sites as well as ancient castles and idyllic beaches that rival even those of its better-known neighbors. Take a hike up Mount Dajti and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous bird’s-eye view of the landscape, and when you want sun and the sand, head to Dhermi or Jala Beach.

Indonesia Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Credit: Raja Ampat, Indonesia by © Dodi Sandradi | Dreamstime.com

Indonesia

If you stick only to the main tourist destinations in Indonesia, like Kuta and Legion, this country definitely won’t seem like a bargain. That’s because spots like those mainly cater to high-spending tourists, spring-breakers and surfers. But by heading inland a bit you’ll find that prices are a lot more budget-friendly. While Bali is probably more affordable than you might think, the best deals can be had in other parts of the country, like nearby Lombok or the island of Sumatra. Wild and rugged, Sumatra offers incredible natural beauty from the top of soaring volcanoes to the lush jungles and at sea level, where picture-perfect deserted beaches are scattered along the island. There are many other areas throughout Indonesia that are still relatively unspoiled by tourism, and offer great local prices, while food throughout Indonesia tends to be very affordable and tasty too.

Cambodia Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Cambodia

Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable places to travel. It also offers beautiful scenery, hospitable people and a ton of things to see and do. Siem Reap has been called the “perfect destination” for those who are traveling to this region of the world for the first time. It’s easy to get around, and you’ll find attractions on nearly every corner. The temples and ruins of Angkor Wat are one of the country’s most popular places to visit – when the morning light washes across this religious complex, it looks like a breathtaking painting come to life. Cambodia also has some great street food, and if you eat locally you can do so for just a couple of dollars.

India Goa, India
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India

This popular backpacking country offers an experience of a lifetime as well as being an inexpensive destination when it comes to food, travel and getting around once you’re there. While you may not always find modern facilities like hot showers or air conditioning, the fascinating attractions, culture and authentic cuisine makes it well worth it. Dharamsala is an ideal spot to explore for nature lovers. If you want to stay right on the beach, head to Goa where you can stay in a hut right on the sand overlooking the Arabian Sea. Of course, there are plenty of backpacking hostels throughout the country, offering a great place to meet other travelers and make new friends.

Vietnam Vietnam
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Vietnam

There’s so much to see and do in Vietnam, it would be easy to spend a month or more here and still feel like you need to go back again. And, you may be able to do just that as accommodation and food in this country is cheap and very high quality. Dorm rooms offer the best value, while camping out on the beach is a relatively easy and free option too. When hunger pangs hit, dine on a delicious bowl of Pho noodles at under a dollar – and there are plenty of great, cheap street food options as well. Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh are favorite spots for many backpackers.

Peru Machu Picchu, Peru
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Peru

Peru is one of the most popular backpacking countries, with its amazing rainforests and ancient ruins, spectacular landscapes and gorgeous beaches. Of course, it’s also home to Machu Picchu, the lost city that explorer Hiram Bingham discovered a century ago. From its Andean trails to a unique blend of history and wildlife, it’s hard to beat an adventure in Peru. The nation is also filled with cheap accommodation in budget hotels and hostels, while street malls and markets have cheap, tasty food.

Fiji Tropical island in Fiji
Credit: Tropical island in Fiji by © Martin Valigursky | Dreamstime.com

Fiji

Most people envision Pacific Island destinations as being way, way out of their price range – and, especially Fiji. But the good news is that while there are plenty of luxury resorts, you can also find lots of cheap guesthouses and hostels, particularly in the popular Yasawa Islands. Located in northwest Fiji, these islands are a budget backpacker’s paradise, with budget resorts spread throughout the 12 major islands in the group offering basic accommodations. That means that you can enjoy world-class snorkeling or diving, pristine beaches, fresh seafood and chatting with friendly locals without having to sell all of your prized possessions or mortgaging your home.

Sri Lanka Elephants in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a cheap country with stunning scenery that includes beautiful mountains, tropical forests, golden beaches and unique wildlife. In fact, this country is one of the best wildlife-watching destinations in Southeast Asia. You can see everything from herds of elephants and elusive leopards to whales, dolphins and hundreds of colorful birds. Sri Lankans are incredibly hospitable, and the cities are filled with friendly people that offer cheap accommodation, food and goods.

Ecuador Quito, Ecuador
Credit: Quito, Ecuador by f11photo/shutterstock.com

Ecuador

Besides being one of Latin America’s cheapest countries to visit, Ecuador is consistently warm and beautiful, guaranteeing the perfect backdrop for an adventure. Its stunning landscape and biodiversity more than make up for its small size. Ecuador is home to an impressive swathe of the Amazon rainforest, the Andean sierra, and many culturally diverse towns. In Quito, both the colorful, historical “old town” and the flashier, modern “new town” areas, are fascinating to explore. You can get a delicious Argentine-style empanada or a slice of pizza for under a few bucks.

Laos Laos
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Laos

Laos offers a wonderful, quiet haven, away from the bustling Southeast Asian countries that surround it. Many travelers head here to escape the crowds and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere along with its cheaper costs. You’ll eat cheaply too with the average street dishes of grilled fish, sticky rice and a green papaya salad. While Laos is a place to go to relax, you’ll also find plenty to do with mountains for hiking, archaeological sites and traditional villages for exploring.

Costa Rica Gondoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge,  Manzanillo Beach, Costa Rica
Credit: Gondoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, Manzanillo Beach, Costa Rica by Simon Dannhauer/shutterstock.com

Costa Rica

If you love nature, the outdoors and wildlife, Costa Rica has all of that and a whole lot more, including being one of the cheaper destinations for backpackers. Discover beautiful national parks, exotic birds, towering volcanoes, pristine beaches and some of the best opportunities for outdoor adventures on the planet. Costa Rica’s national parks are filled with swimming holes, waterfalls and hot springs as well as offering the chance to spot endangered animal species like the Leatherback turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, West Indian manatee, Scarlet Macaw, tapir, jabiru and ocelot.

Australia Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, Australia
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Australia

Australia may sound like a pretty unlikely pick when it comes to inexpensive backpacking destinations, but if you do it right, it can be incredibly cheap. There are thousands of Couchsurfing hosts in this country, offering up a couch, bed, or even a room just for the chance to enjoy the cultural exchange. It doesn’t cost a thing, although it’s suggested that guests contribute in some way, such as cooking up an evening meal or bringing a bottle of wine. Plus, Australia has a well-worn budget backpacker trail and lots of work exchange opportunities too – not to mention the country’s extraordinary landscapes that everything from magnificent beaches and mountains to unique wildlife and laid-back cities.

Nicaragua Corn Island, Nicaragua
Credit: Corn Island, Nicaragua by Bigstock.com

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a Central American country that is becoming increasingly popular with travelers. Still, you’re unlikely to run into hordes of tourists. This is the region’s most affordable destination, and ideal for those who want to experience a mix of tranquility and wilderness with wide-open spaces, stunning views and colonial cultures without spending an arm and a leg. In fact, prices are nearly as low as what you’d find throughout much of Southeast Asia. Basic, private rooms with a shared bathroom are budget-friendly, even in the most touristy places, like San Juan Del Sur. In Grenada, a colorful city with some of the country’s most well-preserved architecture, it’s easy to spend hours just wandering the streets and gazing at the magnificent Spanish colonial-style structures.

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