The Best International Vacations If You're On A Budget

If you're on a budget, international travel can often feel out of reach. But going to another country doesn't have to be just a daydream. Low-cost international vacation is possible, it just requires some planning and research. Picking an affordable destination is key. Your goal is to find a place that is appealing to you but also has a great exchange rate and cheap flight. Timing is also important — avoid going during peak tourist season or traveling on a weekend, if you can (via TIME). With an open mind and some flexibility, you can plan the ultimate international getaway.

When it comes to accommodation, don't forget to check Airbnb as well as hotels for price comparisons. If a hotel is a must for you, try to pick one that has a lot of included amenities, like breakfast and a hot tub, to get the most bang for your buck. And if you're up for it, hostels generally have the cheapest prices and some even have private room options. For the adventurous types, you can sleep on locals' couches for free through Couchsurfing, a website that vets hosts and travelers; or check out Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms — WWOOF for short — an organization that links volunteers to farms worldwide for a work exchange. Let's explore some of the most popular international travel destinations that won't break the bank.

If you love Thai food, a trip to Thailand is an absolute must. A neighbor to Cambodia, this country also boasts majestic ancient ruins, stunning tropical beaches, and rich culture. While the beaches and islands in the south are picturesque places straight out of a calendar, they are also more expensive to visit — sometimes more than double the price of northern Thailand destinations. Thailand's capital, Bangkok, falls somewhere in between expensive and mid-range; you can expect to spend about $60 a day there (via Budget Your Trip). 

However, northern Thailand is both economical and exciting to visit — it's also less touristy, meaning a more authentic and culturally immersive experience. In sought-out cities like Chiang Mai and Pai, you can plan on spending about $5-15 on food and $5-10 a night for hostels (per Be My Travel Muse). Chiang Mai also has many no-cost attractions, from ladyboy cabarets to the Sunday Night Market, which is free to stroll but hard to walk away from empty handed (via Be My Travel Muse). The city also has over 300 Buddhist temples that can be visited for a far cheaper price than Angkor Wat. Nearby Pai offers waterfalls, canyons, and hot springs, all of which are free or inexpensive experiences.

While not an obvious choice, visiting Greece can be inexpensive. For this country, timing is everything. The summer is the most popular season for tourists, so opt out of going in July or August and instead, shoot for an off-season spring or fall trip (via Be My Travel Muse). Some restaurants can be quite expensive, so rather than eating out for every meal, plan to buy some groceries and have picnic lunches. Plus, you can find cheap street food on every corner and you can't go to Greece without eating a gyro (per Trip Zilla). You can find hostels for $10-15 a night here and, depending on how many people are in your group, you can also track down some affordable Airbnb options. There are free walking tours everywhere, so you can cover all your must-see spots at no price. And if you want to visit the nearby islands, be sure to book an overnight ferry in advance at a cheaper price, which also means you'll be saving money on accommodation for that evening.

Nestled in Central America, Guatemala is an underrated and often overlooked gem. Stunning nature backdrops, friendly locals, and Mayan temples make this destination unforgettable. Street food is abundant and inexpensive, and you can grab a drink at a bar for under $5. Hostel rooms range from $10-20 and affordable Airbnb options abound. Your accommodation will be even cheaper if you enjoy camping and have space in your luggage for a tent since plenty of hostels have camping areas. Some places even offer hammock rentals and a spot to sling it up for just $5 a night (via Lonely Planet). If you don't mind the rain, visiting in the off-season between May and October provides fewer crowds and better deals. Popular destinations in Guatemala include the Mayan temples of Tikal, Lake Atitlan and its surrounding hippie villages, and the jungle vibes and river of Semuc Champey (via Indie Traveller). 

Transportation may be your biggest expense in Guatemala; if you're feeling adventurous, go for a ride in a chicken bus, which is a retired school bus that is now used for public transit. Getting from Antigua to Lake Atitlan on a chicken bus can cost as little as $8. While the loud music and flashy designs on the bus may seem like a party, beware that passengers are packed in tight and the standing room is shoulder-to-shoulder. Theft is also quite common on chicken buses, so be sure to keep your wallet and phone tucked away (per Lonely Planet). 

One of the most affordable tourist destinations in Asia, Nepal offers astonishing mountain views, cheap food, and lodging, as well as economical public transportation. Depending on your activity of choice, you can expect to spend anywhere from $20-40 a day here (via Indie Traveller). Backpacking through the Himalayas is considered inexpensive compared to other mountain trekking destinations and you can do it for less than $20 per day, so long as you don't go through a guide, which can often be overpriced. For better deals, avoid the busy season in October and November and shoot for the off-season during the spring, winter, or monsoon months (via Lonely Planet). Also, don't be afraid to haggle, even on room rates. To save money on food, seek out the local "bhojanalayas," basic food spots offering simple but delicious eats. Nepal also has cheap street food, and your trip wouldn't be complete without trying samosas, dumplings, and of course, local tea. 

When planning a low-cost international trip, Europe generally isn't the first place that comes to mind, however, Eastern Europe is much more affordable than its western neighbors. Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the most economical Eastern European countries and you can easily get by spending just $30 a day here, or about $50 per day on a mid-range budget (via Indie Traveller). Some popular destinations in the country include the capital Sarajevo, for its impressive architecture, and Mostar, a quaint Medieval town. Hostel rooms range from $15-20 per night and you might be able to find an Airbnb for about $20, but hotels will be more pricey. The Culture Trip recommends booking your first night or two ahead of time, then doing some legwork once you get there to find better lodging deals by asking locals. Most meals are a bargain — you can get cevapi, a type of grilled sausage, and Bosnian coffee for just a couple of bucks. A full meal, complete with several beers, can easily cost you under $15.  

Vietnam neighbors Cambodia and Thailand in Southeast Asia, so it's no wonder that this country is also a low-cost international travel destination. Vietnam has plenty to offer, from limestone mountains and temples to majestic caves and cultural cities. Meals are just a few bucks each and if you fancy a beer, it's only about 20 cents. You can even find hotel rooms for $10 a night without skimping on comfort (via Indie Traveller). Most people can spend a day exploring Vietnam and only spend $20-25 in total. To avoid spending more than you budget for, Backpackers Wanderlust recommends booking lodging with free breakfast and water included, as well as sharing transportation with other people to split costs and opting for Uber if they exist in the area you're visiting to avoid being scammed by taxi drivers. If you do take a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before leaving. 

An affordable international vacation list wouldn't be complete without mentioning China. Visiting the cities of China, you can land a $20 hostel room, a meal for under five bucks, and a bus ticket that won't cost more than one dollar (via Nomadic Matt). However, if you can make it to the countryside, you'll spend even less. If your ideal trip to China involves indulging in some beers every now and then, along with entrance fees to a few of your must-sees, you can still get by with spending around $50 a day here (via Thrifty Nomads). The country is vast, so if you want to see a few different places, your best bet is to travel by high-speed train or find a low-cost airline ticket — these are the most efficient and cost-effective options. The good news: Most Chinese food is affordable and the cheapest food is still delicious.