Like most of us, I work hard every day to pay my bills and deal with the daily challenges that life throws at us. After all this hard work, we deserve a vacation.
When I'm planning a vacation, the last thing I want to do is wonder if I can afford it. That's why I've rounded up 15 places where a thrifty traveler can have the time of their lives for as little as $10 a day. That's right, you could spend a week in these exotic locations without depleting your savings account or going into debt.
1. Türkiye
Turkey, an Eastern European country, is home to many sites and attractions that attract vacationers. First there is the Turquoise Coast, where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Second, there is Istanbul, a city steeped in history from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods. Popular stops on city tours include the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Even with all these sites, hostel dorms can be booked for less than $20. In this country, backpackers can live on just $35 a day, eating cheap meals and using public transportation.
2. Nicaragua
This Central American country is an ideal vacation destination because it offers a little bit of everything a traveler could want. Nicaragua won't disappoint if you love surfing, volcano hiking, pristine beaches, or historical culture.
Did I mention it’s incredibly affordable? That's right, Nicaragua is one of the most affordable countries in Central America, with hostels costing as little as $15 a night and quality meals costing around $5.
3. Thailand
The beach town of Phuket is home to crystal clear waters, sandy beaches fringed by lush jungles, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great place for travelers to relax during the day and party at night.
If it sounds too good to be true, that's even better. Hostels with Wi-Fi and modern amenities just steps from the beach can be booked for as little as $15 a night. Thrifty travelers also added that street food and takeout restaurants can feed you for less than $10 a day.
4. Philippines
The capital, Manila, is unique because of the combination of old-fashioned Spanish architecture and modern skyscrapers. This makes it a great place for tourists looking to soak up history, shop, and enjoy the vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Maila is easily accessible on foot or explored on foot, meaning transportation costs will be low. Add to that the average hostel cost of less than $30 and you have a fantastic opportunity for a low-cost vacation in the Philippines.
5. Malaysia
The beautiful capital, Kuala Lumpur, is full of modern architecture, fine restaurants and plenty of shopping. Famous for its glass and steel Petronas Twin Towers, the city center is within walking distance of cultural centers like Little India and Chinatown.
One of the best aspects of this beautiful city is the price. Tourists can easily find meals for less than $5; hostels can be booked for as little as $15 per day.
6. Burma
If you're looking for a budget-friendly vacation but want to immerse yourself in a place rich in history, Myanmar is the place for you. The capital, Mandalay, is home to the Mandalay Royal Palace, the last place where the former Burmese monarch reigned.
Travel to Myanmar will leave you touched by another culture without emptying your wallet. Rooms in town average less than $10 a night, and meals can cost as little as $2.
7. Morocco
Very few cities live up to the hype and charisma of Marrakech, the capital of this North African country. The bustling town has local restaurants, street performers, and markets where local artists sell textiles, pottery, jewelry, and paintings.
You will have a hard time having a bad time in Morocco. Travel to this bustling country is so cheap that you'll be tempted to stay longer. Hostels can be found for as little as $12, while transportation and food can cost less than $10 per day combined.
8. India
What do you think about a trip to see the Taj Mahal? This gigantic mausoleum dates back to the 1600s and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent marble monument will leave you speechless wondering how it was built hundreds of years ago.
It is also a fairly frugal tourist spot. Hostels in the area can cost as little as $5, and meals cost about the same. Buses and trains are available to and from other cities, making transportation easy.
9. Laos
Most of Laos' countryside is covered in dense forest, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, kayaking, or mountain biking. However, many people look at the country when deciding to go on vacation.
The secret could be revealed. In recent years, many tourists have abandoned the crowded beaches of Thailand for the quieter, rural shores of Laos. It also doesn't help that you can enjoy your exploring time for around $25 per day.
10. Bolivia
Much like Laos, Bolivia is often left out of the list of places people want to visit. Those who choose to spend time in this landlocked South American country are rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, and the indescribable salt pans of the Salar de Uyuni, which give you the feeling like you're on another planet. .
The capital, L Paz, has many hostels starting at $10, making them an affordable option in South America. In total, a trip to Bolivia can be done for around $30 per day.
11. Sri Lanka
A day in the capital Colombo can be spent lounging on the beach, strolling through one of the many museums or sampling the local cuisine. Some of the major tourist spots are the Galle Face Green Oceanside Promenade, Gangaramaya Temple and the Colombo National Museum.
With many outdoor markets offering delicious food, you can easily feed yourself three meals at around $2 each. Local hostels are also available for less than $10.
12. Cambodia
Cambodia is home to one of the most visited temples in Southeast Asia. Angor Wat, once the center of the Khmer Empire, is considered the largest Hindu-Buddhist temple in the world. While many tourists visit the temple, Cambodia is also home to many small towns along the Mekong River.
Your dollar will serve you well wherever you stay in this wonderful country. Backpackers staying in hostels and eating cheap meals typically spend less than $30 per day during their visit.
13. Vietnam
Energetic Ho Chi Minh City combines old world French colonial architecture, new world skyscrapers and modern buildings. Tourists in this beautiful city love the tasty street food and local bodegas selling artisan goods and souvenirs.
You can explore this bustling city for just $10 per day. Locals suggest renting a moped and traveling to every corner of the city for cheap meals and unique experiences.
14. Indonesia
Would you call me crazy if I told you that a trip to Bali can be had for as little as $10 a day? No, I'm not pulling your leg. For the price of your daily Starbucks order, you could sit on a warm, sunny beach facing the horizon.
Many local hostels can be found for around $20 a night. Local markets and street vendors serve delicious meals for just $2. Plus, you're at the beach, so you don't have to worry about transportation costs.
15. Guatemala
Most travelers would choose Costa Rica or Belize as their ideal Central America destination, but I'm here to tell you about Guatemala. The country may not be as developed, which makes it attractive and cheap.
Adventure seekers can hike through the jungle to the Mayan temple of Tikal, wander through volcano-fringed villages, and swim in Lake Atitlan. A trip like this is hard to beat. Plus, you'll only spend about $25 per day on food and living expenses.
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