Anyone planning a world trip or a long tour will quickly realize that the choice of countries has a huge impact on their budget. This applies not only to daily expenses like food and transportation, but also to how long you can be on the road and how much freedom you have to stay where you feel comfortable. Some countries simply make it easier to travel longer without constantly worrying about the budget.
In this list we list the 10 cheapest countries for a world trip in 2026 in a row. Countries where you can travel comfortably on a relatively low daily budget, where the infrastructure is good for backpackers and where you get a lot for little money. Are you still planning or save up for your world trip, then this is exactly the kind of overview that will help you make realistic choices.
Are you also curious about which destinations are becoming increasingly popular and expensive? Then also check out our overview with popular destinations in 2026, so you can compare trends and make smart choices.
How did this top 10 come about?
This top 10 was compiled based on a combination of international cost data and practical experience. We used data from Numbeo, a global platform that collects local prices for food, transportation, accommodations, and daily expenses, among other things. We compared these figures with backpacker indices, budget travel blogs, and our own travel experiences.
Not only was the lowest possible daily budget considered, but also a country's suitability for touring. Countries with extremely low costs but limited infrastructure, travel freedom, or safety are sometimes eliminated. The final list consists of countries where costs are low and where travelers can travel independently and flexibly for weeks or even months.
Top 10 cheapest countries
1.Laos
Laos For years, it has topped the lists of cheapest countries and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Daily costs are low, street food often costs only a few euros, and local transportation is affordable. The country is ideal for slow travel, with abundant nature and little mass tourism.
Famous places are Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and the Mekong RiverTravel between destinations is often by bus or minivan and is inexpensive, though it can be time-consuming. Flying to Laos is most economical via Bangkok, from where you can take cheap regional flights or overnight trains to the border.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €20 to €25
- Local meal: €1 to €3
- Hostels: €5 to €10 per night
- Hotels: from €15
Also read: Traveling through Laos | What to see, do and experience
2 Vietnam
Vietnam combines low costs with good infrastructure, making it ideal for a long, affordable tour. From major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to rice paddies, mountains, and beaches. Food is cheap and excellent, and transportation by tren or bus is affordable and accommodation is available in all price ranges.
Vietnam is perfect for a long journey from north to south. Well-known highlights include Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, and the Mekong Delta. Many travelers rent a scooter for short distances, which makes traveling even more affordable.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €22 to €28
- Local meal: €1 to €2
- Hostels: €5 to €8
- Hotels: from €15
3. Cambodia
Cambodia It continues to score highly for its affordable accommodations and food, especially outside the most popular tourist spots. Daily costs are low for food, transportation, and basic accommodations. Street food is ubiquitous and inexpensive.
Most travelers come to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, but it's precisely outside of Siem Reap that Cambodia becomes an attractive destination for a longer trip. Battambang, Kep, Kampot, and Mondulkiri offer tranquility and affordable prices. Traveling by bus is easy and affordable.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €23 to €28
- Local meal: €1 to €3
- Hostels: €6 to €10
- Hotels: from €18
4 Nepal
Nepal It's in the top 5 thanks to its low cost outside the cities and affordable treks for independent travelers. It's been a staple for budget travelers for years, especially due to the combination of low daily costs and stunning scenery. Outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara, accommodation and food are very affordable.
Popular treks like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp attract many travelers. Along these routes, you can often stay affordably in guesthouses, where meals are sometimes included. Traveling without a guide keeps Nepal particularly affordable.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €20 to €25
- Local meal: €2 to €4
- Guesthouses: €5 to €10
5 India
Also India India is among the cheapest countries in the world, largely due to its incredibly cheap transportation and local food. India is incredibly diverse and can be extremely cheap, especially outside major cities and tourist hotspots. Trains and buses make long-distance travel affordable, although traveling here can sometimes require some flexibility.
Popular regions include Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh. Those who travel slowly and live locally can easily survive here for months on a budget. Food and transportation, in particular, keep costs down.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €18 to €25
- Local meal: €1 to €2
- Guesthouses: €5 to €10
6. Indonesia
Indonesia is still affordable, provided you look beyond Bali and chooses less touristy islands. The country is large and diverse. On Java, Sumatra, Flores, and Sulawesi, daily costs for food, transportation, and accommodation are low.
Famous places are Borobudur, Mount Bromo, Ubud en Komodo National ParkEntrance fees and tours can be expensive, but by eating locally and staying in one place longer, Indonesia remains affordable for a world travel budget.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €22 to €28
- Local meal: €1,50 to €3
- Hostels: €5 to €10
- Hotels: from €15
7. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has become slightly more expensive, but remains attractive for budget travelers. Local food, train travel, and basic guesthouses are still affordable. The country's compact size keeps transportation costs low. However, costs vary considerably by region and season, making Sri Lanka especially attractive for budget travelers outside of peak season.
Highlights include Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, and the south coast. Those staying outside the busiest areas will find that Sri Lanka remains very affordable for a few months of travel.
Daily budget: €25 to €30
Local meal: €2 to €4
Guesthouses: €8 to €15
Hotels: from €20
Also read: 8x the most beautiful things you must see in Sri Lanka
8 Bolivia
Bolivia scores high thanks to low daily costs and cheap multi-day trips in South AmericaIt is one of the cheapest countries in South America and still feels raw and authentic in many places. Food, transportation, and accommodations are cheap, especially compared to Chili or Argentina.
Famous places These include La Paz, Lake Titicaca, and the Salar de Uyuni. Even multi-day tours are relatively affordable. Long bus rides are inexpensive, and local food at markets is dirt cheap.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €20 to €25
- Local meal: €2 to €3
- Hostels: €6 to €10
- Hotels: from €15
9. Guatemala
Guatemala It remains affordable due to low accommodation costs and is one of the most affordable countries in Central America, especially compared to neighboring countries like Costa Rica and Panama. Around Antigua and Lake Atitlán, accommodation and food are very affordable, especially at homestays and local restaurants.
Places of interest such as Tikal, colonial cities en volcanoes make the country popular. Outside of peak season, prices remain low. Guatemala is also a popular place to learn Spanish at a relatively low cost.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €23 to €28
- Local meal: €2 to €4
- Hostels: €6 to €10
- Hotels: from €18
Also read: 20 Must Sees in South America | Food for your Bucket List
10. Georgia
Georgia Rounds out the top 10 as an affordable European destination that's rapidly gaining popularity. Food, wine, and accommodations are affordable, and transportation between cities is easily arranged.
Tbilisi, the Caucasus, Kazbegi and the Kakheti wine region offer a lot of variety, especially for travelers who Europe If you want to combine this with low costs, Georgia is an interesting option, although its popularity is growing rapidly.
Average cost:
- Daily budget: €25 to €30
- Local meal: €3 to €5
- Guesthouses: €10 to €15
- Hotels: from €20
These countries have often been in the top 10 before
Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Colombia en the Philippines For years, these destinations were a standard feature on these lists. They're still relatively affordable, but tourism has grown significantly. Especially in popular regions, accommodations, transportation, and excursions have become noticeably more expensive. These destinations remain attractive for shorter trips, but for a longer world trip, they're less budget-friendly than they used to be.
In addition, there are countries that previously scored highly due to their extremely low costs, but which have become less suitable due to changing security situations. Myanmar is a clear example of this. The country was known for years as cheap and peaceful, but due to political instability and security risks, it is currently not a realistic option for a world trip. Countries such as Venezuela and parts of Ethiopia previously fell into this category: low in cost, but too unpredictable to provide responsible advice.
What do we expect in 2026 and 2027?
The biggest change in the coming years will not be so much inflation, but tourism pressure. Countries that suddenly become popular through social media or digital nomads, are seeing their prices rise rapidly. Sri Lanka and Georgia are prime examples. They are still affordable now, but could become noticeably more expensive in 2026 and 2027, especially in popular regions.
At the same time, there are countries that could actually rise on these kinds of lists. Parts of Central Asia, such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, are becoming more accessible and will remain cheap for the time being. Albania en Northern Macedonia are gaining popularity, but are still before the big tourist breakthrough.
In the longer term, beyond 2027, countries that are currently less accessible could also become attractive again, provided safety and stability improve. Consider countries like Myanmar or parts of Ethiopia, which were previously popular with budget travelers but are currently off the list. Countries like Pakistan and Iran are also popular with experienced travelers, but are currently too unpredictable to offer broad advice.
And finally
Affordable travel is no longer just about the lowest daily budget. Safety, travel freedom, and tourist crowds are increasingly playing a role in determining a country's suitability for a long trip. This makes lists like this not a fixed fact, but a snapshot.
Anyone planning for 2026 or 2027 would be wise to look beyond the familiar names. Countries that are currently under the radar often offer the best combination of low costs and peace of mind. Smart planning, relaxed travel, and flexibility ultimately make more of a difference than the cheapest country on paper.
