The 10 Cheapest Places to Travel the World in 2025

Last Updated: November 11, 2024

This video is about 10 affordable countries that are the cheapest places to travel in 2024 in your retirement travel. We have visited each of these countries the past couple of years and loved them all. It is a video about where to go and what to see in these cheap countries when you travel. Places like Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Albania, Morocco, Hungary, Romania, Thailand, and the Philippines are great to visit. Travelers and expats need to know where they can do retirement travel for cheap. We hope this video inspires others to try a new and exciting place to travel somewhere in the world in 2024.

Our 10 CHEAPEST Places for Retirement Travel in 2025

We are often asked how we can afford full-time world travel in retirement and where are the cheapest places to travel? Our secret is to mix low-cost locations into our travel plan. You might think that it’s a less desirable place to visit because it’s affordable, which is far from the truth.

So today, we will share 10 of our favorite places to visit that are both cheap and exciting. Whether you’re an expat looking for a place to spend the season or a retirement traveler looking for a place to stay, this guide is for you. Let’s go!

Introduction: Cheapest Places to Travel in 2025

Before we get started, we are about to head out on a new leg of travel. This year we’re starting in India and then Sri Lanka. If you’d like to know where we are in the world as we travel, we keep our Instagram updated to our current location. We also have a newsletter linked below.

Colombia

Journey through Colombia’s rich tapestry, from the lively streets of Bogotá to Cartagena’s colonial charm and Medellin’s vibrant energy. Discover the country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and cities, each offering a unique facet of Colombia’s captivating allure.

Visiting Colombia is much cheaper and safer than many people imagine. We never tire of traveling here and love that we can book a short-term rental for great prices. We can also stay in a mid-range hotel with all the trimmings. Whichever you choose, you will learn that both offer very affordable options. While many cities have public transportation like Medellin’s metro and cable car combo, they also offer taxis that are light on your wallet. 

Cerveza, or beer in English, comes with a price tag cheaper than bottled water in the US. Who can beat that? Combine that beer with a nice juicy steak or fresh fish, and you’ve spent less than a Big Mac, fries, and milkshake in the United States. It’s no wonder that Expats love living in this country! 

Whatever your adventure, visiting Colombia is a fun way to experience a trip abroad. Its cultural richness, authentic dishes, breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, and a wealth of attractions make for a great holiday or second home, because it is one of the cheapest countries in the world.

Romania

Next up is Romania! Step into the enchanting landscapes of Transylvania, where ancient castles and charming towns beckon. Discover the eerie allure of Bran Castle, wander through cobblestone streets in Timisoara, and embrace the buzz of Bucharest’s lively markets.

Romania stands out as an affordable destination for various reasons. First, the cost of living in Romania is lower than in most Western European countries, which translates to lower tourist prices. Accommodations are reasonable, offering comfortable stays at budget-friendly rates. We traveled through four locations by train but rented a car for a couple of day trips while traveling for the month. Car rental rates were very affordable. 

Most residents use public transportation, which is easy to manage and cost-effective. Dining in Romania is also affordable, with plenty of local restaurants and markets offering delicious meals at reasonable prices. Attractions and activities, including visits to castles, historical sites, and natural wonders, often have modest entrance fees, allowing travelers to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage without breaking the bank. Romania’s affordability makes it a low-cost option for budget-conscious travelers seeking diverse landscapes, rich history, and authentic experiences. 

Thailand

From Bangkok’s bustling markets to Chiang Mai’s tranquility, Thailand offers an array of experiences. Discover ancient sites, relax on scenic beaches, and savor irresistible street food.

Thailand’s allure as a budget-friendly destination is multifaceted. First, accommodations cater to various budgets, from inexpensive hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels, providing comfortable stays at reasonable prices. The extensive network of affordable transportation options, including tuk-tuks, local buses, and trains, makes getting around cities and exploring different regions of Thailand cost-effective. 

Dining in Thailand is a delight for budget travelers, with an array of street food stalls and local eateries offering delicious and cheap meals, allowing visitors to savor authentic Thai cuisine without straining their wallets. We found many free or low-cost attractions, such as temples, museums, and night markets, that provided ample opportunities for exploration without incurring hefty expenses. Thailand is an affordable destination and offers an unusual backdrop and a diverse range of experiences with happy and friendly locals. 

Morocco

Imagine Marrakech’s vibrant souks and the mystical Sahara Desert’s tranquility—Traverse Fez’s medieval alleys, where history whispers through every corner.

Morocco remains a magnetic destination for budget-conscious travelers. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hotels and hostels to refreshing riads that are a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the area. Morocco has trains and buses that offer cost-effective travel options for traversing the country’s diverse landscapes and iconic cities such as Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca. Dining in Morocco is a delight for budget travelers, with bustling markets and street food stalls offering flavorful and inexpensive Moroccan cuisine, allowing visitors to relish tagines and couscous without straining their wallets. Be sure to take a cooking class that brings the technique and flavors home so your memories and tastebuds last a lifetime. 

Exploring the medinas while walking the labyrinthine streets or exploring the captivating beauty of the Sahara Desert is an affordable way to explore this vibrant country. With its reasonable accommodations, accessible transportation, tantalizing cuisine, and a treasure trove of budget-friendly attractions, Morocco is an enticing destination for travelers seeking cultural richness and affordable adventures.

Philippines

Indulge in the Philippines’ tropical wonders – pristine beaches in Boracay, surreal landscapes in Bohol, and Palawan’s underwater marvels. Embrace island life, warmth, and delicious cuisine.

The Philippines remains an enchanting destination for budget travelers for numerous reasons; from modestly priced beach resorts to wallet-friendly mid-range hotels, many affordable accommodations can be had. Jumping on an island-hopping flight and transferring to tricycles, jeepneys, and ferries provides cost-effective ways to explore the country’s diverse islands. Be sure to check out the bustling cities like Manila and Cebu, which have stunning natural wonders. 

You’ll not go hungry in the Philippines because they delight the traveler with countless local eateries and street food vendors offering delicious Filipino dishes at incredibly affordable prices. Be sure to savor classics like adobo and halo-halo; you will spend your money wisely. Free or almost free entry into local attractions such as pristine beaches, rice terraces, and underwater wonders are all within reach. We could charter a private boat for the day for just over $100. With its affordable accommodations, accessible transportation, unique cuisine, abundant natural beauty, and friendly locals, you cannot go wrong when seeking a tropical paradise open to budget-friendly adventures.

Vietnam

Experience Hanoi’s chaotic old town, the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Mein, and the historic allure of Hoi An. The local culture is an experience in and of itself that every budget traveler should experience once in their lives. 

Vietnam entices travelers as a cost-effective destination for several reasons. It’s a great place to partake in upscale accommodations at a fraction of the usual costs of other countries. The Vietnam hospitality industry knows how to treat budget-conscious travel like royalty. Budget-friendly guesthouses and mid-range hotels abound, providing comfortable and affordable options for every type of traveler. The extensive local transportation network, including buses, trains, and inexpensive domestic flights, allows visitors to explore the country’s diverse regions without straining their budget. 

Dining in Vietnam is a delight for budget-conscious travelers, with many street food vendors offering delectable dishes at meager prices, allowing visitors to indulge in the country’s renowned cuisine without overspending. We rode the Tam Côc River near Hanoi with a delightful paddler and watched water puppets in Ho Chi Minh City. We also visited the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, which offered unforgettable experiences. With its affordable accommodations, cheap and delicious street food, and an array of budget-friendly attractions, Vietnam is an appealing destination for those seeking affordability without compromising experiences. And did we mention $3 haircuts?

Cambodia

Explore the awe-inspiring ancient ruins of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples near Siem Reap, witnessing the grandeur of Khmer architecture. Our favorite memory will constantly be partaking in the New Year celebration of Khmer New Year (the most significant national holiday) while roaming the streets with a soaker gun, battling it out with residents old and young. Seriously, and literally, it was a blast!

Cambodia is an appealing destination for budget travelers for various reasons, besides being one of the cheapest places to travel. They have a selection of reasonably priced lodging options, such as budget guesthouses, hostels, and cost-effective hotels, ensuring cozy stays without breaking the bank. Transportation within Cambodia is also reasonably priced, with options like tuk-tuks and local buses offering convenient and affordable ways to explore cities and reach tourist sites. Hiring a day driver to take you to the temples and sites is also easy to find. 

Dining in Cambodia is a delicious treat with noodles galore and street vendors offering fish and local dishes at low prices. Even eating at upscale restaurants is affordable compared to high-cost countries. 

Cambodia’s major attractions, such as the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and the historic sites, have relatively low entrance fees, making it feasible for travelers to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage without significant expenses. Combine all these things above, along with Cambodia’s bucket list and wonder of the world, and you will leave wanting to return, just like us. We can’t wait!

Hungary

Budapest’s grandeur along the Danube captivates with historic baths and stunning architecture. Sample goulash by the riverside and revel in the city’s vibrant spirit.

Hungary stands out as a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers. Finding affordable accommodation is easy due to the lower cost of living in nearby countries. We had no problem utilizing the country’s vast, modern transit system. We took metros, trams, and buses, which provided an excellent way to venture into different regions of the nation. 

Finding great, affordable restaurants with local fare was never a problem. We fueled our bellies with goulash, langos, and chicken paprikash. We are always hunting for another beautiful restaurant to sit at and people-watching. Many attractions in and around Budapest are free or have low entry fees. Exploring Buda Castle or walking around Pest always seems to bring us joy. Be sure to check out the baths; after all, Budapest is the world’s Spa capital!

After several visits to Hungary, it’s one of our favorite locations, and we look forward to returning soon.

Indonesia

With Komodo dragons, island beauty that never ceases, and the world’s best diving and snorkeling, Indonesia is a place that captures the hearts of everyone who visits.

Indonesia is a backpacker’s dream, and for good reason: it is incredibly affordable. Finding accommodations at the edge of rice fields, jungles, or beautiful beaches is easy. The country’s local transportation, including buses, trains, ferries, and affordable domestic flights, offers convenient and cost-effective ways to explore various islands and regions. 

Dining in Indonesia is a treat for budget-conscious travelers, with countless street food vendors. Be bold about visiting a local warung (a pop-up shop) serving delicious Indonesian dishes at meager prices. 

Our favorite place is Raja Ampat, an archipelago renowned for its stunning marine biodiversity and pristine diving sites. While getting to this paradise takes effort, the marine life you see is out of this world. It’s not the cheapest journey, but if you have the time to take ferries and are okay with an overnight flight, you can stay at an over-the-water bungalow for much less than a stay in Bora Bora or the Maldives. Plus, it’s the world’s best diving spot, so you’ll know it was worth the effort in this cheap travel destination.

Albania

Uncover the hidden gem of the Balkans, Albania. Complete with stunning coastlines, historical treasures, and abundant hospitality. Albania is a charming corner of the world and also one of the cheapest places to travel.

Affordability is the norm in Albania, no matter where you go. We stayed in both big modern hotels and in tiny family-run guest houses. Albania’s local transportation, including buses and shared taxis, offers cost-effective means to explore its diverse landscapes. It has stunning Adriatic coastline to the charming towns and mountainous regions inland. 

Local eateries and markets serve up delicious and very affordable food. We loved pastries and meatballs and recommend trying these dishes, too. Our favorite activity in the summer was getting inexpensive scoops of gourmet ice cream and walking with the locals as they strolled the parks. You could often buy roasting corn from vendors, which was both yummy and charming. 

Albania has beautiful mountain ranges and enticing beaches dotted with eateries and bars. The ancient city of Berat was beautiful, but we also loved Tirana and shkodër, both great places to visit. No matter where you go, you will find budget-friendly accommodations, savory cuisine, and a treasure trove of budget-friendly attractions. Albania emerges as an appealing destination for travelers seeking cultural exploration. It also offers affordable escapades, but don’t wait too long; it will be a tourist mecca soon and one of the cheapest places to travel.