The 10 cheapest countries to travel to

Looking to get away but want to keep costs low? Check out these 10 holiday destinations which remain cheap despite rising inflation.

Ruins overlooking a beach in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico
(Image credit: © Getty Images)

If you’re thinking of booking a holiday but are worried about rising prices due to inflation, you’ll want to look into the 10 cheapest countries to travel to right now.

Prices have gone up for everything from energy bills to supermarket basics. But research from our sister publication Kiplinger has ranked the following 10 destinations based on how much you might pay per day once you arrive, including accommodation, food and the cost of living.

You’ll still have to factor in the cost of your ticket, but that will depend on where you’re flying from and the time of the year. Once you’ve worked that out though, these are the top 10 places to consider if you want to holiday without breaking the bank.

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The 10 cheapest countries to travel to

10. Greece

Greece has been a top holiday destination for some time now, and for good reason. Prices have remained cheap since the 2010 debt crisis, and the country offers everything from sunny beaches to historical sites. The average daily cost on holiday is around £110, while accommodation costs around £77. The country is well known for its islands, and these will be more expensive than mainland or less-travelled to destinations. Book outside the busy summer time period to make sure you secure lower prices.

Average daily cost: £110

Average accommodation cost: £77

Average daily meals cost: £29

9. Portugal

Portugal boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, on top of beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, fresh seafood and delicious pastries. On top of that, it’s one of the best value destinations in Europe, with the daily cost of a holiday averaging at £96.

Average daily cost: £96

Average accommodation cost: £62

Average daily meals cost: £28

8. Dominican Republic

You can count on beautiful weather regardless of the time of year in the Dominican Republic, so you can book off season to secure even lower prices. The island has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach or head to the rainforest for an adventure.

Average daily cost: £91

Average accommodation cost: £58

Average daily meals cost: £25

7. Mexico

Mexico City is the fifth largest city in the world, known for its top tier food scene and historical sites. The country’s other cities have plenty to offer, its beaches are regularly listed as some of the best in the world, and it’s home to ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins – all for relatively low prices.

Average daily cost: £77

Average accommodation cost: £44

Average daily meals cost: £17

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica might be among the smaller Central American countries, but it has tonnes to offer. It’s a quiet destination with access to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, jungles to explore, and volcanos to hike.

Average daily cost: £67

Average accommodation cost: £34

Average daily meals cost: £14

5. Hungary

Budapest is a beautiful historic city with lots to offer at affordable prices. The countryside is home to picturesque villages and beautiful valleys, rivers, and mountains to enjoy.

Average daily cost: £58

Average accommodation cost: £27

Average daily meals cost: £14

4. Thailand

Don’t be put off by expensive flight costs. If you’re looking to travel further east, the lower cost of accommodation and meals in Thailand can make up for pricy flights. The country is known for its jungle temples, tropical beaches, delicious food and bustling cities.

Average daily cost: £43

Average accommodation cost: £17

Average daily meals cost: £11

3. Indonesia

Bali regularly ranks as one of the best places to visit in the world, but with over 17,000 islands Indonesia has plenty to offer – from orangutan colonies to volcanoes to beautiful beaches, all of which you can enjoy for low prices.

Average daily cost: £39

Average accommodation cost: £30

Average daily meals cost: £10

2. Turkey

Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world, offering visitors access to everything from bustling cities to idyllic beaches on the Aegean Sea. The South Eastern region of the country is currently recovering from a series of devastating earthquakes but tourist hotspots are welcoming visitors and remain safe to travel to.

Average daily cost: £19

Average accommodation cost: £10

Average daily meals cost: £6

1. Laos

Despite being landlocked Laos boasts over 4,000 islands to visit. Its natural beauty remains largely untouched, and visitors can enjoy tasty local food, jungle treks, and temple visits as well as waterfalls in the mainland.

Average daily cost: £12

Average accommodation cost: £7

Average daily meals cost: £4

Nicole García Mérida

Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She joined MoneyWeek in 2019.