Cheapest Countries to Visit in 2027: Where Your Money Goes Furthest
The cheapest countries to visit in 2027 for UK, US and Australian travellers, with hotel cost levels, sample trips and money-saving tips.
Key takeaways
- Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia) remains the best-value region for hotels.
- In Europe, Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey and parts of the Balkans are strong-value options.
- In the Americas, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru offer good value.
- Flights may be the biggest cost; a cheap destination with expensive flights may not save money overall.
In this guide
Your money can stretch much further in some countries than others. In the right place, a comfortable hotel with breakfast costs less than a budget room at home. Here are the cheapest countries to visit in 2027 for travellers from the UK, the US and Australia.
Costs change with exchange rates, inflation and season. We describe relative cost levels rather than exact prices. Always check current prices before you book.
How we chose
We considered: - Typical cost of a comfortable, well-reviewed mid-range hotel. - Food and local transport costs. - Value for experiences. - Accessibility from the UK, US and Australia.
Southeast and South Asia
Vietnam
Excellent food, varied landscapes from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta, and very good-value hotels. Boutique hotels in Hoi An and Hanoi's Old Quarter are particularly good value.
Cambodia
Angkor Wat, riverside Phnom Penh, and beaches on the south coast. Hotels in Siem Reap offer pools and breakfast at modest prices.
Laos
Laid-back Luang Prabang and dramatic karst landscapes. Very good value, especially for guesthouses.
Indonesia
Bali can be as cheap or as luxurious as you like, and other islands like Lombok and Java offer even better value. See where to stay in Bali.
Thailand
Not the cheapest in the region any more, but still excellent value outside the most popular islands.
India and Nepal
Rich culture and very low costs, especially outside the top luxury hotels. Nepal is a trekking favourite.
Sri Lanka
Beaches, tea country and wildlife in a compact island with good-value guesthouses.
Europe
Albania
Mediterranean beaches, mountains and historic towns at a fraction of the cost of neighbouring Greece or Italy.
Bulgaria
Black Sea beaches, ski resorts and lively Sofia. Very good-value hotels.
Georgia
Wine, mountains, Tbilisi's character and warm hospitality.
Turkey
Huge variety from Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast, with all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels at competitive prices.
Romania, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Castles, lakes and historic towns, with low hotel costs.
Portugal (outside Lisbon and the Algarve peak)
Inland Portugal and smaller cities can still be good value compared with much of Western Europe.
The Americas
Mexico
Beyond the big resorts, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida and the Yucatán offer superb food and culture at good prices.
Colombia
Cartagena, Medellín and the Coffee Region offer good-value boutique hotels.
Guatemala
Antigua and Lake Atitlán are popular, affordable destinations.
Peru and Bolivia
Machu Picchu and the Andes; Bolivia is among the cheapest in South America.
Africa
Morocco
Riads in Marrakech and Fes offer character and value.
Egypt
Exceptional value for ancient sites and Red Sea resorts.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Region | Hotel costs | Food costs | Flight cost from UK | From US | From AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Very low | Very low | Medium–high | High | Low–medium |
| Balkans and Eastern Europe | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High |
| Turkey | Low–medium | Low | Low | Medium | High |
| Mexico and Central America | Low–medium | Low | High | Low | High |
| South America | Low–medium | Low | High | Medium | High |
| North Africa | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High |
The best-value destination for you depends on flight costs. Australians often get the best overall value in Southeast Asia; Americans in Mexico and Central America; UK travellers in the Balkans, Turkey and North Africa.
Keeping hotel costs low
- Book well-reviewed local hotels rather than international chains.
- Travel in shoulder season.
- Use refundable rates and rebook if prices drop. See how to get cheap hotel rooms.
- Stay longer for discounts.
- Read reviews for safety and cleanliness. See our hotel safety tips.
Sample good-value trips by home country
| From | Trip idea | Length |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Albania coast + Tirana | 7–10 nights |
| UK | Morocco: Marrakech + Essaouira | 7 nights |
| UK | Turkey: Istanbul + Fethiye | 10 nights |
| US | Mexico City + Oaxaca | 8–10 nights |
| US | Colombia: Medellín + Cartagena | 10–12 nights |
| US | Guatemala: Antigua + Lake Atitlán | 7–9 nights |
| Australia | Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City | 12–14 nights |
| Australia | Bali + Lombok | 10–12 nights |
| Australia | Sri Lanka loop | 12–14 nights |
Where good-value hotels shine
In many of these countries, mid-range spending buys an excellent experience: boutique hotels with pools in Vietnam and Cambodia, riads with rooftop terraces in Morocco, heritage guesthouses in Georgia, and colonial-era boutique hotels in Colombia and Guatemala. Upgrading to a better room often costs relatively little compared with doing the same in Western Europe, Australia or the US.
Hidden costs to budget for
- Visas and entry fees.
- Tourist taxes and levies (for example Bali's tourist levy).
- Domestic flights or long-distance transport.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips in places where they are customary. See our tipping guide.
Value can change
Exchange rates, inflation and tourism trends change costs quickly. A destination that was cheap a few years ago may now be mid-priced in its most popular areas. Look beyond the most famous towns, and compare current hotel prices before you commit.
The bottom line
Southeast Asia is still the world's best region for low-cost, high-quality travel. In Europe, look east and south-east, and in the Americas, Mexico and Colombia offer outstanding value. Factor in flight costs from your home country to find your true best deal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest country to travel to?
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, India and Nepal are among the cheapest for day-to-day costs, especially accommodation and food. The total trip cost also depends on flight prices from your home.
What is the cheapest country in Europe to visit?
Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Georgia and Turkey are generally among Europe's best-value destinations.
How can I keep hotel costs low in cheap countries?
Choose well-reviewed guesthouses and mid-range local hotels, book refundable rates, avoid peak holiday periods, and stay slightly outside tourist centres.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
