Always wanted to travel the world but don’t think you have the money? Think again! If you choose your destinations wisely and your timing even wiser, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive at all. In fact, most travelers spend less on a monthly basis than they would live in one place paying the rent and the bills… So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best cheap places to travel around the world – get your bucket list ready!

Thailand

Despite the popularity of this destination, Thailand is still a great option to travel to on a budget. Of all the cheap places to travel to, Thailand is probably one of the most diverse. Stick to the Northern areas to really cut down on spendings and visit Chiang Mai, for example. Staying away from the most touristy areas and commercial beaches will also help you keep the budget low, and eating the delicious street foods will cut down the food costs significantly. Of course, if you do wish to splurge on some luxury, you could! For $100 a night you’ll find yourself in the kind of resort that would’ve cost you thousands of dollars back home… Here you can find a complete guide to SEA travel on a budget.

South Africa

One of my favorites of the cheap places to travel to in the world is South Africa. This amazing country might not be the cheapest one on the list, but it will give you great value for your money. Once you’ve scraped together the money for the plane ticket, it’s usually smooth sailing from there. Accommodation and transportation are cheap, and food can easily be found without spending a great deal, too. And for that little money, you’ll get a chance to spot amazing wildlife, see the colors of an African sunset and learn about new cultures that are a world away from yours.

Guatemala

When I think of cheap places to travel to, I think of Central America - and more specifically, of Guatemala! It might have a bad reputation when it comes to safety, but as long as you steer clear of the capital city it really isn’t that bad. Great places to visit in Guatemala are the ancient city of Antigua or Lake Atitlán, and don’t miss out on the Mayan ruins of Tikal! Food and accommodation are extremely cheap, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can get around cheaply in the chicken buses. The low prices make this country a great place to learn Spanish, and while you’re there also grab the opportunity to learn about the Mayan culture that is still very much alive.

Greece

If you want to stay a bit closer to the western cultures on your trip, top of the list of cheap places to travel to would be Greece. Because of the economic crisis, prices are not just lower than usual but the local inhabitants could use the extra income from tourism more than ever. Top tip when visiting Greece: don’t just hang out on one island! Make sure to visit several, as they all have beautiful and unique sights to offer.

Indonesia

If you can’t choose between a relaxed beach vacation and ultimate hiking adventure, why not have both? Indonesia offers an entire world for you to explore, from dense rainforests and active volcanos to huge stretches of white sand beach that beg to be relaxed on. Bali, of course, is the most popular of the cheap places to travel to within Indonesia, but also check out Java and the Komodo Islands while you’re there! Looking to get some work done while traveling? Don't forget to check the best destinations for digital nomads that are just discovered.

Morocco

If you live in Europe and are looking for a vacation that’s relatively close to home but feels like a world away at the same time, try Morocco! This country is truly beautiful and very budget-friendly. The number of affordable hostels is growing fast, making the country even more attractive for the budget traveler. The cities are buzzing with life and can become quite hectic, but just in case you need a break there’s always the stunning natural surroundings to go to. From endless dunes to impressive coastlines, Morocco has it all! Definitely one of the most versatile cheap places to travel to.

Nepal

Nepal is probably the number one country on this list that could really use the extra income from tourism. After the earthquake in 2015, many places are still in the process of being repaired and rebuilt. Nevertheless, the country is ready to receive tourists again! Especially the famous trekking of the Annapurna Circuit is back in business, with more and more adventure travelers returning to the famed spot. Have you ever thought of backpacking Nepal to save the money as the country is very affordable? Food and accommodation are cheap and combined with the fact that your money will help rebuild a country after a terrible natural disaster, Nepal definitely is one of the best cheap places to travel to this year.

Of course, there’s only so many countries you can fit on one list…! What’s your favorite place to travel to when on a budget?