The 20 cheapest countries for your ‘low cost’ holiday

If you're one of those who looks at the budget too much when planning your vacation, take a look at the 20 cheapest countries to go on vacation. Which one are you going to start with? Either because flying to these destinations is outrageously cheap or because the cost of a menu is no more than 2 euros, these are the cheapest countries in the world you'll want to see before the inflation monster pays them a visit. In these places your tiny salary will be multiplied by two or three. That will depend on how generous your bosses are...

1. Cambodia

In Cambodia you can find accommodation from 7 euros per night. And if you want the luxury of air conditioning, about 10 euros. A good plate of fish in Khmer Amok will cost you around 4 euros. But if good and cheap food is what you are looking for, go to the street markets in the capital, Nom Pen. A bowl of noodle soup with meat will cost you less than 2 euros. Get out of the expensive and crowded tourist circuits of Cambodia and discover this Southeast Asian country for less than 20 euros a day. Our recommendations and the cheapest attractions: the northern Mekong and the temple in Preah Vihear.

2. Malaysia

If you're passionate about trying new dishes, but the ghost of money always comes along and ruins every plan you make, your destiny is Malaysia. Come to George Town, a colorful city in the state of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and try the street food with Indian, Chinese and Malaysian specialties for only two euros a plate. Oh, and don't forget to visit the Buddhist temples scattered around the city and be amazed by its wonderful colonial architecture.

3. Paraguay

With the capital, Asunción, considered the cheapest city in the world, this country climbs to the top of the list of the cheapest countries in the world to go on a luxury vacation. Excellent wine imported from Chile for less than 2 euros a bottle, the most expensive hotel in the city with rooms for less than 65 euros and delicious meat empanadas for a few cents make this Latin American country an inescapable cheap destination. Far from Asunción, in the deep south, is perhaps the most fascinating place in the country. It is a collection of half-destroyed villages that once represented the attempt of a community of indigenous Guarani people to work and survive without the annoying concept of money. Although the experiment failed, it is well worth a visit to learn about the traditions of a fascinating people.

4. Bolivia

Bolivia is a cheap destination par excellence and more so when you consider that you can survive, move around and get to know the country for less than 19 euros a day. Don't miss out on the breathtaking Uyuni salt desert. A 3-day tour of the area can cost you around 100 euros with food and accommodation included, a real bargain considering the impressive landscapes and the unforgettable experience you'll have there.

5. Peru

Peru is a cheap destination especially if you move around the northern part of the country. Although the south is not expensive either. Our recommendation is that you don't miss the south of Peru with attractions like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the town of Arequipa or Copacabana. Traveling around the country is very cheap. You can do it by bus or by plane. The recommendation is that if you have to take an internal flight you should book it on the spot.

6. Thailand

Thailand is an economical country to travel to and you will always find something that fits your budget. Calculate that to travel comfortably in this Southeast Asian country you will need at least 20 euros a day. Enjoy a typical dish for one euro at the many street food stands dotted around the city of Bangkok. While you are in town take a great walk along the Chao Phraya for a laughable price: 20 baths (50 cents) it costs to sail to the other side of the river. Besides, travelling by plane in Thailand is very cheap. During the last few years several low cost airlines have emerged such as Air Asia or Nok Air that compete in price with the bus and the train. If you have your trip planned you can buy your plane ticket in advance and save a lot of money. Thailand is also a paradise for hardcore consumers. During your visit to the capital you will find it difficult to resist the various stops with low priced clothing and electronics. Siam Paragon and The Central World are two destinations you can't miss if you have room in your suitcase.

7. Romania

It's a very cheap country, with nice people and landscapes that will take your breath away. With the taste of a communist country, in Romania you can easily find accommodation for about 15 euros. The safest and cheapest transport is the bus. Forget about the train because, although cheap, it is not at all reliable. A route through the Carpathians or Transylvania is highly recommended.

8. Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, you won't get as cheap a meal as in Thailand, but for less than 30 euros a day you will live like a real Maharaja. Stay at the five-star Cinnamon Lodge in Habarana, the epicentre of a cultural triangle that encompasses Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. Enjoy its spa, swimming pool, excellent food for about 64 euros a night. What five-star hotel in Europe will cost you this? Don't miss the Sri Maha Bodhiya (temple of the Bodhi tree) in Anuradhapura and the Sri Dhalada Maligawa (Kandy), possibly the holiest places on the island. To enter these places, keep in mind that foreigners tend to pay higher fees, although some tuk-tuk drivers will offer to sneak you in for free.

9. Armenia

Visiting Armenia is very cheap. In fact, it is one of those cheap destinations where you can enjoy a long vacation for very little money. Just by telling you that the rent of a luxurious and reformed flat in the capital Yerevan can cost about 200 euros a month. And if you go to the countryside, the price drops to the derisory amount of 50 euros a month for accommodation. For a few cents in Armenia you can also enjoy operas, music concerts, dance, theatre, painting exhibitions... You can't ask for more.

10. Portugal

Portugal is a country blessed with heavenly beaches, stunning rugged coastlines, architecturally stunning cities and an incredible climate. If you add to this good food and better wine at low prices, then Portugal becomes one of the top cheap destinations in the world. You can find hostels near Lisbon and overlooking the sea for about 15 euros per room. And in the Algarve area if you book in advance and discard the high season there are magnificent bungalows like the ones they have at the campsite of Quinta dos Carricos, in Salema beach. With a cheap restaurant and an excellent wine selection you won't want to move from this paradise on earth.