Although there are many factors that we take into account when planning our holidays, it is clear that one of them prevails: money. However, finding cheap places to travel doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the value of your trip. In fact, you can and should visit destinations like Madagascar, where you can experience the full Indian Ocean retreat experience without the Maldives prices, or Albania, where you can experience your European mountain dreams for half the price according to Conde Nast Traveler.
The magazine’s editors have compiled the countries you can visit in 2025 where your money will go furthest, based on current exchange rates, airfares and hotel deals.
Belize
The easy two-to-one conversion between the Belize dollar (BZD) and the US dollar means you don’t have to pull out your mobile calculator when you’re budgeting for your holiday in the Central American country. With world-renowned archaeological sites, rainforests and a gastronomy that’s worth the trip alone, it’s easy to see why this Caribbean country so fascinated Francis Ford Coppola that he established three beachfront retreats on its remote shores.
Cambodia
From 1 January 2025, the fees for tourist visas have been reduced from $36 to $30. First-time visitors can make no mistake if they land in Siem Reap, where the famed UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor Wat, sits amid festive bars, vibrant cultural experiences and French-style colonial streets. Travel to the city is easier than ever thanks to the recently opened Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).
Mexico
Mexico is consistently one of the favourite destinations for travellers on a budget. In Mexico City, with a street food culture rivaled only by cutting-edge dining, you’ll spend most of your money on food. But be sure to leave a few dollars to visit all the cultural wonders the city has to offer, starting with the iconic Museo Jumex. If you want to go a little further afield, head to Jalisco to see how tequila is produced at its source, or to Isla Holbox for a quiet beach.
Mongolia
The country is expanding initiatives launched in 2024 to make it easier for travellers, including more direct flights from the US and visa-free travel for dozens of nationalities. You can also expect even more unusual cultural experiences next year: local travel agent Breanna Wilson is expanding her travel plans for 2025, including a trip to the Gobi Desert to see snow leopards, a women-only retreat in the Orkhon Valley and a three-day archery seminar.
Vietnam
Many countries in Southeast Asia offer excellent opportunities for those travelling with dollars, but we recommend a trip to Vietnam, partly because of the steadily rising exchange rate, but mostly because of the country’s stunning beauty. Hanoi is arguably the most romantic city in the region, but don’t be afraid to stray off the beaten path on your next visit: Places like Ninh Van Bay and Phú Quốc Island have pristine beaches and intimate resorts that you won’t find in the more touristy areas.
Brazil
Like much of South America, Brazil is a good place to visit if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. But the fact that a dollar gets you almost five Brazilian reals means you can enjoy even better value for money than usual. Rio de Janeiro is the most obvious place to spend your time and money, with incredible restaurants like Lasai, a Hot List 2023 winner, just steps away from some of the world’s best beaches. But don’t forget to visit São Paulo, where the younger generation has brought trendy galleries, museums and bars to many neglected neighborhoods.
South Africa
The value of the South African rand has fluctuated a lot in recent years, but we are quite happy with the current price. (For comparison, 10 years ago, one US dollar was equivalent to ZAR 8.57.) Get your money’s worth at Test Kitchen’s 21-course tasting menu in Cape Town and then explore the wildlife at Singita Castleton Lodge in the Sabi Sand Wildlife Sanctuary.
Madagascar
For your next tropical holiday, skip the expensive, popular places like the Maldives and Bora Bora and opt for cheap Madagascar, an Indian Ocean treasure trove filled with stunning rainforests and national parks teeming with lemurs. Plan your stay at Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp, which features seven luxury safari tents within the virtually unexplored Namoroka National Park. Alternatively, visit the island nation as part of a cruise: luxury cruise lines such as Silversea, Lindblad, Swan Hellenic and Seabourne have added the country as a port of call on their new itineraries.
Egypt
Following in the footsteps of the Pharaohs in Egypt seems like it should be expensive, but the Egyptian pound has skyrocketed this year, meaning that touring the Pyramids, cruising the Nile and exploring Cairo has never been more affordable.
Malaysia
Your money will go a long way in Malaysia, especially if you eat on the road and explore cities like Kuala Lumpur on foot. It’s also cheap (or in some cases free) to visit the country’s pristine beaches, limestone caves and some of the most beautiful tea plantations. But if you’re ready and willing to spend a lot of money, we highly recommend staying at The Datai Langkawi – it’s definitely expensive, but well worth it.
India
India has always been a cheap travel destination, but now that you can get 86 rupees for every dollar, the country is more affordable than ever. Hotels range from $60-a-night bungalows to the expensive Oberoi and Six Senses, and hundreds of options in between. But if you don’t stay cooped up in your hotel all the time, you can visit many attractions and dine at local restaurants on an extremely limited budget.
Serbia
Belgrade continues to emerge as one of Europe’s most exciting cultural centres, but it’s a lot cheaper than, say, Paris or Berlin (at least for now). It’s relatively easy to find hotels for under $100, although accommodation isn’t that important when you spend all night dancing in the city’s clubs. However, you’ll want to take time off to explore Belgrade’s rich museums and contemporary art installations, many of which have only opened in the last few years.
North Macedonia
Perhaps because all attention is focused on the coastal countries, North Macedonia remains one of the most undervalued (and therefore affordable) countries in Europe. The country has all the cobbled streets and picturesque churches you’d expect from a European city, with the added bonus of being located right on the shores of the incredibly beautiful and biodiverse Lake Ohrid.
Nepal
Nepal is one of the cheapest countries for all travellers, but the US dollar is particularly strong there at the moment. Most people immediately associate Nepal with Mount Everest, but this small country has a lot more to offer than climbing. Kathmandu is overwhelming at first glance, but it hides some wonderful hotels and museums once you start exploring it. Bhaktapur and Patan, located near the Kathmandu Valley, are a little quieter, but full of culture.
Gambia
This highly accessible country has long been a coveted destination for wildlife lovers, but is starting to climb the rankings as both a gastronomic destination and a cruise port.
Indonesia
Despite the influx of tourists following the success of the book “Eat, Pray, Love”, Indonesia remains an affordable holiday destination. While millions flock to Bali (where resort prices are correspondingly high), you can enjoy a much cheaper and quieter trip to the islands of Suba and Lombok. And don’t forget Jakarta, where a full day includes greasy noodles and nasi goreng gila from makeshift street shops, all for a few dollars.
Albania
Albania is much cheaper than other European countries and is not particularly popular as a tourist destination, which means there is still a chance to visit before it becomes famous and overrun with tourists. In Tirana, book at Agroturizëm Gjepali, a restaurant-turned-hotel with river views and double rooms from $70. If you’re planning a summer trip, take a look at our picks for Albania’s best beaches.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is still on the rise in terms of overseas travel, making it one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in Central Asia. The major cities are filled with ornate mosques and monuments of Brutalist architecture, which you can explore for free, and you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than $5 per meal in restaurants. There aren’t many well-known chain hotels yet, but even hotels like the Hyatt Regency Tashkent have nightly rates under $170.
Source: tornosnews.gr