Budget travel doesn't mean compromising on experience. In 2026, a handful of destinations deliver extraordinary value — stunning landscapes, rich culture, incredible food, and low day-to-day costs. Here are the 10 cheapest countries to visit this year, along with tips on finding affordable flights to each one.
📊 Our methodology: Rankings consider average daily cost for a budget traveller (accommodation, meals, local transport), typical return flight costs from London/New York, and overall value for money.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Vietnam remains one of the world's greatest value destinations. Street food costs pennies, guesthouses are cheap and clean, and the country offers everything from Hanoi's old quarter to Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts. Fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City — competition between carriers keeps prices low. Look for deals on Qatar, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways connecting through their hubs.
🇮🇩 Indonesia (Bali & beyond)
Bali gets all the attention, but budget travellers should explore Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Java too. Accommodation in Bali starts at £10/night for a clean private room. Singapore Airlines and KLM offer competitive fares — book 3–4 months out for best prices.
🇵🇹 Portugal
For European budget travellers, Portugal punches well above its weight. Lisbon and Porto are significantly cheaper than Paris or Amsterdam, yet offer world-class food, architecture, and coastline. Ryanair and easyJet operate frequent cheap routes from most UK airports — often under £60 return with a bit of flexibility.
🇨🇴 Colombia
Colombia has transformed dramatically in the last decade. Medellín's spring-like weather, Cartagena's colourful Caribbean coast, and the Coffee Region make it one of South America's most diverse destinations. Avianca and LATAM connect well from Europe — Bogotá is the cheapest entry point.
🇬🇪 Georgia
Tbilisi is one of Europe's most underrated cities — stunning architecture, incredible wine, extraordinary food, and rock-bottom prices. Georgian wine is world-class and costs less than water in most Western countries. Wizz Air and Georgian Airways offer direct routes from many European cities.
🇳🇵 Nepal
For trekkers, Nepal is incomparable. The Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley are all accessible on a tight budget. Kathmandu has affordable accommodation and food — connect via Delhi, Doha, or Dubai for the best fares.
🇵🇱 Poland
Kraków is one of Europe's best preserved medieval cities and remarkably cheap. Warsaw has a world-class food and nightlife scene. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and LOT offer extensive cheap connections from across Europe.
🇲🇦 Morocco
Morocco is just 3 hours from London and offers an entirely different world. Marrakech's medina, the Sahara dunes near Merzouga, and the blue city of Chefchaouen are all accessible cheaply. Ryanair and easyJet fly to Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes.
🇹🇭 Thailand
Despite growing in popularity, Thailand remains outstanding value. Bangkok offers incredible street food, world-class temples, and rooftop bars all within a very modest budget. Thai Airways, Emirates, and Qatar offer competitive fares via their respective hubs.
🇭🇺 Hungary
Budapest is one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities and one of its most affordable. Thermal baths, ruin bars, and riverside castle views — all for a fraction of what you'd pay in Western Europe. Wizz Air and Ryanair operate cheap routes from the UK.
Flight Tips for Budget Destinations
- Book 6–8 weeks out for short-haul (Europe/North Africa), 3–4 months for long-haul (Asia, South America)
- Fly midweek — Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 15–20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday
- Use a flexible dates view — a ±3 day window can save £50–200 on long-haul routes
- Mix airlines — fly a budget carrier to a hub, then use a separate ticket for the long-haul leg (check visa requirements for your transit country first)
- Set price alerts — fares fluctuate daily; catching a flash sale can save hundreds
Find Cheap Flights to These Destinations
Search FlightBrain with natural language — just tell us where you want to go and your budget.
Search Cheap Flights →