11 Cheap Countries Popular With Backpackers

Backpacking isn’t just for solo travelers and twenty-somethings anymore. More and more couples are discovering that backpacking together is one of the most romantic and adventurous ways to travel. And the best part? It doesn’t have to drain your savings. Want amazing experiences, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories without the luxury resort price tag? You’re in the right place.

We’ve explored countless budget-friendly destinations where couples can travel longer, experience more, and still have money left over for those special splurges. Some couples dream of Southeast Asian beaches and street food adventures. Others crave European hostels and historic city wandering. And still others want South American mountains and vibrant local markets. The beauty of backpacking? You get to do it all without breaking the bank.

These backpacker-favorite countries offer welcoming locals, safe travel conditions, and that perfect blend of affordability and excitement. Whether you’re planning a gap year adventure or just a few weeks of budget travel, these destinations let you stretch your dollars while creating incredible memories together.

Ready to pack light and explore big? Here are 11 cheap countries popular with backpackers.

Vietnam

We see Vietnam stay popular with backpackers because daily costs stay low without limiting movement. Meals are inexpensive, filling, and easy to find at all hours. Overnight buses and trains connect major cities, which helps travelers save on lodging while covering long distances. Backpackers can choose busy hubs or quieter towns without paying much more either way. The route from north to south is straightforward, making planning simple even for first-time travelers. Accommodations range from hostels to budget guesthouses that still feel private enough for rest days. Vietnam also rewards slow travel. Spending extra days in one place often costs very little and helps balance busy stretches.

Travel overland and stay longer in fewer cities to keep costs steady.

Cambodia

We find Cambodia appealing to backpackers who want affordability paired with short travel days. Lodging and food remain inexpensive, especially outside major tourist centers. Distances between towns are manageable, which keeps transport costs low and planning flexible. Backpacker hubs offer social hostels, while quieter towns still support budget stays. Cambodia works well for travelers who prefer simple routines and slower pacing. Many backpackers plan fewer stops and spend more time walking, resting, and exploring locally. Costs stay predictable, which helps longer trips feel less stressful.

Base yourself in one town and take short side trips instead of moving daily.

Laos

We see Laos attract backpackers who want low costs and fewer crowds. Towns along the river move at a slower pace, which naturally limits spending. Transport is affordable but unhurried, encouraging travelers to plan light schedules. Guesthouses and hostels remain inexpensive, even in popular stops. Food costs stay low, especially at small local spots. Laos works best for travelers who value time over checklists and do not mind slower connections. Days often revolve around walking, river views, and shared meals.

Build buffer days into your route to match local travel speeds.

Thailand

We find Thailand continue to work well for backpackers because infrastructure supports budget travel without friction. Hostels are easy to find, buses and trains are reliable, and food stays affordable across the country. Travelers can choose busy backpacker routes or quieter regions without large price jumps. Thailand also supports long stays, which helps keep daily costs down. Even popular areas offer budget options if you avoid peak zones. The country works well for both first trips and repeat visits because planning stays flexible.

Stay slightly outside main hubs to lower nightly costs.

Indonesia

We see Indonesia suit backpackers who want flexibility and long stays at low cost. Food and lodging remain inexpensive, especially when staying in one area for a while. Island travel can be affordable if planned slowly rather than rushed. Many backpackers choose a single island and explore locally instead of hopping constantly. This keeps transport costs down and days more relaxed. Indonesia rewards travelers who settle into routines and avoid constant movement.

Choose one island and stay longer to control transport spending.

Nepal

We see Nepal stay popular with backpackers because daily expenses remain low while experiences feel expansive. Budget guesthouses are common in cities and mountain towns, and meals stay affordable across regions. Long-distance buses connect most routes at a low cost, even if travel days take time. Many backpackers plan trips around walking routes, which naturally limits spending once you arrive. Nepal works well for slow travel, where staying put for several days costs very little. Towns built around travelers make it easy to meet others without paying for organized activities. Costs stay predictable, which helps longer trips feel manageable.

Travel slowly and plan rest days to balance long transit times.

Bolivia

We find Bolivia appeal to backpackers who want low prices and fewer crowds. Transport, food, and lodging remain among the cheapest in South America. Distances can be long, but overnight buses help reduce costs. Many travelers focus on a few regions instead of crossing the whole country, which keeps budgets steady. Cities and small towns both support simple daily routines that do not require much spending. Bolivia suits backpackers who are flexible and patient, especially with schedules.

Choose fewer destinations and allow extra time for travel days.

Georgia

We see Georgia stand out for backpackers because costs stay low and visa rules are generous. Cities like Tbilisi are walkable, which reduces transport expenses. Food and lodging remain affordable, even for longer stays. Many travelers base themselves in one city and take short trips rather than moving constantly. Public transport is inexpensive, and shared taxis keep regional travel accessible. Georgia rewards travelers who stay longer and build routines instead of rushing.

Set up a base city and explore outward on short trips.

Albania

We find Albania work well for backpackers who want low costs without heavy tourism. Coastal towns and inland cities both support budget stays and inexpensive meals. Buses and shared vans connect most places at minimal cost, even if schedules are loose. Albania suits travelers who stay flexible and move slowly. Many backpackers spend extra time in one town because daily expenses remain low. The country feels approachable and easy to navigate once you adjust to local transport rhythms.

Ask locals about bus times instead of relying only on schedules.

Mexico

We see Mexico continue to attract backpackers because affordability meets variety. Street food and local transport keep daily costs low, while long-distance buses connect regions efficiently. Backpackers can choose cities, beaches, or smaller towns without major budget changes. Many travelers stay longer in one area, which helps control costs and build local routines. Mexico works well for both short trips and extended stays because planning remains flexible.

Travel region by region instead of crossing the whole country.

Colombia

We find Colombia popular with backpackers because daily expenses remain low and routes are well established. Cities, coffee regions, and coastal areas are connected by budget buses and short flights. Hostels and guesthouses stay affordable, even in popular stops. Many backpackers plan slower itineraries to keep costs predictable. Colombia rewards travelers who balance movement with rest days.

Use buses for shorter routes and flights only when distances are long.

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