Planning your next overseas adventure without breaking the bank? These affordable destinations prove you don’t need a fortune to experience incredible cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable memories.
Let’s be honest: international travel from Australia often comes with a hefty price tag. We’re geographically isolated, flights are expensive, and by the time you’ve sorted accommodation and activities, your savings account is looking decidedly depleted. But here’s the thing – there are still destinations where your Australian dollar stretches beautifully, where meals cost less than a Melbourne coffee, and where adventure doesn’t require a second mortgage.
I’ve spent years exploring budget-friendly corners of the world, and I’ve learned that “cheap” doesn’t mean compromising on experience. Some of my most memorable travel moments have happened in countries where my daily budget was less than a night out back home. So if you’re ready to explore the world without emptying your wallet, here are the most affordable destinations for Australian travellers.
Southeast Asia: The Budget Traveller’s Paradise
Vietnam: Where $50 AUD Goes a Long Way
Vietnam remains one of the most affordable destinations from Australia, and it’s also one of the most rewarding. From the chaotic beauty of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the otherworldly landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam delivers incredible experiences at prices that seem almost too good to be true.
A bowl of steaming pho on a Hanoi street corner will set you back around $2-3 AUD. A comfortable guesthouse? Anywhere from $15-30 per night. Even mid-range hotels rarely exceed $50. I’ve sat in bustling beer joints in the evening, cold local beer in hand (about $1 AUD), watching the world go by, and felt genuinely wealthy on a shoestring budget.
The street food scene alone makes Vietnam worth visiting. Banh mi sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, grilled seafood by the beach – all ridiculously affordable and absolutely delicious. Transport is cheap too, whether you’re taking local buses, grabbing a Grab ride, or even booking internal flights during promotions.
Daily budget estimate: $40-70 AUD per day (including accommodation, meals, and activities)
Thailand: The Gateway to Affordable Adventure
Thailand has been welcoming Australian budget travellers for decades, and it remains one of the best value destinations in Southeast Asia. Yes, places like Phuket’s Patong Beach have become pricier over the years, but venture beyond the tourist hotspots and you’ll find Thailand still offers exceptional value.
Bangkok buzzes with energy and affordable eats. You can feast at food markets for $3-5 per meal, stay in clean, comfortable hostels or budget hotels for $15-30 per night, and explore temples and markets for minimal cost. The northern city of Chiang Mai is even more affordable, with a relaxed vibe and endless opportunities for budget adventures – from temple hopping to hiking in nearby national parks.
The Thai islands, particularly less-developed spots like Koh Lanta or Koh Phangan (outside full moon party time), offer beach paradise without the premium price tag. Bungalows near the beach start from around $20-30 per night, and fresh seafood dinners cost a fraction of what you’d pay at home.
Daily budget estimate: $45-75 AUD per day
Indonesia: Islands of Affordability
Beyond Bali’s increasingly expensive tourist zones lies an Indonesia that remains remarkably affordable. Even in Bali itself, if you eat where locals eat and stay in guesthouses rather than resorts, you can travel comfortably on $40-50 per day.
Venture to Java, Lombok, or the Gili Islands, and prices drop further. A traditional Indonesian meal (nasi goreng, mie goreng, or gado-gado) costs $2-4 AUD. Simple but clean accommodation runs from $10-25 per night. Activities like volcano hikes, temple visits, and beach days are either free or incredibly affordable.
I remember sitting at a warung in Yogyakarta, eating the best nasi gudeg I’ve ever tasted, surrounded by locals on their lunch break. The entire meal, including a fresh juice, cost less than $3 AUD. These are the moments that make budget travel in Indonesia so special – authentic experiences that don’t cost the earth.
Daily budget estimate: $35-65 AUD per day
Cambodia: Ancient Wonders, Modern Prices
Cambodia offers incredible value, especially when you consider what you’re getting for your money. The temples of Angkor Wat are a bucket-list experience that costs just $37 USD for a day pass (less if you buy multi-day passes). Beyond that singular splurge, Cambodia is remarkably affordable.
In Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or the beaches of Sihanoukville, you’ll find meals for $2-5 AUD, guesthouses from $10-20 per night, and local beer for around $1. Tuk-tuk rides are cheap, and the warmth of Cambodian hospitality is priceless.
The country has a sobering history, and visiting sites like the Killing Fields or Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh costs just a few dollars but offers profound perspective. Cambodia rewards budget travellers with depth, beauty, and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Daily budget estimate: $35-60 AUD per day
South Asia: Where Your Dollar Works Hardest
India: Incredible India, Incredible Value
India isn’t for everyone – it’s intense, confronting, overwhelming, and absolutely extraordinary. It’s also one of the cheapest countries to visit from Australia. Your money goes so far here that you can live like royalty on a backpacker budget.
Street food meals cost as little as $1-2 AUD. A thali (traditional platter with multiple dishes) in a local restaurant rarely exceeds $3-4. Budget accommodation ranges from $5-15 per night, and even comfortable mid-range hotels stay under $40. Train travel is incredibly cheap, adding to the adventure (and occasionally the chaos).
I’ve explored ancient forts in Rajasthan, wandered the ghats of Varanasi, trekked in the Himalayas, and lounged on Goan beaches, all on a budget that would barely cover a weekend in Sydney. Yes, India challenges you, but it also rewards you with experiences you simply can’t replicate elsewhere.
The diversity alone is staggering. You could spend months exploring India’s different regions, cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, and still only scratch the surface – all without devastating your bank account.
Daily budget estimate: $25-50 AUD per day
Nepal: Mountain Majesty on a Shoestring
Nepal combines breathtaking Himalayan scenery with prices that make it accessible to even the tightest budgets. In Kathmandu, you can stay in budget guesthouses for $10-15 per night, eat delicious dal bhat (rice and lentils, often with free refills) for $3-5, and explore ancient temples and bustling bazaars for free or minimal entry fees.
Trekking in Nepal is surprisingly affordable. While you’ll need to pay for permits and possibly a guide or porter (which supports local communities), the teahouses along popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek charge minimal rates for food and accommodation. You can trek through some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery for far less than you’d imagine.
Even adventure activities like paragliding in Pokhara, white-water rafting, or jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park are reasonably priced compared to similar experiences elsewhere. Nepal offers genuine adventure without the premium price tag.
Daily budget estimate: $30-55 AUD per day
Eastern Europe: Affordable European Adventures
Bulgaria: Europe’s Best-Kept Budget Secret
If you’re craving European culture and history without Western European prices, Bulgaria deserves your attention. Sofia, the capital, combines Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, and communist-era architecture with a vibrant café culture – all at prices that make you want to extend your stay.
Meals in traditional restaurants cost $8-15 AUD. Local beer is cheaper than water. Accommodation ranges from $20-40 per night for comfortable options. Even wine tours in Bulgaria’s emerging wine regions and ski resort visits remain remarkably affordable.
The Black Sea coast offers summer beach towns like Sozopol and Nessebar, where you can enjoy seafood dinners overlooking the water without the Mediterranean price tag. Bulgaria’s mountain regions provide hiking in summer and skiing in winter, with prices that make Swiss resorts look criminal.
Daily budget estimate: $50-80 AUD per day
Romania: Castles, Mountains, and Affordability
Romania combines Gothic castles, medieval towns, and stunning mountain scenery with prices that won’t scare you. Bucharest has been nicknamed “Little Paris,” but unlike its French counterpart, you can actually afford to enjoy yourself here.
A substantial meal in a traditional restaurant costs $10-15 AUD. Accommodation ranges from $20-50 per night depending on your standards. Transport is cheap, whether you’re taking trains between cities or local buses in Transylvania.
Visiting Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle), exploring the painted monasteries of Bucovina, or hiking in the Carpathian Mountains all cost far less than similar European experiences elsewhere. Romania offers authentic European travel without the inflated tourist prices.
Daily budget estimate: $50-85 AUD per day
Poland: History, Culture, and Value
Poland surprises many travellers with both its beauty and its affordability. Cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk combine fascinating history with lively contemporary culture and excellent food – all at prices that seem almost old-fashioned compared to Western Europe.
Traditional Polish meals in restaurants cost $10-20 AUD. Pierogies from street vendors cost even less. Accommodation in good hostels starts from $15-25 per night, while mid-range hotels rarely exceed $60-70. Even craft beer in trendy Warsaw bars costs less than you’d pay in Melbourne or Sydney.
Poland’s attractions are equally affordable. Visiting the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau requires only a small fee (or is free if you arrive without a guide). The spectacular Wieliczka Salt Mine costs around $25 AUD. Walking Krakow’s magnificent Old Town is completely free.
Daily budget estimate: $55-90 AUD per day
Central and South America: Long-Haul Value
Bolivia: South America’s Budget Champion
Bolivia stands out as South America’s most affordable country, offering surreal landscapes and indigenous culture at prices that make extended travel feasible. The Salar de Uyuni (world’s largest salt flat) is a bucket-list experience, and while tours cost more than daily living expenses, they remain reasonable compared to similar spectacular sights elsewhere.
In cities like La Paz or Sucre, meals cost $3-6 AUD in local restaurants. Street food is even cheaper. Accommodation ranges from $10-25 per night for budget to mid-range options. Local buses, while basic, connect the country for just a few dollars.
Yes, Bolivia requires effort – the altitude is challenging, infrastructure is basic, and comfort isn’t guaranteed. But if you’re seeking authentic South American adventure without the premium prices of Chile or Argentina, Bolivia delivers.
Daily budget estimate: $35-60 AUD per day (excluding multi-day tours)
Nicaragua: Central America’s Affordable Adventure
Nicaragua flies under the radar for many Australian travellers, which helps keep prices low. This Central American gem offers volcano hikes, colonial cities, Caribbean and Pacific beaches, and warm local hospitality.
In cities like Granada or Leon, meals cost $5-10 AUD in restaurants, less from street vendors. Accommodation ranges from $15-35 per night. Activities like volcano boarding down Cerro Negro or kayaking around the isletas of Lake Nicaragua are affordable thrills.
The country feels less touristy than neighbouring Costa Rica, which means both better prices and more authentic experiences. Local buses are the cheapest transport option (if you’re patient), while tourist shuttles offer comfort for still-reasonable prices.
Daily budget estimate: $45-75 AUD per day
Africa: Surprising Affordability Beyond Safaris
Egypt: Ancient Wonders at Modern Prices
Egypt delivers some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, temples along the Nile – at prices that remain accessible to budget travellers. While organised tours and cruises can be expensive, independent travel in Egypt is remarkably affordable.
Street food and local restaurants serve delicious meals for $2-5 AUD. Budget hotels start from $15-20 per night. Even the major attractions, while not cheap, are reasonable considering what you’re seeing. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo costs around $15 AUD. Entrance to the Pyramids complex is about $20 AUD.
Transport between cities using local trains or buses is very cheap, though tourist transport costs more. The key is mixing budget accommodation and local eateries with the occasional splurge on a Nile cruise or desert safari.
Daily budget estimate: $40-70 AUD per day (excluding major tours)
Morocco: African Adventure on a Budget
Morocco offers a taste of Africa and the Middle East at prices that won’t shock you. The medinas of Marrakech and Fes, the beaches of Essaouira, the mountains of the Atlas, and the edge of the Sahara all remain affordable for budget-conscious travellers.
Tagines and couscous in local restaurants cost $5-8 AUD. Street food like Moroccan pancakes or kebabs costs even less. Riads (traditional guesthouses) offer atmospheric accommodation from $25-50 per night. Transport between cities via buses or shared taxis is cheap and part of the adventure.
Yes, you’ll need to negotiate in the souks and be prepared for aggressive touts in tourist areas. But Morocco rewards persistent travellers with incredible experiences, from sipping mint tea overlooking Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square to riding camels into the Sahara dunes.
Daily budget estimate: $50-85 AUD per day
Making Your Budget Go Further: Practical Tips
Book Flights Strategically
Getting to these destinations is often your biggest expense. Use flight comparison sites, set up price alerts, and be flexible with dates. Sometimes flying into a different city and taking cheap local transport to your intended destination saves hundreds. Tuesday and Wednesday flights often cost less than weekend departures.
Consider airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, or Jetstar for Southeast Asian destinations. For Europe, look at Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines during sales. For the Americas, consider routing through Asian hubs – sometimes Sydney to Mexico City via Seoul is cheaper than via Los Angeles.
Eat Like Locals
The quickest way to blow your budget in any country is eating at tourist restaurants. Follow the crowds to local eateries. If it’s full of residents during lunch hour, the food is good and the prices are right. Street food isn’t just cheap; it’s often the most authentic and delicious option.
Markets are your friend. Buy fresh fruit, local snacks, and picnic supplies. In many countries, breakfast is included with accommodation, so load up in the morning and perhaps just buy lunch and dinner.
Accommodation Strategies
Hostels aren’t just for 20-year-olds anymore. Many offer private rooms at prices lower than hotels. Guesthouses and homestays provide local insight along with affordable rates. Use booking sites but also try negotiating directly, especially for longer stays.
Consider less central locations. Staying a few kilometres from the main tourist zone often halves your accommodation cost, and local transport is usually cheap and easy.
Activities and Attractions
Free walking tours (tip-based) operate in many cities. Museums often have discount days or free hours. Natural attractions like beaches, mountains, and markets rarely charge entry. Some of the best travel experiences – watching sunsets, wandering neighbourhoods, chatting with locals – cost nothing.
When tours are necessary, book locally rather than from home. Compare prices between operators. Consider group tours over private ones. Sometimes the public transport option to an attraction costs 10% of what a tour charges.
Travel Insurance Isn’t Optional
Budget travel doesn’t mean skipping insurance. Medical emergencies abroad are expensive. Lost luggage happens. Flight cancellations occur. Good travel insurance costs around $5-10 per day and is absolutely worth it. Compare policies carefully and choose one that covers your planned activities.
When to Visit These Budget Destinations
Timing matters when you’re travelling on a budget. Shoulder seasons (the periods just before or after peak season) offer the best value – decent weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Here’s a quick guide:
Southeast Asia: Avoid Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year when prices spike. April-May can be hot but affordable.
South Asia: November-February offers the best weather. Monsoon season (June-September) brings lower prices but challenging conditions.
Eastern Europe: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal – pleasant weather, fewer tourists, reasonable prices.
Central/South America: Shoulder seasons vary by country. Generally avoid school holidays and major festivals for better prices.
Africa: Timing depends on your destination. Egypt and Morocco are most pleasant October-April. Summer can be scorching but quieter.
The Real Cost of Budget Travel
Budget travel isn’t always about finding the absolute cheapest option. It’s about making smart choices so you can travel longer, see more, and have better experiences. Sometimes spending an extra $10 on comfortable transport means you arrive ready to explore rather than exhausted. Sometimes a mid-range hotel in a great location saves you money on transport.
The countries listed here all offer genuine value, but remember that “cheap” is relative. India might be cheaper than Thailand, but if you hate the food and spend every meal in Western restaurants, you’ll blow your budget quickly. Choose destinations that align with your interests and comfort level.
Your Budget Adventure Awaits
The world is more accessible than you might think. Yes, flights from Australia are expensive, but once you arrive in these affordable destinations, your money stretches beautifully. You can eat incredible food, stay in comfortable accommodation, explore fascinating cultures, and create memories that last a lifetime – all without requiring a CEO salary.
The travellers I’ve met who’ve had the richest experiences aren’t always those with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones who’ve learned to travel smartly, who embrace local culture, who find joy in unexpected places, and who understand that the best things in travel often can’t be bought.
So pick a destination, start saving, and remember that adventure doesn’t have to be expensive – it just has to be meaningful. These affordable countries are waiting to show you that budget travel can be just as rewarding as luxury trips, sometimes even more so. Because when you’re not worried about every dollar, when you can extend your trip by a few more weeks, when you can say yes to spontaneous opportunities, that’s when travel becomes truly transformative.
The world is vast, diverse, and surprisingly affordable. All you need to do is take that first step.
