Is it still possible to travel on a very small budget IN 2024? The founders Of Flytrippers, a site which aims to find cheap plane tickets and give tips for traveling more with less, assure us that yes.
According to these specialists, it is even entirely possible to travel on $40 per day in 2024! This amount includes accommodation, travel, food and activities, but not international flights. Of course, you have to set a few rules to respect this travel budget. For example, favor public transport, aim for simple accommodation and try street food.
Flytrippers recently published a list of no less than 34 destinations around the world where this is possible. Here is our top 20!
1. NICARAGUA
This neighbor of Costa Rica does not attract backpackers for nothing. Its colonial towns are charming, its incredible nature is preserved and you can easily venture off the beaten track.
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2. GUATEMALA
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Guatemala is a dream come true with its landscapes and colorful colonial towns. There are also the mysterious Tikal pyramids or active volcanoes to hike to. Among them, the Acatenango volcano from which we have views, at an altitude of 3976 m, of the Fuego volcano and its jets of fire.
3. COLOMBIA
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Long considered too dangerous, Colombia now charms the hearts of travelers. Imagine yourself in the colorful neighborhoods of Cartagena, in the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea or, better yet, hiking to the “Lost City” in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
4. BOLIVIA
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There are at least two things to put on your list in Bolivia: the capital, La Paz, which is perched at 3,500 m in the heart of the Andes and which is experiencing a real gourmet boom. And the famous Uyuni salt desert. Mad!
5. ECUADOR
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Jungle and glacier, active and dormant volcanoes… Ecuador is an outdoor paradise. But its capital is also worth a visit, particularly its “UNESCO” old town and its small, trendy neighborhoods like La Floresta or La Mariscal.
6. ARGENTINA
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Do you dream of going glamping in Patagonia and measuring yourself against its mountains and glaciers? To stroll through the cafes of Buenos Aires tasting dulce de leche pastries? To go to the end of the world in Ushuaïa?
7. VIETNAM
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Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay… these names make you dream? Wait until you discover the rice terraces, colorful markets, succulent street food and all the trendy cafes in the country. The ultimate dream: to discover all this by bike!
8. THAILAND
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Whether it’s the beaches of the south or the forests of the north, or even the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Thailand is considered one of the best destinations in Asia to travel to. And it’s still affordable!
9. LAOS
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If you dream of a timeless trip, Laos is for you, with its rice fields, its houses on stilts and its great nature. Laos is a leader in ecotourism in Southeast Asia according to Lonely Planet.
10. CAMBODIA
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We associate Cambodia with the marvelous temples of Angkor Wat. But its two largest cities, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, could surprise you too. Delicious gastronomy, contemporary art, vie de Nuit and small cafes are there.
11. INDONESIA
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The most popular destination in this nation of thousands of islands is of course Bali, with its rice fields, temples and surfing beaches. But there is also Flores, with its crater lakes, Komodo, with its dragons, or even Sumatra, with its volcanoes and orangutans.
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12. THE PHILIPPINES
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This country is made up of 7000 islands. Among those that are worth the trip: those of Siargo (for surfing), Palawan (for the incredible El Nido archipelago) or Boracay (for the white beaches among the most beautiful in the world). Paddle boardsurfing and kayaking are there.
13. NEPAL
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If you like hiking, Nepal is probably very high on your bucket list. Treks for all levels, views of the Himalayas, magnificent temples, momos and delicious street food in Kathmandu… that’s an idea of what to expect.
14. INDIA
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A trip to India is NEVER trivial, no matter the region visited: the beaches of Goa, the tea plantations of Darjeeling, the desert palaces of Rajasthan or the hubbub of Mumbai. Hikers, head for Ladakh, nicknamed Little Tibet.
15. SRI LANKA
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Train in the middle of tea plantations, surfing against the backdrop of palm trees, hiking in the jungle, night pilgrimage to the summit of Adam’s Peak… There are a thousand reasons that explain why we fall under the spell of this island of Indian Ocean.
16. MOROCCO
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Morocco is great for travelers. You can visit the Sahara on the back of a camel, take unforgettable hikes in the Atlas, try surfing on the coast and discover incredible souks and medinas (old towns), whether in Fez, Marrakech or Chefchaouen.
17. TÜRKIYE (Türkiye)
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Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Turkish capital is rich in history and delights, and you only need to take a ferry to cross – officially – from Europe to Asia. As for the rest of the country, between the waters of the “turquoise coast” and the magical rocks of Cappadocia, our heart swings.
18. GEORGIA
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This Caucasian country, more or less known on our side of the Atlantic, offers many treasures, starting with its capital, Tbilisi, whose history, hipster culture and cosmopolitan side are praised. On the nature side, the mountains populated by monasteries make you want to take out your hiking boots.
19. UZBEKISTAN
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In this former Soviet republic, we walk on the ancient Silk Road, discovering palaces, mosques and grandiose historical places. The city of Samarkand and the hospitality of the Uzbeks are often the big highlights.
20. EGYPT
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The wonders are endless in Egypt. The pyramids, the temples, the ancient tombs… But you should also take the time to get lost in the bazaars of Cairo and sail in a felucca on the Nile.
HOW TO TRAVEL IN THESE COUNTRIES WITHOUT EXCEEDING $40 PER DAY
Flytrippers’ advice:
- Sleep in a clean but basic room (if you have a companion);
- Sleep in a shared room (if you are traveling solo);
- Take public transportation or walk (but taxis are affordable in some countries);
- Stay longer in the same place (to limit transportation costs between cities);
- Cook a few meals, eat street food, eat at the restaurants where the “locals” eat;
- Do not do too many activities designed for tourists, which are often very expensive;
- Avoid – always – airport taxis;
- Do your research and be well prepared and informed.
To find out more: flytrippers.com