11 Vacation Destinations That Stretch Your Dollar

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A lot of people think they can't afford a vacation. That might be the case if they want to travel to expensive destinations like Hawaii or Paris. But not all destinations are created equal.

Based on my experience, the more developed a country, the higher the costs. For example, North America, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are typically more expensive; while Eastern Europe, Asia, and Central America are typically less expensive. (See also: Top 5 Travel Reward Credit Cards)

So the good news is the world is full of budget-friendly destinations just waiting to be explored. Here are 11 to get you started.

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia)

If you're working on a shoestring budget, then look no further than Southeast Asia.

While your flight might cost more up front, all other daily costs are very budget-friendly. For example, I traveled through Southeast Asia for over five months on only $25 per day, including flights and visas.

• Accommodations: $10 / night (guest house), $5 / night (hostel/dorm)
• Meal: $2
• Beer: $1

India

India is a huge country ,and the price of accommodations will range depending on your location. Overall, accommodations are slightly more expensive than Southeast Asia, while meals are slightly less expensive. (See also: How to Budget for Your Next Vacation)

• Accommodations: $15-25 / night (guest house)
• Meal: $1
• Beer: $1

As a side note, if you're planning to overland travel through India, take the train rather than a bus to avoid bumpy roads and pay a few extra dollars for an upgraded train car. A comfortable bed and a little AC are worth it.

Nepal

Most people think hiking in the Himalayas is expensive. Heck, climbing Everest can cost more than $60,000! But not all hiking in Nepal is expensive.

I hiked the Annapurna Circuit — an 18 to 21 day horseshoe shaped trek that winds around the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalaya — for under $20 per day. And don't get suckered into paying for a porter and guide. They'll add to the overall cost, and they're not required.

• Accommodations: $5-10 / night (guest house)
• Meal: $1-2
• Beer: $3

Tip: It pays to be nice in Nepal. There were several guest house owners that offered me free accommodations just because I was nice. A friendly smile and a good attitude go a long way! (See also: 10 Ways Nice People Can Get Ahead)

Central America (Guatemala and Nicaragua)

In Central America, I traveled more slowly and rented apartments by the month. A fully furnished luxury apartment in Antigua, Guatemala was $900 a month ($30/day) and a one bedroom apartment in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua was $580 per month ($20/day). (See also: For Affordable Vacations, Travel Slowly)

Even if you don't travel for an entire month, you should still research the monthly cost of an apartment. The overall costs might be less expensive than a nightly rate. Plus apartments are typically cleaner and come with a kitchen, so you can cook your own meals. (See also: Easy Recipes for the Traveling Chef)

• Accommodations: $25 / night (guest house), $10 / night (dorm)
• Meal: $5
• Beer: $2

Hungary

I haven't been to Hungary since 2000, but the prices haven't gone up much. You can get a decent hotel room for under $25 per night or relax at one of Budapest's thermal day spas for under $10. For some real savings consider getting a one bedroom apartment in the city center for about $300 per month!

• Accommodations: $25 / night (hotel)
• Meal: $5-10
• Beer: $2

Peru

After traveling through Peru for a month in 2012, I was shocked at how reasonable the prices were. Most accommodations were under $20, and you could get a fresh bowl of ceviche for $5.

• Accommodations: $20 / night (guest house)
• Meal: $5-10
• Beer: $2

Most people who visit Peru want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is very pricey. If you want to hike, consider staying in the city of Huaraz which offers world-class hiking in the Cordelia Blanca mountain range.

Start Planning!

Because these destinations are budget-friendly, they're also very popular among tourists and have plenty of accommodations. In most cases, you won't need to book in advance (unless it's during a holiday or major event).

Accommodations

To find accommodations, head to the main area of town and simply walk around. If you want more structure, Lonely Planet guidebooks provide accommodation suggestions for budget, mid-range, and high-end. Check out a few rooms before booking. If you've noticed there are several vacancies in the area, you might able to negotiate a better price or free breakfast. (See also: How to Negotiate With Confidence)

If you're looking for a vacation rental, VRBO, Airbnb, and craigslist are good places to start.

Visas and Other Fees

Always research the cost of visas and taxes, which vary depending upon what country you're from and what country you are visiting. For example, the entry cost for a U.S. citizen flying into Santiago, Chile is $160. These hidden costs can add up fast and blow your budget.

In addition to where you travel, it's how you travel that can save you a significant amount of money. You can stretch your dollar all around the world if you travel with an open mind and open itinerary.

Costs Elsewhere

Want to know the costs for another country?

Numbeo.com is a handy website that lists the cost of living — including restaurants, transportation, and accommodations — for countries all around the world. Sort by cost and find your own value destinations, or compare a couple of destinations side-by-side and discover which is the better bargain.

Where have you found great travel bargains?

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