15 Stunning and Cheapest Countries to Travel in Summer

Traveling in summer doesn’t have to mean blowing through your savings. In fact, some of the best summer destinations to visit are also some of the most affordable—if you know where to go. Whether you’re after tropical beaches, beautiful vacation places, or culture-packed cities, this list of the cheapest countries to travel in summer proves that adventure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

From the breathtaking islands in Southeast Asia to the budget-friendly gems in Europe, these destinations offer incredible experiences for a fraction of the cost of more touristy spots. Think $2 meals, $10 guesthouses, and activities that won’t drain your wallet—all while enjoying the sun and making unforgettable memories. These dreamy summer destinations prove that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun.

If you’re looking for cheap places to visit this June or a budget vacation that still feels like a dream, these spots should be at the top of your list.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam is hands down one of the best budget vacation spots on the planet. It’s got everything—lively cities, dreamy beaches, misty mountains, and street food so good it might ruin all other food for you.

Street food goes for just a couple of bucks, a cozy hostel bed costs around $5-10 a night, and a scenic overnight train ride comes in at about $20. Even luxury beachfront resorts are shockingly affordable.

Weaving through the madness of Hanoi, sailing across Ha Long Bay, or cruising down the legendary Hai Van Pass on a motorbike feels like an amazing adventure, all without draining your wallet.

2. Cambodia

Cambodia is perfect if you’re looking for a beautiful spot without spending a ton. Sure, Angkor Wat is a must-see, but there’s so much more to discover. From islands with stunning beaches to jungle treks, it’s got everything you need for an amazing trip.

You can get a full meal for about $2-3, a bed in a hostel for around $4-8, and even a private room for $10-15. The best part is that Angkor Wat tickets are only about $37 for three days, which is such a good deal for one of the most famous places in the world.

And it’s not all about the temples. Koh Rong has some beautiful beaches, Kampot is great for laid-back riverside vibes, and the Cardamom Mountains are perfect if you’re up for an adventure.

Cambodia’s got a special kind of charm—friendly locals, tuk-tuk rides and coconut shakes that cost less than a buck.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the best and cheapest summer destinations to visit—especially if you love beaches, volcanoes, and ridiculously cheap food.

Bali is super popular, but with 17,000 islands, you’ll find plenty of other spots that are just as affordable, if not cheaper.

You can grab a plate of nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) for $1, rent a scooter for $5 a day, and book a cozy bungalow by the beach for as low as $10.

Make sure to also check out Yogyakarta’s ancient temples, the super chill beaches in Lombok, and Komodo National Park (yes, with real-life dragons). If you’re looking for a place where you can relax and have an adventure without worrying about your budget, Indonesia is a really great choice.

4. Georgia

Not the U.S. state—the country!

Georgia is one of the cheapest countries to travel in summer if you’re looking for mountains, culture, and amazing food without draining your wallet.

A nice meal with wine will run you about $5-7, and you can find a cozy guesthouse for just $10-15 a night. If you want to see the country from a train, it’ll cost you less than $10.

Tbilisi is cool and full of energy, but the real charm lies in the mountains. So you should explore places like Kazbegi, Svaneti, and the wine region of Kakheti.

And if you enjoy hiking, medieval castles, and food that’s so delicious you’ll want to hug the chef, Georgia’s the right place for all that.

5. Bolivia

Bolivia is the kind of place where you can do bucket-list-worthy stuff without spending a fortune. Like massive salt flats, jungle adventures, mountain hikes, and cities filled with history—all at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.

You can get by on just $20-30 a day, and that covers food, a place to stay, and transportation.

The famous Uyuni Salt Flats tour is absolutely worth it though, and it’s way more affordable than you’d expect for something that looks like it came from another planet.

If you’ve got extra time, Sucre is worth a stop.

It’s got a relaxed vibe, plenty of history, and if you want to pick up a new skill, they some of the cheapest Spanish lessons in South America.

6. Albania

Albania has some of the best beaches in Europe, and the great part is that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy them. Instead of paying a premium in Greece, you can get the same stunning coastline, amazing food, and some of the friendliest people around—for way less.

A beachside Airbnb goes for around $20 a night, a huge seafood meal is about $5, and a bus ride across the country costs less than $10. The beaches in Ksamil, Himara, and Dhermi have the same crystal-clear water and soft sand as Greece, but without the massive crowds or ridiculous price tags.

Albania keeps things simple but amazing—fresh seafood, cheap transportation, and stunning views everywhere you go. This place definitely feels like a secret, and probably won’t stay that way for long.

7. Guatemala

Guatemala is hands down one of the best places to visit in Central America during summer and especially if you’re traveling on a budget. It’s got everything—volcanoes, colorful towns, ancient ruins, and some of the most stunning lakes you’ll ever see. Lake Atitlán is a perfect example, surrounded by huge volcanoes and small villages where you can hop between cafes, take yoga classes, or just relax by the water.

Food is ridiculously cheap and you can grab a plate of pupusas for about $1, a bed in a hostel for $5-8, or a private room for $10-15.

If you want to hike up a volcano, guided tours are around $25, and the views are unreal. And if history is more your thing, Tikal—one of the most incredible Mayan ruins in the world—is super budget-friendly and totally worth the trip.

Guatemala has that rare mix of culture, adventure, and affordability, making it one of the best places for a budget-friendly summer getaway. You can hike, explore ruins, or just enjoy the laid-back vibes, but, your money goes a long way here.

8. India

India is huge, wild, and super affordable. You can easily spend a whole day exploring places like Rajasthan’s palaces, Goa’s beaches, or Kerala’s backwaters without blowing your budget. And, you’ll be living pretty well on less than $20 a day.

A plate of curry with naan will cost you around $2-3, a comfy guesthouse is around $8-15, and an overnight train ride is under $10. The value is unbeatable, and you’ll experience some of the best food and culture on the planet.

For those who love the outdoors, the Himalayas are right there waiting. You can do some incredible treks in Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand—and it’s way cheaper than trekking in Nepal. But even if you’re not into hiking, there’s plenty to explore—vibrant cities, quiet villages, and lots of ancient temples.

What makes India really special is the contrast—you’ll find yourself moving from buzzing cities to quiet towns with ease. The food is unforgettable, the people are friendly, and the experiences you’ll have are second to none, all without spending a ton.

9. Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s got everything you could want—surf-friendly beaches, volcano hikes, and colonial towns, all without emptying your wallet. It’s easily one of the cheapest countries to visit this summer, with $5 hostel beds, $2 street food, and $1 beers.

You can check out Granada for its colorful buildings and cozy cafes, or head to San Juan del Sur for some of the best surfing in Central America. Masaya Volcano is also a must-see, where you can get close enough to see actual lava bubbling—how cool is that?

But, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, you can take a trip to León, a relaxed town with a rich history, or go over to Isla de Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes where you can spend the day hiking or relaxing by the water.

There’s no shortage of cool spots to check out, and everything’s ridiculously affordable.

Plus, the locals are really friendly, and the prices are seriously unbeatable for the kind of experiences you’ll get.

10. The Philippines

The Philippines is everything you want in a tropical escape—white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and plenty of island hopping, all without burning a hole in your wallet. It’s the perfect place for a budget-friendly summer getaway.

You can grab a delicious local meal for about $2-3, stay in a beachfront hostel for $8-15 a night, and go on a boat tour through paradise for just $15-20.

The Palawan region (El Nido and Coron) is an absolute must-see, but don’t stop there. Cebu has stunning waterfalls, Siargao is a surf lover’s dream, and Bohol has everything from beautiful beaches to the famous Chocolate Hills.

And, the locals are incredibly friendly, which makes the whole experience even better.

11. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, even though it has everything you could want. Beaches, mountains, tea plantations, ancient ruins—this tiny island packs a punch. And the best part is that it’s shockingly affordable.

A full meal costs around $2-4, and you can get on a train ride through endless tea fields for less than $5. And, if you need a place to stay, a beachfront guesthouse can be as cheap as $10-20 per night.

Sri Lanka is a place where your money stretches way further than you’d expect.

If you love wildlife, this place is unreal. Safaris here cost way less than in Africa, but you still get to see elephants, leopards, and even blue whales if you time it right.

For adventure seekers, hiking up Sigiriya Rock is a must—the views at the top are next level. The ancient city of Anuradhapura is full of history, and the Kandy to Ella train ride is easily one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

But beyond all the sights, Sri Lanka’s real magic is in the little things—drinking fresh coconut water on the beach, riding in colorful tuk-tuks, and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

12. Mexico

Mexico is hands down one of the best summer destinations if you’re looking for a mix of beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, buzzing cities, and mouthwatering food—all without spending a fortune. And no, you don’t need to splurge on overpriced Cancun to have an amazing trip. There are plenty of budget-friendly spots that give you the same magic without the touristy chaos.

A plate of authentic street tacos costs around $1-2, a cozy local guesthouse runs $10-20 per night, and a long-distance bus ride across the country goes for $15-30. Food, transport, and accommodations are all budget-friendly, which leaves more money for adventures, mezcal, and extra guacamole.

For the best mix of budget-friendly travel and gorgeous scenery, head to Oaxaca, Guanajuato, or Chiapas. These spots have rich history, stunning waterfalls, and some of the best food in Mexico—all without the crazy crowds.

If you’re chasing beach days, you can skip the overpriced resorts and go for Puerto Escondido, Isla Holbox, or Costa Maya. These places have laid-back vibes, stunning coastlines, and prices that won’t drain your wallet.

13. Morocco

Morocco is a dream destination if you’re someone who loves lively markets, golden deserts, and incredible food—all at a very low price. The best part is that it’s way more affordable than people expect, which makes it easy to explore without worrying about costs.

A plate of tagine or couscous costs around $3-5, a beautiful riad stay is about $10-25 per night, and a long-distance bus ride falls between $8-15. Even guided tours and day trips are budget-friendly, which makes this incredible country one of the best summer destinations to visit if you’re looking to stretch your money.

There’s honestly no shortage of beautiful vacation places in Morocco.

Beyond the landscapes, Morocco is all about the little moments. Sipping mint tea on a rooftop, bargaining for souvenirs in the market, walking through spice-scented alleyways, and hearing the call to prayer echo through the city.

14. Egypt

Egypt is packed with legendary sights and still remains one of the most affordable vacation spots out there. Pyramids, ancient temples, crazy good food, and beaches that are breathtaking—and still don’t burn a hole in your wallet.

A full Egyptian meal costs around $2-5, while a hostel or budget hotel goes for $8-15 per night. Even a Nile River cruise is surprisingly affordable.

Cairo is famous for the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, but the real magic is outside the capital. Take Luxor for example, it’s filled with massive temples and ancient tombs. Aswan has stunning views along the Nile, colorful markets, and ancient ruins. Dahab, on the Red Sea, is one of the best diving spots in the world, with clear waters and prices that are half of what other diving destinations charge.

Getting around is just as budget-friendly. The overnight sleeper train to Luxor is a great way to travel while saving on a night’s stay. Taxis and Ubers are cheap, and in Luxor, even horse-drawn carriages are an affordable way to explore.

15. Serbia

Serbia is one of those places that flies under the radar, but it’s easily one of the best spots to travel on a budget. Summer is the perfect time to visit for anyone who loves city life, nature, or a mix of both. It’s got buzzing cities, stunning landscapes, and some of the cheapest prices in Europe—an absolute steal for travelers.

A full meal costs around $3-5, while a budget-friendly hotel goes for $10-20 a night. Long-distance bus rides are less than $10, so getting around is easy and affordable. This is the kind of place where it’s possible to stretch your budget without sacrificing experiences, whether it’s exploring historic landmarks, taking in incredible nature, or diving into the local food scene.

Belgrade, the capital, is known for its lively riverfront, cool cafés, and nightlife that doesn’t slow down. Tara National Park is full of forests, hiking trails, and fresh mountain air, while Uvac Canyon has huge cliffs and winding rivers. Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, is a summer dream with riverside beaches, local festivals, and the famous Petrovaradin Fortress.

Serbia isn’t overrun with tourists, which means more space to enjoy its authentic local culture, welcoming people, and incredible food. The café culture is strong, and sitting down with a cup of strong Serbian coffee or a plate of fresh ćevapi is just as much a part of the experience as sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

Traveling this summer doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of places where you can enjoy the sun, explore new cultures, and have an amazing time without spending a fortune.

These destinations pack in beaches, mountains, history, and nightlife, giving you the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—all on a budget. You don’t need to break the bank to have an amazing trip, and these spots prove it.