From sandy beaches to snow-capped mountains, vacations are one of the most anticipated parts of many people’s year. Memories of laughter and unique experiences that we all treasure are often made on exciting trips. As our world continues to change, we must adapt to live lives full of opportunities and experiences. Some of the most exciting years of our lives take place when we are young, but how can we go out and experience the world with rising inflation and lack of knowledge about the hidden gems in our world? It takes a lot of time and consideration to crack down on the best places to visit, especially when we are young and broke. I have taken the time to compile several lists of countries based on different criteria, I will also explain which countries I would rank first overall.
Easily, the most important thing to do first when finding places to visit is to know which countries are safe for visitors and which ones are not. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) claims that the following list doesn’t account for random terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Iceland tops the list of the safest countries to visit in 2025. Iceland has a low crime rate and a small, peaceful population. Iceland is then followed by:
- Iceland
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Norway
- Japan
- Denmark
- Portugal
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Sweden
This list will be the most important to keep in mind when reviewing the rest of the lists. Also be mindful of the fact that just because a country is not on the safest list, that doesn’t mean it is unsafe.
Another extremely important factor to consider when vacation planning is cost. Knowing roughly how much you can and will spend each day is instrumental to saving up money. For many Americans, we can expect that most places will have us spending hundreds of dollars a day for food, transportation, and activities. This isn’t always the case in other countries though, and that is mostly because different currencies equate to different amounts in USD.
South Africa takes place number five for the cheapest destination, as your average daily cost comes out to about $108, while accommodations are about $50 per person. South Africa has many exciting activities that are hard to find anywhere else, especially for such a cheap price. Safaris are a must when visiting South Africa as the incredible blend of nature and wildlife is unlike anything else. South Africa has numerous national parks and private game reserves. It is also one of the best places to go to see the Big Five (Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, and Leopard).
Number four comes out to be Thailand, with your daily average spending being roughly $102, while accommodations are only $39. Thailand is one of the most amazing places you can visit on a budget, with unique street foods, tropical beaches, and ancient jungle temples, you will not regret visiting this country. Flights to Thailand can be expensive, but the cheap cost for daily activities and the one-in-a-lifetime opportunities you can experience make a pricey flight worth it.
Number three on our list is Indonesia for only $79 a day, and $32 for hotels. Indonesia might not be everyone’s first choice, but there is still so much you can enjoy in this island country. Indonesia is home to the city of Bali, which ranks among the most desirable places to visit in the world. Indonesia is the world’s largest island country with over 17,000 islands, making this country incredibly unique and diverse. The most common activities tourists choose to do are explore the beaches of Bali, tour dramatic volcanic terrain, visit the Komodo islands to see the infamous Komodo Dragons, and explore the dense rainforests.
Our runner-up for cheapest vacation destinations is one I have always dreamed of visiting, and that would be Vietnam. When visiting Vietnam, you can expect to only spend $61 a day, and only $29 per person for accommodations. Vietnam has rich cities and extremely diverse landscapes to explore. Visiting the world’s largest cave at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a must-experience.
And the cheapest country to visit is one full of rich and priceless opportunities. For only $18 a day, Laos is known for being very budget-friendly. Laos is a landlocked country, yet it manages to have over 4,000 islands. Laos is one of the few countries to retain its natural beauty throughout industrialization. Foreigners are often found visiting stunning waterfalls and the Islands of the Mekong Delta. This is also a country on my bucket list, as I have had family members from Laos.
I want to add one more affordable country to our list, and while it is not the cheapest, it is still featured on our safest list and is number seven on USNews’ list of most engaging countries. Portugal is ranked number ten for most budget-friendly and has a daily average cost of $178. Portugal has an incredibly rich history and culture and shouldn’t be overlooked. Known for its seafood, wine, and custard tarts, you might end up gaining a pound or two when visiting Portugal.
There are many other factors to consider when traveling to a foreign country, but understanding the safest ones and knowing what is within your budget is the most important part. Remember to do lots and lots of research before booking your flights, but don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from making memories that will last a lifetime.
Works Cited
Bloom, Laura Begley. “The 15 Safest Countries To Travel, Ranked In A New Report.” Forbes, 20 October 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2024/10/20/the-15-safest-countries-to-travel-ranked-in-a-new-report/. Accessed 24 February 2025.
usnews. “These Are the Most Beautiful Countries | U.S. News.” USNews.com, 2025, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings/scenic. Accessed 24 February 2025.
Williamson, Quincy, and Erin Bendig. “The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit — Time for That Trip.” Kiplinger, 8 January 2025, https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/spending/cheapest-countries-to-travel-to. Accessed 24 February 2025.
Works Cited
Bloom, Laura Begley. “The 15 Safest Countries To Travel, Ranked In A New Report.” Forbes, 20 October 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2024/10/20/the-15-safest-countries-to-travel-ranked-in-a-new-report/. Accessed 24 February 2025.
usnews. “These Are the Most Beautiful Countries | U.S. News.” USNews.com, 2025, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings/scenic. Accessed 24 February 2025.
Williamson, Quincy, and Erin Bendig. “The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit — Time for That Trip.” Kiplinger, 8 January 2025, https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/spending/cheapest-countries-to-travel-to. Accessed 24 February 2025.
