Journey does not have to become a savings-draining proposal. Select the correct location and you may extend your own buck with regard to several weeks and even a few months, says Matt Kepnes author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day (Perigee Trade, $15). Best of all, you don't have to sacrifice comfort. "I don't like to spend a lot on travel, but I have no desire to sleep on floors," he says. "The main thing is to stay away from big-box hotels, find local restaurants and take public transportation." He shares with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY some favorite countries to visit on the cheap.
Thailand
Although it's a popular destination, you don't have to spend a fortune in Thailand, Kepnes says. "There are still very, very cheap accommodations. You can eat local food for a dollar or two," he says. "If you're spending $50 a day, you're spending a lot of money." Even airfare within the country isn't very expensive.
Cambodia
Although it's in the same region as Thailand, this Southeast Asian country is even cheaper. "If Thailand is plugged in, Cambodia is unplugged. There are remote beaches and islands," Kepnes says. "The people there are some of the most amazing I've met."
An Indian girl skips as others perform exercises early morning at Khusro Bagh in Allahabad, India.(Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, AP)
India
The Indian subcontinent isn't easy for independent traveler , which is one reason Kepnes suggests focusing on a single region. "It's so gigantic. You can't cover India in two weeks. But that being said, it is cheap. You can have a great hotel there for 20 bucks." 800-953-9399;
China
If you avoid the major cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, China can be an incredible bargain, Kepnes says. "All these places are cheap if you do what folks over there do. If you walk into a local market, you're paying just a couple bucks for food. If you go to China and try to have a hamburger, you're going to have a bad hamburger and you're going to pay a lot for it."
The Central American country of Belize offers Mayan ruins and memorable beaches.(Photo: Belize Tourism Board)
Belize
While it's not the cheapest place in Central America, Belize has plenty to offer and it still can be experienced for $50 a day, Kepnes says. He suggests staying away from the popular Ambergris Caye resort area, and instead seek out Mayan ruins and less-developed beaches. "It has nice weather. It's small. It's easy to get around. It's still a good value destination."
Romania
The former Soviet bloc country is not on many travel lists, but it offers fascinating medieval history, religious shrines and Black Sea resorts without the crowds. "I hate to use the phrase, but it's a hidden gem. You get these beautiful seaside towns that are a fraction of the price that you pay in Western Europe," Kepnes says.
Bulgaria
This Eastern European country has a fairly well-developed tourism structure and attracts travelers seeking beach vacations. But visiting still doesn't cost a fortune. Kepnes recommends the Black Sea resort town of Varna. "There are a lot of places the locals go."
If you're set on visiting Machu Picchu you can save by waiting to book your trip until you're in the area. If you're flexible with your dates, it may be 40% to 50% cheaper than booking in the USA
Peru
Most visitors come for the ruins, but there's much more to see in the South American country, Kepnes says "Outside Machu Picchu and Cusco, you'll find $1 meals. Up in the Amazon in the north, there are plenty of things to do." And if you're set on visiting Machu Picchu you can save by waiting to book your trip until you're in the area. If you're flexible with your dates, it may be 40% to 50% cheaper than booking in the USA, he says. peru.travel
Bolivia
The salt flats and sites around Lake Titicaca are a wonder to visit and extremely inexpensive, Kepnes says. "It's a huge tourist destination and there are nice places to go wherever you are. You get a Latin flavor and the food's really good, but because it's in the middle of a very poor country, it's kind of a deal."
Costa Rica
People in america really like Bahía Sana, however it is almost always disregarded an inexpensive spot to journey, Kepnes states. Still in case you avoid wide-ranging hotels as well as journey just like a nearby, it may be a good deal. It is very important eating in nearby dining places as well as understanding the actual two-tier tour bus program, meaning missing visitor instructors and in turn using nearby busses. "You could get within the tour bus any place in Bahía Sana with regard to ten dollars” this individual states.
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