Countries where you feel like a king for less than 20 euros a day

Always wanted to embark on a grand travel adventure but have no idea where to start? Need some sun but haven’t saved thousands of euros? Great. Then this is for you. Behold: the countries where you feel like a king for less than twenty euros a day.

Sri Lanka

Is it already time to say that Sri Lanka hardcore is the new Bali? It’s the perfect ‘summary’ of Southeast Asia. Green tea plantations, beautiful beaches, palm trees all over the place, and it all costs next to nothing. Rice dishes for one euro are more the rule than the exception. And those noodle soups, man oh man. Not even two euros.

Average daily budget: €17 per person (excluding flight tickets and your visa)

India

Three hundred euros in your savings? Great. Then you could already travel around India for a month. Yes, seriously. The food, public transport, and the hostels are incredibly cheap in India. An extensive Thai menu in the evening with various bowls of curry and a steaming naan? Costs you ninety rupees. That’s €1.50, yes. I would recommend immersing yourself in the culture before you head that way, because the street scene in India (in some areas quite busy and dirty) is something you need to be able to handle. Other than that: a super special country to backpack through the diversity of culture and nature.

Average daily budget: €15 per person (excluding flight tickets and your visa)

Vietnam

Increasingly popular among traveling Dutch people and I understand why. A locally brewed beer? Costs you about twelve euro cents. Sleeping ‘backpack style’ can start from three (!) euros per night in a hostel. If you prefer to sleep alone in a nicer room, you’ll be paying about thirteen euros per night. During the day, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful nature, rice fields, and beaches. Feeling rich but not being it: it can really happen.

Average daily budget: €15 per person (excluding flight tickets and your visa)

Thailand

The perfect entry model for anyone who is backpacking for the first time. If you ask me, skip the touristy Phuket (that’s a bit more expensive) and head north. I was in Loei last year (read the report here) and I came back as a different person. And, the prices to travel around in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai and Pai) are still very cheap.

Average daily budget: €19 per person (excluding flight tickets and your visa).