1- Berlin, Germany

2016 Backpacker Index: US$60.78/day

 

Berlin isn’t such an obvious tourist city, but it’s absolutely the kind of place where either you love it, or you’ve never been there. Everyone can find something to enjoy about it, partly because it’s especially trendy and dynamic lately as a new hub of European and world culture, picking up where London and Paris left off.

One challenge is that Berlin is a huge and spread-out city, so it’s important to choose where you stay wisely. Most budget travelers will prefer the former East Berlin section around Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, which is where most hostels are as well as the best and cheapest nightlife and shopping. Check our list of recommended cheap Berlin hotels for a place to start.

2 - Prague, Czech Republic

2016 Backpacker Index: US$41.77/day

 
You may not realize that most large cities in this part of Europe were practically flattened during WWII and then rebuilt just after. Fortunately, Prague is one where the historic center survived mostly intact, and it remains one of the continent’s most beautiful and interesting. The downside is that the city center is almost always packed with other tourists, so you might have to work around them a bit.
Prague is also fairly compact, with most things walking distance from each other.

The city is also quite cheap still, at least compared to Western Europe, although hotel prices can seem high if you want to stay in the middle. Check our list of recommended cheap Prague hotels for some really good ones only a quick and cheap tram ride away.

3 - Budapest, Hungary

2016 Backpacker Index: US$30.99/day

Though it’s in the heart of part of Europe that isn’t known for being well off, Budapest is quite a grand city that makes it feel rather rich. Still, it’s among the cheapest European cities, and it offers very good value. Even if the castle up on the Buda side of the river isn’t a stunner, and that the parliament building on the Pest side is a copy of the one in London, this is an attractive city with a feel of its own.

Budapest is also compact enough that budget travelers can stay in the cheap hotels and hostels a bit inland on the Pest side, and still walk everywhere while sightseeing. The Free Budapest Walking Tour covers highlights on both sides, and is a great introduction.

4 - Krakow, Poland

2016 Backpacker Index: US$24.71/day

When you hear that Krakow is among the very cheapest cities in Europe you might not expect much. But in reality, Krakow is also one of Europe’s loveliest and most pleasant cities, with quite a lot to do. At its center you’ll find about 30 square blocks of a historic medieval town, surrounded by a peaceful park, and with an enormous cafe-lined town square at its heart.
For those who like hearty portions of meats and sausages, Krakow is wonderful, but there are also many Italian and other international cuisines, including many vegetarian options, so something for everyone. Hotels just on or near the central square are reasonable, but you can stay for a lot less by going a few blocks away.

5 - Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

2016 Backpacker Index: US$31.77/day

With a population of only about 13,000 people, Český Krumlov will be an extremely welcome stop in between Prague and Budapest, or Prague and Vienna or Salzburg. This well preserved town was forgotten and almost abandoned in the later years of Communism, and it wasn’t rediscovered and renovated until well into the 1990s. Since it’s still a relative newcomer to the tourist scene, it isn’t yet “touristy” even though it’s very tourist friendly.

There are almost no chain hotels or restaurants of any kind, so staying here will be a very local experience. Better still, hotels and food here are much cheaper than even in Prague, so the value is outstanding. The historic town center is small enough to walk through in less than 10 minutes, yet you can still get nice hotels in its heart starting at around US$50 per night. If you are willing to stay a few blocks away from the center, it’s even cheaper.

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1 – AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort – Malaysia

• Low season from US$129
• High season from US$149

 

Only fully opened since late 2011, the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort (originally known as the Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa) has 392 water villas, which is nearly four times as many as the second-most in the world. The water villas range from roomy to enormous, with the largest having 3 bedrooms. The resort completed a renovation in early 2014, after only being open 3 years, and rates are now a bit lower as well.

It’s located off the coast just south of the Kuala Lumpur Airport, so it could actually be a very cheap getaway when combined with an Air Asia flight from anywhere in the region. Reviews for the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort had been quite average since it opened, but recently they have improved quite a bit so this one is a better bargain than before. There is no swimming in the lagoon below the water villas, unlike nearly all the others on this list. Do your research before booking this one.

2 – Reethi Beach Resort – Maldives

• Low season from US$268
• High season from US$406

 

With some of the best review scores in the Maldives, the Reethi Beach Resort is an unusual bargain for water villas. You might be disappointed to learn that the 30 water villas are in 15 structures, so each shares one wall with another. But that doesn’t mean that they are not private, and each is larger than you’d expect in this price range.

The resort itself has 114 total rooms in addition to 5 restaurants and 5 bars, which offers much more choice than most other resorts of this size. If this sounds interesting to you then read the reviews and you’ll probably be ready to book.

3 – Sun Island Resort And Spa – Maldives

• Low season from US$328
• High season from US$420

 

The Sun Island Resort & Spa has 68 semi-detached water bungalows in addition to its 358 island rooms and bungalows, making it among the very largest private-island resorts in the Maldives. The water bungalows here are a bit on the small side, but they are nicely appointed with luxury bathrooms and appealing private terraces over the lagoon.

A larger resort like this also comes with many benefits, including a long list of water sports and other family-friendly activities. There are also 9 different restaurants and bars, so even on a longer stay guests can avoid getting bored with the food service. The huge swimming pool as well as tennis courts, beach volleyball, and fitness club should appeal to guests looking to stay busy.

4 – Pangkor Laut Resort – Malaysia

• Low season from US$330
• High season from US$450

Speaking of Maldives-style, the Pangkor Laut is another private island with around 140 total rooms, including 45 overwater villas. The reviews here are excellent so the room rates are very appealing for those who can transfer through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore for the short flight to a nearby island.

The resort features 7 restaurants and bars and a huge list of included water sports and other activities. The spa here has an excellent reputation of its own, which helps make this a very popular destination for the honeymoon crowd from all over Asia.

5 – Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

• Low season from US$338
• High season from US$452

With 148 total villas including 60 over the water, the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is one of a very few in the Maldives with its own surfing beach. The surfing packages cost a bit more, but it’s still a great deal for enthusiasts looking to add some waves to their tropical island holiday.

The reviews here are consistently very good so the value is high. Each overwater villa has a Jacuzzi tub among many other luxury features, so this is not a cut-rate resort by any means. The two restaurants and three bars also get good marks, and the nightlife here does as well.

6 – Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

• Low season from US$341
• High season from US$442

The 24 water villas at the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon are in 12 structures, so each does share a common wall with another unit. Still, guests get a lot of privacy as each room has its own terrace that doesn’t overlook the others. The resort also has 88 island bungalows, and 3 restaurants and bars from which to choose.

Reviews here are good and the rate includes breakfast daily, so it’s one to consider in this lower price range. Another benefit here is that it’s close enough to the main Maldives airport to allow for speedboat transfers, which are cheaper and more flexible than the sea-plane transfers that most other Maldives resorts require along with booking.

7 – Berjaya Langkawi Resort – Malaysia

• Low season from US$349
• High season from US$427

The 47 overwater chalets at the Berjaya Langkawi Resort are more tightly packed than most other resorts, but they are luxurious and quite large on the inside. This resort has 350 total rooms, including Rainforest Chalets that are similar inside except they are perched among the trees on the side of a mountain.

The complication for most people could be the location, which is on Langkawi Island in northern Malaysia. It might sound hard to reach, but it’s actually similar to the Maldives in that you have to take at least two flights to reach most resorts. Especially if you are in or near Southeast Asia, this is one to consider.

8 – Royal Huahine Resort – Huahine, South Pacific

• Low season from US$359
• High season from US$383

Currently the cheapest overwater bungalow resort in the South Pacific, the Royal Huahine Resort is also one of the few to claim only 3 stars as opposed to the 4- or 5-stars that nearly all other overwater resorts offer. The 17 overwater bungalows here are all quite large, however, and they are set over a beautiful calm lagoon on a small island not far from Bora Bora.

The resort has 18 less expensive rooms on the island, so the whole place is quite modest in size. Still, there is a wide variety of water sports and other activities that you’d expect to find at a luxury hotel in the tropics. Guests here pay less than in Bora Bora or Moorea, yet as long as they don’t expect a 5-star property, this one could be a great deal.

9 – Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge – Panama

• Low season from US$360 (half board)
• High season from US$427 (half board)

Another very interesting “eco-resort,” the Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge has 9 overwater suites in 3 different categories, and no other rooms. The best news might be that breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate, so this place probably deserves to be higher on the list of cheap overwater bungalow resorts.

Even the smallest class of overwater suites here is 2 levels with a king-size bed in an upper loft area, and a large private terrace out front. The main downside (for some people) is that this resort is quite remote, so it’s not the sort of place you can just pop by and get a room.

10 – Gangehi Island Resort – Maldives

• Low season from US$383
• High season from US$474

The Gangehi Island Resort features 8 Overwater Villas that are just off the island and 8 Overwater Deluxe Villas that are a bit farther out on the pier, in addition to 29 Island rooms. While the overwater villas may not look as pretty as some others on the outside, they are quite luxurious on the inside and well appointed with amenities.
Considering there are only 45 total rooms you might be surprised to find 2 different restaurants and an additional bar. Reviews here are consistently great, which is another small surprise considering the modest overwater room rates.

10 Cheap Bungalow Resort in the World in 2016

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1. Cambodia

With beds for £1 and lip-smacking food for less than that, Cambodia is so cheap you can feel guilty for paying so little. Where once travellers often feared to tread, Cambodia is now very much on the Southeast Asia travel scene, particularly among backpackers and, increasingly, holidaymakers looking for five-star luxury without the price tag. Check out the De La Paix hotel - their rich wood interiors, in-room iPod docks and free WiFi access for about £250 (double room) a night is about as far from a grimey hostel as it's possible to get, and not painfully priced for the topnotch service they provide. It's also ten minutes down the road from the world famous Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. You can't leave Cambodia without visiting this iconic ancient site, preferrably at dawn to watch the sun rise behind Angkor Wat temple itself, a soothing and spectacular experience. Entry to this UNESCO world heritage site costs just £13 for a full day, although it's worth paying the £26 for three days - there are just too many temples to squeeze into one day and once the midday sun hits you'll want to take shade, or find some seriously strong air-conditioning.

2. Vietnam 
Unspoiled and undeveloped, despite its rise in popularity in the last few years, Vietnam is still super cheap, as well as a beautiful country. You can easily get by on £5 a day, including a guest house, local food, transport and a bit of drinking - a pint of Vietnam's most popular brew, Bia Hoi, costs as little as 50p. Hanoi, the former headquarters of French Indochina and then the administrative centre of communist North Vietnam, was declared the country's official captial in 1976 after reunification of this deeply divided nation began. It retains much of it's French flavour; you'll find some great patisseries producing croissants that rival Paris's finest right next door to an authentic _pho _noodle soup shack. Hanoi's Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, is the best place to soak up some of the city's post-colonial charm - it's also a rare oasis of calm in this otherwise chaotic city, where locals go every morning at sunrise to practice tai chi. Experience Vietnamese rural life and see for yourself the lush, green rice terraces in and around the former French moutnain resort of Da Lat in the central highlands. The city is somewhat overrun with tourists (it's the main departure point for a lot of 'Easy Rider' motorcycle tours) but the flower farms, local tofu factories, cashew nut plantations, and of course the iconic rice terraces are worth stopping by to take a look, before speeding on along the coast southwards to Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon.

3. India 
A spending spree in Mumbai's designer shops and a stay in an international hotel in Delhi is going to cost you as much as it would in Dubai, but away from these enclaves the cost of living is ridiculously low. Even if you travel first class on the trains (the Rajdhani or the Shatabdi Express are the most comfortable to travel on, being fully air-conditioned with meals included in the ticket price) and take taxis everywhere, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here and it's possible to live like a raj on just £15 (about 1,500 rupees) a day. India is the seventh largest country in the world, so unless you're planning an incredible six month sojourn, it pays to plan which of the country's 29 states you want to visit. Head to western India to Rajasthan for an assault of the senses in the state capital, the Pink City, Jaipur, or kick back on the white sands of Kerala in southern India. You can't fly all that way without seeing what may well be the most famous tomb in the world, the Taj Mahal, in Agra, northern India - just don't go on a Friday, it's closed. And don't worry about Delhi belly, you'll find some of India's best street food here in the capital, particularly in the narrow streets and bustling boulevards around Connaught Place in the centre of town. Pick your stall wisely - make sure they look clean and if they're busy it usually means the food is fresh, but it's still a good idea to pack the Immodium, just in case.

4. Bolivia
Known as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is a relatively remote bolthole, being one of only two landlocked countries in South America (the other is Paraguay). Wander along Calle Jaén, in Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, for a slice of South American life under Spanish colonial control - the street is home to some of the city's best preserved colonial buildings, whitewashed façades and ornate black grilled balconettes. It's also where you'll find a cluster of museums, including the former home of Pedro Domingo Murillo, who lead forces during the La Paz Revolution of 1809. See them all for the grand total of 40p and pick up your bumper bargain ticket from the Museo Costumbrista, which houses a ceramic depicting the hanging of the aforementioned revolutionary. As if that weren’t enough (there's more to life than museums?!) Bolivia perhaps boasts the best value food and drink in all of South America. For example, a bottle of Paceña beer generally costs less than £1 and a bowl of chairo (potato soup) about the same. Pack plenty of layers for when the sun goes down; although Bolivia generally endures hot and humid tropical summers, La Paz is surrounded by the altipano mountains and so stays cool all year round. Looking to turn up the heat? Head to Oruro, a city in the heart of the altiplano famous for its Carnival, held each year in February or March to honour the Virgin of Candelaria. Three hours by bus from La Paz and you could be taking part in this UNESCO protected presentation of indigenous and religious Bolivian culture, with more than 48 folk dance performances and a traditional parade.

5. Hungary
Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital on the Danube, is a definite must-see on anyone's European tour. While it's not quite as cheap as it was before the budget airlines got there, prices here will leave plenty of cash in your pocket. Indulge in luscious cakes, get refreshed on strong liquor and sweat it out in the famous thermal spas. Stop for a sweet treat at Gerbeaud's for gourmet pastries too pretty to eat (almost), or visit a traditional kávéház (coffee house) for a calorific (who's counting?!) slice of _kürtőskalács _or chocolate chimney cake. With meals for £2, train tickets for £1 and rooms for £10, Budapest is a beautiful bargain. And you can visit those beautiful bathhouses, such as Gellert, for £10, with massages starting at less than a tenner. If you're after a quiet countryside retreat, check out Lake Balaton in Transdanubia, western Hungary. The biggest lake in central Europe, it's a popular summer retreat for local families looking to escape the big smoke during the summer heat - it's an easy one and a half hour train ride from Budapest and the biggest resorts are found in the cities of Siófok and Balatonfüred. Take a hike in the northern hills, swim in the lake or sail out on the cool waters, before enjoying some locally produced wines from the vineyards dotted across nearby Badacsony Hill.

 

6. Honduras

There's Belize. There's Costa Rica. There's even Guatemala. But for real bargain-basement Central American value, plump for Honduras. The country isn't up there on the most-visited lists, but if you do decide to give it a go you'll discover white sand beaches reminiscent of the Maldives, diving to rival the Red Sea, and mega cheap food and drink - all while spending less than £20 a day. For the Caribbean at a fraction of the cost, check out the swathes of pristine beaches along Honduras's northern coast. One of the busiest centres along this idyllic stretch is Puerto Cortes, a bustling port famous for its trade in bananas with strong Spanish heritage, signs of which survive to this day - get out to Omoa, a picture-postcard seaside town with a colonial fortress to explore. If you're really serious about sniffing out the prettiest post-colonial towns, look no further than the quaint Spanish houses, ornate cathedral and packed plazas in Comayagua's historic town centre. A small city two hours drive northwest from Honduras's capital, Tegucigalpa, Comayagua was once the country's religious and political centre, but today its main draws are the colonial buildings and cute plaza cafés - bag a traditional Honduran baguette or bistek (steak) sandwich from café La Casa de Sandwich for about £1.50 and picnic in the nearby Parque Central.

7. Bulgaria
Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts have undergone a bit of a boom with British visitors in recent years, probably because they offer a total bargain compared with traditional summer sun destinations like the south of Spain. If you prefer city breaking to beaches, capital Sofia offers hearty food, warm company, 'robust' drink and a comfy bed, all yours for £20 a day. Just a 20-minute subway ride from the airport terminal (30-40 minutes if you're travelling in by bus) you can satisfy your inner culture vulture in Sofia - the second oldest city in Europe is stuffed with museums and galleries, including the Musuem of Socialist Art and the National Literature Musuem. Soak up some summer sun and do a few laps down at Liulin Beach, with its three outdoor swimming pools, a sand area and a footie field - there's even a canteen to grab a slice of pizza post-exercise. Despite becoming a burgeoning holiday destination, many places outside of Sofia remain relatively untouched by bargain-hungry holidaymakers and the further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Want sun, sea and to save a few pennies? Head for Nesebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site a few hours south of Varna and a great spot to start your budget tour of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Although much of Nesebar's ancient city of Messembria has collapsed into the ocean, there are still plenty of old churches to admire and cobbled lanes to stroll along - buy locally produced lace to take back as a souvenir, just watch out for cheap tourist tat versions.

8. Sri Lanka
With gossamer-fine sands, cloud-wrapped mountains, waterfalls, tea plantations and palm trees wafting in the breeze, Sri Lanka is the picture perfect paradise'... Ok, thanks tourist brochure. We'll concentrate on feasting on fish curry, trekking in the jungle and staying in hotels on the beach for tuppence. Well, not quite two pence, but you can live like royalty for under £25 a day. Modern tourism began to boom on this idyllic south Indian Ocean island in the 1960s, but it's somehow managed to stay on the sidelines of many a Southeast Asian itinerary, so it's still possible to pick up a low-cost luxury bargain. Stay at the five-star Cinnamon Lodge, located in Habarana, the epicentre of a cultural triangle encompassing Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. The swish suites here boast fantastic views over the tropical Habarana Lake - take it all in from your own private jacuzzi, while being served champagne by your on-call butler - or you can bag a single room, with all the same spa, swimming pool and dining facilities, from as little as £42 a night. If you can bear to drag yourself away from air-conditioned luxury, the temples, monasteries and stupa speckled throughout the surrounding countryside offer a window into Sri Lanka's Buddhist culture - 70% of Sri Lankans are Buddhist. If you don't fancy days on end temple traipsing, stick to the highlights: the Sri Maha Bodhiya (Bodhi Tree Temple) in Anuradhapura and the Sri Dhalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, arguably the most sacred places on the entire island. Be warned, foreigners tend to pay higher entrance fees, although some tuk-tuk drivers might offer to sneak you in for free!

 

9. Argentina
From the jungles of the central plains in La Pampa, to the rugged Andes mountains on the western border with Chile, there's plenty to see and do in Argentina, the world's eighth largest country. City lights don't get much brighter in this part of the world than in Buenos Aires, which has rightly earned its reputation as one of the most exciting cities on the planet, thanks partly to its totally up-for-it nightlife. Experience the colourful, flamboyant life of the Argentinian capital by staying away from its most exclusive hotspots and you can easily get by on £25 a day. Tour the bright and bold murals that adorn many of Buenos Aires's buildings, and come sundown slink along the streets of San Telmo and enjoy the cool bohemian vibe in the restaurants and bars in this part of town - much more fun (and kinder on the wallet) than a night out in the tourist traps of the city's Recoleta district. If you want to get away from it all and see some of the world's most spectacular scenery, then it doesn't get much more impressive than a trip to Patagonia in southern Argentina, home to Tierra del Fuego, the most southerly city in the world and a popular departure point for excursions to the Antartic. Get there by bus from Buenos Aires - a journey which takes anywhere from 24 to 36 hours - or hop on a cheap internal flight to save time, although this is usually a more expensive way to travel. Prepare yourself for plenty of cute penguins, dolphins and whales in the UNESCO protected nature reserve, Península Valdés; the entrance fee for non-residents is about a tenner.

 

10. Greece
Due to the country's ongoing economic difficulties, the cost of holidaying in Greece is lower than it used to be. While it's still pretty pricey to stay on famous Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos, pick a quieter Greek getaway like Paros or Skiathos and you can still while away the days in 28 degree heat, sipping ice-cold Mythos (between about £1.50 and £4 a pint depending on where you stay) for half the price. If you're all about pool parties and super-cheap shots, then Ios is the island for you, famous for its all-night raves and young backpacker crowd. Not got time for a full-on island-hop? Settle for a day trip to the Sardonic Gulf island of Hydra, just one and a half hours by catamaran from Athens and the spot for some of the best souvlaki (kebabs) you'll find anywhere else in the Aegean Sea - Pirofani restaurant has been dishing up this delicious drunk food for over 20 years and takes some beating when it comes to flavour and value for money. Not enough meat to satisfy your inner caveman? Sail across to Kefalonia (which you might recognise from the big screen adaption of the famous book, Captain Corelli's Mandolin) for a slab of traditional pie, filled with oozing meats and gravy, wrapped in a blanket of filo pastry. Ferries run regularly between the islands, but if departing from Athens head to the port of Piraeus to check the boards for updated prices and schedules - most of the Aegean Islands take about four or five hours to reach by high-speed ferry, six to eight on a regular one.

 

11. Dominican Republic
The Caribbean is pricey, right? Not if you fly to the Dominican Republic, where £30 a day will cover accommodation, travel and food if you're thrifty. Eat where the locals do and you'll find dishes - and beers - for under £1, while taking the local bus into town can be done for less than 50p. Check in to the Bavaro Hostel and for just £13 you'll get a bed within a three-minute walk of the white sands and swaying palms of Bavaro beach. Plus free wifi and free coffee. If free coffee isn't enough and you want all-day dining and activities, the Dominican Republic offers some incredible deals for all-inclusive holidays. The VH Gran Ventana on the appropriately named Playa Dorada (Golden Beach) has four different restaurants, from gourmet Caribbean to casual beachfront grill, three swimming pools and watersports from water skiing and parasailing to banana boats and scuba diving - all included. With rates starting at just £90 per room per night you're definitely going to get your money's worth!

 

12. Ireland
Flight prices to Ireland have tumbled over the past few years, meaning you can get to Dublin for less than you might think. Once in the Irish capital, stay at the central Generator Hostel and you could pay just £6 for your bed. Free things to do in the Irish capital include visiting the Chester Beatty Library, to check out its world-famous and dazzlingly expansive collection of rare books and manuscripts, and talking a walk with the deer herd in Phoenix Park - this is the largest enclosed recreational space in any European capital so there's plenty to explore. Do some budget shopping at the weekend Blackrock Market, Dublin's oldest, and sup on the central city's (rumoured) cheapest pint, just £2.30 in the Pavilion Bar at the cricket pitch in Trinity College. If you'd rather get out into rural Ireland, head to Galway, where prices are lower than the capital across the board and a weekend break could cost you about 20% less. You could spend some of those savings on the city's vibrant nightlife (thanks student population!) with a trawl through the city's pubs - where Guinness is around 15% cheaper than in Dublin - and the live music sessions at trad music pub An Pucan are free.

 

12 of the world's cheapest holiday destinations for 2016

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1. Vietnam 
Now a well-established stop on the Southeast Asia trail, it’s still possible to find beds for £3.50 a night in the country’s largest city, bustling Ho Chi Minh. Try the friendly Long Hostel, off tourist centre Pham Ngu Lao Street, and you can get your own room with breakfast for a fiver! With hearty bowls of delicious phở - chicken or beef noodle soup - for 60p and a pint of local beer costing no more than 30p, experience some of Vietnam’s rich culture and history for pennies.

What's the best place to visit in Vietnam?

Hoi An, an old UNESCO World Heritage port on the river, set with beautiful Chinese merchant's houses. See the hop-on, hop-off tourist buses to get there from Hanoi or HCMC. Check out our guide for more amazing places to visit in Vietnam.

What's the best beach?

Mui Ne, three and a half hours by train from Ho Chi Minh.

Top things to do in Vietnam?

Take a motorbike ride. Hire an official 'Easy Rider' driver to experience Vietnam's central highlands, or if you're super-confident, rent your own wheels from $10 per day (less if you rent for longer) and take a section of the old Viet Cong supply route, the Ho Chi Minh highway, that runs between HCMC and Hanoi.

 

2. Bali, Indonesia 
With the British pound growing stronger against the Indonesian rupiah, Bali is a great value long-haul option. It's just one of Indonesia’s stunning islands, packed with glittering temples, walkable volcanoes and a surfer's paradise around the sugary coastline. You'll also find private accommodation from £5 a night, as well as affordable ‘genuine fake’ designer goods for the tightest traveller’s budget in the local markets.

What's the best place to visit in Bali?

Cultural centre Ubud, for art on every street corner, and the best place to see traditional Balinese dancing (shows most evenings at Ubud Palace, 7.30pm).

What's the best beach?

Uluwatu beach, for sand, surf and a stunning temple perched right on the cliffs.

Top things to do in Bali?

Surf. If you're a newbie, try Kuta for cheap board rentals, lessons and a backpacker's party heaven. Go further south on the Bukit peninsula to find quieter spots for improvers, like Balangan.

 

3. Gambia 
Although The Gambia is the smallest country in (mainland) Africa, you’ll certainly find big savings here. The standard fare on a taxi is about 90p and you can pay just £1 for the chance to get up close to a crocodile at Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool or the monkeys at Bijilo Forest Park (both within a short drive of the main tourist area of Kololi on the coast). Take a break at Sanyang Beach, where you’ll find the most affordable accommodation - The Flowerlodge is just 11 kilometres from Banjul airport, with a pool and free bicycle hire from £15 for a double room.

What's the best place to visit in Gambia?

Serrekunda for craft markets as cheap as they are cheerful (get those haggling skills at the ready!)

What's the best beach?

Bijilo, for secluded sands and relief from beach hawkers.

Top things to do in Gambia?

Relax! The pace of life slows right down as soon as you step off the plane, so enjoy a beer with the sunset or grab a luxury massage at the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa in Bijilo, for a fraction of the price you would pay back home (think £20 upwards).

 

4. Bulgaria
With cheap flights from the UK to Bulgaria’s Black Sea, this popular holiday destination offers plenty of bargains. Sunny Beach pretty much does what it says on the label, a seaside resort made for relaxing and working on your tan without spending more than £20 a day. And yes, the drink is budget-priced, too - less than £1 for local draught beer.

What's the best place to visit in Bulgaria?

Sofia, for its eclectic collection of churches and national symbol, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral.

What's the best beach?

Cacao Beach, in the Sunny Beach Resort, famous for its lively summer DJ sets.

Top things to do in Bulgaria?

Ski. Yep along with hitting the beach, you can ski in the summer here (well, spring). Bulgaria is great budget ski destination, and its mountain resort, Bansko, operates a generous ski season lasting from December until mid-May.

 

5. Hungary
Budapest sits in all its Gothic and Neo-Classical glory on the Danube river, rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its medieval castles, leafy parks and warm, peppery goulash, it’s easy to love. The fact that you can easily get by on £25 a day is another reason to spend some time in Hungary’s capital.

What's the best place to visit in Hungary?

Exhausted Budapest? Take a cruise up the Danube to see the magnificent Catholic basilica at Esztergom (5 hours, Mahart boat departs at 9am from Budapest).

What's the best beach?

What Hungary lacks in coast, it makes up for with Lake Balaton, a beautiful inland resort with 197 kilometres of freshwater shores and pine forested landscape.

Top things to do in Hungary?

Try the natural hot springs. Don't miss the turn-of-the-century Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Pest (the area on the east bank of the river, opposite Buda Castle) for the grandest bath you're likely to have. Find more bathing recommendations here, with our guide to the top thermal baths in Budapest.

 

6. Goa, India 
Popular with many backpackers and travellers on a budget, it’s possible to explore this colourful country and live like a Raj. Get to Goa and hunt for bargains in the flea markets, swim with turtles and try your hand at kitesurfing. You can do all this for about £4 a day, including food and a sunset cocktail on one of the many beautiful beaches this region has to offer. Stay at Evershine Guesthouse for cheap private rooms and a 10 minute drive to Anjuna Beach.

What's the best place to visit in Goa?

Panaji, for browsing the bookshops and spotting lingering Portuguese influences in the Old Latin Quarter.

What's the best beach?

Mandrem Beach, for doing absolutely nothing in the sunshine.

Top things to do in Goa?

Meditate. Popular as a yoga retreat destination, Goa is the place to go if you need a timeout, a detox, or just a couple of weeks practising your 'downward dog' to the sound of the waves.

 

7. Turkey 
Fancy a slice of the Mediterranean but want to save a few pennies at the same time? Why not try southwest Turkey? With a Riviera to rival France, the Pamphylia region is home to reasonably priced rooms (share a motel or guesthouse double for £15), traditional döner kebabs and plenty of Roman and Greek ruins to explore for free.

What's the best place to visit in Turkey?

Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Riviera and a good place to find a chicken döner for around £1.

What's the best beach?

The east beach at Side (pronounced see-day), 30 minutes along the coast road from Antalya, for quiet contemplation next to an ancient archaeological site.

Top things to do in Turkey?

Explore the history. Straddling Asia and Europe, Turkey's culture is a fascinating one. Don't miss a trip to Istanbul's Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque (domestic flights from Antalya take just over one hour) while you're here.

 

8. Cambodia 
The cost of living in Cambodia is low, but it's also home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat. You can rent a bicycle for as little as $2 a day and cycle out to this staggering temple complex for the 4am sunrise (and a cheap pancake breakfast). A stay in Siem Reap, the nearest city to Angkor, is a steal, with dorm beds going for $5 (£3) a night! Take a closer look at Southeast Asia's trendiest destination, with these seven incredible sights in Cambodia.

What's the best place to visit in Cambodia?

Siem Reap, a city of two sides - the brash but fun Pub Street for all your nights out, and the relaxed area south of the river (for actually getting some sleep).

What's the best beach?

Otres Beach on Cambodia's southern coast is a lovely, unspoiled contrast to tacky Sihanoukville, 5 kilometres away.

Top things to do in Cambodia?

Try the food. From deep-fried tarantulas to the more appealing coconut curry, amok, Cambodia's food will surprise and delight - and it won't break your budget, either.

 

9. Latvia
Looking for a city break with a budget twist? Riga, Latvia, is fast becoming a popular weekend getaway thanks to an Old Town just as lovely as Prague, with pastel-coloured buildings straight out of an Eastern European fairytale. Pick up a bargain in Riga Central Market or splurge on a husky dog sledding adventure. It’s easy to spend less than £50 for the entire trip, excluding flights, in Latvia's capital city. Read our recommendations for the best bars, pubs and clubs in Riga.

What's the best place to visit in Latvia?

Sigulda, for the landscape of Switzerland at much less expense, and the medieval turrets of Turaida castle, less than an hour northwest of Riga.

What's the best beach?

Majori, in resort town Jurmala, for clean, bucket-and-spade sands and Livu Aquapark.

Top things to do in Riga?

Go out on the town. Riga's nightlife is thriving, whether you want beer and folk music or modern day clubbing on a budget.

10. Honduras 
The cost of a flight to Central America’s second biggest country may set you back a fair bit, but once you land in Honduras the cost of luxury is much cheaper than in neighbouring Costa Rica. With new resorts springing up, many parts of Honduras retain a rural charm, which means it’s still relatively cheap. Get in now for low-cost diving trips, bargain cocktails and lots of palm tree-lined beaches to laze on at no cost at all.

What's the best place to visit in Honduras?

Tegucigalpa city, capital of urban cool, set amidst a rolling green valley.

What's the best beach?

West Bay Beach, on the island of Roatan, dazzles with surf as clear as glass and plenty of snorkelling sites.

Top things to do in Honduras?

Go underwater. Scuba dive here and may find yourself swimming with whale sharks and octopi - you can get a budget bungalow and diving trips organised onsite at Las Rocas Resort And Dive Center at West Bay.

 

10 best value holiday destinations 2016

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