Safest places to travel on a budget
Traveling around the world is a great way to explore amazing cities and learn about different cultures. Whether you want to trek with llamas in Peru or have afternoon tea in London, there’s so much to see and do.
Some people worry that they need to spend a fortune to travel abroad. Others might also wonder which countries are safe to visit, especially if they’re traveling by themselves. If you feel the same, then you’re in the right place!
World geography resource World Meters has revealed the safest places to visit if you’re on a budget. The travel experts sourced data from the Global Peace Index and locations around the world that offer cheap vacations. We’ve compiled a guide to the best (and safest) countries to visit if you’re looking for an affordable getaway.
So, grab your backpack and sunglasses as we take a look at the safest places to visit on a budget!
Portugal
Portugal ranks in the top ten safest places in the world and has the bonus of being one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. The country is especially affordable to visit in the off-peak season from January to February. Portugal is also an attractive retirement destination for European citizens who choose to buy a property and move here.
A 2023 City Cost Barometer report found Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, was the best-value European city. The report compared the overall cost for a city break based on factors such as an evening meal for two, two nights’ three-star weekend accommodation, and sightseeing costs. Lisbon had an overall cost of $283.97.
Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal, is also ranked as one of the cheapest places to visit in the country. A city break costs an average of just $410.92. The city is famous for its stately bridges and cobbled streets. It’s a great place to visit if you love wine, as Porto is world-renowned for its port wine production.
Portugal is great for solo travellers due to its low crime rates. The country’s most common forms of crime are pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft. However, you can reduce the risk by exercising basic precautions, such as wearing a cross-body bag and not putting your cell phone or wallet in your back pockets.
Estonia
Next on our list is Estonia, located in Northern Europe. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is especially affordable for visitors, with an average cost of $18.94 for an evening meal. The cheapest place to stay in the city is a hostel, where dorm beds usually cost between €12 to €15 ($12.95 to $16.18).
Public transport is very affordable for visitors, with most tickets costing just a few euros. However, Tallinn citizens don’t have to pay a thing, as public transport has been free since 2013. This and numerous other environmentally friendly schemes helped the coastal city be crowned Europe’s Green Capital in 2023. The city also has many free walking tours, an excellent way for visitors to explore the 14th-century Old Town.
Violent crime is rare in Estonia, although tourists are sometimes targeted for petty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching). It’s a good idea to carry your credit card, cash, and other valuables in different places to reduce the risk of them getting stolen together.
Wild camping is legal in Estonia. You can reduce some of your travel costs by pitching a tent and exploring the local area. Many hotels also have kitchen facilities where you can cook your own meals, so you don’t have to rely on takeout food for your entire trip!
United Kingdom
While some parts of the UK can be expensive to visit (the likes of London, Oxford, and Edinburgh are especially costly), you can visit plenty of places on a budget or pick up the London Pass to reduce costs when in London (it provides access to many attractions in one simple pass). Northern areas tend to be cheaper than the south. Liverpool, famous for The Beatles, its football team, and its maritime heritage, is one of the UK’s most affordable places to visit. Newcastle, known for its thriving nightlife, is also a great city break for those wanting to save money, as is Cardiff in Wales.
The UK is one of the safest places to visit in the world. It ranks in 34th place on the Global Peace Index. In comparison, the US ranks in 129th place. Violent and petty crimes generally occur in large cities rather than small towns and villages. You should be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, but the UK is generally safe to visit.
Gun ownership and gun crime are rare in the UK. The UK also has a trustworthy police force who are generally quick to act if a crime is reported.
There are plenty of museums with free entry that you can visit in the UK, including The Natural History Museum in London, The World Museum in Liverpool, and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The UK is also world-renowned for its beautiful countryside, which is perfect for a picnic or family bike ride.
North Macedonia
This landlocked country in southeast Europe may not be as well known as other countries on the list, but it’s still worth a visit! North Macedonia is a brilliant place for history fans to visit. The country is known for its rich ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman heritage. The country is home to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. North Macedonia is also known for its collection of churches: over 1,000 churches and monasteries are spread over the country.
North Macedonia is significantly cheaper than nearby Greece. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with an average weekend break costing less than $300. Many of the tourist attractions are free to visit, such as Lake Ohrid, the 6th century Skopje Fortress and the Old Bazaar.
Most crime in North Macedonia is petty and opportunist. If you remember to keep your valuables out of sight, you shouldn’t attract the attention of pickpockets. Credit card fraud is increasing in North Macedonia, but you can reduce the risk by paying with cash. You can still use your credit card at trusted businesses, such as your hotel.
It’s worth remembering that the currency in North Macedonia is the Denar (rather than the Euro). One US Dollar is roughly equivalent to 57.24 Macedonian Denar.
The Gambia
As the smallest country in mainland Africa, The Gambia often gets overlooked by tourists. However, The Gambia is a beautiful country to visit all year round. It has a subtropical climate and virtually no rain from November through to June.
The Global Peace Index ranks The Gambia as the 45th safest country in the world. The country is Islamic, so you should respect the local customs, laws, and religions while you’re there. You shouldn’t encounter much crime if you take basic precautions and keep any expensive possessions out of sight.
The Gambia is famous in the birdwatching world thanks to its incredibly diverse range of species. It’s estimated the country is home to around 540 different bird species! The country is also well-known for its beautiful coastline and national parks. There are plenty of places to explore, but it’s a good idea to book a tour with an official guide.
If you’re looking for an affordable beach break, The Gambia is for you. Cape Point, Bakau and Bijilo Beach are some of the most popular areas to visit. A romantic dinner for two costs around $50, while accommodation costs range from $30 to $65 per night.
Laos
If you fancy an affordable vacation to Southeast Asia, Laos is definitely worth considering. The landlocked country is bordered by the likes of China, Cambodia, and Thailand, but is much cheaper to visit. While a weekend trip in Thailand might cost you an average of $800, a visit to Laos could cost as little as $115!
Laos is ranked 51st in the Global Peace Index. In comparison, Thailand is ranked 103rd, and Cambodia is ranked 62nd. The remote areas of Laos tend to experience more crime than popular tourist destinations such as Vientiane and Vang Vieng.
The country is nicknamed the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’, although sadly there aren’t that many elephants remaining in Laos. However, there are plenty of forests to explore that are home to wild elephants. Laos is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls, historic temples, and friendly people.
