✈️ Best value for money and experiences: 10 destinations for your trip

Budget travel doesn't mean compromise.

Sometimes a modest budget gives you more experiences than an expensive tourist hub. Back in 2017, Lonely Planet put together a list of destinations with the best value for money (Lonely Planet list).

Since then, some countries have gotten more expensive, and some have opened up again. We went through that list and checked where you can actually save money now, and where you're paying for the experience rather than the price tag.

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Why these countries made the list

💡 In short:

Lonely Planet put these ten countries in the "best value for money" category, but not all of them are cheap.
List source: Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2017.

There were several criteria: the cost of accommodation and food, transportation, visa rules, and how much the country gives you for your money. That's why cheap Nepal and Colombia sit next to not-so-cheap Bermuda and Canada on the same list.

Destination	What makes it interesting	Price level	Who it's for
Bermuda	pink beaches, British way of life	high	short trips from the US
Dominica	volcano, jungle, black beaches	medium	nature lovers
Canada	cliffs, lakes, roads	high	road trips
Colombia	coffee, the Andes, culture	low	independent travelers
Myanmar	pagodas, monasteries	low	slow travel
Mongolia	steppes, Lake Khuvsgul	medium	expeditions
Oman	desert, wadis, forts	medium	winter getaways
Nepal	the Himalayas, trekking	low	hiking
Finland	lakes, sauna, design	high	northern summers
Ethiopia	its own calendar, cuisine, coffee	low	intense experiences

1. Bermuda

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

Bermuda lies in the Atlantic, east of the US coast. The islands are famous for their pink sand and clear water, and the way of life has remained British. If you're flying from the East Coast of the US, the trip is short, so people come here for a few days rather than two weeks.

Where to save: come in the off-season, from November to March, and accommodation will cost less.
Who it's for: those who want beaches and a relaxed getaway without a long flight.
The catch: accommodation and food on the islands are more expensive than in most countries in the region.
Hotels: hotels in Bermuda on Trip.com

2. Dominica

Boiling lake in a crater with steam clouds, Dominica

Dominica is a volcanic island in the Caribbean. Here you'll find dense jungle, waterfalls, and black beaches that barely have roads leading to them. There are few loud party resorts, but there's enough wild nature for a week of routes. It's one of the few Caribbean islands where mass tourism never really took hold.

Where to save: local guesthouses and food at markets cost less than on neighboring islands.
Who it's for: nature and trekking enthusiasts.
The catch: infrastructure is modest, and there are few high-end hotels.
Hotels: hotels in Dominica on Trip.com

3. Canada

Turquoise Moraine Lake and snow-capped mountains

In 2017, Canada made the list because of the weak Canadian dollar. The exchange rate has changed since then, so you should budget based on current prices. The country is huge, and one trip rarely covers more than one region. If your time is limited, don't try to cover both the east and the west at once.

Where to save: domestic flights are expensive, so pick one region instead of racing between coasts.
Who it's for: those ready for long drives.
The catch: distances are huge, and getting around without a rental car is inconvenient.
Hotels: hotels in Canada on Trip.com

4. Colombia

Colonial street in Cartagena with a yellow facade and tower

Colombia offers vibrant culture, coffee plantations, and the Andes. Prices are noticeably lower than in Europe, and short transfers between cities add variety. Colonial centers, mountain villages, and the Caribbean coast all fit into one route. Intercity buses run frequently and are inexpensive.

Where to save: traveling between cities by bus is cheaper than flying.
Who it's for: independent travelers who feel at ease in big cities.
The catch: in major cities, choose your neighborhood carefully.
Hotels: hotels in Colombia on Trip.com

5. Myanmar

Golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

In Myanmar you will hear monastery bells and see golden pagodas. Life moves at a measured pace here, and prices for accommodation and food are low even by Asian standards. The country suits those who are not in a hurry. Buddhist festivals, markets, and local cuisine add color to the trip.

Where to save: guesthouses and street food are cheap by European standards.
Who it's for: those who love Buddhist culture and long journeys.
The catch: EU foreign ministries warn against travel due to armed conflicts, so check routes before you go.
Hotels: hotels in Myanmar on Trip.com

6. Mongolia

Panorama of Lake Khovsgol among forested hills

Mongolia is endless steppes, yurts, and Lake Khuvsgul in the north of the country. Here you will find yourself far from cities and the usual pace of life. In summer the steppes turn green, and overnight stays in yurts let you see the country from the inside. Without rushing, you can spend a week here and barely meet any other tourists.

Where to save: overnight stays in yurts with local families are cheaper than hotels in Ulaanbaatar.
Who it's for: those ready for long overland journeys and nights in the steppe.
The catch: getting around the country is almost impossible without your own transport or a tour.
Hotels: hotels in Mongolia on Trip.com

7. Oman

Off-road vehicle on the sand dunes of the Wahiba Sands

Oman long remained in the shadow of its neighboring emirates, but it has now opened up to travelers. You will not have to search for quiet places here: deserts, wadis, and old forts are often empty. People come here in winter for warmth and calm, not for nightlife. The country is a good fit for a first trip to the Middle East.

Where to save: travel in winter and choose guesthouses outside Muscat.
Who it's for: those who want desert and forts without big crowds.
The catch: renting a car is almost essential, and distances between sights are long.
Hotels: hotels in Oman on Trip.com

8. Nepal

Aerial panorama of the snow-capped Himalayas

In Nepal you'll walk trails beneath the Himalayas and spend very little. After the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake on April 25, 2015, the country rebuilt roads and lodges, and tourism remains a vital pillar of its economy (earthquake data). Even a short trek can easily become the highlight of your trip.

Where to save: lodges along the trails and local tea houses cost less than European hotels.
Who it's for: those ready for long hikes and acclimatization.
The catch: the rainy season from June through September closes some routes.
Hotels: hotels in Nepal on Trip.com

9. Finland

Forest lake with islands and bays seen from a hilltop

Finland offers silence, lakes, and a sauna by the water. The country made Lonely Planet's list in 2017, the year of its centennial. Travelers come here precisely for the calm northern rhythm (ThisisFINLAND). In summer it's light almost around the clock, which is great for long walks.

Where to save: in summer, lakeside lodging and campsites cost less than city hotels.
Who it's for: those who want nature, sauna, and quiet.
The catch: without a car, reaching the lakes and national parks is difficult.
Hotels: hotels in Finland on Trip.com

10. Ethiopia

Cross-shaped rock church of Bete Giyorgis in Lalibela

Ethiopia surprises even seasoned travelers. The country has its own script, its own cuisine, and its own 13-month calendar (Ethiopian calendar). You'll see a country unlike any other: rock-hewn churches, highland plateaus, and ancient cities. Many itineraries center on the country's historic north. EU foreign ministries warn against travel there due to armed conflicts.

Where to save: traveling around the country is cheaper on local tours than in a rental car.
Who it's for: those who want powerful impressions and offbeat routes.
The catch: logistics are complicated, and some roads are passable only in a 4x4.
Hotels: hotels in Ethiopia on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which country on the list is currently the cheapest to visit?

Nepal, Colombia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia are the most affordable: accommodation, food, and transport there cost less than in Europe. The final amount still depends on the season and route. If you want to save as much as possible, choose the low season, travel by bus, and book accommodation in advance.

Are Bermuda and Oman really budget destinations?

No, "best value for money and experiences" does not mean "cheap". Bermuda is more expensive than most destinations on the list, and Oman is mid-range. But both countries offer a rare experience: the pink beaches of the Atlantic or the deserts and wadis of Arabia. The low season and skipping expensive resort hotels help you save here.

When is the best time to go to Nepal and Mongolia?

Nepal is best visited in the dry season, from October to May, when the main trekking routes are open. Mongolia is best visited in summer, from June to September: winter in the steppe is too cold. Both destinations require time, so plan your trip for at least two weeks.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

Entry rules vary from country to country, and they change periodically. For some destinations, a visa is issued online; for others, visa-free entry applies. Before traveling, check the requirements on the official website of the country's embassy or tourism portal, not based on advice from social media.

Where can I find affordable accommodation in these countries?

In Bermuda and Canada prices are high, and in Oman they are mid-range, so accommodation should be booked in advance. In Nepal, Colombia, and Myanmar, cheap guesthouses are easy to find on the spot. Comparing options is convenient through hotel search, where you can see the price for specific dates right away.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're traveling for the first time and want to keep costs down, start with Nepal or Colombia. If nature and quiet matter more, choose Dominica, Finland, or Mongolia. For rare landscapes, head to Bermuda, Oman, or Ethiopia.

Things to do nearby are easy to pick in advance: tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.

10 Countries from the Lonely Planet list: where you can really save on your trip