10 Amazingly Affordable Countries You Can Explore within $1500

Did you know that there are indeed amazingly affordable countries which you can travel to despite being low on finances? In an era when lay-offs and income insecurity make headlines every day, it is but natural to hold on to what you earn and avoid splurging on vacations. That being said, you need not cancel holiday plans altogether. All you need to do is search for an amazingly affordable country that would enable you to unwind and reset without burning a huge hole in your pocket.

Some amazingly affordable countries that you can explore without breaking $1500 are –

Bolivia

High up in the Andes and forming a border with Peru is Lake Titicaca, the spot which witnessed the birth and meteoric rise of the fearsome Inca tribe. Owing to the high altitude, you may need to acclimatize to visit this amazingly affordable country, but having adjusted, there is plenty to explore and experience. Inca settlements, floating reed islands and community weaving at Taquile Island ensure that you get good value even for a limited budget.

Including Bolivia in the list of amazingly affordable countries is truly justified, given its varied attractions. Play around with shifting reflections at the salt-granules flat of Salar de Uyuni, enjoy trudging through the Amazonian rainforest, or tumbling down the rugged mountain slope at high speed on a bike.

Georgia

Squeezed between Turkiye and Russia, Georgia qualifies as one of the amazingly affordable countries in both Europe and Asia. Despite being tiny and relatively low profile as compared to its well-known neighbors, this Eurasian nation easily proves to be a budget traveler’s paradise in every way.

After walking through the medieval cobbled lanes and the contemporary Bridge of Peace, move on to Batumi to get a taste of the Black Sea. Go hiking/biking along one of the mountainous trails and soak in the panoramic vistas and rock monasteries that dot the Caucasian ranges. Add a cherry on the cake by settling down at the love-town – Sighnaghi – and spend the last couple of days getting intoxicated amidst vineyards and wines.

Egypt

Contrary to the popular belief, Egypt offers a lot more to any tourist than just pyramids, tombs and mummies. Travel to this amazingly affordable country to experience culture at its raw and ruthless best. Admire the spatial acumen of the pharaohs at Giza and Luxor, and sense the palpable mysticism that surrounds Tutankhamen’s existence and untimely demise.

Like most amazingly affordable countries, Egypt too offers eclectic accommodation options, ranging from an ethnic homestay to a luxurious resort. Choose one that fits into your budget and leaves sufficient room to be able to sail along the lengthy Rive Nile. Take this opportunity to dive into the depths of the Red Sea, and then move on to the Siwa Oasis to explore the heart of the Sahara Desert.

Kazakhstan

Something that weary travelers following the silk route may not have realized is that Kazakhstan ranks among the amazingly affordable countries in the world. Almaty holds the key to an interesting and culturally rich holiday, some popular spots being the Charyn Canyon and mountainous lakes. Stunning rock formations manifest the artistry of nature, and the placid blue waters of the lakes might be concealing an underwater forest.

Beaches that dot the Caspian Sea invite you to destress and reset yourself completely before resuming the daily grind. Absorb a generous dose of culture at Astana and Turkestan by visiting mosques, mausoleums and shrines. It is in this country that Timur Lang, the invader and conqueror, revealed his artistic streak by creating a magnificent mausoleum to honor his Sufi guru. In the process, he gifted the country a monument that found its way on to the country’s currency.

Turkiye

For those who travel from Asia to Europe, Turkiye acts as a gateway to the capitalist west. And those who wish to experience the cultural orient to balance the industrial west also end up in this Middle-East Asian country. To its credit, Turkiye is one of the amazingly affordable countries that more than satisfies both contrasting objectives.

Having served as the seat of the mighty Ottoman Sultans, the country still carries a distinct imprint of their rule in form of mansions and palaces. Appreciate the traditional architecture at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and wonder how the rocks shaped themselves into cones at Cappadocia. Experience the thrill of hot-air balloons, thread your way through the underground cities, or relax along the picturesque beaches and lagoons without worrying about spending a fortune.

Cuba

Mention Cuba, and instantly the conversation shifts to cigars, rum and Fidel Castro. Two of these – cigars and rum – still exist for those who visit this amazingly affordable Caribbean country, while the third – Castro – is now a remembrance. From the moment you set foot in Cuba, prepare yourself to be enveloped by multiple aspects that define the easy-going Caribbean culture.

Step out onto a street in Havana, and wonder at the beautiful vintage cars that mark the traffic. Inhale the strong aroma of coffee as you walk along, and join salsa classes that take in anyone and everyone without as much as a look. Rehydrate with mojitos after having danced your heart out and join a group of friendly old men to participate in a discussion while puffing on a cigar.

Isn’t it an amazingly affordable country to experience a distinct culture within your budget?

Philippines

Who requires a large sum of money to have fun? Plan a trip to Philippines in Southeast Asia, and you will have experienced the wholesome goodness that this amazingly affordable country offers without being too worried about the expenses.

Pick any one from among the thousands of islands, and bask all day, day after day, on the soft sand of the beaches. During the day, seize the golden opportunity to swim in the safe and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Try your hand at kayaking or kite-boarding/kite-surfing, and cool off after the sun sets at one of the upbeat night parties.

As one of the most amazingly affordable countries, Philippines keeps you occupied even if you are on a tight budget. Whether you choose the beach, or travel inland to trace the underground channels, strawberry farms and limestone cliffs, your budget will likely allow everything without feeling stretched.

Armenia

Occupying the southern tip of the Caucasian range, Armenia offers the best of multiple worlds to any budget traveler. Various cathedrals reflect the Roman influence in the region, while the monasteries reveal the strong Asian presence. Nestled among these is also a temple that dates back to the Pre-Christian era when paganism defined the belief system. Garni Temple, dedicated to the supreme force of nature – Sun – stands as the only pagan shrine in the region and upholds the rituals of nature worship.

At Yerevan, the country’s capital, challenge yourself to ascend the Cascade staircase, and shop for souvenirs at the local markets. Local food and wine also render this amazingly affordable country enticing, particularly the brandy, fruit-flavored vodka and lavash and cheese.

Tunisia

Is it possible to experience the Mediterranean vibe on a budget? Tunisia, which forms a part of the landmass on the south of the iconic waterbody more than answers your query. On one hand, the tiny nation sports a distinct African identity, and on the other it carries all the elements that characterize a Mediterranean vibe.

Few amazingly affordable countries for travelers offer a global connect, and Tunisia makes it to the list courtesy of Tozeur. This Tunisian locale was where the much-loved inter-galactic narrative Star Wars was filmed, and the original sets survive till this day for fans to reminisce about the show.

Apart from the Roman architecture, Tunisia echoes the Italian culture through its olive oil production, and the blue-white town of Sidi Bou Said which evokes images of the La Citta Blanca and the Adriatic Sea. But do make it a point to experience the ethnic culture through the local markets and baths, and numerous flamingoes that inhabit the Djerba Island. 

Bhutan

This amazingly affordable country values happiness more than anything else, a fact which echoes in every aspect of life. Such is the importance of being happy in this land that dzongs – meaning fortress/monastery – like Punakha and Rinpung treat it as their primary agenda. For a more thrilling experience, visit Paro Taktsang – meaning tiger’s lair – and brace yourself to peek down the steep cliff on which it has remained perched through ages.

Thimphu, the capital city, offers a revered insight into the cultural heritage of this Himalayan getaway that stretches beyond memorials and museums. Bhuran qualifies as one of popular amazingly affordable countries because you can sample the local chili cheese, shop at the local markets and soak in stone bath-tubs and still save a reasonable amount. Use it to continue exploring the serene Himalayan trails and tumbling down the foamy waters in a raft. 

Final Thoughts

A vacation need not always drain you out in order to be enjoyable. In fact, these amazingly affordable countries prove that you can look forward to an immersive experience regardless of the budget. Choose a culture that you wish to explore and research on the activities, cuisine and habitat of the region. If the chosen amazingly affordable country matches your personal vibe, chances are that you will have planned a truly memorable trip without any worries.

Flipside Leisure proves to be your buddy when it comes to planning a budget holiday. Tell us your preference and allow us to present you with options that would work well for you in every way.