5 Cheapest Countries to Visit, According to Jen Barangan

Travelling abroad doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag. While some destinations can quickly eat into your travel budget, others prove that you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday without spending a fortune. From budget friendly accommodation and affordable public transport to delicious local food, stretching your travel budget is more achievable than you might think.

If you're looking for inspiration for your next overseas adventure, Filipino content creator and former flight attendant Jen Barangan recently shared the five cheapest countries she has visited, based on her own travel experiences. Her rankings consider everything from accommodation and transportation to food and shopping.

Before diving into the list, Jen made one thing clear. These rankings are based on her personal experiences and observations, so your own travel costs may vary depending on your itinerary, travel style, and spending habits.

Here are the destinations that made her list.

5. South Korea and Japan

Japan and South Korea might not be the first places that come to mind when you think of cheap countries to visit, but Jen believes both can be surprisingly affordable if you're willing to travel smart.

According to her, one of the best ways to save money is by choosing budget accommodation, even if it means walking a little farther. She even joked that travellers should be prepared to walk 20,000 steps a day in search of cheaper places to stay.

Food is another area where you can cut costs. Instead of dining at restaurants for every meal, Jen recommends grabbing food from convenience stores, which she says can help keep your daily expenses low without sacrificing quality.

When it comes to getting around, she also suggests skipping taxis whenever possible.

"Your wallet will thank you," she said, referring to using subways and trains, which are both reliable and much more affordable.

The biggest challenge, according to Jen, is getting a visa. But once you've secured one and managed to book a seat sale fare, you might be surprised by how far your money can go in both countries.

4. Macau and Taiwan

Sharing the fourth spot are Macau and Taiwan, two destinations that Jen believes offer excellent value for money.

If Hong Kong is on your travel bucket list, she has a practical tip. Instead of staying in Hong Kong, consider booking your accommodation in Macau and taking a day trip instead. According to Jen, Hong Kong is noticeably more expensive, while Macau offers a more budget friendly base for travellers.

As for Taiwan, she recently visited the destination and found it to be one of the more affordable places in Asia.

She also praised the country's public transportation, saying it is accessible, efficient, and makes exploring different attractions easy without spending much on transport.

Also read: Why Travelling Is Worth Investing In, 8 Benefits That Make Every Trip Worth It

3. Mainland China

Taking third place is mainland China.

Jen was quick to point out that not every province in China is cheap. Some destinations naturally cost more than others, especially larger cities.

However, looking at the country as a whole, she believes China remains one of the more affordable countries to visit. From local transportation to everyday meals, many travel expenses are lower than people might expect.

2. Thailand

It's no surprise that Thailand claimed the second spot.

For years, the country has been one of Southeast Asia's favourite destinations for budget travellers, and Jen agrees.

She highlighted affordable accommodation, cheap transportation, and delicious local food as some of the biggest reasons Thailand continues to offer great value for money.

If shopping is on your itinerary, Thailand is also one of Jen's top recommendations. According to her, it's still one of the best places to shop for affordable clothes, making it easy to refresh your wardrobe without overspending.

1. Vietnam

Topping Jen's list is Vietnam, which she considers the cheapest country she has visited.

She found that accommodation, food, and transportation are all incredibly affordable, making Vietnam an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience more while spending less.

There is one thing to keep in mind, though.

If you love shopping, your budget can quickly increase. Jen explained that while Thailand is generally cheaper for clothes, Vietnam stands out for offering better quality pieces and more up to date fashion.

So if you're planning to shop throughout your trip, you may end up spending more than expected. However, if your focus is on sightseeing, local food, and cultural experiences, Jen believes Vietnam is hard to beat when it comes to value for money.

Which destination would you visit first?

According to Jen, travelling on a budget isn't just about choosing the cheapest destination. It's also about making smart decisions throughout your trip.

Booking seat sale flights, staying in budget accommodation, using public transport, and eating like a local can all help stretch your travel budget further.

Of course, every traveller's experience will be different. Your expenses will always depend on your travel style and itinerary. Still, Jen's list proves that some of Asia's most popular destinations can be far more affordable than many people expect.

So, if you've been dreaming of your next international trip without spending a fortune, these five destinations might just be the inspiration you need for your next adventure.