Which destinations can you travel to for $50 a day in 2026? — featuring Epic Travels

0:00 One thing you realize when you've traveled   a lot is that there's some places  where your money goes really far. And there's other places where your  bank account is draining all day long. After traveling to 62 countries in the  last few years, I want to share with you   my top 10 cheapest countries where you can  travel lavishly for just around $50 a day.

0:21 And to put this into perspective, with just   $50 a day, that's a 2 week vacation  for just $700, not including flights. That is an insane deal. And also, if you use Google Flights,  you can find the best price airfare   to these destinations as well,  making them super affordable.

0:39 With that said, let's start with my number 10  and work backwards to my number one favorite. Make sure to stick around until my number one   because most people didn't even  know that this was a country. Alright, number 10 is Guatemala. Guatemala is one of those countries  that surprised me almost immediately.

0:56 And in my opinion, it's one of the most  unique countries that's also close to the US. Antigua is incredibly walkable with  colorful streets, colonial architecture,   and volcanoes towering in the background. You can spend your days wandering,   sitting in cafes, or exploring old  ruins scattered throughout the city.

1:15 Lake Atitlan is another highlight. A place where you can base yourself in  different lakeside towns, each with its   own feel and spend your time taking boat rides,  walking local markets, and just slowing down. Food is simple here, comforting,  and affordable as well. Fresh tortillas, beans, meats,  chocolates, and great local coffee.

1:36 It's easy to stay under budget here without  ever feeling like you're missing out. In Guatemala, you can be adventurous and hike  volcanoes or be chill in a lakeside town,   which is a big reason it works so well. Traveling on a budget, you can usually  land around $35 to $55 per day.

1:53 And that includes hostels or simple guest houses,   local meals, shared shuttles,  and a couple of paid sites. If you're spending a bit more,  around $70 to $100 a day,   you can do private rooms in nicer places  and more guided activities and tours. Up next is a country in the  Balkans known for its rich history,  

2:14 stunning scenery, and incredibly friendly people, and that is Albania. Here you can explore ancient towns like Berat and  Gjirokastër, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the coast, you'll find stunning beaches and  crystal clear blue waters on the Albanian Riviera. In the capital city, Tirana, colorful  street art fills lively streets,  

2:36 creating a vibrant atmosphere. With its natural beauty and welcoming culture,   Albania is an incredible place to  explore and make unforgettable memories. You can easily spend a week here,  and I couldn't recommend it more. If you want to save some money,  I recommend staying in an Airbnb  

2:51 such as like a beach house instead of  the newly built all-inclusive resorts. If you love nature, I strongly recommend  visiting the southern part of Albania,   where the beaches are even more beautiful, and  mountains and cliffs rise right next to the shore. As you travel south past the city of  Lore, you'll climb a mountain pass.

3:10 And once the road begins to descend,   you're rewarded with breathtaking  views of the coastline and cliffs. You can even take a hike up Mount  Cika for an even better view. Just be careful if you're  visiting in the spring or winter,   as there could still be snow at the top. Albania is one of the most  affordable countries in Europe.

3:28 Traveling on a budget, you can easily spend  under $30 per day, including accommodation,   local transportation, and meals.  With a higher budget of around   $70 a day, you can stay in much nicer  hotels and eat at great restaurants. Next on the list is Poland. Located in central Europe, Poland is bursting  with history, charm, and natural beauty.

3:53 You can explore medieval cities  like Krakow, Gdansk, and Warsaw,   where cobblestone streets lead to  majestic castles and cathedrals. Nature lovers can enjoy tranquil  lakes in Masuria or the towering   peaks of the Tatra Mountains,  perfect for outdoor adventures. I could promote Poland endlessly  as I truly believe it's one of the  

4:14 most beautiful and underrated places in Europe. If you don't have time to  explore the entire country,   I recommend sticking to the north and the south. In the north, your itinerary would include the Tri   City along the Baltic Sea with Gdansk  alone easily filling several days.

4:30 Nearby beaches are beautiful,  though very crowded in the summer. Less than an hour from Gdansk is Malbork Castle,   the largest castle in the world  and the UNESCO World Heritage site. Further south, you'll find Torun,  another stunning medieval city,   or Warsaw, Poland's capital, a modern city  with excellent museums and cultural events.

4:51 In the south, your journey  would likely start in Krakow,   which was once Poland's capital for centuries. Its historic old town amazes  visitors from all around the world. It's a vibrant city with amazing night life,  restaurants, and cafes on every corner. From Krakow, there's three  must-sea destinations nearby.

5:10 First is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an  underground city and truly unique attraction. About an hour west is Auschwitz. A deeply moving and difficult experience,  but one that is important to visit. And for outdoor lovers, heading south  takes you to the Tatra Mountains,   my favorite place in Poland with  stunning alpine lakes and dramatic peaks.

5:32 Poland is very affordable  compared to Western Europe. Traveling on a budget, you  can spend under $30 per day. For higher end travel with nicer hotels and  restaurants, expect around $60 to 65 per day. If you're enjoying this video  so far and feel inspired,   it would mean a great deal to  me for you to subscribe below.

5:51 Okay, let's continue. Next on the list is the Philippines. The biggest expense here is getting  all the way across the Pacific,   but once you do that, everything  slows down, including your spending. The real magic of the  Philippines is on the islands. Places like El Nido on Palawan are almost unreal.

6:10 Limestone cliffs rising straight out  of the turquoise water, quiet beaches,   and boat days where you're  hopping between islands. Days here are so simple in the best way. Scooter rides to empty beaches, snorkeling right  off the boat, watching the sunset in the ocean. Food is straightforward and affordable, and  it's easy to eat well without overthinking it.

6:32 If you want a trip that feels epic and  also relaxing, Philippines is your choice. On a budget here, plan on roughly $30 to  $50 a day if you're doing simpler stays,   which are still nice, local food, and  being selective with tours and boat days. With a higher budget around $55 to $95  a day, you can upgrade to nicer hotels,  

6:54 do more island hopping tours, and  eat at better restaurants more often. Up next is Mexico. It's one of the easiest destinations  from the US to travel to. And once   you get outside the all-inclusive  resorts, it becomes very affordable. Browsing local markets and eating  street food that's honestly better  

7:13 than anything you'll find in high-end restaurants. You can spend days exploring colonial  cities, sitting in plazas, drinking   coffee and fresh juice, or taking day trips  to different Mayan ruins and nearby towns. Food is a huge part of the experience here. Tacos, tamales, fresh tortillas, street food.

7:31 You can eat incredibly well every  single day without spending much at all. Mexico feels familiar enough to be comfortable  and has so many layers, it never gets boring. Traveling on a budget, you can often  keep it around $40 to $65 per day. And that includes host and cheaper hotels,  

7:50 tacos and local spots, public  transit, and a few attractions. With a higher budget around $80 to $130  a day, you can stay in much nicer hotels   and do more tours, taxis, and sit-down  restaurants, especially in pricier areas. Next on the list is a captivating country in   Eastern Europe with so much to  discover, and that is Romania.

8:13 Here you can explore the famous region  of Transylvania, home to Dracula legends,   medieval towns, and stunning castles. The Carpathian Mountains offer  breathtaking views and excellent hiking. While the capital city, Bucharest,   is vibrant and full of life with historic  landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament.

8:33 Spending a week in Romania  will only scratch the surface. I highly recommend starting in  the Carpathians and spending   a few days in Brasov, a beautiful  city at the foot of the mountains. From there, you can visit Bran Castle,  famously associated with Dracula. And while another nearby castle claims  the same title, I recommend visiting both.

8:53 One of the highlights of Romania  is the Transfăgărășan Road. Considered one of the most scenic drives in  the world, winding through the Carpathians,   it offers breathtaking views of the  valleys, waterfalls, and towering peaks. Just be sure to check if it's open as snow  often keeps it closed until the late spring.

9:11 I also recommend spending a few days in Bucharest. The Palace of the Parliament,   which is the second largest building  in the world, is absolutely massive. It took us about 45 minutes  just to walk around it. Romania still has noticeable price  differences between rural areas and  

9:27 cities, but overall, it's very affordable. On a budget, you can spend around $40 per day,  while higher end travel will cost $80 or more. Next on the list is Colombia. Colombia is one of those countries where   it consistently offers more  than you expect for the price. Cities like Medellin are modern, easy to navigate,  

9:49 and surrounded by green hills that  make the whole place feel alive. You can spend your days walking  vibrant neighborhoods, riding   cable cars over the city, or taking  short trips into the coffee region. Food is hearty here, filling and affordable, and  eating out never feels like a budget decision.

10:07 Transportation is also inexpensive. Accommodations are comfortable and overall  quality of life for the cost is excellent. Colombia is also one of the  biggest digital nomad hotspots. No surprise here. And it's a place I would go  back to without hesitation. On a budget, $35 to $55 a day is realistic,  

10:27 which includes host, local meals, buses,  and metros, and a few paid activities. With a higher budget around $70 to $110  a day, you can stay in nicer hotels,   take more guided tours, and be more flexible with  private transport and go to places like Cartegena. The next country is located in southeastern  Europe and is known for its rich history,  

10:50 stunning landscapes, and vibrant  culture, and that is Greece. You can admire the ancient ruins of Athens,   relax on beautiful islands in  the Aegean and Ionian seas,   and wander through charming villages filled with  whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets. Greece is one of the most popular  destinations in Europe, and for a good reason.

11:10 Athens is an absolute must see for me. It's one of the most beautiful cities I've  ever visited with a majestic acropolis,   incredible food, and charming streets everywhere. If you're traveling mainland Greece, I  also recommend the Peloponnese Peninsula,   home of some of the oldest ancient  cities in Europe, including Mycenae,  

11:29 where King Agamemnon began his  journey to Troy over 3,000 years ago. Most travelers also visit the islands,  while Mykonos and Santorini are beautiful,   they're expensive and very crowded. The amazing thing about Greece is that many  lesser known islands are just as stunning. For example, Karpathos.

11:47 Wow, I couldn't recommend it more. Crystal clear water, colorful  towns, and far fewer tourists. Costs vary widely depending on location,   but outside the most famous islands, you  can easily travel for under $50 per day. Higher end travel can be much more expensive,  but it all depends on where you go.

12:07 Up next on the list is mainland Southeast Asia,   which includes Thailand,  Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. What makes this region so special isn't  just the fact that it's affordable. It's super easy to travel. Thailand sets the tone with incredible food,   great infrastructure in places like Chiang  Mai where you can eat out for every meal,  

12:29 get massages every day, and stay in great  locations without even trying to be frugal. Cambodia is also deeply memorable,  especially Angkor Wat, where you can   spend full days exploring temples, often with a  local guide, and still barely dent your budget. Vietnam is faster paced and also full of life.

12:48 Street food stalls of every  variety on every corner. You can eat bowls of fur every single  day and only costs a couple of dollars. And the cities never seem to slow down. And if you go to Laos, you'll find quieter towns,   slower travel, and a pace that makes  you want to stay longer than planned.

13:05 If you want variety, culture, food, value, any  one of these four or all four is a great choice. If you're traveling budget friendly, you can  usually pull off $30 to $45 a day in many areas. That includes street food, restaurants,   simple rooms like hostels, using scooters and  public transport, and a couple of activities.

13:27 With a higher budget around $70 to $120 a  day, you're in very nice hotels, more tours,   more internal flights and private grab rides,  and plenty of higher end restaurant meals. Now, before we get to our last country,   make sure you like and subscribe if  this video has been helpful so far.

13:45 And finally, at number one, drum roll, please. Most people don't even know  that this is a country. They just know it's the state above Florida. Yep, you guessed it already. It's the country of Georgia. Located in the Caucasus region, Georgia blends  ancient traditions with breathtaking landscapes.

14:05 You can explore the historic streets of Tbilisi,   hike or ski in the Caucasus Mountains, and  experience legendary Georgian hospitality. Georgia is a country many travelers say they  wish they had more time in, me included. I recommend visiting Okatse  Canyon and Kinchkha Canyon,  

14:22 spending an entire day for just $25  total, including a generous tip. Tbilisi itself is fascinating with century   old churches alongside modern  glass and steel architecture. Georgia cuisine is also unforgettable. Most travelers come to Georgia  for the Caucasus mountains. You can visit Stepantsminda, home to  the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church,  

14:45 or head to Mestia, surrounded by medieval  stone towers and dominated by Mount Ushba,   often called the Matterhorn of the Caucasus. Traveling on a tight budget,  you can spend under $15 per day. Mid-range travel costs around $30 to $35 per day. And even luxury travel is surprisingly  affordable at around $100 per day.

15:06 So, these are the five places that you can  travel lavishly for just around $50 a day. Make sure to subscribe down below to keep   up to date with more travel  inspiration and places to go. If you want more details on some of these places,  make sure you check out the videos on the screen.

15:21 Thank you for watching.