Top 10 Cheap Destinations for Backpackers to Visit in 2026

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - It's 2026, and it's another great year to go backpacking and explore the world. While we may expect cost to raise, there are still many budget destinations all around the world to satisfy your need of adventure in budget. From the beautiful warm beaches of Southeast Asia to the charming historic towns of Balkans, these places will not break your wallet.

If you are looking for some budget-friendly destinations for this year adventure, here are the ten best cheap destinations for backpackers to visit in 2026. Let's explore them!

Vietnam is one of the best countries for budget travel in Southeast Asia. The food is delicious and very cheap, and you can find hostels for just a few dollars per night. Ha Long Bay is famous for its limestone islands and emerald waters. You can explore the busy streets of Hanoi or the historic town of Hoi An. Ho Chi Minh City offers great street food and interesting museums. The countryside is beautiful, with rice fields and mountains perfect for trekking.

This island nation offers beaches, mountains, and ancient temples all in one place. You can travel around the country by train and see tea plantations and jungle landscapes. The food is tasty and affordable, with rice and curry dishes available everywhere. Sigiriya Rock is an ancient fortress with amazing views. The beaches in the south are perfect for relaxing after hiking in the highlands. You can also see elephants and visit Buddhist temples during your trip.

Turkey connects Europe and Asia, offering a mix of both cultures. The cities are full of history, with mosques, palaces, and markets to explore. Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a great place to start your adventure. The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are must-see landmarks. You can also enjoy Turkish food like kebabs and baklava for low prices. The coastal areas have clear beaches, and Cappadocia offers unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides.

Many people know Indonesia for Bali, but this archipelagic nation has much more to offer. You can explore Java and see ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan. The Gili Islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving without the crowds of Bali. Sumatra has jungles where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat. Yogyakarta is known for its art, culture, and delicious street food. Each island has its own character, and transportation between them is affordable for backpackers.

Thailand remains a favorite destination for backpackers because everything is so affordable. Bangkok is a busy city with temples, markets, and amazing street food. The northern city of Chiang Mai is quieter and surrounded by mountains and forests. The southern islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta have beautiful beaches and clear water for swimming. You can find cheap hostels everywhere, and local meals cost just a couple of dollars. The people are friendly and welcoming to travelers from all countries.

Colombia has become much safer in recent years and is now popular with backpackers. The coffee region produces some of the best coffee in the world, and you can tour plantations. Bogotá is the capital with museums, street art, and a lively nightlife scene. Cartagena on the coast has colorful colonial buildings and Caribbean beaches nearby. Medellín has a pleasant climate and modern transportation system. The country offers diverse landscapes from Amazon rainforest to mountain villages.

Albania is one of Europe's hidden gems with low prices compared to other Mediterranean countries. The Albanian Riviera has beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and fewer tourists than Greece or Croatia. Tirana, the capital, is small but full of colorful buildings and good restaurants. You can also explore ancient castles and mountain villages in the north. The food is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. Accommodation and meals are much cheaper here than in Western Europe.

Nepal is famous for mountain trekking, and the trails offer stunning views of the Himalayas. Kathmandu has temples, markets, and a rich cultural history to discover. The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp are popular hiking routes for experienced trekkers. Pokhara is a lakeside town that serves as a base for shorter treks. The local food, especially dal bhat, is filling and inexpensive. You can stay in guesthouses along trekking routes for very little money.

Romania offers medieval towns, mountain landscapes, and fascinating history at budget-friendly prices. Transylvania is home to castles including the famous Bran Castle linked to Dracula legends. Brașov and Sibiu are charming cities with old town centers and nearby hiking trails. Bucharest, the capital, has grand buildings and a growing food scene. The Carpathian Mountains are perfect for nature lovers who enjoy hiking. Public transportation is cheap, and meals at local restaurants won't hurt your wallet.

Another Balkan country, Bulgaria is often overlooked by travelers but offers great value for money. Sofia is a capital city with Orthodox churches, Roman ruins, and nearby mountain ranges. The Black Sea coast has beach resorts that are much cheaper than other European beach destinations. Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest cities with beautiful architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. You can try traditional Bulgarian food like banitsa and shopska salad for low prices. Accommodation costs are among the lowest in Europe.