Travel experts say these 8 countries are shockingly affordable this spring

I’ve spent a lot of time scanning flight sites like Skyscanner and Kayak, comparing prices and reading travel forums.

You probably know the drill.

Here’s a pro tip:

Spring (April through May) is that sweet spot when airfare can dip, crowds are lighter, and the weather is mostly pleasant.

Even better, in certain destinations, your money stretches so far you’ll wonder if someone made a mistake on the bill.

Below are 8 countries that travel experts—and my own experience—consider shockingly affordable right now. We’ll cover typical flight costs, accommodations for every budget, daily meal prices, and what you’ll likely pay for local adventures.

Whether you’re a budget backpacker, digital nomad, or a mid-range adventurer seeking great value, these spots deserve your attention.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam’s a feast of neon-lit cities, spectacular scenery, and unbelievably cheap prices.

Round-trip flights can hover around $1,150 from New York, about $880 from London, and $590 from Sydney.

Once you’re there, dorms or guesthouses might be $5–$15 per night, while comfortable hotels range from $20–$50. Digital nomads can rent a place for $250–$400 a month in major cities, with coworking passes near $100.

Meals are famously cheap.

A bowl of pho or a banh mi can be $2–$5, and a full day’s worth of food can cost $10–$15 if you stick to street eateries. Grab or Uber motorbike rides are typically $2–$3.

Activities like a Mekong Delta boat tour or a Ha Long Bay day cruise often land in the $30–$50 range. It’s hard not to appreciate how far your dollar goes here.

2. Indonesia

“Bali,” someone inevitably says whenever I mention Indonesia.

And sure, Bali has become a massive travel hotspot. But you can venture beyond the tourist zones to islands like Lombok or Java and find even lower prices.

In spring, flights from London often land around $900–$1,000, from New York $1,200–$1,300, and from Sydney sometimes below $600.

Hostel beds in many areas cost $5–$10, and you can upgrade to a mid-range villa for $30–$50. Coliving spaces with coworking can run $400–$600 monthly.

Local staples like nasi goreng are just $1–$3, and even Western-style cafes usually stay under $10 a plate. You can rent a scooter for $5 a day to zip around.

Guided hikes or diving excursions sit in the $30–$50 range.

Thanks to lower-than-expected prices, it’s one of the best Southeast Asian deals right now.

3. Georgia

I’ll admit, Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) was never on my radar until a few savvy travelers kept raving about it.

They were right — it’s a hidden gem, lodged between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, offering stellar landscapes and shockingly low prices.

Flying into Tbilisi from London can be a steal, sometimes under $200 round-trip on budget carriers.

From New York, you’re usually looking at $700–$900.

Worth it, because once you’re there, hostels in Tbilisi or Batumi can be as low as $5–$7 a night, and mid-range hotels around $30–$50.

For a longer stay, monthly rentals in Tbilisi might run only $550 for a modern one-bedroom with decent Wi-Fi and a coworking pass for $100–$150.

The cuisine?

Hearty, cheap, and delicious. Expect to spend just a few dollars on local specialties like khachapuri (cheesy bread) or khinkali (soup dumplings). A single day’s worth of meals can come in around $10–$15 if you’re keeping it simple.

Public transport is sometimes under $0.30 a ride for the metro or bus, while a bus between cities might be $7. And so many experiences, like hiking in the Caucasus or wandering Tbilisi’s old town, are free.

With a one-year visa waiver for many nationalities, Georgia is becoming a digital nomad hub — charming, budget-friendly, and full of authentic, unpolished beauty.

4. Portugal

No, this isn’t your typical budget-bust Western Europe entry.

Portugal stands out for being delightfully inexpensive compared to neighbors like Spain or France.

In spring, round-trip flights from NYC average around $760, while from London you might only pay $150–$200.

That’s dirt cheap for Europe.

Australians might see fares at $1,200 or so, but the in-country savings help soften the blow.

Lisbon and Porto have some of the best-value hostels in Europe

— around $18–$30 for a dorm or $55–$90 for a decent hotel or Airbnb. Digital nomads who want to enjoy the city’s tech scene can often snag monthly rentals in Lisbon from $600–$700, or cheaper if you check out smaller coastal towns.

Coworking memberships are around $100–$150 monthly, often in slick, well-equipped spaces.

Eating here is a joy.

One euro for a pastel de nata is dangerously tempting (I can never stop at just one).

A standard lunch with soup, entrée, and drink can hover around $10. Even an upscale cod dish with wine might cost $20. Public transport is also very fair: a single metro ride in Lisbon is $1.50, or you can do a daily pass around $6.

The real magic?

Strolling the Alfama district or the beaches in the Algarve is free — yet it feels like you’re living in a movie set.

5. Mexico

I’ve lost count of how many times Mexico has surprised me.

Whether you want the cultural buzz of Mexico City, the laid-back beaches of Puerto Escondido, or the enchanting colonial vibe of Oaxaca, you’ll often spend way less than you think.

Flights from New York to Mexico City can easily land around $350–$500, while London travelers often see prices near $900. From Sydney, prepare for around $1,200–$1,400.

That said, flights from many U.S. cities to popular Mexican destinations can be cheaper than a domestic flight within the States.

On arrival, it’s straightforward to stay on a budget without feeling deprived.

Dorm beds might cost $8–$15 a night.

Even a private room in a quaint guesthouse is often $20–$30. Mid-range travelers spending $40–$70 can get well-located hotels or Airbnbs in places like Guadalajara or Mérida.

For the remote-work crowd, monthly apartments in Mexico City or Oaxaca can be in the $500–$700 range, with coworking from roughly $100.

Food is a highlight.

Street tacos, tamales, or a torta might set you back just $1–$2 each. A local lunch special (comida corrida) is $3–$5, and a day’s worth of eating can be $15 if you choose local joints.

Splurge on a fancy dinner for $20 and it’ll feel like an occasion.

Public transport is also low-cost: a city bus ride might be a quarter, and a typical Uber around town $3–$5.

6. Colombia

Colombia has soared in popularity for good reason:

It’s a paradise of vibrant cities, coffee regions, Caribbean beaches, and Andean mountains at lower prices than you’d guess.

Round-trip flights from NYC can be $400–$600, from London $800–$900, and from Sydney up to $1,300 or more. Hostels range from $8–$12 for a dorm, while private rooms are $20–$30.

Mid-range hotels can be $40–$60, and digital nomads can snag decent apartments in Medellín for around $500 monthly.

Food is easy on the wallet.

A filling lunch (soup, main, drink) might be $3–$4, and street snacks like empanadas or arepas sit under $1. City buses are generally under $1, and domestic flights—booked in advance—can be as low as $50.

Major museums charge just a couple of bucks.

Day tours or coffee-farm visits might be $20–$30. You’ll likely leave Colombia wondering how you got so much for so little.

7. Morocco

Morocco feels like stepping into another world: souks brimming with spices, blue-washed Chefchaouen streets, and Sahara dunes.

Flights from London can cost $140 or less if you find a deal, from New York $600–$800, and from Sydney around $1,500.

Riads and hostels in Marrakesh or Fez might run $5–$11 for a dorm, $25–$40 for a private, and mid-range hotels in the $50–$80 range.

Local food is both flavorful and cheap. Street kebabs and harira soup can be $2–$3, while a plate of couscous or tagine at a casual spot is around $4–$6. Most short taxi rides in cities are $1–$3.

A bus between towns might be $10 or less, and many experiences, like exploring medinas or taking in the nightly show at Jemaa el-Fna, cost next to nothing.

Even a Sahara camel trek, with an overnight camp, can be found around $100.

8. South Africa

For safari adventures and striking coastlines, South Africa offers huge value.

Flights from New York usually hover $1,100–$1,300, from London $1,100, and from Sydney $1,500.

But once there, costs can plummet thanks to the favorable rand exchange.

Hostels in Cape Town or Johannesburg might cost $8–$14 a night, while a decent guesthouse or mid-range hotel is $20–$60.

Dining can be shockingly cheap—a steak dinner might run $8–$11, and groceries for self-catering are also low. Renting a car can be $10–$16 daily, while city buses or an Uber are just a few bucks for each ride.

Activities often revolve around nature:

Hiking up Table Mountain is free if you’re ready for the climb, and a day safari in Kruger might be $24 for conservation fees.

With English widely spoken and first-rate infrastructure, South Africa gives you a world-class trip at a fraction of typical costs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching for a budget-friendly escape, these eight countries are worth considering. Spring flight deals, off-peak lodging, and pleasantly mild weather create the perfect conditions for a trip that won’t empty your bank account.

Whether it’s slurping pho in Vietnam or savoring a pastel de nata in Lisbon, these destinations prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a rich, memorable adventure.

Don’t let high-priced destinations discourage you.

With a little research (check Google Flights, Skyscanner, and your favorite booking platform), you can hunt down affordable fares. And once you land, you’ll often find accommodations and meals at costs far below what you’d pay elsewhere.

So if you’re pondering a trip this April or May, maybe now’s the time to take the plunge.

A world of affordable experiences is waiting — no lottery ticket required.