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With jobs being slashed left and right and pay rates dwindling, cheap is good for most consumers. The travel industry has been hit especially hard in the recession, with most people opting to stay at home and save money rather than spend it on vacations and their lifestyle.

But travel doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. When you choose your destination wisely, you can actually save money while traveling. From $3 cheap hotels to .50c meals, when you travel in lower-income countries you can maximize your spending power and live for significantly less than you would back home.

These four countries are perfect for the budget-conscious traveler. If you’re sick and tired of struggling to get by in an expensive city, take a month off, budget $1000, and head to one of these destinations: 

 

#1: Thailand

Thailand has long been renowned as one of the world’s most impressive and inexpensive countries, and for good reason. With some of the most stunning beaches, exciting tropical cities, and adventurous mountain terrain, it’s the perfect do-all destination for ultra-budget travelers. 

Bangkok proves that big city living doesn’t have to be expensive. 1 bedroom apartments can cost as little as $180 per month.

 

Even in Bangkok, which is by far the most expensive part of the country, you can find a delicious street stall meal for under $1. Drinks in a local bar can cost as little as $1.50, and even in the most exclusive restaurant you’re unlikely to pay more than $10 for a meal. Head to Banglampu district for cheap hotels, some from as little as $6 per night. In the city center, basic rooms will typically start at around $12 per night. 

$1 Pad Thai sound good? Cheap food is everywhere in Thailand’s roadside restaurants.

 

In the country, things get even cheaper. A basic room in Chiang Rai, a charming town in Thailand’s mountainous north, can cost as little as $4. In some of the undiscovered eastern islands, beachside bungalows can be found from as little as $5 per night. Want to save even more cash? Negotiate a monthly rate with the hotel or guesthouse, and stay for a fraction of the regular price.

For just a few dollars a day, this could be your backyard.

 

#2: Costa Rica 

Sure beats staring out an office window, doesn’t it?

 

Living in Costa Rica can be incredibly cheap, provided you know how to avoid the tourist traps. While it’s no longer the utlra-budget destination that it once was, it’s still easy to spend a month in Costa Rica for under $1000. With budget hotels costing as little as $10 per night and street vendors offering meals from only $1 a piece, Costa Rica is the easiest and most accessible destination for US residents.

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most geographically varied countries, with tropical beaches and vast mountain ranges right next to each other.

 

Want to cut your costs down even more? Stay out of San José and you’ll find yourself paying significantly less for accommodation and attractions. Costa Rica has a huge range of different climate zones and natural attractions, so finding a setting that suits you certainly shouldn’t be difficult.

 

#3: Laos

Despite being almost completely shut off from the rest of the world since the mid 1970s, Laos has emerged as one of the most naturally stunning and unspoiled vacation destinations in Asia. With ultra-low prices, stunning landscapes and some of the world’s most comfortable cheap hotels, it should be right at the top of your “to-visit” destination list.

Laos’ limestone mountain ranges offer some great ultra-budget adventure activities.

 

The capital, Vientiane, is home to some of the world’s cheapest French food and riverside barbecue restaurants. Around here, a night’s accommodation can cost as little as $5. Head further north and you’ll find rooms in Vang Vieng for as little as $1 per night. Sure, it’s not luxury, but as cheap hotels go $1 isn’t exactly a strain on funds.

Luang Prabang is surrounded by mountains and Buddhist temples.

 

UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang has many cheap hotels, some from as little as $3 per night. To save more cash, move out of the city center and look at relatively simple rooms next to the river. With Laos’ climate, there’s no need for a duvet and comforter – ultra-budget hotels will have a mattress and sheet, which is more than enough to stay comfortable.

Vientiane’s Victory Gate is striking from afar, but a monster of concrete up close.

 

#4: Vietnam

Despite its rough modern history, Vietnam is a surprisingly tranquil and interesting travel destination. With a huge range of historical sites – some from 800AD and others from the 1960s – inexpensive and delicious food and some ultra-cheap 5-star hotels, Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the major tourism draws in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam’s ever recognizable flag, flying in Ha Long Bay.

 

Due to Vietnam’s long and thin geographical shape, the country experiences some clear cut seasons and climate zones, unlike its neighbors. The mountainous north experiences bitter winters, while summer temperatures are comfortable and warm. Down south, however, the climate is 100% tropical all year round, with monsoons moving across the country for four months a year.

Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial architecture transforms into a Gotham City lookalike at night.

 

Cheap hotels in either of the major cities cost around $10 per night, with ultra-budget rooms available for even less. Vietnamese food is ultra-cheap and very tasty, and most Western fast food is available at costs significantly below those at home. Simply put, almost any destination in Vietnam gives you the opportunity to live like a king for under $30 per day.

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Wherever and whenever you decide to travel, cutting costs is easy when you put your mind to it. Outside the major tourist areas in any country, prices will drop to a fraction of what they are near an attraction. When you make the most of your country’s spending power, an exotic vacation can quickly become less of an expense and much more of a resourceful cost-saving exercise.

5 Responses to “Top 4 Sub-$1000 Per Month Travel Destinations”

1. Jeremy says:

   November 27, 2009 at 3:38 am

   Nice info, but it would be better if you could post some particulars, like an example of a beachside bungalow for $5 a night. thanks
2. Pacific Delight Tours says:

   December 3, 2009 at 10:16 pm

   Most of Asia is also particularly good values. Other places that come to mind are China, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
3. Jonathan says:

   December 4, 2009 at 9:21 pm

   Nice list. I agree with Jeremy though. You gave us a good start but could you get some specifics? I would love to have some contact info for some of these lodging choices.
4. 10 Asian Bars that Look Cooler than you Think | Travel Newswire says:

   December 14, 2009 at 12:45 pm

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5. Erin says:

   January 11, 2010 at 6:48 pm

   India, Sri Lanka and Nepal are also great cheap destinations, even cheaper than South East Asia.