If you're up for a unique international journey, these countries are perfect for budget travelers, especially college students and regular office workers. Many of them even offer visa-free entry, so tag your travel buddies!
Thailand: Visa-free
Reasons to visit: Ladyboys, SPA
Cities/Attractions: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui
Must-try cuisine: Mango sticky rice, Tom Yum, Crab curry rice, Thai-style pineapple fried rice
Philippines: Group visa
Reasons to visit: White sand beaches, Beautiful women, Land of the largest coconuts, 7000 islands charm, Natural wonders
Top cities/Attractions: Boracay Island, Palawan Island, Manila, Puerto Galera Beach
Must-try cuisine: Lechon, Adobo, Sisig, Turon (banana spring rolls)
Indonesia: E-visa + Visa on arrival
Reasons to visit: Komodo dragons, Archipelago charm, Diving paradise, Balinese vibes
Top cities/Attractions: Bali, Borobudur Temple, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Jakarta Cathedral
Must-try cuisine: Satay, Dirty duck rice, Indonesian fried rice, Babi Guling (Balinese roasted pork), Turmeric rice
Turkey: E-visa
Reasons to visit: Hot air balloons, Cultural diversity, Warm hospitality, Low cost of living
Top cities/Attractions: Cappadocia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Must-try cuisine: Turkish kebabs, Kebab skewers, Kofte (meatballs), Manti (dumplings), Turkish red tea
Egypt: E-visa
Reasons to visit: Mysterious pyramid culture, Red Sea adventures, Culinary delights with a historic touch
Top cities/Attractions: Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Nile River
Must-try cuisine: Pigeon roast, Koshari, Molokhia soup, Aish (Egyptian bread), Roasted lamb, Kebab
Sri Lanka: Visa-free
Reasons to visit: Stilt fishing, Elephant orphanage, Spectacular wildlife, World's finest tea, Purest form of Buddhism
Top cities/Attractions: Sigiriya, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Horton Plains National Park, Galle Fort, Temple of the Tooth, Yala National Park, Polonnaruwa, Mirissa Beach
Must-try cuisine: String hoppers, Fish ambul thiyal, Kottu roti, Pol sambol, Watalappam, Sri Lankan prawn curry
Vietnam: E-visa/Visa on arrival
Reasons to visit: Close proximity, Similar culture, Abundance of street food, Low cost of living
Top cities/Attractions: Nha Trang, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Dalat, Danang
Must-try cuisine: Fried spring rolls, Pho/Rice noodles, Vietnamese coffee, Sugarcane shrimp, Fried elephant ear fish, Vietnamese shrimp cakes
Hungary: Visa required in advance
Reasons to visit: Europe's budget-friendly choice, Spa and wellness heaven, Unique culinary culture, Tranquil countryside charm, Library culture
Top cities/Attractions: Budapest, St. Andrew's, Pecs, Veszprem, Eger, Esztergom
Must-try cuisine: Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Lángos, Hungarian stew, Cabbage rolls, Paprikash, Hungarian beef stew with red wine
Morocco: Visa-free
Reasons to visit: North African gem, Camel rides in the Sahara, Affordable prices, High value for money
Top cities/Attractions: Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fez, Essaouira, Marrakech
