Occupying the land bridge that unites South America to North America are seven countries that offer great opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. The first name in Central American destinations is Costa Rica, a country known for its beaches and national parks. Costa Rica has adopted a green strategy for its environment that protects its more than 30 national parks, eight reserves and 52 wildlife refuges. The country is known for its lack of a military and is a safe place for families and solo travelers alike. The infrastructure features an evolving road system that makes public transportation and driving easy. Costa Rica's rich landscape provides the backdrop for a variety of activities, including surfing, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, rafting, biking and Latin nightlife. In 2010, basic travel expenses -- accommodations and dining -- for Costa Rica is just over $17 a day. However, a realistic daily budget -- room, food, activities, transportation -- can range from $35 to $50. Guatemala, which is relatively safe outside of Guatemala City, borders Mexico and offers a natural and cultural experience for the budget traveler. Antiqua, a charming mountain town, offers Spanish Colonial charm for less than $15 a day in 2010. The town is most visited for students of Spanish, as Guatemalans speak slowly and clearly compared to most Latin countries. Belize, while cheap in some parts, is the most expensive Central American country because of its attraction for scuba divers, an expensive activity. Panama and its capital, Panama City, are great budget destinations, with rich culture, excellent food, the Panama Canal and a vibrant nightlife. Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras all have contributions for tourists, but the countries have less stable governments (in 2010).
As Asia unfolds to the southeast, the Himalayas become forest-clad foothills; the Mekong empties into the South China Sea; and the stepping stone islands fade into the Pacific Ocean. Southeast Asia consists of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Most of the areas are safe, well-serviced with tourist amenities and accessible. While some of this region's destinations are expensive -- Bali, Singapore and Phuket, for example -- the majority of Southeast Asia can be visited on a budget of $30 a day as of 2010. Chili-laden street food in Thailand costs $1 for a healthy portion; beach bungalows in Indonesia can be rented for $7 a night; and overnight trips into Vietnam's Ha Long Bay will cost you $35. Some of the highlights in Southeast Asia include the majestic Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, the string of islands in Thailand's Andaman Sea, the docile Mekong Valley town of Luang Prabang in Laos and Borneo's orangutans. While traveling the area, staying at guest houses instead of hotels, eating from street-side stalls and taking public transportation will cleave the budget. Southeast Asia's regional airlines are cheap and run regular schedules to most tourist destinations. In 2010, a budget between $20 to $40 a day should suffice for most countries in Southeast Asia.
While Western Europe gets all the attention, Eastern Europe is struggling to be push-pinned on tourists' maps, which isn't necessarily bad for those traveling on a budget. Eastern Europe offers the historical significance without the significant prices. Hostels and budget hotels are prevalent around most of Eastern Europe; the food is less expensive than in its Western counterparts; and tourist attractions are usually less crowded. The most popular destination in Eastern Europe is the Czech Republic and its capital Prague. While you could expect a daily budget of $90 in England, the Czech Republic can be done for less than $50, as of 2010. Prague offers arguably the best nightlife in Europe, a variety of restaurants, medieval castles, historic churches, music festivals and an abundance of arts. Poland, while not a major tourist spot, offers historical sites such as Auschwitz. Split, a seaside city in Croatia, provides relics from the great Greek empire. Transylvania, Romania, Belarus, Hungary, Lithuania and Bulgaria all offer affordable destinations with 2010 daily budgets less than $50. Hostels are the cheapest way to stay overnight, but compared to Western Europe, many hotels are cheap and decent. Restaurants are value-priced, and street vendors always provide edible fare for low prices. All of East Europe's major cities are connected by rail, and European airlines offer cheap flights between locations, making most regions accessible.
