Dan

I won't limit this question to Europe specifically, although I know some people will want to stay in the confines of this board... <BR><BR>BUT, in your experiences, where do you feel the least expensive places to visit are located? [And by that, I mean to actually BE there, not to Get there-- accomodations, food, goods, etc] ...Along the same line of thought-- and this may or may not be the same answer as before-- What places offer the best Value for their lower costs?<BR><BR>I ask this question because in planning a backpacking trip, I've been reading up on Nepal, where accommodations can be had for as little as a dollar or two, and a nicer place can cost just $10. Since I'll be spanning the globe, what other places may be like this?

nospam

Does backpacking include a tent? Can't you pitch a tent a lot of places for free?<BR>

dan

No... That's camping. Backpacking will involve staying in hostels, lodges, homes, etc. No tent, no sleeping bag.<BR><BR>But all that is beside the point... I'm not asking where I could stay somewhere cheapest; I asked what places simple ARE cheapest in terms of how much money you spend when you go-- When I leave for other countries, my dollar will go a lot further in Nepal, for instance, than in Japan or Switzerland... part of this is because it's just expensive in other places, part of it is because the country's economy is constantly devalued by inflation, so my Dollar is worth more, therefore going a lot further.

c

My son did a trip to Nepal and then on to Bangkok..you have seen the prices in Nepal..it is true~you can do so much,eat well and stay in a decent place for very little.In Thailand he had a nice room without a/c for something like $7.00 but then it got too noisy so he went to an air conditioned hotel, I think that one cost about $12.00 no kidding, he was constantly amazed at the prices! Now he is in Japan and unfortunately, he is amazed for different reasons.

julie

It's not the cheapest in the world, but it is in Europe and to an American, prices are absolutely unbelieveable--Romania. A beautiful country we visited last spring. Rooms averaged between $12-$35 a night. Had many meals for around $5. We arranged a homestay for 3 nights in a rural area that is promoting cultural tourism and really felt guilty when the price was $15 a person a day for a room (with private bath) with breakfast and dinner. Our host charged $20 a day (not including transportation) for all day guide services. We felt guilty about how little we were paying but also realised we were bringing in a much needed influx of tourist dollars to a country where the average teacher makes $40-$80 a month.

Czech Mate

i haven't been in a couple of years, but the czech republic was very inexpensive with my dollar, i got beers for less than a buck and a place to sleep for much less than i would have expected.

sam

If you won't limit it to Europe, try Africa. When I went there in college (it was a while ago, but still valid I'm sure) I could travel from place to place very cheap. Of course, those were my hippie, non-materialistic days, but if Nepal is where you'd like to go, I bet you could handle some of the other less 'Euro-cultured' places.

sam

If you won't limit it to Europe, try Africa. When I went there in college (it was a while ago, but still valid I'm sure) I could travel from place to place very cheap. Of course, those were my hippie, non-materialistic days, but if Nepal is where you'd like to go, I bet you could handle some of the other less 'Euro-cultured' places.<BR><BR>And on a related note, I can't help with Europe. I haven't been to Europe this year. Has the Euro changed the 'great deals' that once existed? Anyone?

Deb

Dan, a second vote for the Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov has a lot of hostels for such a small town and is beautiful, even Prague was very inexpensive.

HerPimp

yo mama's.

Art

The best meal I had in Romania was in the house where Dracula was born and was about $3.50. Included soup, entree desert and a glass of wine. Internet cafe's charged 33 cents per hour. You can stay in some aareas for under $10/night.<BR><BR>

Kathy

Guatemala, Peru, India, Turkey, Bali, Nepal, Czech Republic are all inexpensive.

j

Sahara desert is cheap

jc

China,so far to me. Just came back from a 3 weeks trip on Silk Road.<BR><BR>$1 for a decent meal,15 cent for a bus ride, less than $10 for a room.

wow

wow,a dollar for a decent meal.<BR>

John G

Some of the places I have been that were very cheap: India, Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, and Greece.<BR><BR>In Jaipur, I had a manicure and a pedicure for $3, and this was at a luxury salon. Also, a man carried all my luggage through Indira Gandhi Airport in ND for $1. Even having your laundry done at the Oberoi will only set you back $5 for three items.<BR><BR>Sri Lanka is the same. I stayed at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo and thought nothing of having my shirts pressed by the valet before I went to dinner; it was ridiculously cheap. A car with private driver is $15 for 2 hours.<BR><BR>Nepal is very cheap for food. Yes, $1 will buy you an edible meal.<BR><BR>And you can practically take a cab across Athens for a few dollars. Food is also cheap in Athens if you stay away from the Plaka. My friends, Heather and Joyce, and I ate at many places for $12.<BR><BR>I am leaving for Thailand and Cambodia in July, and Im sure (from what I have read) that I will also come across many bargains.

jc

Did I mention $15 for a 10 hours train ride on Silk Road?