This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Luca Pferdmenges, a 23-year-old German travel influencer who has visited every country in the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
I had already visited 76 countries by late 2020, when I decided to visit every country in the world. I completed that goal earlier this year, finishing in the beautiful Pacific island of Palau.
When I set out on that goal, hoping to grow my social media following, I was just a 19-year-old circus artist. With the COVID-19 pandemic, live performances stopped, so I had to make the most of the money I had.
I focused first on travelling to places where my money would stretch the furthest.
That’s why I started by spending several weeks in Pakistan. But while street food was incredibly cheap, finding decent accommodation was a different story. In Pakistan, if you want some comfort, you need to pay for a proper hotel.
In contrast, decent and affordable hostels are more widely available in countries with more developed tourism infrastructure, meaning your money goes a lot further.
Nepal
Nepal was one of the best-value countries I visited. Getting there can be expensive depending on where you’re coming from, but it’s extremely cheap once you’re in the country.
Nepal is used to having many visitors, and the tourism infrastructure reflects that. You can sleep in a good hostel for about $5 a night and eat well for just $2.
The ‘Stans’
A lot of the “-stans” are off most people’s radars, although getting to them can sometimes be tricky.
Uzbekistan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There’s a lot to see, especially the ancient cities built along the Silk Road, like Bukhara and Khiva, where the architecture is unique and well-preserved; it feels like stepping into the past.
Kazakhstan is also incredible value for money, especially if you’re into winter sports. You can vacation there for a fraction of what you’d spend somewhere like Switzerland. I would argue that the mountains are just as beautiful.
Hidden gems in Central America
Costa Rica is a beautiful country and one of my favorites, but it has also become very gentrified.
Just one country north, in Nicaragua, you’ll find a much cheaper, similar place. The same goes for El Salvador and Guatemala, which are also cheaper.
I did a two-day hike up an active volcano in Guatemala. It cost about $50 per person and was an unforgettable experience.
Parts of the Balkans
There are lesser-known countries around very touristy places where you’ll get more for your money, and the landscapes and architecture are relatively similar.
Greece’s neighbor, North Macedonia, is cheaper and beautiful. The capital, Skopje, has loads of statues and feels like an open-air museum. While many tourists visit Italy’s lakes during the summer, North Macedonia has Lake Ohrid, which gives you a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.
Montenegro, next to Croatia, is another hidden gem. The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, and the coastline is amazing. The country provides the same Mediterranean coastal charm at a lower price than Greece, Italy, or Spain.
Sri Lanka
One of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had was in Sri Lanka.
Tourism is a big part of the economy there. Everything is very affordable. You can stay in a hostel for around $5 a night, or, if you’re willing to spend about $35, you can treat yourself to a massive hotel room with a bathtub, great service, and a rooftop pool.
But some African countries that aren’t tourism hot spots surprised me — my money didn’t go as far as expected
Some African countries that aren’t tourism hot spots surprised me.
In South Sudan, the meals are very affordable, but a hotel in Juba will likely cost you over $100. In Liberia, the main international airport is far from Monrovia, the capital, and public transport isn’t really an option, so you end up paying for a long, expensive taxi ride.
The Caribbean islands I visited were pricey
Many countries where I felt I didn’t get great value for money when I visited were in the Caribbean Antilles. Places like St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be expensive to reach, especially from Europe, and very pricey once you’ve arrived.
The beaches and parties are nice, but the more exclusive a place is, the more expensive it will be.
The beaches and snorkelling are incredible in the Bahamas. However, I wasn’t blown away by the food, especially if you don’t eat fish. Groceries were also extremely expensive. I ended up living on bagels and peanut butter.
In Mexico, outside the expensive Cancun-Tulum corridor, you can find beaches that are just as nice.
Australia is beautiful, but had a high price tag
Australia is another beautiful country with a high price tag, especially during high season. In Brisbane, I paid more than $50 for a bunk bed in a hostel without a kitchen, meaning I had to eat out every meal.
If you’re traveling on a budget, I’d say skip Australia and go to Sri Lanka instead. You’ll get way more for your money. Both offer surfing, snorkeling, and other beach activities.
One of the biggest lessons I learned: always check accommodation prices before you go.
It sounds obvious, but it can make a huge difference. If you go to a country during its peak months, prices can easily double or triple, and a place that looks budget-friendly can become a very expensive stop.
With careful planning, you’ll be surprised by how far your money can go.
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