Traveling doesn’t have to cost you your mortgage. In fact, cheap traveling is actually on trend right now as the world disposes of its 2020 remains and the nomadic lifestyle takes hold. There are many cheap countries reopening for domestic and international travel that you might not have even considered. Here is a list of five places you should definitely visit if you love to travel and you’re on a budget.

1. Central America

Go and visit the smaller countries like El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. You’ll find accommodations for ridiculously cheap prices (we’re talking $15 a night). During the day you can visit ancient ruins, take a wild hike through the jungle, and nosh on tasty local eats with most meals under $3. Talk about a cheap and tasty vacation with zero travel stress. Even if you’ve eaten authentic grub from a diverse place like Los Angeles, you haven’t had Guatemalan baked goods or Salvadorian seafood until you’ve actually been to Guatemala and El Salvador. Trust us.

Before hopping on a plane, consider the cheap flights that work the best with your budget and learn the basics of exploring a new city. Many of these travel suggestions require a lot of research beforehand so you can get to know the lay of the land before setting out. Take your time and really think hard about what you’re looking for in your travel destination and if your budget allows you to cultivate that.

2. China

China is a considerably cheap place to travel if you stay out of the major cities. You can find rooms for under $20 a night and public transportation is under a buck. If you decide to venture towards the country’s main attractions, you can still find cheap hostels and other accommodations along the way. Thinking of staying long-term or moving for work? Read up on these tips for relocating to China.

3. Portugal

As one of the top US expat destinations, Portugal offers everything from local culture to beautiful beaches and buzzling cities, and all at bargain rates. The US expat population ranges in age, but most newcomers are in their retirement years. I mean it makes sense, right? Tropical paradise and cheap daily living? Sign me up. Even though it’s gotten overcrowded in some parts over the past few years, it’s still much cheaper than many other beachy and cultural destinations around the world. Dig-in to some amazing cuisine and watch the sunset as the palm trees sway. Retiring in Portugal sounds like paradise to me.

4. Australia

How’s life down under? Pretty great, and pretty cheap too, if you know what you’re doing. Australia is usually considered to be a crazy expensive place to live, but, if you’re open to couch surfing, keeping groceries cheap, and backpacking your way around, you’ll end up saving more money than you ever thought possible while exploring the Sydney Opera House. You might even meet a koala along the way. Oh, and an added bonus: Australia has become much cheaper since the recent 20% drop of its dollar. Hooray for affordability!

5. Thailand

On a backpacker’s budget, you can explore all of the sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and authentic street eats that this piece of tropical paradise has to offer, and on as little as $30 a day if you can believe it! There are also many amazing cultural attributes that make Thailand a special favorite for many world travelers. Whether it’s good eats, traditional self-care treatments, a spiritual Buddhist awakening, or the sight of a free and wild elephant, Thailand has something incredibly magical in store for you!

There are endless opportunities for cheap and affordable travel destinations today. If you’re dedicated, strategic, and willing to work a bit harder to see the many amazing places the world has to offer, you’ll soon be well on your way to the travel adventures of your dreams.