I've traversed all the nations across the globe.
Twenty-three-year-old German travel influencer Luca Pferdmenges has made headlines for visiting every country in the world, and now he shares his top recommendations for affordable destinations. Pferdmenges suggests exploring countries bordering popular tourist hotspots, such as North Macedonia, which offers a blend of history and culture at a low cost.
After setting the goal of visiting every country in the world at the age of 19, Pferdmenges, a former circus artist, embarked on a journey that would lead him to over 76 countries by the end of 2020. His travels took him to Pakistan, where he found street food to be incredibly cheap, but accommodation costs were high. Good and affordable hostels, he noted, are more common in countries with better-developed tourist infrastructure.
One of the top countries with the best value for money Pferdmenges visited was Nepal. The country is accustomed to hosting many visitors, and its tourist infrastructure reflects this. Hostels can be found for around four euros a night, and meals can be had for just two euros.
Marking "[The Stans]" as an underrated destination, Pferdmenges highlighted Uzbekistan, a country known for its stunning architecture along the Silk Road. Kazakhstan also offers excellent value for winter sports enthusiasts, with the mountains being just as beautiful as those in Switzerland but at a fraction of the cost.
Pferdmenges also recommends Central American hidden gems like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala for their relative affordability. He particularly enjoyed a two-day hike up an active volcano in Guatemala for around 45 euros per person.
In the Balkans, North Macedonia and Montenegro offer more affordable alternatives to Italy, Greece, and Spain. While many tourists flock to Italy's lakes or the Greek Islands, North Macedonia's Lake Ohrid offers a similar picturesque experience at a lower cost.
Sri Lanka is another affordable gem, with everything from accommodations to meals being budget-friendly. The country's tourism industry is a significant part of its economy, offering travelers a chance to enjoy luxuries at a fraction of the cost of other destinations.
Pferdmenges' advice for those seeking affordable international travel is to research accommodation prices beforehand, as peak season can double or even triple prices, and some countries can appear affordable but end up being expensive. With careful planning, he says, travelers can be surprised by how far their money can stretch.
While specific destinations weren't mentioned, other countries often recommended for budget-conscious travelers include Southeast Asia (like Thailand and Vietnam) and South America (such as Peru and Bolivia).
In closing, Pferdmenges' journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking adventure and a way to stretch their travel budgets, offering a wealth of options beyond the traditional tourist hotspots.
What about including sustainable living and home-and-garden practices in our travel itinerary for a more enriching experience? For instance, visiting eco-friendly farmstays or volunteering at community gardens in countries like Costa Rica or Nepal could provide a unique insight into local lifestyles while promoting sustainable practices.
Adventure-travel enthusiasts might also consider 'The Stans', such as Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, not only for their Silk Road architecture but also for their opportunities for off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as horseback riding tours or treks in the mountains.
Lastly, for those seeking a budget-travel adventure with a dash of history and culture, the underestimated Balkan region offers attractive destinations like North Macedonia and Montenegro, providing a similar atmosphere to popular European hotspots at a more affordable price.
