Travelling is an enriching experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime. However, the cost of travel can be a major deterrent for many South Africans.
In this article, we explore the cheapest countries to visit from South Africa in 2027, so you can enjoy an affordable holiday without compromising on the experience. And if you'd rather skip the flight altogether, our best weekend getaways near Cape Town and best glamping spots in the Western Cape make great short breaks closer to home.
A note on prices: the amounts below are rough estimates in rand for budget to mid-range options. They shift with exchange rates, seasons and flight prices, so check current rates and visa rules before you book. Last reviewed in October 2026.
12 cheapest countries to visit from South Africa in 2027
Factors that determine the cost of travel
Before we dive in, it helps to understand what drives the cost of a trip:
Exchange rate: the value of the rand against the destination's currency
Airfare: the cost of flights to and from the destination
Accommodation: the cost of lodging during the trip
Food and drink: the cost of meals and drinks
Activities: the cost of sightseeing, tours and other experiences
Vietnam
Southeast AsiaAre you a South African adventurer looking for a destination that blends rich history, stunning landscapes and budget-friendly experiences? Look no further than Vietnam. This Southeast Asian gem has become increasingly popular with travellers worldwide, and for South Africans it is an incredible opportunity to explore without breaking the bank.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit is affordability. The cost of living is low, which makes Vietnam ideal for budget-conscious travellers. From accommodation to dining and entertainment, your rand stretches much further here than in many other destinations.
Ha Long Bay: Immerse yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. A cruise through this natural wonder is a must.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Step back in time on the lantern-lit streets of this well-preserved town, with its historic architecture and vibrant night market.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Experience the hustle and bustle of a dynamic metropolis that blends modernity with history. Visit the War Remnants Museum and dive into the city's lively street food scene.
Hue Imperial City: Delve into Vietnam's imperial history in this UNESCO-listed city, where ornate palaces and temples offer a glimpse of the country's royal past.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Vietnam on Booking.com.
Turkey
Western Asia and Southeastern EuropeTurkey is known for its rich history, diverse culture and beautiful landscapes. It is often one of the cheapest places to visit from South Africa: prices are lower than in most of Europe, and the visa process is usually simple (check the current requirements before you book). Here is why it is worth a look:
History and culture: Turkey is home to ancient ruins, medieval castles and Ottoman palaces. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations and underground cities.
Beaches: The long coastline along the Mediterranean and Aegean seas is dotted with beautiful beaches and resorts. Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water, enjoy local seafood, and even take a ferry ride to see Greece.
Food: Turkish cuisine is famous for kebabs, meze (appetisers), baklava (a sweet pastry) and Turkish delight, which is much better than anything you will find in a shop back home.
Shopping: Look out for traditional ceramics, textiles and jewellery at local markets and bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
Istanbul: In the northwest, Turkey's largest city is known for its rich history and cultural attractions.
Cappadocia: In central Turkey, famous for its rock formations, underground cities and hot air balloon rides.
Antalya: A popular beach destination on the Mediterranean coast, with ancient ruins such as the Aspendos amphitheatre.
Bodrum: A beach destination on the Aegean coast, known for its medieval castle and nightlife.
Ephesus: An ancient city in western Turkey with well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Turkey on Booking.com.
Thailand
Southeast AsiaThailand is known for its beautiful beaches, Full Moon parties, delicious food and friendly locals. Here is why it makes the list:
Beaches: Thailand's long coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Relax on the sand, swim and snorkel in clear water, and enjoy fresh local seafood.
History and culture: Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
Food and drink: Thai cuisine is known for its curries, noodles and stir-fries. You will save money by eating street food. Imported alcohol is expensive, but the local beer is cheap. I had a coconut every day while I was there too.
Shopping: Pick up silk, handicrafts and jewellery at local markets such as the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
Visas: Thailand is visa-free for South Africans. The permitted stay for tourism has changed in recent years, so check the current limit before you book.
Bangkok: The capital and largest city, in central Thailand, is known for its nightlife, culture and shopping.
Phuket: The country's largest island, in the south, has beautiful beaches, clear water and luxury resorts.
Chiang Mai: A northern city known for its temples, markets and cultural attractions.
Koh Samui: A tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand with beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and water sports.
Krabi: A southern province known for its beaches and islands, including the Phi Phi Islands.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Thailand on Booking.com.
India
South AsiaIndia is a large and diverse country, known for its ancient history, beautiful landscapes, diverse population and crazy parties in Goa. Here is why it is worth the trip:
History and culture: India's culture goes back thousands of years. Visit the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the temples and palaces of Rajasthan.
Landscapes: From mountain ranges, forests and deserts to the coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, India has it all. Its national parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Food: Indian cuisine is famous for its curries, naan bread and chai.
Shopping: Look for textiles and jewellery in local markets and bazaars, such as those in Jaipur and Varanasi.
Delhi: In the north, the capital is known for attractions such as the Red Fort and the Lotus Temple.
Agra: Also in the north, Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Mumbai: On the west coast, India's largest city is known for its vibrant culture, beaches and shopping.
Jaipur: The capital of Rajasthan, in the north, is known for its palaces, temples and handicrafts.
Goa: A state in the west, known for its beautiful beaches and Portuguese colonial architecture.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in India on Booking.com.
Sri Lanka
South AsiaSri Lanka is a small island country just off the southern tip of India, known for its natural beauty and beaches. Here is why it makes the list:
History and culture: Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic influences all shape the culture. Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the Sigiriya rock fortress and the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Beaches: The long coastline on the Indian Ocean has many beautiful beaches. My favourite is Hiriketiya on the south coast.
Food and drink: Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its curries, rice and curry, and roti bread. You also need to try arrack, a local coconut whisky that is delicious and cheap.
Shopping: Look for textiles and jewellery in local markets, such as those in Colombo and Kandy.
Colombo: On the west coast, the capital and largest city is known for its cultural attractions and shopping.
Kandy: In the central highlands, known for the Temple of the Tooth, cultural attractions and beautiful lakes.
Galle: On the southern coast, known for its beaches, colonial architecture and Dutch fort.
Nuwara Eliya: In the central highlands, known for its tea plantations and colonial-style buildings.
Ella: A small town in the central highlands with beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and mountains, and a popular spot for hiking.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Sri Lanka on Booking.com.
Poland
Central EuropePoland is known for its beautiful cities, historical castles, hospitable people and more. Note that you will need a Schengen visa as a South African, so factor that into your budget. Here is why it makes the list:
History and culture: Poland has a rich history and many historical sites, such as Wawel Castle in Krakow, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Gdansk shipyard, where the Solidarity movement began.
Landscapes: Mountains, forests, lakes and coastline: the country is known for its national parks, including the Tatra Mountains and the Białowieża Forest, and its picturesque cities, such as Krakow and Wrocław.
Food and drink: Polish cuisine is known for pierogi (stuffed dumplings), kielbasa (sausage) and kotlet schabowy (pork cutlet). There is a ton of good vodka too.
Krakow: In the south, Poland's second-largest city is known for its beautiful old town, Wawel Castle and cultural attractions.
Warsaw: The capital and largest city, in the centre of the country, is known for its historical sites, culture and shopping.
Gdansk: A city on the Baltic Sea in the north, known for its old town and history.
Wrocław: In the southwest, known for its old town, cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Zakopane: A town in the Tatra Mountains in the south, known for skiing, hiking and outdoor recreation.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Poland on Booking.com.
Portugal
Southwestern EuropePortugal sits on the Iberian Peninsula and is known for its beautiful beaches, port wine and delicious food. You will need a Schengen visa as a South African. Here is why it makes the list:
Beaches: The long Atlantic coastline is home to many beautiful beaches and resorts. It is also why so many people are immigrating here.
History and culture: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the Castelo de São Jorge and the Douro Valley, known for its wine production.
Food and drink: Portuguese cuisine is known for pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (dried cod) and caldo verde (green soup). The country also has a number of wineries, producing both red and white wines.
Shopping: Look for ceramics, textiles and jewellery at local markets, such as the Feira da Ladra in Lisbon.
Lisbon: In the west, the capital and largest city is known for its cultural attractions, beautiful old town and nightlife.
Porto: In the north, known for its old town, the Douro Valley wine region and cultural attractions.
Algarve: A region in the south known for its beaches, golf courses and luxury resorts.
Sintra: A town near Lisbon known for its castles and palaces, including the Pena Palace.
Coimbra: A city in central Portugal known for its old town, university and cultural attractions.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Portugal on Booking.com.
Hungary
Central EuropeHungary is known for its beautiful capital, Budapest, as well as hot springs, spa towns and more. As a South African you will need a Schengen visa. Here is why it makes the list:
History and culture: Visit Buda Castle and the Parliament Building in Budapest, and the Esterházy Palace in Fertőd.
Landscapes: Hungary has mountains, forests, lakes and thermal baths. It is known for national parks such as Hörtöbágy and Danube-Ipoly, and for picturesque cities such as Budapest and Szeged.
Food and drink: Hungarian cuisine is known for goulash, chicken paprikash and strudel. The country also has a number of wineries, producing both red and white wines.
Budapest: In the centre of the country, the capital and largest city is known for its cultural attractions, beautiful old town and thermal baths. I visited after MoDem Festival and it was beautiful.
Lake Balaton: In the west, this is the largest lake in Central Europe, known for its beaches, water sports and wine region.
Eger: In the north, known for its old town, castle and thermal baths.
Szeged: In the south, known for its old town, cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Pécs: In the south, known for its old town, cultural attractions and thermal baths.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Hungary on Booking.com.
Croatia
Southeastern EuropeCroatia is known for its pebbled beaches, waterfalls, islands and more. As a South African you will need a Schengen visa, and Croatia now uses the euro. Here is why it makes the list:
Beaches: The long coastline along the Adriatic Sea is home to many beautiful beaches and resorts.
History and culture: Walk the Dubrovnik city walls, explore Plitvice Lakes National Park and wander the ancient city of Split.
Food: Croatian cuisine is known for cevapi (grilled minced meat), pasticada (beef stew) and strudel.
Dubrovnik: In the south, known for its old town, city walls and cultural attractions.
Split: In the central part of the country, known for its old town and Diocletian's Palace.
Zagreb: In the north, the capital and largest city is known for its cultural attractions, old town and outdoor recreation.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Croatia, known for its lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails.
Hvar: An island in the south known for its beaches, crystal-clear water and luxury resorts.
Rovinj: A city in the northwest known for its old town, beaches and cultural attractions.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Croatia on Booking.com.
Laos
Southeast AsiaLaos neighbours Thailand, China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. Here is why it makes the list:
Cultural attractions: Laos has a rich culture and history, with a mix of Buddhist and animist influences. Visit the That Luang Stupa in Vientiane, the Wat Phu temple complex and the Plain of Jars.
Scenic beauty: Mountains, forests and rivers make up the landscape. The country is known for national parks such as the Nam Ha National Protected Area, and for picturesque cities such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Adventure sports: Laos is a great destination for rafting, kayaking and rock climbing, with a number of outdoor recreation areas to choose from.
Food and drink: Lao cuisine is known for laap (minced meat salad), tam mak hung (green papaya salad) and khao piak (noodle soup). The country also has a number of breweries, producing both lagers and ales.
Shopping: Look for textiles, ceramics and silver jewellery at local markets, such as the Morning Market in Vientiane.
Vientiane: In the central part of the country, the capital and largest city is known for its cultural attractions, old town and shopping.
Luang Prabang: In the north, known for its old town, cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Vang Vieng: A town in the central part of the country known for its landscapes, caves and outdoor recreation.
Savannakhet: In the south, known for its old town, cultural attractions and outdoor recreation.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Laos on Booking.com.
Namibia
Southern AfricaNamibia is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, including the Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon and Etosha National Park. The Namibian dollar is pegged to the rand at 1:1, so your money goes just as far as it does at home. Accommodation and food are reasonably priced, making Namibia a great destination for budget-conscious travellers.
Culture: One of the best cultural attractions is the Himba people, known for their traditional way of life and distinctive appearance, with red ochre rubbed on their skin and hair. You can visit Himba villages to learn more about their customs and beliefs.
Adventure: Sandboarding is one of the most popular adventure sports. Try it on the dunes near Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. There are also opportunities for quad biking, hot air balloon rides and skydiving.
Food: Namibian cuisine is a fusion of African, German and South African influences. Popular dishes include game meat, such as kudu or springbok, and kapana, grilled meat served with chilli sauce. Adventurous eaters can try mopane worms, a traditional snack.
Souvenirs: The Himba people make beautiful handmade crafts, such as jewellery and pottery. You can also buy locally made textiles, such as colourful baskets and woven rugs.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Namibia on Booking.com.
Mozambique
Southern AfricaMozambique is a coastal country known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Check the current exchange rate before you go. Accommodation and food can be pricey in some areas, but there are plenty of affordable options.
Culture: The Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once an important trading centre for Arab and Portuguese traders. Visit the fort, the museum and the old town to learn more about its history.
Beaches and wildlife: Mozambique is known for its stunning beaches and clear turquoise water. Some of the best places to visit are Tofo Beach, Vilankulo Beach and the Bazaruto Archipelago. You can also go on safari in Gorongosa National Park to see elephants, lions and other wildlife.
Adventure: It is a great destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, with some of the best coral reefs in the world. You can also try kayaking, fishing or kiteboarding.
Food: The cuisine is a fusion of African, Portuguese and Indian influences. One of the most popular dishes is peri-peri chicken, marinated in a spicy sauce made from chillies and herbs (think Nando's style). You can also try matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and peanuts.
Souvenirs: Mozambique is known for colourful fabrics, such as capulana, which is worn as a wraparound skirt or headscarf. You can also buy handmade wooden carvings, such as masks or figurines.
Where to stay: Browse places to stay in Mozambique on Booking.com.
How to offset your carbon footprint
Air travel keeps setting new records each year, and aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions. Many of us budget for the financial cost of a holiday, so it is worth asking what it costs the planet too.
Fly smarter: Flights are the main source of carbon emissions in your holiday footprint. Skip printing your ticket and use an e-ticket when checking in. Avoid unnecessary layovers and book direct. It might cost a bit more, but it is more pleasant.
Travel for longer, less often: If you can, extend the length of your trips and take fewer holidays a year.
Pack light: People often pack more than they need, adding to the plane's fuel usage.
Choose the ground over the air: If you can, drive, use public transport or walk. A local break, such as one of our weekend getaways near Cape Town, keeps flights out of the picture entirely. If you have to fly, offset your emissions by donating to a project in your region, such as tree planting, solar or wind farms, forest protection, or sustainable cooking appliances for developing countries.
Say no to straws: Straws are one of the most avoidable single-use plastics. Simply ask for your drink without one, or consider a reusable stainless steel or bamboo straw.
Refuse plastic souvenir bags: It is fun buying things on holiday, but they are usually heavily wrapped in plastic. Use your own backpack or handbag to carry your souvenirs.
Reuse plastic water bottles: In some countries the tap water is not drinkable, so you cannot avoid bottled water. Buy bigger bottles and decant them, and ask your accommodation to refill your bottles. Always recycle your plastic bottles before you leave.
Reuse plastic toiletries: Small travel bottles are handy for shampoo and shower gel. Keep reusing them for all your trips.
Reuse your tent: If you are attending a music festival, do not leave your tent behind. Making a typical 3.5 kg tent emits as much as 25 kg of carbon dioxide and uses the equivalent of around 8,750 straws in plastic. If you will not use it again, donate it to someone in need.
Use eco-friendly sun cream: Many sun creams contain oxybenzone, which contributes to coral bleaching and is toxic to other marine life. Eco-friendly alternatives will protect your skin without harming the environment.
