This article is reviewed regularly by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated January 2024
It’s a great feeling to be bitten by the travel bug, but it can also be pricey. Globetrotting is the fantasy of a lot of people. They may be discouraged from making it a reality, unfortunately, because travel is always perceived to be costly. How will you see the world in your budget without burning a hole? Is flying on a budget possible?
Travelling cheap can be pretty challenging. Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you by putting together a handy list of must-visit countries from the UAE if you are looking to travel on a budget.
12 Cheapest Countries You Can Travel to From UAE In 2024
Georgia
Georgia, the transcontinental paradise located between Europe and Asia, is a treasure trove for adventure seekers and leisure travellers alike. The stunning landscape, decked with pristine lakes, ancient monuments, picturesque little villages and alluring mountain ranges, are must-visit gems in this beautiful country.
How to reach: Georgia is sought after by Emiratis for its extremely low airfares. The round-trip flight from the UAE to Georgia starts as low as AED 1257 and can go over AED 2060, depending on the flight class and seats.
Where to stay?: Decent hotel rooms for a single night will cost you as little as AED 30.
What to do?: Mountain trekking, street gazing, sightseeing, bus tours, wine tasting.
What to see?: Batumi Botanical Gardens, Lake Rica, Batumi Dolphinarium, Batumi Boulevard, Aerial Tramway (Tblisi), Old Town (Altstadt), Monument Al and Nico.
What to eat?: Georgian cuisine is versatile and underrated, and notable ones include khachapuri (cheese-stuffed bread), khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and qababi (kebabs). A typical meal in the capital city of Tiblisi would cost you AED 19. Make sure to visit Mafshalia and Racha Tavern to indulge in yummy but budget-friendly cuisine options.
Suggested duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: LESS THAN AED 4,000
Armenia
Armenia is a country where cuisine, culture, history and modernity intertwine together to create a fine blend of unforgettable memories. Armenia is just a few hours away from the UAE, with amazing budget-friendly options for tourists.
How to reach?: The round-trip flights to Armenia from the UAE begins at around AED 427 if planned a month in advance.
Where to stay?: You can find a decent budget hotel room for about AED 62 to AED 85 per night.
What to do?: Sightseeing, Cultural Tour, Wildlife Tours, Boating
What to see?: Armenian Genocide Museum, Cafesjian Center for Arts, Matenadaran, Yerevan Brandy Factory, Vernissage Market
What to eat?: Drenched in flavour yet easily affordable Armenian food is loved by all. Dolma and topik are must-have Armenian dishes. The traditional fast-food joint Zhinglyanov Hats is a popular budget restaurant, suitable for everyone looking to enjoy the best of Armenian cuisine on a budget.
Suggested duration: 5 days 4 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 3,300
Jordan
Jordan’s generosity and hospitality are simply boundless—since ancient times, the land has always been welcoming to countless strangers and visitors. As such, not even the pandemic can stop you from paying your respect to Jordan’s ancient rock city of Petra.
How to reach?: Catch a flight from UAE to Jordan at just AED 500 onwards.
Where to stay?: Decent hotels will cost around AED 50 per night.
What to do?: Cultural Tours, Local Sightseeing, Beach trips, Swimming, Hot air balloons, Hiking
What to see? Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Karak Castle, Dana Nature Reserve, Ruins at Umm Qais
What to eat? For a normal 2 course meal, you will spend AED 26 to AED 36 per person. Check out Hashem Restaurant and Alquds for popular yet budget meals.
Suggested duration: 6 days 5 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: Approx. AED 3,900
India
With its snow-clad mountains, numerous hill stations, the great Indian Thar Desert, pristine beaches, and coastal beauties, India offers a plethora of different and unique experiences to tourists all year round.
How to reach?: Cheap flights are operated by several airlines on a regular basis to India. Depending on your city of arrival, an economy-class flight ticket from the UAE to India would cost you anywhere between AED 912 to AED 1218.
Where to stay?: Most budget hotels charge AED 50 per night. This rate will go up according to the location or ratings of the hotel.
What to do?: Cultural Tours, Hiking, Animal Watching, Temple Visits
What to see? Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Red Fort, Goa, Leh-Ladakh, Kerala, Coorg, Rishikesh, Shimla
What to eat? You will get to spend around AED 26 to AED 36 per person. Check out small cafes and mobile restaurants that serve food for AED 5 or less.
Suggested duration: 7 days 8 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 4,000.
Sri Lanka
Pristine beaches, preserved natural beauty, and a festive culture awaits travellers in Sri Lanka. The island is wildly popular for its abundant, diverse wildlife, not just in the forests but in its oceans as well. Explore the country’s rich heritage and take home memories of the golden past of Sri Lanka.
How to reach?: Cheap flights are operated by several airlines on a regular basis to Sri Lanka. Depending on your city of arrival, an economy-class flight ticket from the UAE to Sri Lanka would cost you around AED 658 to 1,372.
Where to stay?: A decent hotel in Sri Lanka will cost you AED 25 per night. This rate will go up according to the location or ratings of the hotel.
What to do?: Cultural Tours, Hiking, Island-hopping, Wildlife viewing, Sight-seeing, Attending festivals
What to see? Anuradhapura, Sigirya, Kandy, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
What to eat? You will need to spend at least around AED 20 per person per day.
Suggested duration: 2 weeks
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 2,500
Morocco
Morocco is well-known for its fantastic city getaways, that will provide you with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. It is also known for its market’s best-selling items including jewellery, rugs, leather goods, and engraved teapots. On your trip, you can also acquire genuine and unique items that will light up your home.
How to reach?: Cheap flights are operated by several airlines on a regular basis to Morocco. Depending on your city of arrival, an economy-class flight ticket from the UAE to Morocco would cost you around AED 2,590.
Where to stay?: A decent hotel in Morroco will cost you AED 40 per night. This rate will go up according to the location or ratings of the hotel.
What to do?: Cultural Tours, City breaks, Hiking, Shopping, Camel rides
What to see? Marrakesh, Medina in Fes, Jebel Toubkal, Erg Chebbi, Blue Alleys of Chefchaouen
What to eat? You will get to spend around AED 19,75 to AED 49,20 per person.
Suggested duration: 7 days 8 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 3,300
Nepal
How to reach?: Cheap flights are operated by several airlines on a regular basis to Nepal. Depending on your city of arrival, an economy-class flight ticket from the UAE to Nepal would cost you around AED 1270.
Where to stay?: A decent hotel in Nepal will cost you AED 10 per night. This rate will go up according to the location or ratings of the hotel.
What to do? Cultural tours, sightseeing, hiking, and shopping
What to see? Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square
What to eat? Daal Bhat Tarkari, Momo, Chatamari, Dheedo
Suggested duration: Three to four weeks
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 6,400
Turkey
Turkey- the fairytale land with ornate chapels and green hills, turquoise lagoons and beaches, lively resorts and quaint little villages is once again welcoming Emirati travellers back into the country.
How to reach?: Multiple flights from the UAE to Turkey are available every day, and it could cost you around AED 890.
Where to stay?: you can get a decent hotel around AED 46 per night.
What to do?: Heritage Tours, Religious Visits, Art and Culture Tours.
What to see?: Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya), Ephesus, Cappadocia, Topkapı Palace and the white cascade travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
What to eat?: AED 40 to AED 50 depending on the place you choose to dine.
Suggested duration: 6-7 days
TOTAL EXPENSE: UNDER AED 3,800
Cyprus
Nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus has clear, blue expanses of beaches and several monuments of artistic importance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love.
How to reach?: A round trip to Cyprus from the UAE will cost you around AED 1,445.
Where to stay?: You will get a decent room for AED 100 per night.
What to do?: Cultural Tourism, Beach Visits, Water Activities, Wine Tasting, Hiking and Rock Climbing.
What to see?: Kourion, Larnaca, Karpas Peninsula, Kolossi Castle, Cape Greco, Troodos Mountains.
What to eat?: Most budget-friendly food options in Cyprus is priced at AED 17 to AED 27.
Suggested duration: 5 days 4 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: AROUND AED 4,000
Oman
UAE’s neighbour is one to reckon with when it comes to selecting a country for your international trip. Oman shares historical and geographical similarities to the Emirates and there is a significant cultural pull for visitors from the UAE. It surely surpasses the expectations of every visitor with its grand mosques, spectacular mountain views, vibrant souks and white-sand beaches.
How to reach?: A round trip to Oman from the UAE will cost you around AED 977.
Where to stay?: You will get a decent room for AED 90 to AED 110 per night.
What to do?: Cultural Tourism, Beach Visits, Desert Safari and Stays, Fort Tours, Hiking and Rock Climbing.
What to see?: Muttrah Souq, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Khasab Beach, Al Qurum Beach, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Wadi Bani Khalid, Nakhal Fort, Nizwa Fort, Jibreen Castle.
What to eat?: Dining is a bit costly in Oman. A decent meal will cost you around AED 72. Fast food and street food options are considerably cheaper than sit-down restaurants.
Suggested duration: 5 days 4 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: AROUND AED 4,800
Egypt
Egypt is a land of wonder defined by captivating desert landscapes, towering pyramids, and the enchanting Nile river among many others.
How to reach?: Round-trip fare to Egypt from the UAE is around AED 1128.
Where to stay?: It will cost you around AED 25 per night to stay at a decent hotel.
What to do?: Local Shopping, Market Tour, Sightseeing, Desert safari, River cruising.
What to see?: Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Nile cruising.
What to eat?: Arabian delights such as the falafel and shawarma are must-haves. Meals are available from AED 30 to AED 50.
Suggested duration: A week would be good!
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 5,000
Kenya
Head towards Kenya for a truly green nature retreat, where you can roam around with wild animals during the day as part of the stunning wildlife safaris and relax under the starlit skies during the night.
How to reach?: If you take a flight from the UAE to Kenya, it would cost you AED 1,315.
Where to stay?: You can get hotels ranging from AED 57 per night.
What to do?: Nature tourism, wildlife safari, cultural visits, leisure tours, water sports, star gazing, Bird watching.
What to see?: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Reserve, Tsavo National Park, Lamu Island, Lake Naivasha.
What to eat?: Anywhere between AED 34 and above. Nayam Choma (meat slow-cooked in hot coal) and roasted Makhai (roasted maize) are must-try.
Suggested duration: 6 Days 7 nights
TOTAL EXPENSE: APPROX. AED 4,000
