World's Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel

Looking to travel without breaking the bank? Tim Leffel gives us the inside scoop on the cheapest destinations for 2025, insight on making the most of your adventures without overspending, and tips for traveling Europe on a budget.

Tim Leffel is an award-winning travel writer and author of The World's Cheapest Destinations (currently in its fifth edition) and A Better Life for Half the Price, a guide to cutting your expenses in half by living abroad. With years of experience living abroad and now living in Mexico, Tim has been covering destinations around the world and helping people move abroad for over three decades.

Tim's expert insights provide a practical guide for choosing affordable destinations, plus valuable tips and hacks for stretching your budget while still experiencing all that a destination has to offer.

What country from this episode would you want to visit or live in? I'd love to hear where you’re most excited about, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

• The key factors that make some countries more affordable than others
• What two “golden opportunity” destinations you should take advantage of before it’s too late
• Which South American countries remain top budget-friendly picks
• A Central American gem that offers serene lakes, rich history, yoga culture, and unbeatable value (plus an affordable place to get scuba certified)
• Which Middle Eastern countries offer a rare, crowd-free experience this year—and why now is the time to go
• How to navigate European travel affordably, with tips on transportation, meal planning, and budget-friendly city options
• Travel hacks for stretching your budget, including strategies to maximize ATM exchanges and avoid hidden fees
• The art of discovering free and low-cost activities abroad that add depth to your experience
• Tim’s perspective on living and traveling in Mexico (compared to mainstream media)
• Advice on balancing work and travel
• And so much more

Resources:

• Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
• Sign up for our FREE newsletter
• Check out cheapestdestinationsblog.com
• Visit cheaplivingabroad.com
• Subscribe to Nomadico on Substack
• Sign up for the Cheap Living Abroad report
• Tim’s list of cheapest destinations 2024
• Read about touring Europe on a budget
• Follow Tim on Instagram

Want More?

• Overland Travel 101, the Pros and Cons of Full-Time Travel, and Favorite Hidden Gem Destinations (After 10 Years as a Nomad) With Eric Highland
• How To Take More Vacations by Booking Better, Cheaper Flights With Scott Keyes
• Best Remote Work + Digital Nomad Destinations 2023 (And Beyond) w/ Tim Leffel

Thanks To Our Sponsors

• Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order.
• Defender - Explore the full lineup at landroverusa.com
• Airalo - Get $3 off your first eSIM with the promo code ‘ZTT.’