Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Bolivia is more about natural beauty and native culture than touristy gloss. Beyond the flight and the visa ($160), everything is inexpensive. Be sure to explore Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat.

Budget hotels in La Paz with good reviews cost less than $40 a night. It's cheapest to go between July and August, when it's winter below the equator — but freezing on the flats.