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If you’re a globetrotter, where are you most likely to find poor air quality? Which cities rank as the most polluted globally, posing a significant risk to your health?

There are indeed a few locations in the Americas with air quality issues, but they pale in comparison to the major polluters in Asia, primarily India, where numerous cities make Mexico City seem like a pristine oasis.

During the onset of the pandemic, when shelter-in-place orders were issued and traffic was nearly nonexistent, the Himalayas became visible from Kathmandu and parts of northern India. Unfortunately, that clarity didn’t last long, as those areas reverted to their usual hazy conditions. You would need an AI image generator to visualize a clear sky with snow-capped mountains in the background.

If you’re seeking a straightforward answer on places to steer clear of, avoid India. This nation holds the questionable distinction of being home to 83 of the 100 most polluted cities in the world, according to a study utilizing data from IQ Air. In another report from an air monitoring organization, India featured 28 of the top 30 most polluted cities, with Dhaka and Peshawar being the only exceptions.

Indeed, the majority of the most polluted cities outside of India can be found in neighboring countries: Pakistan and Bangladesh. If you suffer from any respiratory issues, South Asia is the worst region on Earth for you. Depending on the time of year, China and Southeast Asia can also pose significant risks.

Asia Experiences Worse Air Pollution Than Other Regions

In the aforementioned study, Asia accounted for 99 out of the 100 most polluted cities on the planet, nearly a complete sweep. The sole exception was Benoni, South Africa.

Numerous factors contribute to this situation in Asia’s developing nations: annual crop burnings by farmers after harvest, insufficient regulatory control of factory emissions, reliance on dirty fuels such as coal, and inefficient vehicle engines that produce substantial air pollution. Anyone who has visited an Indian city has witnessed this firsthand, to the extent that some days it’s unhealthy to even venture outside.

If you plan on visiting India, it’s advisable to significantly limit your time in Delhi. As discussed in the section below, Delhi consistently ranks as the most polluted city in the world. Kolkata closely trails behind, with over 80 other cities experiencing hazardous air pollution levels, though fortunately for tourists, many are industrial hubs that may not be well-known.

Nevertheless, these reports may not be entirely comprehensive. There are severely polluted cities in Africa, but due to the lack of measurement or reporting on air quality, determining their severity is challenging. According to the data source used here, “Africa remains the most underrepresented continent, with one-third of its population still without access to air quality data.” This implies that there could be several African cities among the worst globally, yet they remain intentionally uninformed.

There may also be cities in South America with worse pollution levels, but that remains uncertain as “70% of the real-time air quality data in the Latin America & Caribbean region is sourced from inexpensive sensors.”

The 5 Most Polluted Cities Globally

According to the latest report from IQAir, these are the five cities with the highest air pollution levels, all located in South Asia:

1. Delhi, India
2. Lahore, Pakistan
3. Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Karachi, Pakistan
5. Kolkata, India

Here’s a concerning statistic that illustrates the extent of the impact:

Over 80 million people reside in the five most polluted major cities.

To provide some context, if those 80 million individuals gathered in one location, it would rank as the 20th largest country in the world, slightly smaller than Germany but larger than Thailand.

Regarding Thailand, Bangkok frequently appears on many most polluted cities lists, but its pollution levels can vary significantly throughout the year. These rankings are not static since weather conditions, fires, and varying precipitation can all influence air quality.

Bangkok

**Where to Make the Most of Your Travel Budget in 2025**

As we near spring 2025, American vacationers have a special chance to visit various international locales at a lower cost due to a robust U.S. dollar. Nonetheless, this advantageous exchange rate might not persist indefinitely given possible economic changes, so it’s prudent to organize your travels promptly. Here are some prime destinations where you can stretch your travel budget this year:

**Brazil: An Unexpected Deal**

Brazil, which was previously among the most expensive nations in Latin America, has turned into a more budget-friendly option. The exchange rate has significantly changed, with one U.S. dollar now worth around six Brazilian reals, compared to three to four reals before the pandemic. This transformation implies that a getaway in Brazil could be roughly 50% cheaper than a few years back. During your visit, go beyond the usual attractions like Rio de Janeiro and Iguacu Falls to uncover hidden treasures throughout the country. Stay informed about potential visa charges for Americans, which have been announced but delayed on several occasions.

**Mexico: Affordable Once More**

The Mexican peso has stabilized at approximately 20 to the dollar, making Mexico a fantastic deal for travelers. While main tourist destinations like Cancun and Tulum may still carry a higher price tag, exploring the interior highlands or less-known beach locales can result in considerable savings. Savor budget-friendly local experiences, with $4 haircuts and $2 beers, all while delving into Mexico’s rich culture and history.

**Japan: An Uncommon Budget Chance**

Japan, typically a costly destination, has become more attainable due to a favorable exchange rate, with the yen trading between 145 and 160 per dollar. This adjustment allows travelers to enjoy Japan’s distinctive culture, history, and modern urban landscapes without overspending. Think about visiting Kyoto, hiking the Kumana Kodo, or skiing up north, and utilize the Japan Rail Pass for economical traversal across the country.

**Egypt: Experience More for Less**

Egypt continues to be a leading budget-friendly destination, with the Egyptian pound hovering at 51 to the dollar. This positions it as one of the least expensive places for accommodation and local experiences. Despite occasional political unrest, Egypt provides outstanding value for travelers eager to discover its rich history and iconic sites, such as the pyramids and ancient temples.

**South Africa: A Short-Term Value**

South Africa’s currency has stabilized, presenting travelers with a favorable exchange rate of 18.5 rand to the dollar. This makes it a reasonably priced destination for exploring its varied attractions, from wildlife reserves to lively cities like Cape Town. Although flight costs may be high, utilizing airline points can help mitigate travel expenses.

**Turkey: A Cost-Effective Destination Amidst Difficulties**

Despite political issues, Turkey offers excellent value for travelers, with a depreciating currency making it more affordable. From Istanbul’s rich cultural scene to the scenic wonders of Cappadocia, Turkey presents a multitude of experiences. While tourist areas may still reflect dollar pricing, straying from the beaten path can unveil more budget-friendly alternatives.

**Europe: Off-Peak Savings**

With the euro and dollar approaching parity, Europe has become a more attractive option for American travelers. While established destinations like Italy and France may stay crowded, exploring lesser-known regions or traveling during the off-peak season can yield a more affordable and pleasant experience. Consider discovering countries like Hungary, Bosnia, or Albania for a unique and economical European getaway.

These locations provide a variety of experiences for travelers eager to optimize their budget in 2025. Whether you’re after cultural experiences, natural wonders, or historical excursions, there’s a destination on this list that aligns with your interests. Organize your trip soon to take advantage of these favorable conditions and enjoy an unforgettable travel experience.

“Should you earn $1,000 monthly, you can manage a compact vehicle, occasionally treat your family to respectable eateries, and enjoy destinations like this on the weekends.” That was a casual remark from my Nicaraguan guide Pablo while we were at the viewpoint observing Lake Apoyo situated between Managua and Granada. “At that salary, you are considered middle class here.”

Indeed, Nicaragua is a financially challenged nation, and currently, not one I wish to reside in due to the Ortega regime, yet it represents one of numerous countries where $1,000 monthly equates to middle class by local metrics. Thus, if you’re earning a few thousand a month from a remote position, an online enterprise, or retirement income/savings, you will instantly elevate from middle class to “wealthy” if you settle in one of these locations or navigate them as a digital nomad.

I conduct an annual overview and specific country assessments on the most affordable places to live globally, and there’s one significant factor they all share: the majority of residents earn considerably less in that nation than the average citizen in yours. Consequently, your living expenses can be drastically reduced.

The overall concept really is that straightforward. If you originate from a nation where the median annual income surpasses $40,000 after taxes, as it does in the USA, Canada, or Australia, then you will undoubtedly perceive yourself as wealthier if you choose to reside in an area where the median income hovers around $12,000 yearly. Even if your income is solely from a Social Security or pension check.

Dropping further to a location where individuals earn $600 monthly might place you in the top 2% of income earners.

These official figures can be somewhat awkward, of course, particularly regarding median income, per-capita GDP, or daily consumption per capita. Some “work” isn’t accurately recorded, barter transactions aren’t included, and naturally, individuals tend to under-report their true income if it has tax implications. Nevertheless, whether an average worker in Nepal earns $200 or $800 annually doesn’t significantly alter my argument. Compared to the Nepalis, you’re affluent, even if your earnings are akin to that of a fast-food employee.

If you reside in a pricier location, however, the compensation you receive from your labor holds less value. Your purchasing power diminishes due to the elevated costs of nearly everything. Per-capita GDP might reach nearly six figures in Norway before taxes, yet upon relocating there, you’ll be spending significantly more on virtually anything you purchase. Additionally, the income tax is substantial (though it funds much improved governmental benefits).

While a substantial lunch in Cambodia could be around $3, that same meal in Norway might set you back $20, given the increased wage, rent, tax, and ingredient expenses. Thus, we need to evaluate the overall purchasing power: what individuals can afford based on the mean salary.

In the USA, health care expenditures must also be considered, which are exorbitant if you lack coverage through an employer health plan, applicable to many gig workers and self-employed individuals. This illogical, profit-driven system is not prevalent in the majority of the rest of the world. Furthermore, the situation is worsening as I document this in 2025 compared to prior years, with substantial reductions in social programs, support for rural healthcare facilities, and veterans’ benefits.

How Cost Adjustments Affect Expats

Returning to my travels in Nicaragua a decade ago. I was drafting several articles on assignment, so I was accompanied by an English-speaking guide who had been raised in Miami and returned to Nicaragua in high school. He aspires to return to the USA someday, to take his children to Disney World, yet he continues to live where he is. His utility bill typically ranges from eight to nine dollars. His home is fully paid off. His family enjoys a rich diet based on his earnings.

Now picture encountering that cost environment while arriving with thousands of dollars or euros monthly. I had coffee with a retired couple residing in Granada during my visit. “My pension alone is three to four times what the average Nica earns,” Jim shared. “We allocate around $1,800 monthly, which is considered lavish by local norms. We reside in an expansive, air-conditioned house with a swimming pool and pay $650 monthly in rent. We dine out whenever and wherever we wish.”

“Healthcare is so affordable here that we don’t even have insurance. We simply cover expenses as they arise. I had to go to the top hospital in Managua for surgery, and it was economical enough that I charged it,” he explained.

Another couple I spoke with for my book on living abroad started in Leon, Granada, before moving

After multiple editions of The World’s Cheapest Destinations and two of A Better Life for Half the Price, there was one nation included that I hadn’t personally explored. Now, I can no longer make that statement following nearly two weeks of traveling in the Republic of Georgia. I’m pleased to report that costs remain excellent for travelers, digital nomads, and expatriates.

First things first: the country of Georgia earns the title for having the most accommodating tourist visa globally. If you reside in one of the 75+ nations that can enter Georgia without a visa, you can easily stroll in with your passport and remain for a full year. No need for extensions, no trips to immigration.

The only nation that comes close to allowing such a lengthy stay is Albania, which is also affordable, but that year-long stay option is limited to American citizens. In Georgia, this applies to most individuals who are reading this article.

In certain nations, you might discover unbelievable deals in some areas while facing puzzlingly high prices in others, but this country offers value across the board. Whether it’s accommodation, food, attractions, or transportation, nothing feels out of line compared to other categories. Thus, you can arrive here and be relatively confident that costs will be half or lower than what you would pay in the USA, Canada, or the UK.

According to Numbeo, when comparing costs in Tbilisi with those in the USA’s capital, rent prices in Tbilisi are 77% lower, dining out is 53% cheaper, and grocery costs are 62% less.

You would need around 2,989.7$ (8,311.4GEL) in Tbilisi to sustain the same standard of living that you would require with 8,800.0$ in Washington, DC (assuming you rent in both cities).

Amazing! It’s clear why one would be tempted to catch a flight and spend a year in the mountains. And it’s not solely due to the high costs in DC. When I did a comparison for Canada’s largest city, Tbilisi was 52% cheaper, including rent, and compared to London, it’s 66% less expensive.

By the way, that “GEL” refers to Georgian lari, which was approximately 2.75 to the dollar during my visit. You’ll find exchange booths everywhere, and the difference between buying and selling is relatively small. Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, which is beneficial as one of the ATM kiosks at the airport swallowed my debit card. Luckily, I always have banking alternatives set up.

Here’s what I discovered in various categories during my journey in the Republic of Georgia.

Lodging Costs in the Republic of Georgia

The prices for tourists and residents alike offer fantastic value when it comes to lodging, though if you’re planning to stay for months or years, the costs to secure accommodation will be significantly lower.

I experienced three different accommodations during my time there: a budget-friendly yet pleasant basic hotel in a prime Tbilisi location, one of the city’s finest hotels—a Wyndham Grand, which I booked with points—and a ski condo situated in a resort area. The initial hotel was just $32 per night and featured ample space, a furnished balcony, a refrigerator, efficient heating, and a lovely bathroom equipped with a hot shower. I struggled to choose as there were at least 40 hotels available for under $40 per night in convenient spots.

Subsequently, I joined my group that I brought over on my tour, and we transitioned to an excellent hotel adjacent to Parliament named Shota Rustaveli Boutique. We received a group rate, but it typically costs around $100 per night through platforms like Booking.com, which includes an amazing breakfast. They provide an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and lounge.

You can secure a bed at the trendy Fabrika Hostel (shown above) in the capital for just $9, and as I mentioned, there are numerous budget hotel choices below $40 per night. On <a href="https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2024/10/04/choosing-a

If you are a train lover, Ecuador has truly tugs at your heartstrings. There were times with no options, followed by significant ones, and then emptiness again for a spell. The train that traverses much of the country between the two largest metropolitan areas was a hallmark infrastructure initiative from a past government, which generated numerous jobs; however, it was halted during the pandemic and has never resumed. Yet, there’s a glimpse of good news in 2025: the Devil’s Nose Train I enjoyed a decade ago is operational once more.

There was an era when individuals traveled by train all over Ecuador, from the capital Quito to Otovalo, Cuenca, and the coastal city of Guayaquil. More than 60 trains departed daily from the principal station in southern Quito.

Then the era of automobiles emerged, which led to the decline of train services in many regions of the Americas, stretching from much of the U.S. down to Patagonia. What made matters worse for Ecuador was its topography: it is a land of steep, elevated mountains. Constructing the railways initially was an immense challenge. Ongoing efforts to clear rockslides and repair tracks after natural calamities demanded more resources than the government was prepared to allocate.

## Experiencing the Devil’s Nose Train Again

Consequently, the journeys were gradually shortened into smaller segments or vanished completely. One of these segments is worth the trip solely for the experience: the Devil’s Nose train (*Nariz del Diablo*) which descends a quite steep mountain. Here’s a video I compiled from my time aboard. (Apologies for the lack of high definition back then.)

This renowned train ride is distinctive due to the engineering difficulties the constructors encountered (which cost the lives of around 2,500 workers), and it incorporates one innovative solution. At one juncture, the train navigates a bend and halts at tracks that terminate. At this point, the tracks are realigned, and the train continues down the mountain, now facing the opposite way: the rear of the train has become the front. This allows it to tackle a steeper incline than it could have otherwise managed. (You can observe this transition in the video above.)

It soon arrives at a restored station within the narrow canyon, where you can potentially spend the night if the lodge is operational. During my visit, I discovered a package that included the train ride down and back, accommodation, and two meals for an exceptionally reasonable $50 per person.

Day visitors can enjoy a bite at a panoramic snack bar located up some steep stairs, which also houses a museum. Local community members perform traditional dances on the train platform, and there’s a woman with a llama for photo opportunities. Sure, it’s a bit cheesy, but enjoyable.

For a brief moment, after the government invested billions on track enhancements and new rolling stock, there was a train service operating between Quito and a point near Guayaquil that you could book as a passenger trip. However, it was poorly planned, lacking great hotel options along the way as you find in Peru on their routes. It operated from 2014 to 2020, but never gained much popularity due to poor marketing and publicity, along with inadequate tourism infrastructure at its stops. They should have pivoted and transformed it into a regular passenger line accessible to all travelers, including locals visiting family, reminiscent of the Maya Train in Mexico.

That did not occur, and when the pandemic struck, the train ceased operations and has not resumed. I suspect there has been some track damage since then, and the current administration does not prioritize repairs. It’s unfortunate since, for a short time, it was among the world’s great train journeys, navigating the “Route of the Volcanoes,” from sea level to 3,000 meters coming from Guayaquil.

I am uncertain if any of the partial routes will reopen. When I traveled on the Devil’s Nose train, I first took a trip from Quito to Cotopaxi and witnessed new government initiatives in progress. There was an revitalized station featuring a charming new café serving excellent coffee, a room detailing the history of railways in Ecuador, and an introductory film about the train system in two languages. The personnel at the station and on the trains were bilingual and donned attractive Tren Ecuador uniforms with a stylish logo. Now the Tren Ecuador website has vanished, so all the staff are likely gone too.

We rattled out of the city, past factories and residences, ascending the hills to a vantage point where we could gaze across parklands and a valley towards snow-dusted mountains on the other side. Upon arriving at Machachi station, a brass band played to greet everyone. No, this wasn’t a special occasion — they did this for every arrival back then.

The current unfortunate condition of the train system isn’t compelling enough to motivate a visit to Ecuador, yet this is featured in both of my books.

In 2018, I shared a post named “Purchase High-Quality Travel Apparel (Since Nobody Desires Your Hand-Me-Downs Anymore),” motivated by news stories that underscored the global glut of used clothing, intensified by the fast fashion sector. This phenomenon led to the creation of inexpensive, throwaway clothing, resulting in a donation overflow that even charitable organizations found challenging to handle. Nevertheless, consumer preferences are evolving, especially among younger demographics, who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and quality over sheer volume.

While many assume that their contributions to organizations like Goodwill make it to retail outlets, the truth is that these groups receive more donations than they can sell. Traditionally, excess clothing was sent to developing nations, where it was offered in local markets. Yet, as these countries become more affluent, the need for new apparel has risen, leading to an oversupply in second-hand marketplaces.

The rise of fast fashion, driven by names such as Forever 21, Zara, and Shein, has played a significant role in this excessive supply. These companies focused on profits rather than quality, resulting in an influx of poorly constructed apparel that deteriorated quickly. Consequently, the demand for pre-owned clothing diminished, with prices falling and shipping expenses surpassing any potential earnings.

Fortunately, a transformation is underway. Awareness among younger generations about the ecological effects of fast fashion is sparking a revival in the second-hand clothing sector. Retail consultants now encourage fashion retailers to adopt this trend, forecasting that the U.S. resale market will grow to $73 billion by 2028, expanding at thrice the rate of conventional retail. This transformation is propelled by shifting consumer priorities, with 28% of individuals regularly purchasing second-hand items.

This movement is especially significant for travel and outdoor apparel, where resistance to wear and tear is crucial. Brands like Patagonia have long championed the purchase of high-quality clothing to be utilized for an extended period. Their initiatives highlight the enduring worth of well-crafted items, encouraging buyers to emphasize sustainability instead of transient trends.

Other brands, including Craghoppers, Toad&Co, and prAna, also focus on sustainable practices. These companies provide guarantees and repair options, ensuring their merchandise endures for years. Shoppers are urged to invest in quality products and use them until they wear out, thus minimizing waste and fostering sustainability.

As Gen Z spearheads the movement toward sustainable fashion, they examine supply chains and demand accountability from brands. A recent survey indicated that 73% of Gen Z buyers are open to paying a premium for sustainable goods, considering sustainability as a fundamental aspect rather than merely a trend.

Ultimately, purchasing quality travel apparel is not only a smart decision but also a move towards a more sustainable tomorrow. By selecting durable garments, consumers can lessen their ecological footprint and support a rising trend of conscientious consumption.

I regret to inform you that I am unable to help with that request.