I say dream on about Costa Rica. I spent 4 months there last year and didn’t find it inexpensive at all! Nicaragua is very cheap though. Stay in Hostels, you can find places as low as $7.00.

If you want beach, you will have to pay more $$$ everyone wants to go to the beach. If you go during the off season, the rate will be lower. I spent 1 month in Thailand, June 2014. I stayed in a fabulous resort in Koh Phangan for $35.00 per nite, and it was on the beach. In Koh Tao and Koh Samui I was in nice hotels for around $30-35 per nite. 1 was on the beach, 1 was a block away. I made all my reservations on Agoda as I traveled, a day or two before.

Another way to stay cheap is to coach surf. You can also do volunteer work and stay free. Check out workaway.info for more info.

I am on a 6 month around the world trip, and so far Thailand has been the least expensive country. I also liked that country the best so far.

Wesley, you don’t mention where you are from, or where you want to go. Mexico and Central America are pretty inexpensive places, if you want to spend the money and go further then S. E. Asia is a good bet. Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur were VERY expensive!!!