Prague, Czech Republic
Europe
Prague is one of our favorite historic cities in Europe and one of the best cheap destinations for travelers looking for charm and culture. The perfectly preserved city has bright red trams ($1.35 per ride) that run along quaint cobblestone streets lined with charming stone buildings. Around every corner, you’ll find a new free attraction to enjoy, like classic pubs (get a pint of pilsner for about $2) or the medieval Charles Bridge, lined with majestic stone statues. Another highlight: There’s an entire Castle District centered around the majestic Prague Castle complex.
And it's not just Prague's city centre that offers plenty of activities at a low price. Head out into the beautiful countryside for a day of sightseeing on a budget beautiful vineyards. What's more, we can promise you that you'll also find affordable luxury in hospitality here, with exceptional stays in both grand and boutique hotels.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
South America
A hidden gem In South America, Uruguay is just a short hop from more well-known tourist hotspots like Buenos Aires, but it’s much more low-key and laid-back. The exchange rate for the Uruguayan peso to the U.S. dollar is currently 26 to 1, so Americans will get their money’s worth when visiting. The historic town of Colonia del Sacramento in particular is a phenomenal place for history buffs to revel in the 17th, 18th, and 19th-century relics. The well-preserved cityscape earned the city a World Heritage Site designation, offering guided historical walking tours of the cobblestone streets lined with colorful homes, restaurants, and shops. During the warmer seasons, locals host block parties, where you can sample homemade Uruguayan street food. And even if you do dine out, a full day’s worth of meals could cost you less than $10.
Accommodation options range from small boutiques for around $50 a night to chain hotels, like Sheraton, for around $160 a night. Round-trip flights tend to hover around $540. And since the country is in the Southern Hemisphere, peak summer season runs from December to February, making it one of the best winter travel destinations. If you want the best deals and pleasant weather, plan to visit in November or March.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
North America
It's easier (and much more affordable) to visit Puerto Rico than you might think. Since this beautiful tropical island is part of the United States, you don't need to go through customs, exchange money, or even bring a passport to visit. And once you're there, there's plenty of cheap entertainment, including some of the best all inclusive resorts.
Puerto Rico is home to a plethora of beautiful (and free!) beaches, especially in the main arrival city of San Juan, one of the best places in the United States for a cheap beach vacations. While in town, be sure to explore the historic architecture of Old San Juan and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries. When you're ready for lunch, try a tripleta popular (and massive) Puerto Rican sandwich of marinated meats that costs around $8 at one of the city's food trucks.
While we've seen round-trip airfares around $200 from the East Coast, it can be especially convenient to use your points or credit card travel rewards to fly to Puerto Rico. Hotels are more expensive during the peak winter and spring break periods. You'll also want to avoid late summer and early fall due to hurricane season. But the weather is simply gorgeous the rest of the year.
