Nothing makes you want a vacation more than jetting off to a tropical destination with sun and beautiful beaches or rainforests and perhaps spectacular mountains. Travelers can settle on the sand and take a midday nap under the shade of a palm tree, or listen to the melodic soundtrack of jungle creatures. Of course, there aren't just lazy days and nights, unless that's your preference.
Many steamy travel spots are packed with adventure, from snorkeling excursions to ATV tours to ziplining. Culture and fresh, local cuisine also accompany the territory. And while equatorial hotspots like St. Barthélemy, the Maldives, and Bora Bora are expensive, there's certainly no need to break the bank for a steamy getaway. Would you rather save than splurge? You are in good company. According to a recent Vacasa survey, 84% of travelers are changing their plans to be more budget-conscious.
Lush scenery, reasonable rates, and frame-worthy photo ops await you in these affordable tropical destinations, from Costa Rica to Vietnam.
Merida, Mexico
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Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan, is one of the country's most underrated cultural hubs. “The tourism-related price rise has not yet arrived, as it is often overlooked by travelers in favor of resort hotspots such as Cancun And Tulum“, says Brandon Berkson, CEO of Above average hotels. Days are spent strolling the historic city center, stocking up on affordable souvenirs in fashion-forward boutiques, and savoring regional dishes such as cochinita pibil in economical Yucatec restaurants. “If you're looking for a boutique hotel in Mérida that doesn't break the bank, Wayam Mundo Imperial it's the call, with suites costing less than $175 a night.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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Bali may require a long day of travel and more expensive plane tickets, but Island of the Gods offers travelers excellent value for money. Budget-conscious people should especially consider the town of Ubud, a bastion of traditional culture and lush scenery with more affordable rates than along the coast. You can spend the day rubbing shoulders with adorable primates at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for just $5. The surrounding landscape is full of tropical forests and rice terraces. Food from local warungs and accommodations are also cheap. If you want to splurge, top rated Adiwana Unagi Suites is still around $150 a night.
Negril, Jamaica
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Negril, Jamaica's westernmost city, aka the laid-back capital, offers sandy beaches, turquoise waters, friendly locals and a laid-back vibe. This relaxing paradise won't put any strain on your wallet either. Seven Mile Beach is dotted with affordable and delightful local beach shacks. “There are several stunning boutique properties including Hotel Skylark Negril Beacha member of Designer Hotels – with fares under $200,” says Chelsea Bicknese, travel advisor at For a. “Rick's Cafe is offering a special bar of five red stripes and five shots for $25. Divided among friends, it only costs a few dollars each.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
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Granted, getting to Phú Quốc, a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, requires connecting flights and higher airfares than most places on this list, but don't let that be a deterrent. Once you arrive in this corner of paradise, it's incredible value for money. Top rated rooms Mövenpick Villas & Residences Phú Quốc start at just $75. The night markets of Dương Đông are full of delicious and inexpensive food. And of course, sunbathing on white sand beaches and hiking in Phú Quốc National Park are free.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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While the resorts In Saint Teresa And Papagayo Peninsula can fetch high prices, this is certainly not the case throughout Costa Rica. Off the beaten track Manuel-Antonio — the area including and surrounding the seven-square-mile Manuel Antonio National Park — is a bastion of biodiversity with tropical forests, pristine white sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, and diverse wildlife including three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Its remote location helps keep prices low. Most hotels cost around $100 a night and ecotours are also very reasonable.
Madeira, Portugal
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Madeira is an adventure lover's paradise, with cinematic landscapes and plenty of ecotourism opportunities. Its lush forests, black sand beaches, natural lava pools and towering mountains with idyllic viewpoints like Lombo dos Palheiros are just some of the landscape's highlights. “In downtown Funchal, many top attractions, including Mercado dos Lavradores and Livraria Esperanca, are free,” says Berkson. Entrance to the Monte Palace Tropical Flower Garden costs approximately $13.50. “Right in front of the sea and a few steps from everything, Next hotel is a budget stay with rates around $150 per night.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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“For travelers looking for an easy and affordable beach vacation, Puerto Rico offers some of the most reasonable direct flights from the United States, with tickets starting at $129,” says trends expert Laura Lindsay travel at Skyscanner. Besides low-cost outdoor activities like lying on sunny shores and hiking in tropical rainforests just a short drive away, head to historic Old San Juan to experience the local culture. It's free to walk around and take photos of the colorful buildings. Entrance to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the imposing 16th-century fortress and citadel, costs just $10 for adults and free for children under 15.
Puebla, Mexico
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“With a high-altitude subtropical climate, the city of Puebla in central Mexico remains one of Mexico's best-kept secrets,” says Berkson. The city is full of affordable activities: visiting the art galleries, colorful facades and crafts along Callejón de Los Sapos and admiring the well-adapted architecture of the historic Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Puebla Cathedral and the Capilla decorated in the 17th century. del Rosario to stock up on artisanal pottery and enjoy delicious local dishes. “You can often book my favorite stay, Banyan Tree Pueblafor less than $200 a night.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Masses of sun-seekers flock to the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Far fewer realize the agreements that await them in Santo Domingo. Round-trip flights as low as $286 leave a significant vacation budget for lodging, food and entertainment – although none of those things will cost you much in the Dominican Republic's commercial and cultural capital. After lying on the sandy beaches, take a tram ride through the Jardin Botánico Nacional, eat cheaply at Mercado Modelo, and visit the famous Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Menor. And don't forget to take a day trip to Los Tres Ojos National Park.
Saint Kitts
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Compared to nearby Saint-Martin or even Anguilla, Saint Kitts goes unnoticed. However, it's worth your vacation days and your hard-earned cash, both of which will get you far on the 12-mile-long island, known for its Atlantic and Caribbean beaches, lush rainforests and its candy-colored buildings in the capital. Lowland. In November, JetBlue launched non-stop flights from New York (JFK) to St. Kitts (SKB) with one-way tickets starting at $183. But it’s not just getting there that’s easy on the wallet; you can get a room St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino for just $218.
