Holidays to exotic tropical destinations are definitely something to consider during the cold winter months.
There are beaches, resorts, charming villages, towns, and even lush countryside spots to escape to. Many of these places have beautiful summer weather and temperatures for most of the year.
The good news is that many tropical destinations are cheap to visit and offer real value for money experiences for every type of traveler.
Top 10 Most Affordable Holiday Destinations
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Join us as we take a look at 10 of the best and most affordable places to visit for your next tropical breakaway.
1.Thailand
Thailand is famous for its white beaches, blue waters, and how cheap it is to visit the country. Thailand, formerly known as Siam, can be considered an all-inclusive tropical holiday destination.
You can explore the bustle of downtown Bangkok, the beautiful temples of Chiang Mai, and of course, the exotic spots of Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.
Everything in Thailand is affordable for foreign visitors. A quality meal can vary between 120 – 160 baht ($3.7 – $5), and a night’s stay at a 4-star hotel in Phuket would cost about 1500 baht ($46).
The weather is hot and tropical for most of the year, but avoid going in monsoon season (June to October)
Try something different by exploring the beautiful Chiang Mai at night!
If you have never experienced Asia before, then Thailand and its famous beaches would be a great place to start. Bangkok’s central location in Southeast Asia also makes it ideal to explore other nearby destinations such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.
2.Vietnam
Situated in the same region as Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam is worth a mention for its spectacular weather and even more affordable offering.
Considered to be slightly less developed than Thailand (especially compared to Bangkok), Vietnam is cheaper when it comes to tourist activities and holiday trips.
A good quality 3-course meal for 2 would cost 400,000 dong ($17) and a night’s stay at a 4-star hotel in Hanoi would start from 1,297 000 dong ($55)
Vietnam also has a tropical climate along its coastline, but a more temperate climate in the northwestern part of the country.
You can choose to see the interesting cities of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Saigon, or escape to the tropical paradise of the famous Ha Long Bay.
3.Yucatan, Mexico
Once home to the ancient Mayan civilization, the Yucatan is a tropical paradise filled with mysterious ruins and breathtaking beaches and towns.
The Yucatan peninsula has many traditional holiday destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, but also many undiscovered gems for curious backpackers and adventure travelers.
Explore the Temple of the Moon in Chichén Itzá, see the intriguing pink lakes of Las Coloradas, or relax in a hammock in Merida.
For something really special, try cave-diving in Cenote and witness the natural beauty of the lush peninsula.
Mexico is considered an affordable travel destination, with an average meal being about 100 pesos ($5.25), and a stay at a 4-star hotel in Cancun starting from 2400 pesos ($126). Budget and midrange travelers can travel in the Yucatan for much less.
4.Mozambique
Mozambique is growing in popularity with many travelers seeking a tropical holiday that won’t break the bank. This southern African country has several spots that are perfect for relaxing and forgetting about winter.
A visit to Mozambique will involve plenty of time on white sandy beaches, islands and activities such as snorkeling, safaris and scenic drives.
The country has a tropical climate, and the wet rainy season runs from December to April. Mozambique also has the occasional cyclone, so it would be better to visit the country between May and November.
Snorkel the ‘Two-Mile Reef’ near Bazaruto National Park, catch a delicious fish off the coast of Vamizi Island, or take a drive through Parque Nacional Da Gorongosa.
A three-course meal for 2 will cost from 2000 metical ($32).
5.Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean, is another obvious choice for a tropical holiday.
The island nation is much cheaper to visit, compared to its other neighbors in the region. The weather is equally beautiful, and the beaches never fail to impress.
Try parasailing, boat cruises, visit various national parks, or simply relax on the beach at Bavaro. The Dominican Republic is also perfect for snorkeling experiences
The weather is warm and constant for most of the year, with the rainy season falling between May and November.
The average lunch will cost about 344 Dominican pesos ($6.80)
6. Bali, Indonesia
Everyone has heard of Bali. It is considered one of the best cheap beach destinations in Indonesia.
Bali is extremely affordable and offers everything someone would expect from a tropical paradise. Blue waters, exotic beaches, and friendly locals.
Start your holiday with a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud and experience a unique walk among ancient temples and see the curious monkeys.
Bali is also well known for its excellent surfing spots, tourist-friendly beaches, coral reefs and the many adventure activities available on the island.
Bali is sunny throughout the year, even during its monsoon season between October and April. The best time to visit would be during the dry season between May and September.
A three-course dinner for 2 would cost about 180,000 Indonesian rupiahs ($12.50). Accommodation in 4-star hotels starts from 1,200000 rupiahs ($83).
7. Jamaica
Jamaica, famous for reggae, Bob Marley, delicious food and beautiful beaches, it is another value-for-money tropical holiday getaway.
There are expensive areas in Jamaica, but budget travelers can find excellent options for a beach vacation in areas such as Ocho Rios or Negril.
Negril is home to the famous ‘Seven Mile Beach’ and has many affordable hotels and lodges. Ochos Rios is close to the must-see ‘Blue Hole’, a popular spot with many swimming holes and beautiful waterfalls.
Jamaica is also a top destination for food lovers, with delicious meals such as Jerk Chicken, Jamaican beef patties, Blue Mountain Coffee, and much more.
The island has a hot tropical climate throughout the year and two rainy seasons falling between May and June, and September and October.
A three-course meal for 2 starts from 6000 Jamaican dollars ($45), and a stay at a 4-star hotel starts from 15000 Jamaican dollars ($111).
8. Philippines
An archipelago of 7461 islands, the Philippines is a destination that offers a lot of options to the budget traveler.
There are long, scenic beaches, heritage towns and monuments, nature trails and more to explore.
Visit the world famous Boracay Beach, see the unique Chocolate Hills (not real chocolate), or explore the cosmopolitan hub of Manila.
The Philippines has several climate regions, but in general, it is warm and tropical. The dry season (and most popular time to visit) is between November and May.
A three-course meal for 2 is about 880 Philippine pesos ($15) and a stay at a 4-star hotel starts from 3540 Philippine pesos ($68).
9. Zanzibar
Located off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a hidden gem for tropical holidaymakers.
This small African island offers everything you would expect of any other destination on this list, but adds its own charm and value.
Navigate the winding passages of the UNESCO world heritage site of Stone Town, go for a scuba dive, or unwind on one of the many pristine beaches on the island.
Zanzibar flourished as a trade hub for spices and this is reflected in the delicious cuisine you can enjoy. The local dishes include traditional Swahili food, as well as Indian and other African cuisines.
The weather in Zanzibar is pleasant, but the best time to visit is between June and October and in that period you can get cheap flights from Travelstart flights.
A three-course meal for 2 starts from 55 000 Tanzanian shillings ($24) and a stay at a 4-star hotel starts from 159 000 Tanzanian shillings ($69).
10. Colombia
A rising star in the South American tourism landscape, Colombia has access to both the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, with a hot tropical climate for most of the year.
Colombia has also gained a reputation as a budget-friendly destination offering a wide variety of sights and experiences.
Enjoy the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast near Cartagena, or head inland to explore the lively cities of Bogota and Medellin.
Colombia is famous for its coffee, so be sure to try a cup (or few) during your stay.
One of the best ways to explore the Caribbean coast is a cruise at sunset.
The best times of the year to visit are November, February and March, where you can expect drier weather and lower prices.
A three-course meal for 2 starts from 80 000 Colombian pesos ($24) and a stay a 4-star hotel starts from 466 670 pesos ($138).
Tropical Destinations on a Budget
Like most countries and places to visit, a savvy traveler can get by on a budget if proper research is done. Each destination has expensive and cheaper areas, accommodation, travel, and food options.
A dream tropical vacation does not have to cost a fortune and many factors come into play, such as what time of year you visit, or how strong your currency is compared to the local currency.
Don’t get caught freezing in those cold winter months. Plan a beautiful tropical holiday today and catch some sunshine!
