When it comes to holiday destinations to travel to the thought of Idyllic sandy beaches, shade and crystal clear water sounds like perfection.
The perfect holiday doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket as there are many affordable destinations to travel to. There is a common misconception that most beach holidays are expensive. However, this all depends on research done beforehand.
There are many cheap beach vacations to be found all around the globe. Many of these destinations will cater to specific tastes and desires. In this article, we will look at some of the best budget vacations you can find and what to expect from these locations.
Affordable Tropical Vacations
Table of Contents
The tropics are usually the number one destination for those looking to kick back and relax. Many of these locations can indeed be affordable. The sunshine, soft sand and laid back lifestyle in many of these coastal and island retreats make them perfect for some relaxation.
Each of these destinations has its own unique flair and charm that sets them apart from the rest. Many of these small island nations and coastal countries have intricate cultures to experience while visiting.
Activities that you can take part in at many of these destinations include snorkelling, hiking and helicopter tours, to name a few. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best affordable vacations out there for your convenience.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a relatively small island located in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s well known for its traditional charm, rice paddies and beautiful nature. There are also many ancient shrines and temples that can be found scattered throughout the countryside.
The people of Bali are warm and welcoming, adding to the allure of this island nation.
The beachside city of Kuta on the southern coastline of Bali has a vibrant nightlife for holiday goers seeking to party. The cities of Nusa Dua and Ubud are much smaller and calmer. Both of these cities are situated in the lush countryside, further away from the large crowds.
Accommodation in Bali ranges from incredibly affordable hostels to smaller guesthouses and chalets. There’s something to suit everyone’s needs in this iconic island. Bali ranks high when it comes to inexpensive beach vacations.
2. Goa, India
The small state of Goa is located in the western half of India. It has been praised for its natural beauty and the warm, laid back attitude of the locals.
Goa is well known for its stunning beaches and clusters of palm trees bristling from the pearly beaches. There are many smaller villages and towns scattered throughout the province, offering a laid back experience while on holiday in the area.
The state used to be a Portuguese colony a few hundred years ago. As a result of this, it has developed its own unique culture and traditions that set it apart from the rest of India. There are many ancient buildings that can be explored during your visit here from old 17th-century churches to intricate temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon.
Flights to Goa from the USA are usually fairly cheap as airlines are starting to create more budget routes to the Indian capital city of New Delhi. By saving on flights you can free up some money for the tours and experiences in this lovely location.
3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This Caribbean getaway town is truly breathtaking. Punta Cana is known for its turquoise waters that sparkle in the daylight and palm trees that sway lazily in the breeze.
The holiday destination is both beautiful and affordable. There are a whopping total of 15 National Parks located in the region that are perfect for daily trips to view the natural environment in all its splendour.
The conversion rate between American dollars and Dominican pesos tends to stay quite stable with 1USD to 50 Dominican pesos. This gives you a lot more purchasing power during your stay making it a lovely and cheap beach vacation.
4. Mo’orea, French Polynesia
When it comes to beach vacations and tropical getaways this smaller island off the coast of Tahiti is perfect. Not many tourists know about Mo’orea, and as a result, you won’t have to worry about any large and noisy crowds. This quaint island is located in French Polynesia’s Society Islands archipelago and it’s as picturesque as they come.
Mo’orea is filled to the brim with white sandy beaches and lush vegetation making it the ideal place to relax and unwind. There are many hiking trails that wind through the rainforest located on the slopes of Mount Tohivea for the adventurous souls among us.
The shallow water surrounding the island itself and the coral reefs found there are unspoiled by mankind. They are wondrous to swim through. If you decide to spend your next holiday on this island, ensure you respect the nature around you.
The remote location of Mo’orea makes it one of the cheapest places to vacation in French Polynesia.
5. Palawan Island, Philippines
Located in the waters of the western Philippines, Palawan is the largest island in the province. If you’re looking for cheap tropical vacations this is definitely an interesting destination to consider. Staying in 3-star hotels here can cost as little as 30USD.
One of the most unique features of this island is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This park is located in the capital city of Puerto Princesa. It’s comprised of an underground river that runs through a series of vast cave networks. There are skilled guides that can take you on boat tours through them.
The western side of the island is made up of intricate coral reefs located in the Sulu Sea. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park contains thousands of species of marine life. Beach vacations in this small sliver of paradise make for absolutely unforgettable experiences.
Lesser-Known Cheap Tropical Vacations
There are many smaller archipelagoes and places to go on vacation throughout the world which see smaller amounts of tourists annually. This is a major plus for holiday goers who want to experience the beaches of these idyllic locations. Without having to worry about large crowds and the busy cities.
These lesser known holiday locations are still just as beautiful as the rest. Many of them are unique in their architecture and culture. This makes these destinations the perfect places to experience if you’re looking for something fresh and new.
We’ve compiled a list of some of these cheap vacation spots.
6. Quintana Roo, Mexico
The beautiful Mexican state of Quintana Roo is located on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. This area has very affordable flights to nearby cities located within the region. As well as a decent currency conversion rate from the USD to the Mexican Peso.
Accommodation prices are also generally quite low due to the high amounts of competition in the area. This state is a lovely tropical getaway that can easily stay within a reasonable budget. The Cancún International Airport found within the resort city of Cancún is the best way in and out of this destination.
The Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo is filled with interesting activities and destinations to enjoy. Mayan ruins, tropical beaches and underwater caverns are peppered throughout the region. Just off the coast of the country is the small island of Isla Mujeres where many seaside restaurants and hiking trails can be found.
7. Aruba, Kingdom Of The Netherlands
This small island nation found within the Caribbean Archipelago is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is an incredibly affordable destination if you decide to book accommodation in the smaller hotels. If you find places to stay outside of the tourist central Palm Beach region you’re also sure to find incredibly decent prices.
Aruba has been praised for many years as an incredibly warm, welcoming and safe island nation to explore. Aruba has vast stretches of white sand beaches and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. The ocean water surrounding the island is incredibly warm and calm.
The charming capital city of Aruba is called Oranjestad. This location sees small peaks of tourism during the busy summer season as cruise ships dock for a few days and young tourists come to visit for their summer vacations.
8. Paphos, Cyprus
For those looking for something a little more historic along with a beautiful holiday destination Paphos is sure to impress. This region is located on the southwest coast of Cyprus. The region of Paphos enjoys the warm waters of the Aegean Sea.
Paphos is famous for its historical locations and architecture. Greco-Roman fortresses, tombs and theatres can be found scattered throughout the city and the countryside. These are astounding and many tours can take you through these historical sites for reasonable prices.
There are many small traditional restaurants found within the city along the seaside that create tasty dishes. Affordable accommodation can also be found in the city in the smaller guest houses and hotels. Paphos is the perfect place if you’re searching for a mediterranean vibe to your holiday.
9. Hvar Island, Croatia
Hvar is an island found in the Adriatic Sea close to Croatia. It’s a splendid summer getaway for tourists from around the world. Some of the unique features of the port town of Hvar include it’s 13th-century walls, hilltop fortress and the renaissance cathedral located in the main square of the city.
The island boasts beautiful lavender fields found further inland and a gorgeous coastline. There are many guided boat tours that can take you to the smaller Pakleni Islands which are dotted with secluded coves and tropical beaches.
An interesting note on some of the architecture in Hvar Island is that it was used on the set of Game of Thrones for the fictional city of King’s Landing. Many visitors to the island have also praised the local wines for their robust flavour. Hvar has made a name for itself as being one of the more affordable vacation spots in this particular area of Europe.
Belize, Central America
Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America. The coastline of this country is lapped by the warm Caribbean waters. Further out to sea the great Belize Barrier Reef can be found in between the small cayes (small low-lying islands) dotted throughout the coast.
This part of the ocean has large quantities of marine life and hosts a rich ecosystem filled with large amounts of biodiversity. When travelling further inland in Belize you can find tropical jungles and ancient Mayan ruins.
The most famous of these ruins is Caracol, which has a large pyramid-like structure found in its centre. Belize allows you to enjoy a magnificent budget holiday when it comes to cheap places to vacation.
There are helicopter tours that can give you an aerial view of the land’s beauty as well as seeing the Great Blue Hole located in the shallow waters off Belize’s coast.
This small country is truly unique and has something for everyone. When it comes to inexpensive tropical vacations that pack a punch, you can’t go wrong with Belize.
Final Thoughts On Inexpensive Beach Vacations
There are many beautiful and cheap vacation destinations that can be found scattered around the world. With white sandy beaches and warm tropical waters, many of these islands and coastal countries are seeing boosts to their economies due to the influx of tourism.
It’s important to ensure that you remain respectful to the environment while visiting these places as well as the locals and their customs. By preserving the beauty of these holiday destinations we can ensure that they remain around for years to come.
If you’ve been looking to go on cheap beach vacations why not look at booking a holiday to one of these amazing places during the next summer season!
