12 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
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Sometimes, a budget-friendly tropical vacation can feel just as luxurious as an expensive one. And honestly, when you don’t spend too much, you might end up appreciating the place even more.
We all love traveling, discovering new spots, and making memories. But let’s face it, cost can hold us back, and before we know it, we’re stuck in the same old routine at home.
Luckily, some places keep prices low, not just for tourists but for locals too. Here are 12 affordable tropical getaways that feel like a splurge, so you can make the most of your hard-earned money.
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Jamaica
Jamaica has everything you would want in the ultimate tropical destination and more. It has great food, beautiful beaches, friendly people, and won’t break the bank. At just around $141 a day, you can experience one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations.
The island is the home of some of the world’s most influential art and music. It also has a booming food scene and enough natural beauty to make Costa Rica jealous.
When you visit, try some fun local experiences. Visit coffee farms and check out live music whenever you can. Afterward, kick back on the stunning beaches and let your cares drift away.
Read also: Cheap All-Inclusive Getaways
Martinique
Martinique is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and spell-binding destinations. At just $222 a day, you can live like you’re in a dream.
The island has plenty of beautiful resorts with all the amenities you’d want. There are also many free activities to keep you busy day and night.
Try hiking Le Domaine De L’Émeraude or go for a swim in a hidden cove. Rent kayaks, explore the surrounding reefs, and see stunning marine life swimming around you. Of course, you can experience the island’s culture and its capital, Fort-de-France.
Read also: Inexpensive Beach Destinations Worldwide
Curacao
Curacao has all the offerings of a luxury tropical island destination at a fraction of the price. For just over $300 a day, you’ll feel like you’re living at the pinnacle of high living.
With its world-class scuba diving and hiking, adventure seekers will find more than a million reasons to visit. And then, there’s the island’s unique culture and cuisine, which is nothing short of exquisite.
When you visit, rent a car and explore the island’s hidden natural wonders. After experiencing the island’s hidden corners, don’t miss Willemstad’s fun sights and charming architecture.
Read also: Cheap Getaways Around the World
Panama City, Panama
Panama City is Panama’s bustling capital city and has everything you need for a luxury tropical vacation. At just around $100 a day, you won’t break the bank.
The city is home to luxurious resorts and a lively food scene. You can spend hours in a luxury pool and then head off to experience endless nightlife.
Just a short drive away, Panama’s countryside opens up with brilliant jungles, beaches, and communities. You can visit secluded beach towns and spend your days swimming in tropical waters without a care in the world.
Read also: World’s Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s largest cities and a hub for adventure sports and beautiful beaches. It’s also a friendly and welcoming city with plenty to offer, from great food to art and history.
You can expect to spend roughly $57 a day for all the luxury amenities you could want. You’ll get endless beaches and comfortable hotels with every amenity you’d want.
Nearby, you can explore giant caves or hike through jungles. Off the coast, there are islands with amazing snorkeling. You may even see whale sharks and manta rays!
Read also: The Best Beaches on Earth
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is made for travelers, with its all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and made-for-fun attitude. At just over $150 a day, it’s one of the most affordable tropical destinations.
You’ll experience endless white-sand beaches and world-famous cuisine. Rent jet skis, scuba dive, hike, or simply rest on the beach.
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Nearby, you can visit ancient Mayan pyramids or protected natural wonders. Whatever your dream vacation is, you can experience it in Cancun.
Read also: Breathtaking Beaches Around the World
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is a beautiful tropical island in the Philippines with some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling. If you love nature, stunning beaches, and having fun with locals, this is the destination for you.
To vacation in the Philippines and Palawan, you can spend less than $70 a day on all the amenities you would need. The island is home to several luxurious resorts on some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
Don’t miss sights such as the islands of El Nido. Here, you can explore the remote islands on a boat, eat incredible seafood, and find a secluded beach to fulfill your dreams.
Read also: Must-Visit Tropical Spots
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an island in Indonesia that has all the luxury and culture you’d expect from a world-class travel destination. It’s also affordable, at around $91 a day per person.
You can stay at a luxurious resort in Kuta or the Bukit Peninsula. Or, head to the ancient city of Ubud to experience temples and natural wonders. You can even practice yoga in a forest retreat.
Of course, there’s the nightlife. You’ll find several phenomenal clubs and bars that will give you plenty of memories. After partying, make your way to your hotel and listen to live gamelan music under the stars.
Read also: Hidden Tropical Vacation Gems
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is an island on the east coast of Africa in Tanzania. The ancient city of Zanzibar has endless historical landmarks that put many places in Europe to shame. It’s also affordable, at just under $130 a day for luxury travelers.
You can stay on a beachside resort with all the amenities you’d want from a prime tropical destination. You’ll have access to world-class diving, snorkeling, and islands where you can see wild sea turtles.
In the city, experience its rich culture and history. Visit the 17th-century Old Fort and of course, the Freddie Mercury Museum.
Read also: Perfect Hidden Tropical Islands
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi is a region in southern Thailand known for its beautiful islands and laid-back vibes. It has hundreds of beautiful beachside resorts with all the amenities you could ever need.
At just around $69 a day, you’ll get to relax in luxury. You’ll also get to travel to the offshore islands and hidden beaches immortalized in films.
Take a boat to the Phi Phi Islands and spend your days in the epitome of luxury and beauty. Watch the sunset set over the fishing boats as you dine on some of the best food of your life.
Read also: Destinations for Tropical Escape
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is one of Latin America’s most beautiful cities. It’s home to spectacular beaches, rich culture, and striking architecture. It’s also affordable, at just around $49 a day.
You’ll get to stay near the beach and relax by the pool for hours. Then, head to nearby natural reserves to see stunning waterfalls and wildlife.
You can see historical places such as the San Felipe de Barajas Fort in the city. Then, experience the nightlife and dance salsa until the sun comes up. It’s hard not to love this timeless tropical destination.
Read also: Most Stunning White Sand Beaches
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a big city with a lot of soul, culture, music, food, and pretty much everything else you can imagine. Yes, it’s chaotic and a bit rough around the edges. But as soon as you pay attention to the city’s culture, vibes, and most of all, people, you’ll fall in love.
It’s also an affordable tropical destination. For around $107 a day, you’ll get to live in luxury right on the beach. And there are many beaches too!
From its giant monuments, like Christ the Redeemer, to its natural wonders, Rio is arguably the world’s most beautiful city. It also has an infectious culture and an art scene that is, and always will be, the crème de la crème.
Read also: Affordable Beach Vacations in the World
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