12 Cheap Tropical Vacations That’ll Make You Feel Like Royalty

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Sometimes, there’s nothing like a cheap tropical vacation that feels expensive. Without breaking the bank, you might just appreciate the place a little more.

We all love to travel, experience new places, and see new things. However, sometimes the burden of cost becomes unbearable, and we barely venture out from our city, town, or village.

Fortunately, there are a few places that like to keep prices low. Not just for visitors but for locals, too. Below are 12 cheap tropical vacations that feel expensive so you can get the most out of your hard-earned cash.

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If “luxury on a budget” is your vibe, which of these tropical getaways would you book first?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

12 Beautiful Places in the Caribbean Where You Can Live for Less Than $1,500 a Month

Curacao 1/5

24 Countries You Can Travel Visa-Free To As an American Panama, Central America

Panama City, Panama 2/5

12 Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean Where You Can Find Secluded Paradise

Martinique 3/5

Underrated Warm Vacation Spots Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Ipanema beach

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 4/5

Budget-friendly Beach Destinations in The Caribbean Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica 5/5

Results

Curacao

22 22

Panama City, Panama

16 28

Martinique

21 23

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

18 26

Jamaica

16 28

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

🏨Explore all your hotel options here

Nearby, you can visit ancient Mayan pyramids or protected natural wonders. Whatever your dream vacation is, you can experience it in Cancun.

Palawan, Philippines

Top 12 Seriously Underrated Tropical Vacation Destinations To Visit Right Now — © David / Adobe Stock

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.

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.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away — © Ralf / Adobe Stock

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.

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.

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.

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.