Are you dreaming of French Polynesia but don’t quite have Bora Bora bucks? Vacation costs can quickly soar when visiting expensive locales where excessive spending is the norm, which is frustrating if you’re trying to see jaw-dropping views.
Many premier destinations push indulgent culinary experiences, extravagant hotels, and pricy excursions. Planning a trip to these high-cost areas isn’t feasible for those with budgetary restrictions.
You can save money while creating priceless memories at these budget-friendly alternatives to the world’s most upscale getaways.
Skip: Napa Valley, California, US
Wine lovers looking to splurge often settle on California’s iconic Napa Valley region. Napa is a world-famous wine producer boasting hundreds of vineyards. While Napa is a beautiful place to sample wine and learn about the production process, it comes with a price. Prepare for high wine-tasting fees and pricy accommodations when planning a trip to Napa.
Instead: Willamette Valley, Oregon, US
Willamette Valley, located in Oregon, provides similar experiences at an affordable price. Hundreds of small, family-run wineries and sprawling vineyard estates dot the Willamette Valley landscape. The region is best known for Pinot Noir but produces many flavorful wine varieties. This Oregon destination is ideal for budget wine connoisseurs seeking reasonably priced restaurants, hotels, and activities.
Skip: Hawaii, US
Hawaii, an island state in the Pacific Ocean, attracts many luxury travelers to its beaches and jungles. The state includes several islands boasting volcanoes, lush forests, and upscale beachside hotels. Cities like Oahu and Honolulu allow tourists to snorkel, lounge by the ocean, and dine on fresh delicacies.
While Hawaii is a beautiful place to vacation, planning a trip can quickly become expensive. In a 2023 analysis of the world’s costliest vacations, Florida Panhandle estimated that visitors spend an average of over $1,000 daily.
Instead: Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to Hawaii. There are endless attractions in Costa Rica, from the bustling capital of San Jose to the rugged Monteverde area. Tourists can save a significant amount of money visiting this beautiful country. Many top Costa Rican hotels and experiences cost less than comparable options in Hawaii.
Skip: Paris, France
The city of Paris is a classic European getaway for couples. This cultural and historic hub is home to world-famous landmarks, cuisine, and art. Paris is the ideal backdrop for a romantic vacation with a loved one, but strolling the cobblestone streets costs a pretty penny.
Instead: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is an underrated destination where your money can go much further. As the Czech Republic’s capital, Prague has a rich local history, evident in its museums and centuries-old architecture. There are many cheap and free attractions throughout Prague, including Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. Prague has all the charm of Paris without the hefty price tag.
Skip: New York, New York, US
New York is the country’s largest city and, unsurprisingly, teeming with things to see and do. While there’s no shortage of iconic activities and sights, budget-conscious tourists may struggle to find affordable options in New York. High lodging, transportation, and food costs contribute to the city’s reputation as an expensive vacation spot.
Instead: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
The Pennsylvania city of Philadelphia offers much of what draws visitors to New York City. Philadelphia has played a significant role in American history, which you can learn more about while visiting national monuments such as the Liberty Bell. The city is an affordable getaway famous for its museums, art galleries, and diverse culinary scene.
Skip: Bahamas
The Bahamas is a strong contender among the world’s top luxury locales. This tropical Caribbean country boasts crystal-clear waters, lavish resorts, and unique things to do. Because of its scenery and popularity among international tourists, the price of a Bahamas vacation can quickly skyrocket.
Instead: Dominican Republic
If you’re traveling on a budget, consider visiting the Dominican Republic. It is a jaw-dropping country with tranquil beaches and exciting towns like Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Planning an affordable Dominican Republic trip is possible thanks to the country’s reasonably priced resorts, dining, and shopping.
Skip: Vienna, Austria
Austria’s charming capital, Vienna, appeals to many international visitors. This picturesque town on the Danube River has enjoyed a thriving artistic community for centuries. Vienna is a cultural and architectural mecca with imposing medieval churches, palaces, and museums. Touring Vienna on a budget can be challenging, as it’s a notoriously expensive region of Europe.
Instead: Budapest, Hungary
You can have a similarly fulfilling experience in Budapest for a fraction of the price. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and an underrated European destination for budget-minded travelers. The ancient city has an impressive assortment of free and low-cost activities. Walking tours throughout the public squares and historic ruins are an excellent way to see Budapest without overspending.
Skip: Milan, Italy
Considering its status among the world’s leading fashion capitals, Milan has a glamorous reputation. High-end brands such as Prada and Versace are headquartered in the sophisticated city. Due to its strong business presence, Milan is one of Italy’s priciest cities. Prepare to spend big bucks on Milan’s top sights.
Instead: Turin, Italy
Turin is a fabulous alternative to Milan that offers a refined travel experience for a lower price. This captivating city in northern Italy houses many historic and artistic landmarks among its streets and plazas. Turin is more moderately priced than Milan but doesn’t compromise variety regarding things to see and do.
Skip: Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini is a glitzy Mediterranean escape in the Aegean Sea. Santorini is instantly recognizable for its white-washed cliffside buildings and breathtaking coastline. The island’s delicious cuisine and opportunities for outdoor exploration make it a popular vacation spot. As a result, Santorini is considered an expensive destination with limited affordable options.
Instead: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea, is comparable to Santorini in beauty but significantly more budget-friendly. Dubrovnik better accommodates tourists who are hesitant to spend excessive money on vacation. The vibrant blue waters, fresh seafood, and fascinating historical sites make a trip to Dubrovnik worthwhile.
Skip: French Riviera
Côte d’Azur, often called the French Riviera, is a coastal region on the Mediterranean Sea. This area is famous for its picturesque beaches and luxurious resorts. Glitzy tourist areas of the French Riviera include Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Expect to spend thousands on a multi-day getaway to the French Riviera.
Instead: Cinque Terre, Italy
Visit Italy’s Cinque Terre region for a more budget-friendly European vacation. Cinque Terre encompasses five coastal villages overlooking the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy. These villages and the surrounding area comprise Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Cinque Terre, you can enjoy mouthwatering seafood, colorful architecture, and a rich cultural heritage without breaking the bank.
Skip: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In 2023, Forbes ranked Dubai among the ten most expensive travel destinations worldwide. This United Arab Emirates tourism hub has extravagant hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Due to its high cost of living, planning a wallet-friendly trip to Dubai is challenging.
Instead: Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a much cheaper place to experience vibrant, exciting city life. There are many affordable accommodations and dining options in Istanbul. Like Dubai, it has a distinct cultural landscape with unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the local traditions.
Skip: French Polynesia
French Polynesia’s natural beauty makes it the ideal place to splurge. Over 100 islands comprise this South Pacific country, home to coral reefs, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. French Polynesia is a premier sailing and snorkeling spot, though its remote location makes traveling there costly.
Instead: Cook Islands
Another South Pacific destination that’s more accommodating to budget travelers is the Cook Islands. There are 15 tropical islands to explore, and many have renowned scuba-diving sites. You’ll have an unforgettable beach vacation set against the turquoise waters and pristine coastline of the Cook Islands.
Skip: Aspen, Colorado, US
According to GOBankingRates, Aspen is one of the country’s most expensive tourist destinations. Aspen is a leading Colorado ski town with year-round recreation opportunities. Its convenient mountain access and top-tier resorts make Aspen popular among athletes and celebrities.
Instead: Banff, Alberta, Canada
Booking a ski vacation in Banff can be much easier on your wallet. This idyllic town is located within Banff National Park, home to many lakes and mountains. Many visit Banff during winter for its world-class ski resorts, which offer reasonably priced lift tickets. Regardless of the season, outdoor lovers will enjoy exploring all that Banff offers.
Skip: Tanzania
Tanzania is a sought-after African country for luxurious wildlife safaris. Home to Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, Tanzania is a wondrous place to spot elephants, lions, rhinos, and more. Immersive safari stays and excursions in Tanzania can cost thousands per day, making it less than ideal for affordability.
Instead: Zambia
For an equally memorable African safari adventure, consider Zambia. Zambia’s expansive wilderness areas allow visitors to encounter local wildlife and natural wonders. From the rugged plains to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, there’s much to discover in Zambia regardless of budget.
With these affordable dupes for the world’s most famous luxury destinations, you don’t have to blow your travel budget to create lasting memories.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
