Cheap Vacation Spots

Get to know the best cheap vacation spots in the world. This website contains articles with the best affordable vacation destinations in the world.

If you want to go on budget-friendly vacation or simply take a vacation without thinking about money, this website is for you.

We provide you with the best information about inexpensive vacation destinations – basic information about each country, prices of accommodation and food and things to do.

10 Best Cheap Vacation Spots

Here’s a list of the best cheap vacation spots in the world. They are listed alphabetically. If you’re looking for a more specific list such as a list of cheap beach vacation spots or affordable vacation spots off the beaten path, check out the menu at the right.

1. Cook Islands

Basic information

Cook Islands lie in the South Pacific Ocean, between French Polynesia and American Samoa, about half way from New Zealand to Hawaii. It’s one of the most affordable destinations in this expensive, but very beautiful region.

Prices

Cook Islands are much cheaper than nearby French Polynesia. The cheapest hotels in Aitutaki or Rarotonga cost about $75 per night for a double room. You can also find cheaper local hotels with lower standard for about $50-60 a night. You can get a takeaway meal for about $10 and main course in restaurant for about $20.

Things to do

Cook Islands has one of the most fabulous beaches in the world. It’s also famous for great diving sites and beautiful natural scenery. If you’re not a beach person, Cook Islands aren’t for you.

Reasons to go to the Cook Islands:

• They are cheaper than other South Pacific countries
• They are less popular with tourists than e.g. French Polynesia
• They have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
• You can snorkel or scuba dive in of the most breathtaking diving sites in the world
• It’s one of the safest countries in the world

2. Dominican Republic

Basic information

Dominican Republic is located in the Carribean. It shares the border with Haiti which occupies the western part of the island. Dominican Republic is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean and one of the most popular vacation destinations with Punta Cana being its major tourist area.

Prices

Dominican Republic offers many different accommodation options ranging from huge luxurious beach resorts to more affordable small hotels. You can expect to pay about $35–45 per night for a double room in cheaper hotels.

When it comes to food, if you stick to local products and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, you should keep your expenses very low. You can find a meal for as low as 5-10 US dollars.

Things to do

Since Dominican Republic has very beautiful beaches, it’s a perfect place for beach vacation. Moreover, it has great golf courses and is famous for great hiking (there are a few national parks there). Dominican Republic is also a great place for surfers, bikers and bird-watchers. If you’re interested in historical sites, visiting Santo Domingo is a must.

Reasons to go to Dominican Republic

• It’s very easy to get to from the United States
• Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas
• It offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
• It’s one of the most developed and one of the safest countries in the Caribbean
• It has great golf courses
• It’s famous for biodiversity

3. Fiji

Basic information

Fiji is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the poorest countries in the world. As a result, it’s also one of the most inexpensive countries in the South Pacific region.

Prices

In Viti Levu (e.g. in Nadi) you should easily find a basic double room for about 20-30 US dollars per night. There’s also a wide variety of more expensive hotels for 50, 60 or 70 US dollars a night. Food in cafes and small restaurants is very cheap and you can get a dinner for two for about $5-10. Fiji is unquestionably one of the best cheap vacation spots in the South Pacific Ocean.

Things to do

Fiji is one of the most popular destinations for divers. It’s also famous for picture-perfect paradise beaches, great surfing waves and adventure travel (whitewater rafting is a very popular tourist attraction).

Reasons to go to Fiji:

• It’s one of the most affordable countries in the South Pacific Ocean
• It’s home to one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world
• It’s famous for perfect surfing conditions
• It’s a great place to try adventure travel
• It has one of the best beaches in the world

4. Guadeloupe

Basic information

Guadeloupe is an overseas region of France (so it’s also a part of the European Union) located in the Caribbean. It’s one of the least developed islands in the Caribbean. Consequently, five-star luxury hotels are a rarity here and prices aren’t as high as on many other Caribbean islands.

Prices

Guadeloupe is one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean. You should find a double room for about $40-50 a night. Food in little eateries and from local street vendors cost about $5-10. A meal in a moderately priced restaurant costs about $15.

Things to do

There’s some excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is very pretty so it’s a perfect place for hikers (visit Carbet Falls which is a picturesque series of waterfalls). Guadeloupe is also famous for many festivals. There are also some great waves for surfing.

Reasons to go to Guadeloupe:

• Beautiful natural scenery and many hiking trails
• Excellent scuba diving and snorkeling
• It’s relatively close to the United States
• It isn’t very popular with American tourists
• It’s undeveloped and it preserves its authentic beauty

5. India

Basic information

India is a country in South Asia. It’s unquestionably one of the most diverse places in the world. Moreover, it’s one of the most affordable vacation destinations which offers an incredible variety of tourist attractions.

Prices

India is one of the cheapest countries in the world. Hotel prices vary a lot – it all depends on a region (some regions are very popular with tourists which results in higher prices). In Goa, which is one of the most popular cheap vacation spots in India, you can easily rent a double room for about 10-20 US dollars a night. Food is extremely cheap. You can get a big meal for a few dollars. Food from street stalls can cost as low as $1-2.

Things to do

India is an extremely diverse country. Each state has something different to offer. There are hundreds of historical sites, many picturesque tropical beaches (especially in Goa) and beautiful landscapes (e.g. in Himachal Pradesh). India is also a perfect place to watch wildlife and experience outstanding biodiversity.

Reasons to go to India

• It’s dirt cheap
• It has an extremely interesting culture
• It’s famous for great cuisine
• It’s a very diverse country
• It’s home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world

6. Indonesia

Basic information

Indonesia is a South East Asian country which consists of about 17 500 islands with only about 900 permanently inhabited. The country has one of the highest levels of biological diversity and is the most populous Muslim country in the world.

Prices

Indonesia is a very cheap country. In Bali, you can rent a basic double room for 25-40 US dollars per night. $1-2 will get you a meal on the street. Keep in mind that as a tourist it’s often necessary to haggle to get a fair price.

Things to do

Indonesia is an extremely diverse country which offers numerous different attractions. The country has world-class diving spots, it’s one of the best places for surfers and is a great place for spa treatments. Indonesia has also very beautiful beaches and fabulous landscape. Indonesia is unquestionably one of the best cheap vacation spots for nature lovers. In Bali, temples and rice terraces are well worth visiting.

Reasons to go to Indonesia:

• It’s one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world
• It’s a perfect place for surfing and diving
• It’s famous for beautiful landscape and biodiversity
• Bali is one of the most unique islands in the world
• It’s a popular place for spa treatments

7. Malaysia

Basic information

Malaysia is a country in South East Asia. It shares the border with Thailand. It’s one of the most developed countries in this region, yet it’s still one of the most affordable tropical vacation spots.

Prices

Malaysia is slightly more expensive than Thailand or Indonesia. However, many places are more developed. Expect to pay about $20-30 for a basic double room in most major cities and resorts and about $50 for a room with higher standard.

Things to do

Malaysia has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Sarawak is famous for its fabulous national parks. Moreover, some of the most beautiful beaches in South East Asia are located in Malaysia (such as Perhentian Islands which are definitely one of the best cheap tropical vacation spots in South East Asia). The country has also excellent scuba-diving.

Reasons to go to Malaysia:

• Outstanding biological diversity
• Interesting multi-ethnic culture
• Great cuisine
• Excellent scuba-diving
• Numerous beautiful national parks

8. Mexico

Basic information

Mexico is located in North America, to the south of the United States. It’s the fifth largest country in the Americas famous for diverse landscape and interesting local culture. Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. It’s one of the closest geographically to the US cheap beach vacation spots.

Prices

Mexico is still a relatively inexpensive country. However, the prices vary greatly. In Mexican Caribbean coast in cities like Cancun you can get a basic double room for about 40 US dollars. More comfortable rooms cost about $50-60. Food is also relatively cheap. You can get a very nice meal for two for about $10-15. If you want to eat where locals eat, you can get a meal for a couple of dollars.

Things to do

Mexico is known for beautiful tropical beaches, great diving spots, numerous archaeological sites (such as Mayan and Aztec ruins), perfect surfing conditions and world-class resort towns.

Reasons to go to Mexico:

• It’s very close to the United States
• It offers numerous attractions
• Resort towns are very well developed
• It has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Americas
• It’s full of fabulous archaeological sites

9. Philippines

Basic information

Philippines is a country in South East Asia. It’s an archipelago comprising about 7 100 islands divided intro three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The country is a mixture of foreign influences and local multi-ethnic culture.

Prices

Philippines is currently one of the poorest countries in the world which makes it a very cheap vacation destination. Double room in Boracay (one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines) costs about $20-30 for basic accommodation and 50 US dollars for a higher standard.

Things to do

Philippines has one of the best diving sites in the world. What’s more, it’s famous for picture-perfect tropical islands with perfect white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water. Last but not least, Philippines are famous for biodiversity and they are a great place to experience beautiful landscapes, reconnect with nature and see many unique species. The country is one of the most beautiful cheap vacation spots, especially if you love the tropics.

Reasons to go to the Philippines:

• World-class diving spots
• Beautiful white sandy beaches
• Beautiful natural scenery
• Many places aren’t popular with tourists
• Interesting local culture

10. Thailand

Basic information

Thailand is one of the most developed countries in South East Asia. It’s famous for numerous ancient Buddhist temples (“wats”), picturesque tropical islands in the Andaman Sea and great landscape diversity.

Prices

Prices in Thailand vary a lot. In areas popular among tourists prices are much higher than in areas less frequently visited by foreigners. In Phuket, which is one of the most popular cheap vacation spots in Thailand, you can rent a decent basic double room for about $15 a night. In some smaller towns and less popular among tourists islands you can get a room even for $10. Street food in Thailand is extremely cheap – you can easily get a huge meal for 2-3 US dollars.

Things to do

Thailand is known for its diversity. You can relax at beautiful white sandy beaches in the Andaman Sea, hike through green mountains covered with lush jungles, visit numerous wats and other historical sites or taste local cuisine in Bangkok for which Thailand is famous worldwide.

Reasons to go to Thailand

• It has a very interesting Buddhist culture
• It’s famous for numerous beautiful ancient Buddhist temples (wats)
• It has one of the most beautiful beaches in South East Asia
• It has a great cuisine
• It’s very diverse and you can easily experience completely different landscapes and attractions in a week of being there

I hope that this list will help you choose an inexpensive place for your vacation. So, which of these cheap vacation spots are you going to visit?