TRAVEL SMARTS

The Best Exotic Vacations To Take On A Budget

Want to take an exotic vacation but believe the cost would be just too much? Don’t worry; these affordable vacations are undoubtedly exotic, presenting stunning scenery along with a variety of activities to see and do. Some of the least expensive yet most gratifying vacations are available in these locations, which range from the Caribbean to Europe, South America, Asia, and beyond.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has some of the most affordable rates in the entire Caribbean region as a result of the abundance of luxurious beachfront villas there. On the country’s east coast, Punta Cana is recognized for its magnificent beaches, first-rate golf, and a range of hotels, from low-cost to luxurious. Grab your snorkeling gear and swim among the vibrant fish and coral reefs during your stay to enjoy inexpensive aquatic adventures. Finding the ideal location for a fantasy holiday without spending an arm and a leg is simple here.

Thailand

While the touristy beach resort areas in the south of Thailand, such as Krabi and Phuket, are frequently pricey, traveling north to Chiang Mai will allow you to experience the country’s top attractions in a more authentic way while also taking in the area’s stunning mountains and vibrant hill tribes. Comfortable, private rooms are among the best vacation prices available, costing less than $10 per night. There are numerous temples in this old capital, and you may take inexpensive multi-trips to the adjacent forests and other temples as well.

Panama

One of those less-traveled destinations, Panama offers lots of warm weather, sunlight, and beaches while still offering lodging for for about $40 per night. Due to the lower demand, getting there will cost you a little extra, but once you get there, you’ll save a lot and avoid the throngs of tourists that are at popular, exotic locations like Cancun. In the nine tropical islands that make up the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, which is situated on the northwest coast of the Caribbean, you’ll find some of the best scuba diving and surf spots in the nation. Old Panama City’s Spanish colonial buildings and orange-tiled roofs stand in stark contrast to the skyline of skyscrapers across the bay.

Roatan, Honduras

Off the coast of northern Honduras, Roatan is a cheap slice of paradise in the Bay Islands. Just a few minutes from the beach, holiday rentals in condos and apartments may be found for $300 per week. The archipelago, which is encircled by the second-biggest barrier reef in the world, is a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise, where visitors can swim with graceful eagle rays and see the largest diversity of sponges and coral in the Caribbean. On land, experience breathtaking bird’s-eye views while ziplining through a forest canopy, or take advantage of the chance to get up close and personal with macaws and capuchin monkeys in the rainforest.

Crete, Greece

In Crete, you may find a vacation home or hotel room for less than $50 per night while taking advantage of delectable Cretan cuisine and a wide range of inexpensive activities. Also, the island has an extensive bus system that is inexpensive and simple to use, and many of the attractions, including pink sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing as well as mountains with beautiful hiking routes and ancient structures to marvel at, may be visited for free. One of the most popular attractions in Crete is Samaria Gorge, and for just €5, you can explore the entire gorge and park all the way to the sea.

Bahamas

The Bahamas are conveniently located between Florida and other Caribbean countries, which results in affordable flights. It is much simpler to plan an economical holiday to an exotic island that is surrounded by warm, azure waters for snorkeling, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and more when a flight here costs as little as $300 round trip from major east coast airports. At some locations, such as Exuma, you can dive in and swim among cute pigs.

Indonesia

The inexpensive cost of lodging, food, private drivers, and tours more than makes up for the expensive flight. More than 17,500 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited, make up this lovely nation. There are five large island groups and 30 smaller ones. With its stunning beaches and isolated blue lagoons, opportunities for surfing and snorkeling, historic temples, rice terraces, and lush hillsides filled with waterfalls, Bali is one of the top choices. Before visiting other islands like Nusa Penida with its renowned Kelingking Beach, Lombok, or even Komodo, home to the Komodo dragon, you may begin your vacation by flying into Bali’s Denpasar airport and taking advantage of that island’s delights.