Stretch your dollars further on your next trip.
While it’s easy to see the word “tropical” and think “expensive,” there are plenty of must-visit vacation destinations with stunning palm-fringed beaches and warm weather year-round that won’t break the bank. From the idyllic Caribbean and Mexico to Asia and South America, these tropical spots offer an affordable and fun place to relax for those willing to go off the beaten track. Many beach vacations on this list compiled by U.S. News also offer a range of lodging options, including cozy bed-and-breakfasts, luxurious hotels and even all-inclusive resorts.
Ready for a tropical vacation you can afford? Dive into some of the best and most affordable cheap tropical vacations to add to your travel list this year.
Next:Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos, which encompasses the resort city of Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s Baja peninsula, benefits budget travelers with its selection of all-inclusive resorts and prevalence of vacation packages. It’s often a breeze to secure an all-in-one travel package that will combine your airfare and hotel stay for less than the cost of buying both separately. Plus, with the plethora of beautiful (and free) beaches available to visit, you won’t have to spend much money on activities.
Next:Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Jamaica is known for its gorgeous beaches made of powdery white sand, its stunning Blue Mountains and its vibrant culture. Montego Bay is especially popular among families for the area’s laid-back charm, relaxed beaches and calm waters, which are perfect for small children. Instead of buying cheap flights and accommodations separately, look for vacation packages that combine the two and typically offer discounted rates.
Next:Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Travelers seeking striking landscapes, affordable lodging and flavorful cuisine should look no further than tropical and intriguing Phuket. This cultural hot spot in Thailand is known for its easygoing beach atmosphere, cheap hotels and affordable things to do thanks to the favorable exchange rate ($1 equals almost $35 Thai baht). While here, take a boat tour to soak in the scenery, relax in a Thai-style spa and visit the famous Big Buddha.
Next:Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos features some affordable hotels (with rates that often run less than $100 per night), beautiful beaches and a nonstop party scene. Travelers flock to top Greece beaches like Navagio and Gerakas to drink and lounge the day away in the sun. This Greek island also offers ample opportunities to connect with wildlife: Travelers can see nesting sea turtles and enjoy snorkeling at the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
Next:Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Travelers are attracted to this tropical paradise for its snorkeling and scuba diving, cultural flair and close proximity to everything from beaches to the famous town of Ubud. The capital of the Indonesian province of Bali is also known for its affordability. Not only can you find four-star and even five-star hotels for less than $85 per night in Denpasar, but your dollar will stretch far here ($1 is equal to more than 15,000 Indonesian rupiah).
Read: Solo Travel for Women: The Best Destinations and Tips
Next:Curaçao
Curaçao
Regarded as one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean, Curaçao offers picturesque beaches and vibrantly colored architecture. Culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts head to Curaçao for its scenic landscapes, unique Dutch influence, and ample snorkeling and scuba spots. If you skip the resort and opt for a smaller hotel that’s set slightly away from the water, you’ll likely find rates for less than $100 per night.
Read: Caribbean Islands You Can Fly To for Less
Next:Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This Dominican Republic destination boasts beaches with soft golden sands, crystal-clear waters and a range of all-inclusive resorts at all price points. These resorts allow guests to combine food and drink, as well as on-site and some off-site activities, for one budget-friendly price – all in an idyllic setting along the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana typically offer numerous pools, swim-up bars, and ample eateries and activities. You’ll have your pick of adults-only and family-friendly options, many of which start at less than $200 per night with double occupancy.
Read: The Top Cheap Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts
Next:Pedasí, Panama
Pedasí, Panama
Pedasí is a traditional and budget-friendly small town tucked into the southeast corner of the Azuero Peninsula of Panama that you may want to add to your travel bucket list. Known as a cheap
destination for retirees, Pedasí lures travelers with its calming beach landscapes and delectable seafood. Its hotel rates are also stellar; you can easily find hotels and resorts in this area for less than $100 per night.
Next:Belize
Belize
With direct flights from many major cities across North America, affordable hotels and resorts, and activities that range from scuba diving to horseback riding to cave exploration, Belize has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world. You can book many Belize accommodations for $75 to $150 per night, then fill your days with cheap food and outdoor fun (remember: $1 is equivalent to about 2 Belize dollars). Enjoying a locally brewed Belikin beer in Belize, for example, will set you back $2 to $3 in a local bar, and entrees can easily cost $10 or less.
Next:Corfu, Greece
Corfu, Greece
Travelers who love Greek island culture but want to skip the pricey islands like Mykonos and Santorini will want to book a trip to Corfu. This tropical paradise is brimming with beautiful architecture, amazing beaches and even a donkey rescue. The Greek island also features some highly rated hotels for $100 or less per night.
Next:Gili Islands, Indonesia
Gili Islands, Indonesia
Known as the “Turtle Capital of the World,” Indonesia’s Gili Islands are a tropical paradise. You won’t encounter any motor vehicles on the roads (expect plenty of bikes, horse-drawn carts and pedestrians), so you get to escape the hustle and bustle of regular life. Book a cheap hotel near the beach – you can find rates for well under $50 per night – and plan a week of fun swimming in turquoise waters and diving to see the islands’ abundant marine life.
Next:Krabi, Thailand
Krabi, Thailand
The Krabi province is perfect for travelers seeking beautiful beaches on a budget. Here, you’ll find powdery white sand shorelines, inexpensive street food, a tropical rainforest, world-class scuba diving and top-notch hotels ranging from around $20 to $100 per night. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the opportunity to book a boat tour; some of the most spectacular scenery can be found in the islands off Krabi’s coast.
Next:Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece
Crete offers the same old-world charm and affordability as Athens – but with warmer weather. As the largest island in Greece, Crete boasts mountains, gorges and beautiful beaches, including Elafonisi with its pink-colored sands as well as Vai, which is home to Europe’s largest palm tree grove at nearly 5,000 palms. Depending on when you visit and if you can travel at off-peak times, you may be able to score a stay at a highly rated hotel for $150 or less per night. There are even a range of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Crete, which bundle your food and drinks in with your lodging for one nightly rate.
Next:Menorca, Spain
Menorca, Spain
Menorca – also spelled Minorca – is an oceanfront paradise with a prime setting along the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you’ll typically find lower prices on food and lodging (as well as fewer tourists) compared to other nearby Spanish islands. Simply put, Menorca is ideal for frugal travelers who want to avoid the party scene of Ibiza and the tourists of Mallorca so they can worship the sun in peace.
Next:Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
The Thai island Phu Quoc is a paradise for travelers who want to bond with nature in a tropical setting. This region of Vietnam features the lush Phu Quoc National Park, plenty of wildlife both above and below the islands’ waters, and too many stunning beaches to count. What’s more, you can easily find top-notch hotels offering rates for $100 or less per night.
Next:Sarandë, Albania
Sarandë, Albania
Sarandë (or Saranda) is a resort area on the Albanian Riviera known for its crescent-shaped bay, pretty beaches and local archaeological remains. Hotels are cheap: You can easily find highly rated properties here for less than $100 per night. The exchange rate is also favorable for visitors from the U.S., with $1 working out to around 105 Albanian lek. And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to get in some partying alongside your sightseeing, you’ll be delighted to know this coastal town has a thriving nightlife scene.
Next:Koh Lipe, Thailand
Koh Lipe, Thailand
With its far-flung location in the Andaman Sea, the stunning island of Koh Lipe is most famous for its beautiful beaches. However, this tropical paradise is also ideal for tourists seeking a cheap way to soak up the sun and indulge in tasty Thai food on a budget. For example, you can find room rates at waterfront properties in this tropical destination for less than $100 per night.
Next:Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known around the world for its rugged, emerald green scenery and stunning landscapes. The country boasts an incredible array of verdant national parks and beaches that are perfect for surfing as well as soaking up the sun. If you’re looking to go easy on your wallet, you can book a hotel in beachfront Tamarindo within the Guanacaste province for $150 or less per night. Conversely, you can consider an all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica to save money on meals and activities.
Next:Marmaris, Turkey
Marmaris, Turkey
A coastal town popular with locals on holiday, Marmaris in Turkey (about 200 miles west of Antalya) features several scenic beaches and a national park. Here, you’ll be able to find hotel rates for less than $100 per night, including waterfront lodging options. Use that money you’re saving on accommodations to book yourself a boat tour, which comes cheap considering $1 equals almost 20 Turkish lira.
Next:Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama
While the state of Alabama may not come to mind when you think of tropical destinations, Gulf Shores is home to sprawling beaches with warm waters and amazing sunsets. What’s more, the area offers numerous affordable hotels and condo rentals for less than $200 per night. You can also save on airfare by keeping your vacation domestic, meaning you’ll have extra cash to splurge on activities. Fun and affordable things to check out here include the Waterville USA water park, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and dolphin watching tours, to name a few.
Read: The Top Cheap Weekend Getaways in the U.S.
Next:Cancún, Mexico
Cancún, Mexico
Cancún amazes tourists with its turquoise waters, white sand beaches and nonstop party scene. Flight deals are easy to come by if you’re flexible with your travel dates and willing to travel in the offseason, and all-inclusive resorts catering to families and young people offer affordable accommodation rates as well. Plus, getting around on the city’s buses, which are abundant, will cost you less than a dollar. With all that money saved, you’ll have room in your budget to splurge on higher-cost activities, such as excursions to nearby Chichén Itzá or Isla Mujeres, the latter of which offers opportunities for zip lining, kayaking and snorkeling.
Next:Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is an archipelago consisting of 99 islands off the coast of Malaysia. Traveling this far may be pricey, but the region will welcome you with inexpensive hotels (highly rated properties go for less than $50 per night), gorgeous beaches, and cheap street food and seafood. Plus, the duty-free shops are abundant with discounts up to 75% on popular brand-name goods. You can find deals on everything from luggage and kitchenware to jewelry, cosmetics and clothing.
Next:Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia, Greece
The largest of Greece’s Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is home to dazzling blue waters, rugged cliffs and a scenic mountain backdrop. While there are pricey luxury resorts on the island, travelers can come to this affordable vacation spot to enjoy time in coastal hotels for less than $100 per night as well as bask in the sun, hike nearby trails and swim at beaches like the breathtaking Myrtos, surrounded by striking cliffs. Kefalonia is also home to the famous Melissani cave and underground lake, which is known for its unique beauty and history as a place of worship.
Next:Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
If your goal is sunning on the beach and your resort’s grounds, the community of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is an excellent choice. This area is full of affordable all-inclusive resorts (with food, drink and activities included in your room rate) that cater to all types of travelers, from couples and families with kids to solo travelers and friends groups. It’s even possible to find all-inclusive properties here with nightly rates below $200 with double occupancy.
Next:Patras, Greece
Patras, Greece
Patras has its own stretch of beach, but this town offers plenty of history and culture as well. Hotels are affordable (you’ll find a variety of options for less than $100 per night), and you can relax the day away near the water or roam the Old City, which is filled with ancient ruins. Museums in Patras include the Archaeological Museum of Patras, the Folk Art Museum, and the Museum of History and Ethnology. Travelers will find several other shorelines worth visiting nearby as well, including the Rio and Rodini beaches.
Next:Barbados
Barbados
The tropical island of Barbados may be known for luxury, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find an affordable way to visit. Along with all-inclusive resorts, inexpensive hotel options (with nightly rates below $200) are available across the island, especially if you’re willing to stay somewhere other than the famous Platinum Coast. Although U.S. currency is accepted, if you pay in Barbadian dollars you can save some additional coin ($1 equals approximately 2 Barbadian dollars). While many flock to the island’s numerous beaches, including Bathsheba Beach and Dover Beach, you should also check out Harrison’s Cave and Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
Next:Milos, Greece
Milos, Greece
The small volcanic island of Milos is home to some spectacular scenery thanks to its turquoise waters and beaches backed by striking craggy cliffs. Visitors can also explore archaeological ruins, making this island a solid option for those interested in Greek history and culture. Travelers will enjoy the mouthwatering Greek fare on this island and the inexpensive accommodations, which often run $100 or less per night.
Next:Bonaire
Bonaire
The “B” of the ABC islands is often overlooked compared to its neighbors (Aruba and Curaçao). Lucky for vacationers, the island’s underrated status translates to lower travel rates. In Bonaire, you can score highly rated accommodations for less than $180 per night – sometimes even less than $100. Scuba diving is the standout activity to enjoy in Bonaire, thanks to its easy-to-access reefs, so you can also look at affordable diving resorts. If you don’t want to get wet, however, exploring Washington Slagbaai National Park is a worthwhile excursion, too.
Next:Malta
Malta
This Mediterranean gem is frequently passed up for its popular neighbors, the Italian and Greek islands, but it’s a prime destination for a cheap European vacation. Come to Malta and you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and cheaper rates on everything from food to public transportation. Malta is filled with budget-friendly accommodations (typically less than $80 per night) and you may be able to rent a car to explore the incredible scenery for less than $20 per day.
Next:Ischia, Italy
Ischia, Italy
Ischia is a lesser-known Italian island that is often eclipsed by its more well-known neighbor Capri. In addition to boasting spectacular beaches, stunning mountainous landscapes and charming villages, Ischia is more affordable compared to other Italian beach destinations. Take the ferry from Naples, which costs less than $90 per ticket on average, and enjoy a resort stay by the ocean for $100 per night or less.
Next:Bahia, Brazil
Bahia, Brazil
If you’re wanting to explore Brazilian beaches beyond Rio’s famed shoreline, take a trip to the state of Bahia. Brazilians vacation here, and you typically won’t encounter the same crowds in Bahia’s hidden gems as in top tourist spots. Start your journey in the cultural hub of Salvador de Bahia (where you can find rental cars for less than $30 per day) then drive down the Bahia coastline, which stretches more than 600 miles. Along the way, you can snag accommodations for less than $75 per night.
Next:Isla de Providencia, Colombia
Isla de Providencia, Colombia
Mainland Colombia’s celebrated lush landscapes are in no shortage on Isla de Providencia, which sits off the coast of Nicaragua. This island in the Caribbean is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, rolling green hills and the lack of mass tourism (considering its awe-inspiring scenery). Here, you don’t need to rent a car – a golf cart or scooter will suffice – and accommodations tend to cost less than $100 per night.
Next:Djerba, Tunisia
Djerba, Tunisia
This small island, just a stone’s throw from the southern Tunisian coast, features turquoise waters, camel rides on the beach and beautiful white-washed architecture similar to that seen on the Greek island of Santorini. You can find hotels for less than $100 a night and unlike in Santorini, you can simply drive here from the mainland, saving money in flight or ferry fees.
Next:Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island, California
Forget having to pay for plane tickets; you can easily take the ferry from Southern California to Catalina Island for about $80 round trip. Once you arrive, you can rent a car for less than $30 per day, which will give you the opportunity explore the island beyond Avalon – Catalina’s most populous city. If you decide to forgo the car, you’ll be happy to know that Avalon and its beaches, which are dotted with palm trees and feature clear blue waters, are very walkable.
Next:Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Once you get past the long journey to get to these two remote islands off the coast of Nicaragua, you’ll be rewarded with a tropical paradise that feels all your own. Because it’s not a widely known vacation spot, you’ll enjoy a sense of peace not found in other popular island destinations. Plus, with accommodations costing less than $90 per night, you might never want to leave.
Next:Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar, Tanzania
White sandy shores, striking turquoise waters, ample wildlife and a restaurant you can swim to from the beach are just a few reasons why travelers should make the trek to Zanzibar, one of the top destinations in Africa. Located off the coast of Tanzania, the island’s scenery looks like the type of landscape you’d see on the cover of a travel book. What’s more, accommodations, including some properties on the beach, feature rates for less than $100 per night.
Next:Ubatuba, Brazil
Ubatuba, Brazil
Situated between Brazil’s most populous cities, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Ubatuba is a South American paradise. Ubatuba is an evergreen playground thanks to its location right next to the lush Serra do Mar mountains. East of the mountains you’ll find more than 100 beaches lining the coast. Plus, hotel prices are a steal, with many offering rates for less than $100 per night.
Next:Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
This tiny grouping of island destinations is located in the Bay of Bengal (off the western coast of Myanmar and Thailand), and visiting will make you feel worlds away from your everyday life. Part of India, these islands feature breathtaking beaches, national parks, wildlife, scuba diving and plenty of other adventure activities. Hotels here are usually less than $100 per night. The U.S. dollar converts to more than 80 rupees.
Next:Costa del Sol, Spain
Costa del Sol, Spain
Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol is truly a winner for those seeking an amazing European vacation along the Mediterranean Sea. If you aren’t attached to staying in a particular destination in the region, you can find nightly hotel rates for less than $100 in many of the nearby towns and cities. Plus, with rental car deals available for less than $15 per day, it’ll be easier than ever to explore this slice of the Spanish coastline. While here, visit the shorelines and beautiful old towns of Marbella and Benalmádena, and be sure to make a detour inland to see the Sierra de las Nieves National Park in the heart of Malaga.
Next:Cebu, Philippines
Cebu, Philippines
This island located in the incredibly scenic Central Visayas region of the Philippines is ideal for the adventurous traveler. Though the island is filled with numerous tropical beaches, Cebu stands out for its bevy of waterfalls (there’s a range of incredible falls located within the forests) and mountainous landscape, affording plenty of hiking trails that promise sweeping vistas of the island. Plus, you can easily score hotels by the beach for less than $100 per night (and often less than $60 per night).
Next:Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
At first glance, Puerto Rico may not seem like the most affordable tropical destination to visit. After all, hotels in San Juan often go for hundreds of dollars per night. However, airfare can be affordable if you’re flexible with your travel dates, and there are plenty of places to stay off the beaten path for a steal. If you’re willing to skip the luxury digs, humble accommodations around the island – including condos, inns and guest houses – can run less than $100 per night. Plus, strolling around Old San Juan and admiring a beautiful sunset is free of charge.
Read: The Trick to Finding Cheap Flights
Next:Martinique
Martinique
What makes this Caribbean island (an overseas region of France) affordable is that many of its attractions are free to visit, including its bevy of beautiful beaches – Plage des Salines and Grande Anse d’Arlet are two traveler favorites. Visitors can also explore other top-notch Martinique attractions, including La Savane park and the Anse Cafard Slave Memorial, at no cost. As for accommodations, you can find cheap hotels the farther away you are from the capital, Fort-de-France.
Next:Rosario Islands, Colombia
Rosario Islands, Colombia
The Rosario Islands off the northern coast of Colombia offer the perfect combination of natural beauty, abundant marine life and outdoor recreation. This archipelago promises delectable seafood, beautiful sunsets and great conditions for scuba diving. You can snag budget-friendly accommodations if you stay at smaller hotels on the islands, which are prevalent. Paying less than $100 per night on a hotel room will save you money that you can then spend on fun activities, including kayaking through mangroves.
Next:Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Holly Johnson is an experienced travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries, including nearly every destination in the Caribbean. She is an expert on cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and she loves getting a good deal on resort stays for her family of four.
You might also be interested in:
