10 Cheap Tropical Places to Travel Around the World, According to Travel Experts
Nothing says vacation better than traveling to a tropical destination with sunshine and beautiful beaches or rainforests and maybe some dramatic mountains. Travelers can lounge on the sand and take a midday nap in the shade of a palm tree or enjoy the melodic soundtrack of jungle creatures. Of course, it’s not all lazy days and nights, unless that’s your preference.
Many torrid travel spots are packed with adventure, from snorkeling excursions to ATV and zip-lining tours. Culture and fresh local cuisine also come with the territory. And while equatorial hot spots like St. Barts, the Maldives, and Bora Bora come with a hefty price tag, it’s certainly not necessary to break the bank on a hot getaway. Prefer to save than splurge? You’re in good company. According to a recent Vacasa survey, 84% of travelers are changing their plans to be more budget-conscious.
Lush landscapes, reasonable prices, and frame-worthy photo opportunities are before you in these affordable tropical destinations, from Costa Rica to Vietnam.
Merida, Mexico
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Mérida, capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, is one of the country’s most underrated cultural centers. “The rise in tourism-related prices has not yet arrived, as it is often ignored by travelers in favor of beachfront resort meccas like Cancun and Tulum,” says Brandon Berkson, CEO of Hotels Above Par. The days unfold as you stroll through the historic center, shopping for affordable souvenirs in modern design stores and savoring regional dishes like cochinita pibil in budget restaurants in Yucatec. “If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Mérida that won’t break the bank, Wayam Mundo Imperial is the right choice, with suites costing less than US$175 per night.”
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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Bali may require a long day of travel and some pricier airfares, but the Island of the Gods offers travelers excellent value. Budget-conscious audiences should consider the mountain town of Ubud in particular, a bastion of traditional culture and lush scenery at more affordable rates than along the coast. You can spend the day chatting with cute primates at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for just $5. The surrounding countryside is filled with tropical forests and terraced rice paddies. Food at warungs and local accommodations is also cheap. If you want to splurge, the top-rated Adiwana Unagi Suites still costs around $150 per night.
Negril, Jamaica
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Jamaica’s westernmost city, Negril – also known as the Capital of Casual – offers sandy beaches, turquoise waters, friendly locals and a laid-back vibe. This relaxing paradise won’t strain your wallet either. Seven Mile Beach is full of delicious and affordable local beach shacks. “There are several excellent boutique properties – notably Skylark Negril Beach Resort, a member of Design Hotels – with rates under $200,” says Chelsea Bicknese, travel consultant at Fora. “Rick’s Cafe offers a bar special with five Red Stripes and five shots for $25. Split among friends, it’s just a few dollars each.”
Phú Quốc, Vietnam
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Admittedly, getting to Phú Quốc, a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, requires connecting flights and higher airfare costs than most places on this list, but don’t let that be a deterrent. Once you arrive at this slice of paradise, the value is incredible. Rooms at the top-rated Mövenpick Villas & Residences Phú Quốc start from just US$75. The night markets in Dương Đông are full of cheap and delicious food. And of course, sunbathing on the white sand beaches and hiking through Phú Quốc National Park are free.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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While the beach resorts in Santa Teresa and Peninsula Papagayo may have high prices, this is certainly not the case throughout Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio off the beaten track – the area that includes and surrounds the 11 square kilometer Manuel Antonio National Park – is a bastion of biodiversity with rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling and wildlife. diverse wildlife, including three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys. Its remote location keeps prices low. Many of the hotels cost around US$100 per night, and the eco-tours are also reasonable.
Madeira, Portugal
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Madeira is a paradise for adventure lovers, with cinematic scenes and countless ecotourism opportunities. Its lush forests, black sand beaches, natural lava pools and towering mountains with idyllic viewpoints like Lombo dos Palheiros are just some of the scenic highlights. “In the center of Funchal, many famous attractions, including Mercado dos Lavradores and Livraria Esperança, are free,” says Berkson. Entrance to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, full of flowers, costs around US$13.50. “Oceanfront and just steps away from everything, the Next hotel is an economical stay, with rates around US$150 per night.”
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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“For travelers looking for an easy and affordable beach vacation, Puerto Rico offers some of the most reasonable direct flights from the United States – with tickets starting at $129,” says Laura Lindsay, travel trends expert at Skyscanner. In addition to low-cost outdoor activities like relaxing on sunny beaches and hiking through rainforests just a short drive away, head to the historic Old San Juan neighborhood to experience local culture. It’s free to wander around and take photos of the colorful buildings. Entrance to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the imposing 16th-century fortress and citadel, costs just US$10 for adults and free for children under 15.
Puebla, Mexico
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“Featuring a subtropical highland climate, the central Mexican city of Puebla remains one of Mexico’s best kept secrets,” says Berkson. The city is full of accessible activities – from visiting the art galleries, colorful facades and crafts along Callejón de Los Sapos and admiring the well-adapted architecture of the historic library Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Puebla Cathedral and the ornate 17th-century Capilla. del Rosario to stock up on handcrafted pottery and indulge in delicious local dishes. “You can often book my favorite stay, Banyan Tree Puebla, for less than $200 a night.”
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Throngs of sunseekers flock to Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts. Much less realize the business that awaits them in Santo Domingo. Round-trip flights from $286 leave plenty of vacation budget for lodging, food, and entertainment—not that any of those things will cost you much in the commercial and cultural capital of the Dominican Republic. After relaxing on the sandy beaches, take a tram ride through the Jardin Botánico Nacional, stroll through the cheap Mercado Modelo, and visit the famous Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Menor. And be sure to take a day trip to Los Tres Ojos National Park.
Saint Cristopher
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Compared to neighboring Saint Martin or even Anguilla, Saint Kitts goes unnoticed. However, it deserves your vacation days and hard-earned cash – both of which will go a long way on the 18-mile-long island that’s known for its Atlantic and Caribbean beaches, lush rainforests and colorful buildings in the capital. Basseterre. In November, JetBlue launched direct flights from New York (JFK) to St. Kitts (SKB) with one-way tickets starting at $183. But getting there isn’t just easy on the wallet; you can get a room at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino for just $218.
