Best tropical vacation on a budget
When it comes to tropical vacations, everyone wants to see a beach with white sand, crystal clear water and your toes in the sand. It’s no surprise they don’t come cheap, which is why we created this guide. In it you’ll find some awesome tropical vacation ideas where you can stay in a hotel or Airbnb, eat out at restaurants and enjoy activities like surfing or kayak outrigger paddling on a budget.
If you’re looking for an affordable tropical vacation, the Bahamas is one of the best destinations. The country has dozens of islands with crystal clear waters, tropical weather and plenty of things to do. The islands are spread out allowing you to take day trips and explore the waterfalls and beaches. The biggest layover is New Providence Island where most Bahamian Islands are near.
A tropical vacation is one of the most popular trips people take each year. The beaches and islands of the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Florida; the natural beauty of Puerto Rico or Costa Rica. But for a lot of people, it’s just not possible to afford a tropical vacation.
The best tropical vacation on a budget is in the Philippines.
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands, and it’s home to many beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
The country has a tropical climate year-round, with an average temperature of about 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer (25 degrees Celsius).
And what’s more? The cost of living in the Philippines is low, which means you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.
Tropical vacations are the best, but they can be expensive! Here are some tips for how to make your tropical vacation more affordable.
1) Stay in a hostel. Hostels are a great way to meet people and make friends, but they’re also cheap. You can find them all over the world.
2) Get a travel buddy. This can help cut down on costs by splitting hotel rooms and sharing food.
3) Use coupons! Websites like Groupon will let you find discount deals on everything from tours to restaurants to massages. You may have to buy them in advance, but it’s worth it if it means saving money on your trip!
1. Cozumel, Mexico
While December to March sees high prices in this area of Mexico, the rest of the year offers much better rates and plenty of ways to save money. Hurricane season lasts from July till October in Cozumel – but until September, this usually just means occasional rains. July and August offer very low prices on flights and accommodation in exchange for some cloudy skies here and there.
For better weather and equally great prices, visit between late March and June. Temperatures can fluctuate but you’ll get plenty of sunny days and some great deals plus much smaller crowds.
Cozumel beaches are free all year long, so you can spend entire days enjoying the sun and spend almost nothing. If you prefer the comfort of a pool, you can get a day pass at one of the luxury local resorts – which will allow you full use of their pool and sun chairs without the cost of sleeping there.
The Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is the world’s second-largest coral reef system, perfect for some diving at very affordable prices.
For a quick bite or snacks on the go, nothing beats a local mercado – little markets that appear unannounced in plazas, where you can get not only great souvenirs and local art but also traditional fare, such as tamales and quesadillas, for very little money.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cozumel
2. Dominican Republic
High season in the Dominican Republic isn’t always cheap, but the months of April, May, and June offer the best of two worlds: mostly sunny days, warm but comfortable weather, and lots of special discounts on accommodations and flights – with prices reduced as much as 50 percent from the high-season rates.
June is the start of the rainy and hurricane season, but storms are rare during this month, so it’s a great month to explore for less.
Although Santo Domingo and Punta Cana have pricey accommodations, things get cheaper when you head to smaller towns and off-the-beaten-track destinations, such as Samana and Bahia de las Aguilas. In many places, all-inclusive resorts can actually save you money, as eating out will get expensive – there’s a 16 percent government tax added to meals, plus many restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill.
Accommodation: Top-Rated Family Resorts in the Dominican Republic
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3. Palawan, Philipines
June to November is off-peak season in this small archipelagic province in the Philippines. It’s also monsoon season, but don’t let that scare you – even during rainy season, it doesn’t rain every day, and rains often just come in the form of heavy but short afternoon downpours. Rains do lower temperatures a little, making it more comfortable to walk around and explore.
For the best possible weather, arrive early in the season, as the heavier storms are usually after September. Airlines and hotels offer heavy discounts during this time, with off-peak prices saving you as much as 80 percent compared to regular costs.
Both Puerto Princesa and El Nido offer plenty of budget accommodations right on the coastline. This usually means beach bungalows with no luxury amenities, but if you’ll spend most of your time at the beach or enjoying water activities, it might be enough – plus you’ll still get stunning views once you get back to your room.
All beaches are free to access in Palawan, and visitors can also try other free or very inexpensive attractions, including visiting the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, exploring the Tabon Caves (no tour needed), and taking a dip in the natural pool at the Estrella Falls.
- Read More: Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
4. Bali, Indonesia
A favorite tropical destination for worldwide visitors, Bali can be a bargain if you pick your travel times right. As a general rule, destinations in the southern part of the island are more expensive. This includes Kuta, Ubud, and Seminyak, where everything costs double than in destinations in the central hills or up north. Even here, though, visiting in the off-season (March to May) will still save you a considerable amount of money.
March and April can be a little rainy, but May offers sun and low humidity. The rainy season, which lasts from October to April, offers great deals in airfares and accommodations, and you’ll still see plenty of sunshine on most days.
All beaches in Bali are public and free, but the island also offers beautiful rice paddies, breathtaking mountains for hiking, and lots of temples and palaces, none of which charge an entry fee.
Accommodation: Best Beach Resorts in Bali
- Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Bali
5. Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos has been a backpacking haven for many years – a good indication that this tropical Southeast Asian country is a very affordable destination. Bowls of noodles, sticky rice, and other quick meals can be had from street food stalls for a couple of dollars or less, and outside of the capital, four-star hotels will cost you a third of what you would pay in Europe.
December and January see the most visitors, as the weather is dry and cool, with comfortable temperatures in the mid 20s Celsius. Arrive at any other time, and you’ll see smaller crowds and even lower prices.
Luang Prabang, Laos’ former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city, is one of the most visited destinations in the country. A mix of French colonial architecture and traditional wooden houses, Luang Prabang offers a great mix of temples, including 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong temple, with its intricate wooden carvings and mosaic patterns, and nature, all free to visit.
Mount Phu Si, just behind the city, is great for hiking and to catch the sunset. Vientiane, the capital city, is a popular foodie destination and home to a number of national monuments, a sculpture garden of giant Buddha statues, and the famous Great Stupa temple – also all free.
6. Koh Rong, Cambodia
Although most visitors who come to Cambodia head to the ancient temples in Angkor Wat, the country also offers plenty of outdoor adventures for those looking for some tropical adventure. Lush green mountains, thick forests, and sugary-white sands all abound in Cambodia.
Cambodia’s rugged and undeveloped beaches are a treat for visitors, as the crowds are smaller than in neighboring Thailand, and the resorts are cheaper. Koh Rong, the most developed island in the country, is a paradise of coral reefs and sandy coves, where you can just sit back to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset or head out for a speedboat tour over the azure waters.
Despite its many offerings, Koh Rong costs a fraction of what a tropical beach vacation in Thailand or Malaysia would cost. For what you would pay to see a movie back home, here you can hop on a boat for a full-day tour, have lunch at a local restaurant for three days in a row, or rent all the needed equipment for snorkeling.
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7. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not necessarily always a cheap tropical getaway, but arriving at the right time of year will definitely save a lot of money. From May to mid-December, Costa Rica experiences what’s known as the “green season” – lots of rain, thick cloud forests on green mountainsides, and budget-friendly surf breaks at a time when the big crowds mostly stay away. Don’t let the rain scare you, though – it’s still warm, and you’ll get plenty of sunny days to enjoy the beach.
The Volcano Arenal, one of the most stunning destinations for hiking in Costa Rica, is perfect for some budget fun – just pay the park’s entrance fee but skip the guided hikes; it’s easy enough to follow the signs on your own. Most of the national parks in the country charge an entry fee, but the cost is low, and you can spend an entire day exploring, hiking volcano trails, canoeing, trying hot springs, or even horseback riding.