2,005 likes, 119 comments - JESSICA | Real Travel + Living Abroad (@jessicaexploring) on Instagram: "Which is honestly better to travel to? Why Come Here: A mix of stunning beach scenery, vibrant culture, and historic landmarks worth exploring. Theres no shame in that game. Check out 10 of our favorite surprisingly affordable vacation spots. There are about 32 miles of pristine beaches here, as well as many local restaurants and lodging options to suit any budget. Budget tip: Outdoor activities are your best bet for a budget-friendly visit. Lets face it: Weve all had a cheap vacation that went horribly wrong. Budget tip: Other cant-miss, money-saving activities include visiting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. You can find direct flights to Montego Bay from many cities, and Ocho Rios tends to be even more affordable than Montego Bay. When youre looking for a bit of nostalgia to go with your beach vacation, head to Ocean City, Maryland. Are you so ready to get out of town? Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 17 Cheap Beach Vacations to Take on a Budget Ah, good ol San Diego. in the world! Puerto Rico is home to many sublime beaches, but whats even better is that those photogenic beaches in San Juan are among the most accessible, since the capital city is home to a major airport. getty. Hey, points for being adventurous, right? Coastal cities like Cancun and Cozumel are always a safe bet for beachgoers, but don't overlook Mexico City. { In fact, visitors can even buy a pass to spend the day driving on the beach, because who needs a beach chair when youve got a car? George has served at Ramsey Solutions since 2013, where he speaks, writes and teaches on personal finance, investing, budgeting, insurance and how to avoid consumer traps. And, of course, you cant leave town without dipping your toes in the sand at St. Augustine Beach, which has a splash pad and fishing pier, and doesnt cost a penny to enjoy. . The term cheap beach vacations might make you a little nervous. Second spot is taken by Mexico, charging $170 . Mexico is an extraordinary country in North America that offers extensive coastlines, unique culture, and world-class food. Pack your best walking shoesand flip-flops to stay comfyyour feet will thank you! And if youre thinking about skipping out because you cant surf the waves, think again. Visit the Kek Lok SiBuddhist temple or the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery in George Town for history and culture. Why Come Here: Budget-friendly accommodations as long as you avoid the spring break crowds. 10 Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget You can walk through oceanfront Anglin's Square, which is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and gelato shops visit at night to enjoy the bar scene. A complex algorithm determines flight prices, which includes factors from the global economy, competitor rates and oil prices. But theres even more to explore, namely Mission Beach. Maria Luisa Lopez Estivill | Dreamstime.com, Top 12 Spa Resorts in Phoenix (& Nearby Scottsdale), 14 Most Affordable 5-Star Hotels in the World, 12 Best Four Seasons Resorts Around the World, The Myths and Realities of Solo Travel, According to An Expert, 16 Best Small Beach Towns in the U.S. for Summer, How to Travel with Chronic Conditions Tips & Tricks from Experts, Last-Minute Spring Travel Tips from Experts, Top 13 Hotels Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love. In addition to more upscale offerings, Casco Viejo is full of charming, affordable places to stay like the Magnolia Inn. Its best to book your ticket somewhere between three and a half months to three weeks before your trip. When it comes to booking your airfare . April 9 - Easter. Cheapest Countries To Visit From Canada. Why Come Here: For its laid-back vibes and top snorkeling and diving sites. To live authentically while vacationing here, rent a surfboard and take a lesson to learn how to tame the waves. Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. Beaches like Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah have blue-green water and golden shorelines. 12 Best Cheap Beach Vacation Destinations in North America [2023] And unlike many of the other beaches on the island, this one has none of the sharp rocks and sea urchins familiar to Thailands beaches. Gulf Shores is a charming spot when youre looking to get back to the basics of what a beach vacation is all about sand, sun, and open water! Epic Countries Around The World That Are Completely Budget-Friendly Plus, if you live in the Midwest, your travel time is cut even shorter. Lodgings include everything from quaint bed and breakfasts to the Tu Tu' Tun Lodge on the banks of the Rogue. This beautiful island in the Philippines has so many tropical activities for even more desirable prices. 25 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S. | Far & Wide Nature 25 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S. By Meagan Drillinger, updated on October 20, 2022 Getty Images Life's a beach, right? You can get the beach experience youre dreaming of at a fraction of the cost. This quiet fishing village on Maltas Northern coast is a great place to get away from the crowds for a good price. The hotel features large suites, and its located in the historic district, so its within walking distance of nearly everything. So, why not save all your money and move your vacation down the road to Clearwater Beach instead? View 26 Photos Belongs on List? Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. They say this is a great place to camp out under the stars and let the crash of the waves lull you to sleep. Free family-friendly events are common here, such as concerts on Division Street Beach, fireworks, and on-the-beach movies. I have to mention too that the movies Twilight and The Goonies were filmed here. It goes without saying, but traveling during peak seasons is expensive. The kids will love it. Budget per day: $45. While Cannon Beach isnt your typical swimming beach (unless youre into ice baths), you can still enjoy everything the beach has to offer. This park is actually a 3,200-acre peninsula filled with sandy beaches, walking trails, trees and wildlife on Lake Erieand its gorgeous and completely free to explore! Where to stay: The Playa Los Arcos Beach Hotel and Spa not only offers great value in Puerto Vallarta, but it also opens up directly onto Playa Los Muertos, a stunning beach teeming with restaurants and bars perfect for top-notch people-watching. You might just have to make some trade-offs to get it to fit in your budget. This beach destination is just 20 minutes from historic downtown Savannah, and is far more affordable. Theres lots of history to learn about here by visiting the Spanish forts around San Juan and admiring the Spanish colonial-style buildings in the city. Other great areas to stay in for your Florida Panhandle beach trip are Destin, St. Andrews, and Grayton Beach. Where to stay: The Fairfield Inn and Suites Corpus Christi is centrally locatedand just minutes from a number of beaches. Spend time walking around the pastel buildings in the old town center, marveling at the ruins of the faded mansions of the Pietermaai neighborhood, and take a day trip to Klein (or, little) Curaao, a deserted island with an old lighthouse, shipwrecks, and ancient stone buildings to explore. It is one of the cheap countries to visit with beaches. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, St. Maarten Photo Source: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. Check into the Avila Beach Hotel for access to two private beaches. If Hawaii is on your bucket list, Lahaina, on the beautiful island of Maui, is a must-visit destination. Budget tip: Fun attractions off the beach include a disc golf course, zip line and pleasant walking trails in Tuscawilla Parknone of which will break the bank. Its the best way to experience all the expensive glamour of Lake Geneva for a fraction of the cost. When you think of San Diego, you might think of Legoland or the art scene. From $252 per night. . Andrea from Happy Days Travel Blog. Hiking is a popular thing to do in Marquette, as is kayaking around the Black Rocks of Presque Isle. Located in San Luis Obispo County along the scenic California Highway 1 Discovery Route, Cambria is one of the best-kept secrets on the Pacific Coast. Its a great destination for singles, couples or familiestheres really that much diversity here. "logo": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/logo.svg" By Kyle McCarthy and Sharael Kolberg | Nov. 23, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Table of. But havent you heard that life is what you make it? } But dont just take my word for it. Swing by Anglin's Beach Cafe for a fried shrimp basket with an ocean view and then grab a scoop of mint chocolate chip from Kilwins before heading back to the beach. He co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk show in the nation thats heard by 18 million weekly listeners. 26 cheap destinations in 2023 with great weather in December Why Come Here: Conveniently located near Savannah with warm, gentle waters. Hit the Ferris wheel at Palace Playland to get sweeping views of Saco Bay, or just swim, sunbathe, and sunset watch along the shore. This beach town has plenty of quaint accommodations to choose, from hotels, motels, and inns. Virginia Beach gives you endless amounts of entertainment, including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Cape Henry Lighthouse, the ViBe Creative District and more history than youll know what to do with. Where to stay: One of the best values in town is the Riviera Resort & Suites. Grab a table at the hotels Blue Pig Tavernfor crab cakes and deviled eggs. Why Come Here: An affordable tropical destination with exciting culture and delicious food. Aside from hitting the surf and sand, youll want to check out the Virginia Aquarium and the Ocean Breeze WaterPark, especially if youre traveling with kids. This is a wonderful place to visit for families, and there are lots of golf courses and nightlife options for adults too. Even staying a couple blocks away will save you a ton. 81-year-old Ronna has been a nudist for over 30 years, and she's seen it all. These days, the price of having someone else cook your meals for you is sky-high. Get Albena, Balchik, Nessebar and Sunny Beach are good options for those on a low budget. 22 best budget-friendly beach resorts to visit One of the best places to stay is right on the beach at the Surftides Lincoln City, which has amenities like a restaurant, sports court, fire pits, an indoor pool and a Jacuzzi. If youre truly up for a cheap beach vacation, plan to visit in the off-season. Also check out the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, which has an exposed coral reef and self-guided nature trails that wind underneath the mangrove forests. The best budget tip for visiting Dubrovnik is to avoid the peak summer season, when hotel prices triple and the number of tourists make the narrow old streets and city walls less pleasant to stroll around. 1. One of the largest coral reef systems is located near the island, which is a huge selling point for divers and snorkelers. Some people are mountain people. You can walk to the beach from your campsite and avoid many of the crowds that visit the actual Virginia Beach nearby. But the main reason youll love Ko Lanta is the chance to scuba and snorkel Thailands finest reefs, islets and underwater caves. Facilities include 6 swimming pools, a private beach, a spa, and a variety of restaurants. We may earn a commission from your purchases. After dark, the pier comes alive with music, dancing, and drinks, plus weekly fireworks in the summer. . If you love the idea of sleeping on the ground, perfuming yourself in bug spray, and cooking your food over an open fire, youll love San Clemente State Beach. Many people visit Mexico for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. Beach vacations are the classic family vacation, but they're also great for romantic getaways, trips with friends, or even solo adventures. If you hit up the grocery store instead, youre going to save a ton of money. Here, modern life has magically stayed simple and unspoiled. Uruguay for a budget destination with beaches 5. A one-bedroom suite features two queen beds, a sofa bed and a private oceanfront balcony. But theres no shame in this gameyoull get to indulge infresh food and fruit for fair prices, and pick up some local souvenirs too. 10 Best Budget Beach Breaks in the USA - America's Best Cheap Beach Budget tip: Corpus Christi is one of the best surfing destinations in the United States outside of California and Hawaii (and some even would argue it gives them a run for their money). Its in the heart of the town on the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, and during your stay, youll get free breakfast and have access to the pool to cool off before heading up to your room. Credit: Amy Nicolai | Dreamstime.com South Padre Island 4. Chances are, that company would rather give you a deal off their own websites than pay those extra fees through Airbnb or Vrbo. Take a drive along the coast to see the beautiful cliffs, and make sure to check out Cabo de Sao Vincente, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, and Alte & Salir. Trust us on this one! The Algarve is along Portugals southern coast and is a European favorite for holidays filled with sunshine and sand. But if you think you have to spend big bucks to take an amazing trip, think. The big cost here is the flight, especially if youre coming from the U.S. Of course, its hard to ignore the legacy of racing here, since Daytona Beach is home to Daytona International Speedway, host of the Daytona 500. If you visit during the offseason, you can get serious deals on flights and hotels. 10 Charming Beach Towns to Visit This Summer Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel Plan to rent an apartment or small home with an ocean view if youre traveling with a few people and planning to stay for a while. Tamara Gane is a regular contributor to Reader's Digest. Thailand is an ideal budget-conscious getaway, and this beach on the lively island of Phuket is a great destination for travelers looking for a dose of partying on their beach vacation. "@type": "Organization", Prices of domestic flights to LA are at the lower end of the scale in December, as are most of the hotels. Where to stay: There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels and motels in town, including the Apple Inn Motel. Most are free or charge just a few dollars to enter. While youre in town, stop by the Cape May Lighthouse and shop the local boutiques at Washington Street Mall. When youre not relaxing on the sugar sand and hiking theHugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, look for dolphins or paddle the Back Bay Blueway. Iran's president begins a rare visit to Africa 'to promote economic From Florida to Greece, enjoy a budget-friendly beach vacation at these destinations around the world. For another fun and frugal activity, spend a couple of dollars on bird seed and feed the birds in pigeon park, or buy a bag of kitty treats at a local drugstore and stroll around to see the many Save a Gato cats being cared for on the streets of Old San Juan, especially down by the water. It has so much to offer: the vibrancy and grandeur of the capital Phnom Pehn, the awesome history on display at Angkor Wat, the old-world charm of Battambang, the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville, the stunning natural landscapes of the north, the chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River, the . From maintaining eye contact to . . But wherever you decide to stay and whatever you decide to do, dont leave town without ordering fish and chips at Catfish Charlies. Or, at least, for many of us, we wish it were. Just make sure to pack a sweatshirt or three. 1. Theyll do all the work for you by helping you cash in on mistake fares and other crazy good deals. Food is expensive. 28 Best Beaches on the East Coast From Maine to Florida. Flight prices are often reasonable here to drive the tourism industry, and its also an easy drive from many cities in the South and Mid-Atlantic coast. Rent a scooter for around $3.50 per day and hop from white-sand beach to white-sand beachyou can even throw in a pink-sand beach for good measure. Or, embrace the gorgeous local flora at the Penang Botanic Gardens and the Tropical Spice Garden. Lincoln City also happens to be one of the best spots for surfing. Trinidad & Tobago Jamaica U.S. Virgin Islands Grenada Barbados St. Kitts & Nevis Puerto Rico Santo Domingo View 33 Photos Belongs on List? Where to stay: There are no chain hotels in Cambria, but there are a number of wonderful, affordable lodging options. At the end of the boardwalk, youll find the oldest family-owned-and-operated amusement park . The small country of Belize is one of the most affordable destinations in Central America, and it has some beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored. We've all had that fantasy of dropping everything and moving to a beach town. There are always more ways to cut costs, from taking the bus to eating with the locals. This Gulf Coast getaway is a southern summer haven. The 270 Best Amazon Prime Day Deals of 2023 (To Shop Before Midnight) "@type": "BlogPosting", Create your own in these four easy steps! Theres a range of affordable accommodations in the area, from boutique hotels to beachside resorts. Download EveryDollar and start saving for your next vacation. Catch a Thai Boxing event or try one of the many cabarets off Bangla Road. 12 Cheap Countries to Visit with Beaches for an Epic Vacation Gulf Shores is a charming spot when you're looking to get back to the basics of what a beach vacation is all about - sand, sun, and open water! After youve burnt yourself to a crisp on the beach, youll want to snag a ride on the local dolphin cruise. This area made Travel + Leisures 46th out of 50 places to visit in the world in 2022.2 Yupnumber 46 in the world. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Take a break from the shore and head into the rainforest for a ride on the worlds longest waterslide at Escape Penang. There are about 32 miles of pristine beaches here, as well as many local restaurants and lodging options to suit any budget. The beach itself has golden sand, aquamarine water, a pier, and is backed by a classic amusement park from 1902. And because of the barefoot luxury found on sandy shores, many beautiful beaches reside in quiet locales with budget-friendly rates. Where to stay: There are a number of fabulous, reasonably priced lodging options in town, including Villa Victor, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member. If youre really looking to budget, the Selina Casco Viejo Panama City hostel is a backpackers dream with stylish interiors and a lively atmosphere. When "cheap" and "vacation" are in the same sentence, it can lead you down some dark paths. Where to stay: After a tough day of soaking in the sun and sights, rest your weary head at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Biloxi. Jamaica. Nudist explains what you should definitely not do at a nude beach. Another city famed for its near-perfect weather all year round, Los Angeles is one of my favorite cities and surprisingly one of the best places to travel in December on a budget. Why youll love it: The best way we can describe Erie, Pennsylvania? . 2 - Sunny Beach, Bulgaria Nearest airport: Burgas Airport (BOJ) Cheap, well-reviewed 3-star hotel: Slavyanski Hotel July nightly rate for two people: 36.40 This is a port city that has a couple of five-mile bays with beaches. 15 Longest Flights in the World Why youll love it: One of the best destinations for summer travel, Myrtle Beach and its surrounding oceanfront area are home to more than 80 golf courses, numerous amusement parks and Ripleys Aquarium. Yes No Grand Teton National Park #1 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. for 2023-2024 Get the most bang for your buck on a vacation to Wyoming's Grand Teton. Why Come Here: Photogenic landscapes with a range of outdoor activities. Whether youre a local Texan wanting to trade in your cowboy boots for flip-flops, or youre just looking for an excuse to travel south . Phuket is a beach town that is famous for beautiful beach resorts, but you can often find very reasonable prices on splurge accommodations or settle for low-key accommodations for an even lower price. When youve done everything there is to do in Nags Head, continue south and explore the other Outer Banks beach towns like Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Southern Shores. And dont let me forget Google Flights. And for goodness sake, wear your sunscreen. To save some money and enjoy the nature that surrounds you, plan to set up camp in a tent or RV at First Landing State Park. The 55-mile-long lake is a stunner surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Local accommodations like the Glenacres Historic Inn and LOGE Westport are economical and convenient. We recommend The Olivar Suites and Domes of Corfu for your beach week. And youll definitely want to budget for seafood. 18 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2022 Around the World These are the best Miami Beach resorts in 2023, according to Travel Here, we've put together a list of affordable beach vacations around the world so you can explore the shore on a budget. It's perfect for couples, singles, or families, with a wide range of . If thats not enough to start packing your suitcases, I dont know what is. Value-minded tourists have flocked here for years thanks to plenty of affordable flights . Here youll find white sand beaches but at a more affordable price than other Caribbean hotspots. A trip to the lake isnt quite the same as a trip to the beach. (Getty Images) Gas and other oil . But just because youre going on a beach vacation, doesnt mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to do it. { The temperatures in Pensacola, for example, range between the 70s and 90s from April to October, which is perfect beach weather. This top New Jersey destination is home to beach resorts as well as romantic inns and family-friendly hotels, along with great shopping at the Washington Street Mall. This beach is known for its pristine white beaches, hiking trails (if youre into that sort of thing), and more activities to do than you have time for. You can find Georges financial expertise featured in the U.S. Sun, Daily Mail and NewsNation. Also visit Achilleion, a historic palace that's been converted into a museum with a giant painting of Achilles pulling Hector from his chariot. The biggest attraction may be Moonstone Beach, resplendent in tide pools, a boardwalk, and, yes, moonstones and jade. I cant talk about East Coast beaches without mentioning the Outer Banks, specifically Nags Head. its very close. Youll learn airport hacks, how to have a more comfortable flight, and how to save money on lodging and transportation. The Superior Stay Hotel has reasonable prices, free breakfast and off-site activities like bowling and canoeing. $ 389.00. This is Portugals liveliest (and rowdiest) party scene, with numerous clubs and bars lining Avenida S Carneiro. The 10 Cheapest Countries To Visit In 2021 The vibe here is very relaxing and laid back in the town of San Pedro, and there are many budget-friendly hotels and restaurants here to indulge a bit without going broke. Where to stay: This affordable beach town has numerous options for lodging, including beach-house rentals and hotels at a variety of price ranges. Its not as much fun to make your own meals, but believe meits worth it. Tybee Island has a three-mile long beach with distinct areas. 20 of the best budget beach holidays in Europe From camping by the Black Sea to a cool Portuguese surf house, these great places to stay across Europe start at just 50 a week in summer Rachel. Budget tip: Head to Moreys Piers and Beachfront Water Parks for waterslides and nearly 100 amusement-park rides with prices far cheaper than inland amusement parks in New Jersey. "@context": "http://schema.org", our latest advice & deals in your inbox! What Is a Sinking Fund and How Do You Create One. One of the most beautiful lakes in America for swimming, its also a big destination for camping, fishing and wine tasting. Also known as Kaunaoa, this Big Island beach is over a quarter of a mile long, framed by greenery and boasting beautiful white sand. Travelers can find affordable hotels here and often inexpensive flights through small, regional airlines. By Travel + Leisure Editors Updated. While in town, be sure to take a stroll down the beach pavilion to the pier.