The most affordable tropical destinations

14.11.2022.

Tropical destinations have something insanely attractive. It happens specially during the winter time to the other parts of the world (read- Europe and North America). Tropical destinations hold something parallel to the cheapest countries in Europe, though most of us want to escape the winter.

South-East Asia has always been my favourite, it’s a deep call to come back home.

After visiting Mexico, I always dream to return. Mexico blew my mind with beautiful beaches and colourful streets. Definitely the wonder-this or that- keeps up popping up in my mind, I imagine that everyone can relate.

See also: Amazing tropical beaches

Sometimes the budget prevails to take a decision. Most of the tropical destination certainly won’t break your bank, that’s what I love. Lets see what are the most affordable tropical destinations. I collaborated with more than 20 amazing bloggers to find the answer.

SOUTH-EAST ASIA:

Thailand, contributed by David and Intan from The World Travel Guy

The country of Thailand is easily one of the most affordable tropical destinations in Southeast Asia, and it also has some spectacular sights like Maya Bay and the Phi Phi islands, which are famous for their white sand beaches and limestone mountains.

Some of the best places to see in Thailand include Bangkok, Krabi, and the islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. Hotels can be as cheap as $15 USD for a private room with air conditioning, and meals can be as low as $1 USD in Thailand, so it’s a very budget friendly destination. Even transport is cheap, so it’s relatively easy to move around the country without breaking the bank.

There are direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand from many international cities around the world, and then you can catch a short and cheap flight from Bangkok to Phuket or one of the many other islands in Thailand.

Bali, contributed by myself

Such a dreamy destination as Bali has plenty to offer. Rainy season at Bali lasts from November till March. The prices tend to be cheaper, though the rain comes only occassionally.

The fabulous places of Bali include picturesque rice fields, stunning temples and volcanoes. The most challenging part of the budget travel to Bali is the transport. Most of the towns are not linked with the bus. The solution lies in the Indonesian application Gojek or Grab. Your hostel/hotel will serve your need and make it much easier.

Southern part of Bali usually costs higher and focuses on fency places like Kuta or Seminyak. Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali. Having an afforadable hostel with breakfast and pool is very easy. Griya Sugriwa Backpackers House made me feel in heaven. The breakfast was delicious and pool amazing.

When going to Bali, pretty islands like Gilis, Nusa Penida or Lombok will make you feel divine. Accomodation is pretty cheap (around 7€) if you focus on hostels and food also.

Vietnam, contributed by Linda Stacy from Muy Linda Travels

Vietnam is a wonderful country to visit an affordable tropical destination in South East Asia. With 3 weeks in Vietnam, you can travel the length of the country and see the main attractions.   

In the south of Vietnam, the weather is hot and humid all year round and perfect for relaxing on tropical Phu Quoc Island, visiting the colourful floating markets of the Mekong Delta or tracking wild gibbons in Cat Tien National Park.  

In Central Vietnam, there are more stunning beaches and UNESCO world heritage sites at ancient Hoi An and royal Hue. Travelling inland you’ll find incredible caves at Phong Nha Ke Bang and further north the capital, Hanoi, with a rich, vibrant culture and French colonial architecture. From Hanoi, head to the coast for more stunning karst scenery and a cruise on Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s many highlights.  

Vietnam is easy to visit, and you can live comfortably without spending a lot of money. Accommodation is inexpensive with a hostel costing around US$6 a night and a 3-star hotel around US$30.  Food is also cheap, fresh and delicious and getting around Vietnam is uncomplicated. A network of planes, trains and buses connects the country and Vietnam has international airports in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. 

Goa, India- contributed by Paul d’Souza from Paulmarina

Goa in India is one of the top hot destinations that you shouldn’t miss out on. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, intriguing cultural history and exciting nightlife. Visitors can choose to stay in the north or south. Both areas have their perks and there is most definitely something for everyone.

North Goa beaches and villages such as Calangute and Baga are known for their nightlife and southern villages such as Agonda and Palolem are great if you are into yoga and meditation. Some of the most affordable places are still in Anjuna and if you are looking to hire a place for less than USD 200 a month in peak season, you will want to check out Querim and Guirim in North Goa.

Your stay in Goa can be easily adjusted to your budget as it depends on your needs. Travelers can hire a cycle for just USD 25 to 35 per month to get around and explore nature and villages. Beautiful bright-green rice fields, vast beaches, biodiversity rich forests, and stunning cliff sea views await you in Goa.

Sumatra, Indonesia- contributed by De Wet & Jin from the Museum of Wander

Stradling the equator, Sumatra is Indonesia’s largest island and a fantastic destination for travellers on a budget. Visitors to Sumatra can look forward to spotting orangutans in tropical jungles, relaxing by the world’s largest crater lake, climbing volcanoes, surfing some of the best waves in the world and top-notch snorkelling and diving. Add friendly locals, fascinating culture and low prices into the mix, and you’ll get an idea of why Sumatra is such a rewarding destination.

With comfortable accommodations starting from as little as $10 per night, cheap and delicious food and warm weather year-round, it’s easy to see why travellers looking for a tropical vacation love Sumatra. It’s easily one of the best value destinations in the world.

Budget airlines connect Medan with Singapore, KL and Jakarta. The most popular Sumatra itinerary starts in Medan. It includes a few days on Samosir Island in Lake Toba, followed by a day or two in Berastagi to climb Sibayak volcano before moving on to Bukit Lawang for an orangutang trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park. After a few days in the jungle, head north to Banda Acheh, from where you can access Weh Island – an excellent place for diving, snorkelling and relaxing.

Sanya, China- contributed by Steve Rohan from The Trip Goes On

Sanya is a city on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province and is often referred to as the Hawaii of China. This charming city has mile upon mile of soft, sandy beaches with a backdrop of palm trees, mountains and lush rainforest. 

The best thing about Sanya is the cost of holidaying there. It’s possible to stay at stylish resorts and hotels with infinite pools, onsite restaurants and ocean views for as little as $50 per night (and sometimes even less). 

I lived in Sanya for six months in 2021. Before I found my apartment, I stayed at many of Sanya’s hotels and was shocked at how far my money went. 

Sanya is geared for tourism and there is so much do to from snorkelling and swimming to diving, rainforest treks, and of course enjoying some of the region’s famous dishes (Hainan chicken is a must-try). 

Sanya is easily reachable by air from mainland China, and there is even a train to the city (it goes onto a boat for the 20-mile crossing from the mainland). There are also ferry and cruise ship crossings to and from Vietnam.

Sri Lanka, contributed by Soumya Gayatri from Stories by Soumya

If you are looking to visit a tropical country that is also budget-friendly, try Sri Lanka. This tiny island nation is not only easy on your pocket, but also has an intriguing history, delectable cuisine, and the warmest people on the earth.

Sri Lanka has 8 UNESCO world heritage sites of which the fascinating Sigiriya Lion Rock is unmissable. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa give us deep insights into Sri Lanka’s storied history whereas the Old Town of Galle takes us back to colonial times.

In Sri Lanka, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Do not miss surfing in Weligama and whale watching in Mirissa. And be sure to ride the famous train from Kandy to Ella, an iconic journey that takes you through lush-green tea gardens, rolling fields, and picturesque vistas.

Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable countries in Asia and that’s not just because of the current financial crisis that the nation is dealing with. Food and accommodation are cheap, and you can travel by train and bus between cities. Within big cities, getting around in tuk-tuks is the cheapest. On an average, you can get by on $25-$30 per day.

The easiest way to get to Sri Lanka is by flying into the Bandaranaike International Airport, located in Colombo. Sometimes, flying via India may be cheaper than flying direct – so check out that option when planning your trip. 

Cambodia, contributed by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel

Cambodia is an incredibly affordable travel destination in South East Asia and much cheaper than nearby countries like Thailand or Indonesia. Even popular destinations like Siem Reap are very cheap and perfect for backpackers or budget travellers. You can find hostel beds for as little as $4 US and basic hotel rooms for around $12 US. Of course, there are also more expensive accommodations available but if you invest some time into research you won’t have to break the bank.

Meals are also really affordable here with local restaurants charging as little as $1 US per dish. Alcohol is also notoriously cheap and you can find local beer in a bar for only around $1 US. Cocktails usually have a similar price. This makes Cambodia a great nightlife destination especially because of the big community of budget travellers and backpackers in the area.

Bohol, Philippines- contributed by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

One of the most stunning, affordable tropical destinations to travel to is the island of Bohol in the Philippines. You can easily get there by ferry from Cebu Island which has an international and national airport.

There are a lot of incredible things to do in Bohol, from chasing epic waterfalls to exploring the impressive Chocolate Hills which are about 1500 hills between 30 and 120 meters high towering above the lush jungle. In the dry season, they turn brown and thus look like giant Chocolate balls, thus the name.

The island is easily explored on a budget with accommodation options under 10 USD a night and scooter rental for 5-6 USD – which is the best way of exploring the island. For beach dwellers, there are endless beaches and exceptional snorkeling, and scuba diving can be done for about 45-60 USD per immersion for licensed divers with a promise of an unforgettable experience.

Malaysia, contributed by Brodi Cole from Our Offbeat Life

Malaysia is a unique and affordable vacation destination to visit. It is special because you can enjoy cities like Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, beaches on Langkawi and Penang, jungles in Sarawak, and even ancient ruin sites in Ipoh and Melaka. 

Between peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, there are more things to do there on a budget than there is time to do them all. 

Plus, eating and staying in Malaysia is also really affordable. Hotels can be as cheap as $25 USD per night. Hostels cost even less. A local meal for one person costs less than $5 USD but beer can get expensive due to high taxes on alcohol. 

It’s also easy to get to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is a central hub for several airlines, including Air Asia. There are also daily flights to Langkawi and Penang direct from other countries including Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. 

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA:

Mexico, contributed by myself

Living in the paradise takes the name of Mexico. Places that are less touristically exposed tend to be cheaper. These includes Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Valladolid, Guadalajara, Oaxaca and others.

The popular Riviera Maya holds the most stunning beaches in the world. Visiting Mexico during the rainy time is the best way to save your budget. Rainy season in Mexico lasts from late August until November. Hurricans can be pretty harsh but mostly the weather is very hot.

I experienced myself that fabulous hostel Mayan Monkey in Tulum was 10€ (with great breakfast) at the beginning of November. Unfortunately, the prices raised  up 3 times for New Year’s time. I was lucky to find beautiful Selina in Playa del Carmen. It was only 10€, properly at New Year’s Eve with the discount.

Eating outside can be very affordable, as long as you avoid the most touristic places. City transport is pretty cheap, as well as the local buses.

Costa Rica, contributed by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler

If you’re looking for a destination that combines incredible wildlife, volcanoes, and some of the world’s most stunning beaches, Costa Rica should definitely be on your list. 

While Costa Rica is one of the most expensive Central American countries, accommodations and food are incredibly reasonable here, especially if you seek out sodas or local mom-and-pop cafes. There’s plenty of pricier activities that you can partake in to explore the country’s incredible landscape, like ziplining through the rainforests or splurging on a bougie hot spring resort, but there’s also lots of affordable (or free!) ways to enjoy all the country has to offer.

For example, the small town of Manuel Antonio, along the Pacific coastline, is most famous for its national park, known for its stunning biodiversity, with almost 300 species of animals or birds alone. But, if you can’t swing the cost of tickets to the park itself, one of the most popular things to do in Manuel Antonio is explore its beautiful beaches, many of which are teeming with monkeys, iguanas, and other creatures- all of which you can enjoy for free!

If you’re willing to hunt around for these kinds of activities, you can see some of the world’s most spectacular sights in Costa Rica, all on a shoestring budget.

Dominican Republic, contributed by Christian Jannasch from Punta Cana Travel Blog

The Dominican Republic is not only one of the most affordable countries in the Caribbean but also one with the highest diversity of attractions and things to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re just looking for a beach holiday in one of the several all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana or if you are planning a road trip full of adventures and natural highlights, the Dominican Republic has it all. Every type of traveler will be suited.

Backpacker can find hostel beds in the country from 10 to 15 USD, the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are priced from 50 USD per person per night. Guided excursions usually are also starting at around 40-50 USD per person. Groceries are much cheaper than in the US. A typical lunch in a local “Comedor” sets you back at 4 USD, dinner meals in a proper restaurant are around 10 USD. Public transport roughly costs around 2-4 USD per hour respectively 50 miles.

And the best: all beaches in the Dominican Republic are free to visit. A lot of natural attractions (waterfalls, lagoons, lakes, viewpoints, etc.) in the country also don’t require an entrance fee, some national parks just charge a nominal fee of 2-5 USD, which guarantees a very budget-friendly holiday in the tropics.

The main airports to reach the most affordable tropical destination are Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. There are direct flights from more than 35 cities in Canada and the US to the Dominican Republic, starting from around 100 USD one-way incl. taxes, but excluding baggage fees.

Panama, contributed by Pamela Drager from Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the most overlooked tropical destinations is also one of the most affordable tropical destinations in the world. Panama is nestled at the bottom of Central America and offers travelers an eclectic mixture of experiences.

Panama’s northern neighbor, Costa Rica, gets all the fame for breathtaking beaches and adventures. However, Panama offers much of the same, for a lot less!

Most people start their Panamanian journey in the capital of Panama City. The city is bustling. From restaurants featuring homemade churros and Panamanian tamales. Stand in awe at the Panama Canal or see wild monkeys playing by the river. Enjoy exploring the variety of things to do in Casco Viejo, the old Panama City that still has a vibrant personality.

If it’s been your dream to stay in a beautiful over-the-sea bungalow, you can do that on the San Blas Islands in Panama. Instead of costing thousands of dollars per night like in other tropical destinations. It will only cost a few hundred dollars in Panama. You’ll also get to experience the indigenous Kuna culture and lifestyle while supporting the local economy.

Panama is a great, budget-friendly tropical destination that has plenty to offer visitors.

Belize, contributed by Daria Bachmann from The Discovery Nut

Located in the western Cayo District of Belize, San Ignacio is known for its Mayan ruins and outdoor opportunities like kayaking, hiking and zip lining. 

Unlike Belizean islands (also called keys) where you can spend a few hundred dollars per night, San Ignacio has a better range of budget accommodations and more affordable restaurants where you can try typical Belizean food.

San Ignacio provides a quick access to several Mayan ruins such as Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol. The area also has the caves, zip lines in the jungle which are perfect if you want to enjoy a real adventure.

Another option is to go kayaking on the Makal River, or take a refreshing swim in Rio on Pools inside the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

One of the most popular day trips from San Ignacio are the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal

Caves (ATM caves).

Profiled by the National Geographic, ATM caves offer the Indiana Jones kind of experience. Here you get to swim in the caves, learn about ancient Mayan rituals that were performed here thousands of years ago and see the remains on the Mayan pottery. 

Cameras and GoPro’s are prohibited inside ATM caves, so make sure to leave your photo and video gear at home. 

Curacao, contributed by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles

Curacao is one of the most affordable Caribbean islands and an absolute paradise for nature lovers. Located off the coast of Venezuela, this Dutch-Caribbean island belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Curacao is brimming with amazing wildlife and there are a number of awesome free activities for animal lovers. In particular, the beaches of Curacao are some of the best places to spot wildlife, and several don’t charge an entrance fee. To swim and snorkel with majestic sea turtles, head to Playa Piskadó around breakfast time.

Another great free option is Kokomo Beach, where you can see giant pelicans. This beach is also home to an overwater swing perfect for creating photos and lifelong memories. For a small entrance fee, you can also visit Playa Porto Mari for a chance of spotting beach-loving boars roaming over the sand! In addition to the island’s beaches, you can also spot flamingos in their natural habitat at Saliña Sint Marie or Saliña Sint Michiel free of charge.

Beyond amazing wildlife, there are many affordable places to eat in Curacao and a full day of meals tends to cost an average of $50/day. Two reasonably-priced options are BijBlauw and Pirate Bay Curacao Beach Club & Restaurant.

There are also numerous budget-friendly island resorts offering a wealth of amenities. Coral Estate Luxury Resort is a great option, offering rooms for under $200/night, with rates sometimes as low as $124/night. To reach the island, you can fly into Curacao National Airport.

Colombia, contributed by Julien Casanova from Cultures Traveled

Colombia is a top choice for those looking to explore a tropical destination on a budget. 

The country has a lot to offer tourists, from its tropical islands near Cartagena to its towering peaks of the Andes to the Amazon rainforest. 

Colombia is often regarded as one of the most economical places to travel in South America. So, what makes Colombia such an affordable tropical destination?

For starters, accommodation prices are relatively low. In bigger cities, such as Bogota and Medellin, you can find a bed at a decent hostel for $6 US per night.

For food on a budget, travelers should seek out restaurants that promote a menú del día during lunchtime. It’s a great way to fill up with soup and a main entree with a glass of fresh juice for as little as $2-3 US.

As such a diverse country, it’s easy to see why Colombia is becoming a popular destination for all travelers, especially those on a budget.

Brazil, contributed by Pedro Richardson from Travel With Pedro

Another affordable tropical country that travellers should consider for their next trip is Brazil. The South American giant, once a pricey destination, nowadays is very budget-friendly.

With 8,000 kilometres of coastline and great weather all year round, Brazil has a wealth of fantastic destinations for sunseekers.

Start with Rio de Janeiro, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Its famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are always buzzing with locals sunbathing, playing beach volleyball or just sipping caipirinhas at the beachfront bars.

Other places to visit along the coast include the cities of Salvador and Paraty. Both have beautifully preserved historic quarters. The former also offers African-influenced culture and palm tree-lined beaches, while the latter has the best mix of water activities and mountain sports.

If you have time, there are many other great places to visit in Brazil. The capital Brasilia is a modern architectural wonder. Ouro Preto is another historic city that was frozen in the 18^th century. And the gigantic Iguazu Falls will leave you in complete awe.

While flights to Brazil are not cheap, once in the country you’re in for a cost-effective trip.

Being such a large country, it’s better to focus on one region to keep costs down. Domestic flight prices vary a lot, but you can get real bargains if booking in advance.

Locals also travel a lot by bus. Intercity buses are comfortable, reliable and cheap. Food prices in average restaurants won’t cost more than 15USD per person.

OTHER:

Gran Canaria, contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

Gran Canaria is a lovely budget friendly destination where you can go on a winter holiday, when searching for sunshine and warm weather. This tropical island is like a micro-continent, with tall mountains, gorgeous beaches and the best food prepared with produce grown on the island.

Flying to Gran Canaria from Europe is very affordable, with many low cost airlines covering the island. Gran Canaria is also a very small island, so moving around is easy. The best areas to stay in Gran Canaria are in the north, if you love wilderness, and the South, if you like beach resorts. There are accommodation options for every budget, from simple B&Bs in Playa del Ingles to luxury resorts in Maspalomas

The North of the island is quite affordable as well, with the four stars Roca Negra hotel offering rooms with ocean views for less than 100 euros a night. Here you can enjoy the rugged terrain, coffee tastings, as well as the natural rock pools in Agaete.

In the South of the island, you can explore the dunes of Maspalomas, which are a national reserve. You can easily book a simple hotel here for 30 euros a night.

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