10 Cheap Tropical Places to Travel Around the World, According to Travel Experts

Phú Quốc, Vietnam

While Jess Heuermann, a senior trip planner at Adventure Life, notes that Vietnam as a whole is relatively affordable—budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 per day—there’s one island in particular that stands out for low-cost travel. “Phú Quốc is less popular than other beach destinations in Southeast Asia, which makes it a great option for those looking for an affordable way to avoid the crowds,” Heuermann told Travel + Leisure.

While you’ll have to consider the airfare for connecting flights from hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Seoul to Phú Quốc International Airport (PQC), accommodation rates on this World’s Best Award-winning island tend to be on the lower end. The highly-rated, beachfront Thien Thanh Resort, for example, starts at $80 per night. Even a luxury property like Regent Phu Quoc can be as low as $300. “Regent Phu Quoc is a stunning luxury hotel with world-class food,” Susmita Baral, an editor at T+L, said. “The property is so beautiful you might have to talk yourself out of just staying on-site.”

Bali and Lombok, Indonesia

Bali isn’t a secret in the budget travel world, but it remains one of the most affordable tropical destinations to visit. “Economic accommodations still offer a luxurious flare and wellness doesn’t have to come at a premium,” Kendra Guild, VP of North America at Solos, a group travel agency, told T+L. “With deep spiritual roots and warm, welcoming people, Bali reminds us that luxury isn’t about price, it’s about experience.” While in Bali, fill your itinerary with free and extremely cost-effective activities, like beach hopping, hiking, and eating your way through local markets. 

Bali tops Heuermann’s list as well, but she also recommends the neighboring island of Lombok if you can squeeze it in. “If you want to avoid the crowds, nearby islands like Lombok are equally (or even more) affordable,” she said.

Jamaica

Travelers searching for a tropical destination that has beaches, active pursuits, and low-cost accommodation and airfare options should look no further than Jamaica. “Jamaica is packed with free or inexpensive attractions, like strolling along Seven Mile Beach in Negril or hiking up the famous Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios,” Jesse Neugarten, affordable travel expert and founder of Dollar Flight Club, told T+L. “We see [airfare] deals pop up regularly for as low as $293 roundtrip … plus, it’s an easy spot to find smaller, budget-friendly guest houses if you’re not aiming for luxury resorts.” To make your dollar go even further, aim to book your trip between July and September. With fewer travelers visiting in the late summer months, you’ll be able to find more palatable hotel deals. 

Nicaragua

“Nicaragua is one of the cheapest destinations in Central America,” said Heuermann, who specifically calls out San Juan del Sur and the more remote Corn Islands as affordable options. The former is ideal for anyone interested in surfing, while the latter, she adds, are known for their white-sand beaches and incredible diving opportunities. “Transportation and guide services are very affordable, making private and customized tours a possibility at most price points,” she said. In San Juan del Surf, you can find surf lessons from $35 to $65; you’ll see similar prices for guided dives in the Corn Islands. Unsurprisingly, flight and accommodation rates will peak over major holidays (like Christmas and New Year’s), so plan to avoid those key dates if possible. 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

“I love recommending the Dominican Republic for its range of wallet-friendly accommodations and cheap roundtrip airfare from most large U.S. airports,” Neugarten said. “We see deals regularly pop up from large airports like Miami, New York City, and even Los Angeles starting at just $215 roundtrip.” Of course, most travelers are familiar with the impressive roster of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, but there’s another DR destination to consider—particularly if you want to save money. One of the Caribbean’s oldest cities, Santo Domingo offers relaxation and cultural adventures at a relatively low cost to visitors. According to calculations from Budget Your Trip, solo travelers can expect to pay around $700 for a one-week trip—inclusive of food, local transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing activities—while those traveling in pairs will pay closer to $1,400.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tropical vacations may conjure up ideas of far-flung international locations with sky-high final bills, but that’s not your only option if you’re craving a few days in the sun. Case in point: Puerto Rico. “If you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation, Puerto Rico fits perfectly. Flights are extremely cheap from the East Coast, as we’ve seen fares as low as $113 roundtrip from cities like Philadelphia and New York,” Neugarten said. “Once you’re there, you can explore Old San Juan’s vibrant streets, kayak or swim in beautiful bays, or hike through the rainforest, all without breaking the bank.” 

The Bahamas

Anyone based on the East Coast should have the Bahamas on their radar for a quick, inexpensive tropical excursion. “Though it has a reputation for upscale resorts, the Bahamas also offers tons of affordable islands where you can find modest hotels and rental homes,” Neugarten said. He does recommend looking first at Nassau, though, as Dollar Flight Club has seen roundtrip flights to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) for as low as $250 from major U.S. hubs. Once you’re in Nassau, you can easily reach Abaco, Andros, or Eleuthera—three smaller islands known for their lower prices. 

Puerto Viejo and Sámara, Costa Rica

“While Costa Rica can be pricey in some areas, Puerto Viejo and Sámara are more budget-friendly alternatives,” Heuermann said. Both beach towns “offer ample opportunities for excursions on the beach and into the surrounding jungle areas”—surfing, snorkeling, and wildlife tours won’t eat too much of your budget—and they’re easy to navigate via public transportation. So instead of booking a week on the pricier Papagayo Peninsula, think about embracing a slow travel mindset and spending a couple of weeks by the beach—either at Cabinas Monte Sol in Puerto Viejo or Hotel Paraiso del Cocodrilo in Sámara, where rooms start around $59 and $94 per night, respectively. 

Langkawi, Malaysia

“Malaysia is where rich cultural traditions, mouth-watering street food, and breathtaking landscapes come together at a fraction of the cost of its more touristy neighbors, like Thailand,” Guild said. Even on the pristine beaches of Langkawi, she said, you find “five-star experiences without five-star prices.” Rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi and The St. Regis Langkawi—two big names in luxury travel—can hover in the $300 to $400 range, and the entire island is duty-free.

Roatán, Honduras

Honduras is another inexpensive option in Central America, and Roatán, an island north of the mainland, made Heuermann’s shortlist. “It’s a great place for both experienced divers and those just learning; diving courses, in particular, are very affordable,” she said. Given its remote location, however, you’ll need to factor additional travel costs into your budget. There are flights directly to the island’s Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), but travelers can also take the ferry from La Ceiba for anywhere from $31 to $65. Depending on your accommodation preferences, you’ll also likely be able to find a mid-range hotel, like the Seaside Inn Boutique Hotel, for around $130 a night.