Are you looking for the best cheap tropical vacations? Sometimes the promise of palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters is the only antidote to our hectic lives! If you need to get away to a far-flung corner of the globe, our selection of cheap tropical vacations is sure to satisfy your wanderlust. Although you may believe that a tropical vacation is prohibitively expensive, there are affordable tropical vacations for every budget! Plan your dream vacation today, from island paradises to Caribbean beaches!
Phuket, Thailand
The dollar (or pound) can go a long way in Thailand, as it can in most of Southeast Asia. As a result, Phuket’s paradise beaches are an excellent choice for a low-cost tropical vacation! Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular islands, has accommodation options to suit all budgets. Aside from backpacker-friendly accommodations, there are also more expensive luxury resorts and family-friendly all-inclusive hotels. The low season lasts from July to October. The rains come slowly, so visiting at the start of the low season is the best option if you want to spend time at the beach. On the other hand, low season means fewer crowds, so if you’re willing to put up with a few downpours, you’ll be rewarded with a low-cost tropical vacation!
Cambodia
While most visitors come to see the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temples, there are also a number of dreamy tropical beach destinations to discover in Cambodia! If you’re looking for a desert-island experience, Cambodia’s beaches are less developed and less crowded than Thailand’s. Koh Rong, in the province of Sihanoukville, is one such destination. This is a paradise to keep in mind when looking for affordable tropical vacations because it has not been touched by mass tourism. Other places to visit in Cambodia include Koh Krabey and Kep, a charming seaside town.
Bali, Indonesia
You may believe that a trip to Bali is an expensive escape. In fact, it is one of the more cost-effective tropical vacation options! Destinations in the islands south tend to be more expensive. However, if you stick to the verdant central hills and northern Bali, you can enjoy a low-cost vacation. The cheapest months to visit Bali are March, April, and May. At this time of year, you can expect some rain, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the free public beaches and amazing sights that this ‘Island of the Gods’ has to offer. For those who want to see more of Indonesia, another great option is to go island hopping. The Gili Islands and Lombok are within easy reach of Bali by boat.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan: low-cost tropical vacations
The Philippines, without a doubt one of the most tropical destinations on the planet, are an excellent choice for a low-cost tropical vacation! Palawan is an otherworldly paradise of crystal-clear bays, abundant marine life, subterranean rivers, and unique natural wonders. The off-season lasts from June to November. Although rain is possible during this period, it is unlikely to fall every day. Slightly cooler temperatures also allow you to enjoy more active pursuits such as hiking and watersports while sightseeing. The most popular places to stay in Palawan are Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
Panama
Panama, located at the crossroads of South and Central America, is an excellent choice for low-cost tropical vacations. Panama is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and the enchanting San Blas Islands, but it is best known for its Panama Canal. A trip to Panama allows you to combine sightseeing in historic Panama City with time on the laid-back beaches of Playa Bonita or Bocas del Toro. Check out our most recent Panama trips to learn more!
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Mexico’s idyllic Riviera Maya is a popular tourist destination and one of the best places to go for a cheap tropical vacation. The Riviera Maya is an affordable paradise with a beautiful climate and endless stretches of white-sand beach. While the winter season, from December to March, is slightly more expensive, the rest of the year offers reasonably priced lodging and flights. All-inclusive resorts are ideal for a family vacation, but the area also has more affordable guesthouses. Furthermore, the Riviera Maya’s most popular resorts are Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel.
