10 dream vacations that can save you a surprising amount of money (2023)

The phrase "dream vacation" conjures up images of desert trekking safaris, luxurious Disney accommodations and the obligatory selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower.

All of these adventures are worthwhile endeavors, but none of them come cheap.

If you wantavoid wasting moneyunnecessarily consider venturing off the beaten path. Choosing one of the following alternatives can still provide you with a memorable vacation at a potentially more affordable price.

You don't have to travel to Iceland or Bali to experience natural hot springs or stunning beaches. Instead, save on airfare and head to Costa Rica.

In this haven of biodiversity, English is widely spoken, and the US dollar goes widely and is accepted almost everywhere.

Consider starting in the Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna) region, which has plenty of affordable accommodation. Then drive down the coast to Quepos, home of Manuel Antonio National Park. There you can walk on the beach and see monkeys, sloths, macaws and more.

Everyone thinks of Orlando or Miami when they think of a Florida vacation, but miss a more budget-friendly secret: St. Petersburg/Clearwater.

Famous for its white sandy beaches, this area also offers a diverse dining scene and affordable accommodation once you get off the beach.

This is also a great base for day trips, such as a short drive to Tampa's Busch Gardens, up the coast to scenic Tarpon Springs, or just inland to one of Florida's pristine natural springs. Don't forget your kayak.

Western Europe may attract the most tourists, but Eastern Europe also has some real gems. This includes Budapest, Hungary, a stunning capital on the banks of the Danube.

Spend hours walking to the Chain Bridge, the famous Parliament building or Heroes' Square.

Not to be missed is the Hospital in the Rock, an underground bunker that is now a museum.

Switzerland has arguably the best skiing in the world, but don't sleep on the dream ski vacation you can take in Colorado.

Places like Vail, Beaver Creek, Telluride and Aspen are known for their world class slopes and skiing.

Colorado has more to offer than just skiing, the restaurants and shopping in Denver are amazing. So does the growing recreational cannabis industry. Attractions such as natural hot springs and the Garden of the Gods are not far from Denver.

All of this is much more accessible - and closer - than the Alps.

Cartagena might not be the first destination that springs to mind when planning a Caribbean vacation, but this colorful city has come a long way in recent years.

The accessible venue has plenty of local flair. The walled center of the city is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend your days island hopping and exploring while enjoying beautiful beaches, sampling local cuisine, and visiting attractions like Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a castle that dates back centuries. In the evening, visit the Getsemaní district to explore the famous graffiti art.

As long as you're not bad at gambling, Las Vegas is a real eye-catcher for budget travelers. You can book package deals that save money on accommodation and follow the many tips on how to get free stuff - how to get free alcohol while gambling.

However, there is much more to it than hedging your casino wagers. Along the avenue you will find many restaurants, shows and activities. If you are flexible, same-day show tickets are sold cheaply at the airport or on the street. And entry to the Pinball Hall of Fame is free.

A trip to Paris is a worthy bucket list item, but so is Montreal, a city with plenty of French flair.

Those who enjoy exploring places on foot will love it here in the warmer months. Traveling to Quebec will also save you money, thanks to cheaper airfares and accommodation than France.

Of course, the Notre-Dame Basilica is a must-see, with its stunning architecture and expansive rooms. This is the Montreal Tower, the tallest leaning tower in the world. Be sure to grab a bagel here, as the quality rivals New York City for its bang for the buck.

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You don't need a passport to visit this dreamy Caribbean island, which may be small but still offers a lot for less. Start with a stop in Old San Juan, the historic heart of the capital.

When you're done traversing the checkered floors, enjoy window shopping and dinner at the Condado.

If you want to explore more of the island, you can surf in Rincon, hike in El Yunque National Forest and paddle in the famous bioluminescent bay on Vieques Island.

It's hard to find a more dreamy camper vacation than Big Sur, California. The views from this small, winding town off Highway 1 are some of the most breathtaking in the world, filled with rugged cliffs, blue ocean water, and even a waterfall or two.

Save money by skipping hotels. There are several parks you can pitch your tent at, including scenic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Just make sure you book six months in advance as places fill up quickly.

Pro tip: you haven't lived until you've had dinner at Ambrosia Burger in Nepenthe, high above the moody Pacific Ocean.

New York City is truly an iconic travel destination, but it's hard to do on a budget. Luckily, upstate New York has all the amenities of a dream vacation.

Mountain lovers will fall in love with the Catskills and Shawangunk Ridge.

While Woodstock is the main attraction on the map in this area, towns like New Paltz and Phenicia offer rustic charm in the shade of towering hills at a more affordable price. And you don't have to stay at the Mohonk Mountain House to walk through its iconic maze.

Many people dream of going on safari in Africa or visiting Jerusalem at least once. However, these valuable destinations often cost good money.

If you want to give extraIncrease your bank account, are you looking for a dream vacation close to home that is easy on the wallet.

You might not even need to get on a plane to enjoy it as many amazing sights are within driving distance.