Affordable Alternatives for Popular Luxury Vacations
Well, we all have our favorite destinations when it comes to vacations. Be it the sandy desert of Dubai or Rome’s historical city, we all have favorite places we would like to spend a vacation. The challenge with these popular travel destinations is that everyone else is headed there. And how is that a problem? Given the high number of tourists, hotels become expensive, leaving those with a modest budget stranded. You don’t have to spend a fortune just to enjoy the luxury of an unforgettable vacation. Think outside of the hotel VIP box and explore these different affordable but grand alternatives.
Quebec, Instead of France
Quebec has so many similarities with France — it offers the exciting French language, a beautiful lifestyle, and all the baguettes, cheese, and croissants you could enjoy in France. The only difference is that Quebec is less expensive and you don’t have to take long and expensive flights. It offers a budget-friendly vacation with its luxurious but cheaper hotels. Quebec is extremely large, approximately three times the size of France. Even though Paris and Montreal have many similarities, you will save a lot of money when you choose to vacation in the latter.
One US dollar gets $1.30 of the Canadian one, making it affordable for Americans to travel to Canada. Quebec is the perfect, cheaper alternative to visiting France. Instead of crossing the ocean to experience the French culture and tradition, why not book an hour flight from New York to Montreal and get precisely the same thrill? Once you arrive in Montreal, it will be hard for you to believe you are in a North American city and not Paris. French is widely spoken in Montreal, and if you don’t speak it, English is ubiquitous. This is a perfect destination, mostly if you speak both languages. The city’s buildings and infrastructure will get you wondering if you mistakenly flew to Paris!
Curacao, Instead of Aruba
Curacao and Aruba are two of the three ABC islands that offer tourists year-round sunshine thanks to their strategic location outside the Hurricane Belt. With its wide range of authentic cultures, Curacao is a cheaper option between the two. This Dutch Caribbean Island has a lot to offer. It has unique European architecture, exciting cuisine, and an iconic capital city of Willemstad. Willemstad is a UN recognized world heritage site known for its museums, Handelskade backdrop, monuments, and other breathtaking tourist attractions.
If you are searching for an exciting adventure, this beautiful island is home to incredible beaches and several dive sites. Many people enjoy renting a Seabob, which is a high-perfoarmance underwater scooter. Even though neighboring Aruba is filled with several VIP hotels, Curacao gives you more affordable hotel options such as Avila Beach Hotel, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao, and Acoya Curacao Resort Villas and Spa. These hotels have rates under $200 and can guarantee you an unforgettable island experience.
Serchio Valley, Italy, Instead of Florence
Let’s be honest; Italy is one of the most beautiful places to travel to — but it can be costly. However, you can save a lot of money by vacationing in smaller parts of this beautiful country. For example, you can visit Serchio Valley, a place located deep in the heart of the Tuscany region. This town is surrounded by medieval villages, has stunning landscapes and biodynamic wineries. Better yet, the valley is far away from the trivial fuss and noise associated with tourist activities.
Located just an hour from Pisa and Florence, Serchio Valley is an ideal, calm retreat where you can experience the Italian culture and indulge in the country’s famous dishes like earthy truffles, mushrooms, and fresh new oil — all these at a lower price, while socializing with locals. Given its luxury and cheaper hotels, Serchio Valley is a great place to go for a budget-friendly vacation.
Stowe, Vermont, Instead of Vail or Aspen
Even though most people choose to spend their winter in Vail or Aspen, you can have the same experience closer to home in the mountains of Vermont. Furthermore, instead of using a lot of money on plane tickets, you can save the money and spend it on vacation add-ons and room upgrades. Vermont is an exciting destination with fresh air, exciting slopes, and breathtaking trails. It is a city you would love to spend your vacation more than once. You can afford it, and it’s also easily accessible. You don’t have to worry about the type of hotel you will stay in. Vermont has a wide range of hotels that suit everyone.
Furthermore, the cost of living in this city is relatively lower. Therefore, traveling from one destination to another while vacationing here won’t cost you a fortune! Stowe, Varmont is an excellent alternative to Vail or Aspen!
