Have you ever looked at a dream vacation (a private pool in Mexico, a wine estate in South Africa, a hillside suite on the Amalfi Coast) and thought, “That’s not for people like me”?
It might be more within reach than you think. With the right timing and a little research, luxury travel can cost far less than you’d expect. Here are 15 places and experiences worth putting on your radar.
Sleep in a French Castle
On Airbnb, you can find a two-bedroom château in France (complete with a pool) for around $140 per night. That is not a typo. Not every listing on the platform comes with a sky-high price tag, and this is one of the hidden gems worth hunting for.
Go Glamping in the Rain Forest or on a Japanese Island
Glamping (stylish, comfortable camping) lets you enjoy stunning natural settings without giving up a real bed. Prices can run around $100 a night or less. Options include an eco safari-style tent at Shade Tree in Costa Rica and a tent overlooking the water at Picnic Garden Glamping on Awaji Island in Japan. There are also plenty of U.S. options, from tree houses in Texas to covered wagons in Utah.
Fly Private (Almost) to Wine Country or Cabo
A company called JSX offers a semiprivate flight experience at close to commercial airline prices. You use a private terminal. You can go from parking to boarding in just 20 minutes, or 45 minutes for international flights to Cabo San Lucas. No long security lines, no cramped coach seats, and your bags are waiting for you right at the plane when you land.
The trade-off: JSX currently flies to a limited number of cities, mainly on the West Coast and in the Southwest, plus Miami and Westchester County, New York.
The Amalfi Coast for Under $200 a Night
The Amalfi Coast sounds like it should cost a fortune. And during the peak summer season, it can. But travel outside that busy stretch, and you can find rooms at Valle d’Amalfi Suites, a property nestled in the green hills within walking distance of Amalfi’s historic center — for under $200 per night. The views of the sea and city are breathtaking.
Ten Days in Thailand for Around $2,300
Friendly Planet offers a 10-day Thailand vacation package for approximately $2,300 per person. That price includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and visits to historic sites such as Ayutthaya, an ancient city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Paris With an Eiffel Tower View
You can find affordable hotels in nearly every corner of Paris. But for something truly special, look for a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Depending on when you travel, Hotel de Londres Eiffel and Hotel La Comtesse both offer rooms within sight of the landmark for under $300 a night. And many of Paris’s most famous sights (including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Jardin du Luxembourg) are free to visit.
Cartagena, Colombia: Color and Charm for Under $100
Cartagena is one of those cities that stops you in your tracks, with historic architecture, vivid colors, and a port-town energy unlike anywhere else. The stylish Oz Hotel sits near the beach and features a rooftop terrace with city views. Rates come in well under $100 a night.
A Beach Resort in Tanzania
Most travelers think of Zanzibar when they picture a luxury Indian Ocean beach holiday. But on the Tanzanian mainland, the Ramada by Wyndham sits along the shores of Jangwani Beach, about a half-hour from Dar es Salaam’s city center. Rooms run in the $ 150-per-night range, depending on the time of year.
Brooklyn Instead of Manhattan
If New York City is on your list, consider staying in Brooklyn rather than squeezing into an overpriced Manhattan hotel. In downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel runs around $250 a night. Over in Williamsburg (packed with restaurants, shops, and neighborhood energy), Coda and The Hoxton both offer rooms in the $200-$300 range.
A Private Pool in Acapulco
Hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco, Mexico, offers oceanfront suites and stand-alone casitas, some with private pools and terraces overlooking the coast. For certain dates, rates dip under $150 a night.
Tulum’s Beachside Huts
Ahau Tulum, on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, features Bali-inspired huts with access to a private beach. Daily yoga is available. Mayan ruins are nearby. Depending on the season, you can book a stay for less than $200 a night.
Five Stars Near Angkor Wat for $300
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations for high-end travel. Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap is a 36-room, five-star hotel on the banks of the Siem Reap River. It has two swimming pools, lush grounds, a spa, and rooms with balconies or garden access. The rate runs about $300 a night, and Angkor Wat is just a 10-minute drive away.
South African Wine Country in the Low Season
The wine region around Franschhoek, South Africa, is gorgeous. Travel during the low season, and you can find rooms at the Franschhoek Boutique Hotel starting around $140 a night. The hotel sits steps from a trolley stop that connects guests to the surrounding wineries.
Shopping and Riads in Marrakesh
The souk marketplaces in Marrakesh’s Medina are a shopper’s dream, with thousands of stalls selling jewelry, clothing, and more. With some smart haggling, you can find great pieces at very reasonable prices. Stay in a traditional riad with a courtyard pool, like Riad Be Marrakesh or Riad Goloboy, for around $200 a night or less.
Bali and Beyond in Indonesia
Indonesia delivers serious luxury at a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Depending on the season, a junior suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali starts at roughly $250 a night. A private pool suite in the Ubud jungle at The Udaya Resorts and Spa also starts around $250.
And if you want something truly unique, Captain Komodo offers three-day sailing trips around Komodo National Park aboard a traditional phinisi ship for about $236 per person on a shared departure. That includes snorkeling, sightseeing, and the chance to spot the area’s famous Komodo dragons.
The key to all of these deals is timing. Traveling outside the peak season (when crowds thin and prices drop) is how you find nightly rates that seem almost too good to be true. The destinations are just as beautiful. The experience is just as real. And your savings account will thank you.