4 Affordable Travel Destinations That Make the Middle Class Feel Rich
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
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Gary Dudak
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You don’t need a millionaire’s bank account or to be bathing in bitcoin to enjoy luxury travel experiences. With smart planning and the right destination, savvy budget travelers can indulge in high-end vacations that offer stunning scenery, rich culture and upscale amenities — without putting you in the poor house.
Here are four cheap luxury travel destinations where middle-class travelers can feel like royalty.
Hôi An, Vietnam: Luxury on a Budget in Southeast Asia
Hôi An is one of the top budget-friendly travel destinations in Asia, known for its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. Located in central Vietnam, it offers a blend of history, culture and beachside relaxation.
Travel experts recommend prioritizing the unique experiences of Vietnam, including visiting temples, shopping at local markets, affordable spa retreats and having a custom suit tailored by local designers. The hospitality in Vietnam is exceptional, offering luxury at incredible value.
Budget luxury vacation packages start at $363 per person for accommodations at a small luxury hotel in the city center, to experience Hôi An’s markets, culture and nightlife. Visit popular attractions like Chua Cau, Tan, Ky House, and the Quan Cong Temple. Guided tours of the city start as low as $39.24 per person.
Tanzania: Exotic African Adventures Without the Price Tag
Consider visiting mainland Tanzania to experience the breathtaking tropical adventures of the nearby island of Zanzibar at a budget-friendly price. Not only do you have the waves of the Indian Ocean to bask in, but you can also get an affordable all-inclusive package to fit your finances, whatever your budget.
In fact, according to Expedia, packages can start tempting you at just $1,128. Boutique hotels and lesser-known resorts across Tanzania provide luxury amenities at a fraction of the cost compared to Kenya or South Africa.
Vieste, Italy: Hidden Gem on the Italian Coast
Skip the crowds in Rome and Venice and head to Vieste, a charming coastal town on the Gargano Peninsula. Known for its dramatic cliffs and sea caves to explore, Vieste offers a luxury European vacation without the higher price tag.
To stretch your middle-class income further, you’re likely to find reduced prices and better availability in October, November and December. Vieste is accessible via the Bari Airport, with flights from major European cities costing $100 round-trip on budget airlines. From Bari, car rentals start at $30 per day.
Cozumel, Mexico: Caribbean Luxury for Less
Cozumel is a top destination for affordable Caribbean vacations, offering all-inclusive resorts, scuba diving and private catamaran tours at prices lower than nearby hotspots like Cancun or Tulum.
According to Silvia Lupone, travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa in Cozumel, visitors can choose from all-inclusive resorts that offer scuba diving, water tours and meals for about 30% less than what they would have paid if they were booked separately.
“Flights to Cancun are available at a reasonable price and riding the ferry to Cozumel only makes it better,” Lupone said. “Getting around on private catamaran tours in Cozumel and enjoying yourself at the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park are great experiences that don’t cost you a fortune.”
Kerra Bolton contributed to the reporting for this article.
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