I’m a Travel Expert: 3 Top Travel Destinations for the Middle-Class Worth the Money in 2025
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Kerra Bolton
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Amen Oyiboke
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Budget-savvy travelers can discover unforgettable vacation destinations that won’t wreck their wallets this year.
From the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains to the vibrant food scene in Vietnam and the sun-kissed Portuguese coastlines, these destinations offer rich experiences at affordable prices.
GOBanking Rates spoke to travel experts to find out which three top travel destinations for the middle class will be worth the money in 2025.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National parks tend to be less expensive than other destinations. Many are free and within driving distance, which means that budget-conscious travelers can choose to drive instead of fly.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the United States. Over 12 million people visited last year.
“It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States,” said Jeff Powell, creator of the Smoky Mountains Ventures and National Park Ventures travel blogs. “The sheer volume of native plants and wildlife is stunning. For example, the park is home to over 1,900 black bears. The park features 150 trails for hikers of all ages and skill levels and over 100 waterfalls.”
Powell explained, “It is also an excellent spot for history buffs, with over 90 historic cabins, churches, barns, schoolhouses, and other structures in the park.”
Visitors can enter the Great Smokeys through its main Tennessee gateway towns, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
“Both are filled with family-friendly attractions, including Anakeesta Theme Park, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Skyland Ranch, and the Aquarium of the Smokies,” Powell said. “A week in either of these areas will cost approximately $300 per day for two people. This includes lodging, meals, and activities.”
Vietnam
Known for its diverse landscapes, amazing food scene, and ancient temples, Vietnam has something for every taste and budget.
Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets, part of Trevolution Group, recommended Sa Pa, located in Vietnam’s northern region and famous for its picturesque hiking trails, breathtaking mountains, and outdoor settings.
“This area is particularly rich in culture, as it is comprised of 85% ethnic Vietnamese minority groups that have different, colorful traditional dress and unique styles of houses that you won’t find anywhere else,” Zach said. “Regardless of where you go and what you do, Vietnam is known for its value-for-the-money accommodations.
Zach explained, “From family guesthouses and remote resorts to budget hostels and more high-end hotels in larger cities, accommodations can range from just $35 per night. Not to mention its very affordable local food scene, starting at $1 per meal.”
Travelers can expect to pay, on average, $1,000 for accommodations, dining, local transportation, and sightseeing for a one-week trip to Vietnam for two people.
Portugal
Portugal offers middle-class travelers a constellation of rich experiences at reasonable price points — from wine tours to seafood adventures.
“High-end, culturally rich travel experiences are no longer just for those with luxury budgets,” said Paul Stewart, the founder of My Baggage, an international luggage shipping firm. “Portugal provides affordability and authenticity so that families can have memories that will last a lifetime without breaking the bank.”
Some “don’t miss” destinations in Portugal include Porto’s waterfront and port wine cellars ($22 for tasting tours). Travelers can stroll Lisbon’s old Alfama district and have a coffee and pastry or see the dramatic ocean vistas at Sagres — expect to pay $3 to $5 for park entry fees.
Stewart said a middle-class family of four can expect to find mid-range accommodations in the Algarve or Lisbon area for $95 to $140 per night. Travelers can also find inexpensive restaurant meals for $16 to $27 per person, and public transportation costs about $5 to $11 per day.
“Budget-conscious travelers can find Portuguese mercados that have amazing seafood for $9 to $16 a kilo as opposed to spending $22 to $32 for restaurant prices,” Stewart said. “Another trick is to travel to Portugal during the shoulder season (May and October) when the weather is still nice, crowds dissipate, and the prices fall by 20-30%.”
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