At the time of planning a dream vacation, we usually come across some places which are considered the most perfect example of luxury and adventure. While these locations might seem like the perfect escape, the reality is, most of these places are overpriced and eventually under-deliver on their billing as hideaways.
Rather than blindly following the trend set by visiting overhyped destinations, you can explore spots giving the same experience at just a fraction of the price. Now, let’s take a deeper look at why these pricey vacation places may not be the best places to visit for your travel budget or even experience.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The overwater bungalows and crystal clear lagoons of Bora Bora often make it look like paradise on Earth. Sure, the scenery is beautiful, but it doesn’t come cheap. One of the most expensive destinations in the world, no flights, luxury accommodations, or expensive excursions are included in the package. If you want a similar beach experience, but at a lower cost, consider Fiji, or other Pacific islands, such as the Maldives.
Santorini, Greece
It’s famous for its breathtaking sunsets, white washed buildings and crystal clear waters. Though the views are stunning, visiting this Greek island now comes at a price. As the wind whistles through your hair and the sun warms your face, you can find yourself experiencing very little of what makes Santorini special.
Maui, Hawaii, USA
Not only is Maui often thought to be the top island destination in Hawaii, it’s landscapes are lush and beaches are stunning, and resorts are luxurious. But, flights, accommodation, food and activities can be too expensive for this vacation. Although there are experiences you can have on Maui that you’ll find nowhere else in the world, like whale watching and hiking volcanoes, they do come with a premium.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
World class ski resorts, luxury accommodations and upscale dining are known around the world, including Aspen. The problem is that skiing, lodging and dining in Aspen is expensive, particularly for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a winter escape but can’t afford to hit the slopes, try Breckenridge or Park City instead.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is famous for its luxurious lifestyle, luxurious mall, and high buildings. Although it’s a great city to explore, staying in luxury hotels, eating in top restaurants and going to the best attractions can quickly empty your wallet. Dubai’s culture may not be for everyone and the experience may be just not worth the price tag. If you don’t plan and budget carefully, you might be surprised at how much a trip to Dubai can cost.
Venice, Italy
Often a romantic site, Venice’s canals, gondolas, and lovely architectural diversity are appealing features. But increasingly this iconic city has become overcrowded with tourists visiting the canals and making it a struggle to experience the true charm. Venice, is also known for its high prices for accommodation, meals, even main attractions which come on top of that. Venice may be expensive, but it’s one of those unforgettable places that you need to visit if you can afford it.
Paris, France
It is the world famous Paris – often nicknamed the “City of Light” – which boasts classic landmark sites like the Eiffel Tower and world class museums among the many original neighborhoods in the area. Paris is certainly beautiful, and romantic, but it has become one of the priciest cities in Europe too. They can be quite pricey, the hotels, meals, and attractions, and you have crowds of tourists detracting from the experience.
New York City, USA
New York City is full of hustle and bustle, it has its iconic landmarks like Times Square and obviously its only artsy. There are no shortages of things to do with your travel, but accommodation, dining, and entertainment costs can be overwhelming to travelers. Not all of the city’s high prices will always meet up to the expectations of visitors and you might find that smaller, more affordable cities like Chicago or Toronto have just as much to offer without the price tag.
The Maldives
Overwater villas, mainly, and picture perfect waters have made The Maldives the ultimate beach luxury destination. It’s unquestionably beautiful, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to visit, with flight, resort and activity costs out of this world. Similar to Palawan, the Philippines and Indonesia have beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and luxury resorts, but at a fraction of the price.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas is a popular beach destination, and what gives it more reputation is its all inclusive resorts as well as its wild nightlife. It’s fun in the sun, but it’s also expensive, with high end resorts and pricey activities taking center stage. For a less expensive Mexican holiday, look at Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen, where you can find beach and culture at a lower price.
Malaga, Spain
With its Mediterranean coastline and culture that dates back a long time, Malaga, is certainly on the rise as a curious European destination, if it hasn’t already been. It’s a place with great weather and heaps of historical sites but it’s also expensive. For something a little less pricey, the coastal seaside beauty and history of Valencia or Alicante is equally as great.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is a must visit for its ancient wonders such as the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. But guided tours, entry fees and other expenses can quickly become costly, particularly if you’re travelling from abroad. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are other parts of Egypt or even nearby countries such as Jordan where you can get a lot of incredible history for a much lower price.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, with its beautiful beaches, rice terraces and yoga retreats, is a well loved destination. Though a cheap destination, the island’s popularity has pushed up the prices of accommodation, tours and eating. If you’re looking for a cheap Southeast Asian getaway, why not check out some of the other Indonesian islands such as Lombok or Sumatra that provide very similar landscapes and cultural experiences at a fraction of the price.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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