Islands bathed in the sun, graceful palm trees casting shadows on the sand, colorful hammocks and sparkling seas, neither experienced globetrotters nor occasional vacationers can resist such a vision. People tend to think holidays in exotic places cost tons of money and only few can afford them. Hard workers save put the pennies in a jar all year long and then end up spending it all on a boring trip to a neighboring village, because they believe going to faraway places is out of their reach. Cheap tropical vacations sound like something impossible. If the phrase “exotic holidays” makes you think of luxurious resorts, Hollywood stars walking on the beach in high-heels, wealthy yacht owners and fancy yuppies sipping colorful drinks in lounge bars, then no wonder you'd rather stay in your country and visit this auntie who lives in the mountains. Forget this vision for a moment. You don't have to be a millionaire to have a wonderful time. You can even spend it in an idyllic location. There will be no Champaign, no famous restaurants and no five star hotels, but there will surely be an adventure, lots of striking views and relaxing afternoons. Here's a list of practical tips to help you organize perfect and cheap tropical vacations.
Choose cheap destinations
Not all tropical destinations are madly expensive. In some countries you can even find affordable all-inclusive resorts. Caribbean countries are usually thought to be costly, but it's not always the case. For the best deals check places like Cancun, Dominican Republic or Aruba. Southeast Asia is a great destination for vacationers on a budget. In Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam or Philippines you can get a bit of luxury for an acceptable price. Food out there is as cheap as yummy. To make sure what the prices in a given country are, you may use Numbeo.com. It won't show you prices of hotels and typical tourist attractions, but you'll find out how much transportation, groceries and entertainment cost. Forums where travelers share their experiences are a wonderful source of advice. You can always join an online discussion and ask what average prices in a destination you're considering are. Other tourists will provide you with up-to-date, first-hand information.
Look for affordable lodgings
As mentioned above, all-inclusive resorts are sometimes affordable. If you dream to experience a bit of highlife, you may look for them. Keep in mind though that no matter what a great deal you'll find, it's most likely going to be more expensive than, let's say, a simple country guest-house. Therefore, to make your trip really cheap, stay in guest-houses, hostels or use holiday rentals. Take a look at websites such as Airbnb or HomeAway. There are lots of elegant penthouses and rooms that look like royal chambers, but you can also find lots of pretty and simple accommodations for prices lower than those offered by hotels. If you appreciate privacy and comfort, a thought of hostels might make you tremble, but give them a chance. Nowadays there's lots of cozy and pleasant hostels, not as crowded and chaotic as you might imagine. The recent trends gave them a name: poshtels, a combination of boutique hotels and backpacker hostels. They're creatively designed, cozy and besides of dorms often feature double rooms, separate and private.
Dine where the locals do
Avoid tourist restaurants. Not only they're expensive, but also less authentic than places where locals use to eat. It's not always easy to spot the nicest eateries in a new place, but a solution to this problem is very easy: ask the locals. Speak with your hosts if you use holiday rentals, ask hostel staff or simply stop someone on the street and tell them what you're searching for. You can also look for the information online, on forums and websites such as LikeaLocal.com. Staying in a hostel or holiday rentals has one more advantage, you usually have access to the kitchen and can cook by yourself. You don't have to spend days preparing meals, but the possibility to make a simple dish from time to time is very convenient.
Use free attractions
Swimming in the sea costs nothing (usually), sunbathing is free, strolling around beautiful historic towns too. Many museums are available for free once a week or month. You can participate in traditional festivities, listen to live performances on the beach, go clubbing and learn how to dance salsa without paying for a course. Travelling on a budget doesn't mean giving up on entertainment. You don't have to be melancholic and watch rich tourists drinking the finest wines. Check what's going on in the city you're visiting. Relax, follow the locals and have fun with them.
Search for cheap flights
Transportation might turn out to be the most expensive part of your journey. Don't lose hopes though. Once in a while it's possible to get a great deal for flights to the most fascinating destinations. You may get from Europe to Thailand for 300 Euros or to Mexico for 400. Residents of western countries spend tons of money for holidays in their own regions. You may stay in France, for example, and go to the coast, but you'll pay so much for a hotel it'd be enough to cover both the ticket and accommodation in Asia. Calculate carefully and you might realize 500 USD for a flight isn't really that much, because later on you'll save on local transportation, food and lodgings.
As you can see, it's all doable. Don't tell yourself cheap tropical vacations make no sense, because if you go somewhere, you want to fully enjoy all available attractions. You can't have it all anyway. Don't promise yourself you'll go when you become rich. Save a bit, use the resources you've got and have an unforgettable time.
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