7 Budget-Friendly Vacation Alternatives to Famous Destinations

Consider a budget-friendly vacation alternative this season!

We understand why all those popular travel destinations usually earn their status: they deliver on food, culture, scenery, and flair. Yet booking your dream vacation can be overwhelming, especially when you see a hefty price tag attached to the biggest tourist hotspots.

But does that mean you have to skip the best adventures worldwide? Of course not! Don’t give up on your plans yet. Simply find some budget-friendly vacation alternatives and travel a bit smarter. It turns out Napa isn’t the only place to drink wine.

And Tuscany isn’t an exclusive location to experience the best of the Italian countryside. And if you want dreamy beaches, you don’t necessarily need to save up for the Maldives.

Trips to more budget-friendly vacation alternatives around the globe can be just as rewarding as their more well-known counterparts. Stick with us as we discover the 7 best budget alternatives to popular destinations.

Go to: Cinque Terre, Italy

Instead of: The French Riviera

The multicolored coastal town of Cinque Terre, Italy, offers a beautiful alternative to costly destinations in the French Riveria. The French Riviera calls to travelers who want private beaches and refinement.

But places like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco are outside the budget for many of us. Luckily, a trip to this budget-friendly vacation alternative in Italy offers similar ocean views, stunning beaches, and incredible dining opportunities without the bulky price tags you’ll find in the south of France.

In Cinque Terre, you can put on a bathing suit and enjoy the accessible public beaches, which aren’t too crowded. The vibe here is laid-back and slow-paced. So you’ll have plenty of time to unwind while eating fresh seafood and pesto at local restaurants.

Go to: Lille, France

Instead of: Paris, France

We all know that Paris is a romantic city that travelers swoon over. And we get it! But France has many other cities that are more affordable and just as beautiful.

So skip the hustle and bustle of Paris and travel an hour north to the town of Lille, a cultural hub that lies at the crossroads of Paris, London, and Brussels. And yes, the baguets and croissants are just as good!

This budget-friendly vacation alternative was named a World Design Capital a few years ago and is a mecca for not only design but also a massive food scene, museums, and art fairs. And don’t even get us started on the beautiful modern architecture.

Go to: Naxos, Greece

Instead of: Santorini, Greece

Everyone talks about Santorini as THE place to visit in Greece. But our favorite budget-friendly vacation alternative is one of this country’s best-kept secrets. The largest of the Cycladic islands, it sits in the Aegean Sea, roughly halfway between Santorini and Mykonos.

This is the perfect place to experience authentic Greek village life, and accommodations start at a mere $25 per night. In contrast, you won’t find anything on Santorini for under 100 bucks. And most rooms go for much higher, some at well over $1,000 a night.

Naxos, though, offers a different experience, where you can still see a donkey descending a cobbled street road, along with adorable white-washed homes, dense mountains, scenic vineyards, olive groves, and gorgeous beaches.

There are also many restaurants in this budget-friendly vacation alternative serving up farm-to-table pleasures and fascinating historic sites like the collection of kouros statues that date back to the 8th century BC.

Go to: Santa Ynez Valley, California

Instead of: Napa Valley, California

When you think of California wine country, Napa is the first place that comes to mind. But Santa Barbara County’s panoramic Santa Ynez Valley is just as accessible and gives travelers many opportunities to drink various wines at a fraction of the cost.

Grapes in this area are more affordable than their Napa counterparts and come in a wider variety.

The official Visit California website also emphasizes the diverse grapes in this budget-friendly vacation alternative, which is uniquely comprised of different geographical regions with varying climates.

And the Santa Ynez Visitors Association lists more than 120 wineries you can visit. As for accommodation, they’re also generally more reasonable than the ones you would find in Napa.

Go to: Eilat, Israel

Instead of: Tel Aviv, Israel

If the costs and crowds in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv don’t appeal to you, consider the less-traveled city of Eilat as an exhilarating Israeli adventurer’s paradise.

Located on the country’s southern end, this budget-friendly vacation alternative offers a sunny getaway on the Red Sea with enchanting beaches and jaw-dropping coral reefs.

Whether you want to relax beachside, hike the desert mountains, or snorkel in its remarkable Coral Reef Nature Reserve, this resort town has everything you’re looking for.

Hikers can journey through the Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve, which offers some of Israel’s most spectacular views and breathtaking desert routes.

And now it’s easy to get to this budget-friendly vacation alternative, as well. Israel opened the Ramon International Airport, a 20-minute drive from this city, a few years ago.

Go to: Kilkenny, Ireland

Instead of: Dublin, Ireland

This budget-friendly vacation alternative is located just an hour and a half drive from Dublin, but it’s an excellent alternative to the pricier, jam-packed capital city.

Ireland’s medieval capital is saturated with culture, heritage, and, of course, it’s home to the majestic 12th-century Kilkenny Castle.

Stroll the cobbled lanes that are dotted with intriguing pubs, boutiques, and delicious eateries before taking a tour of the castle overlooking the River Nore.

Occupied by the Butler dynasty from 1391 through 1935, you’ll see family portraits that go back to the castle’s earliest years portrayed in the Long Gallery and much more.

The “Creative Heart of Ireland,” as this budget-friendly vacation alternative is sometimes called, has a considerable portion of its population engaged in arts and crafts, which means it’s an ideal place to discover some more memorable, handmade souvenirs.

This place has also become somewhat of a “foodie” city, with numerous restaurants serving incredible meals with dishes featuring many local ingredients.

But more than anything, it’s probably best known for producing some of the country’s finest beers, including Smithwicks.

Go to: Lombok, Indonesia

Instead of: Bali, Indonesia

Head to this budget-friendly vacation alternative for a more peaceful and affordable option to Bali. We admit that Bali is a dream destination for many people.

But as much as we love the “Island of the Gods,” it’s becoming a bit overcrowded, and prices are skyrocketing rapidly. Luckily, the neighboring island Lombok is a gorgeous budget-friendly alternative travel destination.

Rather than views of Bali’s Mount Batur, you’ll get to enjoy picturesque surroundings with Mount Rinjani, Lombok’s active volcano, looming in the background. And don’t worry. There are plenty of Bali-esque rice terraces, palm trees, and beaches here too.

But there’s one significant difference between Lombok and Bali. Lombok hasn’t yet been wholly “discovered” by tourists. Of course, people go there, but compared to Bali, this island is far more undisturbed. And as a result, prices are much more low-cost.

Accommodations can cost you less than $10 a night, scooter rentals are even less, and day trips and food are always inexpensive. Lombok isn’t so much a tourist destination. But more of an authentic destination if you’re looking to get off the beaten track.

Did you enjoy reading about our favorite budget-friendly vacation alternatives? Please leave us a comment and let us know. And if you book a trip to any of these gorgeous places, make sure you take lots of pics and let us know about your adventures!

And don’t leave just yet…Must See Places has many more breathtaking places you should check out. For instance: 10 Relaxing Resorts in Mexico That Offer Good Times and Stunning Views