Best Budget Vacations 2024
Looking for the best vacations on a budget? We’ve got you.
Traveling is one of the best experiences you can spend your money on. But it can get expensive, especially if you’re flying, and it’s definitely not something you want to blow your entire budget on, especially when trying to maximize your money and stretch your dollar as far as possible. If you can plan a vacation on a budget, why wouldn’t you?
Thankfully, travel is favoring the United States like never before thanks to the ever-favorable exchange rates. Planning a budget vacation is incredibly doable, and we’ve just made it even easier for you. We’ve rounded up the best budget vacations you can start planning right now. From beaches to winter getaways to international destinations, your wanderlust will for sure point you to your next adventure.
The Best (& Cheapest) Vacation Spots to Head to This Year
If you’re looking to find the cheapest places to travel (and the cheapest days to travel in 2024 and 2025), we’re here to help. From the best budget vacations for winter travel, the best beach spots, and where to go all year long, it’s all here. Scroll to start planning your next vacation right now.
Best Budget Winter Vacation Spots
Québec City, Québec
If you’re looking to really embrace the winter weather this year, head up north to Québec City, Québec. The cobblestone streets covered in snow are perfectly idyllic for a winter wonderland, and you’ll still be able to easily explore the neighborhoods scattered throughout the city.
There are tons of free or low-cost events going on in Quebec City throughout the entire winter season. To warm up, be sure to stop by the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine (and both of them are free to enter).
Best time to visit: November-December
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to visit during the colder months. The lake sits on the California/Nevada border and is well-known for winter sports like cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. There’s no shortage of things to do up in Tahoe.
To save money while planning your budget vacation, book early and stay on one of the many resorts located right on the lake. The resorts can get expensive, but most of them offer vacation packages and discounts if you stay for multiple nights.
Best time to visit: December-March
Big Sky, Montana
For the skiers looking to plan the ultimate winter vacation, Big Sky is your best bet. There are over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain with a wide variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels. Just plan on having a majority of your budget going towards lift tickets.
When booking, the earlier the better. Booking well in advance at places like Big Sky Resort will save you money on both accommodations and lift tickets. To save even more on your skiing excursion, plan your visit for weekdays in December. Skiing later in the day will also cost less, especially on the popular Lone Peak Tram.
Best time to visit: January-March
Santa Fe, New Mexico
While the southwest is known for deserts and high temps, Santa Fe is actually situated near multiple ski resorts. And if skiing in the frigid cold isn’t quite your vibe, skiing in Santa Fe offers the chance to hit the slopes at 40° F. Lift tickets also cost substantially less than those at more popular resorts.
When you’re not hitting the slopes, check out the 80-plus art galleries on Canyon Road, or visit Santa Fe Plaza for free. If you decide to visit Santa Fe in February, there are plenty of deals on dining out during the city’s restaurant week.
Best time to visit: November
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the must-see attraction of Gatlinburg, and due to the mild temperatures (usually in the 40s and 50s), you can easily explore the park without getting too cold. The park only charges a $5 daily parking fee, allowing for multiple days of hiking.
Hike the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion for stunning views, or hit up the Rainbow Falls Trail for a chance to see the famous waterfalls frozen over. When you’re ready to head inside, sample the local moonshine in town at distilleries like Sugarlands Distilling Company or Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine’s “The Holler” for a small fee.
Best time to visit: January-March
Best Beach Vacations on a Budget
Clearwater Beach, Florida
The name really says it all. Situated right on the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Bay, Clearwater Beach is only about 25 miles away from Tampa, making travel there ridiculously easy. There’s a wide range of accommodations right on the pay, from affordable motels to luxury resorts, ensuring you have options regardless of your budget.
Transportation around Clearwater is also easy and affordable. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley and Clearwater Ferry also double as sightseeing tours. Pier 60’s nightly free sunset parties are a must, and be sure to grab a Tampa Bay CityPASS to save money on admission to other local attractions.
Best time to visit: April-June
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for a beach vacation outside of the United States without dropping a small fortune, Punta Cana might be your perfect getaway. The beaches (which are stunningly beautiful) on the island are often a bit cheaper than other Caribbean vacations.
The many all-inclusive resorts on the island make it extremely budget-friendly, even during peak season travel. During the winter, some all-inclusive resorts can go for less than $300 a night for two people. Garden view rooms will also save you extra cash, or consider staying at a resort that offers a free shuttle to the beach.
Best time to visit: December-April
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Get a Cancun vacation without the price by opting instead for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The coarse sand and rocky beaches are perfect if you want to spend your time doing water sports or going on more ecological adventures.
Lodging and dining are usually lower than in other locations in Mexico due to the competition between all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels in the area. When you’re ready to head in from the beach, be sure to check out the town for plenty of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and a bustling nightlife scene.
Best time to visit: April-June
Huntington Beach, California
Known as “Surf City, USA,” Huntington Beach has nearly 9 miles of beach to explore. The area is also much less crowded than other popular spots like Santa Monica or Los Angeles. Book a vacation rental to stretch your dollar to the max, and don’t forget the old saying, “May gray, June gloom,” when thinking about when you want to visit.
When you’re on the beach, there definitely isn’t a shortage of things to do, either. Rent a wetsuit and try out some surfing lessons, play sand volleyball, or post up at a bonfire to watch the sunset over the water.
Best time to visit: September-November
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is usually cheaper to visit than other Caribbean islands, and US residents don’t need a passport to vacation there. Plus, being able to snag a condo in San Juan for as low as $125 per night during the off-peak times is a huge bonus.
Plenty of the condos on the island have also been recently renovated, meaning all the amenities (like the pools, casinos, and restaurants) are brand-new. There are even seven designated Blue-Flag beaches including the ever popular Carolina Beach.
Best time to visit: March-May
Best Budget Vacation Spots All Year Round
South Korea
Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island are the obvious choices when visiting South Korea, but the country has so much more to explore, especially when planning a vacation on a budget.
Mokpo, located in the southern tip of the peninsula, has some of the best food the country has to offer. There are even specialty dishes like hongeo (a naturally fermented and extremely pungent fish) to try out. Food lovers will definitely want to check out the scene.
Best time to visit: September-November
Hungary
The current economy in Hungary is favorable to residents of the United States. Budapest’s food scene is growing at a rapid rate with plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. The city also boasts plenty of high-tech spas to relax in.
Budapest also recently celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2023, giving you even more reasons to go visit. The recently reopened Chain Bridge is a must-see. And be sure to stay at W Budapest, which is a former palace turned into hotel on a UNSECO World Heritage-lined street.
Best time to visit: March-May, September-October
Vietnam
Southeast Asia has loads of great travel deals, especially for United States residents. The exchange rate between USD and VND is progressively getting more favorable, but the country also has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery in the world.
Hanoi is the most romantic city in the area, but there are plenty of lesser-known spots to check out, too. Ninh Van Bay and Phú Quốc island have incredible beaches and secluded resorts away from the more tourist-centered destinations.
Best time to visit: March-April
Indonesia
Even after a massive tourist influx after Eat, Pray, Love, Indonesia is still an incredibly budget-friendly vacation country to visit. Of course, plenty of people opt for Bali (which is one of the most expensive places to visit) for the luxury resorts, there are cheaper and less touristy destinations to stay.
The islands of Sumba and Lombok offer the same beauty of Bali at a fraction of the price. Jakarta is also a must-visit for any foodies. Fill up on noodles and local cuisine from street stalls for just a couple dollars.
Best time to visit: May-September
Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the most slept-on travel destinations. The country boasts seemingly infinite adventure camps and endless beautiful scenery. Travel here can cost as little as $75 (and that includes accommodations).
The country is also on a mission to increase tourism in the coming years. There’s now the first US direct flight to Mongolia, and plenty of nationalities can travel visa-free. Plenty of cultural experiences are currently being planned, so start researching now to save even more money while planning your trip there.
Best time to visit: May-September
Don’t forget to use Student Beans travel discounts to help you hack your travel and save even more money when you book.
