It doesn’t have to cost the earth to soak in some sun this winter. Whether you want to catch some waves, try out water sports, hike through the rainforest or just lie out in the sun, you can find numerous tropical destinations that appeal to budget travelers. And with some careful advance planning, you can reap huge savings on a dream getaway – no last-minute deals required. From white-sand shorelines in Southeast Asia to scuba diving in Central America and beyond, here are some destinations that will give you a taste of paradise – without breaking the bank.
Palawan, the Philippines
With 7641 islands in total, the Philippines offers countless options for a reasonably priced tropical escape. And the archipelagic province of Palawan has 1780 islands alone. The region teems with thundering waterfalls, huge caves and sunken WWII-era wrecks ideal for snorkeling. Want even more? Go swimming with whale sharks in turquoise waters and enjoy some of the cheapest scuba diving anywhere in the world. Idyllic El Nido is the jumping-off point for island hopping aboard a bangka (motorized outrigger) to translucent lagoons and hidden beaches framed by karst limestone cliffs.
The crystalline waters offer up a natural bounty of prawns, crab and other seafood; danggit lamayo (dried rabbitfish marinated in vinegar, crushed garlic and peppercorn) is a particularly tasty regional specialty. Staying in a bahay kubo (thatched bamboo shack with woven rattan walls) or budget hotel are all low-cost options; you can also get good deals on resorts outside peak season (March to May), though some activities close during the June-to-October wet season.
Providencia Island and Playa Blanca, Colombia
Closer to Nicaragua than mainland Colombia, Providencia Island isn’t easy to get to (you’ll need to hop on a tiny 20-seater plane or take a 3-hour catamaran journey to get to this remote Caribbean Island; both cost around US$100). But it is one of the best tropical vacation spots in the world.
Its remoteness means that its golden curls of sand are mostly footprint-free. The palms here lean over like the limbs of yoga enthusiasts. The waters are both turquoise-blue and gin-clear. Most people are here to snorkel or dive the coral reefs – or just sunbathe for days. Being a duty-free island makes Providencia even cheaper still, especially at the beach bars.
If you want paradise to be a little more accessible, mainland Colombia has options, too. Try Playa Blanca, close to Cartagena, which offers beach huts, bars and hammocks along its sugary, white beach.
Bahías de Huatulco, Mexico
Forget Cabo San Lucas or Playa del Carmen: in southeastern Oaxaca on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Bahías de Huatulco is a unique and affordable place for an eco escape. Its nine bays are home to 36 glorious beaches. Santa Cruz’ emerald-green waters are just south of commercial hub La Crucecita, where you can arrange sailing and scuba excursions, and rent equipment including Jet Skis and kayaks. La Bocana is renowned for surfing and pre-Hispanic mud baths. Maguey has gorgeous white sand and snorkeling amid coral, rays and turtles. It’s part of the Parque Nacional Huatulco, where you can go hiking, biking and horse riding, and observe abundant wildlife including black iguanas, armadillos and dwarf porcupines. Up in the mountains, you can visit waterfalls and coffee plantations.
Minimize costs by dining on super-fresh seafood and local specialties like tlayudas (corn tortillas topped with black beans, pork fat and cheese) from rustic comedores (food stalls or basic dining rooms). For accommodations, stay in simple hotels, or low-rise resorts and villas in the November-to-April dry season (outside the peak-season holidays of Christmas, New Year and around Easter, that is). Prices drop to their lowest in the wet season (May to October), though some places close in September and October.