10 Amazing Luxury Vacations You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Enjoy
Are you dreaming of a lavish getaway without draining your bank account? Contrary to popular belief, luxury travel isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy. There are many destinations worldwide where you can bask extravagance on a modest budget. This list of affordable luxury vacations promises unforgettable memories without the hefty price tag.
Sleep in a French Château Without the Royal Price Tag
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Staying in a centuries-old château with sweeping staircases and antique furnishings sounds extravagant, but it’s surprisingly affordable—if you know where to look. Many castle hotels in the French countryside offer rooms for under $200 a night, some even throwing in perks like wine tastings and estate tours. It’s an easy way to soak up French history while living out a real-life fairytale.
Glamping: The Outdoors, but Make It Comfortable
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Camping is great—until you’re tangled in a sleeping bag, listening to a deflating air mattress. Glamping fixes that. You’ll find luxury campsites across the U.S., Canada, and Europe with real beds, private decks, and even hot showers, starting at $150 a night. You can get close to nature without sacrificing comfort.
Paris on a Budget? Absolutely.
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Paris has a reputation for being expensive, but there are ways to do it without spending a fortune. While five-star hotels will cost you, boutique stays and guesthouses in central Paris cost around $200 a night—sometimes less if you book in advance. You’ll still be within walking distance of cafés, museums, and those quintessential Parisian strolls.
Private Jets Without the Celebrity Price Tag
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Flying private isn’t just for the ultra-rich. Empty-leg flights—when private jets return empty after dropping off passengers—can be up to 75% cheaper than a regular charter. If your schedule is flexible, you might score a private jet experience for close to the price of a first-class ticket.
Stay in a Cartagena Mansion for Less Than a Chain Hotel
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Colonial mansions in Cartagena—with their rooftop pools, lush courtyards, and colorful balconies—look like they belong in a travel magazine. But staying in one doesn’t require a luxury budget. Boutique hotels in Cartagena’s historic district start at $120 a night.
Tanzania’s Oceanfront Resorts—A Maldives Alternative
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If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow but balked at the price of the Maldives, consider Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Here, five-star beachfront hotels with infinity pools start at $150 per night—a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Gorgeous sunsets, fresh seafood, and a mix of Swahili, Arab, and Indian influences make it a unique, off-the-beaten-path getaway.
Brooklyn’s Trendiest Hotels—Without Manhattan Prices
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New York hotels are notoriously expensive, but staying in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan can save you hundreds per night. Boutique hotels in Williamsburg and DUMBO start at $250–$400 a night while still offering skyline views, trendy rooftop bars, and easy subway access to everything NYC has to offer.
Five-Star Thailand Resorts for the Price of a Motel Back Home
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White-sand beaches, infinity pools, and oceanfront massages for just $100 a night–that’s Thailand for you. Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are packed with high-end resorts where you can live in luxury without draining your budget. Bonus: Thailand’s incredible street food costs next to nothing.
The Amalfi Coast, Without the Sticker Shock
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Yes, the Amalfi Coast is known for its luxury hotels, but small family-run guesthouses offer just as much charm—often with sea views—for $250+ a night. That’s a bargain, considering you’ll wake up to Mediterranean breezes, pastel-colored cliffsides, and world-class Italian cuisine.
Mexico’s Hidden Gems: Private Villas for Cheap
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If a private casita with ocean views sounds out of reach, think again. Boutique casitas in places like Sayulita and Oaxaca start at $80 per night, so it’s possible to enjoy beach towns, cobblestone streets, and fresh seafood tacos without breaking the bank.
Tulum’s Beachfront Cabanas—Luxury Meets Laid-Back
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Beachfront cabanas in Tulum combine boho vibes with five-star service, but they don’t come cheap. The best eco-chic stays start at $300 per night, where you can wake up to the waves, practice yoga at sunrise, and eat fresh ceviche steps from your door.
Cambodia’s Luxe Retreats—Spa Days on a Budget
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A trip to Siem Reap isn’t just about Angkor Wat–though that’s also a great way to spend it. The city is home to boutique resorts where you can unwind in an infinity pool, sip cocktails by the river, or enjoy a massage—for only under $90 a night.
South Africa’s Wine Country—Napa Luxury at Half the Price
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If you love wine country getaways but can’t justify Napa prices, head to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek in South Africa. This place offers vineyard hotels and farm stays at $130 per night. Plus, the wine tastings cost a fraction of what you’d pay in California or France.
Luxury Safaris That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
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African safaris are usually bucket-list trips with sky-high costs, but Zambia offers a more affordable option. Luxury tented camps with expert guides start at $300 per night and give you a front-row seat to elephants, lions, and breathtaking landscapes.
Bali’s Private Villas: High-End Without High Prices
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Bali is one of the few places where $150 a night gets you a private villa with an infinity pool, lush gardens, and a full-time staff. Regardless of whether you’re in Ubud, Canggu, or Uluwatu, you’ll find that Bali’s luxury stays cost a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.