20 Luxury Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable
Stay at a five-star resort on the Amalfi Coast.
This five-star beauty is elegant and historic. What used to be a 13th-century monastery has been converted into an Amalfi Coast hotel with one of the most spectacular views around, and almost all the rooms look out to sea. Even though it’s high up a cliff, it’s only a five-minute walk to the harbor and city center. There’s also a majestic Catholic church at the hotel for those looking to tie the knot.
Stay at a castle in France for $77.
While some Airbnb listings — like Kylie Jenner’s $50-million rental in the Turks and Caicos — are only for the very wealthy, the hospitality service also has hidden gems for the more budget-conscious traveler. Jet set to France and live out your royal dreams by staying in a three-bedroom castle with a pool for as little as $77/night.
Dance all night in Fiji.
Instead of trekking out to Palm Springs for Coachella, head out to a dance music festival on a private island in Fiji for the same price — if not less. Tickets start at $1,299 and include a flight from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane along with a five-night stay at a resort in Malolo Lai Lai. Sign up now to get first access and information about this year’s tickets.
Find your joie de vivre in Paris for $150 a night.
Experience the fabulous life of a French local with Paris Perfect. The vacation rental agency provides accommodation options at some of the most unreal apartments in the City of Light with rates beginning at under $150 a night. Since you’ll have a kitchen, you could even save more by picking up groceries nearby and cooking.
Go to a galaxy far, far away for $100 a day.
Escape reality and channel the force with this stunning 11-day vacation in Ireland. Brendan Vacations set up “The Isle Awakens” experience, which will include an itinerary complete with a visit to a number of unbelievable filming locations. For accomodations, full daily breakfast, a rental car, guided tours, and more, it’s $1,190/person — only about $100 a day.
Go glamping for $57 a night.
Head to New Zealand for the ultimate glamping trip. The Slipper Island resort is a one-of-a-kind adventure that gives guests access to the entire island. You’re free to swim, hike, go to the beach, explore, and more at the remote space. Stylish glamping stays to private chalets are available anywhere between $57 to $251/person a night.
Fly private starting at $129.
A ticket through JetSuiteX gives you access to a private terminal, where you can go from parking to takeoff in 15 minutes. No more being stressed out about getting to the airport early, waiting in long lines, or squeezing into a coach seat. The catch: Flights are only available between major West Coast cities.
Stay in paradise for $269 a night.
The luxury all-inclusive resort at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas is the definition of paradise. A secluded mile-long beach, impressive pools, a Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, and the unique swimming pigs Exuma Cays boat tour are just some of the exclusive activities offered there, with rates starting at $269/night.
Book a safari on a budget in South Africa.
If seeing the big five is on your bucket list, but you can’t shell out for celebrity-approved lodging, Kruger, Sabi Sand, and Madikwe in South Africa are your best bet of finding something that works within your budget. Depending on when and where you book, it can end up being no more than $150 a night.
Live it up in New York City.
New York City is one of the most glamorous cities in the world, and it's got the high-priced hotel rooms to prove it. Instead of squeezing yourself into Manhattan for an average, over-priced hotel room, venture out into the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg. With free bike rentals and sophisticated artistic suites, the Nu Hotel is the place to be. It’s also walking distance from the Brooklyn Bridge where you can catch unforgettable views of the city. We recommend forcing yourself to wake up at sunrise to check out the bridge, so you can see the skyline without being surrounded by so many tourists.
Go sailing for $171 a night.
Sail out on a yacht for around $171 a person a night for a minimum weeklong stay, or $1,199 in total, through Windstar Cruises. The fare is a great price, considering it includes all meals, an ocean-view cabin, a champagne welcome toast, and access to various water sports equipment. It’s a small ship size with a capacity of just 310 passengers, so you’ll feel one with the sea.
Feel at home in Thailand for $60 a night.
Forget all your worries and soak up the sun at the island of Koh Tao at the Ban’s Diving Resort for a little over $60 a night. What makes it extra special is that it’s owned and operated by a local Thai family, so it will feel more warm and genuine over the surrounding beach establishments.
Float peacefully in the Philippines.
Relax for a few days right in the middle of a scenic lake two hours from Metro Manila. Aquascape, with rates of under $200/night, can house a group of six. Each motorized cabin is suspended out on the water, but is equipped with all your modern needs with a mini bar, dining area, and kitchen.
Be a high roller for $250 a night.
You can now be a high roller on a budget at the SLS Las Vegas. The hotel is modern, trendy, and hip, but won’t take all your money like its surrounding casinos. Book a suite for $250 a night. There are three separate towers, each with their own distinct vibe.
Go all-inclusive in Tulum for $100 a night.
All-inclusives at the popular Mexican destination can be steep, so opt for a hut at the jungle, beachside getaway of Ahau Tulum. Their Bali Huts run for less than $100/night during winter season, so now is the perfect time to go. Aside from wanting to Instagram everything, they offer daily yoga and water sport classes for an extra fee in case you’re interested.
Book a suite in Istanbul for $90 a night.
The House Hotel in Turkey is on another level because every single one of their rooms is a suite, but they charge no more than $90 a night. This artsy hot spot is almost too good to be true and includes picture perfect views of Old Istanbul. As if that’s not amazing enough, the all-white decor and marble bathrooms will make you feel like a big spender.
Enjoy all Florence has to offer for $226 a night.
The vibrant and fashionable four-star Continentale hotel is the Italian getaway you’ve been waiting for. Florentine architect Michele B?nan created a timeless space complete with a rooftop terrace on top of the medieval Consorti Tower. There are discounted rooms online right now for $226 a night.
Get first-class service in Iceland for $179 a night.
Reykjavik’s Hotel Borg was the very first luxury hotel that was built in Iceland. You’ll become obsessed with the Art Deco charm and first-class service, for $179 a night. The hotel is centrally located and they offer grand Northern Lights packages you can’t get anywhere else.
Live it up in Berlin for $219 a night.
Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel in Berlin is the five-star stay that should be at the top of your list. It’s where fashion meets lifestyle as there’s even a suite designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself open to guests. Opulent furniture, velvet detailing, Bulgari toiletries are among a few of the perks of the hotel, where rooms start at $219 a night.
Enjoy the Catskills for $140 a night.
Scribner’s Catskills Lodge is a grand weekend getaway at $140 a night that can’t be beat. If you and your friends want to organize a quick vacation, this newly renovated spot is where it’s at. Each reservation requires a two-night minimum stay, but trust us, you’ll never want to leave once you’re settled in. Most of the rooms have custom furniture, cozy fireplaces, and a private deck overlooking the mountains.
Just because you’re not a member of the one percent, it doesn’t mean you can’t travel like it. Whether it’s booking a safari adventure or vacationing on a private island, there are many quality luxury trips that are also surprisingly affordable.