4 Affordable Travel Destinations That Make the Middle Class Feel Rich
You don’t have to be bathing in Bitcoin wealth to enjoy luxurious travel experiences.
Budget-conscious adventurers can also enjoy destinations that offer stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural attractions and high-end amenities without breaking the bank.
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Here are four affordable travel destinations that make the middle class feel rich.
Hôi An, Vietnam
Located in central Vietnam, Hôi An is renowned for its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, riverside charm, and the well-preserved “Ancient Town,” which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also close to pristine beaches and rice paddies.
“Travelers should prioritize the unique experiences of Vietnam,” said Cody Hand, a travel agent and expert. “I recommend visiting the many temples and shops, and definitely have a custom suit tailored by the local designers.
“The people of Vietnam have proven to be remarkable hosts who provide luxury for an incredible value.”
Hand said that many of the city’s luxury resorts and spa hotels offer packages that include wellness treatments and gourmet meals. For the price of a bargain, one-star hotel in the United States, guests can have a five-star experience in Hôi An.
Vacation packages start at $269 per person for accommodations at a small luxury hotel in the city center, to experience Hôi An’s markets, culture and nightlife. Visit popular attractions like Chua Cau, Tan, Ky House, and the Quan Cong Temple. Guided tours of the city start as low as $36 per person.
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Tanzania
Consider visiting mainland Tanzania to experience the breathtaking tropical adventures of the nearby island of Zanzibar at a budget-friendly price, said Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel.
“The Ramada by Wyndham Resort in Dar es Salaam offers high-end rooms for as little as $147 a night,” Marly said. “It is located along the shores of Jangwani Beach. It’s a great way to enjoy the waves of the Indian Ocean while visiting the nearby city center for culture, art, music, and history without breaking the bank.”
From Dar es Salaam, visitors can take a two-hour ferry to Zanzibar or a direct flight to Mount Kilimanjaro to avoid high prices.
“Affordable accommodations with luxury amenities can be found all across the country if you look for boutique hotels or smaller, lesser-known resorts,” Marly said. “There are several high-end travel experiences in Tanzania that provide incredible value for the money, especially when compared to other leading African destinations like Kenya or South Africa.”
Vieste, Italy
Located on the Gargano Peninsula, often referred to as the “spur” of the Italian “boot,” Vieste is surrounded by high cliffs and sea caves near a national park.
Vieste offers beautiful beaches, historic charm and fewer tourists than other Italian hot spots, said Taima Ramsey, founder of Poor In a Private Plane, a travel blog.
Ramsey said many resorts in Vieste offer luxury options that include meals and beach club access. Booking a package is a better value because it can save travelers up to 30% when booking each element separately.
“Last summer, I spent a week in Vieste with my husband in an ocean-view suite,” Ramsey said. “The total cost for two people was under $1,000, which included meals and access to a private beach club.”
Vieste is accessible via the Bari Airport, with flights from major European cities costing $100 roundtrip on budget airlines. From Bari, car rentals start at $30 per day.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel offers luxury beach and water sports experiences at an affordable price compared to other Riviera Maya resort towns like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Visitors can choose from all-inclusive resorts that offer scuba diving, water tours and meals for about 30% less than what they would have paid if they were booked separately, said Silvia Lupone, travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa in Cozumel.
“Flights to Cancun are available at a reasonable price and riding the ferry to Cozumel only makes it better,” Lupone said. “Getting around on private catamaran tours in Cozumel and enjoying yourself at the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park are great experiences that don’t cost you a fortune.”
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