11 Luxurious Getaways That Cost Less Than Expected
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Gaya Island, located in Sabah, Malaysia
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Osaka, Japan
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Marrakesh, Morocco
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Lake Bled, Slovenia
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Sihanoukville, Cambodia
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Marfa, Texas
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Lagos, Portugal
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Milos, Greece
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Sao Paulo, Brazil
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San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
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Montreal, Canada
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Additional insights from SmarterTravel:
- 10 Unforgettable Dream Getaways to Experience in 2018
- 8 Must-Visit Destinations You Haven’t Added to Your Bucket List Yet
Luxury isn’t always synonymous with high costs, particularly in places where the exchange rate works in your favor. For travelers who prefer beachfront villas and gourmet meals without the premium price, these 11 global destinations and hotels deliver stylish yet budget-friendly getaways.
Editor’s note: Where applicable, the Backpacker Index from Price of Travel is provided for each city. For further details on how the Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index is calculated, refer to the linked explanation. In cases where the index isn’t available, the cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (sourced from Numbeo) is included as an alternative. Exchange rates were correct when published but may fluctuate.
Gaya Island lies a short distance from Kota Kinabalu’s shoreline. Its scenery calls to mind the idyllic retreats of the Maldives or Tahiti, yet this hidden treasure is nestled in Borneo’s South China Sea.
Latest Currency Conversion Value:62 Malaysian Ringgit equals 15 US Dollars.
A Meal for Two Individuals:$12 USD
Where to Stay:Experience everything the island has to offer at Gaya Island Resort. For approximately $200 per night, you can enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Related:10 Incredible Getaways for Less Than $1,000
Discover the cutting-edge technology and vibrant culinary culture of Osaka, Japan’s renowned city, without breaking the bank. Staying in Osaka also offers easy access to Kyoto and other must-see iconic destinations in the region.
Present Conversion Value:1000 JPY is equivalent to 9 USD.A Meal for Two Individuals:$35 USD
Where to Stay:Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi is a stylish, contemporary hotel (featuring Dyson hair dryers) with a design that feels more suited to New York City than Osaka. However, you won’t encounter the steep N.Y.C. prices—rooms begin at $106 per night.
Bohemian riads and classic hammam spas are affordable for most travelers, freeing up funds for a night of glamping in the Sahara or browsing for keepsakes in the medina.
Present Conversion Value:The exchange rate is 10 Moroccan Dirhams to 1 US Dollar.Budget Traveler Index:$30 USD daily
Where to Stay:Experience the essence of Marrakesh by staying at the luxurious Dar Hanane riad, available for approximately $100 per night.
Related:The 10 Most Enchanting Riads in Morocco
Visit this lakeside village in the Julian Alps before it gets too crowded; Slovenia is drawing global interest, yet local expenses remain affordable. The lake features the nation’s sole island, accessible by a short boat ride.plenta, or classic wooden vessel.Present Conversion Value:13 euros equals 15 US dollars.
Budget Traveler Ranking:$48 USD dailyWhere to Stay:A night at this enchanting lakeside retreat typically costs around $145 when reserved through Garden Village Bled.
Once known as a haven for backpackers, Sihanoukville has attracted travelers for years with its pristine beaches and nearby islands. However, with the rise of casinos and luxury resorts, the city is undergoing a transformation—yet it remains budget-friendly, at least for the time being.
Current Conversion Rate: USD
A Meal for Two Individuals:$18 US dollars
Where to Stay:The Ren Resort costs approximately $95 per night, offering a budget-friendly stay in this well-known coastal Cambodian destination. Guests can choose rooms with either direct pool access or views of the sea.
Related:10 Incredible Floating Hotels You Must Experience in Your Lifetime
Marfa, a well-known artsy town in the heart of the wild, Wild West, is a favorite destination for celebrities like Beyonce and Mathew McConaughey. Though landing a private jet on the airstrip might be out of reach, a road trip from El Paso is an affordable alternative.
Present Conversion Value: USD
A Meal for Two Individuals:38 US dollars
Best Accommodation Options:Immerse yourself in the charm of this compact desert town for just around $250 nightly at the stylish and boutique .
Experience an affordable European getaway in Portugal’s Algarve region, where stunning seaside cliffs, pristine beaches, and a charming historic old town await at a surprisingly low cost.
The present exchange rate is:13 euros is equivalent to 15 US dollars.
A Meal for Two Individuals:$35 USD
Where to Stay:Stay at the stylishly minimalist B&B Casa Mae for just around $125 per night.
Related:The 6 Must-Have Souvenirs to Take Home from Portugal
Skip Santorini and head to the volcanic island of Milos instead. You’ll find whitewashed buildings, authentic local cuisine, and more than 80 beaches and coves, offering the vibe of a high-end getaway without the steep price tag.
Present Conversion Rate:13 euros is equivalent to 15 US dollars.
A Meal for Two Individuals:$35 USD
Where to Stay:The lavish costs approximately $150 per night during high season and includes a beach bar, infinity pool, and private balconies.
Sao Paulo is a vibrant, trendy metropolis in South America, home to Michelin-starred dining and high-end retail. Experience it affordably by staying in the financial district. Enjoy the vibe of a global city combined with a favorable currency exchange and recently reduced visa costs.
Present Conversion Rate:15 Brazilian Reais (BRL) is equivalent to 4 US Dollars (USD).
A Meal for Two:$32 US dollars
Best Accommodation Options:Explore this lively and storied city while lodging at the trendy Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia Hotel for approximately $92 per night.
Related:
For Americans seeking to stretch their dollars, Mexico offers a nearby and budget-friendly getaway. San Jose del Cabo stands apart from typical spring break destinations, featuring farm-to-table dining and regional art galleries that lend this economical city an upscale ambiance.
Current Conversion Rate:187 Mexican Pesos (MXN) is equivalent to 10 US Dollars (USD).
Romantic Evening Meal for Two:25 US dollars
Where to Stay:Set aside cash for margaritas at Cabo Azul by spending just around $190 per night. The resort features its own swim-up bar—plus a happy hour.
Related:
Montreal offers a stylish city getaway with a touch of French elegance, high-end boutiques, and renowned museums. With the advantageous exchange rate, your entire trip might cost roughly the same as just a flight to Paris.
Latest Currency Conversion Rate:8 Canadian dollars is equivalent to 6 US dollars.Budget Traveler Ranking:$60 USD daily
Where to Stay:Booking during off-peak periods means you’ll pay around $240 per night at The William Gray, a luxurious hotel often chosen for magazine spreads and favored by celebrities. For more budget-friendly options with greater flexibility, consider the AC Hotel by Marriott Montreal Downtown.
Ashley Rossi is constantly prepared for her upcoming adventures. Keep up with her journey by following her onandfor expert travel advice, unique destination recommendations, and hidden gems. Alyssa Lukpat also contributed to this article.
Luxury isn’t always synonymous with high costs, particularly in locations where the exchange rate works in your favor. For travelers who prefer beachfront villas and gourmet meals without the premium price, these 11 lavish destinations and hotels worldwide deliver stylish yet budget-friendly getaway options.
Editor’s note: Where applicable, the Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index for a destination is provided. For further details on the components of the Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index, refer to the original source. In cases where the index is unavailable, the cost of a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (sourced from Numbeo) is included as an alternative. Exchange rates were correct during publication but may fluctuate.
Gaya Island, located in Sabah, Malaysia
Gaya Island is situated near the shoreline of Kota Kinabalu. Pictures of the island bring to mind the idyllic landscapes of the Maldives or Tahiti, yet this hidden treasure lies in Borneo’s South China Sea.
Present Conversion Value:62 Malaysian Ringgit is equivalent to 15 US Dollars.
A Meal for Two Individuals:$12 US Dollars
Where to Stay:Experience everything the island has to offer at Gaya Island Resort. For approximately $200 per night, you can enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Osaka, Japan
Discover the cutting-edge technology and vibrant culinary culture of Osaka, Japan, without breaking the bank. Staying in Osaka also offers easy access to Kyoto and other must-see iconic destinations in the region.
Present Conversion Value:1000 Japanese Yen equals 9 US Dollars.A Meal for Two Individuals:35 US dollars
Where to Stay:Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi is a stylish, contemporary hotel (featuring Dyson hair dryers) with a design that feels more suited to New York City than Osaka. However, you won’t encounter the steep N.Y.C. prices—rooms begin at $106 per night.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Bohemian riads and classic hammam spas are affordable for most travelers, freeing up funds for a luxurious night of glamping in the Sahara or browsing for keepsakes in the medina.
Present Conversion Rate:10 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) are equivalent to 1 United States Dollar (USD).Budget Traveler Index:$30 USD daily
Where to Stay:Immerse yourself in the essence of Marrakesh by staying at the luxurious Dar Hanane riad, priced at approximately $100 per night.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Visit this lakeside village in the Julian Alps before it gets too popular; Slovenia is drawing global interest, yet local expenses remain budget-friendly. The lake features the nation’s sole island, accessible by a short boat ride.plenta, or classic wooden vessel.Current Exchange Value:13 euros is equivalent to 15 US dollars.
Budget Traveler Index:$48 USD dailyWhere to Stay:A night at this enchanting lakeside retreat typically costs around $145 when reserved through Garden Village Bled.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Once a haven for backpackers, Sihanoukville has always drawn visitors with its stunning beaches and nearby islands. However, with the rise of casinos and large-scale resort projects, the city is transforming—yet it remains budget-friendly, at least for the time being.
Present Conversion Value: USD
A Meal for Two:$18 (US Dollars)
Where to Stay:The Ren Resort costs approximately $95 per night, offering a budget-friendly stay in this well-loved coastal Cambodian destination. Guests can choose between rooms with immediate pool access or stunning ocean vistas.
Related:10 Incredible Floating Hotels You Need to Experience in Your Lifetime
Marfa, Texas
Marfa, a well-known artsy destination in the heart of the Wild West, is a favorite for stars like Beyonce and Matthew McConaughey. Though landing a private jet on the airstrip might be out of reach, a drive from El Paso is an affordable alternative.
The present conversion value is: USD
A Meal for Two Individuals:$38 in US dollars
Best Accommodation Options:Immerse yourself in the culture of this compact desert town for just around $250 nightly at the stylish and design-conscious .
Lagos, Portugal
Experience a quintessential European getaway in Portugal’s Algarve region without breaking the bank. Discover stunning coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and a charming historic old town.
The present conversion value is:13 euros is equivalent to 15 US dollars.
A Meal for Two Individuals:$35 USD
Where to Stay:Stay at the stylishly minimalist B&B Casa Mae for just around $125 per night.
Related:6 Must-Have Souvenirs to Take Home from Portugal
Milos, Greece
Opt for Milos over Santorini and discover its volcanic charm. With its iconic whitewashed architecture, authentic cuisine, and more than 80 pristine beaches and coves, the island offers an upscale experience without the high price tag.
The present conversion value is:13 euros is equivalent to 15 US dollars.
A Meal for Two Individuals:$35 in US dollars
Where to Stay:
For accommodations, consider these options:The upscale costs approximately $150 per night during high season and includes a beach bar, infinity pool, and private balconies.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo is a vibrant, trendy metropolis in South America, home to Michelin-starred dining and high-end retail. Experience it affordably by staying in the business district, where you’ll enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a strong exchange rate, and recently reduced visa costs.
Current Exchange Rate:15 Brazilian reais (BRL) is equivalent to 4 US dollars (USD).
A Meal for Two Individuals:$32 USD
Best Accommodation Options:Explore this lively and storied city while lodging at the trendy Pullman Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia Hotel for approximately $92 per night.
Related:
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
For Americans seeking to stretch their dollars, Mexico offers a nearby and budget-friendly getaway. San Jose del Cabo stands apart from typical spring break destinations, featuring farm-to-table dining and regional art galleries that lend this economical city an upscale ambiance.
Present Conversion Value:The exchange rate is 187 MXN for 10 USD.
A Meal for Two Individuals:25 US dollars
Where to Stay:Enjoy margaritas at Cabo Azul while keeping costs low by paying just around $190 per night. The resort features a swim-up bar and even offers a happy hour.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal offers a stylish city getaway with a touch of French elegance, high-end boutiques, and renowned museums. With the advantageous exchange rate, your entire trip might cost roughly what you’d pay just for a flight to Paris.
The present conversion rate is:8 Canadian dollars equals 6 US dollars.Budget Traveler Ranking:$60 USD daily
Best Accommodation Options:Booking outside peak travel seasons means you’ll pay around $240 per night at The William Gray, a luxurious hotel often chosen for magazine spreads and popular among celebrities. For more budget-friendly options with greater flexibility, consider the AC Hotel by Marriott Montreal Downtown.
Additional insights from SmarterTravel:
- 10 Unforgettable Dream Getaways to Experience in 2018
- 8 Must-Visit Destinations You Haven’t Added to Your Bucket List Yet
Ashley Rossi is constantly prepared for her next adventure. Keep up with her travels by following her onandFor advice on travel, inspiration for destinations, and hidden gems, check out this piece. Alyssa Lukpat also provided contributions.
