15 Expensive Destinations You Should Avoid and Their Budget-Friendly Alternatives

When you plan a vacation, you want to pick a place that is beautiful, exciting, and within your budget. Unfortunately, so many of the top-rated destinations are insanely expensive. Luckily, we have found some fantastic places to vacation in style without breaking the bank. Take a look at these pricey locations that you should avoid and some suggestions about where you should go instead.

Avoid Paris, France and Try Montpellier Instead

Paris may be one of the world’s top vacation destinations, but that doesn’t mean you can visit the city of light without spending a fortune. The high cost of living in Paris drives up the prices for hotels, dining, and entertainment. The city’s iconic landmarks and world-class fashion and dining scenes attract affluent visitors, further inflating costs. Instead of spending all your money in Paris, consider heading south to Montpellier. It’s less crowded and more affordable than Paris, offering charming medieval streets, stunning beaches nearby, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Skip Tokyo, Japan and Go To Seoul, South Korea

Tokyo is known for its advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and luxury shopping districts catering to affluent residents and tourists. But all of those luxuries seriously drive up the prices within the city. Rather than visit this densely populated, costly city, book a trip to Seoul, South Korea. The city offers a modern and vibrant cultural scene that will keep you busy for the duration of your trip. The dining, shopping, and attractions prices are generally lower than in other major Asian cities like Tokyo.

Don’t Do Dubai, UAE But Try Abu Dhabi

Sure, Dubai offers some very cool attractions like man-made islands and extremely luxurious hotels. But you will be paying a high price for all of those sparkling things! The city’s reputation as a global hub for business and tourism attracts wealthy visitors, which drives up prices across the board. If you want a more affordable UAE vacation, visit Abu Dhabi, where you can enjoy cultural sites and beautiful beaches without the steep costs.

Say No to New York City and Yes to Chicago

You will have to spend a lot of money if you want to visit New York City. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world but also one of the most expensive. While you may never be bored when visiting NYC, thanks to the many landmarks, museums, and restaurants, you may quickly go broke! Skip NYC and try visiting Chicago instead. You will still get the incredible city vibes you crave, with a vibrant art scene, amazing architecture, and plenty of tasty food options, all at a lower cost.

Skip Santorini, Greece and Head to Naxos

It is easy to see why people would want to visit Santorini, Greece. It is an incredible vacation destination with stunning upscale resorts, private yacht tours, volcanic beaches, and iconic sunsets. But, if you book a trip to Santorini, expect to spend a lot of cash. Before you pay for that Santorini trip, consider visiting Naxos instead. You will have access to beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and rich history without the premium prices.

Steer Clear of Venice, Italy and Try Better Bologna

Many have considered a trip to Venice, especially since the water-lined city is slowly sinking into the ocean. The city’s popularity, coupled with its limited space and high demand for experiences like gondola rides and visits to historic sites, makes visiting a very pricey endeavor. Why don’t you skip Venice and head to Bologna, where you will find an incredible culinary scene, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife, all at a lower cost?

No More Maui, Hawaii, But Yes to Oahu

Hawaii is a pretty pricey place to visit. The remote island destination makes it expensive to get to and also drives up the prices of anything on the island. Maui is exceptionally costly due to its luxury resorts, high-end dining, and sought-after natural attractions. Rather than pay a premium to visit Maui, book a trip to Oahu instead. You can still enjoy beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant city life at a lower price.

Avoid Iceland, but Check Out the Faroe Islands

Iceland has become a very popular tourist spot in recent years. With stunning glaciers and beautiful waterfalls, we can see the appeal! However, Iceland is quite expensive for tourists due to its remote location, which drives up the cost of imported goods, accommodations, and tours. The country’s limited infrastructure also contributes to the high prices within the country. If you really want to see dramatic landscapes and have incredible outdoor adventures, try the Faroe Islands instead.

Don’t Go To Zurich, Switzerland, Go to Ljubljana, Slovenia

The city’s reputation for luxury shopping, fine arts, and scenic beauty along Lake Zurich attracts many wealthy visitors yearly. Zurich is also a major global financial hub, which makes it an even more highly trafficked destination. Rather than spending all your money on pricey Zurich, book a trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia. While there, you can enjoy charming architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque natural surroundings at a fraction of the cost.

Forget Oslo, Norway, and Explore Tallinn, Estonia

Oslo is famous for its breathtaking fjords and sleek modern buildings, but it’s also one of Europe’s priciest spots. Between costly meals and expensive places to stay, a trip to Oslo can really drain your wallet. Instead, try Tallinn in Estonia. You’ll find beautiful medieval streets, lively nightlife, and lovely coastal views—all without the steep Oslo prices.

Skip London, England, and Head to Edinburgh, Scotland

London has loads of iconic sights, but it’s also known for sky-high costs of everything from food to hotels. Rather than pushing your budget, consider Edinburgh. Scotland’s charming capital is full of history, stunning architecture, and a rich cultural vibe—all at a friendlier price. It’s a chance to enjoy the UK charm without London’s significant expense.

Back Away From Bora Bora and Run to Fiji

We must admit that Bora Bora looks like an incredible place to visit. But, the island’s reputation for unparalleled natural beauty and high-end amenities drives up prices significantly. You must pay a lot to stay in one of those over-the-water bungalows! You should take a trip to Fiji instead, where you can still enjoy stunning beaches, crystal clear water, and beautiful resorts at a much lower cost.

Avoid Rome, Italy and Try Valencia, Spain

Rome is full of amazing historic sites and famous landmarks, but visiting can get really expensive. The cost of hotels, meals, and attractions can drain your wallet quickly. Instead, consider Valencia, Spain. You’ll still get to enjoy beautiful architecture, a rich cultural experience, and stunning Mediterranean beaches.

Syanara Sydney, Australia, Hello Brisbane

Sydney is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With must-see attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the city gets a lot of visitors each year, which drives up the prices of everything from accommodation to travel. Skip Sydney and book a trip to Brisbane instead. You will still get to experience Australian culture, a lively dining scene, and stunning beaches.

Don’t Do Aspen, Colorado, Choose Park City, Utah Instead

Aspen is known around the world as a luxury ski destination, offering high-end accommodations and incredible mountains for outdoor excursions. In Aspen, status is everything, and the town attracts some pretty wealthy people. Do not waste your money on a trip to Aspen; instead, plan a ski vacation in Park City, Utah. You will have access to excellent ski resorts paired with a fun, youthful atmosphere, all at a much more affordable price.