15 Expensive Destinations That Aren’t Worth It – Here’s Where to Go Instead

Are you looking for a lovely, affordable vacation destination? Then you need to stay far away from these expensive spots. While these destinations may seem tempting, they can be costly, and you can enjoy similar, amazing experiences in much more affordable locations worldwide. Look at these pricey spots to avoid and the budget-friendly places you should check out instead.

Love Paris? Try Prague for a Budget-Friendly Fairytale Experience

The City of Lights may be on your travel bucket list, but if you want to see that gleaming Eifle Tower, you should be ready to pay a lot of money. Paris is one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world. With high hotel prices, food, and pricey attraction tickets, you are better off visiting a more affordable city like Prague. Prague, located in the Chez Republic, offers a blend of rich history and stunning architecture, all with a vivacious nightlife. It comes at a much more affordable cost than many other European cities.

Bora Bora Breaking the Bank? Choose Bali for Paradise on a Budget

Bora Bora may sound like a perfect place to visit, but it is extremely expensive. Not only is the airfare to the island pricey, but those over-the-water bungalows you see in magazines will cost you an arm and a leg. Food in Bora Bora is also super expensive thanks to the high cost of imports. Visit Bali instead, which is much more affordable and still has the pristine beaches and vibrant culture you want.

Santorini Costly? Explore Crete’s Charm for Less

Being a top tourist destination makes Santorini instantly expensive. The beautiful hotels, boat tours, and fancy restaurants may look fabulous, but they are priced high with tourists in mind. Luckily, you can visit Crete instead! You can relax on the stunning beaches, tour the incredible ancient ruins, and be immersed in the rich local culture of Greece, all for less than in Santorini.

Skip Monte Carlo’s Pricey Glitz and Go for Dubrovnik’s Timeless Charm

Monte Carlo might dazzle you with its luxury yachts, glamorous casinos, and upscale dining, but it’s no secret that it comes with a hefty price tag. Why not save your wallet and head to Dubrovnik instead? This Croatian gem offers stunning coastal views, medieval streets, and cozy, affordable places to stay. You can stroll along the ancient city walls, wander through the charming old town, and bask in the Adriatic sunshine—all without the sky-high costs.

Dubai Too Pricey? Experience Marrakech’s Magic for Less

Dubai is extremely expensive, with premium shopping, luxury hotels, and high-end dining. Attractions like desert safaris, indoor skiing, and towering skyscraper views may sound amazing, but they all come with steep prices. Skip Dubai and book a trip to Marrakech. There you will find exciting, lively markets, stunning palaces, and incredible cuisine—all at a fraction of the price of Dubai.

Tokyo Expensive? Enjoy Seoul’s Vibrant Culture for Less

It is costly to live in Tokyo and even more costly to visit the highly populated city. Hotel prices, dining bills, and even public transportation are all priced at a premium. Touristic attractions like theme parks and cultural experiences will cost you even more! Instead of going to Tokyo, try Seoul instead. Seoul is a dynamic city with affordable but delicious street food that rivals that in Tokyo. Budget-friendly hotels are also something you will surely enjoy.

Maldives Out of Budget? Discover Koh Samui for Less

The Maldives are hard to get to and are considered an exclusive luxury vacation spot. That instantly means it is expensive. While staying in a water bungalow sounds amazing, it also sounds very pricey. Instead of wasting your money in the Maldives, check out Koh Samui, Thailand. There, you will find beautiful beaches and much more affordable resorts with hotels that are just as luxurious as those in the Maldives.

Venice Too Costly? Explore Ljubljana’s Beauty for Less

So many people want to visit Venice for the gondola rides and the water taxis and to see the city before it sinks into the ocean. But is it worth the high price? Probably not. Venice relies on tourists to support the economy, instantly making it expensive. Ljubljana is a similar but more affordable vacation destination. With charming canals, fantastic architecture, and an exciting local culture similar to that of Venice, you are sure to adore Ljubljana and save money, too!

Maui Breaking the Bank? Escape to Phuket for Less

Maui has always been an attractive vacation destination, which is one reason why it is so expensive. Everyone is trying to go! With high accommodations, activities, and food prices, you must spend a lot of cash if you go to Maui. So why not go to Phuket instead? There, you can explore stunning beaches or visit incredible temples. You can also try out exciting water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, all at a much more budget-friendly price.

New York Too Pricey? Say Yes to Montreal’s Charm for Less

Visiting New York City is going to cost you a lot of money. The city is known for its high hotel rates, pricey dining options, and over-the-top attraction tickets. You may have to take out a small loan to go to a Broadway show! Consider a trip to Montreal, Canada, where you will find rich culture, historic architecture, and vibrant festivals at a more affordable cost. You can explore the charming Old Montreal and indulge in amazing local cuisine. Check out the city’s lively arts scene that rivals NYC but without breaking the bank.

Sydney Too Expensive? Head to Auckland for a Budget-Friendly Adventure

The Harbor Bridge and the Opera House may seem like fun places to visit, but those attractions in Sydney are very expensive. The city’s status as a major tourist destination also drives up costs for all activities, transportation, and everything in between. Rather than spending all your money in Sydney, consider Auckland, New Zealand, where you can explore stunning landscapes and exciting cultural scenes at a more reasonable price. You can enjoy the city’s beautiful waterfront and then visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Take day trips to nearby islands and beaches, all at a fraction of the price of Syndey.

Barcelona Too Pricey? Try Valencia for a Cheaper Spanish Getaway

Barcelona’s popularity makes everything more expensive, from hotels to meals. But just a short train ride away, Valencia offers that same Spanish charm, with beautiful beaches, historic sights, and amazing food—all for a lot less money. You’ll enjoy Spain’s culture without the big crowds and high prices. Valencia’s relaxed vibe and budget-friendly spots make it a perfect choice for a Spanish vacation. You can enjoy the city’s art scene and try its famous paella. It’s a great place to slow down and really soak in the beauty of Spain.

Iceland Too Pricey? Check Out the Faroe Islands for Stunning Scenery on a Budget

Iceland’s natural beauty draws in people from all over, but the high costs can really add up. For a similar experience, the Faroe Islands offer rugged landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, and cozy villages—all without Iceland’s big price tags. This hidden gem has incredible scenery for much less. It’s a perfect spot if you want to enjoy nature without overspending. With fewer tourists, you’ll also get a quieter, more adventurous experience. The Faroe Islands let you take in nature’s beauty in a peaceful, untouched setting.

Hawaii Too Pricey? Discover the Philippines for an Island Getaway

Hawaii’s gorgeous beaches are amazing, but the cost of flights, hotels, and activities can really add up. If you want a tropical escape without spending a fortune, the Philippines is a perfect choice. Islands like Palawan and Cebu have clear blue waters, breathtaking beaches, and warm, welcoming locals. You can enjoy island-hopping, snorkeling, and stunning sunsets, all while keeping your budget in check. It’s the perfect way to have a dream vacation without emptying your wallet.

London Too Pricey? Choose Edinburgh for a More Affordable Escape

London’s popularity means that even basic services and public transportation are expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons. You will pay a lot to see a West End show or visit the famous British Museum. If you want to explore classic European historic sites at a more affordable price, consider going to Edinburg instead. You can check out the Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and enjoy the city’s fun festivals for much less money than in London.