5 Cheap Alternatives to Expensive Vacation Destinations

One of the great joys of summer is travelling - those few weeks where you don't think about work and instead get to go see the world or relax on a beach. 

Unfortunately, travelling in summer can get very pricey. From flights to hotels, everything is a bit more expensive during the height of the travel season, especially if you're going to popular vacation destinations.

Luckily, many of these locations have lesser-known equivalents that are just as beautiful, with many of the same features, for a fraction of the price. If you're in need of a fancy vacation on a budget, here are some alternative destinations you might enjoy.

If you're thinking of Greece, try Turkey.

Photo by Yücel Özel

Greece and Turkey are two destinations in the Mediterranean that have a lot in common. They boast sunny weather, stunning beaches, beautiful architecture and delicious food. The west coast of Turkey is especially close to notable Greek islands, with an almost identical climate and beaches. 

However, Turkey is typically much cheaper than Greece, especially when it comes to things like accommodations and food. The weak Turkish lira, while not great for locals, has been a boon for tourists hoping to stretch their money further. You can find cheap accommodations for under €100 a night on Booking.com. Reminder: you can get an extra 10% cashback if you book on the site through the Vivid app. Just go to the Vivid Services section in the Rewards tab. 

If you're set on Italy, try Croatia

Photo by Luciann Photography

Croatia is another Mediterranean country that has a lot to offer visitors. From its charming medieval villages to its stunning coastline, there's plenty to explore. And, like Turkey, it's also much cheaper than Italy, especially when it comes to food and drink.

The country became immensely popular in 2020 as international travel became difficult, and Europeans instead rented cars and drove to beaches closer to them. Split, Dubrovnik and Pula have become well-known for their beaches, food and affordable prices. 

To make the most of a Croatian vacation, rent a car and try to visit a few destinations, as the country offers a lot of variety, from its Adriatic coastal towns to the breathtaking lakes in its national parks. Like with Booking.com, you can also get up to 10% cashback if you book a rental car on the Vivid app. With the money you save, you can treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner.

Can't get enough of Paris? Try Brussels

If you're a fan of all things Parisian - the food, the fashion, the art - but not so much the price tag, then Brussels might be your destination. This Belgian city has a similar vibe to Paris, with beautiful architecture and plenty of great restaurants and cafes. Plus, it's significantly cheaper than its French counterpart.

The city boasts a truly dizzying number of bars, and if you’re a fan of beer, the Belgians have hundreds of varieties for you to try. The city also has an eclectic mix of impressive architecture, from the more classical Cinquantenaire Triumphal Arch to the Old England department store downtown. 

Brussels is easy to reach via train, and this summer, you can get extra cashback on train tickets thanks to our partner OMIO. You can find the offer, like all the others, in the rewards tab of the Vivid app.

If you're dreaming of the Caribbean, try the Philippines

The Philippines is a great alternative for those who want to enjoy a beach vacation without spending a fortune. With its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush jungle scenery, the Philippines has a lot to offer visitors. Plus, accommodation and food are very affordable.

Like most of Southeast Asia, travelling to the Philippines in summer is tricky as the rainy season goes from May to October. The weather can still be sunny, however, just a little more unpredictable. Travelling before August is a good bet, as typhoon season starts then.

Pro tip: save money on SIM cards by getting an eSim card from Airalo. If you pay with your Vivid card, you can get up to 25% cashback on it, and it’ll allow you to stay connected anywhere with cell service in the country. 

If you're set on Spain, try Portugal

Spain is a beautiful and popular destination in summer, from cities like Barcelona to the beaches of Valencia. But like any popular destination, Spain can also be expensive. Portugal, just a few hundred kilometres West, is a much cheaper alternative. 

Even cities like Lisbon and Porto are cheap compared to their Spanish counterparts, while still offering world-class food and beaches. Smaller towns like Figueira de Foz offer a resort experience for as little as €70 a night per person. 

Portugal is a great country to try package experiences. GetYourGuide, another Vivid partner, offers wine tastings, boat tours and more, and you can get extra cashback if you book through the Vivid app. 

Vacations can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Don’t fall for the popular destinations when equally beautiful places are just around the corner. You might be surprised at how much you can enjoy while saving money.