When booking your holiday, one of the first things to iron out is your budget. Going abroad doesn't have to be a bank-breaking endeavour, as we offer a wide array of budget-friendly destinations. That being said, if you do want a classier place to go for your vacation, we'll break down our top choices for premier destinations below.
Budget destinations can still be relaxing, awe-inspiring and thrilling, without breaking the bank. The world is home to so many beautiful, cheap destinations, all of which you can reach with Alternative Airlines. Here are our top 3:
Beaches, sunshine and history galore, Kefalonia is a Greek island not to be overlooked. The middle of the 3 Ionian islands, Kefalonia has a millennium-spanning history from its Mycenaean roots to periods under Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, and British rule, finally joining Greece in 1864. Pair history like that with beautiful resorts, golden beaches, and year-round great weather, and you have a budget destination on anyone's bucket list.
Excursions you won't want to miss include day trips to Kefalonia's sister island Ithaca, home to Odysseus and the home goal of Homer's Odyssey, as well as island tours to picturesque villages like Assos and Fiscardo as well as stunning beaches like the crescent Myrtos beach and Antisamos beach. Book your flights to Greece today.
Thailand is an exceptionally budget-friendly destination for travellers looking to explore on a budget. It isn't uncommon for travellers to go up and down the country for cheap by renting a vehicle and exploring all over. Our favourite Thai destination is the capital itself, which offers a crash course in cuisine, culture and couture. (Say that 10 times fast, I dare you.)
Bangkok is a great international landing point, which gives you a taste of everything Thailand has to offer. Explore the opulent Grand Palace, the former residence of Thai kings, and the nearby Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha. Why not check out Chatuchak Weekend Market, a massive market offering a wide array of goods, from clothing and souvenirs to antiques and delicious local food.
Pronounced "wuh haa kuh" Oaxaca is Mexico's premier budget destination. Known as a cradle of Mexican heritage by locals, who are proud of their roots dating back to 11,000 BC and home to the Zapotec and other indigenous cultures. This gives the city a gorgeous atmosphere with celebrations all around the year, from the world-renowned Día de los Muertos parade to festivals like Guelaguetza, a celebration of Zapotec culture that predates Spanish settlement.
Beyond the veil of celebrations and revelry, Oaxaca is home to delicious authentic Mexican food, chances to try freshly brewed mezcal, a spirit made from the local agave plant, as well as much, much more. On top of all that, Oaxaca is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico to visit, as well as a great spot to visit as a solo traveller or with a family.
For travellers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, we'd like to present some of our favourite premium destinations that push the boundaries of what a holiday can be. Whether it be the once-in-a-lifetime adventure you have always dreamed of, or the tranquil haven where you can relax and let the stress of everyday life melt off. Here are our top picks:
Looking to sate that hunger for adventure? Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to frolick with penguins and explore where few have gone before? Then, trips to Antarctica are perfect for you. Now, you can't fly into Antarctica itself, so you will likely fly to Punta Arenas, Chile, or Ushuaia, Argentina, which are the Southernmost points of South America, then take a leisurely cruise to the frozen continent.
Cruises which take passengers to Antarctica are wonderfully crafted ships which come with many amenities, comfortable cabins and stunning views. Excursions include guided tours of the Antarctic Peninsula at designated landing points, wildlife observation sessions and more. Book your flights to Antarctica today.
Japan is the nexus where ancient arts and culture meet technology and infrastructure from the far future. Kyoto is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including iconic temples like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari-taisha (with its thousands of red torii gates), as well as the historic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden buildings and the chance to spot geishas, and wander through other traditional neighborhoods. Visitors love the natural beauty the city offers too, taking strolls through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a breathtaking natural wonder and watching wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat at Monkey Park Iwatayama.
Want to explore the Land of the Rising Sun? Kyoto is well connected with Japan's iconic high-speed bullet trains, reaching Osaka, Kobe, Nara and other Japanese hubs within around an hour. You can even take a sleeper train to Tokyo, falling asleep while your train travels amidst a bamboo grove and waking up in the middle of Japan's biggest metropolis.
Dubai is widely renowned as the ultimate height of luxury. A city designed with leisure in mind, where the taxis are Bugattis and the malls are labyrinthian consumer havens. In Dubai, there is no such thing as excess. Want to go skiing in a shopping centre? Sure! Buy a whole gold bullion from a vending machine? Why not? Visit the world's largest water park? You know it.
Dubai speaks for itself as a luxury destination, being home to some of the most well-regarded and sought-after hospitality experiences around the world. Consider staying in iconic hotels like the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah with its lavish suites and unparalleled service, or Atlantis The Royal offering stunning architectural design and world-class amenities. Book your flights to Dubai today.
Ready to book your vacation? We offer ways of financing your vacation so you can get the holiday that suits you without breaking the bank. Our amazing Buy Now Pay Later partners let you book your flights today and pay over time. Some partners our customers love include Afterpay, Klarna, Sezzle, Zip, Tabby and now, some European partners in Scalapay, Clearpay, Oney and Floa.
These plans let you pay your way, splitting up the cost of your business-class flights to Europe into easily manageable chunks that you can pay back your way.
Find out more about our Buy Now Pay Later plans below.
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Due to high accommodation and food costs, Gustavia, St. Barts, is often cited as the most expensive vacation destination globally, followed by Gstaad, Switzerland. Gustavia, St. Barts island location, stands out for its high accommodation costs, with an average of $1,770 per night.
For a low-budget trip, consider visiting countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia in Southeast Asia, or Albania, Montenegro, or Slovenia in Eastern Europe, known for their affordability compared to the amazing experiences available.
Here are a few cheaper destinations which are still really cool and exotic:
For budget-friendly European travel, consider destinations like Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These countries generally offer lower living costs, including food, accommodation, and transportation, making them appealing for budget travelers.
The most expensive holiday destinations in Europe include Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark, particularly for city breaks and overall travel costs. Nordic countries and major cities like Amsterdam, and London are also known for being expensive. These places are typically expensive due to high accomodation costs as well as cost of goods and transport.
