These Affordable Destinations Are Perfect For Luxury On A Budget

Most of us have a bucket list: a list of must-see, must-do, must-visit and must-stay places when traveling. Oftentimes, checking things off of it is the entire reason some people travel. Plane tickets are often purchased before other logistics are in place; coveted restaurant reservations are secured before any thought given to transportation or how a meal will be paid for. These are only some of the dilemmas faced by bucket list adventurers, but they’re not the only ones.

One of the major issues facing bucket list checkers is the expense. Typically, these vacations are not cheap. If you think of some of the most remote places on earth, which happen to be top bucket list destinations – like Easter Island off the coast of Chile; Antarctica; the Galapagos Islands; South Africa; the Maldives – the journey is absolutely part of the experience, whether it’s 16+ hour flights, seaplanes or a luxury liners. But that difficulty in arriving at said destination takes not only time, but also a hefty sum of money. This is partially why the term “bucket list vacation” was coined; it’s something that one saves many years for. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. With higher prices on everything and the economy slowing, hotels and resorts have fully leaned into the “affordable bucket list travel” category, and we’re here for it.

These hotels and resorts are often rated five stars or have designations like Forbes Five Diamond, Leading Hotels of the World, Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Keys and others, so there’s no skimping on amenities, hospitality or, most importantly, luxury. When planning your next Bucket List Vacation, first consider one of these stellar stays around the world.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, Spain is often a choice destination for travelers, whether it’s a college student planning for a Study Abroad Year, a solo female traveler reconnecting with herself a la “Eat, Pray, Love,” or a retired couple who wants to soak up the warm salt-sea air of the Mediterranean. It is a destination for fantastic Michelin-starred gastronomy and culture, with museums and galleries galore, architecture, and spelunking. Once thought to be a playground for Hollywood’s Golden Age of actors, it is still a draw for today’s glitterati, especially now that there are direct flights from the U.S.

With all of the benefits/draw/pristine beaches, culture and focus on sustainability, it’d be easy to think that this all comes at a hefty price, but you’d be mistaken. The first thing is to find a place to stay, and a stand-out lodging/accomodation is the Zafiro Palace Andratx. It is a stunning all-suite retreat that overlooks the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range and turquoise sea. Each suite includes an outdoor plunge pool or hydromassage bathtub, and as of 2023, the resort is all inclusive, because luxury never means being nickel and dimed. VIP airport transfers, 24-hr room service, priority golf course access, etc. Guests who really want to be pampered can opt for the Zafiro Club Suites package, a new offering that includes access to private pools and bars, in-room amenities created by Jo Malone, daily fresh flowers, personalized concierge service, massage for two, dinner and more. This comes at a price, of course, but a relatively low price.

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Oahu, Hawaii

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to leave the United States to have a bucket list holiday. Hawaii is known as an expensive place to live – and to visit. But as a traveler, it doesn’t have to break the bank just because it’s on your must-see list. Oahu, the Hawaiian island home to the state’s capital, Honolulu, is known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, unique cuisine and some of the buzziest new hotels in the area.

Two of those hotels are part of the Romer Collection of hotels. Romer House Waikiki and Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, are both located in the popular beach, hotel and nightlife area of Oahu. As the former is Oahu’s first adults-only hotel, this puts a new spin on a bucket list vacay. A holiday without children is a luxury indeed. And at Romer House, the hotel reflects an iconic neighborhood and has mid-century mod interiors. The cuisine is inspired, with an authentic Japanese izakaya restaurant, and local artists lining the walls and wellness programs. And at the Ambassador, in Oahu’s surfing paradise, surfing is, of course, on the menu, alongside psychic readings by the resident astrologer – which you can opt to have poolside, mind you – and fitness popups when you have that urge to strut your stuff in a bikini. There’s also the Twin Fin Hotel, set along Waikiki’s famous coastline. The hotel partnered with famous surfer Jamie O’Brien to open the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki to offer private and group lessons to hotel guests and the public.

Loreto, Mexico

We get it. Loreto is not necessarily as sexy a name as Cabo San Lucas, Tulum or Acapulco, but it’s a place you should definitely know. Situated in Baja California Sur, Mexico, this tiny seaside paradise is a wonderful alternative to some of those more well known holiday destinations. It is such a special place that it’s designated by the Mexican government as a “Pueblo Mágico,” or a “magical town.” There are 177 of these such towns all over the country — many of whose names are recognizable to you — but Loreto is what we’ll focus on right now. It is the site of the first Jesuit mission built in 1697 and overlooks the Sea of Cortez. It has become quite the idyllic haven of late, as a locale where retirees, backpackers and occasional cruise ship guests coexist happily together.

At the Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, the hotel sits on Mexico’s largest marine preserve — the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. And as this hotel sits on the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, it should come as no surprise that aquatic activities are de rigeuer here, including some of the world’s best scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking, without the usual price tag. There’s even an 18-hole TPC golf course whose holes are as fairytale-picturesque as they are challenging. But here, greens fees won’t cost an arm and a leg or second mortgage on a home to play.

Porto, Portugal

One of the most coveted European travel destinations is Portugal. It is also a place where Americans are increasingly choosing to make their home abroad because of the friendly people, beautiful vistas, delicious cuisine and low cost of living. And it’s a relatively affordable place to visit — especially Porto, the country’s second largest city after Lisbon, and which is named after the country’s most famous export: port wine. The city sits along the famous Douro river and is at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage wine region, the Douro Valley. Porto is cheaper than both Portugal’s Algarve and Lisbon, yet offers the same wealth of history, culture, beauty and industry.

Of course, there’s plenty to do without spending a fortune, much of which revolves around the exciting wine region. One of those activities would be a visit to World of Wine (WOW) Porto, a museum complex that tells the fascinating history of port wine, or a tasting at one of the Symington Family Estates properties, whose portfolio includes a who’s who of famous port houses. But first things first — you’ll need a place to lay your head. The Yeatman is a perfect choice for that. It is considered to be the most prestigious hotel in the Douro. But seeing as how Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, the Yeatman follows suit, despite its Relais & Chateaux designation and two Michelin star restaurant.