An inexpensive hammock awaits you at any of our budget choices.
Dreaming of getting away to the tropics? Join the club. Many people fantasize about a tropical getaway and immediately dismiss the idea as too expensive. This is simply isn't so. There are many options for inexpensive tropical vacations, especially within the Central and South America. The close proximity to the United States means you won't blow your budget on airline tickets, and great exchange rates mean your dollar will go further.
Bocas Del Toro-Panama
One of the best values for your money is visiting any of the coastal areas of Panama. One of the up-and-coming areas lies off the Caribbean coast, just south of the border with Costa Rica. Bocas del Toro is an archipelago of islands, each with a distinct personality. The main city of Bocas offers a variety of accommodations from backpackers hostels to high-end hotels. Whether you want to scuba dive, swim, kayak, surf or just chill on the beach, Panama offers inexpensive lodging and a short flight from the U.S.
bocas.com
Honduras
Honduras may not seem like a destination, but it's actually a great way to stretch your travel dollar. The country offers a huge variety of experiences, from world-class scuba diving to traversing the tropical rain forest of La Mosquitia or exploring the ruins at Copán. Start off in the city of San Pedro Sula and choose to go west to the ruins or east to the coast and the island destination of Roatán. Either way, you'll get a taste of Honduran hospitality and the relaxed way of life in Central America. Accommodations are plentiful, and if you experience life as a local you'll save your cash and simplify your life.
honduras.com
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares an island with Haiti, but the differences are marked. The Dominican Republic has distinguished itself as a tourist destination while keeping prices low. If you want the full tropical experience, head to Punta Cana. With 20 miles of white sand beach, the town is quickly becoming a popular tourist spot, but it's still on the budget side of things, with a range of accommodations and cheap eats. Luckily, the island is still small, so if you need a change of venue, Península de Semaná is not too far away and offers a respite from the crowds, as well as pristine beaches and humpback whales during their migration.
dominicanrepublic.com
Tags: Dominican Republic