Haven’t planned your vacation yet? Need affordable last minute ideas? I’ve got you covered. Because I’ve found 7 spots you can spend your summer vacation at for cheap.
From the sunny white sanded beaches of Aruba in the Caribbean to Brazil in South America, airfare is crazy affordable with round-trip flights as low as $226. Are you ready to make this summer a summer to remember?
I’ve handpicked these countries because they can be easily (and cheaply) reached from several US cities.
Belize
Belize is an outdoor lovers paradise. You can spend your days hiking, fishing, exploring Mayan ruins, caving, and enjoying the wildlife.
Belize is home to hundreds of tropical birds and fish, howler monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, and jaguars. Snorkelers and divers will appreciate exploring the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the largest reefs in the world.
Cheap Flights
Discounted round-trip flights for this summer:
- Chicago to Belize from $461
- Dallas to Belize from $342
- Las Vegas to Belize from $352
- Miami to Belize from $342
- Newark to Belize from $358
- San Diego to Belize from $356
Oceanfront rental homes start at $65 a night from Airbnb. And if you use my link you’ll save $25 on your first rental.
The luxury Chaa Creek eco-resort offers a variety of accommodations from cottages, suites, and villas Nightly rates in the Garden suite which accommodates three and includes breakfast for two is $415.
A bit pricey for your budget? Chaa Creek also offers glamping for $65 per person night including breakfast and dinner.
Eco doesn’t have to mean roughing it
Photo courtesy of Chaa Creek
Costa Rica
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica and just north of the Equator the Central American rainforest of Costa Rica is a popular spot for ecotourist and beach lovers. You can spend the day visiting active volcanoes, bird watching, trekking through the jungle, or relaxing on the beach.
Round-Trip Airfare
You can book cheap round-trip flights to Costa Rica from:
- Dallas to Costa Rica from $354
- Las Vegas to Costa Rica from $354
- Miami to Costa Rica from $354
- New York to Costa Rica from $399
- San Diego to Costa Rica from $366
You can stay in a two bedroom, two bath ocean view condo from $138 a night.
Nightly rates at the Radisson San Jose Costa Rica begin at $79 or 28,000 Radisson points.
After a long day of exploring, you can relax by the pool at the Radisson San Jose Costa Rica
Photo courtesy of Club Carlson
Aruba
Aruba is warm and sunny year round and not affect by hurricanes, unlike the other Caribbean islands. You’ll enjoy pristine white-sand beaches, museums, golfing, and least we forget shopping.
Flights
Fly to Aruba from:
- Chicago to Aruba from $334
- Dallas to Aruba from $318
- Las Vegas to Aruba from $318
- Miami to Aruba from $327
- Newark to Aruba from $459
- San Diego to Aruba from $318
A 1 bedroom apartment in the heart of San Nicolas and only 8 minutes from the beach rents for $75 a night via Airbnb.
Rooms at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino begin at $269 a night or 45,000 Marriott points.
Beachfront and a casino, what more could you ask for at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Photo courtesy of Marriott
Brazil
Having hosted the World Cup in 2014 and the host of the 2016 summer Olympic Games, Brazil might already be on your radar. I spent a fun weekend in Rio a few years ago (trip report still pending…). Although, I wasn’t able to see or do everything on my itinerary.
It’s no wonder because Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country. I plan on going back again soon.
Affordable Flights
You can book discounted round-trip flights to Brazil from:
- Chicago to Brazil from $571
- Dallas to Brazil from $571
- Las Vegas to Brazil from $571
- Miami to Brazil from $577
- New York to Brazil from $571
- San Diego to Brazil from $571
The Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo offers nightly rates from $136 or 15,000 Hyatt points.
You can stay in a luxury 1 bedroom apartment steps from Copacabana Beach for $80 a night.
Hanging out with my buddy, Christ
Puerto Rico
No passports required for US citizens. So you can leave it at home when you visit Puerto Rico. Which is always a great thing because there’s less chance your passport will get lost.
Airfare Deals
I found cheap round-trip flights to Puerto Rico from:
- Chicago to Puerto Rico from $371
- Dallas to Puerto Rico from $383
- Las Vegas to Puerto Rico from $393
- Los Angeles to Belize from $408
- Miami to Puerto Rico from $316
- Newark to Puerto Rico from $388
Rooms at the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino start at $113 a night or 7,000 Starwood points per night.
Traveling with friends or family? Stay in a 2 bedroom apartment close to the beach from $100 a night.
A round of golf is more relaxing with a view like the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
Photo courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton
Panama
Whenever I hear Panama I can’t help but think of Van Halen’s hit song by the same name. Yeah, I admit, I loved the 80s hair bands…Bon Jovi, Dokken, and Def Leppard.
But Panama the country in Central America is definitely on my bucket list and with airfare this low I might have to book a trip. (Just gotta convince Jeff that yes, it’s okay to leave two teenage boys home alone for a week unsupervised. They won’t get into any risky business.)
Discount Flights
Book cheap airfare to Panama from:
- Chicago to Panama from $375
- Dallas to Panama from $314
- Las Vegas to Panama from $329
- Miami to Panama from $314
- New York to Belize from $446
- San Diego to Panama from $329
You can afford to bring the entire family (aunts, uncles, and cousins) when you stay in this 9 bedroom home with nightly rates of $60.
Bask in luxury at the Waldorf Astoria Panama hotel for only $119 a night or 40,000 Hilton points. (Yeah, a Waldorf Astoria for only 40,000 Hilton points. I’m so there!)
Enjoy luxury accommodations while being steps from shopping and nightlife at the Waldorf Astoria Panama
Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has a small town feel but it’s large enough to keep you busy. It’s a fisherman’s (or fisherwoman’s) paradise, but there’s so much more. From shopping, dirt biking, snorkeling, and golfing there’s an activity for everyone. Like the nightlife? You have your pick from one of many bars and clubs such as Cabo Wabo, The Giggling Marlin, Hard Rock Cafe.
You can book discounted summer round-trip flights to Cabo San Lucas from:
- Chicago to Cabo San Lucas from $353
- Dallas to Cabo San Lucas from $226
- Las Vegas to Cabo San Lucas from $285
- Miami to Cabo San Lucas from $287
- Newark to Cabo San Lucas from $244
- San Diego to Cabo San Lucas from $236
Save on cab rides to the bar by staying downtown. A night at the Hotel Santa Fe begins at $44.
Those seeking a quieter setting might enjoy a stay at the beachfront Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort. The Hilton is located in between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and has all the services of a resort such as a swim-up bar, spa, tennis courts, and five restaurants. Rooms start at $179 a night. Using Hilton points? Redemptions range from 40,000 to 70,000 Hilton points a night.
If only vacations were as endless as the infinity pool at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort
Photo courtesy: Hilton
Conclusion
There’s still time to book a last minute summer vacation. Cheap flights and accommodations make these seven destinations my top picks for last minute summer vacation travel abroad.
Round-trip airfare starts at $226. And with countries like Belize and Costa Rica making the list, have you already planned your summer vacation?
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