7 best cheap vacations that will make you want to hit the road NOW

Where will you go in 2017? Make your dollar stretch further … and let your feet follow. This year, forget Iceland and Tokyo and Paris and all those other wallet-busting destinations. Here are seven of the best budget vacations money can buy.

1. Mexico

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It’s no secret that the peso is trading at its lowest level in years, which means a great deal for travelers who head south. You can check out the usual Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta resorts, but for a truly authentic (and affordable) vacation, head to Mexico City. You’ll enjoy Mexico’s top museums and world-class restaurants without the throngs of tourists.

2. Vietnam

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Southeast Asia has long been a popular destination for budget-conscious backpackers. And while backpackers will find plenty of cheap accommodations and activities to keep them occupied, those who prefer more luxurious digs will find their money stretches quite far, putting even 4- and 5-star hotels within reach. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of capital city Hanoi, where Western influences and architecture penetrate the chaos. Head south for a holiday full of shopping and fine dining in Saigon, or explore the country’s beaches, rice paddies, and Vietnam’s claim to fame, Ha Long Bay.

3. Cambodia

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Speaking of southeast Asia, Cambodia is the definition of affordability – even by the standards of neighboring Vietnam and Thailand. The temples at Angkor Wat are by far the most popular tourist attraction (and not a bad way to experience the sun rise). Phnom Pen – the capital – has plenty of modern conveniences, comfortable (and cheap) hotels, and phenomenal Cambodian food options. If you want sand and sun, beach towns like Sihanoukville offer the same amenities as more popular Thai beaches but at a fraction of the cost.

4. Ecuador

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Quick – now’s the time to take advantage of cheap, cheap flights to Ecuador. The term Galapagos excursion may come to mind (which can cost a pretty penny), but the rest of the country is a cheapskate’s haven. The cool part about Ecuador: their official currency is the U.S. dollar. So bring plenty of cash, but in small bills because a local beer costs around $1 in Quito, apartment accommodations are as little as $25 per night, and markets provide plenty of fresh food for next to nothing.

5. Honduras

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Skip the pricey resorts of Costa Rica and Belize – you’ll get the same blue waters and white Caribbean sands in Honduras at a fraction of the price. Honduras isn’t on the radar for most travelers, which means now’s the time to take advantage of its burgeoning tourism industry. Head to port city Puerto Cortes to bask in the sun without breaking the bank, or snorkel the reef and discover the cheap eats of Roatan Island.

6. Poland

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While western Europe isn’t exactly affordable, the eastern countries are still a bargain hunter’s playground. Krakow, Poland is voted one of the best cheap travel destinations, with plenty of low cost hotels, food, transportation, and, of course, beer. Visit now before the city joins the growing list of European destinations where prices are continuing to rise.

7. New Orleans

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No passport? No problem. Head to The Big Easy, where finding affordable hotels and fantastic food is, well, easy. New Orleans tops the list of North American cities that offer the best bang for your buck. Avoid high season like Mardi Gras and you’ll be able to party it up like a local without having to bust your cheapskate’s budget.