4 Best Places (and Ways) To Travel on a $2K Budget
Most people dream of getting out of town for vacation, but when the sticker shock hits, those plans get filed away in the "never gonna happen" folder. The good news? You don't need deep pockets to see the world.
We tapped industry experts to identify four compelling destinations where $2,000 can actually go the distance — whether you're flying solo or splitting costs with friends.
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From beachside escapes to urban adventures, each option offers something different. Here's how to make your next getaway happen without breaking the bank.
Sri Lanka
Sarah Roman, communications manager for World Nomads, just returned from a trip to Sri Lanka and recommended it for its affordability. On a 12-day trip, she said she splurged a bit on her hotel and stayed somewhere that she wouldn’t have been able to in the U.S.
“I paid approximately $100 a night for first-class accommodations and under $10 a meal on excellent food,” she said, adding that “the daily activities were also minimal in price, and a luxury spa experience could be found for $30.”
Flights from major hubs to Sri Lanka tend to fall between $900 and $1,300. You may not be able to keep it under $2,000 for longer trips, but you could stay for around five days if you keep your food and activity expenses down.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you want to stay in the U.S., New Orleans, Louisiana, offers lots of dining and activities. Royal Ahmadi, SVP and general manager at The Vacation Group, pointed out that it’s an easy city to navigate without a car because many top areas and attractions are walkable or reachable by streetcar.
In order to stick to a $2,000 budget, you should avoid Mardi Gras. Ahmadi recommended traveling in November for the best mix of weather and price.
Hotel prices in New Orleans for November, for instance, are as low as $60 per night, and flights from major hubs fall between $300 and $600. You could stay for six to 10 days, depending on how much you spend on food and activities.
Mexico City, Mexico
A flight to Mexico City from LAX in January costs just over $300, and if you’re willing to be flexible on dates, you can probably find a pretty good deal.
Ahmadi recommended going in the fall because there are good deals and fewer crowds. Mexican Independence Day takes place in the middle of September, so you could enjoy “a unique mix of culture and history" if you decide to visit then.
According to him, a five-to-six-night stay would cost between $400 and $600, and you should plan to budget between $400 and $500 for meals.
Cruises
Although not exactly a destination, cruises, according to Ahmadi, are ideal for people who want to keep travel budgeting simple since transportation, meals and entertainment are all included.
He said, “Budget-minded travelers will find good deals during shoulder seasons and the weeks between major holidays."
According to AAA, mainstream cruises on Royal Caribbean or Carnival cost between $400 and $2,100 per person for a seven-day trip.
Cruises offer an extra advantage for people who are already located near a port and don’t have to worry about the additional cost of getting to a port city. Ahmadi also recommended choosing repositioning cruises, shorter cruises and inside cabins for additional savings.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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