This year, families and individuals across the globe are again dipping their toes into the world of travel. If you’re due for a vacation but are looking to avoid breaking the bank or lingering in big tourist crowds, these bargain destinations may be for you.

As many of us know, hordes of tourists can make traveling overwhelming and unpleasant. But that doesn’t mean you should spend your vacation stuck at home! Here’s a list of four top-notch travel destinations that you can enjoy, even during peak season.

Scenic Utah has Your Dream Ski Destination!

If you’re looking to optimize your time cruising through powder but don’t want to deal with the onslaught of crowds and the long lines of the Colorado resorts, try Utah! Snowbasin, Utah is just an hour’s drive from the Salt Lake City airport,^[1] but its location is just remote enough to put off the masses. The trails offered here are suitable for all levels of skiing; plus, with more than 3,000 acres to explore, the terrain is also varied.^[2]

Find Beachy Beauty in Nicaragua

Prefer sand over snow? There are many lesser-known beaches you can visit, but if you’re on the hunt for something like Costa Rica, try Nicaragua! A northern neighbor to Costa Rica, Nicaragua’s infrastructure has developed and improved in recent years. Similarly, it also offers the same lush rainforests and dreamy beaches.^[3][4] According to Kelsey Blodget, senior executive editor of Oyster.com, Nicaragua has the edge over Costa Rica when it comes to its striking Spanish colonial architecture. Plus, the restaurants in this area are also cheaper!^[5]

Want a Greek Getaway? Paros is Your Undiscovered Gem!

For those craving a European adventure, you might be looking into a Greek getaway. When people think of Greece, they instantly picture the whitewashed homes of Santorini. In fact, in 2016, Santorini was the second-most-popular Greek port for cruise ships after Athens, according to the Hellenic Ports Association. While tempting, the streets of Santorini are often overcrowded and plagued with tourists. If you seek a more authentic experience, try the nearby island of Paros! Home to museums, beaches, and wineries, Paros is the perfect vacation spot.^[6] The island is larger than Santorini and has fewer visitors, which, luckily for you, means lower prices and a more laid-back atmosphere.^[7]

Your Budget-Friendly South American Destination: Lima, Peru

Lastly, if a vacation rich in culture and history is what you desire, look into Lima, Peru. Here, you can immerse yourself in architecture, art, and, most importantly: fine cuisine. The old colonial town of Lima comes to life in its historic center. You can tour the catacombs at the San Francisco Church and Convent for $3, or explore Huaca Pucllana, 1,500-year-old ruins that rise into the upscale Miraflores district.^[8] If you’d like to stay cool indoors, Lima also has enriching museums that are sure to fascinate you.^[9]

No matter what kind of landscape you or your family are seeking, there are always tons of alternative vacation spots. If traveling is on your 2024 bucket list, we can help your financial plan cover it. Contact us for a complimentary review of your finances!