How to save money on travel this summer with these destination vacation swaps

Delaware News Journal

Summer is the perfect time for travel plans to faraway places, but not every destination vacation needs to break the bank.

If you’ve been hankering for a getaway but want to do it the frugal way, we’ve got some ideas for you.

DaddySkins, a gaming website, published a study on cost-effective trip alternatives to the top expensive and well-known travel locations.

While your scenery may change slightly with these location swaps, you won’t be sacrificing a fun time and major money from your wallet, and maybe you’ll even be able to squeeze a few extra days of vacation out of your stay with your newfound savings.

Cheaper vacation alternatives

Zanzibar, Tanzania, instead of Bora Bora

Langi Langi Hotel, one of the oldest on Nungwi Beach, is pictured in Nungwi, Zanzibar, on January 3, 2018. (Photo by GULSHAN KHAN / AFP) (Photo credit should read GULSHAN KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)

DaddySkins highlights Zanzibar as a comparable alternative to Bora Bora due to its similar tropical experience at a much lower cost. Bora Bora tops the study as the most expensive destination, with hotel rates for the price of two people at $768, meals for two at $60 and the average cocktail price at $20.

In comparison, Zanzibar’s average hotel price for two is $146.10, with meal prices for two at $27.13 and the average cocktail price at $5.10.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten instead of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Philipsburg, Saint Maarten, cityscape at the Great Salt Pond.

The average price of a hotel for two in St. Thomas is $428.85, with the average price of a meal for two costing $160 and a cocktail costing $14.49. Philipsburg slashes those costs by offering a hotel for two at $212.55, meals for two at $100 and a cocktail at $7.

Crete, Greece, instead of the Maldives

The average price of a two-person hotel room in the Maldives is $524.80, with an average meal for two costing $25.89 and a cocktail costing $17.50. Crete has two-person hotel rooms for $215.70, meals for two at $44.69 and cocktails at $4, the lowest drink price on the list.

Tamuning, Guam, instead of Honolulu, Hawaii

This general view shows the city of Tamuning on Aug. 10, 2017.

Tamuning has a tropical setting similar to Honolulu, offered at a fraction of the cost.

Honolulu has hotels for two for $368.40, with the average meal price for two at $82.50 and the average cocktail price at $13. In Tamuning, a hotel room for two runs for $214.50, with the average meal for two costing $60 and the average cocktail price at $9.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, instead of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Weather in the Mexican Riviera: In early spring, the weather is dry, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, making it a popular escape for Northerners, and February and March are prime whale-watching months. On the negative side, college-age youths often cram into port destinations like Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta at this time, creating a wild and boisterous atmosphere. During off-peak months, there are fewer crowds and a more adult atmosphere, but the weather can also be unpredictable, with temperatures dropping as low as the 40s.

If you’re hoping to snag a deal on a beach getaway, put Puerto Vallarta on your radar.

In Cabo San Lucas, a hotel for two is $330.45, with $85.96 as the average price for a meal for two and $10.02 as the average price for a cocktail. In Puerto Vallarta, the price of a hotel room for two is $155.15, with a meal for two costing $41.30 and a cocktail costing $7.10.

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New York City, New York, instead of Rotterdam, the Netherlands

You might be surprised by this one, but don’t immediately count out the urban adventure that is New York City, and the cash you can save by staying domestic instead of traveling overseas.

In Rotterdam, a hotel for two costs $260.05, with the price of a meal for two at $130 and a cocktail at $19. In New York City, a hotel for two is nearly half the cost at $131.95, with the price of a meal for two at $74.49 and the price of a cocktail at $13.

Phuket, Thailand, instead of Fiji

The view from a plane flying over Phuket, Thailand.

For a dreamy island vibe, Phuket is a frugal alternative to Fiji that offers the cheapest hotel rates of the lineup.

Hotels in Fiji run for $268.95 for two people, followed by $49.36 for a meal for two and a cocktail for $7.71. In Phuket, travelers can grab a hotel room for two for $61.90, with a meal for two costing $32.64 and a cocktail costing $5.85.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, instead of Singapore

May 15, 2024: Warisan Merdeka Tower (KL118) (R), the second tallest building in the world, is pictured through a residential building in Kuala Lumpur.

Those seeking an urban adventure can swap Kuala Lumpur for Singapore and save big.

Singapore offers hotel rooms for two for $212.90, with the average price of a meal for two at $73.42 and the average cost of a cocktail at $26. In contrast, hotels for two in Kuala Lumpur are much more affordable at $65.02, with the average price of a meal for two at $27.13 and the average price of a cocktail at $6.80

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Cancun, Mexico, instead of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Head south of the border to soak up the sun on the beaches of Cancun.

Both destinations offer luxurious tropical trips, but opting for Cancun will help you save big.

In Punta Cana, the average price of a hotel room for two is $230.15, with the average price of a meal for two at $50.76 and the average price of a cocktail at $21. In Cancun, the cost of a hotel room for two is $122.65, with the average price of a meal for two at $51.87 and the average price of a cocktail at $11.60.

St. Petersburg, Russia, instead of Paris, France

Rounding out the list, DaddySkins lists St. Petersburg as a cheaper alternative to Paris.

Hotel rooms for two in Paris cost $203.65, with the average cost of a meal for two at $77.15 and the average price of a cocktail at $17. St. Petersburg has the second cheapest hotel rates on the list, at $78.75 for a room for two, with the average price of a meal for two at $31.80 and the lowest average cocktail price at $5.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.