11 Unforgettable Bucket List Trips That Won’t Break the Bank

Explore the mysteries of Angkor Wat

This temple complex, as big as a city in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was built as a Hindu temple for Vishnu 900 years ago, taking 37 years to construct. More than 6,000 elephants and five million tons of stone were used to create towering stone palaces crafted with faces, animals and nearly 1,600 columns (you’ve probably seen Angelina Jolie famously standing in front of the Ta Prohm temple in Tomb Raider, and that’s only a fraction of the expansive temple complex).

Although it may seem like you’d pay a fortune to stay in luxury near the largest religious monument ever built in the world, Anantara Angkor Resort—a lush oasis with air-conditioned suites set around an azure pool—offers rooms that cost less than $300 a night. Anantara’s private half-day temple tour will help you unravel the mysteries of the ancient Khmer capital; you’ll feel like a movie star yourself as you tour the ancient site.

Go gorilla trekking in Uganda

There are fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas in the world, and nearly half of the highly endangered primates live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mount Gahinga National Park in Uganda. Not only was the East African nation of Uganda at one point named one the friendliest countries in the world, but its gorilla trekking permits are a fraction of what they cost in neighboring Rwanda, where many upscale gorilla trekking lodges are located (the highly coveted permits are $800 in Uganda compared to $1,500 in Rwanda!).

Two of the top lodges to stay at in Uganda to experience a gorilla encounter are also incredibly affordable options: At Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi or Gahinga lodges, you’ll have a private chalet, luxury service, plus all meals and drinks for a low-season rate of around $1,000 (similar lodges in Rwanda cost around $3,000 per night).

Sail the Caribbean

Picture this: The sparkling sea splashes all around you while the wind lifts the sails of the tall ship, whisking you to a private beach paradise in the middle of the Caribbean. Is it an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? No, it only feels that way. Star Clippers offers week-long itineraries on its stunning, tall-masted ship, the Royal Clipper, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest five-masted square-rigged ship in service.

Prices start at $400 per night, which includes all meals on board. Climb the mast to the crow’s nest, lie out in the bowsprit netting with the turquoise water rushing under you and soak up the sun while you cruise into ports big cruise ships will never be able to reach.

Ride the rails to Machu Picchu

The saying, “Getting there is half the fun,” definitely applies to a trip to the 15th-century ruins of Machu Picchu that are found high in the mountains of Central Peru. To get to the closest access point in Aguas Calientes, you need to take a train (or participate in a walking trek). Some rail options cost $400, but you’ll get one of the most affordable trips of a lifetime on Inca Rail for $65.

The new Machu Picchu train features oversized panoramic windows and a dedicated observation carriage with a bar and outdoor viewing area for a unique view of the hidden beauty of the surrounding Sacred Valley. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, a quick and inexpensive bus will take you up to the top of the mountain to explore the ancient Incan stone citadel.

Say “oui” to Paris

The City of Lights sparkles like a diamond, but it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune to soak up the culture, food and joie de vivre found in this stunning city. Plan to stay at one of Paris’ most affordable hotels, CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon; it’s centrally located near the Seine and Gare de Lyon train station, making getting around the city a breeze. With room rates starting at $110, the hotel is budget-friendly in addition to being trés chic!

To save money while you’re exploring, stand at a coffee bar for your morning coffee (it’s more expensive if you pull up a seat), walk up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower instead of taking the elevator to save on admission (it’s less crowded this way too) and explore the Louvre on a Wednesday or Friday evening for cheaper admission or for free admission the first Sunday of every month.

Marvel at the Taj Mahal

India is one of our top spots to travel cheap and live large, and even witnessing the epic beauty of the Taj Mahal is within reach for budget bucket list travelers. In Agra, you can experience the culturally rich city with royal treatment worthy of a maharaja for less than a fancy dinner in New York at the luxurious ITC Mughal Hotel, where you can stay for just $130 a night. You’ll have panoramic views over the Taj Mahal as the sun rises behind the shimmering white dome, and the hotel can arrange a chauffeured car to take you right to the entrance.

Explore culture and cuisine in Cape Town

If flying to South Africa has seemed too prohibitive to keep you from visiting the Rainbow Nation, think again. There are currently round-trip, direct, nonstop flights from JFK to Johannesburg for around $1,000. From there, it’s a short hop to Cape Town, renowned for its scenic beauty, culture and charm. With an exchange rate of 18 Rand to the dollar, budget-friendly luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and award-winning wines will help you achieve an affordable trip of a lifetime.

Take in the views from the top of Table Mountain, visit history at Robben Island, explore the surrounding winelands and then take a day trip to Cape Point to see African penguins, zebra and other wildlife. South Africa is also a great option for a family vacation that will wow even the most jaded teen.

Live big in Bangkok

Book a trip to Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, for the Southeast Asia affordable trip of a lifetime—complete with relaxing, adventures, culinary and cultural experiences, all of which are totally affordable. Base yourself in Bangkok, where golden temples and palaces line the winding Chao Praya River and travelers can take advantage of affordable luxuries such as authentic Thai spas, with prices starting as low as $10 for a two-hour massage, incredible local cuisine for just a few dollars and a ride on a tuk-tuk is just $5 an hour.

Stay in the lap of luxury at Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri, where plush one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes and living rooms at a hotel with lush gardens and a tropically landscaped pool in the heart of the city start at $730 per night, including breakfast.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Watching the winter night sky light up with the Aurora Borealis (one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World) is at the top of many explorers’ bucket lists. Even though it may sound like a prohibitively expensive trip to travel far north enough to witness the iridescent formation of glowing greens, purples and gold lights, flying to Iceland, one of the premier viewing spots in the world, can cost you less than $350 one way. When you’re not searching for the lights, you can spend time relaxing in the geothermal Blue Lagoon, exploring lava tunnels and whale watching.

Go deep at the Grand Canyon

Visiting the Grand Canyon? Cool. Going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? Epic! Although it’s one of the most unique experiences in the National Park System, it’s not the most expensive; it just takes time and some luck to be able to go deep.

Phantom Ranch, the legendary and only accommodations located below the rim of the Grand Canyon, is the Holy Grail of accommodations at the Grand Canyon due to the fact that it has a small number of bunks that are used exclusively by hikers and overnight mule riders from the South Rim down to the Colorado River. Demand is so intense that Grand Canyon National Park has an online lottery; register to win a coveted slot 15 months in advance of when you want to visit.

Win, and you’ll be able to stay the night at the bottom of the canyon in a private cabin for about $110 per person. (You can even order a steak dinner to have waiting for you when you arrive—talk about a meal with a view!) The only catch, you have to hike down 7.5 miles to get to your cabin, which takes about four hours, so start training now.

Hit it big in Las Vegas

Vegas is among the most affordable trips of a lifetime, believe it or not. Flights to Las Vegas are reasonable year-round from most gateways, and once you’re there, dining and accommodation can be had for a song even if you’re not a high roller. Plus, you don’t even need a rental car during your stay since most attractions are on the strip (there’s also a monorail that connects most things if schlepping isn’t your style).

Check out the fountain at the Bellagio Hotel, which is free to watch and will give you that iconic Vegas feeling. Then, stroll through the other hotels to see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Venetian canals. Of course, if you win big at the casino, you can consider your trip totally comped—and start planning your next budget-friendly trip of a lifetime.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• TripAdvisor: “Anantara Angkor Resort”
• Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Wildlife: “Gorilla Permits in Uganda & Rwanda”
• Volcanoes Safaris
• Star Clippers: “Royal Clipper”
• TripAdvisor: “Inca Rail”
• TripAdvisor: “CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel”
• TripAdvisor: “ITC Mughal”
• Tourism Thailand: “Welcome to Tourism Thailand”
• TripAdvisor: Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri
• TripAdvisor: “Phantom Ranch”
• Visit Las Vegas: “How to Visit Las Vegas on a Budget”