Cheap tropical places to travel this winter

When winter hits Canada and the snow starts piling up like it’s got something to prove, the urge to escape somewhere warm and sunny hits hard. We’ve all been there. I mean, who wouldn’t trade icy sidewalks for sandy beaches and a coconut in hand?

But while the idea of sipping margaritas under palm trees sounds perfect, the price tag for a tropical getaway can sometimes feel, well, less than relaxing.

The good news? You don’t need to be a millionaire to chase the sun. From the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, and even parts of Africa, there are plenty of affordable tropical destinations where you can soak up the heat, stretch your dollar and still live your best beach life, thousands of kilometres from the frigid Canadian winters.

So whether you’re planning a quick escape or a full-on winter migration, here are 10 cheap tropical destinations to travel from Canada that bring the sunshine, clear blue water and adventure, without costing you an arm and a leg.

1. Mexico

Whether you live out on the west coast in Vancouver or back out east, Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations for Canadians. Why? Mexico is close enough to Canada that it is not an extraordinarily long flight, but it’s far enough away to be a pleasant international vacation.

The Yucatán Peninsula is an especially popular region in Mexico, home to popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and one of the newest Mexican hot spots, Tulum. This region is packed with some of the country’s best all-inclusive resorts, white-sand beaches and world-class cuisine.

For Canadians travelling on a budget, the lesser-known Playa del Carmen offers an authentic Mexican experience at a fraction of the cost. With a ton of mid-range hotels and local, legit taquerias to satisfy your taco cravings, Playa del Carmen is easy on the eyes and even easier on the wallet.

Why it’s great for Canadians: Most Canadian cities offer frequent direct flights, which makes planning a breeze and keeps the airfare low. Mexico is also one of the few places where you can stretch the Canadian dollar a long way.

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2. Dominican Republic

If you are looking to travel a bit further out than Mexico, you may want to consider the beautiful and picturesque Dominican Republic.

You know those postcards of perfect sandy beaches with sapphire-blue water? Yeah, that’s basically what the entire country of the Dominican Republic is like. It’s also incredibly affordable, with world-class resorts and all-inclusive deals in popular locales like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

If you are like me and enjoy exploring countries, you’ll find a tropical island jam-packed with lush jungles, breathtaking waterfalls and local markets that offer fresh, vine-ripened fruit and other local delicacies for the equivalent of pocket change in Canada.

Why it’s great for Canadians: You’re going to see a theme in this article: Canadians want to get away from the harsh winters to the sunniest and most affordable places. The Dominican Republic is the definition of an affordable and exotic adventure at a much lower price tag than other locations.

3. Costa Rica

A three-hour flight from the Dominican Republic across the Caribbean Sea brings us to another tropical paradise: Costa Rica.

While you may think of white sandy beaches when you think of Costa Rica, this Central American country has a lot more to offer than just a scenic coastline. Across its vast ecosystem, one can find everything from tropical rainforests teeming with local wildlife to more than 60 active and dormant volcanoes.

Stay at a world-class resort or take up residence in one of the country’s many small guesthouses or surf town hostels. Check out seaside towns like Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo, where you can get sunny, tropical weather at nearly any time of the year.

Why it’s great for Canadians: As vast as Canada is, Costa Rica offers multiple ecosystems that simply cannot be found in our country. The locals speak fluent English, and a family trip to Costa Rica will cost you a fraction of what it would at other tropical beach destinations.

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4. Belize

If you read the name Belize and have no idea where it is on a map, you’re not alone. Tucked away just south of Mexico and neighbouring Guatemala and Honduras, Belize is a Caribbean paradise that hasn’t been overrun by tourists… yet.

It’s the only country in Central America with English as its official language, making it an ideal destination for Canadian travellers. Enjoy the incredible beaches, or take your experience one step further by snorkelling and diving along the Belize Barrier Reef. This natural beauty is the second-largest reef in the world and is home to exotic marine life like whale sharks, dolphins and manatees.

Check out the small island off the coast of Belize called Caye Caulker, where you can enjoy a slow, relaxing vibe while partaking in its famous seafood barbecues right on the beach.

Why it’s great for Canadians: Belize is like travelling to a less-busy and more exotic Mexico at a fraction of the price. If you want to try something other than a high-end resort, consider Belize, where the Canadian dollar will go further than it will in other countries.

5. Thailand

When it comes to affordable, tropical destinations to visit, Thailand is one of the first countries that comes to mind. Sure, the country is one of the top tourist destinations on Earth, but there are still plenty of towns and islands that are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

One trip over to the palm-fringed beaches in Krabi or Koh Lanta will redefine what you think of a relaxing, tropical paradise. If you want a bit more action, party islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are lesser-known but offer a unique experience you can only find in Thailand.

Perhaps the most attractive thing for Canadian travellers is how affordable Thailand is. Sure, the flight is a bit longer than going to the Caribbean, but you’ll pay a fraction of the prices for room and board and some of the best street food on the planet.

Why it’s great for Canadians: There is a reason why people travel from all over the world to Thailand for their tropical getaways. Thailand offers the perfect package of world-class cuisine, breathtaking scenery and an incredible nightlife. Being in Thailand is truly like escaping to another world.

6. Vietnam

Let’s stay in southeast Asia for the sixth destination on the cheapest tropical places to travel for Canadians. Vietnam is another place gaining a lot of popularity among those willing to travel a bit further for a budget-conscious trip to paradise.

The main cities, like Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon, are proper metropolises, but venture a bit outside and you can find a world of delicious food and stunning beaches. Places like Da Nang, Hoi An and Nha Trang offer everything you could ever want from a tropical vacation at a bargain basement price.

Try renting a scooter for just a few Canadian dollars and ride around historic temples and rice fields, while stopping to eat incredible, fresh pho or bun bo hue at world-famous street stalls.

Why it’s great for Canadians: Like Thailand, Vietnam is a longer journey to make, but once you get there, you may never want to come home. Some of the best food in Asia for just a few Canadian dollars, and some of the most beautiful, exotic scenery you’ll ever come across.

7. Philippines

The Philippines is another popular southeast Asian destination that allows you to live like a king on your Canadian dollars. With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers near-endless possibilities when it comes to beaches, lagoons, coral reefs and world-class snorkelling.

Manila is the capital city and the largest metropolis, but like in Vietnam and Thailand, heading to the outskirts of the country can unlock some real hidden gems. Islands like Cebu, Palawan and Siargao have crystal-blue waters that will make you think you’re in a real-life stock photo.

You can even go island hopping for a very reasonable price by taking local ferries or affordable, budget flights. Dry season is November to April, which is perfect because it lines up with the cold and wet season in most of Canada.

Why it’s great for Canadians: There is plenty of English in the Phillipines, and like its Southeast Asian cousins, your Canadian dollar allows you to have a trip that is either on a shoestring budget or has you living in spoiled luxury.

8. Nicaragua

Back to Central America for the eighth pick on our cheapest tropical places to travel. Nicaragua is one of Central America’s cheapest destinations and offers a similar tropical experience to its neighbours, like Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Old colonial cities like Granada are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with rich history and a surprisingly big-city feel. There are also plenty of beaches and surfing areas like San Juan del Sur, or you can check out the beautiful volcanic islands of Ometepe.

Great local meals rarely exceed $10.00 per person, and you won’t ever need to break the bank for accommodations either. Friendly people and that wonderful tropical heat can really help rejuvenate your soul and escape from those frigid Canadian winters.

Why it’s great for Canadians: Hot weather, friendly locals and wonderful scenery. What else could you ask for? Don’t forget to indulge in some of the best coffee in the world while you’re there!

9. Bali, Indonesia

A lot of people think that going to Bali will cost you a small fortune, but there is a reason it made our list of cheap tropical places to travel.

Like the Southeast Asian countries on this list, Bali is half a world away. That means flights are going to cost you, and there are rarely direct flights, even from Canada’s biggest airports. But once you arrive in Bali, you’ll find that it remains one of the most affordable tropical destinations in the world.

The beautiful villas and ocean-side rooms you see on Instagram are surprisingly affordable. As with many destinations, the further out you go, the cheaper it can get. More remote areas like Ubud or Canggu can offer the same otherworldly experience for under $60 per night.

Why it’s great for Canadians: Bali is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Although it takes a long flight or two to get there, once you arrive, you’ll be treated to an exotic vacation for a very reasonable price.

10. Portugal

Is Portugal tropical? Parts of it are, so it snuck into the final spot on our list. Portugal is easily one of the most affordable places to go in Europe, and even though it uses the Euro, you can still feel that you are getting a good bang for your Canadian bucks.

Portugal has some of the freshest seafood and tropical fruit in the world. It’s not a large country, but each region has its own charm. Whether it is the big city feel of Lisbon, sipping port wine in Porto, or visiting the picturesque beaches on the island of Madeira, Portugal has a wide range of destinations for Canadians to enjoy.

If you are really adventurous, rent a car and take a drive down to the Algarve region, where you will find some of the most beautiful beach towns in the world.

Why it’s great for Canadians: Canadians will appreciate the slow, relaxed pace of Portugal. All citizens learn English from a young age, so there is no language barrier with the locals.

The bottom line

If you’re daydreaming about a tropical vacation but are worried about breaking the bank, we’ve got your back.

So whether you want to be dancing in the Dominican Republic, enjoying the nightlife in Thailand, or eating the freshest seafood on that side of the Atlantic in Portugal, there are plenty of tropical paradises for the budget traveller.

What are you waiting for? Before the cold and snow set in, book your tropical escape and spend the frigid Canadian winter with warm sand between your toes.

FAQs

Where is the cheapest tropical place to go on vacation?

There are plenty of cheap tropical places to go for Canadians. Mexico is often seen as the most affordable because of cheap flights from Canada. Aside from the flight, Thailand, Vietnam and Nicaragua are some of the cheapest tropical places for Canadians to visit.

What is the cheapest exotic place to visit?

Thailand is still the king of cheap, exotic vacations for Canadians. You may have to shell out for the flight, but once you arrive, food, transportation and accommodations are some of the cheapest you’ll find.

Where is the cheapest Caribbean island to visit?

Most of the Caribbean islands are quite reasonably priced. With that being said, the Dominican Republic offers the most affordable Caribbean vacation for Canadians. This is especially true if you can find a nice flight and hotel package, which can end up being less than just the flight to most other destinations.

What is the cheapest but safest country to visit?

Belize and Portugal are the two safest countries on this list to visit, and are also affordable. Both have plenty of tourists, and both countries have plenty of English available, which always makes Canadians feel a little more at home.