But hear me out for a second. There are still some cheap beach vacations out there. Even in today’s world, where travel is no longer as wallet-friendly as it used to be, with some smart planning and tools like Kiwi, great deals on coastal getaways are never far away. More on that later.
Keep reading to find out which dreamy shores give you the most value for your money right now.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Cheap Beach Vacations?
If you want to know the best cheap beach vacations, these are the top options.
- Europe: Ksamil and Lefkada
- Asia: Unawatuna and Pantai Tanjung Aan
- The Americas: Puerto Escondido and Cabo de la Vela
To find affordable flights to any of these locations, try focusing on shoulder seasons, flying midweek if possible, and considering alternative airports that are cheaper to fly into.
Top Cheap Beach Destinations Around the World
The world is full of cheap beach destinations waiting to be explored. Think Europe’s pristine shores, Asia’s exotic coastlines, and the Americas’ islands.
Don’t fall into the trap of chasing half the human population to Instagram-famous spots everyone is already heading to. My advice is to seek out the ones that aren’t so hot right now but are bound to be in the future. Here’s our favorite cheap beach holidays !
Europe’s Budget-Friendly Beaches
Ksamil, Albania
The Albanian Riviera has become a budget-friendly alternative to Italy over the past few years, and Ksamil is leading the charge. Pebbled shores dot the coast, buzzy beach bars are packed once the sun comes up, and ALL 950 (€10) will get you a beach bed for two next to crystal clear water. This is Ksamil. Experience it now at Ksamil 7 Beach or Abiori Beach.
Lefkada, Greece
Connected to the Greek mainland by road, Lefkada may not have the same isolated feel as somewhere like Paros, but it delivers jaw-dropping sands and prices that will make your day. The island offers dramatic beachfront areas tucked beneath cliffs, like the iconic Porto Katsiki, one of the cheapest beaches to visit, and you can score private rooms at a guesthouse for as little as €30 a night. Greece done for pennies.
Affordable Beach Getaways in Asia
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s southern coast is peppered with spectacular beaches, but none are as widely regarded as Unawatuna. Loved by swimmers, though looked down on by surfers who prefer Dalawella, Unawatuna is like something from a postcard with its golden sands and azure waters.
You won’t find any high entry fees here, and the walk from Unawatuna town is less than 15 minutes. Free beach days are the best, especially when in Sri Lanka!
Pantai Tanjung Aan, Lombok, Indonesia
As alternatives to Bali gain popularity, Lombok has established itself as a top affordable beach vacation destination, with Pantai Tanjung Aan on everyone’s list. Expansive white sands, relaxed waves, and overwater swings make for great couples photos. That is what Pantai Tanjung Aan is all about.
Although many of the warungs have since shut up shop, a handful of surfboard rental spots can still be found at Pantai Tanjung Aan in case you’re in the mood to catch some waves. As daylight fades, climb up to Merese Hill and take in the breathtaking colors stretching across the sky.
Cheap Beach Vacations in the Americas
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Mexico’s hippy hideaway, Puerto Escondido, sits on the Mexican Pacific where warm waters and idyllic sunsets are the norm.
Puerto Escondido has two sides. One is all-out gentrification with hip cafes, swanky eateries, and fancy Airbnbs. On the more local end in Centro, things feel more residential, and it’s much cheaper to stay, so that’s where you should base yourself to keep costs down.
You’ll have a lot to keep you occupied during your time in Puerto Escondido, even if you’re not a beach bum, from yoga classes to deep-sea diving. That said, nobody will judge you if you just want to laze around and sink into the sand for two weeks.
Cabo de la Vela, Colombia
On Colombia’s northern shores sits Cabo de la Vela, the largest desert area in the country. Its secluded location has been attracting backpackers over the past few years who want to get off the grid and stay overnight in rustic inns, with the option to sleep on the beach. These accommodations are called rancherías and cost around COP 15,000 (€3.71) per night for a basic hammock.
Cabo de la Vela’s beachside location is very popular with kitesurfers thanks to the favorable sea conditions. If that’s not your thing, there’s plenty for the non-water sports types too, like the Mirador Tortuga, with cracking seaside views that you can enjoy on your cheap beach vacation.
Cheap Beach Vacations for Families
As parents, convenience is likely your top priority when traveling to the beach with the little ones. You want somewhere they’ll be happy, fair family flight prices, and not to go broke by the end of it. All of that is on the table with these affordable beach vacations.
Best Family-Friendly Beach Destinations
- Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: Settled along Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, Sunny Beach is packed with low-cost resorts with kids’ clubs, waterparks, and mud baths. A family beach vacation for a fair price.
- Agadir, Morocco: Bustling souks, relaxed vibes, and a very safe environment make Agadir a winner for families. Far removed from Marrakech’s crazy streets, your children can enjoy stunning parks like Olhao Garden and exciting cable car rides.
- El Nido, Philippines: The diamond of Palawan, El Nido has something for people of all ages. The beaches are even more beautiful in real life, especially the mesmerizing Las Cabañas Beach, and the island tours are a great day out. Whether you go with option A, B, C, or D, expect gorgeous lagoons and dramatic rock formations.
- Hurghada, Egypt: Known as Egypt’s hub for water activities, including deep-sea diving, Hurghada is the gateway to the Red Sea and one of the most family-friendly destinations . Walking through the old town of El Dahar is a treat. Village Road is lined with ice cream shops and playgrounds, and beaches are in abundance. The downside is that many charge entry, but some, like Old Sheraton Beach, are cheaper, with tickets costing EGP 300 (€5).
Tips for Saving on Flights with Kids
- Consider early flights: This may not be realistic for families with very young kids, but flights that leave first thing in the morning to beach destinations often offer the best value. Fewer people like to get up for those rough Ryanair morning departures, so tickets usually cost less.
- Use flight alerts: On flight websites like Kiwi, you can set price alerts on routes during busy periods, such as summer when families are off school. You’ll be able to see every time prices change on routes to Egypt or Morocco for your family holiday, and bag some cheap flights for the kids and yourself.
- Be aware of seating fees: Airlines usually charge for seat selection, giving you the option to pay for it at checkout. These fees add up quickly when paying for multiple people, so weigh up whether it’s worth the extra spend.
- Don’t pay extra for luggage for everyone: Young kids usually don’t need as much luggage as adults. Unless your seats have free baggage included, it’s best to bring one big bag per parent and pack their things in with yours. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also less to carry around as well.
How to Find Cheap Flights for Beach Vacations
There’s a knack to finding cheap flights to popular beaches. But once you nail it, the savings never stop.
- Flexible dates: Everyone wants to travel on popular holiday dates, when schools are out, or Christmas is around the corner. Resist the temptation. Instead, give yourself windows of one to two weeks and fly when the price is right.
- Nearby airports: If a destination is famous for its beaches, flight prices to the main airport can be higher. For instance, if you want to fly to Phuket, Thailand, airfares may be higher than to Krabi. Then the bus is only three hours and costs THB 400 (€10.53). A no-brainer when flights are 30% to 40% more expensive.
- Booking timing: Know the right days to book flights. Sundays can sometimes offer decent fares for cheap beach vacations. But don’t forget to search midweek as well. You never know what deals you might find.
Best Time to Book Flights
Knowing when to click ‘buy now’ is everything. The ideal time to book cheap beach vacation flights is 30 to 60 days before departure. Rates usually stabilize around this mark before climbing again, the closer you get to departure. The difference can be huge: a route from London to Colombo may cost €583 when booked 18 days out, but drop to €469 when booked 31 days in advance. More money in your pocket.
If you’re wondering what the best day to book flights is, there’s no exact day, but you are more likely to find lower fares on a Sunday than on other days. Available data suggests you can enjoy up 17% savings when booking on that day, giving you access to some of the cheapest beach vacations.
Flexible Travel for Bigger Savings
There’s real value in having some flexibility when traveling, and Kiwi’s virtual interlining approach is proof of that. When mixing a few airlines into a single itinerary, the savings can be huge, and you may even get to see a new city along the way.
Take a route from Frankfurt to Lombok. With virtual interlining, it breaks down as Frankfurt to Istanbul for an overnight layover, Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, and Singapore to Lombok, all for €476. Flying with Singapore Airlines alone to this cheap beach destination costs €544.
When to Travel for the Cheapest Beach Vacations
Timing matters more for the cheapest beach vacations than almost any other type of trip. You’ll be outside on the sand for most of the trip, so you have to factor in the weather.
The high season is popular for a reason. It’s usually dry, the humidity is lower, at least in Asia, and everything is open. Hotels are at full capacity, and seasonal restaurants are out the door. That said, it costs more to travel during high season, as flights are pricier and beachside accommodations raise their rates.
Beaches during the off-season see fewer visitors because the regions often suffer from heavy rain, as is the case in Lombok and Sri Lanka. It doesn’t mean it will rain the entire time. You may get sunny mornings with afternoon showers, but blue skies all day are not guaranteed. On the upside, prices are usually more favorable during these periods due to low demand.
The shoulder seasons are a good alternative and my preferred time to travel. The weather tends to be relatively stable before the worst of it sets in. High season crowds have thinned out, so property owners lower their prices to capture the last of the business, and airlines sometimes follow with cheap holiday flights of their own.
Ready to Plan Your Cheap Beach Vacation?
Cheap beach vacations are out there waiting to be booked. Kiwi is here to help you fly for less and make travel planning easy and efficient. We build routes to the world’s most beautiful shores by combining flights across multiple airlines. No overpriced single-airline fares. Just favorable itineraries that leave you with extra cash to spend on cocktails by the coast.
