Travel to 7 off-path destinations that offer the best bang for your buck in 2026

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Let’s be honest: Travel is expensive. The days of $500 European flights and $100 luxury hotels seem like a distant memory. But smart travelers know that “expensive” is a choice, not a rule.

While many people flock to Italy, Japan, and Costa Rica and pay top dollar for the privilege, there are parallel destinations that offer incredible experiences, stunning beauty, and incredible value.

Travel Off Path analyzes air routes, currency trends, and local costs to find the seven destinations where your money will fly in 2026. These aren’t just “cheap” places. These happen to be affordable and world-class destinations.

Here’s where to go to get the best bang for your buck in 2026.

1. Bacalar, Mexico (“New Tulum”)

Atmosphere: “Mexican Maldives” without the price tag.
Reason: Tulum is over. It’s overpriced, crowded and has lost its charm. Located on the stunning ‘Lake of the Seven Colors’, Bacalar offers its calm, eco-chic atmosphere at a fraction of the price. You can stay in a great lagoon front hotel for just $100 a night.
Great value play: Skip the $20 cocktails in Tulum for $2 tacos and $5 margaritas in a town that still feels like a secret.

2. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic (“Anti-Punta Cana”)

Atmosphere: European chic meets Caribbean chill.
Why: While everyone goes all-inclusive in Punta Cana, savvy travelers head to the Samana Peninsula. Las Terrenas is a vibrant beach town with a European soul (thanks to a large community of French expats).
Great deal: Rent an entire villa with a private pool for the price of a standard hotel room in Punta Cana. The food is incredibly cheap and delicious.

3. Salento, Colombia (the “real” Colombia)

Atmosphere: Colorful colonial architecture and towering wax palm trees.
Why: Cartagena is beautiful, but expensive. The coffee-producing region of Salento is a place filled with the soul of this country. It is the gateway to the Cocora Valley (with its huge palm trees).
Great deal: Premium coffee farm tours are $15. Great meal for $8. Surprisingly affordable for the quality of the experience.

4. Granada, Nicaragua (colonial gem)

Atmosphere: History, volcanoes, and lake life.
Why: Antigua, Guatemala is great, but expensive. Granada offers the same stunning colonial architecture, volcanic lakes, and vibrant culture at 30-40% off.
Great deal: Stay in a converted colonial mansion with a pool for less than $80 a night.

5. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (underrated capital)

Atmosphere: Where East meets West in the heart of the Balkans.
Reason: Europe has become prohibitively expensive. Sarajevo is the antidote. It has an incredible history, a beautiful old town (Bašcarsija), and mountains on the doorstep.
Value play: One of the cheapest capitals in Europe. A hearty dinner of cevapi and beer can be had for less than $10.

6. Essaouira, Morocco (cold coast)

Atmosphere: Wind-swept castle walls, art galleries and fresh Atlantic breezes.
Reason: Marrakech is chaotic and can be a tourist trap. Essaouira is a laid-back coastal region. It’s a fortified port city with a thriving arts scene and great seafood.
A great way to play: For just a penny, you can enjoy grilled fish fresh off the boat in the harbour. Staying in a riad is significantly cheaper than in Marrakech.

7. Da Nang, Vietnam (The Perfect Mix)

Atmosphere: The energy of a modern city with a world-class beach.
Reason: It’s Vietnam’s Goldilocks. It has resort town beaches, city food, and a short drive to the ancient capital of Hoi An. Modern, clean, and incredibly livable.
Value Play: You can rent a luxury apartment with an ocean view for $600 per month (or $30 per night). The street food is world class and costs between $1 and $2 per meal.

A final word

Value doesn’t just mean cheap. It’s about what you get for your money. In 2026, you can spend $5,000 a week in a crowded, average hotel in Florida, or half that amount for a week of luxury, adventure, and culture in a truly exciting destination.

Before booking, be sure to check the latest entry rules and safety precautions for your chosen destination using 1 Minute Trip Check.