Our Favorite Affordable Vacation Spots for 2019 Are Seriously Dreamy

"Portugal has been extremely popular the past couple of years and with good reason. Lisbon is incredible—the food, the Moorish art and architecture, the traditional fado music. It's got everything you'd find in a London or Paris, but for much less. I discovered this great boutique hotel—the Memmo Alfama—on my last trip there and can't recommend it enough."  

Clara Sedlak, Executive Editor

"One of my favorite places to vacation is Oaxaca, and it’s a really great option when you’re on a budget. I often see direct flights there from NYC for under $300, and it’s easy to find an affordable yet stylish stay in town for around $150 a night. My favorite hotel is El Diablo Y La Sandia Boca Del Monte within walking distance of Santo Domingo and the Zócalo." 

Gretchen Dorosz, Senior Photo Editor

"I usually visit Austin at least once a year to see friends and the city never disappoints! There’s no shortage of affordable things to do there, like swim at Barton Springs Pool, standup paddle board in the Colorado River, or hang out in the Zilker Botanical Garden. I usually bed down at the fun and trendy Austin Motel that offers one of the best pools in the city. Undoubtedly the best part of Austin is the many food truck options where you can get amazing dishes for $8 to $10!"

David Hattan, Photo Editor

RELATED: The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Austin 

"If you’re traveling around Europe, you've got to put Budapest on your must-see list. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited and it’s insanely affordable. The main attractions (like the spa baths) aren’t very pricey, and simply walking around the city and taking in views of the Danube is incredible in its own right. One of my favorite free activities? A picnic on the beautiful Margaret Island, right in between Buda and Pest."

Jackie Homan, Editorial Assistant

"I can’t make it through a New England winter without a sunny getaway. Luckily, you can fly directly to San Juan from a number of East Coast cities for just a few hundred dollars, and once you're there, the hotels are very affordable. There's so much to do in Puerto Rico: you can book a tour of the rainforest and eat at amazing restaurants, but the beaches are the country's main attraction and they don’t cost a thing."

Elizabeth Mullen, Associate Marketing Manager

RELATED: The 10 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico 

"I couldn’t believe how charming (and easy on the wallet) Savannah was when I visited last year. The temperate weather makes simply walking around the city top of the list—you could spend entire afternoons soaking in its moss-covered oaks, antebellum mansions, and bench-lined parks without spending a dime. A particular highlight is City Market, an open-air courtyard lined with galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants specializing in American comfort food (hello, buttered buscuits!). If you have the time, work in a day trip to Tybee Island’s beautiful beach, home to an 18th-century lighthouse. The best part? Getting to the city is short (just a 2.5-hour flight from NYC) and sweet (often for less than $250 roundtrip)."

Lindsey Olander, Senior Editor

"Anything that gets me out of NYC is vacation enough for me. I love visiting New England during summer for a low-stress, low-cost trip—specifically to the New Hampshire Seacoast. From the Hampton Beach bars, to the Rye mansions and the Seabrook beaches, the Seacoast is a quick and worth-it trek for an East Coast guy like myself."

Tyler Schoeber, Photo Intern