If travel to you is more about having a fresh experience at a great price than visiting well-trod and tourist-mobbed hotspots, we have a dozen destinations that offer what you want at about 20% to 70% off the cost of visiting marquee destinations. Some are ideal for travel this fall or winter, while others you can start planning ahead for next spring or summer.
In the November issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, we give you tips on how to find a great travel bargain off the beaten path. We've also put together a slide show of 12 fabulous autumn-time getaways. Wherever your travels take you, you can get help booking your trips online with our list of the 25 Best Value Travel Sites. Let the vacation planning begin:
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CUENCA, ECUADOR
Why it's hot: Cuenca is home to well-preserved, 18th century colonial buildings. Offshore, attractions include the Galapagos Islands where you can see exotic wildlife that inspired Darwin's evolutionary theory.
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PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Why it's hot: Prague rivals Vienna with its fairytale castles and well-preserved architecture, such as the centuries-old archway shown here by the Charles Bridge. Yet Prague charges about 20% less than Vienna for food and entertainment. Plus, the Czech Republic doesn't use the euro so Americans get a better exchange rate.
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SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Why it's hot: San Juan and its 16th-century, Spanish fortresses and golden beaches are affordable because of an airline price war. Discount airlines JetBlue and Spirit are in a dogfight with American on flights to San Juan, making it cheaper to fly here than to the rest of the Caribbean from cities such as Boston and Detroit
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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
Why it's hot: While not cheap, this Scottish town is about 10% less expensive than London. Plus, Glasgow is half as dense, offering a more leisurely holiday pace.
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BRAN, ROMANIA
Why it's hot: Gothic cathedrals, famous monasteries and a castle once visited by the man who inspired the legend of Dracula make Romania appealing. Even better, the country's on sale for American tourists because its economy hasn't yet gotten its legs after the Communist era. "Romania is one of the cheapest and most fascinating places for an American to visit today," says Tim Leffel, author of Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune.
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SANDUSKY, OHIO
Why it's hot: Cedar Point Amusement Park was recently named the best amusement park in the world by Amusement Today. It boasts 16 roller coasters, more than any other U.S. park. Cedar Point competes to have the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters, but it also offers choices for people who prefer tamer rides.
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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Why it's hot: The dollar's exchange rate with the Argentine peso has put this elegant capital city on a two-thirds-off sale for U.S. visitors. Buenos Aires offers European-style architecture and sidewalk cafes at cut-rate prices.
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ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Why it's hot: This is one of the only Middle Eastern countries stable and peaceful for American tourists. The U.S. dollar also has a lot of buying power in Turkey. Think $5 private guided tours and $15 spa services at Turkish baths.
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PUERTO PLATA,DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Why it's hot: The Dominican Republic offers all-inclusive resorts at prices that are 20% to 50% less than rates for comparable resorts in Nassau, St. Thomas and other Caribbean destinations with white sandy beaches.
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QUÉBEC CITY, CANADA
Why it's hot: Québec City offers French cuisine and architecture at about a third of the cost of a visit to France. Canadian tours are alluring when compared with our dollar's unfavorable exchange rate with the euro, which puts a 22% premium on everything in France. Our dollar is about 10% stronger than the Canadian dollar.
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KO PHI PHI DON, THAILAND
Why it's hot: The financial bust after the tsunami two years ago has led to a boon in deals for tourists. Thailand offers Buddhist temples, super snorkeling, tasty food and beautiful beaches at ultra-low prices.
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BRIDGER BOWL SKI RESORT, MONTANA
Why it's hot: This is what skiing was like before resorts started charging $7 for hot chocolate and lift lines became longer than the runs. Unlike resorts in Veil and Aspen, Bridger Bowl, located about 16 miles outside of Bozeman, Mont., is run as a nonprofit, keeping a lid on prices. This winter, lift tickets will cost $41 a day, while comparable resorts in the Rockies charge about twice that fee. Ski rentals cost $25 a day -- another steal.
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