Retirees planning a winter escape from cold mornings and gray skies for warm beaches and colorful streets might worry about what they can afford. But a week in the sun doesn’t have to mean choosing between comfort and cost.
Destinations closer to home can feel like the most cost-effective choice, and the Caribbean basin and Latin America definitely have plenty of affordable spots. But there are also places further afield where slightly higher flight prices are balanced by lower daily costs.
These six destinations show how far a $1,500 budget can stretch for a winter escape.
Mérida, Mexico
BudgetYourTrip estimates the average cost of a trip to Mérida, including lodging, food, local transport and sightseeing, at $710 for a week per person, and flights from many U.S. airports start around $200, per Kayak.
As a small city in the Yucatán Peninsula, its streets are walkable, with plenty of culture and architecture to enjoy. While not directly on the beach, coastal spots are just a 30- to 60-minute drive away.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand’s cool season (November to February) means pleasant temperatures and minimal rain. Expedia shows a number of package holidays to Chiang Mai for under $1,500 per person, with many around $1,100. Going for the slightly cheaper option leaves a few hundred for day trips or extra meals, with BudgetYourTrip suggesting average daily food costs of $21 per person.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
A popular retiree vacation spot, Puerto Vallarta offers beaches, cobblestone streets and a lively food scene. Flights can be found for around $200 to $400 from major U.S. airports, and BudgetYourTrip reports that average weekly expenses are $921 per person. While some tourist hotspots would be over budget, there are still plenty of affordable food and drink places for easy people watching and enjoying the sunsets.
Medellín, Colombia
Known as the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its pleasant weather all year round, Medellín is a popular choice for a winter vacation. Flights can be found for around $200 to $300, and the average cost per person for a weeklong trip is $212, according to BudgetYourTrip. There are plenty of things to see and do here, from parks and museums to nature trails, and with metro rides costing less than a dollar, it’s cheap and easy to see the sites via public transportation.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Vietnam is known as one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, and BudgetYourTrip reports the average weekly trip cost in Da Nang is $386 per person. Flights might be on the higher side, at around $600 to $700, but low day-to-day costs make sticking to a budget much easier.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
All-inclusive deals tend to leave no surprises for retirees watching the budget, and a week AI in Puerto Plata can easily be done under $1,500 according to Expedia, with some options even below $1,000. Palm-lined beaches and warm waters add value without extra expense.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Winter Destinations Retirees Can Enjoy on a $1,500 Budget
