13 Luxury Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable

Flying private, booking a room with the best view, and exploring some of the most coveted destinations, like New York City or the Amalfi Coast, are just a few reasons high-end vacations beckon travelers. But luxury vacations don't need to break the bank. With an eye for deals and a little planning, it's entirely possible to book hotels, experiences, and entire trips that might otherwise seem unattainable.

So, take the trip of a lifetime without spending your life savings. These 13 affordable luxury vacations will leave you in awe of the trip and the price.

Stay in a French castle.

While some Airbnb listings are only for the very wealthy, costing tens of thousands of dollars, you can also find hidden gems for the more budget-conscious. Jet off to France and live out your royal fantasies with a stay in a three-bedroom castle with a pool for less than $100 per night.

Go glamping.

Stylish camping setups allow visitors to experience beautiful natural landscapes without forgoing the creature comforts of a hotel stay. Glamping sites are available at a range of price points, but you can find options for under $100 a night. Stay in an eco bungalow in the jungle at Akumal Natura Glamping on Mexico's Riviera Maya or watch the sunset over the water from your Picnic Garden Glamping tent on Awaji Island in Japan. Of course, there are ample glamping opportunities in the U.S., from tree houses in Texas to covered wagons in Utah.

Find your joie de vivre in Paris.

Whether you want to hit the famous tourist attractions of the 6th arrondissement or immerse yourself in a trendy neighborhood like the Marais, you can find affordable hotels in almost every corner of Paris. But a stay in the City of Light is even more magical with a dreamy view of the Eiffel Tower outside your window. Depending on the time of year, you can snag a room within sight of the iconic landmark at the Hotel de Londres Eiffel or Hotel La Comtesse for less than $300 per night.

Fly private for less.

A ticket through JSX, a semi-private-flight experience at (almost) commercial airline prices, gives you access to a private terminal, where you can go from parking to takeoff in just 20 minutes — or 45 minutes for international flights. No more being stressed out about getting to the airport early, waiting in long lines, or squeezing into a coach seat. The catch: Flights are only available between a few cities, including many on the West Coast and in Texas as well as Miami, Florida, and Westchester County, New York.

Snag a chic Colombian getaway.

Colombia's port city of Cartagena is a dreamy destination. With a little research, you can make that trip a reality with an affordable booking at Oz Hotel, a chic spot with nightly rates well below $100 per night. It's located near the beach and also has a rooftop terrace with city views.

Discover dreamy Dar es Salaam.

Tourists are quick to head to resorts in Zanzibar, Tanzania, one of the best destinations for honeymoons and other romantic escapes. While there's no denying the quality of these expensive seaside accommodations, it's possible to have a similar luxury beach experience on the Tanzanian mainland for a much more affordable price.

The Ramada by Wyndham in Dar es Salaam — with rooms for less than $150 per night — is located along the shores of Jangwani Beach. It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy the waves of the Indian Ocean while taking in the nearby city center. The hotel also offers airport shuttles and late checkout.

Live it up in NYC's hippest borough.

Instead of squeezing yourself into a small, overpriced Manhattan hotel room, base yourself in a buzzing area of Brooklyn for a bit more breathing space and reasonable rates. If you want a central location, stay at the Ace Hotel near downtown Brooklyn for as little as $200 a night. In Williamsburg, which is packed with great restaurants, trendy bars, and chic shops, you'll find prices starting at around $150 at Coda and $200 at The Hoxton.

Get a taste of Thailand.

Opt for a stress-free yet unforgettable getaway to Southeast Asia on this Friendly Planet vacation across Thailand, a 10-day trip that costs around $2,200 per person. Including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and visits to some of the country's most historic attractions (such as Ayutthaya, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site), this deal is hard to pass up.

Experience la dolce vita in Amalfi.

You don't have to stay in a former palazzo to enjoy the charming towns and stunning cliffside scenery along the Amalfi Coast. Offering rates from around $200, Valle d’Amalfi Suites is an affordable alternative. Nestling in the verdant hills within walking distance of Amalfi's historic center, the four-star hotel offers breathtaking sea and city views.

Book a bargain Mexican casita.

A stay at one of the oceanside suites at Hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco, Mexico, is your chance to truly treat yourself without breaking the bank. With prices starting at roughly $175 per night, you can book a casita with incredible coastal views from your private pool.

Stay in a luxury Tulum cabana.

Stunning accommodations and private beach access make Ahau Tulum worth visiting. Depending on the time of year, you could book a stay in one of the charming Bali huts for around $200 per night.

Relax by Cambodia's Siem Reap River.

Breathe easy with a stay at this 36-room five-star hotel along the Siem Reap River in Cambodia. All accommodations at Jaya House River Park have either balcony views or direct garden or pool access, and it's about a 10-minute drive from the renowned temple complex Angkor Wat. Nightly rates can be found for less than $300 per night, depending on the season.

Explore South African wine country.

The sunny vineyards of Franschhoek, South Africa are a wine lover's paradise, and planning a trip during the low season will help you score hotels at unbelievably low prices. Check out the Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, which starts around $130 per night and is situated a few steps from one of the trolley stops that conveniently connects you to various wineries in the area.