For many of us, we might just call this year a wash in the travel books. But, although it’s been a tough year for travel planning, we have hope for a better 2021, starting with this incredible destination list for flexible and cheap holidays for every budget!
We hope that these suggestions will inspire you for an amazing 2021! Please note that travel guidelines and restrictions are constantly changing and you should always check local government websites before booking travel
Budget holidays in 2021
We’ve picked holiday destinations that can allow you to stretch your hard-earned money — get comfort, culture, and beauty for a fraction you may have gotten elsewhere!
Dominican Republic
Located offshore from Florida, the Dominican Republic beams as a cheap international destination. The tiny island nation is renowned for its family-friendliness, easy access, cheap flights, and all-inclusive resorts. Not to mention, it’s currently green-listed for travel and does not require a quarantine period. Can we say trending?!
Where to find cheap holidays in the Dominican Republic
Check out the 4-star all-inclusive Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort. It comes in at as much as half the price of nearby competitors. The best deals for cheap holidays are found in October through early May 2021. All-inclusive rates include food and beverages, Spanish classes and yoga, non-motorized sports, green fees, and a kids club (ages 4-12).
Brazil
Beeline for the perpetual summer in Brazilian paradises laced with world-class beaches and rainforest hideaways. Plus, colorful festivals and history-laden UNESCO World heritage sites. According to government travel advice, US citizens are allowed to enter by air for up to 90 days with a health declaration form and a negative COVID-19 test.
How to travel cheap in Brazil?
- Explore just one region, avoid major tourist hubs, and get off the beaten path.
- Stay at a chain hostel group like Hosteling International. They are resort-style but not all-inclusive. Plus, they’re both family-friendly and budget-minded.
- Go slow and add on sites or activities of interest as you go. Think tours, language lessons, festivals, and food.
Consider South Brazil for lesser-known local’s favorites. Think Florianopolis, Bonito, and the Pantanal. Or, the São Miguel das Missões ruins and the Brazilian Oktoberfest in Blumenau.
Mexico
Why not opt for a border hop and saunter down to Mexico? In recent years it has become a lauded destination famous for its cheap all-inclusive holidays. Dozens of coastal cities rank well as both swanky and pocket friendly. But, Playa del Carmen and Cancun always hover near the top for cheap all-inclusive holidays.
All-inclusive holidays 2021 with free child places in Mexico
The Panama Jack Resorts found in both destinations offer a no-fail solution. They offer quality, cheap, all-inclusive accommodation where kids stay free. Not to mention, their Playa Safe Stay initiative for the pandemic complies with the standards of Hilton hotels. Mexico is currently open for tourism via air and requires a health affidavit for travel. However, please double check government travel advice before booking.
Reasonably-priced holidays in 2021
Belarus
Wondering if a European destination can make the list of cheap holidays 2021? Well, yes, and Belarus just might be your cup of tea. It’s great for reasonably-priced, family-friendly holidays. And, it’s legendary for virgin forests and oodles of lakes, plus beautiful flora and fauna. All of it tucked between alluring castles and historical sites.
An all-inclusive holiday may prove a bit tricky. But, swapping resorts out for beautiful Eastern European villages near nature should suffice.
Visit European villages near these top Belarus sites
- Brest near Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
- Myadzyel near Narochansky National Park
- Novopolotsk near Braslaw Lakes National Park
- Pinsk near Pripyatsky National Park
- Minsk near Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve and Nalibokskaya Puscha Reserve
Belarus is open for tourism with hotels and transportation operating as usual. Although quarantine is not required, travelers are required to produce proof of a negative COVID test.
Turkey
There’s no doubt about it, Turkey is a cultural and architectural hotspot that is also budget-friendly. So, if you’re lost in thought of a far off land, this country straddling Europe and Asia should be a top contender. Don’t miss Turkey’s bucket list spots like Pamukkale and Cappadocia. Or, the ruins of Ephesus, Aspendos, Pergamum. Not to mention Mount Nemrut or even the city of Istanbul.
Cheap holidays with free child places in Turkey
One way to stay on a budget for a family is to stay at an all-inclusive hotel in Turkey. For example, check out the beach deals at Club Med Kemer. Club Meds are known for their child discounts so your kids might stay free or for half off. In addition, Hilton Bodrum Turkbuku Resort & Spa hosts the first kid under 12 free and the 2nd kid under 2 free.
Turkey is currently open for tourism. Travelers are required to show a negative COVID-19 test to avoid quarantine. Make sure to wear face masks, practice social distance, and obey existing curfew laws. Remember, always double-check local and government travel advice before booking or embarking on travel.
Egypt
Ready for a destination that suavely blends both old and new? Egypt is undoubtedly famous for its ancient sites. But, it’s also deliciously modern and reasonably affordable, too.
Where to find cheap holidays 2021 in Egypt
- Affordably choose luxury in Cairo from the Westin, Four Seasons, Sofitel, or Ritz Carlton
- Stay on the banks of the Nile River near the Valley of the Kings at Sofitel or Sonesta
- Soak up Mount Sinai and the Red Sea from the Savoy Sharm el-Sheikh or a Hilton resort.
- Go eco-friendly at the 5-star Taziry Ecolodge & Sustainable Village in the Siwa Oasis
Egypt is partially open for travel and is permitting American citizens to enter the country. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test and complete a health screening at the airport. There are currently no curfew orders in place, but you may be fined for not wearing a mask.
Luxury holidays in 2021
Barbados
If an island hideaway sounds like an ideal escape, luxury awaits on the Caribbean island of Barbados. It’s the perfect destination to while away the days surfing and golfing. Or, sunbathing and becoming a rum connoisseur. And the pickings for luxury all-inclusive holidays are prime, to say the least.
You can find one of the best and most expensive resorts in the world here, Sandy Lane Hotel. Or, make it a luxurious but affordable all-inclusive holiday with a slew of others. Try Sandals (adults only), Tamarind, the Sandpiper, and more. For families, you can add Barbados to your cheap holidays 2021 list, too. Check the list below for budget-friendly options.
All-inclusive holidays 2021 with free child places in Barbados
- Kids under 4 always stay free at Mango Bay
- At Turtle Beach, ask for the ‘2 kids stay free deal.’ When it’s available, the first child under 16 and the second child under 5 can stay for free.
- One child under 5 plus one additional child (ages 6-16) stay free at Crystal Cove
Barbados is currently partially open for tourism and is welcoming USA nationals. You will need a negative COVID-19 test and a customs form filled out 24 hours prior to travel. Everyone is expected to wear a face mask, and to comply with social distancing and curfew orders. Please review local and government travel advice before booking or traveling.
Spain
Ah, Spain! There may be no better destination capable of appealing to the masses. Whether you’re a sunseeker or a peak chaser, an architecture swoon, a culture snob, or a foodie; there’s are affordable and luxurious options nearby.
Where to find all-inclusive holidays in Spain
- Browse Ibiza hotels for dozens of all-inclusive beach resorts
- To go skiing near Barcelona, check out the twin resorts, La Molina and Masella
- For all things wine, go for Hacienda Zorita and Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf
Spain is scheduled to open for tourism beginning January 31, 2021. Travelers need to provide a negative PCR test, are subject to medical screening, and will be required to wear a facemask. You may also need to practice social distancing and abide by movement limitations or curfews. Please keep yourself informed about government-issued travel regulations before booking or traveling.
Tonga
Looking for off the beaten path luxury? Tonga may not have made your list before. But, you’ve probably heard of Fiji, Tuvalu, or French Polynesia. Tonga is a sister country to these famous South Pacific destinations comprising a whopping 170 tiny islands! We probably don’t have to tell you that life here is little more than snorkeling, sailing, and sunbathing.
Where to find all-inclusive holidays in Tonga
Five-star luxury is blissfully missing in Tonga which is what makes it a perfect addition to our luxurious but cheap holidays 2021 list. The biggest splurge is on getting there and the biggest rewards are reaped in the ethereal natural surroundings. Accommodations are delightfully local and rustic with top picks listed as Mystic Sands and Reef Resort Neiafu.
Tonga is currently greenlighted for tourism and is accepting travelers with a health declaration. There are no COVID restrictions or quarantines in place. Even so, just like anywhere, the situation could change rapidly. So, don’t forget to double-check local and government travel advice before booking or traveling.
Got a destination in mind?
Why not get your trip started with a quick search and look out for the best deals.
2021 Travel Planning FAQs
If you are comfortable with travel and entry requirements, right now is a good time to book holiday deals to your favorite destinations. Travel is going to look a lot different but it will still be possible to find cheap travel deals in 2021. Just be sure to look for flexible travel options that make it easier and more affordable (or free) to change your tickets if your plans change. And, never book or leave for a trip without triple-checking both local and government travel advice, and sources like the WHO and CDC.
The cheapest all-inclusive holiday destinations include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados in the Americas. Turkey, Egypt, and Spain also have cheap all-inclusive holidays. There are also opportunities to find all-inclusive holidays without a deposit.
Age restrictions for ‘children travel free’ deals vary by the terms and conditions listed by each deal or company. Oftentimes young children can fly, stay, or eat free when they are babies or are under the age of 4 or 5. But, many hotels and all-inclusive resorts offer free travel or discounts for older kids, too. The typical cut-off for free child places or discounts is between 12 and 16 years old.
That’s a wrap for our cheap holidays 2021 list! We hope you’ll find great deals to a fascinating destination that fits your dream and your budget. And, just one more time, please, please, please do not forget to double-check local and government travel advice before your book your travel.
Want to read more?
- Coronavirus travel advice: our daily updated article with coronavirus tips, advice, and state travel restrictions.
- Travel Quiz: Test your travel knowledge: see how much you know about travel and cities!
- How to use Skyscanner during COVID: our top tips on how to use Skyscanner’s tools to find safe and flexible travel.
