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If you’re thinking of an idyllic, summery week in Italy’s glorious Amalfi, images of a sun-drenched Positano are likely the first ones that will come to mind:

That picturesque volcanic beach dotted with blue-and-white-striped parasols, pastel-hue houses hanging to the side of vertiginous cliffs, and scenic vespa rides into blood-orange sunsets… If only it weren’t awfully busy and prohibitively expensive.

Overnights in budget hotels and B&Bs start at $200-300 per night, while mid-range to luxury will set you back by a whopping $900-1,500.

Add to that an average $68 for casual dining and other equally inflated secondary costs, and you’re looking at thousands of dollars in expenses for the week.

Amalfi is indeed gorgeous, but it isn’t really worth breaking the bank for—but hey, something most Amalfi-bound tourists forget is that Positano, however central it may be, is not the only base available for exploring the picture-perfect coast.

Discover Ravello, Amalfi’s Last Hidden Gem

For decades now, everyone’s been sleeping on Ravello, a mountain settlement 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, and it’s finally time it got the recognition it deserves.

Set a short 45-minute drive from Positano, and an even shorter 13 minutes from Amalfi, the settlement after which the 31-mile stretch of coast is named, it is a laid-back resort town nestled in the Southern Italian hills, often bypassed as it’s not directly on the coast.

Tourists often prefer to stay directly in Positano, as it’s considered ‘iconic’ and the quintessential Amalfi town, or the lively Sorrento, drawn to the buzzing marina and high-end amenities, draining their bank accounts while paying an equally beautiful, and far more affordable Ravello dust:

Here’s why you shouldn’t make that same mistake:

One Of The Most Beautiful Towns In The Amalfi Coast

For starters, Ravello is simply one of the most beautiful towns in Amalfi, as well as the most serene, perhaps:

With an absence of beach clubs and obvious Instagram-friendly spots, visitors are primarily drawn to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, romantic vistas, and tranquility—it’s no wonder it’s been a favorite of writers visiting the region, like Richard Wagner.

The historic center is like something out of a storybook, with stone-paved streets flanked by pastel-hue buildings and alleys leading to lush gardens and secluded villas.

By the way, two incredibly historic Southern Italian villas are situated here: Villa Rufolo, dating back to the 13th century and distinguished by its Moorish-inspired interior, and Villa Cimbrione, famous for its terraced garden overlooking the Mediterranean.

History lovers will also appreciate the well-preserved medieval cathedral, Duomo di Ravello, built in the 11th century, dedicated to St. Pantaleone, featuring a magnificent marble pulpit, and the fact that Villa Rufolo itself has Roman-era foundations.

Ravello Is A Lot Cheaper Than Positano

Affordability also plays a massive part in making Ravello more appealing to budget-conscious travelers than Positano.

Well, let’s rephrase it: it’s not exactly affordable, per se, but it is definitely on the cheaper end for Amalfi standards: Positano is well-known for its luxury hotels, some exceeding $1,000 per night in summer, while mid-range options are still a jaw-dropping $200 per night.

Ravello, on the other hand, has a wide range of fairly inexpensive accommodations: for instance, booking a single room at the privately managed B&B Ravello Rooms, within walking distance of Cathedral Square, will set you back a very reasonable $89 a night, breakfast included.

Nestled higher up on the hill, with a view of Ravello and the sea, Il Rifugio del Poeta, which, as the name suggests, feels like a poet’s refuge, will set you back by $137 per night: double room, amazing sunset vistas, and breakfast in the mix.

For something a little more luxurious yet within reason, there’s Gala Residence Villa Giovanna, a 4-star listing known for its airy, modern amenities, proximity to the Old Town (the cathedral is 300 meters away), and continental breakfast. It costs $287 a night.

Trust us, you won’t find better deals anywhere in Amalfi during summer.

Cheaper Food Than Average

When it comes to dining expenses, food is usually less expensive, too: we wouldn’t be going out for dinner in Positano with less than a hundred bucks in the wallet, but in Ravello, you can enjoy delicious meals at lower prices.

La Terraza Di Giuliana is a cozy pizzeria where you can have fresh caprese or made-on-the-spot sourdough pizza for around $9. Babel Wine Bar is popular for bruschetta with goat cheese and caramelized onions and charcuterie boards, with prices ranging from $18 to $35.

For homemade gelato, check out Baffone up Via Roma. On the odd evening when you feel like treating yourself a little, Salvatore Ravello 1958 is a traditional seafood eatery boasting views of the Mediterranean.

While there are always exceptions, and you shouldn’t be under the illusion that Ravello is your usual, traditional budget-friendly destination by any means, it tends to provide better value for travelers than Positano.

It’s Not On The Coast, But It’s Close Enough

Ravello may not be on the coast, but it is the starting point for several trails leading down to the waterfront, at the bottom of the hill.

A popular activity for overnight stayers is hiking down to Atrani, along stone steps and lush Mediterranean vegetation: at the end of the 1.5-mile walk, you’ll find another lesser-known medieval gem by the sea, equally overlooked by tourists.

Otherwise, you may attempt the longer, 2.2-mile walk through the Valle dei Mulini, a valley dotted with lemon groves and ancient Roman ruins, culminating in the town of Amalfi, home to a landmark cathedral and a bustling marina.

About an hour’s walk from Ravello, Minori is connected to it via the Sentiero dei Limoni, or Path of the Lemons. It is perfect for sampling traditional pastries (make sure you try the local sal de riso). A further one mile from Minori, there’s Maiori, a modern beach town.

Oh, and did we mention that Scala, the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast, is similarly a 45-minute walk from Ravello?

Visit the Romanesque cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is beautifully frescoed, or explore the ruins of the medieval Basilica Sant’Eustachio.

Lastly, sample the local cheese at the sophisticated, Michelin-starred Palazzo Avino.

On top of its proximity to several of Amalfi’s top destinations, Ravello is conveniently located halfway between the Amalfi Coast’s two airports.

Naples International Airport (NAP), set to host flights from Chicago-O’Hare, New York-JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, and Atlanta from May, is a 1h20-drive to Ravello, whereas driving from the region’s secondary hub, Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR), is 1h10.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Are you heading to Europe this summer, but you’re dreading the thought of spending hundreds of euros a night, if not thousands, on an Amalfi or Greek island getaway?

Despair not: there is a much cheaper alternative, with seas an unbelievable turquoise color, an Old Town dating back to ancient times, and the cheapest all-inclusive hotels across the pond.

Experts at Britain-based agency TravelSupermarket have scoured the map of Europe for the most affordable sunny getaway this year, and they’ve reached the conclusion it’s Alanya, in Türkiye (formerly called Turkey), that takes the crown:

Turquoise Seas, Ancient Wonders & It’s Dirt Cheap

You might have heard of Antalya, with its lively Konyaaltı beach and a plethora of Greek and Roman ruins, where beachfront stays start from an affordable $62-a-night and grabbing a takeout Döner kebab for dinner will cost you an average of five bucks.

Antalya is one of Türkiye’s most popular destinations, and it tends to overshadow smaller, more offbeat spots nearby.

This includes a similarly-named Alanya, roughly 83 miles east of Antalya, that does not benefit from having its own international airport and a constant influx of tourists.

Despite its relative anonymity, it boasts an incredibly picturesque historic center, with cobbled streets bordered by colorful Ottoman houses, featuring the iconic overhanging, covered wooden balconies and a wall-encircled port hugging the teal waters of the East Mediterranean.

Alanya is a cultural treasure of Türkiye, with a long history spanning thousands of years and the rise (and fall) of many an empire.

Its golden-sand Cleopatra Beach is said to have been visited by the Egyptian queen herself on her visit to the then-Roman provinces in Anatolia, and standing on a rocky outcrop towering over the beach, there is the monumental Seljuk fort.

Perhaps Alanya’s most distinguishable sight, the octagon-shaped Red Tower, dating back to the 13th century, rises high above the sea of red-tiled roofs, and it now houses the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya.

How Cheap Is Alanya Effectively?

In sum, this is as Turkish a city as it gets, with minarets dotting the skyline, its fair share of kebab takeout spots, and a lively marina lined with upscale seafood restaurants where a three-course dinner will cost only a small fraction of what you’re used to pay in Western Europe.

Ordering the full Turkish breakfast spread served at Kaleiçi Meyhanesi Alanya will set you back by $15 tops, while dinner with a view at the Sade Lounge, overlooking the port, can run you up an acceptable $29––and that’s if you’re eating lavishly.

For those on a budget, eating out at any local-frequented eatery in the Old Town is an inexpensive $8.46, on average––you can easily find them by avoiding the bustling squares flooded with European tourists.

When it comes to accommodation, the research shows us the average price for a 7-day, all-inclusive break in Alanya comes at a cheap US$708, so let’s have a look at some of the hotel listings in offer and check if this adds up:

Beachfront Hotels From $253 For The Entire Week

There are exactly 84 hotels in and around Alanya offering all-inclusive deals in the high season, with the cheapest one being Keopatra Ada Hotel, where an all-paid-for, week-long stay costs a mere $253.

At this rate, you shouldn’t expect an overload of luxury: we’re talking a single room with a balcony, a decent breakfast, and chances are your dinners won’t be prepared by a renowned chef.

Think a $30 all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet, but make it Turkish.

The top-rated hotel for customer score and low price is Ramira Joy, only a few steps from Cleopatra Beach, and equipped with an on-site restaurant, a hamper for spa services, and 4-star amenities, starting from $402.

Now, for the truly luxurious properties, they’re not a far cry from what you’d expect to pay in 5-star resorts in places like Cancun or Punta Cana: for instance, a double deluxe room at the stately Serenity Queen Hotel on Konakli Beach, costs $2,046 to book for the week.

The hotel features spa facilities, a kid-friendly water park, fitness areas and lush gardens, and higher-quality food is served.

Similar service can be found at the Green Gardens Suites for $2,462 and at the adults-only Supreme C-Lounge for $2,083.

According to Booking.com, 57 out of the 84 all-inclusive hotels will cost under $638 to book for the week, which seems to support the average rate reported by TravelSupermarket.

It’s safe to say that whether you’re traveling on a strict budget or you’re used to that Caribbean level of splurging, Alanya will feel like a steal of a deal.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Last Updated 13 mins ago

Travel can be as addictive as it is expensive. And I have the bank balance to prove it!  

But if you want to travel more without spending a fortune, then one of the biggest ways to save cash is by choosing the right destination.  

Picking a travel destination that offers budget hotel rooms, affordable costs on the ground, and perhaps most importantly, cheap flights are all great ways to save money. 

Dollar Flight Club has revealed a list of the cheapest U.S. destinations to fly to in 2025. Meaning 2025 can be a big year in travel without breaking the bank.  

Note: I’m often a little dubious about lists like this. However, Dollar Flight Club analyzed a full year of airfare data, took into account destinations with multiple departure points, and used seasonal travel data to look at airfare peaks, too.  

Destinations were ranked based on the affordability of their airfare as well as the frequency of their flights and connections from major US hubs.  

5. Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)  

Nashville is the heart of the country and a paradise for music lovers. If you’re looking for old-school Southern hospitality and a huge dose of charm, then this is the place to be.  

As well as epic live music venues, you’ll also find incredible heritage architecture. The growing art scene in the city means there is an abundance of galleries and art shows to enjoy, too.  

The Dollar Flight Club report puts Nashville as the 5^th most affordable destination in the U.S., with average flight prices of $190.  

The best time to visit Nashville is in the spring, especially if you’re a music fan as this is when the most renowned music festivals take place in the city.  

With this advice in mind, I looked for some sample prices for flights in April.  

The cheapest flights available right now are from Chicago. Departing on April 1 and returning on April 8 will cost $178. This is based on economy-class flights with American Airlines.  

4. Austin, Texas (AUS) 

Austin is a modern city with an old-fashioned attitude.

You’ll be sure of a warm welcome here, and there is a thriving cultural and arts scene to immerse yourself in in the city, too.  

Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, so if you’re looking for some of the best live music venues and festivals in the U.S., then that’s another great reason to put Austin on your bucket list.  

The best time to visit the city is in March when the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival is taking place.  

The cheapest destination to fly from Austin is Denver, Colorado. Return flights from March 12 to March 19 will cost $98. This is based on economy-class flights with Frontier Airlines.  

3. Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) 

As an adult playground, Las Vegas is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. and one of the most domestically well-connected.

Which explains why it took 3rd place on this list.  

Las Vegas is known for its casinos, mega resorts, and hotels. But it has so much more to offer. Think of a huge array of fine dining options as well as epic outdoor pursuits.  

To take advantage of the cheapest flight and hotel prices, Dollar Flight Club suggests traveling in December and January.  

Using this info, I looked at flights for January and found San Francisco is the cheapest departure airport. Flying out on January 8 and returning on January 15 will cost just $36 return.  

This is based on an economy-class ticket with Frontier Airlines.  

2. Denver, Colorado (DEN) 

Coming in 2^nd place is Denver, which is an outdoor lovers’ dream destination.

This is a city best known for its high-quality winter skiing nearby, but there are also amazing hiking trails to enjoy here in the summer months.  

Looking for something a little more relaxing and, dare I say it, sedentary? The craft beer scene in Denver is highly regarded, so why not book a brewery tour or two? 

The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Try March for the tail end of the ski season or late summer for hiking.  

Return flights from Salt Lake City are available in March for as little as $39. This is based on flights from March 1 – March 8 with Frontier Airlines, flying economy class.  

1. Orlando, Florida (MCO) 

Perhaps one of the most well-known and iconic vacation destinations in the U.S., every kid in the world dreams of visiting Orlando.

(And many adults want to go to heal their inner child too!)  

The big attractions, of course, are Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But Orlando also offers world-class shopping, restaurants, and outdoor activities too.  

According to Dollar Flight Club, average flight prices are $150, and the best time to visit is in early January or early September to beat crowds and demand.  

Based on this, I looked for January flight prices and found nonstop return flights from Atlanta with Spirit Airlines for $48. This was based on an economy class flight departing on January 8 and returning on January 15.  

The very cheapest flights were from Durham, North Carolina. Departing on January 7 and returning on January 11 would cost $39. This is based on an economy-class flight with Frontier Airlines.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 3 months ago

With its high-end resorts and exclusive fine dining experiences, the Caribbean might not be your first choice for a budget getaway.  

But according to a new report from Squaremouth, one Caribbean island is the cheapest spot for American travelers to choose if you’re looking for a budget fall getaway this year.  

I’m talking about the Bahamas, and I’m just as surprised as you are!  

The same study found that traveling this fall will cost 30% more than it did last year, making this the most expensive fall travel season to date.  

Wondering whether the Squaremouth research is right on the money? Here’s a breakdown of costs to visit the Bahamas to work out just how affordable it can be:  

Flying To The Bahamas  

There are 4 international airports in the Bahamas:

• Nassau
• George Town
• Freeport
• Marsh Harbor

They all offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. this fall.  

The cheapest airport to fly into is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. 

This is also the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is considered the most important airport in the Caribbean, so I will focus on this one when listing example prices.  

Getting to Nassau is a breeze, with direct flights from a whopping 10 U.S. airports this fall.  

These are:

• Miami
• New York
• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Atlanta
• Houston
• Boston
• Charlotte
• West Palm Beach

Flying from Miami to Nassau from October 15 to October 22 nonstop in an economy class seat will cost $245 flying with Bahamas Air.

Alternatively if you would prefer a U.S airline then for $265 you could choose American Airlines on the same dates.  

This flight route has an incredibly appealing flight time of just 1 hour.  

Alternatively you could fly from New York to Nassau. Flying from October 13 to October 19 nonstop will cost $258.

This is with Delta, and has a 3 hour 10 minute flight time.  

Staying In The Bahamas  

There are plenty of options for travelers on all kinds of budgets to visit the Bahamas, but the focus here will be on budget stays.  

And with 700 different Bahaman islands to choose from, narrowing down where exactly you want to stay should be your first job before you pick a hotel.  

Grand Bahama is the most northerly of the main islands, and has a reputation for being the most budget friendly. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches but with a less eye-watering price tag!  

On the Tripadvisor rating of the best 10 budget-friendly hotels in the Bahamas, 3 of the top options cost less than $200 per night for stays in October.

These are the: 

• Saint Francis Resort And Marina. This offers incredible views of the ocean and the harbor, and guests are particularly complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff.  The Saint Francis Resort And Marina is considered the ‘best little resort’ in a Bahamas.

• Pelican Bay Hotel. Friendly staff,and a great location close to an abundance of great hotels, this is a small hotel that offers everything a budget traveler could need.  

• Sandyport Beach Resort. This is a beachfront resort that’s right by the ocean and in a bustling area, so suited to travelers keen to explore. You’re in walking distance of shops and restaurants, but the resort has everything you need if you don’t want to leave the pool!  

Things To Do In The Bahamas

One of the very best things to do in the Bahamas doesn’t have to cost a penny. Relaxing on perfect white sand beaches!

If you pack your snorkel and mask, then many beaches have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling.  

Pearl Island, just northwest of Nassau, is considered the best snorkeling location in the Bahamas.  

Provided you stick to public beaches or the beach attached to your hotel or resort, spending the day on the beach or snorkeling from the shore doesn’t have to cost you a single cent!  

If you prefer diving then the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacosall feature a host of world-renowned dive sites.  

If you fancy yourself an international man (or woman) of mystery then the James Bond Wrecks is one of the most famous dive sites in the Bahamas. Located off the coast of New Providence, you can book trips with the Reef Oasis Dive Club.

Dive packages start from $61 per person.  

Finally, the most popular and famous excursion that takes place in the Bahamas is a visit to see the swimming pigs.

You can arrange this with Exuma Water Tours, though I admit it’s more of a splurge than  a budget day out.  

A half-day pig swimming tour on a 36-foot power boat with reef snorkeling and blow hole swimming, as well as the chance to swim with the pigs, will cost $190 per person.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.