Trade-Down Travel: 3 Affordable Alternatives to Popular Destinations

It’s no surprise that the high cost of monthly expenses is making people reconsider how they spend their travel budget. And some travelers may be turning to a new trend to save money.

“Trade-down travel is a rising trend where travelers opt for more affordable destinations that still deliver a rich cultural or scenic experience similar to higher-priced hotspots,” said Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club.

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If you’re ready for an amazing vacation experience without the high price tag, here are three affordable alternatives to some of the most popular travel destinations.

Lisbon

Neugarten said that Lisbon is a destination that many travelers choose instead of Paris. “Roundtrip fares to Lisbon often fall under $500, compared to $850+ to Paris in peak season,” he said.

Lisbon, which is the capital of Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city offers charming neighborhoods, great food and walkability at a much lower cost than Paris, according to Neugarten. It also offers a plethora of museums, like the National Museum of Ancient Art.

According to Budget Your Trip, on average, travelers can expect to spend about $188 per day, per person in Lisbon versus $294 in Paris.

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Seoul

Instead of booking a trip to Tokyo, Neugarten said that travelers choose Seoul for things like vibrant nightlife, amazing street food, and a dynamic mix of old and new. For example, travelers can visit modern buildings like the 123-story Lotte World Tower or ancient sites like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395.

Neugarten explained that flights to Seoul are often cheaper than those to Tokyo as well, which can help travelers save money.

Travelers in Seoul should budget $124 per day, per person, according to Budget Your Trip, versus $196 daily in Tokyo.

Chicago

The Windy City is an affordable alternative to the Big Apple — and for good reasons.

Neugaten said that roundtrip flights can frequently be found under $250 versus $400 or more to New York City.

As far as attractions, Chicago has the Magnificent Mile — rivaling Fifth Avenue in New York — which features over 430 retailers, several beaches and an architectural boat tour. Other highlights are the Art Institute of Chicago, a number of Michelin-star restaurants, and, of course, the deep-dish pizza the city is famous for.

Those taking a trip to Chicago should budget $323 per day, person, which is expensive. However, when compared to the average cost per day for a trip to New York at $363, it seems a little more reasonable, especially when you factor in flight costs.

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