As the holiday season approaches, a multitude of long breaks also come your way. There are so many beautiful places in the world that are waiting to be explored. But with all the big cities and small islands, your inner wanderlust can put a dent in your wallet. Or does it? It turns out that you can go on a luxurious vacation for a fraction of the cost. Below are three of the most budget friendly international vacation that everyone will enjoy.

1.Reykjavik, Iceland

A popular tourist attraction in Reykjavik: The blue lagoon geothermal spa. Photo courtesy of
Tourismiceland.is.

For all of you nature and spa lovers, Reykjavik, Iceland is the place for you. With its quaint nordic vibe, this capital city has some of nature’s finest beauty. Whether you are visiting many of Reykjavik’s geysers, crystal clear lagoons, northern lights viewing spots, or nightclubs, this European city has it all. Reykjavik’s northern lights show a lime green and purple tint that are best seen in the winter. But in contrast to many European cities, Reykjavik is not that expensive to visit. While some places in Europe can cost up to $3000 for a plane ticket, a typical two-way plane ticket to Reykjavik costs only $430, and hotels in the city are a mean of $175 a night.

2. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The aqua water of Saint Thomas, a British Virgin Island. Photo courtesy of the huffingtonpost.com.

St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is identified as pure paradise. St. Thomas sits on the gorgeous, aqua Caribbean Sea. Those of you who love to lather in the sun and get a golden tan, St. Thomas is the place for you! Some of the island’s activities include sailing, snorkeling, parasailing, boating, and zip-lining. Many resorts and grand hotels lie in St. Thomas such as the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, which includes two infinity edge pools and two lounging pools. Resorts on the island are either all-inclusive or standard hotels that range in prices. A typical flight to this tropical oasis is normally $350 for both ways, much less than a $1000 flight to Hawaii.

3. Madrid, Spain

Pictured here is Madrid’s town square and authentic Spanish architecture. Photo courtesy of otnemea.com.

If you are into history, Madrid, Spain is the place for you! With its beautiful and cultural European architecture, Madrid is home to many palaces, museums, parks, and churches. The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the city’s hotspots because it the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Madrid also is home to many fine-dining Spanish cuisine restaurants that serve the famous Paella, Tapas, Churros, and many meat based dishes. You can get a taste of Spain just from the city of Madrid alone. A typical flight to Madrid is a merely $420.

Now that you know these beautiful places exist you can consider taking a trip to visit them. Whether you are a nature lover, sunbather, cultural lover, or cuisine enthusiast, there is definitely a place in this world that you will enjoy.

By: Julia Marotti’21 Staff Writer