Adventure ROI: Destinations that Deliver Luxury for Less
Over the past six months, I’ve explored Antarctica, Belize, Chile, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana… and now I’m HOME, soaking up every bit of those rare perfect days we get here in Cleveland. So, while I may not have a new personal travel story to share this month, I’ve got plenty of inspiration to pass along!
One of the things I’ve been reflecting on lately, especially after covering so much ground this year, is how wildly different the cost of travel can be and how far your investment can go depending on the destination.
It often comes down to two factors: where the U.S. dollar is strong and where demand isn’t driving prices through the roof (I’m looking at you Japan). Europe will always be a classic, but lately, everything comes at a premium. Hawaii, gorgeous but consistently overpriced. Meanwhile, destinations like South Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and hidden corners of South America are offering incredible value.
So this month, I’m spotlighting the destinations where your money goes further. I’ve even included a few side-by-side comparisons that might just surprise you. At the end of the day, go where the experience is calling, but don’t overlook the power of choosing a destination that delivers more in return.
Excited to show you where luxury lives a little larger.
Cheers,
Amie OBrien, Owner VLX Travel
VLX Travel Owner, Amie OBrien - Cheers
THIS VS THAT
A Side-by-Side Look at Luxury Accommodations Worldwide
Disclaimer: We truly love and stand behind both options in each comparison below, they’re exceptional in their own right and priced accordingly based on their destination. Our goal here isn’t to suggest one is better than the other, but simply to illustrate how the same level of experience can vary significantly in cost depending on where you go. For consistency, we used similar travel dates, entry-level room categories, and included taxes, fees and breakfast across all examples.
THIS: Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo , Costa Rica
Estimated Entry Level Price Per Night: $2100 USD
THAT: Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula, Vietnam
Estimated Entry Level Price Per Night $425 USD
THIS: The Green O, Montana, USA
Estimated Entry Level Price Per Night $4000
(All Inclusive for 2 persons)
THAT: AndBeyond Vira Vira, Lake District, Chile
Estimated Entry Level Price Per Night $2000 USD
(All Inclusive for 2 Persons)
THIS: Belmond Royal Scotsman - Luxury Train Scotland
Estimated Entry Level Price $17000 USD
(All Inclusive for 2 persons for 2 nights)
Royal Scotsman, Belmond Train
THAT: Andean Explorer, Luxury Train, Peru
Estimated Entry Level Price $8100 USD
(All Inclusive for 2 Persons for 2 nights)
Andean Explorer, Belmond Train
THIS: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy
Estimated Entry Level Price Per Night $2800
THAT: La Residence, Franschhoek, South Africa
Estimated Entry Level Price Per Night $1300
Destinations the Deliver More for Your Money
Vietnam
Vietnam
With $1 USD worth around 26,115 VND, Vietnam remains one of the most affordable, and culturally rich destinations, in Asia. That means you can enjoy upscale boutique hotels, private Mekong Delta tours, and fine dining for a fraction of what similar-level experiences cost elsewhere.
Indonesia
Indonesia
The dollar translates to roughly 16,200 IDR. That gives you room to enjoy five-star reef-facing villas in Bali, private temple tours, and Michelin-level dining at a remarkable value.
South Africa
South Africa
With R17.8 per USD, South Africa presents unbeatable value for travelers. That means luxury safari lodges, bespoke wine experiences, and coastal estate stays that rival global luxury benchmarks but for less.
Colombia
Colombia
One of the best-value destinations right now, thanks to a favorable exchange rate. $1 USD currently gets you over 4,000 Colombian pesos. This means luxury hotels, private tours, and top-tier dining come at a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. or Europe.
Chile
Chile
In Chile, the USD to peso rate hovers around 950 CLP per USD . Here, you’ll find boutique wineries, sleek luxury lodges in Patagonia, and sophisticated city stays, all priced far more affordably than similar offerings in North America or Europe.