15 Affordable International Trips to Take in 2015

by Alyssa Ramos

Traveling really isn’t as ridiculously expensive as you think, in fact there are plenty of affordable international trips you can and SHOULD take in 2015. Let’s get one thing clear first – if you suck at planning and that’s why you end up paying a shit ton of money when you travel, than that’s your fault. There IS a cheaper way.

These trips are already pre-planned and include flights, so all you need to take responsibility for is saving the money and getting to the airport on time. Don’t worry about any sketchy fine print, the details are laid out very clearly, so even a child would understand what you’re getting. The reason why they are so cheap is because they are for select dates and they are in advance, so stop furrowing your brow and just accept that it’s a good deal.

Lastly…if anyone wants to go on the China or Iceland trip, I’m totally down.

Note: Prices and dates vary based on departure city so be sure to check your own city, and also, these deals expire, so if you’re not ready to book now, I’d suggest getting the email newsletters sent to you weekly.

1. 7-Day Trip to Rome Including Airfare – $999

Rome is awesome. You should definitely go see it. The hotel isn’t as great as most of the other trips, but you’re walking distance to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Circo Massimo.You’re also a subway ride away from The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

Money Saving Tip: Breakfast is included and typically consists of cheeses, meats, breads, fruits, and pastries….take advantage of it and make a sandwich to take with you for lunch. Also, bring a self-filtering water bottle from the U.S. – the water is more expensive than wine.

2. 5-Days in Iceland Including Airfare – $799

It’s insane that this price is so low just including flights alone, so it’s definitely a great deal. Iceland is all the rage right now, and definitely somewhere I’d like to go. No, it’s not entirely made out of ice, it’s actually carpeted in greenery and somewhat warm, although it does have penguins, and you’ll get to see the Northern Lights!

3. 10-Day China Tour Including Airfare – $1,299

Maybe you haven’t let that price sit in. But that is one-thousand, three-hundred dollars. For 10 days. And flights. To China. The hotels are also a minimum 4-stars and you get tours in each of the cities you visit including Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. I really want to go, and probably will, so let me know if you want to go.

4. 7-Days in Paris and Rome Including Airfare – $1,299

If you haven’t been to France and/or Italy, you need to go, and this is a great deal to do it. Again, breakfast is typically included so make sure you take something with you for lunch or go to a little grocery store on any of the blocks. The only downside is that this trip only leaves from New York, but hey! If you don’t live there you can include a trip to New York while you’re at it!

5. 8-Days in the Amalfi Coast & Rome Including Airfare – $1,299

I don’t know if you’ve heard of the Amalfi Coast, but it’s pretty damn gorgeous. In addition to airfare, and accommodations in Sorrento and Rome, you’ll also get a rental car for the duration of the trip. The car will come in handy if you want to take a scenic day trip to Pompeii or relax in the prestigious Capri.

7. 7-Days in Ireland Including Airfare and Rental Car – $999

Not only are you going to Ireland, but you get to stay in castles and can drive yourself through the Irish countryside! All of the castle estates are 4 and 5 star accommodations, and that’s not even including all of the ancient castles you can visit in between!

8. 4- or 6- Nights in All-Inclusive Dominican Resort Including Airlines – $649

This is a great vacation idea for couples or groups of friends. Nothing says party like an all-inclusive resort, especially on the tropical beaches of the Viva Wyndham Tangerine Resort where taxes and gratuities are also included. If you can pry yourself from the resort, there are also waterfalls, beaches, and centuries-old historical sites nearby!

9. 3- or 5- Nights At An All-Inclusive Jamaican Resort Plus Airfare – $549

There. Now you really don’t have an excuse to not travel. This trip includes all transportation, accommodation, meals, and ALCOHOL. If you set aside $100 a month you’ll have the perfect summer vacation. Go.

10. 8-Day Tour of India Including Travel – $1,549

You’ll see the bengal tigers, the Taj Mahal, and more on this 8 day tour of India. You’ll have an English speaking guide the entire time, daily sightseeing excursions, and of course free time to explore. It also includes an elephant ride, and safari in Ranthambore National Park! 100% down to go on this one as well.

11. 15-Day Deluxe Tour of Turkey Including Airfare – $1,799

OK, so this one is a little more expensive, but that’s because it’s two weeks long and includes most meals and deluxe 5-star and superior 4-star first class accommodations! It also includes sightseeing and entrance fees, all transfers, daily breakfast and 11 dinners, a professional tour director throughout the entire tour, and a deluxe air-conditioned motor coach to tour around in. You have to read the itinerary on this one. I can’t even.

12. 5-Day Tour of Colombia Including Airfare – $699

Explore two of Colombia‘s most dynamic cities, Cartegena and Bogota during a 5-day South American vacation. English speaking guides are provided as well as entrance fees, and sightseeing transportation. I know it’s Colombia, but I wouldn’t advise trying to find and cocaine unless you want to end up locked up abroad.

13. All Inclusive Riviera Maya Beach Vacation Including Airfare – $899

Here’s another all-inclusive resort in the gorgeous beachfront Mexican Riviera Maya. All meals and drinks are included as well as 24-hour room service, in-room minibar, and daily activities and evening shows. There’s a good chance you’ll be fat and drunk by the first day.

14. 7-Night Costa Rica Trip Including Airfare – $879

See Costa Rica‘s volcanoes, tropical beaches, and lush jungles. It says “world-class museums” on the site, but when you’re surrounded by jungles and beaches, who the hell cares about a museum. You’ll also get a rental car for the entire stay and a guided rainforest hike in Arenal!

15. 9-Day Luxury Trip To The Maldives & Dubai Including Airfare – $3,299

For the grand finale that you and I probably won’t be able to afford but can still dream about, is a luxury 9-day trip to the beyond exotic and exclusive Maldives and Dubai. Flights are included roundtrip and from Dubai to Maldives. If you’ve ever seen a picture of tiki huts stretching over shallow, pristine waters…it’s probably a photo of the Maldives.