5 Budget-Friendly Island Vacations That Won't Hurt Your Wallet

You deserve a vacation, and don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise. With your budget being tighter than your jeans after a Thanksgiving feast at Grandma's, you want to escape reality, but the real question is, "Where can you go that won't cost an arm and a leg?" You want to visit an island, but island vacations and the word "budget" typically don't go hand-in-hand. Don't fret. Here are five budget-friendly island vacations that won't hurt your wallet but still give you all the island vibes you deserve.

Visiting some of the best beaches in the world can wreak havoc on your travel budget, but there are ways to experience soft white sand, turquoise water, and relaxation all while seeing the best island vacation destinations in the whole entire world. Yes, it is possible. Tropical island destinations don't have to result in blowing your budget or be exclusive to the rich and famous.

With a little research and imagination, an affordable island escape is more attainable than you can imagine. Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Koh Rong, Malta, and Madeira are all exceptional choices that combine pristine beaches, history, clear water, and warm weather. So whether you're looking to hop over to Europe or put in the miles and fly to Asia, these island destinations are sure to melt your winter blues away without melting your savings account.

Located in the Indian Ocean just 18 miles off the south-east coast of India lies an island destination surrounded by 830 miles of coastline. As one of the best places to travel by train over the iconic Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, known as the "Bridge in the Sky," a trip to Sri Lanka should definitely be on your travel bucket list. Teeming with lush rainforests, tea plantations, and inviting beaches like Bentota, Hiriketiya, and Mirissa, Sri Lanka's budget-friendly costs combine relaxing nature escapes with adventure-filled activities such as trekking through Udawalawe National Park, home to over 400 wild elephants.

For about $20 a night, a stay at the Rosa Shashi Cabanas in Galle, Sri Lanka, provides guests with beachfront access, rooms with a balcony, a private washroom, and free WiFi, making this the perfect place for working remotely while traveling. With Dadalla West Beach just steps away from your cabana and a family-run restaurant on site, travelers can make the most out of their stay for unbeatable prices.

Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destination, Sigiriya Lion Rock, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and is a must-see. King Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 AD, built the fortress as his royal palace, fearing attacks from his brother, who was next in line for the throne, taking sibling rivalry to a whole other level. Tickets for adults are $35, and the views from the 656-foot-high granite rock formation are certainly worth the 1,200 steps to the top. Although Sri Lanka may be shaped like a teardrop, you won't be crying when checking your next credit card statement.

If you're craving a vacation in a unique destination, then this island should be on your radar. Take a trip to this island just off the coast of East Africa for a budget-friendly beach vacation you'll never forget. The island of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, will leave you speechless. Located just a short 15 miles off the coast of the mainland, Zanzibar proves that the Indian Ocean is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Travelers can enjoy luxurious accommodations on pristine beaches while enjoying a cocktail in hand as they watch palm trees sway gently in the breeze, and all for a great price. For about $55 per night, Z-Breeze Zanzibar in Kiwengwa boasts ocean and beachfront rooms with postcard-worthy views, complete with stunning balconies, so you can kick back and relax as you post envy-inducing photos to Instagram. Don't worry, we promise not to tell your friends how much you actually paid.

History lovers and street photographers will enjoy a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. Located in Zanzibar City, Stone Town is famed for its intricately carved doors, maze-like streets, and variety of markets selling spices like vanilla and nutmeg with African, Indian, and Arab influences that can be seen from around the old quarter within the architecture and cuisine. Pop into one of the many restaurants tucked away in the historic streets, like the Stone Town Café, where a coconut fish curry will run you about $10.

One of the best European islands to visit to get the best bang for your buck isn't in Croatia, nor Spain. But sandwiched between Sicily and North Africa, you'll find an island country that is easy on your wallet. Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago located a mere 83-miles from Pozzallo, Sicily, can be reached by ferry. You'll arrive in the historic capital of Valletta, which also has an international airport servicing direct flights from European cities for under $100.

Malta is one of my favorite affordable European countries. It's filled with history, a stunning coastline, picturesque streets made entirely of stairs in some areas, and affordable food and accommodations. For just under $50 per night at Sliema Marina Hotel, guests can enjoy an included breakfast and a balcony view over the Sliema Bay and Valletta in the distance. To reach the capital, hop on the 10-minute ferry from Sliema, which runs approximately every 30 minutes and costs a little over $2 for a one-way ride.

Food in Malta is eclectic due to its influences from many different cultures over time. For a cheap yet delicious snack, find a street food stall selling pastizzi. These little crispy pastry pockets are made into diamond shapes and filled with ricotta cheese or a spicy pea filling and sold for about $1. For a lovely and affordable sit-down meal, stop in at Kaiseki and order the rabbit ravioli for under $20. After dinner, take a walk to the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens for free stellar views across the Grand Harbor towards The Three Cities and Fort St. Angelo.

Just a 90-minute flight direct from Lisbon, the stunning island of Madeira offers travelers an affordable vacation filled with dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages, epic scenery, and ample hiking opportunities. Boasting approximately 90 miles of coastline and one-of-a-kind natural landscapes in the Atlantic, Madeira is the perfect island destination for those looking to experience mild year-round subtropical temperatures, as well as affordable prices. Making your way around the island is best explored by renting a car, and prices are as low as $15 per day with unlimited mileage with Discover Cars.

Taking a morning stroll through Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal to take a peek at the market doesn't cost a thing and is the perfect way to interact with the locals. Just a short distance away, head to Mel e Canela, where all main meals are under $10. The handwritten menu outside is a surefire way to know you're getting a good meal for an incredible price. Hiking in Madeira is a must-do, and getting outside to embark on one of many trails is a free activity that is sure to offer priceless views.

Whether you're looking for an apartment of your own or a cozy guesthouse, Madeira offers travelers an array of affordable accommodations. A stay at Isabella Studios Funchal in Madeira's capital provides guests with free WiFi and spacious living space with a private balcony for just $59 per night. Those looking for a bit of luxury and stellar cliffside views should check out Inn & Art Madeira in Caniço. For $125 per night, you can enjoy included breakfast and benefit from easy access to Reis Magos Beach.

When it comes to solo traveling, backpacking "pennies on the dollar" style is almost a rite of passage for those embarking on their own for the first time. One of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia for affordable food, accommodations, and transportation is Cambodia. Whether you're a solo traveler looking to meet others and live the party life of lively Koh Touch or a family of four looking for a beautiful idyllic island vacation in secluded areas like Lonely Beach and Palm Beach, you can't go wrong with Koh Rong. This stunning island is located off the coast of Sihanoukville on Cambodia's mainland.

With 23 white sand beaches to choose from, travelers can rent a scooter for about $10 a day, and some companies give discounts for longer rental periods. For around $75 per night, a stay at Tree House Bungalows provides guests with their own private jungle hut overlooking turquoise water and a private beach. For a taste of luxury on a budget, White Sand Ark Resort offers buffet dining and a two-minute stroll to Sok San Beach for about for about $125 per night. Younger crowds looking to party on the beach will love staying at Blue Zone Hostel at less than $6 per night.

Even the activities on Koh Rong are affordable. A snorkeling or scuba diving trip can cost around $10 and includes a BBQ meal, fishing, and a beautiful sunset, which in turn will make for phenomenal moments that are priceless. Travelers can enjoy a riverside meal at Natural Kitchen near Palm Beach for $10 to $15 or stop by Apsara Sky Bar for a cold drink with a stunning view of the water. With prices ranging between $1 to $4, you can enjoy an extra cocktail; you deserve it after all.