10 Best Luxury Breaks on a Budget for Canadians

Las Vegas is known for its lavish experiences and high-rolling visitors, but it’s a mistake to think you must spend big to enjoy this neon-drenched, desert city. The Strip is the world-famous epicentre of Las Vegas that’s home to the most iconic Vegas casinos and over 50 resorts. Thanks to the glut of hotel rooms, accommodation in Las Vegas is great value, even for 5-star resorts so you can certainly get luxury for less.

There are plenty of fancy attractions in Las Vegas that are available to most budgets. Enjoy sky-high views from the Eiffel Tower, take a gondola ride through The Venetian’s faux canals or seek out alternative experiences away from the glitz and glamour of The Strip. Head to Downtown Las Vegas to enjoy the old-timey architecture and stop at Chinatown for fantastic Asian cuisine. Read more…

New York is a city of allure and wonder with world-famous landmarks, incredible dining, and endless shopping options at every turn. Even so, it’s rarely described as cheap. But thanks to excellent transport links, you can base yourself in up-and-coming boroughs and still get to all the popular tourist sites easily. Neighbourhoods like the Upper East Side in Manhattan or Williamsburg in Brooklyn offer a lot of choices. Also, make use of attraction passes to make your sightseeing budget stretch further. New York CityPASS gives you access to 6 top attractions including the Empire State Building and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

To travel for less, your best option would be to plan when you travel. The peak seasons of the midsummer and Christmas holiday period are when accommodation prices soar in New York. Aim for early spring or late autumn to bag serious bargains on top-tier hotels. Read more…

London is a city that’s renowned for heritage and luxury. If you’re looking for a taste of the capital’s prestigious history, explore the world-famous museums and galleries in the West End before heading to Westminster on the banks of the River Thames. Cross over Millennium Bridge and linger on the South Bank soaking up the historic view of the Houses of Parliament. To get around, you can buy an Oyster Card to get around London cheaply enough or even put on your walking shoes and explore on foot.

Little luxuries like afternoon tea or a sunset viewpoint can be done on the cheap in London. For a good-value afternoon tea set, look at the multiple options around Covent Garden rather than the hotel-based meal that is often more expensive. And for a stunning vista, head to Sky Garden rooftop in Monument and you can enjoy the 43^rd-storey view for free. Read more…

You can squeeze plenty of adventure in a city break in Toronto, all while keeping a tight grip on the finances. Start by exploring the famous landmarks around Nathan Phillips Square before strolling the charming streets of Old Toronto. Use the CN Tower as your reference point and head towards Harbourfront. Stop frequently to enjoy the diverse shopping, dining, and historical attractions.

For a change of pace, check out The Kensington Market area, just north of Chinatown. It’s home to a trendy, bohemian atmosphere and a great collection of vintage stores, art galleries, and cool cafes. As Toronto is such a huge sporting city, try to time your visit when the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, or Raptors are playing and watch some elite-level athletes in competition. Read more…

Vancouver’s mix of cool urban attractions and awe-inspiring nature makes for a fantastic break on Canada’s Pacific Coast. As a compact city, you can walk to most places within the city and enjoy the sights along the way. Hotel prices can put a dent in your travel budget, but you can find some excellent deals on 4- and 5-star accommodation along Granville Street. This main thoroughfare is lined with cool bars, hip restaurants, theatres, and clubs.

The range of outdoor attractions in Vancouver is the envy of many cities – in Canada and beyond. You can chill out on Kitsilano Beach in the summer months to enjoy the balmy weather or head to nearby Grouse Mountain for skiing and snowboarding in winter. It really is a city for all seasons. Read more…

Banff is Canada’s highest town and a place where luxury – in the form of jaw-dropping vistas and rich wildlife – comes for free. This resort town makes a great hub for exploring the Canadian Rockies and its collection of stunning mountain peaks and glacial lakes. The lush landscape surrounding the lakes are home to elk, deer, and bears, and there are hiking trails for immersive adventures through the countryside.

The town centre of Banff has a surprisingly good selection of restaurants to try after your outdoor pursuits, interspersed between souvenir shops and boutique stores. Close to Banff, you’ll find Johnson Lake, which is relatively small but big on recreation, such as short hikes around the lake, rafting, swimming, and picnics on its shore. Read more…

Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is a savvy option if you’re looking for a luxury break on a budget. The province of Guanacaste is relatively untouched by mass tourism, with gorgeous beaches backed by huge swathes of rainforest.

The Gulf of Papagayo is a coastal area of northern Costa Rica that has a nice selection of luxury resorts – many at great value prices. Popular beaches include lively Playa del Coco or the more refined Playa Panama. The North Pacific Coast is the driest region in Costa Rica too, so you can expect sunny days even during the rainy season (November–May). If you’re looking for time away from the beach, take a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja National Park to see waterfalls and learn about the local wildlife.

Riviera Maya is a long stretch of stunning beaches along the north-eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. A series of small towns dot the coastal highway, each gathered around little sandy coves – stunning oases of peace and paradise.

The main cities along this shoreline could not be more different. Playa del Carmen is known for its shops, restaurants, and nightlife, especially along Quinta Avenida – a pedestrianized street that runs parallel to the beach. The smaller town of Tulum, by contrast, is famous for its Mayan ruins and beautiful limestone pool. Its laidback, spiritual atmosphere is typified by dozens of yoga schools and art studios.

Oahu has been wooing luxury travellers for generations thanks to its stunning beaches, laidback charm, and fancy resorts. The wide range of experiences waiting for you on this Hawaiian island is another huge selling point. You can lounge on the beach to the sound of crashing waves or explore verdant jungles and steep inland. For water-based adventures, check out world-famous surf on beaches like Waikiki Beach, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay.

Your island escape in Oahu usually starts in Honolulu, which has an enviable combination of interesting historical landmarks, from royal palaces to WWII memorials. This fully-fledged beach resort town appeals to the whole family. For savvy travellers looking for a beach trip to Oahu on a tight budget, look to travel in June, July, or September. You’ll enjoy great weather minus peak summer prices. Read more..

Miami is one of the most vibrant coastal resorts along the Atlantic coast. Head to Ocean Drive that runs along Miami South Beach to enjoy the unique Art Deco hotels, restaurants, and bars. Its Copacabana-inspired promenade leads you down a boardwalk lined with tall palms and seagrape trees. South Beach's South Pointe offers a good mix between oceanfront scenery and recreational activities. It has a fishing pier and decent swells for surfers.

The cosmopolitan nature of Miami is best experienced at mealtimes, when you can enjoy Cuban, Latino, and American cuisine, ideally with a view of the ocean. Come nightfall, Miami’s balmy weather is tailor-made for evenings spent drinking and dining at rooftop bars. Recommended spots include Rooftop at E11even and Bloom Skybar at The Langford Hotel. Read more…