Dream Destinations

Where I'm going next. Hopefully.

1. Bali, Indonesia

I might be getting swept up in the hype here, but it seems like everyone I know has been to or is going to Bali. Something about the vast beaches, lush rain forest, and laid-back lifestyle make Bali sounds like the ultimate luxury getaway on a budget.

Logistics:

Visa: Free 30-day visa on arrival for many countries including the United States.

Transportation: Round trip flights from New York are going for about $1,000 this fall but I saw some deals recently for as low as $600.

Accommodation: Hotels run from about $20-$40 for a standard room while gorgeous private villas start around $50 per night in Ubud, Bali's cultural center, on Airbnb.

Food: $4-6/meal at a local restaurant, more at the hotel restaurants

Entertainment: Catamaran cruises, island hopping, surf classes, sightseeing tours, canyoning, wildlife reserves.

2. Cartagena, Colombia

I've always wanted to backpack South America, but it was only recently that Cartagena shot onto my radar. This 16th century port city is full of colorful colonial charm, white-sand beaches and pastry shops.

Logistics:

Visa: No visa needed for US citizens staying less than 90 days.

Transportation: Round-trip flights from New York for less than $400 all summer long. One-way flights cost about $150 and would be a total dream to kick off an extended trip through Latin America.

Accommodation: Three-star hotels average about $70 per night but hostels start as low as $10-15 per person in a dorm.

Food: A basic lunch will cost about $4 in a local restaurant. Expatisan does a good job of aggregating average living costs from around the world.

Entertainment: Beaches, well-preserved castles and fortresses, live salsa music, hikes to Colombian ruins

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Three years ago I had a 12-hour layover in Lisbon, but being my first experience alone in a foreign country, I decided not to venture out of the airport. I've been yearning to go back, roam the streets, and eat pasteis de nata ever since.

Logistics:

Visa: No visa necessary for US citizens visiting for less than 90 days

Transportation: Round trip flights run about $400-500 this spring, $600-800 this summer and $600 this fall. One-way tickets are unfortunately upwards of $500 until September when they drop to $255.

Accommodation: The hostel capital of the world, there are some great centrally-located options for as low as $16 per night. A private room in an Airbnb will run about $30 per night. A one bedroom apartment in city center rents for only $650/month!

Food: A meal in a local restaurant goes for about $9-15 per person.

Entertainment: See Food. Just kidding. Wander around the capital's old town, head to the coast, explore the Torre de Belem, dream about what life would be like in Sintra Castle.