20 drool-worthy images of places you can actually afford to stay
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Travel amenities such as infinity pools, private hot tubs, hillside villas and sweeping ocean views might sound like the stuff of celebrity getaways. But here’s a little secret: You don’t have to be a celebrity — or shell out a fortune — to get stunning views on your next vacation.
While popular places to book all-inclusive vacation packages might be easy to start when planning your next trip, you might not get the luxury experience you want without splashing out on a luxury price tag. Instead, there are plenty of Airbnb alternatives — like VRBO, Sonder and Plum Guide — that’ll serve up stunning vacation rentals that you can comfortably book without eating into the rest of your travel budget.
To inspire your wanderlust, we’ve rounded up 20 jaw-dropping images of vacation rentals you can actually afford to stay — celebrity status not required. All of these recommendations are under $350 per night — in fact, most are significantly less than that price tag. Plus, most of these rentals are spacious enough to sleep a large number of people who can split the nightly cost.
Whether you’re looking for vacation rentals for a destination wedding or want to plan a luxurious girl’s trip after spending the past year at home, there are plenty of vacation rentals with stunning views you won’t believe you can actually afford to stay. Take a look below.
1. A rustic villa in Cephalonia, Greece: from $171 per night
Each room in this rustic Greek villa opens out onto the sunny terrace with a pool and sweeping views of the nearby village of Trapezaki and the Mediterranean sea. It’s also a quick walk from the villa to Trapezaki Beach or Agios Thomas Beach. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
2. An elegant 1940s home in Charleston, South Carolina: from $115 per night
This elegant North Charleston home includes a mix of stunning modern updates and rustic touches. It sleeps up to 11 guests across five bedrooms. The grounds are also noteworthy, featuring giant oaks and plenty of privacy and space for a party or small wedding. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
3. A beachfront with infinity pool in Baja California Sur, Mexico: from $350 per night
Wake up to a view of the stunning and beautiful Sea of Cortez in this modern Mexican beachfront. The home has three bedrooms that sleep six guests and features contemporary touches such as soaring 22-foot ceilings and a blue tile infinity pool that looks out to the sea. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
4. A cozy cabin getaway in the New York Catskills: from $171 per night
For travelers who want to feel at one with nature without going totally off-the-grid, this remote cabin tucked into New York’s Catskills is a perfect retreat to rest and recharge. Made of hemlock and cedar, the cabin’s features make for a perfect secluded getaway. Set against a rock ledge and surrounded by ferns and moss — modern features include induction hobs, central heat and air and high-speed internet. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
5. A mid-century home with a pool outside Joshua Tree National Park: from $201 per night
This stylish home is within walking distance of El Paseo restaurants and shopping in Palm Desert, California. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home includes a beautifully decorated private pool and secluded patio with views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the distance. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
6. A Mediterranean home with an infinity pool in Paphos, Cyprus: from $238/night
This coastal home in Cyprus boasts sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and local landscape. Just a few minutes from sandy beaches and bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect destination for a family getaway or a girl’s trip. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
7. A desert oasis in Yucca Valley, California: from $228 per night
If a desert escape is more your vibe, check out this gorgeous oasis in the middle of Yucca Valley, California. Head South into Joshua Tree National Park or head just a short drive to the Wild West-inspired hamlet of Pioneertown, where you can catch a live performances from big names and dinner to boot. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
8. A well-decorated camper van you can pick up in Brooklyn, New York: from $190 per night
If you’re less concerned with where you go than how you get there, you might prefer something like this converted camper van based in Brooklyn. It’s easy to drive and the perfect size for couples who want to hit the road together. It includes unlimited generator hours, and you get your first 100 miles free. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from Outdoorsy.
9. A villa with a private pool and stunning sea views in Ibiza, Spain: from $206 per night
Located 1,000 feet above sea level, this stunning villa arguably has the best views on the northwest coast of Ibiza. It’s been recently refurbished with a modern kitchen and includes an infinity-edge pool for taking in the sea views and brilliant sunsets. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
10. A well-decorated respite from the busy streets of Rome, Italy: from $139 per night
Tucked in the bustling Prati neighborhood of Rome, this vintage-inspired apartment includes mid-century modern touches that put the space over the edge from stylish to refined. Take a stroll around the neighborhood and grab a delicious Italian coffee before returning to have a soak in the vintage clawfoot bathtub. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
11. A stunning villa and private pool with views of the Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece: from $132 per night
Take a dip in the pool, settle in for dinner al fresco or take a stroll to the city center of Fira in this quaint home tucked into the hills of Santorini. Museums, shops, restaurants, buses and taxis are just a step away. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
12. An all-seasons cabin in Hellnar, Iceland: from $236 per night
Tucked into the western region of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this home in Hellnar is a destination for nature lovers, painters, photographers and writers alike. Hike the Snæfellsjökull National Park to see the Snæfellsjökull glacier or find walking trials around Arnarstapi and Dritvík. The space sleeps six guests across three bedrooms. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
13. These modern cabins across the U.S.: from $129 per night
If you’re looking for an easy getaway from your city lifestyle, these modern cabin rentals from Getaway are perfect. Simply search the region you’re looking to “escape from” — like Boston, Austin or even Pittsburg and Cleveland — and you’re on your way. All of the cabins are designed with Scandinavian-inspired minimalist touches and include running water, heat and AC, two-burner stoves and outdoor space with a grill and fire pit. Learn more about rentals from Getaway.
14. A one-of-a-kind coastal observatory in Ilfracombe, England: from $277 per night
Located on the west coast of England in Devon, this stunning observatory home boasts 360-degree views of the Cairne Nature Reserve. Just minutes from the coastline, you might spend time at the nearby beaches or spend your time inside the maximalist interiors. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
15. A quaint Royal Gardens apartment in Edinburgh, Scotland: from £138
per night
Sonder is unique in that it is an apartment-hotel company that manages short-term rentals across North America, Europe and Dubai. This Edinburgh space located in Royal Garden Apartments offers in-suite laundry, comfortable queen- and full-size beds, and dining seating for four. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from Sonder.
16. A sunny villa with a private pool and sweeping hillside views of Nice, France: from $330 per night
This traditional stone villa tucked into the hills of Nice, France, sleeps six guests across three bedrooms and includes a stunning private pool with breathtaking views of the hills and the sea. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
17. A modern desert oasis in Scottsdale, Arizona: from $216 per night
This huge Scottsdale home is big enough for family gatherings, bachelor parties and more. It sleeps 14 guests across five bedrooms and features a 12-seater dining table, shady courtyard, roof terrace and private pool. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
18. A restored 14th-century farmhouse in the Lucca hills of Tuscany, Italy: from $239 per night
Nestled among the olive groves in the Lucca hills, live out your dream of staying in a restored 14th-century Tuscan farmhouse. From the pool, the view looks to the medieval village of San Gennaro, whose church bells can be heard from the house. Dine al fresco on the private terrace and enjoy the original features of the home such, as original beamed ceilings and terra cotta floors. Learn more about this rental and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
19. A Mediterranean-inspired retreat in West Palm Beach, Florida: from $184 per night
Get the privacy of a remote villa and the energy of a city in this West Palm Beach rental. Just steps from the heart of West Palm Beach, you’ll enjoy features like an open plan, warehouse-style space with touches of Mediterranean- and Islamic-inspired design. You will also find an orchid garden and cedar picnic tables outside. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from Plum Guide.
20. A charming villa with private hot tub in Santorini, Greece: from $188 per night
This charming villa is located under the church of Agios Anargyros and its historic bell tower. Though the space itself doesn’t have much of a view, the stunning Mediterranean architecture is just about as pleasing to the eye as a sweeping landscape scene. Enjoy rustic details throughout the home, like a cool vaulted interior and olive trees in large terra cotta pots. Learn more about this rental, and see more rentals like this one from VRBO.
If you liked this story, check out what someone who’s been a flight for 38 years travels with on- and off-duty.
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