5 Vacations for Under $500

Texans love the Lone Star State more than any place on the planet, but if you’re looking for weekend travel that won’t break the bank we’ve found some amazing destinations for amazing prices. With round-trip excursions leaving straight from Texas, you can’t ask for better options. Here are five of the best flights for less than $500.

5. San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you love beautiful beaches and an active nightlife then you’ll love this destination. San Juan offers this and so much more in culture, music, and of course the latin cuisine. Spend the daytime soaking in the sun at Playa Condado, then experience an amazing Caribbean dinner at Santaella, and dance the night away La Factoria. By the time you get back, you may want to start planning the next visit.

4. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Aside from the glorious sunshine and beaches at Montego Bay, the best adventures can be found about an hour east at the spectacular Irie Blue Holes. It’s divided into two sections —  the main Blue Hole just beg you to jump in with its turquoise waters and the view is surreal. If you’re the adventurous type, there’s also a Tarzan swing you can use. The Blue Hole is somewhere you want to relax and inhale the beauty that surrounds you. The other section is the waterfall side. The waterfall itself is roughly 20 feet tall, and you’ll rejoin the river further upstream. It’s only a 7-minute walk from the Blue Hole, so take a walk on the wild side.It’s a natural oasis and escape unlike any Caribbean drinks at Genesis.

3. Bermuda

Don’t worry, you won’t get caught in the Bermuda Triangle (hopefully), but you will get lost in the beauty of Bermuda. With destinations like the gorgeous Horseshoe Bay and the stunning Crystal and Fantasy Caves, you may just want to stay longer than a weekend. If aquatic adventures aren’t your thing, then head over to the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. With well over 1,000 pieces, it’s sure to amaze all day. If you need inspiration for Instagram, then head over to Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda as well as the commercial and cultural epicenter. Here, you’ll find the best shops, dining and more all nestled within pastel-painted colonial buildings.

2. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a breathtaking destination in its own right, but there are some highlights you definitely want to hit if you’re making a trip this way anytime soon. For outdoor enthusiast, Los Tres Ojos is a must. This national park is home to three limestone caverns with lakes. Grab your cameras and get ready to explore. Once you get back to civilization, one of the best places to be is Parque Colón. This historic square sits in the colonial district and is within proximity of sights such as Catedral Primada de América (the First Cathedral of the New World), Alcazar de Colon and numerous dining options.

1. Great Exuma, Bahamas

It’s the Bahamas. Need I say more? Just in case, allow me to elaborate. There are tons of amazing adventures and activities to get into here. For starters, Exuma is home to the famous swimming pigs that everybody loves to daydream about, along with other water-based wonders like swimming with friendly sharks at Compass Cay and exploring the beauty of Thunderball Grotto (yes, of James Bond fame). If you want to reach critical island enjoyment, then dip over to Chat ‘n’ Chill on Sunday. Everyone who’s anyone makes their way to this beach bar to enjoy buffet-style lunch, party and relax under palm trees. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to meet some friendly stingrays.

With the new year right around the corner, now's the perfect time to plan  the perfect getaway and explore some new corners of the earth, take some pictures and make memories. Grab your BFF and get going.