22 Affordable Destinations That Feel Like Luxury Without the Price Tag

14. Medellín, Colombia

Once known for its dark past, Medellín has reinvented itself into a modern, innovative, and surprisingly upscale destination. Nestled in the Andes, the "City of Eternal Spring" boasts stylish boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and cable cars that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Luxury living in Medellín is remarkably affordable—you can stay in a high-rise penthouse with a view for the cost of a mid-range hotel elsewhere. Spa treatments, private drivers, and chef-prepared meals are all accessible on a moderate budget. Add to that a booming culinary scene, avant-garde art, and the nearby coffee country, and Medellín becomes one of South America’s most compelling luxury-on-a-budget hubs.