In September, Apple fans from across the world eagerly awaited the biggest event of the year – the unveiling of the highly anticipated iPhone X. The tenth-anniversary phone is undeniably beautiful, but is it really worth it?
If you’ve recently added this device to the top of your Christmas wishlist, maybe it’s time to reconsider. Take a look at these ten adventures you can have for less than the cost of the iPhone X (because we know what we’d rather spend our dollars on).
How much is an iPhone X?
Spoiler alert; this device is not cheap. Arriving into our lives as the most expensive smartphone to be sold across most markets, the success of the flagship iPhone X will be one to watch. The flagship iPhone X will cost $999 USD for a handset with 64GB, or $1,149 USD for one with 256GB of storage.
To keep it budget friendly, we’re focusing on trips that include everything from accommodation to sightseeing for under $999 USD. While money can’t buy you happiness, it can buy you an unforgettable, life-changing travel experience.
Note: Flights are not included in the below prices, but if you’re a savvy budget-hunter you will have no problems finding inexpensive flights!
10 Exciting Trips That Cost Less Than an iPhone X
1. Spend the night with a Mayan family in Guatemala
- Price: From $357 USD
- Length: 6 Days
- Highlight: Hike the Pacaya Volcano
First adventure to add to your Christmas wishlist; an in-depth cultural tour of Guatemala. Set against a verdant mountain backdrop, Antigua is the vibrant, must-visit destination of Central America. In just six short days, you can spend the night with a Mayan family, trek across a volcano peak and maybe pick up a few Spanish phrases along the way.
Learn more about this tour here.
2. Trek through Morocco
- Price: From $564 USD
- Length: 10 Days
- Highlight: Sleep under the stars in a traditional-style tent
If you’re yet to experience Morocco, add this tour to your wishlist and explore the traditional kasbahs, go camel trekking or hike to the terraced village of Timichi. As for exploring the local culinary scene, it doesn’t get any better than feasting on aromatic tajines, fluffy couscous and richly spiced stews.
Learn more about this tour here.
3. Float down the Nile River
- Price: From $634 USD
- Length: 10 Days
- Top experience: Sail along the Nile River on a traditional felucca boat
Egypt is home to some of the world’s best-preserved temples and monuments, carries rich traditions and offers generous landscapes; such as sweeping dunes to the scenic Nile River. Now is the time to immerse yourself in the local traditions of Egypt. As for culinary experiences, a falafel from the streets of Cairo will satisfy your taste buds. Where most traditional falafels are made of chickpeas, the Egyptian falafel consists of broad beans and local spices. Served in a paper cone or with a side salad of tabouli and lentils, a falafel experience in Egypt is essential.
Learn more about this tour here.
4. Marvel at Iguazu Falls
- Price: From $646 USD
- Length: 4 Days
- Top experience: Marvel at Iguazu Falls
Whether you want to take it easy and wander through Puerto Iguazu or pick up the pace with an active trek, this four-day adventure is the perfect way to get acquainted with Iguazu Falls and the surrounding areas and will leave you saying “Tim Cook, who?”.
Learn more about this tour here.
5. Feast at a local trattoria in Italy
- Price: From $650 USD
- Length: 5 Days
- Top experience: Explore Florence with a local guide
This short adventure covers the best of Italy, and its beauty is undeniable. By day, you can visit many internationally renowned art galleries, museums and cathedrals. At night you can enjoy lively bars and trattorias. After your first carb-loaded meal, you’ll forget that the iPhone X ever existed.
Learn more about this tour here.
6. Camp in the Amazon
- Price: From $796 USD
- Length: 4 Days
- Top experience: Spot macaws in their natural habitat
This tour speaks to adventure-seekers and nature-lovers alike as you’ll be travelling through Puerto Maldonado, Peru and Tambopata National Reserve. With excursions led by local wildlife experts, you’ll quickly gain enough knowledge to challenge the likes of David Attenborough.
Learn more about this tour here.
7. Party in Phi Phi Island
- Price: From $863 USD
- Tour Length: 12 Days
- Top experience: An authentic Thai cooking class
Yes, an iPhone X would be amazing. But you know what would be even better? 12 days in Thailand starting in Bangkok and weaving your way through Phi Phi Island. If this sounds like the option for you, you can enjoy a visit to Khao Sok National Park and experience a boat trip to Paradise Island. Don’t forget to sample a traditional Pad Thai while you’re at it.
Learn more about this tour here.
8. Explore the Canadian Rockies
- Price: From $893 USD
- Length: 10 Days
- Top experience: Visit Lake Louise and Lake Moraine
Who wouldn’t want to spend ten days in the Canadian Rockies? With an expert guide and accommodation included, it’s time to see why people rave about these unique landscapes. Go moose-spotting in the Rockies and keep your eyes peeled for Grizzly bears while finding some much-needed serenity on pristine and expansive lakes.
Learn more about this tour here.
9. Embrace the traditions of India
- Price: From $880 USD
- Length: 8 Days
- Top experience: Spend the night in a restored heritage property in Karauli
As one of the most spiritually captivating and endearing destinations in the world, India offers a travel experience like no other. Why splurge on an iPhone X when you could marvel at the glistening Taj Mahal or explore the iconic city of Agra? Keep in mind that travel memories last forever – and your favourite gadget will not.
Learn more about this tour here.
10. Explore Iceland with an active twist
- Price: From $975 USD
- Length: 5 Days
- Top experience: Snorkel between two tectonic plates at Silfra ravine
This is a jam-packed, experience-based trip for all of the adventurers out there. Enjoy breaking a sweat with a glacier hike before you go sea kayaking and whale watching, explore the lava fields of Þingvellir or go snorkelling at the Silfra ravine.
Learn more about this tour here.
Have you been wooed by the prowess of Apple? Or will you cling tight to your iPhone 5S until it refuses to swipe open?
Tell us in the comments below if your next adventure takes you to one of the above destinations, or straight to the Apple store?
