A travel ‘bucket list’ within reach

What if you could vacation like the celebs without having to raid the kids’ college fund? Here are some A-list travel destinations that won’t break the bank.

Bora Bora, Tahiti

Romance, seclusion and those thatched-roof, over-water bungalows are a few reasons why celebrities love to escape to the island of Bora Bora in Tahiti. Remember when Eddie surprised The Real Housewives of Orange County‘s Tamra with an engagement ring hidden inside an oyster? Bora Bora. And who can forget when the Kardashian crew travelled en masse for Kris and Bruce’s vow renewal ceremony (and a whole lot of family drama)? Bora Bora again. If you want to enjoy island breezes, tuck fragrant plumeria in your hair and sip the tastiest fresh pineapple juice in the world, put Bora Bora on your bucket list. Find reasonable all-inclusive package trips on Air Tahiti Nui’s website.

Sonoma and Napa Valley, California

Tired of drooling over the meals prepared on the food channel while you dine on Lean Cuisines? Head to California wine country where you can treat yourself to fresh (never frozen) cuisine. Sonoma and Napa Valley, California, are known for their picturesque vineyards and fine wines, but these areas are also becoming culinary hot spots. Celebrity chefs are creating edible magic with seasonal organic food they grow themselves or source from nearby farms. Get the scoop on the best places to dine fromFood and Wine‘s restaurant guide to Napa and Sonoma. While you may not want to spend $1,000 a night to rub elbows with celebrities like the Beckhams at Auberge du Soleil, hotels like the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa and Embassy Suites Napa Valley are excellent options.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

It’s nearly impossible to get a mani-pedi without flipping through a magazine and seeing photos of a very tanned and toned Jennifer Aniston sunning at a Mexican resort. She’s usually with her boyfriend and often joined by a pack of friends. While you might not be able to fly all your buddies out to join you for a margarita, you can book a room at Las Ventanas al Paraiso (translation: “a window on Paradise”), the very same resort where Jen stays. Las Ventana is situated between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Expect to pay at least $500 per night at Jen’s favorite resort, or go for a more affordable stay at the nearby Westin Resort & Spa.

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Heidi Klum, Bradley Cooper and Renee Zellweger are a few of the celebrities who flock to Canadian ski resort Whistler, every year. You might not have the budget to stay at the posh Four Seasons Resort, you might try the charming and “casually elegant” Delta Whistler Village Suites. This more affordably priced option is just a three minute drive from The Four Seasons, so you can always pop over for an après-ski cocktail or cocoa in the resort’s Fifty Two 80 Bar.

The Hamptons, New York

Before you write off the Hamptons as a travel destination, let us assure you that this fabled summer getaway doesn’t belong to the rich and famous. True, plenty of celebrities and CEOs own summer homes there, but if, like us, you haven’t yet gotten an invitation to your BFF’s Hamptons beach house, check out bbonline.com for a complete listing of B&Bs in the area.

More travel adventures:

Most beautiful vacation spots to photograph
Adventures in the sky: Hot air balloon, helicopter or sky dive
Adventures in the water: Swim with dolphins, sharks or stingrays