50 bucket-list trips you can take without spending a fortune

Flickr/i.gunawan

Oh, the places you'd go — if you could. While most people have exotic locales on their bucket lists, there are also many places in the United States and abroad that are just as enticing but won't cost your retirement kitty. Here are some ideas for where to take a memorable vacation and still be able to afford your golden years.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Recognized as the culinary capital of Mexico, Oaxaca is irresistible to anyone interested in food and drink. It's the birthplace of mezcal, the agave-based ancestor of tequila, and mole, the family of rich sauces found throughout the country. This bustling, bohemian city has cobblestone streets, colonial charm, and low prices.

At Las Brisas Huatulco, an all-inclusive resort with its own coral reef and myriad other amenities, rates start at $116 a night. Other types of accommodation can be found for about $25 a night for a private room, breakfast included.

Nascar's oldest track

Martinsville Speedway celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2017, and there's more to see in this quaint, historic town. All but one of the museums are free, and the Smithsonian-affiliated Virginia Museum of Natural History is $5 a person.

Outdoor recreation is cheap and plentiful, and there's a free loaner bike program. Hotels range from $70 to $140 a night, although rates can be higher during Nascar weekends.

Northern Lights, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska, is situated in the auroral oval, about 200 miles from the Arctic Circle, making this cold city a hotspot for travelers who want to see the Northern Lights. City officials recommend at least a three-day stay in fall, winter, or early spring for an 80 percent chance of successful viewing.

Area hotels offer Northern Lights wake-up calls, but visitors can opt for a more quintessentially Alaskan experience like a cabin stay or sled-dog trip, too.