Chile in $500s-510s RT

You could go to Chile just to chill. Santiago is a pretty good city for aimless wandering... but just think of the scenery you'll be missing!

Patagonia (in this humble travel writer's opinion) is possibly the most beautiful place on Earth. I could wax poetic for ages — the glacial blue lakes, the lush valleys criss-crossed with streams, the craggy peaks — but it's easier just to show you. 

These topsy-turvy springtime dates help too. It's the veeeery start of the season, so you'll miss most of the crowds but keep the weather, and you might even spot a few adorable wild babies.

My suggestion? Take a few days to explore Santiago, and then hop a cheap domestic to Puntas Arenas or Puerto Natales (around $100-$250 RT). From there, it's pretty easy to hit the road and drive til you feel like you're in heaven :-)