Hi… I’m from Texas and looking to meet my friend from Berlin for a tropical/beach vacation in the middle of December/start of January. I understand flights to Europe/Mediterranean are never cheap from the US but looking to have a cheaper vacation with that in mind. Was looking at Morocco, Thailand, Egypt, etc but would love to hear some ideas of other places as well. We love the beach and also getting to learn about the places we are staying. We would be going for about a week and are fine staying at hotels or airbnbs. Thanks!
In Europe/ Asia and proceeding to name two countries in Africa and one in Asia is bit funny 
Thailand is thought probably your best bet. December in Mediterranean is bit meh.
Asher said:
In Europe/ Asia and proceeding to name two countries in Africa and one in Asia is bit funny
For an American, Paris - Beijing must be like LA - New York.
Asher said:
In Europe/ Asia and proceeding to name two countries in Africa and one in Asia is bit funny
Must be the American in me.
Kampuchea, I’m told, is cheap, friendly – except the flights prices are high.
I recently saw some beautiful beaches on NatureScapes in Indonesia and in the Philippines! They are breathtaking! I want to go there now! Good luck! Have a great trip!
Tickets to Thailand are pretty expensive lately… But for anything tropical, that might be your best bet.
Maybe Canary Islands, but it was spring weather at most when I was there in January.
I understand flights to Europe/Mediterranean are never cheap from US
Your flight should typically be your cheapest cost. If you pay a bit more to travel, but you have a very cheap destination, it’s a huge W.
Some options off the top of my head where I’ve been that offer affordable accommodation and entertainment include Slovenia, Croatia, Vietnam, Turkiye (especially right now with the country in economic crisis) or a Balkans trip (Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania).
@Hayesadam
We definitely don’t have affordable accommodations on the Croatian coast. Also, it’s very cold and windy in December. It’s not even nice to sit on the beach in your clothes, let alone swim.
Tatum said:
@Hayesadam
We definitely don’t have affordable accommodations on the Croatian coast. Also, it’s very cold and windy in December. It’s not even nice to sit on the beach in your clothes, let alone swim.
I guess it depends on the definition of “affordable” but yeah, point taken about the timing - I forgot OP was coming in December! Maybe not the Med then 
None of Europe is tropical, and with the possible exception of the Canary Islands in a good year, I would consider none of it for a tropical beach vacation in December/January.
I would also avoid Egypt, with everything going on in the neighboring countries at the moment.
Most of Asia is cheap and offers the tropical beaches you’re looking for. I would look into the “koh’s” in Thailand, Vietnam, and The Philippines. When opting for the Philippines, do check your government’s travel advice before booking, as not all of the Philippines is safe for travel.