7 Ideas for an Affordable Summer Vacation
Whether you’re celebrating graduation or figuring out how to use those coveted vacation days, we all require a break from real life from time to time. To make sure you get the most out of your getaway, we teamed up with trivago to find out some of the most searched and most affordable summer vacations. With hotel rates around $150/night, you’ll definitely want to add these seven sought after destinations to your summer wander list.
1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Average hotel rate: $165/night
Swim through caves in the Marietas Islands, go zip lining in the rainforest, or explore the charming area of Old Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful beach town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast full of adventure. The National Parks, islands, and beaches offer endless opportunities for outdoor excursions and sightseeing. Take advantage of one of the top rated tours and sign up for an action-packed guide through Puerto Vallarta. Typical activities include snorkeling, hiking, zip lining, and riding natural waterslides. At night, head to El Malecon boardwalk and experience the local restaurants, bars and clubs.
2. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Average hotel rate: $156/night
High season in Florida takes place during the winter months because, let’s be honest, most people can’t hang in 85 degree weather. But when you’re planning on spending the duration of your summer vacation on a flamingo float in the ocean, temperature ain’t nothing but a number. Take advantage of the off-season hotel rates and book a few nights near the famous Fort Lauderdale beach this summer. Along with baby blue skies and beautiful beaches, Fort Lauderdale is just as fun when the sun sets. Beach bars, the downtown area, and the more upscale Las Olas offer plenty of options for drinking and dancing after dusk.
3. Madrid, Spain
Average hotel rate: $145/night
You can score great deals on hotels in Madrid during the summer, and if you’ve never been you have a lot to look forward to. The capital of Spain is a cultural mecca, so history buffs will relish amidst the architecture and famous museums like the Del Prado and Reina Sofia. Get a glimpse into what being royalty was like at the Royal Palace and stand in awe in the center of Plaza Mayor. The sights, the savory Spanish food, and the consistently good nightlife make for the kind of Euro Trip you’ll be buzzing about weeks after your return to the states.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Average hotel rate: $152/night
[Photo: Natalia Bratslavsky / Shutterstock.com]
If you’re gonna go to Graceland, now is the time to do it. During summer months you can book a hotel in Memphis for around $150/night and explore the final home of The King of Rock and Roll. While a trip to Elvis’ 13.8-acre estateis considered a top thing to do in Memphis, it’s far from the shining star. The live music scene is the real attraction of Blues City, and a stroll down Beale Street will confirm that. You’ll also want to come to Tennessee hungry because the barbecue and soul food served up in Memphis is like no other.
5. Houston, Texas
Average hotel rate: $160/night
Houston has a little bit of everything, including tons of free things to do. Go on a 90-minute boat tour, have an Insta-worthy moment at Williams Tower’s Water Wall, or experience the stunning sunset light show at James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace on Rice Campus. A summer vacation to Houston is budget friendly all around, and the good vibes, good eats, and good music make it the perfect place to get familiar with The Lone Star State.
6. Orlando, Florida
Average hotel rate: $152/night
[Photo: Kamira / Shutterstock.com]
Hotels are cheaper in Orlando this time of year so it’s the perfect time for some theme park nostalgia. Plan your trip for late May or early June to lock in the low room rates and avoid the hoards of families on summer vacation. Pack your sunscreen and prepare for long days drinking around the world at Epcot and sipping butter beer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With Universal CityWalk, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Boardwalk, there’s also plenty to do in Orlando after the parks close. Explore the downtown scene, live music, and other late night entertainment next-door to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
7. St. Louis, Missouri
Average hotel rate: $165/night
Whether you’re a beer lover, art lover, or both, you’re going to love St. Louis. The best part? The majority of activities are free or cheap. This “something for everyone” city is home to the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery (tours range from complimentary to $35), as well as outdoor art experiences like Citygarden (free) and Laumeier Sculpture Park (free). A stomach-dropping 630-foot high journey to the top of the Gateway Arch ($13) offers magnificent views of the city, and the must-have food includes cheap eats like Ted Drewe’s famous frozen custard ($4.20 for a regular size) and Mama Toscano’s toasted ravioli ($5.49).
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