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Cheap Summer U.S. Vacation Destinations for the Budget Conscious Traveler
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It’s summertime and that means heading off for a week or two of blissful vacation. But for those of us on a tight budget, or just looking to reign in the spending when on vacation there is no need to resort to having a staycation in your own home.
U.S. News & World Report have announced their “Best Cheap Summer Vacations” ranking, which compiles a list of the best budget-friendly summer destinations based on sights, culture, entertainment, romance, food and adventure. U.S. News reached their decision after combing through hundreds of traveler reviews, rankings and opinions.
The Top Ten “Best Cheap Summer Vacations” according to U.S. News & World Report are:
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Thanks to its breathtaking views and ample opportunity for adventure, the Grand Canyon tops the list with U.S. News recommending travelers save on lodging expenses by opting to stay at a campsite instead. To escape summer crowds they suggest staying on the North Rim, where tourists can find backwood camping and hard core adventures.
Williamsburg, Virginia
History buffs will love a vacation at this historical town with roots dating back to the American Revolution. Not only does Williamsburg offer some budget friendly accomodation, it also has plenty to do including Colonial Williamsburg, beaches, trails and vineyards.
Fort Myers, Florida
Sure Florida can sometimes be a rainy hotbed of humidity in the summertime, but it’s also considered the state’s slow-season meaning travelers can book some pretty good deals on hotels and vacation rentals. Fort Myers, with its white sandy beaches, also gives tourists easy access to the Everglades and some great shopping outlets.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Thanks to its low hotel room rates in the summer and various museums and monuments offering free admission, Albuquerque is a great place to enjoy a summer vacation. The city is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, which combines Native American, Spanish and Mexican tastes.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nicknamed the “Venice of America” thanks to its 185 miles of waterways, Fort Lauderdale is that sweet spot on Florida’s east coast providing easy access to the faster-paced Miami lifestyle, yet retaining a quieter environment. With its gorgeous beaches, outdoor activities and river cruises, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice for your summer vacation.
Tucson, Arizona
Thanks to its high summer temperatures, hotel rates drop by up to 60% in the summer meaning tourists can snag a great deal if they don’t mind the heat. With plenty of trails, canyon views and world renowned golf courses, those looking for a budget vacation can slather on the sunscreen and get a great bang for their buck.
Boca Raton, Florida
Yet another Florida destination to make the list thanks to summer being the state’s slow tourist season, Boca Raton on Florida’s Atlantic Coast can give tourists a taste of the luxe-lifestyle for pennies. The town boasts gorgeous beaches and nature centers, but steer clear of the pricy boutiques unless you want to blow your budget.
Daytona, Florida
Known as a Spring-Break hotspot, Daytona Beach is also a wonderful place to visit in the summertime when the beaches are less crowded and hard-core college partiers have left the bars. There are miles of beaches to explore and NASCAR fans will love a trip to the Daytona International Speedway.
Biloxi, Mississippi
This super affordable Gulf Coast town boasts sandy beaches, golf and lighthouses to explore. It’s also home to many casinos and some great Southern hospitality and cuisine.
Tampa, Florida
Rounding out U.S. News & World Report’s list is – yes, you guessed it – another Florida destination. Tampa, Florida offers a little something for everyone. With beautiful white sandy beaches along its neighboring barrier islands, the city also has a fantastic aquarium, great nightlife and a chance to ride some thrilling roller coasters at Busch Gardens. Best of all, rentals on Airbnb are going for as low as $67 per night!
