Best Cheap Summer Vacations
Now that school is out, more people are packing their bags and getting out of town. That means fewer hotels and airlines are desperate for your business. And due to the economy's fickle nature, destinations that were bargains last year may not be so now. Regardless, here are some great places you can visit this summer without breaking the bank.
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Why go: A one-time meager fee ensures entry into Yellowstone National Park for seven days. That's plenty of time to enjoy the best of the park's majesty, including Old Faithful or the Mammoth Hot Springs. Hotel rates are reasonable all summer long, but you might want to come in June before the summer tourist season really picks up. Also, consider saving on lodging by bringing your own: Yellowstone is filled with campground facilities. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Yellowstone
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Why Go: This Caribbean metropolis makes for quite the urban adventure. And with numerous entertaining attractions and affordable hotels, you're bound to leave satisfied with your savings intact. The Alcázar de Colón enchants art aficionados with its cache of medieval and Renaissance artwork, while the Malecón allures night-owls with its late-night meringue and bachata dance sessions. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Santo Domingo
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Why go: Lisbon is one of the most affordable European destinations any time of year. Summertime visitors often ditch the urban districts and splurge for seaside accommodations in nearby Cascais and Estoril, meaning Lisbon hotels are more likely to offer deals. Even five-star accommodations in action-packed Belém or Alfama could run for less than $100 a night. Read More»
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Why Go: Instead of testing Lady Luck at one of Las Vegas' mega casinos, hit the floors at Reno's Harrah's and Eldorado. But if gambling isn't your idea of a good time, head downtown to the Truckee River Walk's to explore the local art galleries. With plenty of affordable hotel rooms and things to do, there's no need to pay a pretty penny in Sin City to have a similar good time. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Reno
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Why go: Summertime is the most popular—and most expensive—time to visit Myrtle Beach. But you can save considerable money if you find a place stay off the main stretch of sand. Ditch the Grand Strand area in favor of a campsite or rental cottage, or consider one of the stay-and-golf deals offered by the major hotel chains. The stretches of clean public beach (read: free and fun) and the abundance of family-friendly attractions will make the bargain-hunting worth it. Read More»
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Why Go: With its brazen Southern charm, this affordable Mississippi retreat makes for a delightfully cheap summer getaway. That is, if you don't gamble your savings at the Beau Rivage Casino. Culture hounds like touring the Beauvoir and the Biloxi Lighthouse, while art enthusiasts happily peruse the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. With a magnolia scent in the air, Biloxi happily entertains its guests (for less) in the summer. Read More»
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Why go: Like the Caribbean, Fort Lauderdale and other Florida beach towns are more popular during the winter and spring. So you can really luck out on airfare and room rates if you visit the "Venice of America" over summer vacation. Laid-back Fort Lauderdale has an up-and-coming dining scene along Las Olas Boulevard and more beach than beach-bums during the summertime. Read More»
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Why go: The Caribbean doesn't see a lot of traffic during the summer months; travelers tend to head to the islands when winter is in full swing and when the threat of tropical storms is non-existant. This can mean great deals on both airfare and hotels during the summer. But here's the kicker: the islands outside the hurricane belt also offer summer discounts. Trinidad and Tobago is a prime example, and its best activities—including its outstanding beaches—are free for everyone to enjoy. Read More»














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