How Can I Travel Cheap in Summer? Tips and Tricks for Affordable Getaways

Summer vacation is one of the most popular times to travel. In fact, last year, nearly 81% of Americans planned to travel at least once for the season. With that said, there are some costs you’ll have to juggle when it comes time to plan a trip. From transportation to food to planning where to stay, the costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful. If you’re looking to travel but you’re working with a tight budget, don’t worry! We’re here to answer the question, “How can I travel cheap in summer?” So you can enjoy a budget-friendly vacation.

The Ultimate Tip for Traveling Cheap in the Summer

The first tip we have to share is arguably the most important because all the other tips come back to this one: vacation rentals. Deciding on a place to stay is often the most costly part of any trip. So if you want to save money, it’s important to play it smart. Vacation rentals let you stay at a luxurious resort without having to break the bank. As a bonus, many of these resorts come with bells and whistles that allow you to cut down on other costs.

Now, we know what you’re probably wondering. Why are these vacation rentals so affordable? It’s because these rentals are pre-booked vacations. The dates you get to visit are already set, so all you need to do is find one you like and book it! This makes the rental process straightforward and efficient, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your summer vacation. With that covered, we can move on to some of our other travel tips for traveling cheap in the summer.

Take Advantage of On-Site Amenities

As we mentioned above, resorts have plenty of on-site amenities that are completely free! One of the best amenities to take advantage of is the full kitchens you’ll find in most resort suites and villas. These kitchens come with ovens, stoves, fridges, and plenty of pots, pans and silverware. In other words, you’ll have everything you need to prepare your own meals. No need to spend money constantly eating out! Other great amenities that help to save money are the in-unit washers and dryers, as well as free entertainment like sports courts and mini golf. With amenities like this, you’ll be able to enjoy so many fun experiences without having to spend any money, making them a cost-free enhancement for your vacation.

Visit Affordable Destinations

This one seems pretty obvious, right? If you want to take a budget-friendly vacation, you’ll want to visit affordable places. But what exactly makes a destination affordable? Budget-conscious travelers tend to be on the lookout for areas with inexpensive attractions or even absolutely free attractions. That way, your biggest concerns are transportation costs and affordable accommodations. Fortunately, one of those two concerns is taken care of already with vacation rentals. So between those and visiting a location with inexpensive attractions, you’ll be well on your way to traveling cheap in the summer. Here are some affordable destinations to help you plan.

Affordable Destinations for Traveling Cheap in the Summer

• Branson, MO
• Gatlinburg, TN
• Myrtle Beach, SC

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The city of brotherly love is a fantastic spot to visit over the summer if you want to travel cheaply. In fact, there are plenty of affordable things to do in this Pennsylvania city. You can tour Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for free! There, you’ll see the historic spot where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You can also bike or hike in Fairmont Park on over 270 miles of recreational trails. Finally, end your night at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This gorgeous park boasts street vendors, glowing LED lights, and a picturesque view of the Delaware River Waterfront. What’s not to love?

Where to Stay for Traveling Cheap in Philadelphia

While Philadelphia is great, staying in the city isn’t always affordable. Fortunately, you can make Philly into a day trip from the Pocono Mountains, and there’s no better place to stay than Pocono Mountain Villas. You’ll find that the Villas are jam-packed with outdoor activities for some family fun. These family-friendly activities include dual racing zip lines, an aerial ropes adventure course, and all-season tubing. Plus, Pocono Mountain Villas is home to an 18-hole, par 71 golf course. Accommodations at this resort range from studios to three-bedroom villas. These villas boast king and queen-size beds and come with enough space to house four to eight guests, depending on which you choose.

Save Big on a Luxurious Vacation Rental

Branson, Missouri

Branson is not only one of the best places to visit if you like the outdoors, it’s also a stellar destination if you want to travel cheap in the Summer. The city offers plenty of budget-friendly or free attractions like the Branson Landing Fountain Shows. This spectacular event features 120-foot geysers and blasting fire cannons, choreographed to a variety of music. You can also explore more than 1,500 acres of forests at the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area; perfect for people who love to hike! Nature lovers are also sure to enjoy the natural beauty of Table Rock Lake State Park. This state park is one of the best free things to do in Missouri, with campsites, hiking and mountain bike trails, and 800 miles of shoreline for swimming, diving, and sunbathing.

Where to Stay for Traveling Cheap in Branson

Palace View South by Spinnaker Resorts offers its guests a peaceful escape in the Ozarks. A range of accommodation options are available at this property, from one-bedroom to three-bedroom lock-off units, which can sleep as many as eight guests. In each room, there are full kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and a fireplace. When you aren’t out and about, there is so much to enjoy on-site. Amenities include outdoor pools, hot tubs, an activity center, and a game room. This Branson, MO, timeshare resort even offers ticket deals for Branson attractions! So if you want to travel a bit more cheaply in the Summer months, staying at this property is a great way to do so!

Get Away From the Noise Without Breaking the Bank

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Another outdoorsy destination you can travel to cheaply in the Summer is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This woodland destination is just a mile away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As a result, you’ll be near some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation. You can surround yourself with the natural wonder of the forests without having to break the bank, as there are no entrance fees for this national park. As a result, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best free attractions in the nation, and Gatlinburg is one of the best value destinations you can visit. Aside from the national park, visit the observation tower at Clingman’s Dome or the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook if you want some incredible views of the city.

Where to Stay for Traveling Cheap in Gatlinburg

Nestled in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Town Square resort offers easy access to the Smoky Mountains National Park. On top of its stellar location, the resort has plenty of great amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tubs, a basketball court, and both a business and fitness center. Accommodations include studio, one, and two-bedroom suites. The studio comes with a queen-sized bed and sofa bed, while the one-bedroom suite features a king-sized bed to go along with the sofa bed instead. Finally, the two-bedroom suites feature everything found in the one-bedroom alongside two twin beds. Overall, these suites can accommodate three to six guests, depending on which you choose.

Looking for Luxury at a Low Price?

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

One of the best benefits of Myrtle Beach is that you don’t have to pay to stroll down the 60 miles of South Carolina sand. Myrtle Beach is open to the public, so you can enjoy surfing, sunbathing, or reading on the beach to your heart’s content. Of course, it wouldn’t be a beach town without a boardwalk, and the one at Myrtle Beach delivers. You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy family-friendly attractions like the penny arcade or thrill rides. Looking for something a little quieter? Then stop by the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. Admission to the museum is totally free, making it an incredible destination for anyone with a small travel budget. Overall, Myrtle Beach is one of the cheapest places to travel to in the Summer.

Where to Stay for Traveling Cheap in Myrtle Beach

Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations is a stunning timeshare located on Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand. This 24-story tower boasts everything you could want for a family getaway, like an indoor and outdoor pool, a private lounge, and on-site dining. While these amenities are great, the biggest benefit of staying at Ocean 22 is that you’ll have one of the country’s most beautiful beaches right in your backyard. No need to worry about parking here! After an exciting day at the beach, you can unwind in either a one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite. These suites boast breathtaking ocean views from a private balcony as well as king-sized beds. You’ll have enough room for four to eight guests, depending on which suite you choose, meaning that you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs compared to the average hotel room.

Watch the Sunset in South Carolina

Rent a Timeshare at One of the Cheapest Places to Stay in America

Summer doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun! With a timeshare rental in an affordable destination, you’ll have everything you need for a spectacular getaway. Our online marketplace makes renting a breeze. Just find a vacation rental you like, and we’ll handle the rest! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-610-2734 or email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!