Cheap Vacation in the U.S. – 5 Great Ideas for Summer

Summer isn’t the cheapest time to travel, but it is the time of year when most families have more time to travel.  I reached out to some of my friends in the travel writing world to ask for their favorite cheap vacation ideas for U.S. travel in the summer. Travel doesn’t have to break the bank, even in summer!

Beyond finding a great destination for summer travel, I’m always looking for new ways to save money while traveling. Dosh is my favorite app for booking hotels because you’re guaranteed the best price for hotels and you’ll get cashback on your bookings. The app is free and promises to put money back in your pocket “auto-magically” when you book hotels as well as at restaurants in their system.

Travel on a budget takes more research. When you are planning a trip, you can book hotels, tours and more as you normally would with the added bonus of cashback. While traveling you can also dine at restaurants and earn cashback with the Dosh app.

Below are a wide variety of cheap travel destinations in the U.S. including ideas for outdoor fun, glitz, and glam as well as some 4th of July fun!

Cheap Vacation Ideas in the U.S. for Summer

Acadia National Park, Maine

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine is the first place that the sunrise reaches in the continental United States. The area has a rugged rocky coastline with granite mountains, forests and lakes. It is a spectacularly beautiful area that is traversed by a busy park ring road. There are miles of hiking trails including some carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller where cars are not allowed. The best time to visit Acadia in the Summer is late Summer. June is black fly season so I would avoid June in the park.

My first visit to Acadia was as a poor college student as my honeymoon with my wife. We took advantage of camping in the park for a low-cost experience. If you are looking for something fancier there are also hotels in the Bar Harbor area which shares Mount Desert Island with the national park. Make sure you plan a stop for popovers at Jordon Pond Tea House but expect to wait as this is a popular destination with summer crowds.

To learn more about Acadia National Park listen to the Amateur Traveler podcast episode on Acadia National Park.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an ideal summer vacation destination. Located “way up there,” the Upper Peninsula is rarely crowded and offers a lot of good old-fashioned fun. There’s absolutely stunning scenery to enjoy for free or nearly free: Pictured Rocks National Park, Presque Isle Park, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park, to name a few, but the best thing about the UP is that it really encourages you to unplug and just be.

There’s no such thing as fancy resorts with resort fees, so local/small hotels, Airbnb’s, and campgrounds are your best bet. Without a huge bustling tourist industry, we save money when traveling to the UP by going on free hikes, enjoying the beautiful lakes and scenery, and by cooking our own meals at home. It really is an off-the-beaten-path, budget-friendly vacation destination.

Las Vegas, Nevada

This great summer travel deal is from James Hills of Mantripping.com

Vegas is more glitz and glamour than ever before and for the most part, the days of deals are over. However, summer is the exception and it is surprisingly still a great time to visit. Sure, the temperature will exceed 100 degrees and the sun will be so bright that you’ll have to squint with sunglasses on.

Inside, however, you can bask in the ice-cold air as you shop, drink, eat, play a little blackjack or enjoy a show. When you want to go outside, there are great pools to relax by and drinks to chase the heat away. Resorts that might be $200-300 per night during the spring and winter will often have summer deals for a fraction of that.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This great summer travel deal is from Suzanne Fluhr of  Boomeresque.com

Celebrate the USA’s birthday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it all began in 1776. In the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection), we don’t just celebrate on the 4^th of July. We have a Welcome America celebration starting on June 29^th. There are 7 days of free events, outdoor movies, concerts, block parties, and parades.

Philly is so much more than cheesesteaks and somewhat poorly behaved sports fans. Philly is a great cheap travel destination in the U.S. for so many reasons! We also have the USA’s most historic square mile. In Old City, visit Independence National Historical Park to tour Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Museum. Adjacent to the National Park are the National Constitution Center and Philadelphia’s newest museum, the Museum of the American Revolution.

Check out the museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, ending at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where you can channel your inner Rocky Balboa by running up the “Rocky Steps”.

In 1776, founding father, John Adams, wrote that Independence Day should be celebrated with “Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other … forever more.” And so it has. Watch your 4^th of July fireworks in the very city where he penned those words.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a wonderful destination to visit in the summer because of its beautiful scenery, vibrant cultural scene, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming in the many nearby parks and natural areas.

Asheville also has a lively arts and music scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the summer. The city is known for its craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, and vibrant street performers. With its warm weather, stunning scenery, and unique cultural offerings, Asheville is a great place to visit for a memorable summer vacation.

Asheville can also be a romantic vacation destination, with its stunning natural scenery, charming downtown area, and plethora of romantic activities. Visit a winery or brewery: Asheville has a thriving wine and beer scene, with many wineries and breweries offering cheap tastings and free tours.

Asheville has many picturesque hiking trails, such as the trails at the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway or the Craggy Gardens Trail. A hike can be a great way to enjoy the stunning natural scenery while spending quality time with your partner or the family.

6 tips to help you save money on your summer vacation

1. Choose affordable accommodations: Consider staying at budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals. You can also look for hotels that offer complimentary breakfasts, as this can save you money on food.
2. Plan your meals: Most cities and towns have many affordable dining options, including food trucks, casual restaurants, and local markets. Plan ahead to make sure you’re not overspending on food.
3. Take advantage of free activities: Most cities have many free attractions, including hiking trails, parks, and museums. Research these options ahead of time to make the most of your trip without spending a lot of money.
4. Look for deals: Check online for deals on activities, tours, and other experiences. You can also find coupons and discounts for local attractions in guidebooks and online.
5. Use public transportation: Research the best public transportation system for the town you want to visit, including buses and trolleys. This can be a cheaper alternative to renting a car or taking taxis.
6. Use Dosh! This is a free app that allows you to save money during your travels at shops, restaurants and hotels. The Dosh app is free and one of the best ways to save money on hotels and restaurants when you travel.

Join me and click here to sign up for the beta version and start to save money on hotels and restaurants when you travel.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a budget-friendly vacation in Asheville, North Carolina during the summer.

Hope you found some inspiration and a few cheap vacation ideas for your summer vacation that won’t break the bank.

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