Summer is knocking on the door and holidays have been started. Families and solo travelers are looking for vacation spots to enjoy the long-awaited holidays.
I, being a traveler like to travel in summer as there are several places where the weather is pleasant.
Hundreds of destinations are suggested for summer holidays but the actual selection depends on what conditions suit you. I standardize summer destinations based on:
- Pleasant weather
- Affordability
- Number of beaches out there
That’s my criteria to finalize a summer destination.
How about you?
Cheap Summer Destinations – Updated List
After consistent travel during the summer, I finalized the recommended spots to craft the list. A few destinations are based on the recommendations of world travelers:
1. Phuket, Thailand
A mountainous and rainforested island in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has the world’s most popular beaches. Phuket is home to spas, restaurants, and many high-end seaside resorts. The weather is amazing. Talking about the city, it has got several busy markets.
If you’re looking for a calm, pleasant place to stay, Phuket should top your go-to list. You get to see the natural scenes and enjoy boating yourself. 1$ equals 30THB and this devaluation makes it cheap for world travelers. You may not be interested in it; the town has a resort area which is home to many nightclubs, discos, and bars.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is home to a hilly, coastal city called Lisbon. With an area of 100-kilometer square, you can explore the city via tram which costs less than 4$.
The city has got old monuments and buildings which are now tourist attractions. To your interest, if you like to hang out and make new friends, Lisbon is the ninth most densely populated European city.
Exploring different neighborhoods, palaces, castles, or trip onboard a funicular to climb the city’s steep hill is a great experience indeed.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city located in the west of U.S. state, Pennsylvania. The destination has a historical museum, a Zoo, and a few more spots which make it a family destination. In summer, there is a 10-day racing tournament (called Grand-Prix) of vintage cars, walking tours are arranged to explore the city as well. There are lunch spots that cost around 10$. Talking about affordability, transportation via subway (giving you a complete overview of the city) is 100% free.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
Maine is a state for nature lovers due to the areas like the granite and spruce islands of Acadia. Bar Harbor is a town located at Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. The town serves as a gateway to the cliffs and mountains of neighboring Acadia National Park. The park is a tourist attraction and if visited the hills across, you get a full-fledged view of the town which is lovely to look at.
The transportation and accommodation are affordable and you can enjoy an exclusive tour of the town for 100$ only.
The town is a family destination, too as the parks are designed for kids and families. If you’ve planned Bar Harbor for your family travel, go between July 11 and August 15 as there are kid-friendly movie viewings with free popcorns at Agamont Park.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Another cheap spot for a summer vacation in Budapest. The capital, Budapest has a historical Chain Bridge that connects the city over River Danube.
Hungary is one of the underrated European countries but it is worth visiting once. The best part is the affordability. The capital has two parts; Buda and Pest. Staying in Buda saves you a lot. Pest has got some hype in the rate. Although, the tourist spots are near walking distance or tram for both; Buda and Pest.
Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Heroes’ square are the places to visit in the capital.
6. Tahiti
Tahiti is another exotic destination for summer. It is the largest island in French Polynesia.
The culture and Tahiti people are very friendly. You can enjoy cheap accommodations in a Tahitian Guesthouse or pension. Guesthouses offer family accommodation with a slight increase in charges.
The food and guides are very affordable. If you’re a nature lover and want to experience swimming in clean water and staying in huts, Tahiti should top your travel list.
Don’t forget to visit the Robert Wan Pearl Museum in Tahiti.
7. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Another natural destination with an exotic beach gateway, Nicaragua’s pacific coast is one of the most visited beaches across.
You can find cheap meals, affordable accommodation and free travel guides in San Juana del Sur.
For accommodation, you can stay at TreeCasa Resort, jungle hotel and resorts offer free guided hikes and daily yoga. Surprising, isn’t it?
Summer is the perfect time to travel this beautiful beach as accommodation rates drop to 99$ per night.
CHOOSING YOUR NEXT CHEAP SUMMER DESTINATION?
We all look for cheap summer destinations, I have shared a few. Some of them are perfect for family travel while some are not. To choose your next cheap summer destination, you need to start saving a few months earlier. When done with savings, choose the destination (from the list), and plan your travel.
When it comes to finalizing the destination, you need criteria. Yes, criteria to select a destination from the list.
Ask yourself a few questions like what kind of place you are planning to visit? How much you’ve saved? How long you want to stay?
All these self questions can help you finalize your next cheap summer destination.
Do check out Low-cost Travel Tips to save more!