24 Thrifty Travel Ideas for a Memorable Summer Vacation

Times Square, New York

Looking for an amazing vacation that will recharge your inner being, all while not spending a fortune? You are in good hands, my friend; there are plenty of places to see that will keep your wallet happy. Whether you want to sit by a pool, hike a mountain, or learn new facts in a museum, I’ve got you covered for your next getaway.

1. Washington, D.C

Sun rising illuminates the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin. The bright pink cherry blossoms frame the monument in Washington DC during the annual cherry blossom festival
Image Credit: Steve Heap/Shutterstock.

Want a fun family vacation that will also be a cool learning experience? Why not check out our Nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. The town has some free stuff to do, so you can keep some of that hard-earned money in your pocket. Most of the museums are free, as well as the National Zoo. Walk along the city streets and see the White House and other National monuments.

2. Crystal River, Florida

Manatees swimming people kayaking in Crystal River, Florida.
Image Credit: Alex Couto/Shutterstock.

Enjoy some fun in the sun on your next vacation. Florida has some of the best weather in the country. Still, the main attraction for Crystal River is the Manatee population. You can actually swim with these gentle giants. How many people say they have swam with the famous sea cow? Get on out to Florida now.

3. Southern Utah

Southern Utah
Image Credit: On^ste82/Wiki Commons.

Suppose you are an avid hiker or consider yourself an outdoorsy person. In that case, Southern Utah should be on your future vacation list. With National Parks like Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, you can have one incredible road trip exploring this state. Rent a camper van and ditch the expensive hotels as you camp your way through these breathtaking parks.

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Image Credit: Matthew Trudeau Photography – C0/Wiki Commons.

Enjoy a great time in the water or cruising the boardwalk in this southern beach town. If you like water sports or golfing, you will have a great time in Myrtle Beach. Many of these golf courses will let anyone under 16 play free with an adult. That’s a great deal. The beach town also has a bunch of free art shows and music performances throughout the year.

5. Glenmont, Ohio

Saints_Peter_&_Paul_Catholic_Church_(Glenmont,_Ohio)_-_exterior
Image Credit: Nheyob/Wiki Commons.

Why would anyone consider a family vacation to Ohio? I always thought it was a fly-over state, but I was wrong. This rural town is an adventure lover’s dream. Take your pick between hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and canoeing down the Mohican River. There is an Amish town nearby where you can take your kids to teach them what hard work looks like, and you can threaten to leave them there if they don’t get off their iPads.

6. New York City, New York

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Yes, you can have a frugal vacation in New York City if you know what you are doing. Please buy tickets to the Broadway shows on the day when tickets are their cheapest. Take advantage of some of the free museums and music venues. Also, Central Park is free. Walk around and people-watch. There are some serious characters in the big city.

7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA, USA - MAR 2019 : Closeup Love park charactor over the modern building in Philadelphia on March 24, 2019. USA, Love Park, officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza located in Center City
Image Credit: TZIDO SUN/Shutterstock.

There is a bunch of fun stuff to do for free in Philadelphia. You can see the Liberty Bell and re-learn some of our Nation’s history you have forgotten since grade school. After that, you can tell everyone you are a tourist when you run up the Rocky Steps and get your picture taken. Ensure you eat a greasy cheesesteak daily for the authentic Philadelphia experience.

8. Los Angeles, California

Beautiful sunset of Los Angeles downtown skyline and palm trees
Image credit: Shutterstock.

California is expensive, but you can have a budget-friendly vacation in Southern California. Los Angeles is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the state. Spend the day sunbathing in Malibu or Santa Monica. Talk a free hike up to the Hollywood sign or among the Walk of Fame. Grab a famous In-n-Out burger, and people watch down in Venice Beach.

9. Bozeman, Montana

Aerial View of Downtown Bozeman, Montana in Summer
Image Credit: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.

Nestled in the mountainside of Western Montana, this charming town is becoming popular with tourists. Walk down the charming Main Street, which has many boutiques, ice cream and chocolate shops, and great local restaurants. It is also just a two-hour drive to Yellowstone. Take a drive through one of the most beautiful places in our country. Pro-tip: don’t be silly and try to pet the Bison. They will kill you.

10. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Nevada
Image Credit: Canva.

Las Vegas can be a very cheap destination if you aren’t blowing all your money at the tables and the bars. Whether you are with friends or family, there is a bunch of cheap stuff to do. There are all the free light and water shows but also roller coasters and virtual reality simulators. Find a discounted show, or wander the strip until you bump into a party. Drinks are cheap; remember to hydrate.

11. Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan- May 13, 2022 : Exterior view of historic Dutch style shops at Windmill island gardens in Holland, Michigan.
Image Credit: SNEHIT PHOTO/Shutterstock.

Has your significant other been wanting to go to Amsterdam, but you can’t afford it? Take her to Holland, Michigan, the Amsterdam of the West. No, seriously, this town has a serious European feel. They have windmills and tulips to make you feel like you are in Amsterdam. Enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan and feed the goats at Neil’s Dutch Village. Amsterdam isn’t going anywhere. You can go there next year.

12. Gulf Coast, Florida

Naples_(Florida)_-_Fishing_Pier_@_Florida's_Gulf_Coast_
Image Credit: Reinhard Link/Wiki Commons.

The coast of Florida is a beach lover’s dream. The weather is as close to perfect, so hanging out at the beach is an all-year activity. Cities like St. Petersburg and Tampa are close to Disney World amusement parks, which can be pricey but worth it. Also, if you are a baseball fan, Spring Training is a great time to catch a ball game or two.

13. New Orleans, Louisianna

New Orleans, USA
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

New Orleans is as vibrant of a city as there is. You can spend a lot of money eating in their fancy restaurants, but some of the smaller street foods are just as good and half the price. There is free music in almost every corner of the French Quarter, and the bars compete for the cheapest drinks. If you want to party on a budget, gather your friends and head to New Orleans.

14. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond,,Virginia,,Usa,At,Historic,Main,Street,Station,And,Interstate
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

All you history buffs will find Richmond, Virginia, a great vacation spot. There are too many historical sites to list, but you can have a day full of learning new historical facts to impress your dad. Take advantage of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which has several pieces from Van Gogh. If you are not a history nerd, grab some tickets to see the local pro soccer team and enjoy one of the city’s many craft breweries.

15. West Yellowstone, Montana

West Yellowstone landscape during late September as the sun rises above a pond.
Image Credit: LMarianne/Wiki Commons.

This little city sits just outside Yellowstone National Park, where many park visitors stay. The town has charming shops and restaurants, but the real fun is in the park. Watch for wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, elk, deer, moose, and wolves. Keep your distance. This is not a petting zoo. Those animals will kill you.

16. Redwood Country, California

Klamath, CA, USA - August 5th, 2009: Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues at the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, CA.
Image Credit: Gerry Matthews/Wiki Commons.

Northern California is one of the prettiest areas of our country. Redwoods are some of the biggest tree species in the world. Some are so big you can drive a car through them. Stay at one of the cheaper roadside motels that cater to tourists and explore the parks and endless hikes. Ensure you get a picture next to the famous Paul Bunyan Statue to make everyone know you are cooler than them.

17. Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

Drone view of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho State, USA
Image Credit: Spicypepper999/Wiki Commons.

Coeur D’Alene reminds me of the towns you would see in a movie about kids going to summer camp. The town is centered around the lake, a dream come true for anyone who loves water sports. You can rent bikes and cruise into town for some homemade ice cream and fantastic little shops and restaurants. You’ll feel recharged and relaxed after a weekend of breathing in the fresh Idaho air.

18. Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Yes, I recommend you visit Alabama. There is so much more to this state than college football and Forest Gump. If the white sand beaches don’t satisfy you, the Ferris Wheel, zip lines, and mini golf surely will. Let Dad go fishing while you check out the wide variety of animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

19. Fredericksburg, Texas

Christmas in Fredericksburg, Texas
Image Credit: Photolitherland (Chris Litherland), CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

This Texas town sits just a few hour’s drive outside of San Antonio and Austin. There are two excellent museums in the city. The Pioneer Museum will teach you everything you need about German immigration. The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of the most prolific museums on WW II. The town’s downtown has all the charm you would want in a small Texas town. You’ll love the small town’s bars and restaurants.

20. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Image Credit: Sharon Hahn Darlin/Wiki Commons.

Hop over the border for a nice getaway in our southern neighbor of Mexico. Check out the numerous all-inclusive resorts. No hidden fees once you check in; you can relax and know you will have a great vacation without breaking the bank.

21. Golden, Colorado

Washington Street, Golden, Colorado, United States.
Image Credit: Yassie/Wiki Commons.

Just outside of Denver is a great location for a family destination. The town has something for everyone. You can book a white water rafting adventure for the whole family or spend the day swimming in Clear Creek, which runs right through Golden. Mom and Dad might love to see the Coors Brewing facility tour, while the kids will want to check out the Lakeside Amusement Park.

22. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain from Bar Island, Maine, United States, 2009
Image Credit: Brian W. Schaller/Wiki Commons.

You will surely feel refreshed after a long stay in Maine. Sitting just outside Acadia National Park, the town is the definition of quaint. Grab some of their world-famous ice creams after an adventurous day hiking in the woods.

23. Amelia Island, Florida

Fernandina Beach, Florida: Amelia Island Light
Image Credit: Ebyabe/Wiki Commons.

Sitting just across the border of Georgia, there is much to love about this Florida beach town. Of course, you get the warm sandy beach, but the city also has great fishing and daily sunset cruises. The main city is vibrant, with many art studios and local restaurants.

24. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic
Image Credit: Danu Widjajanto/Wiki Commons.

Catch a cheap flight to the Dominican, and you will feel transported to a faraway land. Book an all-inclusive and leave your worries in the States because you will enjoy a picturesque beach filled with great food and drinks. The resorts have casinos, live music, and performances that will make your family love you even more than they already do.

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)