Summer travel isn’t always kind to the budget traveler that values an affordable experience. The beautiful weather that many destinations experience between June and September often lead to an influx of tourists crowding streets, restaurants, landmarks, and museums around the world, with the rise in demand leading to high-priced flights and hotels in the process.
The allure of travel is at an all-time high during the summer, but if you plan wisely, you can enjoy a summertime trip without breaking the bank. Get a head start on planning your summer trips and consider these destinations that will all have great weather and will be budget-friendly once the summer travel season is in full swing.
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JUNE
Guayaquil, Ecuador
The colorful port city is Ecuador’s largest city and is a must-see if you want to stop over to the Galapagos Islands. Round-trip airfare is often less than $600 from many cities in the U.S., and Guayaquil’s many restaurants, art galleries and affordable hotels will make your wallet smile.
JULY
Sydney, Australia
If you want to travel on the cheap in July, avoid Europe’s hot-spots. July is the perfect time to stay stateside, but it’s also a nice time to venture to Australia, where the country will be experiencing winter and will be sunny and cool. It won’t be as inexpensive as visiting parts of South East Asia, but with hotels nearly 44% cheaper than peak season, it will be much more enjoyable and affordable than going during Australia’s summer months.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Expect great weather with slight rain if you travel to Malaysia in July, which is a popular yet affordable time to visit the country since it will be right after Ramadan. The food is exceptional, the city is bustling, flights can be found for less than $600 if you book early and nice accommodations can be found for less than $60 a night.
AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
Kraków, Poland
If you have your heart set on touring Europe this summer, head to Kraków in August for an unconventional summer vacation. Flights may still be pricey, but 5-star hotels can be found for less than $200 per night, and the city has held true to its medieval roots.
Barcelona, Spain
If you can wait until the end of the summer, visiting Barcelona could be a great, affordable destination. Flights dip drastically after the July travel crunch, hotels are much more reasonable, and the weather is still nice enough to enjoy longs days on the beach.
