Exploring the world we are born into is an opportunity that all who desire should be able to take. However, it is no secret that doing so is more of a luxury. With responsibilities like work, families and bills, most people only have one, maybe two, opportunities to travel per year. This is usually during the summer time. Most people who want to plan an affordable vacation are not going to think big and likely believe they must only venture out to destinations in close proximity to them.
Surprisingly, this does not have to be the case. There are so many beautiful places around the world that offer unique experiences at budget-friendly prices. Check out some of these destinations from North America to Asia that make for great summer vacations.
Bangkok, Thailand
Many factors make this city perfect for cheap summer vacations. Bangkok offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. Street food in Bangkok is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable, allowing travelers to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine without spending much. Additionally, many of Bangkok’s attractions, such as temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun, have minimal entrance fees or are free to visit. Exploring markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market is also a budget-friendly activity. Even getting around the city is pretty affordable. Bangkok’s public transportation system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, is efficient and inexpensive, making it easy to explore the city on a budget.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech offers a variety of budget accommodations, including riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses) and budget hotels, especially in the Medina (old town). Visitors can enjoy Moroccan cuisine at reasonable prices, especially at street food stalls and local eateries in the Medina. Shopping at the bustling souks (markets) of Marrakech is a must-do experience, and visitors can practice their bargaining skills to score great deals on items like spices, textiles and handicrafts. Many other attractions in Marrakech, such as the Jardin Majorelle and the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square, can be explored for free or for a nominal fee. Immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere of Marrakech all while enjoying relatively low costs for food and accommodations.
Mexico City, Mexico
Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City with its world-class museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant street life, all at prices that won’t break the bank. Mexico City offers a wide range of accommodations at various price points, including budget hostels, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Mexico City is famous for its street food scene, where visitors can indulge in tacos, tamales and other delicious dishes at affordable prices. Many museums in Mexico City, such as the National Museum of Anthropology, offer free admission on certain days of the week. Visitors can also explore historic sites like the Zocalo and Chapultepec Park for free. And getting around Mexico City is inexpensive thanks to its extensive metro system, as well as affordable options like buses and taxis.
Austin, Texas
Austin offers plenty of affordable attractions and accommodations for fun but cheap summer vacations. A range of accommodation options are available in Austin, including budget-friendly hotels, hostels and vacation rentals, especially in areas like South Congress and East Austin. Visitors can enjoy numerous free outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming at Barton Springs Pool (free at certain times), exploring Zilker Park and walking or biking along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. While some venues may have cover charges, many bars and clubs in Austin offer free live music performances, allowing visitors to experience the city’s renowned music scene without spending a lot. Austin is also known for its food truck scene, offering a variety of affordable and delicious options for dining, including tacos, barbecue and gourmet sandwiches.
Nashville, Tennessee
Experience the vibrant music culture of Nashville all while staying within a budget. Nashville has a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and guesthouses. Visitors can enjoy free live music performances at various venues throughout the city, including bars, honky-tonks and outdoor concert series like Musicians Corner in Centennial Park. Many of Nashville’s cultural attractions offer free or discounted admission on certain days, such as the Frist Art Museum and the Tennessee State Museum. Additionally, Nashville offers plenty of affordable dining options, including Southern comfort food, barbecue and hot chicken, as well as food trucks and casual eateries.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of New Orleans with its lively street music, historic architecture and delicious cuisine, all at reasonable prices. New Orleans has a range of budget-friendly accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels, especially in neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Marigny. Additionally, New Orleans is famous for its delicious and affordable cuisine, including po’boys, gumbo, and beignets, as well as budget-friendly eateries like muffaletta shops and oyster bars. Exploring New Orleans on foot is a budget-friendly way to experience the city’s unique architecture, historic neighborhoods and colorful street life, with many self-guided walking tours available for free. Visitors can experience the vibrant music and festival scene of New Orleans for free as well, with numerous free live music performances, street festivals and cultural events throughout the city.
Denver, Colorado
Denver can make for cheap summer vacations with all of the natural landscapes surrounding it that you can spend your time visiting. These landscapes include the Rocky Mountains, which offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and camping. Many of these activities are free or low-cost. Denver has several free attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens (on select days), and the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, where visitors can enjoy hiking and live music events. Also, Denver is known for its craft beer scene, with many breweries offering affordable tastings and tours, making it a great option for beer enthusiasts on a budget. A range of accommodations is available in Denver, including budget-friendly hotels, motels and hostels, especially in areas like Capitol Hill and the Five Points neighborhood.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s historic architecture, cobblestone streets and charming neighborhoods provide a picturesque backdrop for exploring the city’s rich history and culture. Many historic sites, such as the Battery and Rainbow Row, can be explored for free. Charleston is also located near several beautiful beaches, including Folly Beach and Isle of Palms, where visitors can relax, swim and enjoy water sports at little to no cost. There are even more ways to enjoy cheap summer vacations in this city as Charleston hosts numerous free events and festivals throughout the summer, including outdoor concerts, farmers markets and cultural celebrations, providing entertainment for visitors on a budget. And for dinner each night, choose between a variety of affordable dining options, including seafood shacks, barbecue joints and casual eateries serving Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Home to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap offers affordable accommodations, delicious Cambodian cuisine and opportunities to explore ancient ruins and local markets. While there is an admission fee to visit the Angkor Wat temple complex, exploring the temples and ruins of Angkor is a must-do experience in Siem Reap, offering excellent value for the price of admission. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products at the city’s many night markets, including the Angkor Night Market and the Old Market, where bargaining is common and prices are often affordable. Siem Reap is known for its delicious and affordable street food, offering a variety of Cambodian dishes such as noodle soups, grilled meats and fresh fruit shakes at budget-friendly prices. Choose between a range of budget-friendly accommodations in Siem Reap, including guesthouses, hostels and budget hotels, especially in areas like Pub Street and the Old Market area.
Budapest, Hungary
This city boasts stunning architecture, historic thermal baths, and a lively nightlife scene, all at relatively low costs compared to other European capitals. Budapest offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels, especially in districts like Pest and the Jewish Quarter. Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs at affordable prices. The city also has several free attractions, including landmarks like the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament Building, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. You can even eat for cheap as Budapest offers a variety of affordable dining options, including traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and lángos, as well as street food stalls, markets and budget-friendly restaurants serving international cuisine.