Affordable Summer Travel Destinations for 2025

Introduction

Hello and welcome back NEO Homeschoolers! School's out and summer is here... sort of... in northeast Ohio, which means many families are looking forward to some form of a summer vacation. If you're anything like my family though, soaring prices have you feeling a bit apprehensive about booking that ideal trip for your family, so let's dig into some trending, budget friendly summer vacation options. Ready to relax or explore? This post has got you covered!

Trending Summer Destinations

Domestic Hot Spots on a Budget

1. New Orleans, Louisiana
   1. Why visit? New Orleans offers a rich history, vibrant night-life, and incredible food all at affordable prices.
   2. Budget Tips: While visiting, stay in the Marigny or Garden District for cheaper lodging, enjoy free jazz performances, and take advantage of inexpensive street food.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
   1. Why visit? If you're a fan of mountain views with your budget-friendly summer vacation, Asheville, North Carolina is the destination for you! With stunning mountain views as a backdrop, Asheville offers its guests artsy vibes and plenty of free outdoor activities.
   2. Budget Tips: To save a little money while visiting, consider staying in budget friendly cabins outside the city while you explore the outdoors on the Blue Ridge Parkway and immerse yourself in art at free art galleries.
3. Denver, Colorado
   1. Why visit? Visitors to Denver will be treated to a mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventure with plenty of free attractions.
   2. Budget Tips: Since Denver is an urban setting, vacationers can take advantage of affordable public transportation in their adventures to attractions such as free museums and Red Rocks Park.
4. San Diego, California
   1. Why visit? Everyone knows southern California is famed for its "perfect weather" year round, so naturally, visitors to San Diego can look forward to great weather for plenty of beach visits, and numerous free activities.
   2. Budget Tips: While visiting San Diego, vacationers can enjoy free beach access, explore Balboa Park's free attractions, and find budget-friendly food options in Old Town to support their efforts to stick to a budget while enjoying a vacation.
5. Austin, Texas
   1. Why visit? Vacationers in Austin will get to experience live music, food trucks, and an urban feel all with a quirky, budget-friendly vibe.
   2. Budget Tips: Looking to save a little extra? Catch free outdoor concerts, visit Barton Springs Pool on free days, and try a variety of food trucks for cheap, delicious meals.
6. Portland, Oregon
   1. Why visit? Portland offers visitors a fun mix of nature, culture, and affordability.
   2. Budget Tips: While there, vacationers can explore free hiking trails, visit Powell's City of Books, and enjoy food from budget-friendly food carts to ensure a fun-filled vacation with lower expenses.
7. Nashville, Tennessee
   1. Why visit? Nashville has it all... music, history, and Southern charm... all at affordable prices.
   2. Budget Tips: For some budget-friendly fun, visitors can enjoy free live music, visit and explore Centennial Park, and find affordable eats in East Nashville.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
   1. Why visit? Philadelphia is a city filled with history and an assortment of free attractions
   2. Budget Tips: While there, take a day to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell for some free, educational vacation adventures, and then hit up Reading Terminal Market for budget-friendly meals. Visitors can also take advantage of free museum days.

International Destinations on a Budget

1. Porto, Portugal
   1. Why visit? Porto treats its visitors to stunning architecture, world-class wine, and beautiful beaches all at a fraction of the cost of other European cities.
   2. Budget Tips: Look at staying in Bolhao or Bonfim for cheaper accommodations and while there, use a Porto Card for free, public transportation. Adults might also enjoy visiting some of the port wine cellars during off-peak hours.
2. Bali, Indonesia
   1. Why visit? Visitors to Bali can take advantage of affordable accommodations, breathtaking beaches, and rich cultural experiences.
   2. Budget Tips: To stretch your budget, look at booking guesthouses in advance, staying in Ubud or Canggu instead of tourist-heavy Kuta, and eating at local warungs for cheap, authentic meals.
3. Krakow, Poland
   1. Why visit? Krakow is a medieval city bursting with vibrant culture, delicious food, and low-cost attractions.
   2. Budget Tips: Stay in the Kazimierz for affordable lodging and use trams instead of taxis when traveling around. Visitors can also take advantage of free walking tours around the city.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
   1. Why visit? Looking for incredible food, world-class museums, and rich history? Want it all at reasonable pricing? Mexico City is the place to find all of it!
   2. Budget Tips: Stay in Roma Norte or Condesa neighborhoods for affordable accommodations; check out local museums for free by researching when there are free museum days; and visit local markets for delicious, local food at budget-friendly prices.
5. Gjirokaster, Albania
   1. Why visit? Gjirokaster is a hidden gem with cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era mansions, and breathtaking castle views.
   2. Budget Tips: For those looking to stick to a budget, check out local guesthouses as a place to stay, and explore free historical sites. Gjirokaster also offers affordable traditional meals.

Conclusion

Summer brings with it a sense of adventure and a longing to get out of the house and explore. Many families look forward to an annual summer vacation, but with rising prices, vacations might feel a bit out of reach this year. Thankfully, with the above budget-friendly vacation spots, those of us looking to wander and explore elsewhere, can do so... and stay on a budget. For more information on budget-friendly vacations, check out Real Journey Travels and Go Wanderly. If you know of any other resources or locations that offer budget-friendly vacation options, feel free to share down in the comments. For now though, that's it from me. Thanks for reading, and see you next week!! 😀

NOTICE: Sorry this post is late! I fell a bit behind in my workload while on vacation. In an effort to get back on track, I will be skipping Friday's post this week. Thank you for your understanding and patience. See you Monday!