Updated: March 04, 2026
Planning a summer vacation can be both a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. From having to pay for hotels, restaurants and things to do, to wrestling with crowds and tourist attractions, building an affordable vacation can feel like a monumental task. Knowing how to plan for fun that will make memories while also avoiding breaking the bank can make the entire process feel like a chore.
Below, we detail 14 affordable travel destinations for summer 2026, both domestic and international, covering a broad spectrum of interests and offerings.
The U.S. has no shortage of great destinations for vacations and tourism, yet many of the major locations can be expensive to visit as a result. The following locations cover a range of interests and vacation styles, all able to be experienced at a lower cost.
Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee can make for a great affordable getaway that appeals to families and outdoor adventurers alike. Offering a mix of free or low-cost experiences and scenic beauty, ranging from exploring the hiking trails and scenic drives of the National Park to enjoying charming mountain towns. One such example is Gatlinburg, with its local eateries and access to park trailheads. Here, you can tailor your trip to fit a modest budget by camping, packing picnics and focusing on self-guided outdoor activities. With strategic planning such as choosing campgrounds or cheaper lodging outside peak areas, taking advantage of affordable dining and prioritizing free natural attractions, the Smoky Mountains can provide a memorable summer experience without overspending.
Acting as a fun yet affordable beach vacation option, Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of free and low-cost things to see and do. With options ranging from walking the scenic boardwalk, taking in the ocean or exploring local parks and piers, the notable Grand Stand is full of laid-back beach town sights. You’ll see the best of the beaches, amusement attractions and shops that Myrtle Beach has to offer. It’s a nice change of pace from busier and more popular beach towns, allowing for a trip that can be as affordable as it is laid back.
For those seeking an affordable camping opportunity that’s home to lakes, mountains and stunning scenery, Grand Teton National Park is one of the best you can find. The area is full of impressive wildlife such as bears, moose and bison, with many different wildlife tours to take part in, if interested. The area is also home to outdoor activities aplenty. With offerings such as horseback riding, mountain climbing, biking, fishing and over 300 miles of hiking trails, those wanting to get out and stretch their legs will have plenty of ways to do so. If your goal is to get away from the modern world and reconnect with nature’s beauty, Grand Teton National Park is an excellent place to visit.
As the oldest city in America, St. Augustine offers a different kind of Florida getaway, one that stands apart from the theme park trips and beach vacations the state is typically known for. Home to historic buildings, museums and even a masonry fort once operated by the Spanish, the city invites visitors to step back in time. Many of its museums and historic sites can be explored for free or at a relatively low cost, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers. The city is home to notable firsts and landmarks of religious significance such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, which traces its parish roots to the nation’s earliest Catholic congregation. For those looking to explore a unique part of America’s history, St. Augustine is an ideal spot for a budget-friendly vacation.
Full of as many museums as state parks, the Finger Lakes make for an affordable vacation destination that can please outdoorsy and educational types alike. Watkins Glen State Park and Robert Treman State Park provide views of the region’s waterfalls, streams and creeks. Although largely known for its namesake lakes and wilderness scenery, the area also has a large museum presence. The Corning Museum of Glass and the Strong National Museum of Play are just some of the spots to learn and take in something new. Visitors can also unwind and experience the many wineries that the Finger Lakes have to offer, full of tasting opportunities that focus on visitor experience with many locations being family-run.
Often known as the “Vegas of the Ozarks”, Branson is famous for its live entertainment, theaters and music shows, while being much more family-friendly. The city hosts hundreds of live performances year-round, including country music, magic shows, comedy and tribute acts, similar to the entertainment juggernaut that Las Vegas is known to be. Many of these shows can be seen at a lower price with offerings such as matinee tickets and combo deals. Other affordable offerings include walking the Branson Landing boardwalk, exploring nearby lakes like Table Rock Lake, hiking various trails or visiting small museums and historical sites.
Home to an incredibly different outdoor landscape from other locations on this list, Colorado Springs has trails and parks full of scenic red rock atmosphere. Stunning parks like the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak showcase vibrant landscape scenery that can’t be seen anywhere else. Visitors can explore the many parks and mountains by hiking, driving, biking, horseback riding or even via different types of guided tours. Colorado Springs stands out as an ideal and affordable summer vacation destination for travelers seeking memorable experiences without stretching their budgets.
Often called “Little Germany”, the culture in Fredericksburg is a unique blend of southern charm with heavy German influence. From the architecture and history to the drinks and cuisine, this city founded by German immigrants in the 1800’s, is bursting with heritage. Some of the budget-friendly offerings include visiting the many local wineries, which have various types of tasting tours. The city also has some notable museums, such as the National Museum of the Pacific War. As a quaint yet culturally intriguing destination, Fredericksburg is a great location to add to a budget summer trip.
The Grand Canyon is widely considered to be one of the most awe-inspiring locations in the U.S.A. and is truly worthy of the trip. There are many ways to see and experience the site, ranging from scenic overlooks to a multitude of different kinds of tours. Whether you prefer to take in the scenery on foot, by kayak or even on an open-air tour truck, the Grand Canyon embraces the phrase “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. To help lower the cost of your visit, you can utilize free shuttle buses to get around, take advantage of the free hiking trails or even rough it by staying at one of the nearby campsites instead of a hotel.
As the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. is an incredible option for an affordable summer vacation. It offers a collection of 21 museums, multiple research centers as well as the National Zoo, almost all of which offer free admission. There are museums and locations for almost every type of interest, ranging from the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, a multitude of art museums from different cultures and even the National Postal Museum. For fans of museums and educational experiences, there’s no better place to visit than the Smithsonian.
Those looking for an affordable vacation may not think that leaving the U.S. is a cost-effective option, but there are some places that provide a quality vacation while not breaking the budget. If you can manage to find a cheap flight, your stay could be even more affordable. Below are some international locations that provide great experiences and scenic settings while still acting as affordable vacation destinations.
Indonesia may be known for its stunning nature and landscape, but visitors don’t need to strictly visit the popular spots like Bali or Kuta to take in the scenery. Yogyakarta is a great affordable city to visit in Indonesia, acting as a blend of culture and nature. You can explore Malioboro Street to shop and try local cuisine such as Gudeg, a traditional, sweet-savory Indonesian stew originating from Yogyakarta. Nature-seekers can explore the Mount Merapi volcano by Jeep tour or by hiking to see lava fields and local villages. Those wanting to take in the culture and history of the city can explore its many temples, such as Borobudur or Prambanan.
Kraków, Poland is known for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its legacy as a former royal capital, historic landmarks and its vibrant cultural scene. The combination of medieval Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles make for a scenic and visually unique location for a budget trip. Some affordable things to do in Kraków include seeing the market square of Rynek Główny, visiting the Wawel Hill & Castle Grounds or hiking up Krakus Mound for a free panoramic view of the city.
Hoi An is widely considered a premier example of Vietnam's peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Those visiting will find quiet, lantern-lit streets, well-preserved, moss-covered charming houses and a calm, scenic riverfront. This is an ideal vacation destination for those seeking a serene trip at a much slower pace. Whether you want to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and see the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, relax at the nearby An Bang and Cua Dai beaches or even rent a Bicycle to ride through rice paddies and visit local fishing villages, Hoi An offers plenty of options that are as easy-going as they are affordable.
Montevideo, Uruguay is great for a relaxed yet culture-rich vacation in a beachfront city setting. This destination offers a blend of historic charm and expansive sandy beaches such as La Rambla, A 14-mile-long coastal sidewalk perfect for walking, jogging or biking. It connects several beaches such as Pocitos and Buceo into a single route. Some of the historic sites and locations worth seeing include Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square, Palacio Legislativo, a heraldic neoclassical palace inaugurated in 1925, as well as the Teatro Solís, Uruguay's most important and renowned theater, opened in 1856. Montevideo makes for an ideal affordable summer vacation spot with its uniquely coastal and historic charm.
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