6 cheap and best summer destinations

List of Best Summer destinations:

Here are the 6 cheap and best summer destinations that I selected from a list of 25 . We all know and have experienced that summer vacations can be the most taxing period to travel. It is that time of the year when rail, road and airfares soar and hotels are on peak tariff.

Compiled from travel blog by Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes contributor. https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2017/05/18/the-25-cheapest-places-to-travel-this-summer/

“I interviewed a handful of travel experts and got their favorite picks for the most affordable destinations to visit in 2017, as well as some smart ways to afford more expensive places. From beach getaways to city escapes to mountain hideaways, these are spots that offer all the joys of the season without killing your wallet”.

Here are the 6 cheap and best summer destinations that I selected from a list of 25 provided by the blogger. Read on for some amazing ideas

Chosen By: Meredith Perdue, co-creator of the lifestyle travel and food website, Map & Menu

The Maine coast — you can do it on the cheap.

Where: MidCoast, Maine

Why: The coast of Maine is a quintessential American summer getaway destination, and for good reason: Who can resist the idea of sampling overstuffed lobster rolls while exploring mile after mile of the storied rocky coastline? When planning a summer trip to Maine during the height of the season, the cost may seem a little daunting at first. We’ve found that if you’re able to venture a little further off the beaten path, good deals — even during peak travel season — are still to be had. Although destinations like Camden, Mount Desert Island and Kennebunkport should rightfully be on any Maine travel bucket list, broadening your search beyond some of these more popular tourist destinations will end up costing a lot less in the long run. Some of our favorite getaways can be found in the MidCoast region of Maine. The Lincolnville Motel is a recently updated, midcentury roadside find located just north of the much more popular Camden, while the charming Nebo Lodge is nearly 13 miles off the mainland on the island of North Haven. Both are affordable yet stylish options that still provide the perfect Maine MidCoast experience. While visiting the area, grab a quick bite to eat at Dot’s in Lincolnville or head to Rockland for hot dogs at Wasses. And make sure to keep an eye out for any of the numerous lobster pounds surrounding many of the coastal coves, where fresh-off-the-boat seafood is often available at pre-market prices.

 

Where: Lake Powell, Arizona

Chosen By: Kelly Lewis specializes in women’s travel: She’s the founder of Go! Girl Guides (travel guidebooks for women), the Women’s Travel Fest and Damesly, a tour company for creative and professional women. Follow her on Instagram at @damesly.

Why: Northern Arizona is the home of red rocks and stone formations, but Lake Powell is where things start to get really interesting. It’s like visiting the Grand Canyon, if the Grand Canyon were underwater. Stretching the Utah/Arizona border, this 186-mile lake houses 96 canyons, many of which you can drive down and have all to yourself. You’ll also find Antelope Canyon and the Rainbow Bridge (the world’s largest natural bridge) on the water, as well as free-flowing waterfalls, if you’re lucky enough to catch some rain. Spend a week on the lake with your friends and family, driving through slot canyons, anchoring on deserted beaches and camping under the stars. Most houseboats come with waterslides attached to the back of them, and many have BBQs and hot tubs on the roof, too. Pick up your boat from Antelope Point Marina where the cost per person works out to roughly $100/per day, depending on the size of the boat. You’ll be saving on food, too — grocery shop before you leave and plan to cook out most nights. Don’t miss Horseshoe Bend, just outside of the town of Page, on your way in or out.

Here’s an affordable way to see Spain: on the Camino de Santiago Trail.

Where: Camino de Santiago, Spain

Chosen By: Sherry Ott, founder of Ottsworld.com, shows you how to take epic adventures to intriguing places as a solo traveler.

Why: For the budget-minded adventure traveler, the cheapest way to travel Europe is by walking through it on the Camino de Santiago trail across Spain this summer. This is an epic walk; an ancient pilgrimage route to the apostle St. James’ shrine in Santiago de Compostela. I completed the Camino Frances Trail (500 miles) only spending $35 a day. The trail is easy to follow, and in the summer you won’t be lonely; thousands from around the world do the pilgrimage. This slow mode of travel is the cheapest way to see Spain. All restaurants along the route offer Pilgrim Meals, a 3-course meal with bottomless wine for $10, The route is also full of budget lodging options called albergues, which offer shared dorm rooms and private rooms for only $7 to $20 a night. One of my favorites was Albergue Los Templarios in the rural province of Palencia with shared rooms starting at $9. However, you don’t always have to stay in albergues sleeping in close quarters — there is a luxurious side to the Camino, too. Rest your weary body and splurge in one of the many historic posadas along the way. I enjoyed every bit of my luxury at Casa de Tepa in Astorga, a former Earl’s residence for $100. This is the ultimate in slow, local travel and a unique way to see Northern Spain, get in shape and pinch those pennies. For more info on the Camino de Santiago, check out this Ottsworld.com guide.

On the beach in Bathsheba, on the eastern coast of Barbados. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Where: Barbados

Chosen By: Shnieka Johnson is a freelance writer specializing in family travel. You can follow her on Twitter.

Why: Because the exchange rate in Barbados is favorable for those using U.S dollars (US$1 = BBD$2), it is an affordable Caribbean destination — especially in summer. The weather is quite favorable as well: tropical year-round, with average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees. If you plan your trip during an off-peak time, such as late summer, you can land a stay at one of the numerous upscale accommodations on the island at deep discounts. By planning a trip during an off-peak time, you will miss some of the most popular times to be in Barbados –including the popular summer festival, Crop Over – but you will not only avoid crowds, you will also save dollars. Barbados is, of course, known for its beaches. There is nothing better than strolling on a white, sandy beach and looking out on the clear blue water. My favorite is Crane Beach, which is next to the luxurious Crane Hotel. You can find great deals for this property on the ocean side of the island. Delicious – and affordable – food and drink are in abundance as well on the island. The rum drinks at the Mount Gay Rum Barbados distillery cannot be beat. You’ll learn the history of Mount Gay Rum, see how the rum is made and have opportunity to taste the selections. Barbados is known for its Bajan cuisine (which includes dishes influenced by a number of cultures) and the Friday night fish fry at Oistins, which was once a major seaport in the Caribbean. At Oistins, you will be immersed in the local flavors of Barbados as you navigate the food stations, listen to live music and find craft items for sale. One of the best meals I’ve had in Barbados was a fish plate from “Uncle George” in Oistins Fish Market.

Toronto’s Sugar Beach.

Where: Toronto, Canada

Chosen By: Natalie DiScala, editor of the travel and style blog, Oh! Travelissima, which celebrates the beauty of travel.

Why: If you’re looking for a bargain this summer, consider Toronto. Not only is this vibrant and dynamic city my hometown (which means I have a major soft spot for it), but the strong U.S. dollar means it offers American travelers great value for their money (think: 25-30% off). Plus, Canada is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year, making it an extra special time to visit. Celebrations will be happening across the country and in Toronto all year long — but on Canada Day (July 1), Toronto will be lit up in parks and squares all over the city to commemorate this milestone anniversary. While you’re there, take advantage of all the free outdoor things to do in the city, like visiting the Distillery Historic District, exploring St. Lawrence Market and strolling The Beach, a popular neighborhood that stretches along the shores of Lake Ontario. Looking for a cultural experience? Toronto’s got lots on offer that won’t cost a thing, like the free events at Harbourfront Centre; free events, films and concerts at Yonge-Dundas Square and the Canadian Opera Company’s free concert series.

 

Michigan’s Big Sable lighthouse.

Where: Ludington, Michigan

Chosen By: Shalee Blackmer is a Michigan-raised travel blogger and founder of www.shaleewanders.com, which encourages travelers to experience life outside their comfort zone in the great outdoors. When not in Michigan, she can most likely be found on top of a mountain or on the side of a cliff. Her latest adventure included road-tripping America while living out of a renovated cargo van.

Why: Michigan’s west coast is known for having some of the most pristine beaches in the country and sunsets that rival the ones you’d see in Hawaii. Come and experience one yourself. Far away from big cities and busy freeways sits Ludington, a small town nestled along the picturesque sand dunes and beaches of Lake Michigan. From the moment you arrive in town, time stops. Accommodations here are humble and affordable, including mom-and-pop motels and bed and breakfasts like Nader’s Motel & Suites ($65), Snyder’s Shoreline Inn($70) and Ludington House Bed and Breakfast ($99). Or go camping at Ludington State Park, which offers spots just steps from the beach for $30. Take the day to relax along the white sand beach. Go hiking in Manistee National Forest. Visit Big Sable Lighthouse just north of town for an iconic Michigan sunset or stargazing session. And don’t miss House of Flavors, a famous yet affordable family restaurant and ice cream shop. Be sure to try Superman, the quintessential local ice-cream flavor.