Inflation dominates the news. However, it does not prevent American families from traveling.
A recent travel survey reveals 82% of Americans plan to travel this summer, and 42% plan to take multiple trips.
One question remains. Where is the best place to go? Budget will likely be a primary factor in the decision. Of course, you still want to have fun.
Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst, says, “When picking a summer travel destination, it’s easy to focus just on the types of activities you want to do or certain cities you’ve always wanted to see. However, choosing a destination that’s not only entertaining but also affordable is important when travel, dining and activity costs have surged so much in recent years. It can also allow you to have a longer, more relaxing trip.”
WalletHub’s best summer travel destinations report analyzes 100 of the largest metro areas across 41 essential indicators. The report looks at everything from the cost of the cheapest flight to the number of attractions to the average price of a meal for two. Its primary focus is to help travelers find affordable destinations that offer many fun things to do.
Where are this year’s summer travel hotspots where you can have a good time without breaking the bank?
Orlando, Florida
Proudly known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is brimming with family entertainment. The city is home to Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. This summer, guests can explore the new Epic Universe, which features lands based on intellectual properties like Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon and Super Nintendo World.
With all these theme parks, you may assume Orlando is costly. While the entertainment is expensive, the city has accommodations at surprisingly affordable rates and many high-quality restaurants at reasonable prices.
Atlanta, Georgia
The city offers many flights without connections and excellent diversity regarding attractions. Atlanta has many amusement parks, swimming pools, ice cream shops and shopping centers, providing something for all family members.
Popular attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and a state-of-the-art LEGO Discovery Center.
Washington, DC
Travelers will find many flights to our nation’s capital, often without connections. The city boasts many affordable restaurants.
Washington, DC features famous attractions, including the White House, Washington Monument, United States Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Travelers can learn more about our history with so many museums on and around the National Mall. Best of all, most of the iconic museums, memorials and monuments are free.
Washington, DC, has many parks, swimming pools, tennis courts and basketball hoops for those who want physical activity after the history lesson.
Honolulu, Hawaii
While the cost to reach Honolulu may be higher than that of other cities on the list, flights to Honolulu are more reasonable than those to more remote Hawaiian islands. Luxury hotels typically enter the mind at the mere mention of Hawaii. However, Honolulu has many budget hotels, hostels and older, no-frills properties.
Honolulu’s most popular attractions cost very little, such as relaxing on Waikiki Beach, exploring local markets, hiking Diamond Head Crate and visiting Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial. After working up an appetite, visitors can savor affordable regional cuisine, including loco moco, poke bowls, and malasadas.
Austin, Texas
The city offers many free and cheap things to do, including watching the bats at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, swimming in Barton Springs Pool, biking around Lady Bird Lake and touring the Texas State Capitol.
Austin has a legendary food scene that does not break the bank. Guests can enjoy breakfast tacos, barbecue joints and gourmet street food from unique food trucks. The city hosts many free festivals and events and brims with walkable and bike-friendly areas.
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Queen City offers big-city amenities at small-town prices. Cincinnati’s airport is a growing hub for budget airlines, and the city is a central drive-to destination for much of the South and Midwest. Travelers can choose from inexpensive dining and local eats, like chili parlors, food trucks and the legendary Findlay Market.
Visitors will find many top-notch attractions, including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Museum Center and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. For a fun family outing, try to catch a Reds game at Great American Ball Park.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The city features many low-cost activities, reasonably priced accommodations, and free natural attractions. Its airfare is regularly competitive with that of other western U.S. destinations.
Salt Lake City has many fun things to do, including exploring the Utah State Capitol, Red Butte Garden, the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Tracy Aviary. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and roaming bison at Antelope Island. City Creek Center offers a unique shopping experience.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The city has a rich history, vibrant neighborhoods and big-city attractions at a fraction of the cost of other major East Coast cities like Boston and New York. It boasts many affordable chain hotels and boutique options.
Philadelphia has many free and low-cost attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, LOVE Park and tours of the United States Mint. Its food scene is legendary and affordable, featuring items like the Philly cheesesteak. Shoppers will be happy to hear that Pennsylvania does not charge sales tax on most clothing and shoes.
Miami, Florida
The city may be known for glamor and nightlife, but it offers free access to many stunning beaches, affordable lodging options and free museum days and events. Travelers can enjoy budget-friendly eats like Cuban sandwiches, Latin American street food and empanadas. Beach bars and restaurants regularly feature excellent happy hour deals.
Miami has many free and low-cost attractions, including the street art of Wynwood Walls, scenic waterfront walks along Bayfront Park and self-guided walking tours of the Art Deco District. Everglades National Park is a short drive from the city. It offers travelers unique experiences like watching alligators in the wild or zipping through the river of grass on an airboat tour.
Dallas, Texas
The city offers a wide range of accommodations at lower average prices than many major U.S. cities. It has many free outdoor spaces and free and low-cost attractions, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Pioneer Plaza.
Travelers will discover many affordable dining spots that feature barbecue, Tex-Mex and Southern comfort dishes. Dallas provides lots of entertainment without the high price tag, from free festivals and community events to reasonably priced tickets to sporting events.
Tips to save money on summer travel
WalletHub’s report includes advice from industry experts for those looking to travel on a budget.
John Bowen, Professor Emeritus, Former Dean and Barron Hilton Distinguished Chair Conrad N. Hilton College, University of Houston, says, “Make your reservations early. By bundling your airline and hotel, you may be able to save money. If your travel time is flexible, check the costs of travel the week before and the week after you want to travel, as well as days before and after, to see if costs are lower. If you can travel at the last minute, tour companies and cruise lines sometimes have last-minute deals to fill unsold space. Choosing lodging that has a kitchen will allow you to prepare some meals and save money on restaurant expenditures.”
Linchi Kwok, Ph.D., Professor, The Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona, says, “For those looking to travel on a budget, the key is to plan and stay flexible. Early booking, especially for hotel stays, is a smart move. Some airlines also allow changes without a fee. Then, keep an eye on prices with tracking tools and rebook it when the price drops. Traveling with flexible dates or to a less crowded destination can also help us save a lot of money. Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of the perks and rewards offered by credit cards and airlines/hotels. Sometimes, using points/miles for redemptions is cheaper than paying for a hotel room or an airline seat with cash.”
Despite inflation woes, families can enjoy a vacation by considering the summer travel hotspots and expert advice in WalletHub’s report. It is possible to have fun without breaking the bank.
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