Top 20 Value Destinations for Summer Vacation

Vacation rental website Vrbo has released its first-ever Bang for Your Buck Index. Based on average nightly rates for domestic and international vacation homes in 2018, the index highlights destinations where travelers can book summer vacation rentals for under $250 per night without sacrificing on coveted features like beaches, dining options, outdoor activities and more.

Families eyeing a summer vacation to the Sunshine State will want to consider Lakeland and Winter Haven. They'll be just steps away from LEGOLAND Florida Resort while saving a significant chunk of change on accommodations. The average nightly price for a vacation rental here checks in at just $181, according to Vrbo's data.

Out West, Tucson is another wallet-friendly vacation destination. The Sonoran Desert city is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise but is also home to a plethora of historical and cultural attractions in addition to vibrant shops, restaurants and nightlife.

While you can bet that the Theme Park Capital of the World will be overrun with tourists this summer, there are still plenty of fun things to do outside of the amusement parks, including attending special events at scenic Lake Eola Park, shopping at The Florida Mall and touring the Lake Cherokee Historic District in downtown Orlando.

With an average nightly vacation rental rate coming in at just over $200, the family-friendly Ozark resort town of Branson is a no-brainer for summer vacationers in the Midwest. Silver Dollar City and Table Rock Lake are among the many beloved attractions you'll find here.

Travelers can also score a fantastic deal about 90 minutes south of Daytona Beach in the Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral region of Florida's central Atlantic coast. Cast a line from the pier, purchase a souvenir fossil from the Dinosaur Store or learn about the history of surfing in Florida at the Florida Surf Museum. Don't forget about the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Located just south of Orlando, Kissimmee also offers summer vacationers quite the bargain as the average nightly rate for a vacation rental is $226. Traveling with a group will cut that cost down even more, leaving you more cash to spend at the many surrounding theme parks and attractions.

Moab is a premier destination for hiking, biking and outdoor recreation as it serves as a gateway to Utah's stunning Arches National Park. If it's an active outdoor vacation you seek this summer, you can keep your budget intact by booking a vacation rental in Moab.

Prescott is a nearly two-hour drive north of Phoenix and is ideal for travelers seeking a more secluded vacation destination. The scenic lakes here are excellent for hiking, picnicking and even birding while downtown's lively historic Whiskey Row is guaranteed to supply you with good times long after the sun's gone down.

An iconic summer vacation destination appealing to travelers of all ages, Myrtle Beach is surprisingly affordable with the average nightly rate for a vacation rental coming in at just $238. You'll likely have to contend with some crowds, but this resort town can't be beaten when it comes to beachfront entertainment.

Overseas, the coastal city of Porto is one of the best bargains this summer as the average rate for a vacation rental is only $154 per night. The underrated foodie destination is also home to numerous vineyards, so your taste buds will thank you.

Just north of the U.S., Calgary offers Americans tremendous value with the average nightly rate for a vacation rental in this cosmopolitan city running only $171, based on Vrbo's research. Plan your visit for the second week of July to experience the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day rodeo and festival event that's been called The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

A seven-night stay in a Tokyo vacation rental will set you back less than $1,300, according to data from Vrbo. The bustling capital offers plenty to do for visitors of all ages and interests, including theme parks, museums and markets.

Located just east of San Juan, Carolina offers visitors the ideal summer beach vacation along with adventure at Hacienda Campo Rica, a thrill-seeker's dream featuring horseback riding, archery tag, zip lining and ATVs, among other fun activities.

Easily one of the hottest Europen cities at the moment, a summer vacation rental in Lisbon won't break the bank as the average nightly rate is a respectable $185. This city is chock-full of can't-miss landmarks so be sure to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Avoid the hordes of tourists in Barcelona by opting for Seville this summer, and your wallet will thank you. The very walkable Old City is home to some incredible monuments while the Museo del Baile Flamenco showcases the history of flamenco dancing.

Elsewhere in Spain, Madrid offers summer travelers tremendous bang for their buck in 2019. The average nightly rate for a vacation rental here is $187, so you won't have to stress while appreciating the city's world-class art and architecture.

Another value summer vacation destination that Americans won't have to travel too far for is Halifax. The Nova Scotia capital boasts one of the world's most picturesque waterfronts as well as a rich maritime history. Better yet, the average high temperature in July and August is just 73 degrees so outdoor conditions will be quite pleasant.

A summer escape to the City of a Hundred Spires can be had for under $200 per night if you find the right vacation rental. Few cities come close in terms of charm, so you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to stroll the historic Old Town Square as well as check out the gorgeous Charles Bridge, which was completed at the start of the 15th century.

With an average nightly vacation rental rate of exactly $200, Berlin is another viable summer getaway option for budget-conscious travelers. History buffs will fall in love with the German capital for its historically-significant sites and landmarks, but there's a ton of kid-friendly spots as well, including an abundance of entertaining and educational museums, parks and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.