19 Budget Vacation Ideas for Summer Travel

If you're already concerned about the price tag of your summer vacation, you're probably right to worry. The fact is, airfare prices were up 40% for the year as of March of 2022, and hotel prices are climbing at a similar rate. The way things are going so far this year, it will likely cost significantly more to book any type of summer getaway than it did last year or the year before. 

Fortunately, you do have some power when it comes to how much you pay for your summer vacation. You'll just have to be as flexible as possible if you hope to get a good deal, and that means being as flexible with where you go as you are with your travel dates.

Saving money on summer travel is also easier if you start your search with budget vacation ideas and destinations that won't break the bank. Some of the best options include camping vacations or anything in the great outdoors, but there are also hotels and resorts that offer affordable nightly rates during the summer travel season.

To help you find a trip that fits your budget and travel style, we looked for some of the best affordable vacation ideas for the summer travel season. Whether you are interested in splashing the day away in the Wisconsin Dells, taking a cheap cruise or planning a weekend getaway in Louisville, Kentucky, read on to learn more about our top picks.