& Get $10!
Looking to get away this summer without breaking the bank? These budget-friendly travel destinations are just the ticket.
10 Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation Ideas
1. Save on Amusement Park Admission
Looking for all-day fun without a huge price tag? Consider visiting a nearby amusement park and taking advantage of special summer savings. You can currently score huge price breaks on amusement park tickets nationwide through Groupon (think up to 56% off Sesame Place admission, 20% off LEGOLAND resorts, and BOGO deals for Universal Studios theme parks) with 4% cash back from BeFrugal. Keep in mind that many parks offer free or discounted admission for youngsters, which can make family vacations more affordable in general.
2. Road Trip with RVshare
One of the easiest ways to avoid the cost of expensive hotel stays is by renting an RV for your summer getaway. RVshare makes the entire process simple and fun by connecting you with RV owners near you. Travel to the destination of your choice while still feeling at home with options like luxury diesel pushers, camper vans, motorhomes and travel trailers. You can filter your search and compare RV rental prices, features, reviews and more to suit your preferences and budget with ease. Plus, BeFrugal members currently earn 8% cash back on their RVshare bookings.
3. Go All-Inclusive at Great Wolf Lodge
Make your summer vacation less chaotic with an all-inclusive getaway to Great Wolf Lodge. This giant indoor water park is open year-round and has everything you need for an epic family trip the whole gang with enjoy. Save up to 60% when you purchase all-in-one dining and resort packages that take the headache out of planning and budgeting. Plus, you'll currently score 2% cash back when you book your trip through BeFrugal.
4. Visit an Aquarium or Zoo
Calling all animal lovers! See marine life with discounted tickets and dining at SeaWorld through Groupon or look for savings opportunities at local aquariums and zoos. Many of these destinations offer low-cost or free admission for teachers, kids and seniors, and you can oftentimes snag better prices overall by investing in season passes.
5. Take a Gamble on Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas -- and the money you can save through Las Vegas travel deals stays comfortably in your wallet. This popular tourist destination can prove as pricey or as frugal as you'd like with relatively cheap flights and travel bundles. Visit Vegas.com fo hotel rooms from $34, 60% off a wide variety of shows, special savings on helicopter tours and more. Plus, you'll earn up to 6% BeFrugal cash back.
6. Retreat to the Mountains
Take in the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with a summertime trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This popular tourist destination is home to Dollywood, Paula Dean's Family Kitchen, heaps of outlet stores, family fun at The Island and all kinds of attractions like Ripley's Believe It or Not! Right now, you can save up to $41 on a Gatlinburg Aquarium + 5 Attraction Combo with an extra 2% cash back through BeFrugal.
7. Hit the Beach
Is there anything more relaxing than a lazy summer vacation spent by the ocean? This popular option can prove particularly budget-friendly if you rent a beach house with friends and family or choose a bike rental for getting around. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina combines the serenity of the ocean with amusement parks, outlet malls, dinner shows and lots of family fun. We also suggest checking out Destin, FL for its signature white beaches, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and entertainment.
8. Visit a National Park
Get back to nature while keeping your budget on track with a summertime trip to a national park. The Grand Canyon is an obvious winner with plenty of ways to see this natural wonder for less. Consider reserving a spot at one of its campgrounds to avoid costly hotel rooms, and try scheduling your trip near the end of August to score better deals after the park's peak tourist season. You can also save money by renting an RV for your trip or taking advantage of the park's free shuttle bus service. Grand Teton National Park is also a top contender, despite the fact that Jackson Hole is known as a pricey tourist destination. This gorgeous park is home to mountains and wildlife galore with breathtaking views, hiking trails, kayaking and more. It's also close to Yellowstone, which can make for a spectacular trip to remember. The park's lodges can get expensive, so consider camping instead. You can also bring your own food and snacks, and arriving in one vehicle with your friends allows you to split the entrance fee.
9. Hop on Board Amtrak
Looking for adventure but hate the idea of driving by car? Amtrak is an excellent alternative. Save big with multi-ride tickets and rail passes, and score up to 5o% off tickets right now depending on your preferred destination. You can also slash your overall costs with $5 kids' tickets, special savings for seniors and military members, and other exclusive discounts.
10. Embrace the Staycation
Who says a summer vacation has to include traveling thousands of miles away from home. Staycations are the perfect way to avoid hotel costs, and they give you a ton of flexibility with less stress overall. At Groupon, you can browse tons of local options with up to 90% off nearby activities, restaurants and entertainment for the entire family. Plan a few day trips, discover new eats and save money all while staying relatively close to home.