By: Nick Callos
Are you looking for affordable summer trips and ideas?
Considering the price tag of summer break trips, it’s understandable. Summer vacation costs have reached record levels, with the average cost of a one-week vacation for two people reaching $3,982 in 2025. Obviously this may cause some sticker shock, especially if you’re preparing for early retirement, enjoying the digital nomad lifestyle, or just trying to manage finances better.
The good news is you don’t have to spend anywhere close to $4,000 to have a good summer vacation. You can have a memorable experience and save money by taking one of the affordable summer trips or doing one of the alternative vacation ideas listed in this article.
5 Affordable Summer Trips to Consider
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Photo by Daniel Akre on Unsplash
Small towns outside regular tourist traps generally offer the best value, no matter your location. Even visiting cities and beaches outside the United States can lower the budget. Here, we list affordable summer trips in and around the USA.
- Living abroad? Try exploring small towns near your location. You may discover a new destination you love!
Upstate Michigan
Average price of a weeklong stay in Upstate Michigan: $2,016 for 2 people
Why Upstate Michigan is one of the best destinations for affordable summer trips
Upstate Michigan is a gem in the summer. Temperatures stay in the low- to mid-70s throughout the day, and the sun doesn’t set until about 10pm! Lots of small towns line Lake Michigan and offer a wealth of outdoor activities, dining, and entertainment. Cycle around Mackinac Island, trek Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, kayak in Lake Michigan, shop in downtown Manistee, go for a night out in Traverse City, and more.
Lima, Peru
Average price of a weeklong stay in Lima: $1,003 to $2,000 for 2 people
Why Lima is one of the best destinations for affordable summer trips
Temperatures range from the low to high 60s — perfect for exploring the city. Flanked by the Andes Mountains and right along the Pacific Coast, Lima delights with incredible cuisine, ancient sites, and a modern urban lifestyle. Walk along Lima’s coastal cliffside, surf in the ocean, and / or paraglide above the Pacific Coast. Dine at world-class restaurants, such as Astrid & Gastón. Tour Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid and ceremonial site. And stroll through the art galleries in Barranco, one of Lima’s trendiest districts.
Note: Price varies a bit due to different flight prices from various cities.
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
Average price of a weeklong stay in Cape Ann: ~$2,500 for 2 people
Why Cape Ann is one of the best destinations for affordable summer trips
Just a 40-minute drive from Boston, Cape Ann offers a quintessential New England summer vacation without the price tag other hotspots like Cape Cod have. Summer weather in New England is typically pleasant too. You can spend the day exploring antique stores in Essex, relaxing on the beach at Manchester-by-the-Sea, shopping and dining in Rockport, going on whale watch tours, and more. The most painted building in America is also located on Cape Ann — Motif 1, a fisherman’s shack.
Alberta, Canada
Average price of a weeklong stay in Alberta: $1,815 for 2 people
Why Alberta is one of the best destinations for affordable summer trips
A beautiful province in Western Canada, Alberta features the Great Plains in the East, the Rocky Mountains in the West, and the city of Edmonton. It’s a great summer road trip destination. Scenic drives abound and the province teems with wildlife. Visit the Rockies, the Badlands, and Maligne Lake (known for its crystal-clear waters). Alberta is also home to Banff National Park — a paradise for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. And after you’ve had your fill of nature, head to the cities of Calgary and Edmonton.
Reno, Nevada
Average price of a weeklong stay in Reno: $2,575 for 2 people
Why Reno is one of the best destinations for affordable summer trips
The Biggest Little City in the World comes ready to please, with casinos, dining, shopping, and attractions such as the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum. There are lots of budget-friendly accommodations available, as well as free entertainment options. The city is also just 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, a wonderful destination to enjoy water and outdoor activities. Plus, Reno stays a bit cooler than Las Vegas in the summer, which is why it’s among the best destinations for affordable summer trips.
5 Alternative & Affordable Summer Break Ideas to Consider
Now that we’ve covered the best destinations for affordable summer trips, let’s talk about alternative summer break ideas. These ideas offer flexibility in where you go and what you do. Your choice will largely depend on your location, interests, and budget. You can even combine a few ideas to create the ultimate affordable summer trip!
Visit Local, State, or National Parks
Average price of visiting local, state, or national parks: Usually FREE entry; a weeklong trip to a few parks should be under $1,500 for 2 people
Why visiting public parks is one of the best affordable summer trip ideas
The United States features some of the world’s most amazing parks. Across the country, you can discover gorgeous and exhilarating nature, from Acadia National Park in Maine to Indiana Dunes National Park to Joshua Tree National Park in California. If you can’t travel too far, or are living abroad, visit a local or national park near you. The point is: Go explore nature. It’s free or at least inexpensive to do so in many places around the world.
Take a Legendary Train Trip
Average price of a weeklong train trip: $500 to $1,500 for 2 people, depending on the route and type of ticket
Why a train trip is one of the best affordable summer trip ideas
Train trips are a great summer trip idea, perfect for those who wish to enjoy the moment, soak in scenery, and travel in comfort. Take in Pacific landscapes as you travel on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Or, catch a ride on the City of New Orleans (No. 59), which sweeps you between New Orleans and Chicago. If you want an inexpensive way to see America’s East Coast, hop on the Northeast Corridor and check out Boston, New York City, Washington DC, and Philadelphia along the way.
Go on a Baseball Road Trip
Average price of a baseball road trip: $1K+ for 2 people, including tickets, transportation, and hotel stays
Why a baseball road trip is one of the best affordable summer trip ideas
Summer is baseball season and, for sports fans, nothing beats taking in a baseball game on summer break. A baseball road trip is a fun alternative summer trip idea for fans, families, and anyone looking to see multiple cities in one trip. Depending on where you live, you could see three to four stadiums within a week. For example, if you live in Seattle, you could take a trip along the West Coast, seeing games in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and maybe even Arizona.
Attend a Summer Camp for Adults
Average price of a summer camp for adults: $2,000 to $3,000 for 2 people
Why a summer camp is one of the best affordable summer trip ideas
Summer camps are NOT just for kids! There are many cool adult summer camps where you can meet new friends who enjoy the same hobbies you do. Like surfing? Sign up for the Endless Summer Surf Camp in San Diego. Need a retreat and digital detox? Try Camp Rahh in Washington, where you’ll enjoy meditation, creative writing, kayaking, yoga, and more. Seek an activities-filled week? Head to Club Getaway in Connecticut to partake in softball, waterskiing, rock climbing, and much more. There are lots of options, from wellness retreats to hiking excursions. Do some research, and you’ll find an adult summer camp that will give you the experience of a lifetime.
Join a Summer Volunteer Trip
Average price of a volunteer trip: Usually just the cost of transportation and insurance
Why a volunteer trip is one of the best affordable summer trip ideas
You have options to volunteer anywhere. Depending on your budget, you could volunteer in your hometown or sign up for a volunteer trip abroad. Volunteering is a great way to make meaningful connections, meet like-minded people, and, most importantly, make a difference. Plus, you’ll benefit personally. As the Mayo Clinic states, volunteering helps improve physical and mental health, while providing a sense of purpose and community. Some reputable organizations to consider for volunteer opportunities include United Way, the American Hiking Society (trail maintenance), and Habitat for Humanity.
Choosing One of the Best Affordable Summer Trips
A summer vacation does NOT have to stress your finances. By avoiding popular yet pricey tourist hotspots and getting creative with alternative summer trip ideas, you can have the vacation of a lifetime without worrying about money.
For more resources on vacation budgeting and planning, read our other guides:
- Alternative Spring Break Destinations That Are Affordable
- Plan Affordable Vacations That Don’t Feel Cheap
- Travel Price Inflation Guide
- How to Make a Travel Budget
- Budget-Friendly Family Travel
Do you have any other alternative summer break ideas or destinations? Join our Facebook page and start the conversation!
About the Author
Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.Featured image by LUKAS FITRIA ADI SETIAWAN on Unsplash
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