Happy new week, everyone! This post was supposed to go up last week. Arghhh. It was my mistake that it didn’t. Today’s guest post is from Lexi Carr and is quite awesome. I have a major case of wanderlust all the time, but especially in the summer months when D.C. is beastly hot and I just want to not be here! Anyway, I’ll quit my rambling. Without further adieu, Lexi Carr…
Summer is just a few weeks away – is anyone else counting down the days? And with everyone setting their “OOO” away emails or wrapping up finals, it can be the most popular and expensive time of year to travel.
Being on a budget doesn’t have to mean missing out on summer travels. In fact, there are plenty of places to travel to and ways to save while still having an enjoyable, relaxing vacation. Here are three affordable places to consider–and by consider we mean book right now.
Dana Point, California
Dana Point is the perfect vacation destination for families, girl-getaways, and solo travelers alike. Located about halfway from Los Angeles and San Diego, this marina town is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. And despite its beachside beauty, it is easily one of the more affordable California destinations.
Experiencing the city’s top tourist attractions, such as Baby Beach, The Pilgrim, and the Dana Point Harbor, is especially easy thanks to the city’s free parking. Load up the car with your beach supplies, pack a picnic, and park simply a few yards away from all the free fun you’ll be having.
For accommodations, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still come waterfront views. The Dana Point Marina Inn is known to have lower rates within walking distance from the marina.
And for food, Dana Point has tons of California flavor. Locals would recommend The Shwack Beach Grill for their fish tacos and Stacks Pancake House for breakfast. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, pack a picnic and head to Pines Park for an enjoyable, cost-effective afternoon.
The Grand Canyon
In the mood for something a little grander? Vacations don’t get any more spectacular than taking a trip The Grand Canyon. Despite being one of the most popular natural attractions in the United States (perhaps even the world), there are ways to visit without breaking the bank.
You can enter the park as many times as you would like with a $35 vehicle permit. This is valid for seven days and grants admission to both the North and South Rim. For stricter budgets, you can plan your trip around the park’s free entrance days.
Once inside the park, save money by parking your car at one of the parking lots in the Grand Canyon Village. From there, you can catch a free shuttle bus that will take you to the park’s museums, viewpoints, trails, restaurants, and lodging. You can save a little extra by packing a picnic to eat at one of the many picnic tables, or dining at the affordable Maswick Lodge Food Court.
If camping is your style, overnight campground and trailer RV park rates vary from just $12 to $50 per night, many of which include showers and laundry. Not comfortable roughing it? Many opt to stay at the historic Bright Angel Lodge with it’s rustic and authentic charms. Other options include booking a motel in Flagstaff, Arizona, Kanab Utah, or Williams, Arizona, all of which are good home-bases from the park.
Blue Ridge Mountains near Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a fun place to visit, but even locals find themselves escaping the swampy, summer weather to the cooler Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. Only a three-hour drive from the city proper, this picturesque ride will leave you with a newfound respect for the nation’s great outdoors.
Enter from Front Royal on I-66 West to begin your cruise along 196,00 acres of protected land. Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway that runs the entire length of the park. And since gas money will be your main expense, so you can save a little extra by packing a lunch ahead of time or stopping along the way at one of the many cheap, local BBQ spots.
If you’re not driving back to the city right away, plan for a day hike at one of the area’s most popular (and fair warning, challenging) hikes called Old Rag. The climb is worth the stellar valley views at the top.
After a day of being active, reward yourself with a refreshing local pint at Pen Druid Brewery or Bald Top Brewing Co.
Don’t Wait – Getaway Today!
Summer doesn’t have to clean out your bank account. There are tons of places just off the beaten path all over that can serve as the perfect low-cost summer vacation. Just remember to do some research, plan ahead, and take a ton of pictures.