4 Best Destinations for a Cheap End-of-Summer Vacation
Written by
Seychelle Thomas
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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When you want to travel this summer without going over budget, there are a few destinations that you may have overlooked in your search.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
When you want a beach vacation without spending exorbitant amounts of money, a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, might be in order. It’s a popular destination for many on the East Coast due to its accessibility.
For example, a four-day, three-night stay at the Westgate Oceanfront Resort is currently on sale for $99. Since it’s oceanfront property, you’ll have quick access to the beach. You could save money by cooking some meals in your hotel room, since the rooms have fully equipped kitchens.
There’s more to do here than just relaxing on the beach. There are several fun attractions that are suitable for families. Take a dolphin tour, explore the unusual at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, or fly through the air on a zipline at the WonderWorks Amusement Park.
Since Ripley’s has multiple attractions throughout Myrtle Beach, you could save on tickets by choosing a combo that allows you to see the Ripley’s Aquarium and two other attractions. For two adults and two children, that totals out to $199.96, which saves you $78 on the full price.
Assateague Island, Maryland
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing wild horses galloping across the beach, you’ll find the real deal on Assateague Island in Maryland.
Since it’s a national park, you can reserve camping spaces for an affordable $40 per night directly on the beach. Entrance to the park is just $25 per private vehicle. You can bring your own firewood for a campfire on the beach and roast marshmallows for that classic summer experience.
There are also boat tours, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities to take part in. Compared to Ocean City, Maryland, which is 15 minutes away, Assateague is a much quieter and calmer beach experience. As a reminder, all the horses on the island are wild, so it’s not a good idea to touch or spook them!
Vienna, Austria
Late summer is one of the best times to visit Vienna, Austria. The weather is perfect, and you’ll find plenty of outdoor events to attend. Fair warning: This one is on the pricier side since it’s international.
But if you’ve been dreaming of a European vacation, and don’t have quite enough for to Paris, Amsterdam or London, then Vienna might be a pleasant hidden gem. The gorgeous architecture, classical music history and views of the Danube River will have you wondering why you thought about going anywhere else.
Vienna is a highly walkable city with excellent public transportation, so you don’t need to spend money on a rental car. Budget Your Trip also estimates that a one-week trip to Vienna would cost $2,799 for two people or $1,399 per person. That estimate includes food, local transportation and a hotel stay.
If you’re traveling from the East Coast of the U.S., you might find that a flight to Austria is cheaper than you thought. For example, an early August flight from Dulles International Airport to Vienna International Airport costs as low as $301 through Expedia.
Although this vacation requires a bit more money than domestic travel, it’s still a more affordable alternative to traveling in other European countries.Â
Grand Canyon National Park
See one of the seven wonders of the world by visiting the Grand Canyon. Some of the main attractions and activities there are free or low-cost.
Hiking trails are abundant, and you can make reservations for backcountry camping. Camping permits are $10 each, plus another $15 per person, and of course, hiking is free after you pay the park entrance fee of $20 to $35, which covers park admission for seven days.
Since light pollution is very low, camping overnight gives you a chance at unimpeded stargazing. If you plan on taking a hike, especially in late summer, make sure you come prepared with food, water, electrolytes, and emergency supplies, as many of the hikes are made extra difficult due to the heat. As a pro tip, don’t attempt to hike from the river and back in a single day, as this results in tons of rescue efforts every year. Safe to say, this is for experienced hikers.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Hopi Mesas and native pottery shops. You can also check out the Yavapai Geology Museum to get a peek into the history of the canyon and learn about the various rock formations.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Jun. 27, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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