Summer is already here, but there is still time to book an affordable vacation!
Here are 5 places to go for those eyeing a good bargain!
1. National Parks
It is the U.S. National Parks Centennial this year and thus celebrations abound, from free admission on select dates to special events. Our national parks are true treasures. My favorite is the big one: Yellowstone. Many parks are within driving distances of cities around the country, but you can also fly and rent a car if necessary. For instance, a flight from Los Angeles to Jackson Hole, WY is currently under $400 RT for most of the summer. However, finding lodging near a park might be a challenge, but still doable (just gotta do your homework and be flexible).
www.nps.gov
www.nps.gov
2. Mexico
Popular during our winter and spring months, Mexico and its resorts quiet down come the summer and thus there are easy deals to be had. We did a search - such as with Kayak and Expedia - for two from Seattle to Cancun in mid July and found flights and weeklong hotel (3 star and above) packages starting at $700 per person.
3. Vietnam
Summer means rainy season in Vietnam, but do not that deter you - so many flight and hotel deals waiting for you! The country is full of beauty, culture, and sites, from the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to charming towns in the middle of the country like Hoi An. You can easily get by on $40 a day or less in Vietnam. Just be ready for more motorbikes than you have ever seen! And a long flight.
4. Alaska Cruise
Summer time is prime time to visit Alaska, but you can score a great cruise for the cheap due to the plethora of cruising options, especially if you can go very, very soon (they want to fill up their ships) or can go at the end of the season. Where to look? We like CruisesOnly as well as working with the cruise lines directly. We recommend doing a cruise that focuses on Southwest Alaska due to its scenic beauty, time in port, and you can get great flight deals in and out of Seattle and Vancouver. And for those who want a real adventure, check out the Alaska Marine Highway (AKA Alaska ferry system)!
5. Iceland
Gotta be upfront...Iceland is not really that cheap. But Icelandair often has great deals on flights to/from Europe AND they allow you to do a free stopover in Iceland. Iceland is in my top 5 places I have ever been and I highly recommend it to everyone I meet. It is a damn postcard. Every photo I took there turned out great and there were countless moments that the country took my breathe away (not an easy feat). How did I do an entire tour of the country on a budget? Rented a car (roads are really good), stocked up on food at local markets, and stayed in hostels (not as scary as the movies lead us to believe)...AND it was amazing!
www.icelandair.com
www.icelandair.com
Other ideas? Where do you want to go this summer?
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