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Cheap summer vacations for 2025: Affordable spots and top tips
Discover the best cheap summer vacations for 2025. Plus, read top tips to travel smarter and save on your next trip.
Finding a cheap summer getaway can be challenging but not impossible! With budget airlines and accommodation options, affordable travel is possible even in the peak summer months.
From the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Vallarta to New Orleans’ electric city atmosphere, we’ve listed some of the top destinations for 2025 to help you find the cheapest countries for a perfect summer holiday. Plus, learn how to cut costs during your cheap summer vacations with a unlimited data Holafly eSIM.
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What makes a destination affordable in summer?
Several factors contribute to a destination’s affordability. When researching affordable summer vacations, consider these points:
- Currency exchange rates: A strong USD value makes certain destinations more affordable. Keep an eye on fluctuating exchange rates to maximize your budget.
- Summer off-season destinations: One of the best ways to find cheap summer vacations is to travel to destinations where summer is their off-season. Think of places in the Southern Hemisphere, like parts of South America (e.g., Chile) or Australia, where it’s winter during the US summer. This can mean significantly lower prices on flights, accommodations, and tours.
- Student towns in summer: Many university towns experience a lull in activity during summer when students are away. This can translate to lower accommodation prices for short-term rentals. These towns often have a vibrant atmosphere and are close to other attractions, making them ideal for cheap summer getaways.
- Affordable flights: Short-haul or budget airline destinations can save you hundreds on airfares. Look for deals and be flexible with your travel dates.
- Budget accommodations: Finding the right lodging option is key. Staying in hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels, or mid-range hotels can reduce expenses. Consider exploring affordable accommodations beyond hotels, such as vacation rentals or camping near beautiful beaches.
6 Affordable vacations spots for summer 2025
Let’s explore a curated collection of some of the cheapest summer vacations for 2025—destinations that promise unforgettable experiences without the hefty price tag.
1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico remains a budget-friendly haven for US travelers, thanks to easy and short flights to most major Mexican hotspots and a favorable exchange rate. Puerto Vallarta perfectly exemplifies this value, offering stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and exciting nightlife. Beyond the sun and fun, visitors can explore the city’s rich and cheap culinary scene. Family-owned restaurants offer Mexican dishes like birria, a regional beef stew, at incredibly low prices, letting you savor authentic Mexican flavors for less.
- Average cost: $40–$80 per day
- Where to stay: Budget-friendly resorts like Hotel Posada de Roger or hostels such as Los Muertos Hostal. Consider staying slightly outside the main tourist areas for lower prices.
- What to do: Explore Los Muertos Beach, stroll through the charming and popular Zona Romántica, and take a free walking tour of the city to learn about its history and culture. Take a day trip to the nearby Yelapa for a more secluded beach experience.
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Home to some of the best all-inclusive resort deals, Punta Cana provides an island escape for less. Resorts often bundle meals, drinks, and activities, making budgeting easier. Many also offer complimentary non-motorized watersports, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, providing added value and entertainment without extra cost. For an excursion beyond the resort walls, consider visiting Hoyo Azul, a stunning natural sinkhole with crystal-clear turquoise water.
- Average cost: $50–$90 per day (all-inclusive deals start at $80/night)
- Where to stay: Budget resorts like Karibo Punta Cana or Airbnbs near Bávaro Beach. Look for resorts slightly further from the main strip for better deals.
- What to do: Enjoy the pristine Macao Beach, take a budget-friendly catamaran tour, and visit the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve for a refreshing swim in natural lagoons. Consider exploring the less-developed northern coast for a more authentic Dominican experience.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires offers a unique opportunity for travelers seeking a budget-friendly summer vacation. The US summer coincides with the Argentinian winter, allowing visitors to enjoy the city without peak-season premiums. Buenos Aires is renowned for its steak houses, offering high-quality cuts of meat at prices significantly lower than New York or LA. Beyond the delicious food, the city pulsates with the sound of tango, with numerous milongas (tango dance halls) offering lessons to accommodate all budgets. This combination of world-class dining and captivating cultural experiences makes Buenos Aires an attractive option for budget-conscious summer travelers.
- Average cost: $40–$80 per day
- Where to stay: Budget-friendly hotels in areas like San Telmo or hostels such as Che Juan Hostel BA. Consider staying slightly outside the most central and more expensive areas, such as Palermo, for lower prices.
- What to do: Explore La Boca neighborhood, wander through the elegant Recoleta cemetery, catch a free tango show in San Telmo, or take a free walking tour to learn about the city’s history.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers a mix of history, culture, and affordability, with cheap public transport and great food at low prices. Portugal’s relaxed pace of life–ideal for those who prefer “slow travel” and perfect for those hot summer days, encourages visitors to savor their experiences and go at their own pace. A ride on the historic Elevador de Santa Justa, an iconic lift connecting the lower and upper parts of the city, costing less than $7, is a perfect way to experience Lisbon’s unique charm and escape the summer heat.
- Average cost: $45–$75 per day
- Where to stay: Budget hotels in the Alfama district, like Residencial Florescente, offer a taste of traditional Lisbon. For a more local experience, consider staying in a guesthouse.
- What to do: Ride the iconic Tram 28 through the historic neighborhoods, explore the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and indulge in delicious pastéis de nata (custard tarts) for just $1. Take a free walking tour to discover hidden gems and local insights.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s low cost of living and free attractions, such as the grounds of the Buda Castle District, make it an ideal European budget destination. Beyond the free attractions, Budapest is renowned for its thermal baths, many of which offer significantly lower entry fees than similar spa experiences in Western Europe, making it a great place to relax and rejuvenate without overspending. Don’t miss the opportunity to try lángos, deep-fried flatbread often topped with sour cream and cheese, a popular and affordable street food.
- Average cost: $35–$65 per day
- Where to stay: Hostels and guesthouses near the Danube River, like Maverick City Lodge, offer comfortable and affordable accommodations.
- What to do: Margaret Island offers a refreshing escape without the hefty price tag. Enjoy swimming, spas, gardens, and free access to historic sites like a Franciscan ruin and St. Margaret’s grave.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach offers classic and super affordable beach town fun. This East Coast gem makes a cheap summer vacation a reality, from the iconic boardwalk brimming with arcades, shops, and restaurants to the miles of free public beaches and numerous parks and green spaces. Families on a budget will find ample free recreation to suit everyone’s interests.
- Average cost: $60–$110 per day
- Where to stay: Budget motels like Vancouver Motel or Airbnb beach condos offer excellent value.
- What to do: Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, visit the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens (around $12 entry), and enjoy free summer concerts and events.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
Summer is the off-season in New Orleans, meaning cheaper flights, accommodation, and plenty of free events. New Orleans’ vibrant street music scene, especially in the French Quarter, provides free entertainment day and night. Visitors can experience the city’s unique sounds without spending money on cover charges or concert tickets. A second-line parade, a spontaneous street parade with brass bands and dancing, is a perfect example.
- Average cost: $50–$100 per day
- Where to stay: Budget-friendly boutique hotels in the French Quarter, like Hotel St. Pierre, offer a charming experience.
- What to do: Enjoy free French Quarter walking tours, experience live jazz at Preservation Hall (tickets start around $25 for general admission), and indulge in cheap local eats like Po’boys and beignets. Explore the unique neighborhoods like the Tremé and the Garden District.
Travel hacks for a cheap summer vacation
To make the most of your travel budget and avoid common tourist traps, consider these tips:
Plan your trip strategically and be flexible with dates: Book flights in advance using fare trackers like Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor prices and snag the best deals. Be flexible with your dates: Summer is peak season, so even shifting your summer trip by a few days can unlock better deals on flights and accommodations.
Discover local gems: Explore destinations that are typically less crowded during the summer months, such as quieter cities within the US. Flights are inexpensive, and aAs these destinations are not summer hotspots, flights should be inexpensive and you can find great deals on rentals, attractions, and restaurants.
Enjoy free activities: Take advantage of free activities like exploring parks, visiting museums (many offer free admission days), joining walking tours, and hiking trails.
Optimize transportation and connectivity: Use public transport instead of taxis or rideshares whenever possible, and avoid hefty international roaming fees by purchasing a Holafly eSIM for your data needs.
Holafly eSIM: Your stress-saving summer travel companion
Summer travel can be affordable. Smart choices like using a Holafly eSIM mean you don’t have to sacrifice experiences—like making reservations online in a flash, or staying connected with your friends and family, while sticking to your budget.
Imagine exploring Europe without worrying about roaming charges and having unlimited data at up to 5G speeds for just $6.90. Or, picture yourself navigating the Dominican Republic with the same fast speeds for as little as $7.90.
Holafly eSIMs make it easy to stay connected, navigate unfamiliar streets, find the best local spots, and share your adventures instantly—all without the fear of surprise roaming bills.
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I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.
