The vacation is a staple of American life. We all like to get away for a little while. However, vacations can get expensive at times. If you are looking for a good vacation that won’t break the bank, here are a few suggestions.
International travel: year of the euro
“The euro has plunged, and Europe is a bargain if you dollars to spend,” says John Golicz, the CEO of The Travel & Adventure Show and the editor of 1000TravelTips.com. He points out that the eurozone economy is struggling, and the euro is down about 24% over the last year. “Prices for local European hotels, rental cars, and restaurants are significantly less.” Golicz says that the hotel prices in major European capital cities are lower than comparable hotel prices in major U.S. cities.
Not only that, but Golicz says that transatlantic air fares have dropped almost 10% in the last year: “While most international and domestic fares are up 4% to 6%, transatlantic prices are down.”
One of the best destinations in Western Europe, if you’re looking for a budget international vacation, is Spain, says Cynthia Bowman, a freelance travel writer at JoyJournist.com. “We have been to all the countries of Western Europe and find Spain to be the cheapest place that still offers safety and unique culture,” she says. “Food and lodging are inexpensive and there are many things to do.”
For the more adventurous, many countries in Eastern Europe are inexpensive and offer a number of interesting activities. The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is a favorite destination along the Adriatic Sea. The local currency is the kuna, but Croatia makes an effort to keep its currency in line with the euro.
Yosemite National Park
If you like camping, Yosemite National Park in California is a surprisingly inexpensive vacation destination. Golicz recommends visiting Yosemite in the fall. There are numerous activities, including hiking, swimming, and biking. Yosemite features a Junior Ranger program as well as plenty of adult-friendly activities. Daily fees for Yosemite campsites run from $6 per person for the stripped-down Camp 4, to $26 for some of the more accommodating campsites. Many of the sites are first-come, first-served, while others can be reserved.
Other national parks can offer great vacation destinations. Some of my favorite national parks include Bryce Canyon in Utah (which is a little off the beaten path), Yellowstone in Wyoming (and nearby Grand Teton), and Zion. Other interesting national park destinations include Acadia in Maine and the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. For an inexpensive camping staycation, consider checking into your state’s parks, or the parks in surrounding states. Adirondack Park in New York and Eldorado Canyon State Park in Colorado are great choices.
Lake Mead
Golicz suggests Lake Mead in Nevada for a water-based family vacation that doesn’t have to break the bank. Houseboats can be surprisingly inexpensive, considering the fact that you can usually fit up to 10 or more people on the boat. “Houseboat rentals provide the unique opportunity to travel with a large group with little hassle and even a lower cost than the typical vacation for a large group,” Golicz says.
Lake Mead is an ideal destination because it involves the ability to camp on the beach if you want, and it is only an hour from Las Vegas. With the right planning, there are inexpensive things to do in Las Vegas, including cheap family-friendly hotels and low-cost buffets.
Other houseboat-friendly and inexpensive vacation destinations include Lake Powell in Utah, Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, and Norfork Lake in Arkansas.
Puerto Rico
Want a Caribbean vacation at a fraction of the price? Puerto Rico can provide just that. Plus, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so there is no need for a passport when you go, and you can use your U.S. dollars. There are a number of resorts that cost a fraction of what you would pay in a more “traditional” Caribbean setting, and other lodging options are also inexpensive. There are plenty of beaches, and great, low-cost food to enjoy.
Nashville
Some of the lowest hotel prices in the South can be found in Nashville. The city offers a number of activities for the whole family, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Belle Meade Plantation and other large Southern homes. You can also visit the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and the Adventure Science Center, a museum that offers hands-on activities for the kids. And, of course, no visit to Nashville is complete without some of its famous barbecue.
Atlantic Canada
Finally, if you are looking for a vacation outside the country, but you aren’t quite ready to spring for transatlantic travel, consider Atlantic Canada, which is composed of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. There are a number of interesting sites to see, and the coastline is spectacular. Not only that, but you can get access to low-cost, delicious seafood. There are a number of inexpensive places to stay in Atlantic Canada, as well as interest activities that won’t break the bank.
Where’s your favorite travel destination? How do you save money on travel?
The post Top budget vacation ideas for 2015 appeared first on Quizzle Wire.