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four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Four Strategies to Travel Cheaply This Summer Despite Inflation

Inflation has made vacations more difficult to afford, but these scrappy strategies can help

Four Strategies to Travel Cheaply This Summer Despite Inflation.

Four Strategies to Travel Cheaply This Summer Despite Inflation. (Alfonso Escalante/Pexels)

Bloomberg — As global temperatures hit all-time highs, you might be dreaming of escaping the city heat by booking a well-deserved vacation. You wouldn’t be alone if you couldn’t afford it, though. In the US, 60% of travelers say inflation will affect their decision to travel in the next six months, and 57% say the same of airfare prices, according to a March 1 survey from the market research consultancy Longwoods International.

Flights, hotels and car rentals have become increasingly expensive for Americans. Even without inflation, last-minute summer getaways can be prohibitively costly. Limited inventory and high demand send prices soaring. And spontaneous plans come together too quickly for travelers to implement many money-saving tips or gradually scrape together a travel budget.

There are indications that airfares, at least, are starting to taper. But when it comes to accommodations, a bare-bones budget doesn’t have to mean staying at a hostel. (Or even a fancy hostel.) Instead, consider these four ways to travel cheaply this summer.

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Home Swapping

If you’re willing to open up your own home when you go away, you can eliminate almost the entire cost of accommodations via home swapping—where you literally trade houses or apartments with someone in another part of the world for a set amount of time. Companies such as Home Exchange and Kindred make this as easy to arrange as a vacation on Airbnb—the latter lets you browse through a list of available swaps with people who are interested in visiting your home destination, though you can also save a trip on your wish list and get notified when a match appears. (The site operates primarily in Europe and North America.)

Miami-based Devon Zuegel says home swapping changed her life. She joined Kindred in 2021; she and her husband have home-swapped for a total of 77 nights since then. The maximum fee per night is $25 for a simple house swap on the site, making a weeklong stay in a Manhattan two-bedroom cost roughly $475 for the average user. (That includes a cleaning fee all travelers pay on each booking—typically $150, before and after each stay.) But the Zuegels pay for Kindred’s Passport service, a $600, yearlong all-you-can-swap subscription.

“For us the subscription is a no-brainer because we get so much use out of it,” Zuegel writes to Bloomberg via email. “It really pays for itself.” In a rough calculation, she says the trips she’s taken via the home-swapping platform would have cost her around $40,000 if booked on more conventional channels. Had it not been for Kindred, she adds, she likely wouldn’t have taken many of these trips at all.

By contrast, Home Exchange has a one-size-fits-all annual membership of $220—and doesn’t include a mandatory cleaning fee. Content creator Alyssa Lauren says that even if she takes on that expense herself, she spends less than $200 per two-week trip—rather than the $3,000 to $5,000 she’d otherwise have to budget.

A caveat: The platforms may only accept applicants based on the desirability of their home locations. Kindred, for instance, accepts only 15% of its applicants, primarily screening for residents in its active service areas. It also onboards members with training modules that include a thorough Code of Conduct, with co-founder Justine Palefsky saying that the company “gathers feedback on all trips and has a strict one-strike policy for any major violations.”

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Pet Sitting

Not everyone is a cat, dog or bird person. But for those who are, pet sitting can be another avenue for affordable accommodations. The popular website TrustedHousesitters, for instance, provides free housing to members who are willing to offer daily walks and feeds (plus a few belly rubs, natch). Annual plans start at $129 and include identity verification. It operates somewhat like a traditional babysitting portal, with sitters writing up profiles with their interests and qualifications and applying to open jobs.

Courtney Brady has visited six European countries thanks to pet sitting. “It has been the perfect way to travel,” the 36-year-old tells Bloomberg via email, estimating that on one long trip, she shaved some $5,000 to $6,000 off her travel budget this way.

Pet parents (who pay similar annual fees for access to the sitter database) receive applications for their listings and choose whoever they think best fits the bill. They can also review sitters afterward, creating a system that encourages shared trust.

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Summer Van Life

Van life has had numerous spikes in popularity since its origins in the 1960s, both pre- and post-pandemic. Lately it’s become an emblem of digital nomad workers, with some 3 million Americans living out of their vans in 2022, according to Statista. While it may seem like a big full-time commitment, summer van-lifers who can rent mobile homes for a shorter period of time can leverage the opportunity to experience some truly magical places. The trend has taken root in other parts of the world, too.

“I think the main reason I bought my first van was because I wanted to see the world from another point of view,” Alex Ovies, a 22-year-old from Madrid, writes to Bloomberg via WhatsApp from his travels.

Ovies bought his van in 2021 for €3,700 ($4,153), then spent €600 retrofitting it into a mobile home. He’d been saving for more than two years and has since taken his van to places such as France, Scotland and Spain.

This year, Ovies left his van in Edinburgh (it had a broken diesel filter) and rented one from a private company. Overall, he says, he and his girlfriend spent €500 each for an eight-day trip to Ibiza: €350 for the van, €50 for the flight from Madrid and €100 for food and gas. “If I had traveled going to hotels and living the Ibiza life, I would have spent more than €2,000,” he estimates.

As for the cost of the abandoned van, Ovies says he made back his investment before having to ditch it. Now he uses Yescapa to find holiday motorhomes—it lets users pick dates and locations for pickup and drop-off and then connects them with vehicle owners looking to rent. “The person I rented the van [from in Ibiza] bought it two years ago,” he adds. “He has already paid for 100% of it.”

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By definition, Workaway will add some work to your vacation: Its job listings work on a barter system, in which the pay is free room and board. Generally, travelers are expected to work five hours a day doing tasks that can be as varied as taking care of horses or online marketing. Conditions and agreements such as payment, sleeping arrangements and duration vary, but a rigorous identity verification process is included for safety. (There’s also an emergency help service, as an extra precaution.)

Joining Workaway is fairly easy: You create a profile, get verified (typically within 24 hours) and pay a $49 sign-up fee. That opens up access to 50,000 projects in 159 countries—of which some may be a better fit for your skills and desires than others. Duration can vary, with some projects spanning a week and others lasting as long as a year.

Issei Nakano, 24, used Workaway as a college student in 2018 to immerse himself in Mexican culture. After paying $400 for his flight from Boston, he spent two and a half weeks working as a receptionist in a hostel in San Luis Potosi. The experience allowed him to travel around the area and improve his Spanish. If he had stayed as a guest at the property where he was working, the accommodations alone would have cost $250 to $350. “It was definitely one of the most unique and fulfilling travels that I’ve ever had,” Nakano says.

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Best cheap summer vacations.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Thanks to balmy temperatures, long days and school recess, summer is a popular time to take a vacation. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive times to travel, making it difficult to find a budget-friendly destination. To help you in your search, U.S. News considered affordability and traveler appeal, among other factors, to determine the best cheap summer vacations. From must-see cities to scenic national parks, there are a bevy of travel destinations that won't break the bank. Vote for your favorite destination below to help determine next year's ranking.

Glacier National Park

Cannon beach, grand canyon national park, colorado springs, niagara falls, vancouver, canada, yellowstone national park, amelia island, outer banks, williamsburg.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Head to this national park in northwest Montana for stunning photo-ops within a budget. Summer is a great time to visit since conditions are ideal for driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the country. With the park's $35 per vehicle entry fee (which covers access for seven days), visitors can also hike Grinnell Glacier, swim in Lake McDonald and learn about the area's flora and fauna at the Apgar Nature Center. Camping in the park is cheap, too – rates range from $10 to $23 per night.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Budget-conscious travelers will be thrilled to know that you don't need to shell out an arm and a leg to visit one of the world's most beautiful beaches . This nearly 4-mile-long stretch of the Oregon coast is beloved amongst visitors for its diverse tide pools, ample birdwatching opportunities and breathtaking rock formations. What's more, many of Cannon Beach's best things to do are free or inexpensive, including the iconic Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, which charges a daily $5 parking fee. Plus, because Cannon Beach is a walkable town, you'll also save coin on transportation costs.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

It doesn't get more affordable than camping, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arizona is a unique place to rough it. You'll have to contend with crowds along the South Rim, but the photo possibilities will be well worth the cramped quarters. Some campsites start at just $18 per night during the warmer months, while the park entrance fee for vehicles is $35 and lasts seven days. Pack your own food to save even more. If you're not interested in camping, plan on staying at one of the affordable hotels in Grand Canyon Village near the South Rim.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers ample opportunities to enjoy breathtaking scenery and inexpensive attractions. The city offers an abundance of free things to do, including biking through Garden of the Gods, hiking to Pikes Peak's summit and strolling up and down the streets of Old Colorado City. Nearby Manitou Springs is also a great stop for anyone looking to relax in healing waters. While summer is peak tourist season, lodging options remain relatively cheap, with plenty of budget hotels and motels to choose from.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Summer in San Diego ushers in warm temperatures in the 70s, which makes it a popular destination with sun-seeking travelers. When you're not sprawling out on sandy shorelines like La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach, save money on top attractions (think: the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum) by purchasing a Go San Diego Card. For more free entertainment, stroll and window shop through neighborhoods like Seaport Village and La Jolla. Keep in mind that hotel prices skyrocket during Comic-Con, an annual event that takes place in July, so book your accommodations outside of these dates to save on lodging costs.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

If you avoid the area's casinos, you'll find that the New York and Ontario sides of Niagara Falls are exceptionally affordable summer vacation destinations. To save money, consider purchasing one of the region's bundled passes, which may include admission to activities like a self-guided Journey Behind the Falls tour or entry to attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory. Summer may be the peak season, but booking in advance helps cut costs. Plus, nothing beats basking in Niagara Falls' mist on 80-degree days.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

As temperatures begin to rise in Vancouver, so do room rates. However, travelers can offset these inflated summer prices by taking advantage of the city's many free attractions. Spend your day biking through Stanley Park, swimming at Kitsilano Beach or admiring the flora and fauna at Queen Elizabeth Park. And because no Vancouver vacation would be complete without visiting Granville Island, travelers should set aside time for exploring the popular area's art galleries, restaurants and shops. Plus, Vancouver's diverse culinary offerings mean you can find cheap eats ranging from sushi to fish and chips.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Moab, Utah, is unique in that it borders two of the state's national parks. Arches National Park (to the north) is where visitors can marvel at precarious looking sandstone monuments like the famous Delicate Arch. Meanwhile, Canyonlands National Park (which sits southwest of town) offers stunning views of Utah's expansive desert landscapes. In and around Moab, travelers will find an array of affordable accommodations, ranging from campgrounds to motels to vacation rentals. All of this makes Moab a budget-friendly destination for nature lovers.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers plenty of outdoor attractions for visitors. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the area's most popular sight, travelers will find more than 800 miles of terrain to explore. Plus, with the park only charging a nominal daily parking fee of $5 per vehicle, visitors can hike to overlooks and waterfalls while sticking to a tight budget. When vacationers need a break from checking out the park, they can visit family-friendly attractions like the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg or play a round of mini-golf at a local course.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Roaming bison, majestic mountains and breathtaking geysers populate Yellowstone's more than 2.2 million acres of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho wilderness. Travelers searching for an affordable vacation that doesn't skimp on memorable moments will likely appreciate several cost-effective aspects of this national park. Entrance fees cost $35 per vehicle or $20 per person on foot for seven days, while campsites start at $20 per night. Once you've settled in, explore the park's incredible hiking trails, which wind from colorful thermal basins to large lakes.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Bar Harbor, Maine, is basically a postcard that has found its way into the real world. The town is flanked by Acadia National Park on one side and Frenchman Bay on the other, so it has an abundance of options for both outdoor enthusiasts and water sports fans. Summer is the best time to visit because the weather is warm and dry. Plus, this season is when the town offers a variety of free activities, including outdoor movies at Agamont Park and Art in the Park, an annual art show that takes place in June.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Located about 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Amelia Island offers 13 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean coastline. Families flock here in the summer to take advantage of the city's uncrowded beaches and kid-friendly attractions, including Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island Museum of History. Vacationers can often score good deals on mid-range hotels and vacation rentals, and activities like exploring Egans Creek Greenway and browsing the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market on Saturdays are available free of charge.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Although summer is this North Carolina beach destination's peak travel season, there are several ways to enjoy an Outer Banks getaway on a budget. While you'll want to book your accommodations far ahead of time, there are plenty of low-cost hotels and vacation rentals to choose from. And because the expansive beaches are these barrier island's main claim to fame, you'll likely find yourself spending most of your time with your toes in the sand. If you do find yourself tiring of the beach, explore free attractions like Jockey's Ridge State Park and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Aruba's offseason is a fantastic time to plan a getaway – room rates have dropped and crowds have thinned, making it easy to score deals on hotels and airfare. And although temperatures often reach into the low 90s in summer, travelers can cool off by going for a dip at one of the area's many beaches (traveler favorites include Eagle Beach and Palm Beach). You can save additional coin by booking your stay at one of Aruba's luxurious all-inclusive resorts , or by purchasing a vacation package. And because Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, it's an ideal choice for a Caribbean summer trip.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

If you're seeking a serious dose of history, Williamsburg, Virginia, may be the right vacation spot for you. Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, visit the site of the first settlement at Jamestown and wander around Yorktown Battlefield. Should you want to check out pricier attractions like Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, opt for a summer combo ticket that covers unlimited access to these locations and Colonial Williamsburg for seven days. East Coast-based travelers can easily reach all of these hot spots thanks to Williamsburg's central mid-Atlantic location.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

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four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Hot Springs, AR

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

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four ways to travel cheaply this summer

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four ways to travel cheaply this summer

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16 Affordable Family Vacations to Take This Summer

From laid-back islands to charming small towns and bustling cities, here are some great getaways on a budget.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

four ways to travel cheaply this summer

Summer is right around the corner and vacation is top of mind. And while any trip will set you back a bit, there are plenty of destinations that won't break the bank. The trick is picking the right one — places where the summer season is quieter or lodging and food are more affordable. And when you're traveling with kids, things like pre-packing snacks and shopping at local grocery stores to prepare your own meals can go a long way toward lowering overall costs.

To lend a hand, we've rounded up 16 spots where you can have a memorable vacation at a reasonable price. The best family vacation destinations have free and lower-priced attractions, as well as properties that welcome kids with complimentary, family-friendly amenities.

Our roundup of the best summer vacation ideas includes a handful of relaxing beach destinations, bustling city excursions, and trips that include a bit of both. We've also listed domestic and international options, so you'll find inspiration for an all-out adventure and ideas for a long weekend away.

San Diego, California

Chelsea Loren/Travel + Leisure

California's sunny San Diego has tons of activities for families, with theme parks, water parks, kid-friendly museums, and 70 miles of beaches. The Go City All-Inclusive Pass can be used for top attractions such as the San Diego Zoo , Legoland California , harbor cruises, and several museums in Balboa Park, providing you with discounts of up to 50 percent per person.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor has plenty of places to go swimming, including the freshwater beach at Echo Lake, which has calm waves that are good for kids. You can also follow signs labeled "The Museum in the Streets" around Bar Harbor to create your own walking tour, or hop on one of the myriad hiking, walking, or cycling trails. At nearby Acadia National Park , a vehicle pass will get the whole family into the park for a day of hiking and views of Maine's wildlife and wild coast. Once you visit, you'll see why Maine is considered one of the best places to travel in August .

Winter Park, Colorado

While you might think of Winter Park as a snowy destination, it's also a great place to visit in the summer, especially if you're looking to escape the heat. In a single day, families can enjoy hiking, ropes courses, gondola rides, and climbing walls. Buy your day passes early — these provide access to all the activities noted — to secure the best available prices. Snow Mountain Ranch , a YMCA camp about 20 minutes away by car, has one of the only summertime tubing hills in the United States, as well as miniature golf, archery, and a climbing wall to keep everyone busy.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Haizhan Zheng / Getty Images

" Kidsburgh " has tons of great activities for families — from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. In the summer, there's a 10-day Grand Prix with vintage cars and walking tours to help you enjoy the city and get some exercise. You'll also find economical lunch spots, while the subway line offers free rides around downtown. Consider hiking or biking along the Great Allegheny Passage , which provides a scenic, outdoorsy way to explore the city's many bridges and tunnels along a 150-mile trail.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you and your kids love the water, head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At properties like The Breakers , guests can enjoy five water slides, several on-property pools, a sunken pirate ship, and a long lazy river. There's also shuffleboard, a giant chessboard, and cornhole. If your family is into mini-golf, look no further than this seaside town, which boasts over 30 courses .

St. Louis, Missouri

Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Free attractions in St. Louis include Purina Farms (open April to October), where children can enjoy dog agility shows and animal barnyards, and the Saint Louis Art Museum , which is kid-friendly. Admission to the City Museum , with its 10-story slide, huge ball pit, and 40-foot high Ferris wheel, is available through day passes or memberships. Afterward, stop by Ted Drewes Frozen Custard , known for shakes so thick they can be served upside down.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Sean Pavone Photo / Getty Images

Located next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Gatlinburg is for the adventurous outdoor lover, with plenty of opportunities for biking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting, and more than 800 miles of hiking trails. For a day of shopping that the whole family can get behind, visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community , an eight-mile loop road that features eateries alongside artisan galleries selling handmade goods.

Lodging options in Gatlinburg include resorts and cabins — check the tourism board's website to see which ones offer free nights or discounts . Gatlinburg is also about a 20-minute drive from country music icon Dolly Parton's famous Dollywood , a great day trip for all the amusement park lovers out there.

Lisbon, Portugal

Ready to explore the world with your kids? In Lisbon, families can enjoy an all-in-one city and beach vacation. Explore the city's distinct neighborhoods, castles, and palaces, or hop aboard a funicular to climb its steep hills for a scenic tour of the city. Lisbon is also home to 10 free museums, including the kid-friendly Money Museum.

Vienna, Austria

The walkability of Austria's capital city is part of what makes it such an affordable stop for families — plus, there are several free walking tours , including those that introduce you to the city's music, street art, and recreation. With the Vienna Pass , travelers receive complimentary access to more than 90 of the city's top attractions, including museums, a giant Ferris wheel, and spots like Madame Tussauds wax museum. The pass has single-day and multiday options, including up to six days at a steep discount.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is ideal for a family beach getaway thanks to its many all-inclusive resorts. While the country has lots of amazing destinations that are worth visiting, it's pretty hard to top Punta Cana. All ages can enjoy the 30 miles of white-sand coastline, picturesque coconut palms, and direct flights from more than 28 countries and 96 cities around the world.

Washington, D.C.

Danita Delimont, Getty Images / Gallo Images

For a family vacation in a bustling city full of affordable hotels , kid-friendly restaurants, and free attractions, plan a visit to Washington, D.C. The nation's capital has lots to offer for anyone on a budget. All the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo , and the monuments and memorials along the National Mall are free to enter, as are several outdoorsy spots like Rock Creek Park and the U.S. National Arboretum . Plan ahead, though, as some require free timed passes for entry.

Register in advance through your home state representative's office and take the kids on a free (and educational) tour of The White House — if all else fails, the White House Visitor Center just around the corner makes a worthy alternative. You can also reserve free timed tickets online for a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol Building .

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Mitch Diamond / Getty Images

There's plenty of free fun to be had right across the border in Canada. In Victoria, British Columbia, on the country's western coast, families can stroll through Beacon Hill Park , try their hand at lawn bowling, or drop by the children's farm to meet the park's residents and watch the twice-daily "goat stampede." For a day of coastal bliss, walk along the water at iconic Fisherman's Wharf and grab a sweet treat at Jackson's Ice Cream . A day at WildPlay Element Parks ' Victoria location offers a variety of aerial adventure packages with access to zip lines, wobbly bridges, rope swings, ax throwing, and bungee jumping.

Morro Bay, California

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

There's nothing quite like settling in along the California coast with your kids in tow, and the often overlooked community of Morro Bay is a great place to visit. Spot otters and whales from the coast, pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, or spend the day sailing, golfing, biking, or surfing. When you need a break, grab a bite at Sylvester's Burgers — the garlic fries are out of this world! Afterward, head to Morro Bay State Park or drop by the Morro Bay Maritime Museum .

Rincón, Puerto Rico

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

Puerto Rico has a little something for everyone, and it's easily accessible with direct flights from more than 50 cities. The surf town of Rincón, on the westernmost tip of the island, is about a 2.5-hour drive from San Juan. Its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and great waves are perfect for families. Book a room at the Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel , or save on food by reserving a villa with a kitchen — the largest villas can accommodate up to six people. Either way, this hotel puts you right on the sea and has a stunning beachfront pool perfect for lounging and playing.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Wiltser / Getty Images

In the summer, there's no place like Mackinac Island , a National Historic Landmark void of chain hotels and cars — yes, you read that right. Instead, your family will be treated to an old-timey experience filled with world-famous Mackinac Island fudge and days spent biking around the island, taking a ferry under the Mackinac Bridge, or cruising around the coast by kayak.

The star of the island is the historic Grand Hotel , which opened its doors in 1887. In addition to old-world hospitality and perks like afternoon tea, the hotel features on-site stables and an expansive pool. Kids can also spend the day playing lawn games and mini-golf.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Dean Fikar / Getty Images

A trip to the Grand Canyon is almost certainly on the to-do list for lots of families. And while the natural wonder tends to be busy in the summer, you can avoid the crowds and find better pricing by heading to the North Rim (open seasonally). Cozy up in the Grand Canyon Lodge — book early to secure a room — or reserve a campsite at the North Rim Campground. This area offers pleasant summer temperatures and serves as the perfect base camp to enjoy the abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and views of the stunning canyon, which is 270 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a mile deep.

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COMMENTS

  1. 4 Best Ways to Travel on a Budget This Summer - The Motley Fool

    Here are four tips you can use to travel on a budget this summer. 1. Choose your destination wisely. A big component of how much your summer trip will cost is the destination.

  2. Four Ways to Travel Cheaply This Summer - Bloomberg.com

    Pursuits. Travel. Four Ways to Travel Cheaply This Summer. Inflation has made vacations more difficult to afford for a majority of Americans. But these scrappy strategies can help. A...

  3. Four Strategies to Travel Cheaply This Summer Despite Inflation

    There are indications that airfares, at least, are starting to taper. But when it comes to accommodations, a bare-bones budget doesn’t have to mean staying at a hostel. (Or even a fancy hostel.) Instead, consider these four ways to travel cheaply this summer.

  4. 4 Ways to Save on Plane Tickets This Summer ... - Travel

    4 Ways to Save on Plane Tickets This Summer, According to the Cheap Flights Expert. Here's why flights are so expensive right now, and what you can do about it.

  5. 15 Best Cheap Summer Vacations - U.S. News Travel

    We rank the 15 Best Cheap Summer Vacations. See which places our readers like the best, and vote for your favorites.

  6. 16 Affordable Family Vacations to Take This Summer - Travel

    From laid-back islands to charming small towns and bustling cities, here are some great getaways on a budget. Summer is right around the corner and vacation is top of mind. And while any trip...