Like Google revealed While one of its most popular travel search trends right now is “cheap summer vacations,” there are plenty of ways for travelers to find ideas for traveling on the cheap.
This is particularly important because Bloomberg reports that the post-pandemic travel boom, merged with restrictions on hotel construction, overtourism and restrictions on Airbnb in many cities, are driving up hotel rates, particularly in Europe.
It is also clear that travelers could feel the effects. Vacasa, the accommodation rental platform, found that although July 4 and Memorial Day will be the big summer travel weekends, its survey suggests that some people have changed their travel plans or planning behavior to be more conscious of their budget (81% of those surveyed), which is considerably motivated. by the increase in the cost of living and inflation (74%).
Ways to Find a Cheap Summer Vacation
Bloomberg recommends ignoring Instagram feeds for overrated and overpriced destinations and instead hit places under the social radar for a cheap summer vacation-in Italy, this could be it the picturesque Costiera Cilentana, an hour from the Amalfi Coast or the elegant but underdeveloped peninsula of Monte Argentario, just 90 minutes from Rome Fiumicino Airport.
If Italy still seems too far off the European beaten track, the Romanian travel star has been rising for a while, hot on the heels of the beloved (and still relatively inexpensive) Albania.
There are also alternatives to hotels for a cheap summer vacation. Bloomberg reports that European hotel rates have increased by 50% since 2019, according to market researcher CoStar Group, so perhaps a boat would be a better value.
Alternatively, HomeExchange, the home exchange website, allows members unlimited exchanges for just $220 a year, meaning you can travel relatively cheaply but also visit places that might not be as crowded this summer.
The United Kingdom Telegraph also recommends finding some of the nicest hostels or staying in a mountain in Great Britain– these are secluded shelters set in some of the UK's most stunning hills and woods, free to use with an annual subscription of just $32 from the Mountain Bothies Association. There are similar shelter programs across Europe in the most spectacular locations: many also offer a basic breakfast and dinner menu.
Change your mode of travel for an inexpensive summer vacation. While there are cheaper ways to travel (the London-New York route remains one of the most competitive, if you're available at all times), one of the cheapest ways to travel on vacation this summer could be the train.
The telegraph lists several examples, notably Eurostar tickets if you book well in advance (around $50 one way) – it is sometimes easier to find good deals if you book to Brussels and not London to Paris. The 51-hour train trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Emeryville, California, can be had for just under $100 if booked in advance.
Interrail flights across Europe can be cost-effective or you can take the train for a 28-hour, 1,300-mile journey from New Delhi to Goa for just $13 (first class costs just $67) – and it can cost less than a dollar. traveling through parts of the Himalayas.
Change your financing method for an inexpensive summer vacation. A final way to limit the damage is to use multi-trip travel insurance (if you travel often) and to definitely opt for a bank card that does not add fees for use abroad and to find one that charges lower fees when transferring between different exchanges. rates.