Photo-illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Courtesy of the subjects
Opening Instagram during the summer is like intentionally clicking on an ad to travel to Europe. It can seem like almost everyone is living their best life on the other side of the North Atlantic Ocean, strolling the cobblestone streets of Lisbon or lying on the pebble beaches of the Costa Rica. 'Azure. And it's not just your rich friends who are using their parents' money to try to replicate the Before sunrise trilogy; others go deep into debt to taste an authentic Aperol spritz. But for those without a trust fund (and rightly concerned about their credit score), vacationing in Europe isn't always an option, especially considering rise in plane ticket prices.
Despite what your social media feeds suggest, Europe isn't the only place to vacation this summer. Many places in and around the United States can offer you the same relaxing, chic and impressive solution. In other words, we have Europe at home. (Well, sort of.) We asked travel influencers for the best summer hot spots that don't cost an arm and a leg.
Location: Upstate New York
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Martina McFarlanePhoto: Courtesy of Martina McFarlane
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Martina McFarlanePhoto: Courtesy of Martina McFarlane
Money Saving Tips: A visit to upstate New York can be quite affordable, with most of the money spent on car rentals and lodging. Food is also affordable and inexpensive, and if you decide to shop and prepare your meals at home, you'll save even more.
A hidden gem: I highly recommend starting with the Adirondacks, an adventure paradise with excellent lodging experiences. They offer Adirondack Balloon Flights for an epic hot air balloon ride; Then you can head to the Adirondack Adventure Center, where they offer whitewater rafting, ziplining through scenic nature views, and river tubing in the most beautiful gorges.
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado.
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Daniella BraggPhoto: Courtesy of Daniella Bragg
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Daniella BraggPhoto: Courtesy of Daniella Bragg
Money Saving Tips: Although more popular during the winter months, it's also a beautiful place to visit in the summer, when it's less crowded and more affordable. I took a day trip there, which I recommend because accommodation can be more expensive than staying in Denver, which is about an hour and a half drive.
A Hidden Gem: There is a hidden troll hidden in a short trail near an ice rink known as the Breckenridge Troll! It's a piece of art created by a Danish artist, and it now lives in the forest for anyone who meets it to take a photo of it. It's fun trying to find it, and the surrounding area is worth the trip!
Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California.
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Michelle LiPhoto: Courtesy of Michelle Li
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Michelle LiPhoto: Courtesy of Michelle Li
Why you like it: I love it because it's simple and easy. There are very few restaurants or choices to make for each part of the trip; you can just drive there, hike, and eat at one of the three or four restaurants in town. The neighborhood is not overdeveloped, so it is quiet and doesn't require a lot of planning for where to go.
Saving Tips: I usually go in the summer and it's pretty cheap because all the activities are outdoors. You won't find many luxury hotels, but there are some really cozy Airbnbs. I would rent a car on Turo and take a little road trip and drive, bring some snacks or sandwich ingredients, and you'll be set.
Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Li
A hidden gem: Erick Schat Bakery in Bishop, California. My dad and I love coming here in the morning to get a sandwich for our hikes. They have lots of really good pies, ice cream, chili cheese bread – basically anything you want to eat after a long hike.
Location: St. Augustine, Florida.
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Madison Brooks LeePhoto: Courtesy of Madison Brooks Lee
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Madison Brooks LeePhoto: Courtesy of Madison Brooks Lee
Why you like it: I might be biased, as I'm a proud St. Augustine resident; However, even after traveling to 60 countries, it is still a city that holds a place at the table of best travel destinations. The city's well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, intimate cafes, boutiques, and pedestrian-friendly layout make visitors feel like they've entered a charming European town in Florida.
Photo: Courtesy of Madison Brooks Lee
Money Saving Tips: The wide variety of activities involving nature and history allows travelers to participate in many free or low-cost experiences that can help keep costs down. Since the weather is warm in Florida most of the year, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to find better deals on lodging and flights. Accommodations slightly outside the city center are also often more affordable.
A hidden gem: Flagler College. Originally the luxurious Ponce de León Hotel, this college offers guided tours of its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and Tiffany stained glass windows.
Location: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
Why you love it: Some people describe Lake Atitlán as the Lake Como of Central America. But I think that Lake Atitlán in Guatemala cannot be compared to a European destination because it is unique. Honestly, it looks like a gem rich in history and indigenous culture. Guatemalans are also incredibly friendly. I traveled here solo and had a great time meeting people.
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
Savings Tips: My flights were $273 from Washington, DC, and my hotel was $500 for three nights. I splurged on my stay because it was a solo, treat yourself trip, but most hotels around the lake are budget friendly. Tuk-tuks are the main means of transportation in many villages. Most rides only cost a few dollars, but always ask the price before you go on your trip. This way you aren't surprised by the cost when you arrive home.
A hidden gem: a visit to Santa Catarina Palopó is worth it. It’s this magnificent pueblo painted in these dazzling hues and these narrow streets that you can walk through. I loved their cultural center, where I learned about the fabric dyeing process and visited a local women's collective to purchase local products.
Location: Asheville, North Carolina.
From left to right : Photo: Courtesy of Giulia MarsicoPhoto: Courtesy of Giulia Marsico
From above: Photo: Courtesy of Giulia MarsicoPhoto: Courtesy of Giulia Marsico
Why you love it: The Blue Ridge Mountains – there are tons of different hiking trails you can take and the views are incredible.
Savings Tips: Round-trip flights from New York to Asheville typically cost between $150 and $200. The hike is free and breweries typically cost $5 for an incredibly delicious beer.
A hidden gem: Double Crown for a dive bar, Laurel River for swimming and hiking, and sometimes you can find $10 rodeos within 30 minutes of Asheville.
