Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to fine-tune your travel plans, buy plane tickets, book hotels, and prepare for what should be an incredible trip. If you are still hesitant about going on a trip this summer because of budgetary reasons, you may need to get a little creative.
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And that means choosing places you can visit without depleting your savings account or incurring credit card debt.
The good news is that there are many such places, many of which are in the continental United States. Depending on where you're starting from and how much time you have, you could very well have a wonderful vacation without spending more than about $1,000.
GOBankingRates spoke to several travel agents and professionals to find out where in the country they would go on a $1,000 budget this summer. Here's what they said.
Oxnard, California
“If you're looking for an affordable domestic getaway, I suggest exploring one of America's many beach towns that offer much more than sun and sea,” said Maya Kapoor-Miller, travel agent and travel manager. trips to Dreamport.
Oxnard is one of those places.
“Oxnard, Southern California, is an idyllic and somewhat underrated vacation spot on the Southern California coast, with a small-town feel,” Kapoor-Miller continued. “Located just 60 miles northwest of LAX and close to other central destinations including Santa Barbara, Oxnard is one of Cali's best-kept secrets. It's home to miles of pristine beaches with golden dunes, including the famous Mandalay Beach, as well as historic Victorian-era architecture and some of the best taquerias in the state.
It's usually around 80 degrees in the summer, so you won't have to worry about the sweltering heat.
However, beaches aren't the only thing Oxnard has to offer.
“Its picturesque harbor offers opportunities for kayaking and cycling while serving as the closest access point to the beautiful Channel Islands National Park,” Kapoor-Miller continued. “The surrounding areas of the islands are protected so you can experience truly diverse marine life. Rent a kayak for the afternoon or explore the park's five islands on foot.
And you don’t have to worry too much about going over budget either because Oxnard is quite affordable.
“Whether you dine and shop downtown or explore the breathtaking coastline or one of the many maritime museums, Oxnard is an enchanting yet reasonably priced waterfront destination to add to your list things to do this summer,” Kapoor-Miller said. “The average cost for a solo traveler wanting to visit Oxnard on a budget is less than $200 per day, including costs for lodging, dining, sightseeing and local transportation.”
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Florida Beaches
If you live on the East Coast or in the South, Florida is another affordable travel destination this summer. Depending on how you go about it and how much you have to spend on gas or plane tickets, you could enjoy a nice trip to the beach for around $1,000.
“Florida is a great choice if you yearn for a classic beach vacation,” said Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder of HotelPlannerone of the largest group travel booking sites in the world.
He notably suggested Miami, Tampa and Orlando – depending on what you want to do.
“Miami has a vibrant nightlife with trendy clubs, diverse restaurants and cultural landmarks like the Art Deco Historic District and Little Havana,” he said. “Tampa is known for its vibrant waterfront, with the Tampa Riverwalk and exciting amusement parks like Busch Gardens.”
In Orlando, you can also go to world-class theme parks like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. You can book accommodation a little further from the city to offset the price of tickets.
Waco, TX
Waco, Texas is another affordable summer travel destination for residents of the Southwest or West Coast. It's halfway between Austin and Dallas and has a lot to offer.
“If you're at all interested in the HGTV craze with Chip and Joanna Gaines at the forefront, Waco, Texas, is a great underrated destination that's extremely affordable and offers a ton of things to do,” Hans said Mast. , an agent with Travel according to the golden rule. “You can allocate your $1,000 budget in several different ways. »
To start, Mast suggested sticking to cheaper accommodations so you have more money for shopping, dining and sightseeing.
“You can expect to pay $65/night (including taxes) for a highly rated 2-star hotel like the Days Inn. Or $103/night for a beautiful and unique tiny house experience like The Hacienda Container Tiny Home,” Mast said. “Or if you prefer to spend more of your budget on lodging, the SkyBox cabins at Glen Rose (near Fossil Rim) are an incredible splurge for $250/night.”
Food in Waco is very affordable, he added, so you won't have to spend a lot of your budget dining out. Instead, you can spend it on unique experiences like Fossil Rim Wildlife Center — an African safari without a driver which costs $30 per adult or $25 per child.
Any national park near you
There are some great national parks across the United States, so if you live near one – or even within a state or two – summer is the time to check them out.
Some national parks are free tour, although you may have to pay for parking. Others have an entrance fee of around $15-$20 per person, sometimes a little more. Of course, if you already have an annual pass, which costs $80, you won't even have to pay to visit.
“For those who love nature and crave adventure, a road trip to one or more of the United States' stunning national parks can be incredibly exciting,” Hentschel said. “Yellowstone National Park offers a unique geothermal landscape with geysers like Old Faithful, hot springs and abundant wildlife including bison, elk and bears. Yosemite National Park is famous for its majestic waterfalls… The Grand Canyon offers stunning views of the Colorado River and layered rock formations, with challenging hikes like the Bright Angel Trail and opportunities for rafting and helicopter rides.
New Orleans
If you don't like nature or the beach, you can always opt for affordable urban destinations. One of these places is New Orleans.
“New Orleans is a city full of charm,” Hentschel said. “(It's known for its delicious food – like beignets and gumbo -), its vibrant music scene with jazz on every corner, and its rich cultural heritage. “This includes the French Quarter and Mardi Gras celebrations.”
And if you don't live near Louisiana or want to explore somewhere new, Hentschel suggested Las Vegas or Nashville instead. Both cities have a lot to offer, depending on your interests.
Keep in mind that popular urban areas like these tend to have higher accommodation costs, especially if you want to stay in the city center. A week-long trip to New Orleans in July, for example, could cost between $350 and $800 for the hotel alone, although mid-range options run around $600 for the week.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: Travel agents: Here's where we'd travel this summer on a $1,000 budget
