Most cost-effective summer getaway locations to explore on a budget
Cracking the Code on this Summer's Budget- Friendly U.S. Getaways
Ready for some travel savings? Gas up the ol' jalopy, because this summer's most wallet-friendly domestic destinations are nestled south of the Mason-Dixon Line!
The good folks at Kayak have crunched the numbers for their annual Travel Check-In report, spilling all the beans on seasonal travel trends. Guess what? Money-saving opportunities are poppin' up like fireflies in the South!
According to Kayak's wise wisdom, the five most budget-friendly domestic destinations for summer 2022 are all Southern charm personified. "In a year that's seen costs going up everywhere else, summer travel is bringing much-appreciated savings", states the report cheerily, highlighting a 7% drop in average airfare prices with over 100 destinations seeing declines.
Tie your shoes tight, because the cheapest domestic destination duo to watch out for this summer are Atlanta, Georgia and Tampa, Florida—with an average summer airfare price of only $262!
Next up on the price savings podium, in no particular order, we've got Raleigh, North Carolina ($288), Fort Myers, Florida ($289), Orlando, Florida ($293), and a friendly alley-oop between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ($293).
When it comes to the question of location, location, location, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina nabs the seventh most affordable spot with an average airfare price of $295.
If you're thinking, "But what about hotels and all that good stuff?", fear not! Kayak also revealed the most affordable "all-in" trips, which include airfare and a five-night hotel stay. Drum roll, please: you guessed it—the South rules the roost!
Raleigh is crowned the champion of budget-friendly destinations with a total cost of $1,036, closely trailed by Jacksonville, Florida, at $1,044.
According to Kayak, nailing these deals is all about timing: aim for May 19-June 8 or August 11-31 to avoid peak travel dates and ride the savings wave on shoulder dates. In fact, August is the cheapest month overall, with an average airfare price of $376.
Still unsure about where to head? Southern Living's list of Best Places To Travel To Kick Off Summer 2025 is waiting with open arms (and guiding magazines)!
Southern Living's list for the Best Places To Travel To Kick Off Summer 2025 offers further travel ideas, perfect for extending your budget-friendly U.S. getaways. As you explore more destinations, consider the affordability of outdoor-living spaces and home-and-garden escapes in your itinerary. After all, summer travel means not only reducing costs but also embracing the lifestyle and scenic beauty each location offers.
