Vacation Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank
Everyone needs to take a vacation now and then – it offers the chance to reset and give your brain a break from day-to-day responsibilities. On average, Americans spend $1,798 on a summer vacation, according to the latest Allianz Travel Insurance Vacation Confidence Index. No matter what your particular budget, the good news is that you can enjoy an escape that won’t cost you an arm and a leg – these ideas are sure to get you packing.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the cheapest destinations in the Caribbean, with inexpensive airfares often found by flying into Montego Bay. And, it’s possible to find hotels here for as low as $30 a night, although the average for a nice beachfront property is around $125 a night. Still rather cheap when you consider a room in the Caribbean could easily cost you upwards of several hundred a night in other destinations. Plus, you’ll find lots of free things to do, from swimming and sunbathing on pristine white beaches to dancing to live reggae. You can also look forward to tasty jerk at very cheap prices from beachside and street-side stands.
The Florida Keys
If you’re dreaming of the tropics but don’t have a passport, head to the Florida Keys, which is about as close as you can get to the Caribbean without actually being there. It’s a great winter destination for people who live in Colorado Springs and want to escape the snow. While Key West can be pricey, if you stay in one of the Keys farther north such as Islamorada, you’ll find quite a few affordable resorts and hotels where you can enjoy palm-lined beaches, lazing the day away in a hammock and swimming in clear blue waters. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in nearby Key Largo is a hot spot for snorkelling, home to the country’s only living coral reef along with abundant marine life, including sea turtles, colorful fish and dolphins.
Reno, Nevada
If you want to gamble and take in live entertainment without paying expensive Vegas prices, head to Reno. It’s a great alternative with much more affordable hotel rooms and dining options as well as fewer crowds. Plus, you’ll not only be able to play the slots and card games like Blackjack, but just a short drive away are the Sierra Nevada Mountains for hiking and one of the country’s most scenic lakes, Lake Tahoe, offering a wide range of water sports and much more.
Manzanillo, Mexico
There are practically an endless number of beach resort towns in Mexico, but the Pacific Ocean port city of Manzanillo is one of the most affordable and it boasts some especially beautiful beaches like Playa La Audiencia, with its calm surf idea for water sports. There are small budget-friendly hotels, or if you’re traveling with friends, you can easily rent a small home or apartment with an ocean view. Your dollar will go far here due to the appealing exchange rate against the peso, and you can also expect to find a more authentic Mexican atmosphere. Around the main plaza downtown, discover typical scenes with colonial-style homes and tranquil narrow streets to explore.
