These 7 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots Feel Like Luxury But Cost Less Than a Weekend at Home

If the idea of planning a summer trip feels like a financial stretch, you’re not alone. Between inflation and rising hotel rates, it can seem like a weekend getaway costs more than it used to. But a truly affordable vacation—one that still delivers on the kind of experience you want from a summer break—is absolutely still possible. You just have to know where to look.

Mark Ellwood, a travel expert and frequent guest on NBC’s TODAY, has spent years uncovering travel deals around the world. His advice is to start simple. “I think people sometimes wonder, can I even afford to travel right now?” Ellwood says. “But if you know where to look—and when to book—you’ll be surprised how much you can save. Start by checking travel discounts through warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club. You can knock hundreds off right from the start.”

Whether you’re after turquoise beaches, crisp mountain air, or something that just feels different, these seven destinations punch way above their price tag.

1. Mayakoba, Mexico — Glamour in the Jungle

If James Bond threw birthday parties, he’d probably book Mayakoba. This lush, resort-lined stretch just 40 minutes from Cancun is everything you’d want in a luxury escape, minus the intimidating price tag.

 “It’s so glamorous,” Ellwood says. “But at the same time, surprisingly affordable.”

Booking through discount travel platforms, you can land in a stunning eco-resort for around $200 a night, sometimes less if you extend your stay. Think freshwater lagoons, white sand beaches, and a jungle-meets-ocean vibe that feels a world away from your average resort town.

2. Lake Tahoe, California — Nature, Rebooted

Lake Tahoe isn’t just for winter sports fanatics. In the summer, it’s a different kind of magic: kayaking at sunrise, paddleboarding on glassy water, evenings by the firepit. For many travelers, it feels like the outdoors, the way you remember it as a kid, just with better amenities.

“The pandemic made us think, gosh, I love being outside,” Ellwood notes. “I’m going to take you to Lake Tahoe… I don’t think there is anywhere more outdoorsy, amazing.”

He suggests looking into resorts with cabins right on the lake. “Talking around 200 bucks with a discount for booking ahead, and you are right there on the lake,” he says. It’s a back-to-nature trip without giving up your creature comforts.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada — The Classic That Keeps Surprising

Vegas is one of those places you think you know—until you realize just how much more there is beyond the casinos. Sure, there are slot machines and endless buffets. But it also has surprisingly affordable hotels, quirky attractions, and family-friendly activities.

“Vegas is one of my favorite places in the world,” Ellwood admits. “This is a great deal. 35 bucks is the starting rate at the Flamingo.” And yes, that Flamingo. The hotel comes with a flamingo habitat, a waterslide, and bunk-bed rooms for groups or families. 

4. Fort Walton Beach, Florida — Easygoing and Activity-Packed

Booking a family vacation usually means locking in lodging, travel, and then scrambling to figure out what to actually do when you get there. Fort Walton Beach flips that script. The city bundles adventures and dining into “vacation packs” that are ready to go.

“You book the hotel and travel, and then think, now I have to book whatever I’m doing,” Ellwood says. “Fort Walton Beach solved that. Little adventure packs basically combine an activity with some food.”

That means a morning spent learning to fish, followed by tacos or burritos at a local restaurant—already sorted before you even arrive. Check the city’s CVB website to find current offers.

5. Alaska Cruise — A Cool Take on Summer

Not all summer escapes have to be about sunbathing. If you’re craving something quieter, cooler, and more nature-focused, an Alaskan cruise is worth a serious look.

“Alaska is the classic cruise destination,” says Ellwood. “You really want to be on the water looking at the land, not on the land looking at the water.” He recommends Holland America for its deep ties to the region. “Great deals on some of its voyages where kids sail free,” he says. And the adult price? “$359 per adult and kids sail free… a week in Alaska.”

It’s the kind of trip where you pack mittens instead of swimsuits, but you come home with glacier views and wildlife memories that last a lifetime.

6. Caribbean Cruise — Island Time on a Budget

If you’re set on sun and sand, you don’t need to stay in one spot. Cruise lines like MSC are offering Caribbean itineraries that include their own private island—yes, really.

“MSC has its own island in the Caribbean,” Ellwood says. “A couple hundred million dollars creating a party island… eight beaches, a coral nursery, but a conservation [site] too.”

Prices are competitive, especially for multi-day trips, and you can stack destinations like the Bahamas or Cozumel around a guaranteed stop on that private island. It’s the choose-your-own-adventure version of a tropical escape.

7. Affordable Vacation Options Close to Home

Sometimes, the best getaway is the one you never considered. Local road trips, national park visits, and lesser-known small towns can feel just as refreshing as hopping on a plane. Especially if you’re saving hundreds on airfare.

Think converted fire towers you can stay in for a night, vineyard-adjacent cottages, or lakeside glamping with just enough Wi-Fi to stream a movie. Sites like Hipcamp and Getaway are a great place to start looking. And it doesn’t hurt to search your own state tourism board’s website for hidden gems and seasonal deals.

You don’t have to go far for it to feel like a break. Sometimes the distance isn’t the luxury—the stillness is.