According to a 2025 Bankrate survey, only 46% of U.S. adults planned to travel this summer, with affordability as the top reason many were staying home.
Here’s the good news — a fun vacation doesn’t have to end in credit card debt or clearing out your savings account!
There are ways to make the best trips the most affordable. For example, you could travel during off-peak periods, go to less popular beach destinations, or explore national parks.
If you’ve been putting off travel because of your finances, here is a list of cheap vacation ideas that might just have you packing your bags for your next adventure!
15 cheap vacation ideas
1. Create a vacation budget category
A budget isn’t just about paying bills — it helps you plan for the things you care about most.
Create a sinking fund (a separate savings account for periodic expenses, like a vacation), so you can start saving a little from each paycheck toward future trips.
With Lunch Money, you can create a dedicated budget category for travel and track your progress along the way.
2. Explore your city
We often overlook fun activities close to home, but a simple way to live frugally is to tour your own city.
When you explore close to home, you save money on gas and lodging while enjoying the incredible attractions around you.
Do a quick Google search for museums, landmarks, or attractions in your area. While exploring, try to look at your city through the eyes of a tourist — it may add a fresh perspective.
3. Stay with friends or family
Lodging can be expensive, which makes the “stay with family” vacation idea one of the simplest ways to live within your means.
Beyond saving money, it also gives you the chance to connect with your loved ones.
Just make sure to show your gratitude to your hosts by chipping in for groceries, cooking a meal, or taking them out for dinner.
4. Travel during off times
Trips during peak times, like weekends or holidays, usually cost more because of higher demand.
By shifting your plans, you can unlock off-season travel savings through cheaper airfares and hotel rates.
For example, trips in January and February are often less expensive. You might also find affordable weekday getaway deals, as flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
5. Explore nearby national parks
Looking to stretch your budget while getting outdoors? Consider a nearby national park to save on flights and gas.
Unlike major attractions like Disney World or Broadway shows, national park entrance fees are pretty reasonable.
If you camp inside the park, you’ll save even more by skipping pricey hotels and cooking meals over the fire. While you’re there, hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing are often free entertainment.
6. Consider bed-and-breakfast budget travel
Bed-and-breakfasts can be a cheaper alternative to hotels. Many B&Bs include breakfast, which can help you cut down on dining costs. Hosts can also share insider tips on affordable restaurants and activities in the area.
One Reddit user, u/TicnTac21, shared their experience:
“We go to Paris for vacation. We can get an Airbnb for a fraction of the cost. We spent two full weeks this year on 4k…. Flight, room, food, transportation, pet care, entertainment. Did everything and ate everything we wanted. We look at staying in the States, and it is so expensive!”
7. Visit less popular beach destinations
When you visit popular beaches, like Malibu or Bali, you’ll likely pay more for just about everything — airfares, hotels, dining, and even entertainment.
If you find less popular beach destinations, however, you can avoid tourist traps and enjoy fewer crowds.
For example, Cape May in New Jersey or Ventura in California could offer relaxation and plenty of sun and sand for a fraction of the cost.
8. Try home swapping
Home swapping is one of the cheap vacation ideas that many people don’t know about. Basically, you stay at someone else’s home while they stay at yours.
Apps like HomeExchange, Kindred, or HouseSwap can help you find others willing to trade homes for a little while. Although you may have to pay a small membership fee, it can save you money on lodging during your trip.
If you try the home swap vacation idea, just make sure to leave the house clean when you leave!
9. Housesit for cheap accommodations
Another way to cut lodging expenses is by finding housesitting gigs on apps like Trusted Housesitters.
These platforms help you find places to stay for free in exchange for caring for the home, which could involve looking after pets, plants, or the property itself.
Housesitting is an excellent option for long-term stays when hotel costs would add up!
10. Look for warehouse store travel packages
You might be able to score member-only travel deals through warehouses, like Sam’s Club or Costco. These club stores often offer discounted hotels, cruises, rental cars and attractions.
Warehouse store travel packages may include all-inclusive resort stays with unlimited food and drinks, along with free upgrades or resort credits.
Bundling through these deals could add up to significant savings and help you stretch your vacation budget further.
11. Cook your own meals on vacation
Food can be another huge drain on your vacation budget, especially if you’re eating at restaurants three meals a day.
Instead, try to stay somewhere with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals during your trip.
When you arrive, stop at a grocery store or local farmers’ market to pick up some supplies. Try to prepare easy meals, and save restaurants for special splurges.
12. Plan a staycation
A staycation might not be as glamorous as a beachside resort, but it’s one of the best cheap vacation ideas if you’re on a no-spend challenge.
You can use your time off to explore new hobbies, sign up for a local class, or treat yourself to a spa day or special meal.
Not only will a staycation save you money, but you’ll also return to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated without the stress of travel.
13. Go on a day trip
Craving a spontaneous adventure? Take a day trip to a nearby town or scenic spot.
You can pack your own food to save on dining costs, and plan activities such as visiting museums or shopping downtown.
Best of all, you can be home the same day — so you get the fun of traveling without paying for a hotel stay.
14. Book in advance
Booking in advance can help you snag lower prices on flights and hotels, but it also gives you first pick of the best accommodations.
As a general rule, book domestic flights one to three months ahead of time, or three to eight months for international flights.
Besides saving money, booking early can ease some of the stress of traveling because you know everything’s already set.
15. Get loyalty rewards
If you’ve heard of travel hacking, you know rewards programs can unlock a whole new world — literally!
Hotel loyalty programs often give you free nights just for signing up, and certain credit cards let you earn points from everyday spending, redeemable for lodging and airfare.
Many airlines also offer frequent flyer programs, allowing you to earn free upgrades, discounted flights, and access to airport lounges.
How Lunch Money can help you travel
With Lunch Money, you can set a dedicated savings goal for travel. That way, you can put aside a little bit of each paycheck and watch your progress over time.
Lunch Money can also help you stay on budget while you travel abroad. You can create custom categories, like airfare, food, lodging, and entertainment, then track your transactions on your trip to avoid overspending.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream vacation, you can sign up for Lunch Money today and enjoy a free 30-day trial.
Summary
As you can see, you don’t need thousands of dollars to enjoy a fun, memorable trip. Cheap vacation ideas, such as exploring nearby national parks, staying in bed-and-breakfasts, booking at non-peak times, and visiting less popular beach destinations, allow you to travel without breaking the bank.
By budgeting and planning ahead, you’ll save toward future trips and keep your vacations stress-free.
Want to save even faster for your next vacation? Check out our YouTube video on how to save $5,000 in three months.
