5 Summer Destinations That Are Way Cheaper Than You'd Expect
Americans are traveling this summer, and they’re looking for ways to save money. This might mean cutting their vacation short, finding free attractions or choosing a less expensive destination. Rather than booking the trendiest resort or busiest beach, you can find hidden gems that cost less.
These five cities deliver tremendous value without the massive crowds or high costs associated with their more touristy counterparts.
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1. Tennessee: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg vs. Nashville
Nashville, known as Music City and the country music capital, is a tourist hotspot for concerts, Southern cuisine, art and architecture and a vibrant, small city energy. But with hotel prices averaging $245 per night, it can be out of reach for many travelers.
In recent years, Gatlinburg has emerged as a hot Tennessee vacation destination for outdoorsy types seeking breathtaking mountain views coupled with a walkable downtown and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access to free, nature-focused activities gives Gatlinburg a budget advantage over Nashville.
If you want to save even more money, consider staying in nearby Pigeon Forge. Roughly 15 minutes from Gatlinburg, the cozy city is home to Dollywood, top Southern restaurants and hotels priced at an average of $170 per night, based on data from Hotels.com.
One caveat for fliers: Nashville International Airport is widely reported to have cheaper flights, but the convenience of flying into the smaller McGhee-Tyson Airport may offset the costs.
2. Florida: Gulf County vs. Miami
Miami heats up during the summer months, temperature-wise and with vacationers looking for the hottest parties. You can stay cool on the beaches by day and in the city’s many renowned clubs at night. But area hotels average $265 per night, according to Hotels.com research.
Gulf County, along Florida’s Gulf Coast, also offers beautiful beaches, top-rated cuisine and breathtaking architecture, along with a more laidback nightlife that may be just what your budget needs. Based on an Expedia search, you’ll even find hotels in Gulf County at less than $100 per night.
3. Washington: Tacoma vs. Seattle
Seattle is known as Mother Nature’s City due to its location on the Puget Sound. Kayaking, hiking and bicycling are all in easy reach. The downside? Hotels average $310 per night, according to Hotels.com data. Seattle is typically considered a pricey city for vacationers, especially during the summer months.
On the other hand, there's Tacoma, Washington. The city made Expedia’s list of top destinations for summer 2026, with 120% more searches than last year. But prices haven’t yet caught up to tourist demand. That means you can easily find hotels under $200 a night, with an average price of $185 according to Hotels.com.
Enjoy local and national history at the Washington State Museum or get away from it all to experience nature at Puget Sound and Mount Rainier National Park.
4. North Carolina: Brevard vs. Asheville
Asheville also made Expedia’s list of trending destinations for summer, with searches up by 80%. Asheville’s prices reflect its popularity, with hotels running an average of $205 for the night, which is high for the region.
Nearby Brevard, known as the Land of the Waterfalls, delivers beauty, nature and average hotel prices of roughly $180 per night. The city blends a walkable main street area with restaurants and breweries, striking mountain views and quiet hiking and cycling trails. It’s close enough to Asheville that you can take a day trip to visit popular attractions.
5. Burlington, Vermont vs. Boston
Whether you’re an American history buff or in search of a superior lobster roll, you’ll find it all in Boston. A highly walkable city with intuitive and friendly public transit, Boston is the perfect New England stop for those in search of a traditional city vacation.
But hotel prices average $365 per night, according to Hotels.com, and that’s not counting the higher-than-national-average prices for food and entertainment.
You might be surprised by how much Burlington has to offer for summer travelers on a budget. A highly walkable downtown, a vibrant arts and music scene, plus easy access to Lake Champlain for affordable outdoor activities sets Burlington apart.
Hotel prices in Burlington are down 13% this year, according to Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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