Summer is prime travel season, and the U.S. is home to countless destinations that offer stunning views and heaps of amazing activities.
But, of course, vacations take time and money to plan. If you’re a little behind on this year’s travel planning or looking to travel on a budget, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our money saving travel tips and consider some budget-friendly vacations situated close to IHG® Army Hotels.
Tips for traveling on a budget
- Book early: If possible, plan in advance. You’ll often find better pricing if you book early, rather than waiting until the last minute when flights or hotels have less availability.
- Be flexible: Missed that early travel window? No problem! Consider traveling midweek instead of on busier travel days like Friday and Saturday when prices are at a peak. Flexibility is key, too, when it comes to location. Choose a destination closer to home, discover hidden gems, or travel somewhere out of season. For example, ski resort areas usually make amazing mountain retreats during the summer months.
- Do your research: When you narrow down your vacation options, spend some time comparing hotel prices, entrance fees, activities, airfare, and gas prices. You might find some options that can save you a few hundred dollars.
- Make a budget: Determine how long you plan to stay on vacation, then budget hotel stays, travel, food, activity fees, etc. Planning your spending—and sticking to it—can ensure that you’ll have a great vacation without paying more than you anticipated.
- Look for free or inexpensive activities: Search for free museums, outdoor activities, discounts and pricing bundles. In bigger cities, sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer deals and coupons for different services, restaurants and experiences. Or, bundle the fun and get up to 50 percent off multiple activities in choice locations with CityPass and GoCity.
- Shop local: Whether you’re shopping for groceries or souvenirs, it’s best to shop local. You’ll find fresher food, more unique keepsakes and better prices. Plus, the locals will be happy to offer you more great tips for fun and budget-friendly things to do in the area.
- Bring your food: Once you choose where you’ll stay, assess the kitchen options and start a food list. Sure, part of the fun of being on vacation is avoiding cooking. However, bringing your favorite breakfast items, snacks and drinks from home will help you save money. And if you’re up for it, choose a simple meal or two to cook at the hotel or grill at the park.
Choose your destination
Where you vacation makes a big difference when it comes to overall costs. We’ve done some of the research for you and pulled together five of our favorite destinations close to IHG® Army Hotels. This way, you know you have quality and affordable accommodations nearby!
Colorado Springs, CO
Closest post: Fort Carson
Best for outdoor enthusiasts
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, head to Colorado Springs. This vacation spot offers breathtaking scenery and inexpensive attractions. From hiking to mountain climbing to rafting and more, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Additionally, many of the popular attractions are free or reasonably priced. For example, you can marvel at Garden of the Gods, attempt a trip to the top of Pikes Peak, learn what it’s like to train like an Olympian or discover prehistoric creatures at the Dinosaur Resource Center.
Asheville, N.C.
Closest post: Fort Bragg
Best for nature lovers
Another amazing outdoor destination on the opposite side of the country is Ashville, N.C. With 500,000 acres to explore in Pisgah National Forest, you can expect plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, zipline and raft in this quaint mountain town. Cool off near numerous waterfalls along the way. Or, when the summer sun gets blazing hot, jump in the car for a scenic (and air conditioned) ride along Blue Ridge Parkway.
After burning plenty of calories on your adventures, indulge in the area’s growing beer scene. Take beer tours, do tastings and try some culinary creations inspired by (and including) beer—like mustard and even ice cream.
Gettysburg, PA
Closest post: Carlisle Barracks
Best for history buffs
Join the nearly 1 million people who visit Gettysburg each year, where the pivotal 3-day battle took place in 1863 that determined the course of the Civil War.
Start at the Museum and Visitor Center, where you can explore galleries, interactive stations and special exhibits. Then, determine whether to walk, bike or drive through more than 1,300 monuments sprinkled around 17-plus square miles of battlefield. See where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the famed Gettysburg Address and pay your respects at Gettysburg National Cemetery. You can pay for a tour guide or choose to take a self-guided tour.
Other National Park Service attractions in Gettysburg include the David Willis House and Eisenhower National Historic Site. Plus, downtown Gettysburg boasts trendy art galleries, popular restaurants, fresh farmers markets and a growing brewery and winery scene.
Williamsburg, VA
Closest post:Fort Gregg-Adams
Best for families
Williamsburg offers a little bit of everything—education, history, art, entertainment, music and more at an affordable price. Known as the historic triangle, you can easily visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown for a glimpse into more than 400 years of American history. Enjoy interactive and accurate living history performances in Williamsburg, learn about America’s beginnings at the Jamestown Settlement and discover our country’s road to independence at the Yorktown Battlefield.
There are gardens, beaches, historic homes, monuments, landmarks, art galleries, concerts and plenty more to explore for free or at affordable prices. The area also offers packaged pricing for many attractions and activities. Beyond the history, downtown Williamsburg offers unique restaurants and shopping.
San Antonio, TX
Closest post: Joint Base San Antonio
Best for foodies and history lovers
Yes, everyone remembers the Alamo. But did you know that San Antonio is just one of two U.S. locations designated as a UNESCO city of gastronomy? San Antonio seamlessly blends its culinary heritage with emerging influences to create a mouthwatering, unique and evolving food scene.
Now back to the Alamo! You can’t miss this historic cultural attraction while in town. Head to the Alamo Church—the most recognizable building on site—which initially operated as a Spanish mission church. Tour the 300-year-old Long Barrack, which was used as the quarters and offices of Spanish missionaries. Take in living history, demonstrations and exhibits as you learn the story of this famous site.
The National Parks Service’ San Antonio Missions National Park and Spanish Governor’s Palace also enlighten with rich Texas heritage and history.
But San Antonio isn’t just a walking history lesson; it’s a lively city with abundant entertainment. See what’s playing at the nearly 100-year-old Aztec Theatre in the heart of downtown, take in the popular Riverwalk from a boat tour, or indulge in local brews. From museums to sports to theme parks and seasonal events, there are endless options to explore.
We hope these tips and trips help you plan your next summer adventure, and we look forward to seeing you next time you’re on post.
