International trips are in high demand this summer, so those seeking travel will find the best deals on domestic travel destinations.
According to Hopper, domestic airfare for summer travel in 2023 is down nearly 20% compared to 2022 and only up 6% compared to the summer of 2019.
While this is good news, the bad news is prices will increase if you don’t plan and book ASAP.
Hopper analysts say the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends are expected to be the most expensive this summer, so try to avoid these weekends.
Here’s our list of the best budget domestic travel destinations this summer based on hotel accommodations, transportation, food costs, and more.
Detroit, Michigan
Like most cities in the Midwest, Detroit comes alive in the summer after a treacherous winter.
The average luxury hotel price in Detroit hovers around $245 per night and around $80 per night for budget hotels, according to Budget Your Trip.
To put the costs in perspective, one night in a luxury hotel in Detroit is the same price as an average hotel night in New York City.
There are a ton of free activities you can do in Detroit. Head to Eastern Market to explore the street art or visit the Grand River Creative Corridor.
Take advantage of Travel Noire’s partnership with Expedia, where you can snag tickets for Detroit’s Spirit Walking Tour for $7 and a unique scavenger hunt for $10.
And as the birthplace of Motown Records, don’t forget to visit the Motown Museum.
San Diego, California
A little less than 2.5 hours south of Los Angeles is a city that doesn’t get old: San Diego. It’s a sunny destination with many activities for families, friends, and even solo travelers.
San Diego is home to more than 70 miles of beaches, and all of them are free. It’s known for its theme parks, water parks, museums, and iconic zoo, and you can purchase a Go City All-Inclusive Pass to save you up to 50% off of activities and excursions per person.
When comparing San Diego to its famous neighbor Los Angeles, your money will stretch more in San Diego.
Budget Your Trip data shows the average cost for a hotel per night in San Diego is $202 compared to Los Angeles, where it’s $242 per night. Local transportation averages $42 per day in Los Angeles and $24 in San Diego.
RELATED: How To Spend A Day in Black-Owned San Diego
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The summertime in Puerto Rico is usually the cheapest time to travel, partly due to the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
But if you time your vacation and plan for the unexpected with travel insurance, you can visit this bucket list (that doesn’t require a passport) for a fraction of the most expensive months in the spring, fall, and winter.
The average price for a hotel is $139 per night – around the exact costs as Detroit – the average cost for local transportation hovers around $18, and dining out costs around $16.
In addition to our guide to exploring the Black History in Loíza, book a unique excursion exploring the Condado Lagoon for just $65 per night on Expedia or a guided hiking tour in El Yunque Rainforest for $88.
Tampa, Florida
According to Hopper, Orlando, and Miami are some of the most sought-out destinations in the summer, which means you can expect big crowds, long lines, delays, and a hefty price tag on experiences.
If you want a vacation in the Sunshine State without the headaches, visit Tampa.
Miami isn’t the only destination with vibrant nightlife and luxurious experiences, and Orlando isn’t the only city in Florida known for having a family-friendly atmosphere.
You get all of these characteristics in Tampa.
In addition, Tampa wins on affordability. The average hotel cost in Tampa is $171 per night, according to Budget Your Trip, compared to Miami, where it’s $206 per night on average. Tampa hovers around $19 per entertainment entrance ticket, and Miami cost about $31.
Like San Diego, Tampa has a CityPASS so that you can save on the city’s top attractions. Purchase a pass from Expedia for $139 per adult.
Chicago, Illinois
There are two major airports in Chicago: Chicago Midway International (MDW) and O’hare Chicago International (ORD). This means you’re twice as lucky to score a great deal on a flight.
It’s perfect timing since summertime in Chicago is unlike anywhere else in the United States. From music and food festivals to concerts at Millennium Park, a renowned culinary scene, and impressive shopping, there’s so much to do in the Windy City on a budget.
If you fly into O’Hare, you can take public transportation into the city by taking what locals call the “L.”
This summer, you can pick between free activities and events that are inexpensive. Each summer, the city hosts free movies at Millenium Park. Event tickets for Hyde Park Summer Fest and Silver Room Block Party can be purchased for less than $100, making Chicago a fantastic budget destination for fun this summer.
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