Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Courtesy of the Subjects
Opening Instagram during the summertime is like willingly clicking into an advertisement for traveling to Europe. It can feel like almost everyone is living their best life across the north Atlantic Ocean, wandering through the cobblestoned streets of Lisbon or lying on the pebbled beaches of the French Riviera. And it’s not just your rich friends using their parents’ money in an attempt to reenact the Before Sunrise trilogy; others are running themselves deep into credit-card debt for a taste of an authentic Aperol spritz. But for those without a trust fund (and with a valid concern for their credit score), vacationing in Europe isn’t always an option — especially considering surging airfare costs.
Despite what your social-media feeds may suggest, Europe isn’t the only place to vacation this summer. Plenty of spots in and around the U.S. can give you the same relaxing, chic, and awe-inspiring fix. In other words — we have Europe at home. (Well, kind of.) We asked travel influencers for the best summer hot spots that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Place: Upstate New York
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Martina McFarlanePhoto: Courtesy of Martina McFarlane
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Martina McFarlanePhoto: Courtesy of Martina McFarlane
Cost-saving tips: A visit to upstate New York can be quite affordable, with the most money being spent on car-rental and lodging accommodations. Food is also affordable and low-cost, and if you decide to buy groceries and cook your meals at home, you’ll save even more.
One hidden gem: I highly recommend starting in the Adirondack, an adventure paradise with great lodging experiences. They have the Adirondack Balloon Flights for an epic hot-air balloon ride; then you can make your way to Adirondack Adventure Center, where they have white-water rafting, ziplining through scenic nature views, and river tubing down the most beautiful gorge.
Place: Breckenridge, Colorado.
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Daniella BraggPhoto: Courtesy of Daniella Bragg
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Daniella BraggPhoto: Courtesy of Daniella Bragg
Cost-saving tips: Although more popular in the winter months, it’s also a beautiful spot to visit during summer, when it’s less crowded and more affordable. I took a day trip there, which I recommend as lodging can be more expensive than staying in Denver, which is about a 1.5-hour drive.
One hidden gem: There is a hidden troll hiding in a short trail by an ice-skating rink known as the Breckenridge Troll! It’s an art piece created by a Danish artist, and it now lives in the forest for all those who come across it to take a picture with. It’s fun trying to find it, and the surrounding area is worth checking out!
Place: Sierra Nevada mountains, California.
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Michelle LiPhoto: Courtesy of Michelle Li
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Michelle LiPhoto: Courtesy of Michelle Li
Why you like it: I love it because it’s simple and easy. There are so few restaurants or choices you need to make for every part of the trip; you can just drive there, hike, and eat at one of the three or four restaurants in the towns. The area isn’t overdeveloped, so it’s quiet and doesn’t require much planning on where to go.
Cost-saving tips: I typically go there in the summer and it’s pretty cheap because all the activities are outdoors. You aren’t going to find a lot of luxury hotels, but there are some really cozy Airbnbs. I would rent a car on Turo and have a little road trip and drive over, pack some snacks or ingredients for sandwiches, and you’ll be set.
Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Li
One hidden gem: Erick Schat’s Bakery in Bishop, California. My dad and I love to come here in the morning to buy a sandwich for our hikes. They have a lot of really good pies, ice cream, chili cheese bread — basically, anything you want to eat after a long hike.
Place: St. Augustine, Florida.
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Madison Brooks LeePhoto: Courtesy of Madison Brooks Lee
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Madison Brooks LeePhoto: Courtesy of Madison Brooks Lee
Why you like it: I could be biased, as I am a proud local raised in St. Augustine; however, even after traveling to 60 countries, it is still a city that holds a seat at the table for best travel destinations. The city’s well-preserved Spanish Colonial architecture, cobblestoned streets, historic landmarks, intimate cafés, boutique shops, and pedestrian-friendly layout make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a charming European town in Florida.
Photo: Courtesy of Madison Brooks Lee
Cost-saving tips: The wide variety of activities involving nature and history enables travelers to engage in many free or low-cost experiences that can help cut costs. Since Florida has warm weather most of the year, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to find better deals on accommodations and flights. Accommodation slightly outside the downtown area is also often more affordable.
One hidden gem: Flagler College. Originally the luxurious Ponce de León Hotel, this college offers guided tours of its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and Tiffany’s stained-glass windows.
Place: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
Why you like it: Some people describe Lake Atitlán as the Lake Como of Central America. But I think Lake Atitlán in Guatemala can’t be compared to a European destination because it stands alone. It honestly feels like a gem, rich with history and Indigenous culture. Guatemalans are also incredibly friendly — I traveled here solo and had such a pleasant time meeting people.
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Alexa MoorePhoto: Courtesy of Alexa Moore
Cost-saving tips: My flights were $273 from Washington, D.C., and my hotel cost $500 for three nights. I splurged on my stay because this was a “treat yourself” solo trip, but most hotels around the lake are budget-friendly. Tuk-tuks are the primary transportation mode in many villages. Most rides are only a few USD, but always ask for the price before heading on your journey. That way, you’re not surprised by the cost when you arrive at your location.
One hidden gem: A visit to Santa Catarina Palopó is worth it. It’s this beautiful pueblo painted with these dazzling hues and narrow streets you can wander through. I loved their cultural center, where I learned about the fabric-dyeing process and visited a local women’s collective to purchase local goods.
Place: Asheville, North Carolina.
From left: Photo: Courtesy of Giulia MarsicoPhoto: Courtesyof Giulia Marsico
From top: Photo: Courtesy of Giulia MarsicoPhoto: Courtesyof Giulia Marsico
Why you like it: The Blue Ridge Mountains — there are a ton of different hiking trails you can hit, and the views are amazing.
Cost-saving tips: It’s usually $150 to $200 for round-trip flights from New York to Asheville. Hiking is free, and breweries are usually $5 for an amazingly delicious beer.
One hidden gem: Double Crown for a dive bar, Laurel River for swimming and hiking, and sometimes you can find $10 rodeos 30 minutes away from Asheville.