Cheap Summer Travel Destinations

With the economy on the mend, our brief period of cheap airfare is coming to an end. Plane ticket prices are up 22% over last year, and hotels all over the world are following suit. All in all, the travel industry is on track to recapture it's pre-recession costs in short order. However, even with that being the case, there are still many great options for travelers hoping to save a few bucks this summer without sacrificing quality or excitement. Here are just a few of the top cheap travel destinations for this summer.

1. Las Vegas: When it comes to finding affordable travel destinations, it always helps to go with the old tried-and-true classics. Vegas knows how to show people a good time, and they specialize in providing unique experiences for people at all price levels. If you're looking to travel cheap, you may not be able to afford the most luxurious accommodations in Vegas, but even the least expensive hotels on the strip are still great. Plus, the nicer hotels will still be feeling the economic pinch for a while, so take advantage now.

2. The Dominican Republic: For North Americans, it's truly amazing how many great and exotic travel destinations are practically right at our doorstep. Just a short plane right from the southern U.S., the Dominican Republic is an up-and-coming travel destination that offers endless beautiful beaches, plenty of untrammeled wilderness, and a growing number of resort areas offering high-quality, modern accommodations.

3. Orlando, Florida: Disney World isn't for everyone, but for anyone with kids who enjoy the Disney juggernaut, Orlando provides enough entertainment to keep everyone busy for days and days. Hotel rates in Orlando are still down from where they were a few years ago, so families can still get some great deals that are not likely to last forever. The best part about the ever-changing attractions of Disney World is that, as the years go by, they seem to get better and better. There is obviously plenty for kids to do, but the resort has also made great strides toward catering equally to adults.

4. Cruises: If you want a low-cost luxury travel experience, why not make your destination a floating one? If you travel with one of the respected large cruise lines, you'll get an incredible vacation for as low as $100 per day. Most cruises are all-inclusive, so you get entertainment, meals, and lodging all in one. Plus, cruises give you the opportunity to explore some of the world's most beautiful and exotic ports.

5. Europe: Many people don't realize that Europe has been having its own economic crisis, and that travel costs to and around Europe are a good deal lower than they were a few years ago. Even to places like Paris, London, and Rome, airfares are incredibly low. For travelers who want to see multiple destinations in Europe, it's a good idea to find the cheapest flight to a major European city, and to use that city as a jumping-point for the rest of the continent's cultural riches.

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