Brace yourself for some superb cheap places to travel

When everyday life takes over, it’s sometimes hard to find any spare cash, and a good old-fashioned vacation can seem like an unattainable dream. It’s time to stop sighing though, because with the right choice of destination and some careful timing you’ll find the perfect getaway is a lot cheaper than you’d thought. Whether you’re looking for time on the beach or a trip to an up and coming city, you’ll find a vacation rental to suit your budget.

Book a low cost vacation in an up-and-coming destination

Canny vacationers have a knack for finding the best places to visit before anybody else. Pick somewhere that’s not yet been discovered by hordes of tourists, and you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and snap up a vacation rental in an awesome spot at a wallet-friendly price. Whether you’re on the lookout for a family trip or some quality couple time, there’s a cheap getaway with your name on it.

Explore lively Minneapolis on a budget

Long established as a regular on best-places-to-live lists, Minneapolis is also discreetly gaining a reputation as a great spot for a vacation. From the open spaces and waterfalls of Minnehaha Park, to its array of museums and galleries, this vibrant city has something for everybody. With an abundance of inexpensive accommodation options, you’ll be sure to find a place to suit your budget. With great public transportation, it’s cheap and easy to get around, and with its twin city Saint Paul right next door you’ll get two destinations for the price of one. If you don’t mind the cold, head there in the winter months to bag a bargain.

There’s more to Chattanooga than choo choos

If you’re looking for a blend of city life and the great outdoors, this Tennessee city has both in abundance. From the vibrant downtown, you can enjoy 10 miles of waterside strolling and birding along the tranquil Tennessee Riverwalk. With the Appalachian Trail right on your doorstep, you’ll find hiking and biking trails aplenty. Head for the wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest for the serious back-to-nature experience. It’s catching on as a destination, but there are still cheap vacation rentals to be found–even a riverfront condo or a cozy bungalow could set you back far less than you’d expected.

Classy destinations for cheap family vacations

If the thought of packing the family’s luggage and heading on a trip leaves you consumed with a fear of financial meltdown, think again. Head a little way off the beaten track and you’ll find an array of destinations waiting to host you and your loved ones at a price that won’t send you spiraling into bankruptcy. Whether you’re looking for time on the beach, communing with nature, or visiting amusement parks, there’s a cheap vacation home out there waiting for you.

Check in with the sea at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

One of the amazing things about a seaside vacation is how kids can amuse themselves on the beach for hours while leaving your wallet completely undisturbed. Myrtle Beach has miles of sand to keep them busy, and with plenty of cheap beachfront condos to choose from, you needn’t be far from the powdery stuff. Add to this some classic seaside amusements, including an aquarium, a skywheel, and miniature golf, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable stay. Pick a vacation rental with a full kitchen and you’ll save a fortune on restaurant bills too.

Take a wholesome family vacation at Branson, Missouri

Well known as a hotspot for family trips, this town is geared up for active youngsters. Take a picnic out to Table Rock State Park and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks or pay a modest admission fee for an inland seaside experience at Moonshine Beach on the shores of Table Rock Lake. You’ll find old-fashioned amusements too. To eke out some extra value for money, rent a condo with a pool and watch the kids splash away for hours at no extra cost.

Couples can take cheap vacations, too

If you’re looking for a way to get some serious quality time with your significant other, there’s no need to fret over the expense. Whether you’re longing for a trip into the wild, or a chance to walk hand in hand along the beach, you’ll be able to find a cheap vacation that hits the spot. Book a quirky getaway cabin or a cozy condo, and you’ll discover there are plenty of ways you can reconnect in fantastic surroundings, and all at a price that won’t make you wince.

Enjoy the dramatic scenery of Acadia National Park

If you’re looking for wild coastline, Acadia National Park in Maine has it in abundance. With mountains, islands, lakes and woodland, this protected landscape has everything to offer the adventurous couple, from mountain biking to rock climbing, and even snowmobiling. Some cottages come complete with kayaks, so you can head out on a boat ride just for two. With moose, turtles, and salamanders to be seen, there’s plenty to keep nature-spotters happy. Find the best prices in the colder months—just be sure to pick a pad with a fireplace for a cozy night in with the one you love.

Search for shells on the shore of Sanibel Island

Few things are more romantic than a stroll along a sandy beach, and this Florida backwater on the Gulf of Mexico is as good a spot as any. Famous for its shells, you can head out with your sweetheart and collect a few prize specimens to take home as souvenirs. Pick a cozy apartment near the beach, and you’ll find a world-class shoreline on your doorstep while avoiding luxury prices. Head a short way up the coast to Captiva Island, and you’ll even get to see manatees in their natural habitat.