Budget Travel Tips

Even low-cost trips can add up to a whole lot of fun, says Samantha Brown, host of Passport to Great Weekends, which returns for its second season on the Travel Channel Saturdays at 10 p.m. this month. We got her secrets to a great bargain vacay.

« Previous | 1 of 1 | Next »

Head to the city.
Hit a bustling metropolis. Cities tend to be less hectic over summer weekends than they are on weekdays and you can probably score a deal on a hotel room, particularly if it's not convention time. You'll also have free reign over public transportation (no spending money on rental cars!).

Climb every mountain.
Sure, the snow's gone, but don't skip the ski resorts. Outdoor types can hike and mountain-bike through the trails and canoe in nearby lakes. Even better, hotels are 50 to 60 percent off, and some lifts operate all summer long.

Go for turf by the surf.
The best budget-beach destinations have coastline to spare. Take Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: With more than 60 miles of sand, surf, and places to stay, you've got a great chance of getting a cheap room with an expensive view. Also check out St. Petersburg, Florida, which is along the Gulf of Mexico.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, May 2009.

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say “Yes” to Ladies' Home Journal® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE - 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Ladies' Home Journal® Family Favorites Cookbook ABSOLUTELY FREE!