If you’re looking for cheap summer destinations to try that offer fun for everyone, yet keep your expenses in check, let our travel budgeting guide help. We’ve gathered the facts on six fantastic cities to visit, including what to do on a budget, and where to stay to make the most of your hard-earned dollars. Make your reservations at our Uptown Suites in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, or Colorado to experience the best summer vacation while sticking to your budget.
No one wants to blow all of their vacation funds on lodging, so instead, look for an Uptown Suites extended stay hotel in your destination city. Uptown Suites offers all the essential suite amenities and perks around the property that guests appreciate during a stay of a week or longer. The convenient, practical setup makes it easy to cook meals, enjoy morning coffee, and relax comfortably without needing to go out. You can even save on dog boarding by staying in our pet-friendly hotel properties. Every Uptown Suites offers all you need to make a weeklong vacation comfortable and affordable:
Say goodbye to searching for hours for the best deal—reserve your room directly at Uptown Suites anytime to get our best rate, guaranteed. When you don’t have to put all your effort into finding somewhere affordable to stay, you’ll have time to plan a fantastic itinerary that doesn’t break the bank. If your plans change, modify your Uptown reservation easily online!
If music, barbecue, and outdoor adventures appeal to you, then Nashville makes an excellent summer travel destination, and, best of all—it’s cheap! Whether you’re heading to Tennessee with friends, your family, or your pup in tow, there are tons of activities in this lively city to enjoy. Here are our tips for things to do and where to stay in Nashville to stretch your vacation dollars.
Nashville is an appealing travel destination anytime, but in the summer, the free music concerts and outdoor adventures make this city irresistible. Broadway runs through the heart of downtown and it’s a must-stop spot for anyone visiting Nashville. The Riverfront Park on the eastern end features a playground, a wide lawn, and an ornamental garden worth checking out. It is also next to a 13,000-square-foot dog park if your pooch is along for your stay. Here are three pro tips for cheap eats and entertainment in Nashville:
Our Nashville Uptown Suites located in Smyrna, Tennessee, makes a great home base for city explorations. Smyrna offers its own things to see and do, yet it’s just a short drive from the heart of Music City, so you can enjoy big-city fun and the beauty of a small town in one trip. Travelers who find a deal on a flight will be pleased to stay just miles from the airport, and those arriving by car will appreciate free parking and lots of entertainment, parks, and eateries within a short drive or walk.
From the artsy NoDa (North Davidson) District to the laid-back Dilworth area, Charlotte offers travelers a world of budget-friendly entertainment and places to eat, visit, and wander. Nature lovers are in their element in this city and history buffs will discover no shortage of places to check out. See our suggestions for what to do and where to stay in Charlotte—one of the best cheap summer destinations with a lot to offer.
One plus about Charlotte is its endless parks with nature trails, and green spaces with stunning scenery to see—for free. Check out the Parks & Rec summer concert schedule to visit these great outdoor spots during the live music shows. Those who prefer an itinerary will enjoy the McDowell Nature Center for its low-cost activities, nature programs, kayak tours, and fishing opportunities for kids and adults. When in doubt, follow these three tips to save on expenses when vacationing near Charlotte:
Our Uptown Suites in Concord is located in the metro area of Charlotte. Stay a week or even longer in comfortable suites with new bedding and furniture. Uptown Suites Concord is within walking distance of eateries and the wonderful pedestrian greenway—a 52-mile system that’s a joy to explore. This suburb is also home to Charlotte’s Motor Speedway, one of the most popular attractions in the state. Venture downtown easily by car or take the city bus, which departs daily and heads directly to Charlotte.
Take a vacation to Tampa and see all the reasons this cheap summer travel destination is a favorite for travelers on a budget. From free entertainment to affordable lodging, this area of Florida is ideal for an inexpensive, relaxing trip. The white sandy beaches are some of the most beautiful around, and the Riverwalk and small nearby towns offer plenty of places to stroll and explore.
There are a dozen beaches within driving distance of Tampa, so you’ll have no trouble spending long days relaxing or playing in the sand. After the beach, head to The Riverwalk, just 15 minutes from Uptown Suites Tampa. Window shop, browse the Arts District, visit cultural landmarks, and enjoy the sights along the Hillsborough River. Check out these places for even more options for affordable fun in Tampa:
Budget-friendly lodging doesn’t have to feel cheap, and our Uptown Suites in Riverview/Tampa is an example of affordable, contemporary accommodations that are a joy to stay in for a week or more. The property offers all the modern conveniences you want for a comfortable vacation. There are necessity stores, supermarkets, and dining options nearby, plus, the location is off of a major thoroughfare which lets you hop to downtown Tampa, Ybor City, or other attractions fast.
Enjoy a small-town getaway for cheap in beautiful Homestead, Florida. This charming summer destination is ideal for anyone looking for an affordable, active getaway. Creating a full itinerary for your family’s vacation is easy in this area of Florida. The city is sandwiched between two must-see national parks, Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park, and it’s also home to local hobby farms with rides and petting zoos.
Downtown Homestead is a hub for affordable entertainment. The convenient National Parks Trolley departs from the city center several times each weekend for Biscayne and Everglades National Parks, and it stops at Homestead Bayfront Park, a popular swimming beach with picnic areas and a large playground. Another local gem nearby is Pinto’s Farm which offers unlimited rides on paddle boats, ponies, and tractors with each admission. By Brothers Family Park near Homestead features a petting zoo, corn play pit, aviary, and train ride. Ticket packages start under $10 on the weekdays. For low-cost tours and educational fun, head to the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead ($10 for adults, $3 for kids) or visit the two free museums in town—Florida Pioneer Museum and the Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum. Here are a few more tips for saving cash on entertainment in Homestead:
Booking an extended stay suite in Homestead gives you an entire week to take advantage of all the family fun in the area without blowing your entire budget on lodging. Our Uptown Suites in Homestead, Florida has grocery and necessity stores close by so you can easily stock your in-room kitchen with your favorite breakfast items, sandwich fixings, and snacks to make dining in and bringing picnics to beaches and parks easy. When you’ve finished exploring the mangrove forests, swimming at the beach, and touring local museums, you’ll be happy to unwind and relax in your cozy suite.
Austin has all the ingredients for an awesome, affordable summer vacation. The parks and beaches are ideal for inexpensive outdoor adventures, and the nearby Uptown Suites extended stay hotels are just-right lodging for a week or more. Visiting a city with subtropical weather in the summer means you’ll find many water attractions and air-conditioned activities to enjoy your week in Austin, and the best part is you can do it all without emptying your pocketbook.
Exploring the outdoors around Austin is always a treat, thanks to the murals and well-known art installations, statues, and other free, photo-worthy art. Austin also features tons of parks and beaches that are free or charge only a small admission fee, but provide an entire day of fun. If indoor entertainment is in order, head to the Thinkery children’s museum on Tuesday or Sunday after 3:00 p.m. for free admission. Or, try the Museum of Ice Cream to escape the heat on a weekday. The reserved admission is discounted from weekend prices and you can indulge in unlimited ice cream during 12 multi-sensory exhibits. For additional budget-friendly things to do, follow these tips:
Hotels in Austin can be pricey, but our extended stay properties have affordable weekly rates to help you stick to your budget. There are two Uptown Suites locations in Austin that offer comfortable, apartment-style suites with in-room kitchens. The Uptown Suites in Round Rock is in a great neighborhood with parks and other family-fun attractions within walking distance. The downtown Uptown Suites is convenient to the city center—but not too close—so you can head to town at a moment’s notice and still escape the bustling city quite easily. Not only do the suites’ furnishings—and air conditioning—make relaxing in the evenings a joy, but dining in is pleasant, and it’s an excellent way to save some cash. Free parking at both Uptown Suites properties is a major bonus in Austin, too.
Despite its popularity in the winter, Denver is a top travel destination for summertime vacations, and when you don’t have to pay for lift tickets and ski rentals, it’s a cheap location, too. There are free self-guided tours, endless hiking trails, and tons of scenic spots to check out downtown, out of town, and off the grid. Thankfully, booking at Uptown Suites means you can stay long enough to explore it all.
Your itinerary in Denver won’t suffer, thanks to the impressive selection of free and inexpensive historical, natural, and cultural experiences around the city. Any direction you drive from your extended stay hotel will afford impressive views, top hiking trails, and natural wonders. Downtown also offers many points of interest to check out. Hop on the Platte River Trolley to get from one spot to the next for cheap—tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Follow these other tips to see some of Denver’s top attractions for free:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to stay in Denver, let Uptown Suites take the pressure off of your decision and budget. Travelers looking for affordable weekly rates and in-room amenities—Wi-Fi, kitchen with a full-size fridge, and ample storage—find everything they need at Uptown Suites to make a stay of any length comfortable from day one. These pet-friendly properties are located in Centennial and Westminster—fantastic neighborhoods with dog parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails that families on a budget appreciate.
Just because summer is a popular time for traveling doesn’t mean it has to cost a fortune, and these cheap summer travel destinations are proof. If there isn’t an Uptown Suites where you’re headed, look for our sister properties, InTown Suites, to host your extended stay. Any traveler, on any budget, will appreciate the comfort of our relaxing, inviting extended stay hotels for a week or longer.
While frugal travelers suggest the best time to escape in the summer is early June or late August, booking at an extended stay hotel that always offers affordable weekly or monthly rates means you can depart when it works best for you, without overspending.
The secret to cheap summer travel isn’t to make your trip brief but to extend it long enough to get the best value on your stay. Extended stay hotels are designed to host guests for a week or longer, so you can count on good rates for the duration of your stay, plus when you’re in town for a full week, you can plan for discounted museum admission days and after-hours rates at attractions, and find other deals to save money.
Uptown Suites has properties in all the best cheap summer travel destinations, including Nashville, Charlotte, Tampa, Homestead, Austin, and Denver. Whether you want to enjoy beaches, mountain hikes, or city escapes, balancing your budget by booking an extended stay hotel lets you do more, without spending extra on lodging.