Planning a summer vacation on a tight budget? You’ve come to the right place! Summer is synonymous with vacations. But with peak-season rates, lodging and airfare can be expensive in the summer months. So, how do you take an unforgettable summer vacation without breaking the bank? In this blog, we’ll reveal five inexpensive summer vacations where you can stretch your budget and get the most bang for your buck. Moreover, we’ll tell you about the area timeshare rentals where you can enjoy home-like accommodations and luxury amenities for less. Summer will be here before you can say “tan lines,” and these affordable accommodations won’t last long. Let’s get started!
- San Diego, California: Best All-Around Inexpensive Summer Vacation
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Best Inexpensive Summer Vacation for Old-Fashioned Fun
- Breckenridge, Colorado: Best Inexpensive Summer Vacation for Outdoor Activities
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Most Convenient Inexpensive Summer Vacation
- Orlando, Florida: Inexpensive Summer Vacation Wildcard
- Tips for Traveling On a Tight Budget
- Rent a Timeshare With Timeshares Only
San Diego, California: Best All-Around Inexpensive Summer Vacation



Looking for an inexpensive summer vacation with something for everyone? Look no further than San Diego! Whether you want to relax or get active, whether you’re planning a trip for two, a friends vacation, or you’re bringing the whole family, this coastal town delivers. Miles of soft, quartz-sand beaches offer a picturesque place to work on your tan. Meanwhile, a wide range of waves and breaks offer surfing opportunities for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Popular beaches include Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Shores. However, all 30 of San Diego’s stunning beaches are free to the public, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Other free attractions and activities in the historic city of San Diego include Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Old Town State Historic Park.
If you don’t mind entry fees, you’ll also find a variety of paid attractions to add to your San Diego itinerary. From the San Diego Zoo to SeaWorld San Diego to day-trippable attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, endless thrills await within San Diego’s area parks and attractions. Want to save money on admission? Check out websites like citypass.com, sandiego.org, and gocity.com, for attraction bundles that can help you cut costs.
San Diego Timeshare Rentals
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Best Inexpensive Summer Vacation for Old-Fashioned Fun



Another great option for beach-lovers, Myrtle Beach is famous for its Grand Strand, a 60-mile arc of beach land stretching from Little River to Winyah Bay. But where San Diego promises great surf and laid-back SoCal vibes, Myrtle Beach is characterized by old-fashioned charm. For example, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, opened in 2010, is a throwback to classic Atlantic boardwalks like Coney Island and Atlantic City. Named the third and second best boardwalk in America by National Geographic and TripAdvisor, respectively, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade boasts shops, restaurants, and carnival-style rides and games. During the summer, it also hosts Hot Summer Nights, a free nightly event with live music, fireworks, and a kids’ festival.
Looking for more inexpensive fun on your Myrtle Beach summer vacation? Then be sure to check out Broadway at the Beach! This shopping, dining, and entertainment complex has something for everyone in the family, from the latest fashions to enticing restaurants to attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, WonderWorks, and Action Park Pavilion. And while individual attractions charge an admission fee, admission to Broadway at the Beach is free!
Myrtle Beach Timeshare Rentals
Breckenridge, Colorado: Best Inexpensive Summer Vacation for Outdoor Activities



Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States. But did you know it’s also one of the country’s top budget-friendly travel destinations? Breckenridge is an all-seasons recreational wonderland, offering tons of outdoor activities during the summer months. If you like hiking, you’ll find miles of scenic trails to explore, including McCullough Gulch, Sawmill Creek Trail, and Spruce Creek Trail. Meanwhile, trails like Aspen Alley and the Minnie Mine Loop offer world-class mountain biking for all skill levels.
Another affordable activity in Breckenridge is whitewater rafting. Whether you go with a guide or want to be your own captain, whether you’re looking for a leisurely Level I float or a harrowing Level V adventure, whitewater rafting is a fun and inexpensive way to experience the natural beauty of Breckenridge. Don’t want to get wet? Saddle up at one of the many local riding stables to take in the stunning views by horseback. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to get active to enjoy the scenery. During the summer season, many of Breckenridge’s ski lifts and gondolas are repurposed for scenic rides up and down the mountains. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak it all in!
Breckenridge Timeshare Rentals
Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Most Convenient Inexpensive Summer Vacation



Gatlinburg is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America. Why is the park so popular? Well, in addition to stunning landscapes and endless attractions and activities, it happens to boast a convenient central location that makes it accessible to millions of Americans. In fact, many vacationers from the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest avoid the hassle and expense of flying and simply drive to Gatlinburg, making it one of the most inexpensive summer vacation destinations in terms of travel costs.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the top attraction in Gatlinburg. Here, you’ll find everything from scenic hikes and drives to whitewater rafting to waterfalls, horseback riding, ziplining, and more. Looking for kitschy fun the whole family will love? Then head to Downtown Gatlinburg. This tourist hotspot boasts a dizzying array of restaurants, gift shops, and family-friendly attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Gatlinburg Sky Park, Anakeesta, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and more!
Gatlinburg Timeshare Rentals
- Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Smoky Mountain Resort
- Gatlinburg Town Square
- Tree Tops Resort of Gatlinburg
Orlando, Florida: Inexpensive Summer Vacation Wildcard



Orlando? Inexpensive? We know what you’re thinking. And with theme park tickets pushing $200 a pop, you’re not wrong. However, there’s more to the City Beautiful than theme parks. Did you know Central Florida has a higher concentration of freshwater springs than anywhere else on Earth? From Wekiva Springs to Blue Springs to Silver Springs and beyond, these natural swimming holes make a great way to beat the summer heat. Other activities offered at Orlando’s springs include kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife watching, glass-bottom boat tours, and more!
Of course, you don’t have to be a nature lover to have an unforgettable, inexpensive summer vacation in Orlando. Head downtown to explore the many museums, art galleries, historic sites, and music venues that make up Orlando’s vibrant culture and rich history. Food lovers will also find plenty to love about Orlando. Ranked the number one foodie city in America by Travel + Leisure, Orlando boasts multiple Michelin-Star restaurants, delicious street food, and family-friendly dinner shows. Want the theme park thrills without the theme park price? Family-friendly attractions like Fun Spot America, Icon Park, and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games promise fun for the whole family, and they won’t break the bank!
Orlando Timeshare Rentals
Tips for Traveling On a Tight Budget
Looking for other ways to save money on your summer vacation? These tips can help make your trip super affordable!
- Book Ahead of Time: Booking your accommodations and flights early can help you secure the best rates.
- Use Public Transit: Public transportation is a fantastic, low-cost alternative to ride-sharing and car rentals.
- Take Advantage of Specials: When planning your itinerary, look for promotions like free museum days, student discounts, and other specials.
- Explore Alternative Lodging Options: Even budget hotels and mid-range hotels can be hard on your wallet. And considering what you get for the money, they aren’t a great value. However, alternative lodging options like timeshare rentals can help you save on your stay while enjoying more space and better amenities than hotels can provide.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Eating out every day can be a budget killer, so consider cooking your own meals. Many timeshare rentals come with in-unit kitchens, letting you cook nutritious, affordable meals just like at home.
Rent a Timeshare With Timeshares Only

Want to explore more inexpensive timeshare rentals for your summer vacation? Browse our resale marketplace! We have a huge selection of for-rent-by-owner timeshares in the best destinations in the U.S. and beyond. Use the search filters to find the perfect destination, accommodations, and dates for you. When you find that perfect rental, simply click “reserve” to secure your booking. Have questions? Call 1-800-610-2734 or email us at [email protected] to speak with a timeshare rental expert today!