6 Affordable U.S. Summer Destinations

I don't always travel during the summer, because it can be really expensive. If I do, it's usually to Las Vegas for NBA Summer League games. Last year we went to Sacramento for a family reunion, and then to Denver for a few days before Eric's work conference. Those were both fairly affordable, since they were short breaks. 

If you also want to get away this summer, head to one of these destinations that can be perfect for families, as well as singles, couples, and friends who are looking to save money.  (I wrote about budget European trips in my recent newsletter. If you aren't subscribed, what are you waiting for?)

Bar Harbor, Maine

For the outdoorsy among you, Bar Harbor is full of things to do, many of which can be free or almost free, like exploring downtown, hiking Bar Island, learning about the local wildlife at the George B Dorr Museum of Natural History, or going on your own walking tour following "The Museum In the Streets" signs. You can even visit Acadia National Park for free if, instead of driving, you take the free Island Explorer shuttle. 

Winter Park, Colorado

Looking for a place to go that isn't oppressively hot? Skip Denver and head to Winter Park. Most known as a winter activities destination, it can be a great summer destination, because they have great hiking, ropes courses, climbing walls, and gondola rides. Hideaway Park has a ton of things to keep your kids busy for free. Every Tuesday in the summer you can enjoy Fraser Picnic in the Park live show, free concerts in Old Schoolhouse Park from 6-8pm that also brings in food trucks. Berthoud Pass is a great place to go stargazing, especially since Winter Park is far enough away from the big city light pollution.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Leave your car behind and bike around Mackinac Island, because it's car-free! That means you won't spend any time stuck in traffic and can relax, while also getting fresh air and exercise. Aside from hiking and just generally recharging, you can visit America's oldest family-owned grocery store (Doud's Market), enjoy a picnic at Marquette Park, stroll through one (or all) of the cemeteries, take amazing pictures from Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, and Crack-in-the-island, and then spend a bit of money visiting Fort Mackinac and the few museums on the island. 

San Diego, California

I love San Diego. You can spend days exploring Balboa Park's museums, you can also do all of the city's awesome things for less with GoCity San Diego. If you want to save a lot of cash, there are a ton of free things to do, too: Head to the Embarcadero to view a bunch of sculptures, admire Victorian architecture in the Gaslamp Quarter, spend the day at one of the many beaches, or go to Old Town where you can wander through some historic buildings, including the old jail/sheriff's museum.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

You might think all the great stuff is in Philly, which there is a lot of, but Pittsburgh is awesome in its own right and less popular, making it more affordable. The home of Fred Rogers has tons of hiking and biking along the Great Allegheny Passage, but city explorers can do a ton of free things, too. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the Andy Warhol Museum, and even the Carnegie Museum of Natural History all have free admission.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is more than just the Arch, and can be great for those with kids or even on their own. Spend your money on amazing food and save by doing the many, many free things there: Citygarden Sculpture Park, Saint Louis Science Center, Museum a the Gateway Arch, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, the historic Grant's Farm, Missouri Botanical Garden, and City Museum are just some of them.

There are so many ways to make an affordable trip cheaper, which means you can definitely stay within your budget, especially if you find a great deal on a flight or you are near enough to do a road trip. When we visit Vegas in the summer, the flights are fairly cheap, because no one likes 118-degree weather, and we offset expensive food with free and cheap activities, like the Flamingo Habitat and the Bellagio Conservatory.

Where are your favorite budget-friendly summer destinations? 

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Affordable Ways to Make Your Trips More Eco-Friendly

As a budget traveler, it can be difficult to know how to save money and also do good by the planet. For Earth Month, I wanted to talk about some ways you can feel better about your travels and your carbon footprint, because we'd still like to be traveling decades from now. 

If you care about the Earth like a lot of us do, you probably worry how your trips are contributing to a lot of different kinds of pollution, including air, ocean, and even trash. Not everyone is going to be like me and pack home recyclables when you can't recycle on your trip (yes, I've done this with flat items like cardboard and plastics when I learned a place - what's up, Hawaii - doesn't recycle, but that's not really the best option, so here are some other ways to be eco-friendly on your travels:

This Cascade backpack from Portland Gear holds so much.

Pack Light

Am I a broken record when it comes to traveling with less stuff? You bet. You don't need everything from home with you on vacation. Choose a small mix-and-match wardrobe, do laundry if you need to, and even save money when you pack in just a carry-on. When traveling alone, I only carry what fits under my seat, including my big laptop. When traveling as a couple, we usually bring one big carry-on and two smaller personal items, but we've also travel with a backpack apiece. You're going to ask why you should pack light? I'll tell you! The less weight on a plane, the less fuel it uses to get to its destination.

Slow Travel

Instead of trying to pack as much as possible into a trip and visiting six countries in two weeks, choose just one or two destinations to explore. Slow travel helps you cut down on your carbon footprint, by avoiding unnecessary flying. You learn more about the places you visit this way, too. I'm often upset that I couldn't see everything in two weeks. I couldn't imagine planning a whole trip where I only have two or three days in a destination before moving on. Slow down. Enjoy one location for longer and really get a feel for that place.

Take Public Transportation or Walk

Public transportation is always more eco-friendly than taking cabs, ride-share or driving, so unless you are traveling as a family and it's cheaper to get a car, the bus or subway is always going to be a better option for the environment. I love the bus/train, because I get to see more the city than if I am driving. It gives me a chance to relax, as well. And if you want to be super good for the environment, pick a walkable city and pack some good walking shoes. You'll see more than you expected and different things, too.

Eat Local

A lot of destinations have the same problem we have in the US, in that they have a ton of chain restaurants and fast food joints that import food from their headquarters and end up being terrible for the environment. Choose local restaurants (and even small, locally-owned stores for shopping), as they generally get their food from as close to the community as possible. 

I will often hit up farmers' markets and food trucks. It's a great way to talk with locals and get snacks for your trip or try a lot of different foods for less that sitting down for a meal. One of my favorite destinations for eating local is Edinburgh. Almost all the restaurants you go to have maps showing you which farms their ingredients came from and many were less than 20 miles away.

Bring Reusable Items

Packing things that can be used well on your trip are great. I always take along a reusable water bottle, grocery bag (I like this multipurpose bag), and my own travel utensils. This way I stay hydrated, am ready to eat street food without disposable forks, have a bag for groceries, other shopping, and a spare bag for purchases when I'm on the way home. You can also get these rechargeable batteries for any electronics that need them. They don't lose energy after a ton of recharges and they come in any normal size you need. I'll be reviewing paleblue soon.

Fly Non-Stop

The fewer amount of flights you get on, the less pollution you contribute to the world. If you can afford to fly non-stop, chances are you are already on it, but if not, now you have another reason to choose that flight and you won't need to drag your stuff through another airport.

Respect Nature

This should be a given. Just don't treat the outside like a garbage dump. Throw your trash away in a can, recycle anything you are able to, leave nature in nature (like don't take home things like plants, sand, or rocks), don't bother animals, and stay on walking trails. 

A few easy changes to your travels can make them more eco-friendly and help you feel better about the choices you've made.  How do you do better for the environment while out in the world?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Taking Some Time to Recharge in a City

It can be hard to find the time to relax and recharge in a city. But it is often necessary given the fast pace and hectic nature of larger towns such as London, New York or Paris. There are a few things you can try when you have the time, from visiting a city park to appreciating the city.

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

Right now, things are pretty stressful everywhere you look and even taking a trip won't always get us away from those issues. It's also in the middle of Spring Break, so you might not be able to book a trip to just get out of town now without spending all your money. If you need to chill and clear your mind at home or on the road, here are some great tips for you.

Smartphone Calm and Relaxation

Busy city residents have tons of things they have to do every day, and just getting to work can be a chore if you don’t have it down. However, the commute to work, visiting a loved one, or doing some shopping means you may have some downtime. When you have a few minutes, a smartphone game like Spider Solitaire, an app such as Headspace, or even watching YouTube videos can be just what you need to pass the time and rid yourself of the city’s stresses.

Recharge in a City Park

It can feel like you are in a concrete jungle when living in a city. However, almost all cities have green space. For example, there are over 2,000 parks in New York, and there are many ways you can use your time when strolling through a city park. Here are some popular ideas:

• Join a local group for activities such as park yoga, pilates, and outdoor exercise.

• Sit and watch the world go by. Local people can be pretty entertaining when you watch!

• Stroll the many parks in the city with your dog or a friend to get some fresh air.

How About Some Music?

Some people love the sounds of the city. For others, it can be like torture. When trying to study, working from home, or even taking a break while at work, your time can be rudely interrupted by traffic, general noise, and even crime. But music is an escape for many people. Suppose you have dreaded noisy apartment neighbors! In that case, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones and your favorite artists can be a Godsend when trying to get something done!

Hit Up a Museum or Gallery

Every major city has a plethora of museums and galleries. The amazing attractions of New York, London and Rome come to mind. However, even smaller towns also have stunning historical attractions to visit too. When you need a break from the hectic life of living in a city, a museum or gallery helps you take a step back, and appreciate what came before. Most cities even have museums specific to the town itself, and the great thing is they are almost always free to use!

Recharge in a City with Coffee!

There are many popular hot drinks from around the world, but coffee is pretty much the king of beverages. Americans consume 146 billion cups of coffee per year, and if that’s your thing, then this is one of the best things about living in a city. So, put your money where your nose is!

Seek the diverse coffee culture

Cities like NYC and London are very diverse, and this is reflected in food and drink. Each area has its own take on coffee, from strong Italian espresso to Middle Eastern specialty coffees.

Quality over quantity

Rather than visiting established brands such as Starbucks, you can help out with quality smaller operations. Pop-up coffee shops that source beans directly from farmers are popular today.

Try out local favorites

Coffee is everywhere in the city, and everyone has their favorite place. Some of the best in NYC include the famous Martha’s Country Bakery, Brooklyn Bagel Coffee, and Spot Dessert Bar.

Admire the Seasonal Changes

Not all major cities are located to experience seasonal changes. However, the ones that are can be stunning. Forgetting about the high-rises and steel and glass canyons, the city can be just as stunning as any far-flung vista when you understand the seasons change. Have you ever walked through the brown autumn leaves in New York or gazed at the spectacular cherry blossom fall during a Tokyo spring? If so, then you know how beautiful a city can actually be. 

Check Out a Bookstore

What’s a book, you may ask? Before smartphones and tablets, we had paper books that we had to carry everywhere and physically turn a page! Jokes aside, is there a city on Earth without quality bookstores? From independent businesses to big brands, bookstores can be an escape from a busy city. Things just seem to slow down, and some bigger chains also offer snacks and coffee bars. There is a chance you may also discover something you love while in there.

Ride Public Transport to Slow Down

Public transport is a major part of city life. In many cities, there are just too many cars to get around effectively, and public systems are becoming more efficient. In Tokyo alone, 6.5 million people use the subway every day! However, you can also use public transport to relax a while:

• Take a ride outside of rush hour times for a more pleasant transport experience.

• Cities are full of sights. You can use ride time to appreciate the history of the town.

• Avoid problems by not making eye contact, avoiding arguments, and staying patient.

Find Somewhere Quiet

Okay, so this can be easier said than done when you live or work in the city. However, there are always quiet spots that you can find when you look. There’s nothing quite like a New York rooftop for getting away from it all. Of course, there are quiet spaces, such as break rooms at work, and public spaces, such as libraries. A museum or gallery visit can also provide the quiet you need to recharge for a while when you need to shut out the noise of the city for a little bit.

Whether you need to reground yourself on a longer vacation or a bit of a reset at home, using these tips that are affordable and easy can help you recharge and lose some anxiety.