15 Cheap Places to Visit in July

Summer vacation hotspots like Disney or the Amalfi Coast are out if you want to avoid steep prices and packed attractions. Still, there are many places you can vacation in the middle of the summer for a bargain — whether you’re looking to embrace the heat or escape it.

If you want to take a summer trip without breaking the bank, consider these 15 destinations for your July getaway.

Bali, Indonesia

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While July is Bali’s peak season with warm weather ideal for hiking, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the beautiful beaches, it’s still a budget-friendly vacation for those looking to indulge in a bit of summer paradise.

Hotels may be more expensive in the summer, but the U.S. dollar usually stretches pretty far in Bali and there are many small cafes/restaurants where visitors can enjoy cheap food.

Baltimore, Maryland

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For history buffs, a trip to Baltimore is an excellent summer excursion — as the city is packed with museums and historic monuments. It also has a stunning waterfront, fantastic farmer’s markets, great seafood, and more.

Since it’s a more under-the-radar summer destination, you may be able to score cheap accommodations, too.

Corfu, Greece

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If a Mediterranean getaway is a must for you this summer, consider avoiding some more popular Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

Corfu, with its beautiful pebble beaches and average temperatures in the high 80s, can be pricey in the summer as well, but savvy travelers can do it on a budget by avoiding resorts, eating street food, etc.

Curaçao

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Curaçao is a popular destination in the winter when people are trying to escape the cold, so you could be looking at serious discounts if you visit in July, which is considered the off-season.

The island’s location also puts it outside of the hurricane zone that other Caribbean islands are in, so travelers can expect pleasant weather.

Denver, Colorado

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Denver offers a “best of both worlds” vacation experience: It has the perks of a big city and proximity to mountains and Colorado’s extensive natural beauty.

While accommodations in the city may not be super cheap, there are plenty of free things to do in the area, like hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Kraków, Poland

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Kraków is an option for those who want to go to Europe but don’t have a big budget.

It tends to be busier than normal in July as the city has pleasant weather, with temperatures in the mid-70s, and many festivals and events — but everything from accommodations to street food will likely be cheaper than more popular European summer destinations.

Montreal, Canada

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Montreal may be slightly pricier than some of the other options on this list, but on the plus side, it’s an international vacation where many Americans can avoid air travel (either by driving or taking Amtrak).

The city has plenty of festivals, outdoor markets, and events to celebrate peak summer.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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If you’re set on a beach getaway this summer, Myrtle Beach might be a cheaper option than some popular southern spots.

The beaches are free, the boardwalk is fantastic, and it’s possible to find affordable accommodations and cheap (or free) things to do, particularly if you book early.

New Orleans, Louisiana

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New Orleans can make for a fun vacation any time of year, but the stifling heat and humidity turn many travelers off from visiting in the summer — which could mean serious deals in July.

Keep in mind, though, that with the average temperatures reaching 90, the Big Easy tends to be quite muggy in peak summer.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Phoenix in the summer is extremely hot, with the average temperature in July last year reaching 100 degrees. So naturally, many will avoid the southwest city — but that could mean big discounts for those who don’t mind the heat.

There’s plenty to do in the city and it’s not a far drive from other top destinations like Sedona.

Niagara Falls, New York

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Summer may be the most crowded season on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls, but the pleasantly warm weather and longer days explain the rise in tourism.

While accommodations will likely be at peak pricing in July, the falls are a drivable destination for many Americans, and the free Discover Niagara Shuttle is available in the summer months.

Portland, Oregon

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Portland may not be your first choice when you think of top summer destinations in the U.S, but with many festivals and events in July — like the Waterfront Blues Festival — and long, pleasant days where the sun doesn’t set until around 9 p.m., it can be an ideal summer getaway.

Prague, Czech Republic

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In general, top European cities are packed in the summer — and prices rise with the crowds. However, travelers can still enjoy the rich history and medieval splendor in the streets of Prague for a bargain.

The city tends to have milder weather than many other hot European destinations as well, with average July temperatures around the low 70s.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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Like Curaçao, Punta Cana is a popular winter destination — so summer travelers can score serious deals and enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures in the mid to high 80s.

While July tends to be a wetter month on the island, with quick but strong rains, Punta Cana typically avoids severe tropical storms during the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Queensland, Australia

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Travelers curious about Australia may want to take a trip down under in July, which is in the middle of its winter.

Temperatures will still be high, around the 70s or 80s, and visiting in July means you’ll miss major tourist draws, like the month-long arts celebration in Brisbane in September.

Bottom line

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Even though it’s vacation season and we’re rapidly approaching peak summer, there’s still time to book bargain travel in 2024.

You may be out of luck with airfare, but using the right travel credit cards , sticking to a food budget, and avoiding expensive tourist traps, can significantly cut the cost of a last-minute trip.

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