Think a Cancun beach vacation will be low-priced this summer because it’s low season in Mexico? Or that London and Paris are a steal because of the strength of the U.S. dollar? Think again. TripAdvisor has compared your on-the-ground costs this summer in 60 key tourist cities worldwide, and the findings—our 2015 TripIndex Cities study —will likely surprise you. Here are my takeaways for stretching your dollar farther:
- Consider a New York City fling over July 4th.
New York City is usually one of the most expensive tourist magnets in the U.S., but this summer it’s more affordable than Seattle, Honolulu, Boston, or San Francisco. True, NYC can be sweltering in July and August, but there are also a lot of world-class air-conditioned places to hang out: museums, restaurants, theaters. The least expensive summer week to visit is June 29 to July 5. You won’t find many locals—they flee to the beach—but you will find availability of tickets to Broadway hits and tables in the hottest restaurants.
- Instead of Cancun, think New Orleans or Miami.
Of the 60 international destinations compared in the TripIndex study, Cancun is the priciest. If you’re willing to tolerate Mexico’s heat and humidity, but you want someplace more affordable yet still with an exotic local flavor, consider New Orleans or Miami. While the average cost of three days of vacation in Cancun is $2,019, it’s just $1,248 in New Orleans and $1,262 in Miami—and that’s not even factoring in the cheaper airfare.
- Think about Washington, D.C., and the southeastern seaboard.
Yes, it’s hot and muggy in D.C., but it’s one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. this summer (the average cost for three days is $1,492), and it’s got a plethora of free activities . You might top off a few days in D.C. with time at the shore. The South is the least expensive part of the U.S. this summer, and beach resorts in the southeast typically drop prices in late August (because kids in the South return to school in mid-August). Here are southeast beach resorts I’ve stayed at and loved in August (and I’ve driven through D.C. to get to them).
Istanbul; Photo by TripAdvisor Traveler ChrisSchmitt
- If Europe is calling you, don’t forget Istanbul.
Warsaw, Lisbon, and Berlin are the three European cities in the TripIndex Cities study that offer the lowest on-the-ground costs. When you factor in airfare, though, Europe’s biggest bargain this summer is still Istanbul . Turkish Airlines has affordable airfare to many cities in Europe, and remember: If you have an overnight layover in Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, they’ll give you either a free hotel at the airport or a free tour of Istanbul .
- Learn how to live like a local in London and Paris.
Despite the strength of the U.S. dollar against the euro, London and Paris are still among the world’s 10 most expensive cities for travelers this summer. That’s because the costs of hotels, restaurant meals, and taxis are high. But such expenses are easily lessened if you live as the locals live: Rent an apartment or choose a less expensive university or residential neighborhood. For food, try picnics, takeout from grocery stores, and ethnic restaurants (in London, curry houses and noodles at Wagamama; in Paris, falafel and crêpes). And, of course, take public transit; use HopStop to plot your most efficient routes.
- Snag affordable flights to Southeast Asia.
It’s no surprise that four of the world’s 10 most affordable cities are in Southeast Asia: Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila. Three of the top 10 destinations on the rise are in Southeast Asia too: Da Nang, Vietnam; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Ao Nang, Thailand. The tough part is getting there. If you sign up for airfare alerts at AirfareWatchdog , you can be notified when fare sales hit hubs such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. Take advantage of quirky Asian airline offers too: Until July 15, for instance, you can enjoy an overnight stopover in Singapore for just $1 .
You’ll find more of Wendy’s advice for getting the most value for your dollar at WendyPerrin.com .
