Summer vacation ideas are abundant and include destinations all over the world. Choosing among the best places to go in the summer is a tall order, as there are several options to please any traveler, no matter what your interests or budget. Affordability is an important factor for many people, and luckily there are tons of places to visit during the summer that can promise both a cheap vacation and amazing things to see.

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and explore some of the wonders of nature. This is especially appealing for those planning cheap vacations, last minute vacations, or family vacations. Among the top summer trips for many people are visits to some of the US national parks. There are many options for scenic destinations with plenty of things to do that are still within a short drive of home. Saguaro National Park in Arizona, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina are just a few of the great national park destinations that offer camping, hiking, fishing, and plenty of other opportunities for spending time outside.

If you want to see some of the world’s classic historic sites, then a trip to Europe might be the way to go. London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin are among the world’s great cities, and there is plenty to see in these destinations and others, including museums and archaeological sites. One of the perks of a European vacation is the chance to combine a beach vacation with a city break, as you can travel from the French Riviera to Paris, or from the Amalfi Coast in Italy to Florence and Rome, with relative ease. Summer is a peak season to visit Europe, so be sure to book ahead, particularly if you’re interested in smaller destinations that are still hugely popular, such as the Greek Isles.

Alaska is one of the best places to go in the summer as well, whether you’re there for the Northern Lights, the glaciers, or simply want to see one of the most stunning parts of North America. Cruises to Alaska leave from Seattle and Vancouver BC relatively frequently in the summer, and passengers will get the chance to explore several different towns in Alaska, including Sitka, Anchorage, and Ketchikan, as well as the chance to go deep-sea fishing and learn about the native Alaskan cultures. Alaska travel is much more difficult in the winter, so if you want to see the last frontier, try to book your trip during the summer.

Theme park visits are also among the top summer trips, and if you’re not interested in visiting one of the Disney parks, or you think it might be out of your budget, consider one of the many smaller amusement parks found around the US. The Michigan Adventure theme park in the Upper Peninsula is a popular place to visit, as is Cedar Point in Ohio. Williamsburg Virginia is also among the best summer vacation ideas for families, as you can visit both Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg on one vacation.

Whether your plan is to find a cheap vacation or to book a luxury summer getaway, you’ll find loads of summer vacation ideas to choose from, and whether you choose to go to Alaska, Australia, or anywhere in between, the vacation is sure to be a memorable one that everyone in your family will cherish for years to come.