Where would you go on a very tight vacation budget?

reannalynne · January 2012

We don't have much to put towards a vaca for DH and I, say only $1500. Where could we go in relevance to Pittsburgh, PA for the most bang for our buck?

KimberlyS530 · January 2012

What about Niagara Falls & Toronto?

missywong · January 2012

Depends on the time of the year and flights, but Chicago can be done for very cheap.

bonjourbelle05 · January 2012

Niagara Falls, Poconos...depending on how far your willing to drive there are lots of other possibilities (Baltimore, DC, etc)

Wine Enthusiast · January 2012

I have done an AI twice on this budget. Once in Punta Cana and once in Puerto Vallarta. I have also been to Florida many times stayed within that price but that was when you could get airfare for $120 RT pp. Those prices can be a lot harder to find these days!

New Orleans is another great place for a long weekend get away. We went in April a few years ago and had a great time. I think we spent closer to $1000 that trip but had a great hotel deal.

rubyiu · January 2012

Myrtle Beach would be fun if you're looking to go when it's warmer!

bringjoy2theworld · January 2012

Washington, DC- most museums and attractions are free.

reannalynne · January 2012

To make matters worse: DH is petrified of flying and we don't have passports. We did Myrtle last year, and are throwing the idea around, but not sure yet. DC is a great option, thanks!

Have anyone been to Amelia Island, FL? I just stumbled across is and 13 hrs is pretty much the most we will drive.

jlh123 · January 2012

My husband and I have done a few one week cruises that were last minute specials for $499 per person. One on Celebrity and one on RCI, both oceanview rooms. Great deal for a budget you are talking about. With tax it was under $1200 and you'd still have a bit left over for ports and drinks on board. You can drive to a port on the east coast too. We even had a shipboard credit given to us.

Delaney85 · January 2012

Lake George, you can get good weekend deals at the Sagamore.

Skytop Lodge in PA is amazing.

RedPeony · January 2012

Chicago is only an 8 hour drive and you can usually find reasonable and well located hotels on priceline/hotwire. I'm a little biased because it's my hometown. Summer is the best time to visit - the city is just alive with activity. I don't know when you're looking to on your trip.

What about Savannah and Hilton Head? Good food, beaches, history, etc.

If your husband doesn't fly, is he willing to take a train? What about renting a vacation home? We have found great deals on vrbo.com.

Also, if you do want to use priceline/hotwire be sure to check out betterbidding.com. We were able to find a great deal ($90/night) at the Sheraton in Boston because of that website.

Snippylynn · January 2012

I'd also say Chicago, but that can be expensive. If you want summer, just hanging on the beach, I'd try Michigan, on the west side of the state. Really great beach towns there like St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Muskegon, etc. It will be inexpensive and the towns usually go all out in the summer. There are also wineries in the area, so you can do something kind of fun like that, and good food as well. http://www.beachtowns.org/

You can also generally find some really good deals for renting a beach house. If you want to change it up during the week and get some city, Grand Rapids is really nice

Otherwise, I recommend drugging your H, trussing him up like a turkey and throwing him on a plane.

Magdala9 · January 2012

I had to go to Shepherdtown WV for work one spring. We spent an extra few days exploring the area (hiking, canoeing and horseback riding) and had a great vacation for very little money. We went in May which was before their season started.

Just after Labor Day is a nice time to visit the beach on the Cape or down at Newport. This is the tail end of the season so things are cheaper because the kids are in school.