Memorial Day weekend kicks off the official start of summer and the season when Americans pack their bags for vacation. But finding the destination that perfectly balances fun and affordability can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many places throughout North America that are perfect for younger travelers.
FORBES consulted travel experts at Lonely Planet to find the 20 best destinations in Canada, Mexico, the U.S. and Caribbean for travel this summer. We asked a panel of editors specializing in each region to provide a shortlist of destinations that appeal to young people looking for summer getaways, following guidelines we defined.
Factors considered include average cost of accommodations (and whether Airbnb or home-sharing is available), accessibility of the destination and the price of entertainment and cultural attractions
Austin, Texas
Austin is a music lover’s dream. In addition to the summer music festival Austin City Limits, the city is full of live music events, many of them affordable. Check out the Continental Club, a 1950s-era lounge that hosts some of the best local performers.
A trip to Austin wouldn’t be complete without some Tex-Mex food. For that, try Trudy’s Texas Star. Sample a margarita, or several, and do your part to keep Austin weird.
Birmingham, Alabama
Lonely Planet called Birmingham one of the most unexpectedly exciting places to see in the U.S. in 2016, and it’s easy to see why. History buffs can tour the Civil Rights District; music-lovers can explore the Alabama jazz Hall of Fame and foodies have a plethora of great dining spots like barbecue at Saw’s. Looking for drinks? There’s a 24-hour bar filled with comic book art and Star Wars memorabilia.
Boulder, Colorado
Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Boulder. The city has many parks, cyclists fill the roads and the Rocky Mountain National Park is easily accessible. If you still can’t get enough, walk down pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall for shops and cafes.
Boulder has a vibrant nightlife, especially near the University of Colorado campus. Dip into Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, one of the local favorites, for brews and grub.
Dominica
What Dominica lacks in fancy resorts, it more than makes up in natural beauty.
Travelers can swim up the Titou Gorge that ends in a waterfall; snorkel through geothermal bubbles in the Champagne Reef; or, take a soak in a sulphur hot spring.
Take a cruise down the Indian River for $5. Travelers get a ride through the river trimmed with mangroves. Dominica is an island in the Caribbean, but it's so good, we had to include it.
Havana, Cuba
Shifts in U.S.-Cuban relations have finally opened Cuba to Americans. "If you do your research, it’s worth the trip," Bailey Johnson, Central America/Caribbean Destination Editor for Lonely Planet, told FORBES.
Travelers can save by staying in casas particulares (private homestays), that cost between $15 - $50 a night. Visit the Malecon to socialize with locals. Try some Havana Club rum while you're there -- you can't get it in the U.S. yet.
Jacksonville, Florida
Located on the St. John’s River, Jacksonville, Florida is a hidden gem that’s packed with attractions. Walkable neighborhoods like Five Points and San Marco are home to numerous bars, boutiques and bistros, just outside downtown. Plus, area beaches are located less than an hour’s drive away.
Las Vegas, Nevada
A trip to Vegas doesn’t have to break the bank. Alexander Howard, the Western U.S. and Canada Destination Editor for Lonely Planet, advises staying in a hotel over a rental -- especially during the week when rates are lower.
If you lost your money at the Palms, MGM Grand, or one of the many casinos, don’t fret. Check out the Hard Rock Café’s rock memorabilia or explore CityCenter complex, made up of shopping center, hotels and the Aria casino.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is home to “experiences that can’t be had anywhere else and you will spend less money than you would in other major cities,” Clifton Wilkinson, Lonely Planet Mexico and California Destination Editor told FORBES in an email.
Explore the punk rock street market El Chopo and boating adventures on old canals. Be sure to visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where famous Mexican artists display murals -- free admission on Sundays.
Montreal, Canada
Lonely Planet called Montreal “Canada’s cultural capital.” There are artistic neighborhoods, 50 theater and dance companies and more than 90 festivals year-round, including Festival International de Jazz de Montreal in June.
The city is also known for its food. Tourists can find the Canadian specialty poutine, but also 87-year-old Jewish delis and English pubs. Don't miss the architecture – especially the Basilique Notre-Dame in Old Montreal.
Oakland, California
Often called the “Brooklyn of San Francisco,” this city is an escape from high prices across the Bay, as well as a destination in its own right.
Oakland is home to International Boulevard, a 3-mile strip that is an extravaganza of Asian and Latin American food (take note, its still rough around the edges). Take in the stunning sights at Lake Merritt or for $15, play more than 100 vintage machines at the Pacific Pinball Museum.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is a hub for Mexican art and cuisine. Zocalo, the central square, offers live music and local vendors nearly every day. Housed in a former monastery adjoining the Templo de Santo Domingo, the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca is one of the best regional museums in the country, according to Lonely Planet.
Additionally, there are archaeological sites and opportunities for hiking and biking. And its affordable, 5-star hotels average $90/night.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs may be known for its spas -- like the Well Spa at Miramonte Resort and Spa La Quinta -- but visitors can experience much more. Observe the evolution of American art at the Palm Springs Art Museum. See desert animals and explore a wildlife hospital at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Or take in the flora at the Moorten Botanical Gardens. There's also hiking at one of the area canyons or the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a small city with a lot to offer. The city has ample amounts of greenery and beautiful bridges. There are lively neighborhoods -- Lawrenceville, The Strip -- that host their own top-notch restaurants and bars, including a brewery in a restored church.
For art lovers, the Mattress Factory is a treat. The contemporary museum hosts a packed calendar of events. Don’t miss the Andy Warhol museum to see the artist’s earliest drawings.
Portland, Oregon
Eating and drinking are the main activities in Portland. The city is home to award-winning restaurants, good breweries and coffeehouses. Wineries are located just outside the metro area.
Start the day with a latte from Barista, then try the offbeat Ned Ludd for dining. The restaurant is known for rotating small plates and its wood fire oven.
If you’re worried about working off your indulgences, rent a bike. Portland is a haven for cyclists.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Got $5? That can get tourists access to most of San Juan’s best museums and colonial structures. Travelers on a budget can enjoy the city’s hip vibe and rich history.
San Juan is the second-oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas and is full of colonial charm. Check out the Santurce neighborhood for wonderful restaurants, galleries and a lively bar scene. Don’t forget to hit one of the many beautiful beaches nearby.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is a hotspot for affordable luxury, where rooms at a 5-star hotel can go for about $150 a night. The walls of the city’s Zona Colonial resound with the lively rhythms of merengue music. Scattered among the historic buildings are some of the oldest churches in the Dominican Republic. If a day of rest is needed after hitting one of city’s hot nightclubs, the beaches are a great escape.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Gateway Arch may dominate the skyline, but there is much more to St. Louis.
“St. Louis’ top attractions are beer, bowling and baseball,” wrote Rebecca Warren, the Eastern U.S. Destination Editor for Lonely Planet.
The city is home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar (with 55 local brews on tap) and Schlafly Tap Room (don’t miss the beer garden). Baseball fans can catch a Cardinals game with tickets starting at $11.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with microcosms of many nations present in its diverse neighborhoods.
To get a taste of things check out St. Lawrence Market, home to more than 50 food stalls. Once you’ve tasted the city, see it all from the top of the CN Tower.
You can find great deals for room-sharing here. The city has one of the highest concentrations of Airbnb rentals in the world, according to Lonely Planet.
Tulum, Mexico
In Tulum, history meets beautiful beaches. Ancient Mayan ruins sit on the stunning coast, but if you want to avoid the crowd, be sure to visit early in the morning.
After that, you can spend the day cave diving in the bright blue water. Don’t want to break the bank? Head to Tulum Pueblo where cheap food and lodging can be found. Be sure to check out Taqueria Honorio – what started as a street stall has grown to full restaurant.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is home to museums, festivals, concerts, government tours and monuments – and most of those attractions are free or cheap.
While the weather is often hot during August, it’s the city’s quiet month and there are many home-sharing options, according to Lonely Planet. Visit while Congress is in session and you might rub elbows with the powerful at a happy hour. For cheap eats check out the infamous Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Lonely Planet Editors:
Rebecca Warren, Eastern U.S. Destination Editor
Bailey Johnson, Central America Destination Editor
Clifton Wilkinson, Mexico and California Destination Editor
Alexander Howard, Western U.S. and Canada Destination Editor
