With sublime mountains, dusty plains, and some gorgeous coastal areas, there are plenty of picturesque holiday destinations dotted across the Lone Star State. Everybody knows planning a holiday can be expensive, especially during the summer, and Texas is no exception. Thankfully, there are lots of ways holidaymakers can save a few extra bucks with some cheap vacation ideas in Texas.
Rent an RV
If you’re looking to save money and discover the best summer vacation spots in Texas, consider a motorhome rental. Vacationers can find cheap RV rentals across the state, from as low as $67 a night in Houston, giving you the freedom to explore and plan a summer drive across Texas in an RV. There are plenty of places to go in Texas in an RV during the summer, with the likes of San Antonio and South Padre Island offering fun recreational activities, stunning state parks, and free historical attractions, as well as lots of affordable places to park your rig. RV travel in Texas during the summer is a breeze, with open roads, beautiful scenery, and quaint towns making any long drive hassle-free.
Visit the Texas Gulf Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the best summer vacation spots in Texas, with the likes of Galveston Island and South Padre Island boasting white sandy beaches, an array of wildlife, and tons of free and exciting activities. Some major cities along the coast are superb for a Texas RV summer vacation, like Houston and Corpus Christi. These cities are some of the best places to visit in Texas in an RV during the summer, with tons of cheap vacation spots and campgrounds dotted along the coast and at nearby state parks.
Free Attractions
One of the best ways to save money when on holiday in Texas is by visiting some of the fantastic free attractions while road-tripping across the Lone Star State. Some of the best things to see in Texas in an RV during the summer include The Alamo and Mission San Jose in San Antonio and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. These sights provide intriguing culture and some of the most important history in Texas without burning a hole in your pocket.
Parks
Another cheap family vacation idea to consider is stopping by some of Texas’s national and state parks. There are some sublime parks located in West Texas, like Palo Duro State Park, which contains the second largest canyon in the country after the Grand Canyon. There’s also Big Bend National Park, one of the largest national parks in the U.S., which covers over 800,000 acres of rugged canyons, deserts, and prairies along the Rio Grande. People who enjoy state and national parks can save money by purchasing a Texas State Park Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass for national parks. Frequent park visitors will cash in on serious savings by paying one fee per pass by eliminating daily park fees. State and national parks are always an excellent choice, and campers flock to the area to take advantage of the stunning environment and plethora of activities.
Hostels
Hostels are a great way to save money if you’re looking to stay in one of the major cities scattered across Texas. Hostels tend to be a fraction of the price of most hotels, and are centrally located in most major cities, including the capital Austin and bustling metro areas like Dallas. Hostels are better suited to those traveling without children, as most offer communal amenities and shared accommodation.
Discover the hidden gems of Texas
Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller settlements. Anybody looking to save some money and soak up some Texan culture should consider a trip to some of Texas’s lesser-known cities. The likes of McAllen, Galveston, and Brownsville tend to be cheaper than their famous counterparts, while still boasting quality attractions, affordable accommodation, and beautiful outdoor areas.
Conclusion
The best way to save money while sunning it in Texas is by renting an RV and driving up the Gulf Coast. This way, you can enjoy a variety of cities at a relatively low cost. East Texas is bursting with affordable cities like Galveston, Brownsville, and Corpus Christi, as well as seaside state parks where you can relax on the beach and make a splash in the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico. Texas really has the best of both worlds!
