Summer Vacation

1. Puerto Rico. The island as a whole is still recovering from Maria, but the tourism industry is up and running and trying to help the rest of Puerto Rico get back on its feet. That means there are lots of deals you wouldn't otherwise see, and you still get all the usual delights associated with the Carribean. You might consider taking a cruise that features a quick stop in Puerto Rico as well. Rebuilding efforts are ongoing, so you have to be smart about what part of the island you stay on, but you can expect to find good rates at recently renovated hotels. Saint Martin, the other island that suffered the most during the hurricane, is also a possibility for fun and cheap travel.

2. Phuket, Thailand. Thailand is unbelievably gorgeous and outrageously affordable. People frequently travel there and come back with money they had planned on spending. The food is wildly unique, the beaches are incomparable, and if you find decent airfare you can do a whole lot for very little. This part of Thailand gets a lot of rain during the summer, so you can't expect constant sunshine. However, the rainy season brings lower prices and there's no weather that can ruin the spectacle of the beaches. A quick Google search will show what I'm talking about.

3. Czech Republic. People rule out Europe when traveling on a budget, and for good reason; you're not going to have a fun, inexpensive trip to France. The Czech Republic has all the history and iconography of any place in Europe, but it all comes at far less cost. Food and lodging are surprisingly affordable, and Prague is one of the prettiest cities you'll see anywhere. Of these three options, getting to the Czech Republic will be the most expensive, but once your plane touches down, the prices come down as well.