The Top 6 Laid-Back Travel Destinations For Summer 2018

Taking a break from reality is essential, and what better way to take a break and kick your feet up than to take a summer vacation with your family? We understand that the bright lights of Vegas and New York may not be for everyone. That’s why we have compiled a list of six laid-back travel destinations that will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while also avoiding the enormous crowds associated with some of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. Let’s get started.

The Best 6 Travel Destinations For 2018

1. Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
   The Ozark Mountains are a perfect destination for the family that enjoys outdoor escapades. Here, your family can kick back and relax in a secluded cabin while enjoying a spectacular view that includes sparkling rivers and waterfalls, jaw-dropping caverns, beautiful vistas, and so much more. The Ozark Mountains have no shortage of family-friendly activities. From world-class trout fishing and cave exploration to backpacking, hiking, waterboarding, and zip-lining, there is an activity for just about everyone.  Ready to get started? You can request free information to help you plan your trip to the Ozark Mountains. Also, be sure to check out lodging and excursion deals that could save you a lot of money. 
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
   Colorado Springs, located at the eastern end of the Rocky Mountains, provides visitors with visually stunning natural scenery and endless blue skies, which are perfect for outdoor adventure. While on vacation in Colorado Springs your family can enjoy over 55 family-friendly attractions in addition to a plethora of outdoor activities, arts and culture tours, museums, shopping, train rides, and heritage and history tours.If you choose to travel to Colorado Springs, you have to plan a visit to world-famous Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Those without little ones should be sure to check out Colorado Springs’ vibrant craft brew scene that includes over 20 local breweries. Visitors can hop on a tour that will take them to all of the local craft breweries around the Pikes Peak region. As you can see, Colorado Springs is a great summer travel destination for just about anyone.
3. The Golden Isles, Georgia
   Located on Georgia’s coast, midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida is The Golden Isles.  The Golden Isles is made up of four awe-inspiring barrier islands, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Sea Island; all of which provide visitors with miles of white sandy beaches.In addition to white sandy beaches, The Golden Isles is also home to numerous historical attractions, theatres, and museums. No trip to The Golden Isles would be complete without partaking in at least one nature tour of the coastal marshlands or a historic trolley tour around St. Simons Island. According to residents, some of the historic sites around the island are haunted. For those who are feeling brave and curious, consider partaking in a ghost tour on St. Simons Island or Brunswick to learn about the legends of the Isles past. A trip to The Golden Isles provides fun for people of all ages and is a destination you should consider visiting this summer.
4. Biloxi, Mississippi
   Biloxi, Mississippi is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is perfect for the individual who wishes to kick back and relax on miles of sugar-white sandy beaches. Biloxi is home numerous championship golf courses, museums, historic sites, top-notch seafood restaurants, and even 24-hour casinos. Be sure also to check out the schedule of year-round celebrations the city has to offer, as well as deep-sea fishing excursions that are sure to excite. For those with young children, hop on a one-hour ferry ride to nearby Ship Island, where your entire family can enjoy miles of white sand and family-friendly activities. For more information on things to do in Biloxi, you can call the city’s visitor center at 1-800-245-6943 or email visitor@biloxi.ms.us.
5. Tucson, Arizona
   If you’re craving a sunshine-filled vacation, without the humidity associated with Florida summers, Tucson, Arizona is the destination for you. With over 350 sunny days a year, chances are your trip will be filled with beautiful weather. While summer months in Tuscon are hot, according to U.S. News, summer is the time where you can find the best hotel deals of the year. While in Tuscon your family can enjoy a variety of fun activities including museums, historic sites, hiking trails, pristine golf courses, breathtaking sunsets, and shopping at nearly every corner.
6. San Antonio, Texas
   If you have never visited San Antonio, it should be on the top of your 2018 summer vacation consideration list. San Antonio is home to the famous River Walk, which winds through the city center, and is packed full of local restaurants, shops, pubs, and more. Most of San Antonio’s top attractions welcome visitors for free! While in San Antonio you cannot pass up on an opportunity to visit the historic Alamo, one of Texas’ most visited historical landmarks. The Alamo is the home of the 1836 battle and has frequent demonstrations and special events throughout the year. Visiting the Alamo is free for families and is open year-round. To get more information on planning a trip to San Antonio, contact their guest relations department on the city’s website.

Tips For Making A Vacation Affordable

1. Start Saving Now
   If you don’t plan to take your vacation until late summer or early fall, it’s a good idea to start saving now. Consider taking a portion of each paycheck and putting it into your Launch CU Savings Account. It’s often easier to save when you automate your savings. With Launch CU’s Digital Banking Suite, you can set up automatic transfers from your Launch CU Checking to Savings account. Just follow the instructions in this video to get started.
2. Utilize Travel Sites
   Before you book lodging reservations directly on hotel and resort websites, check prices on popular travel sites such as Priceline, Orbitz, Kayak, Hotels.com, and Expedia. These travel sites often provide travelers with highly discounted rates. Consider using Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” tool, where you can bid on various hotels depending on the criteria you select. Naming your own price gives you an opportunity to save big money on top-rated hotels and resorts.
3. Consider Budget Airlines
   If you are traveling to a destination that requires you to fly, consider ditching a major airline carrier for a budget airline. Airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit fly to many destinations all over the continental U.S., and even to certain international locations. These airlines often provide fares at a much lower price than traditional airlines. You usually will not find these airlines on travel booking websites, so you may need to book direct from the airline’s website.
4. Opt For A Home Rental Over Hotels For Large Groups
   If you are traveling with a large family or large group of friends, consider utilizing a vacation home rental service such as Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway. You may find that it is much cheaper to rent an entire house for your party, rather than multiple hotel rooms.
5. Utilize  A Personal Loan
   Before you swipe a high-rate bank credit card, or completely deplete your savings, consider a Launch CU Personal Loan to help you pay for your summer vacation. A personal loan is a great way to help you pay for your vacation because personal interest rates are typically lower than credit card interest rates. Launch CU personal loans offer great low rates, flexible loan terms, and monthly payments you can afford. Apply online for a loan from any device, or call a friendly Launch CU Loan Specialist at 321-456-5441 to speak about your options.
6. Apply For A Low-Rate Launch CU Credit Card
   If you prefer to pay for your vacation accommodations with a credit card, consider applying for a low-rate Launch CU Credit Card. If you haven’t checked your interest rate on your credit card for awhile, you may be shocked to see 20% or even 26%. With a Launch CU credit card, you can enjoy a low credit card introductory rate, which can help make paying for your vacation more comfortable and less stressful. Before you swipe that high-rate card, apply for a Launch CU credit card. You’ll be surprised by how much you could save. Apply online from any device, or call at Launch CU Loan Specialist at 321-456-5441 with any questions you may have.We hope we have provided you with some great summer travel ideas, as well as some tips for helping you get there. While the idea of planning a vacation can be stressful, it can be less stressful with the help of a trusted financial partner. Launch CU can help take the stress out of vacation planning so you can relax and enjoy the things that matter most in life.