The Best Summer Vacations in the US That Students Can Afford

Ahhhh, summer vacation. The days are longer, the sun is stronger, and living is easy. Well, at least easier if you’re a college or university student on summer break. That’s because you’ve got about 9 weeks with no professors and no studying. (Woo-hoo!) Then, the big question is this; where are the best college summer vacations in the US that students can afford?

According to a study by NSA, about half of college students used storage short-term. Specifically, for less than 3 months, and during the summer. That means students are moving out of their dorms and apartments when classes are not in session. Since they aren’t tied down with rent or studying, many students choose to take the best summer vacations in the US that they can. If you’re not paying rent, why not do something spontaneous like travel? Don’t let your current address tie you down!

Below are the top locations for college student summer vacations that won’t destroy your banking donations (i.e., your savings). So, if you’ve got the freedom and desire to go somewhere amazing and fun during summer break, read on!


If You Want a Relaxing Summer Vacation:

The Best Summer Vacations in the US That Students Can Afford South Padre Island

If a tropical oasis with beautiful beaches and wonderful waves is your idea of paradise, South Padre Island is perfect! It’s a barrier island off the tip of Texas on Laguna Madre Bay, which runs into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also one of the most beautiful barrier islands in the world and the only one in Texas! If relaxing and contemplating life while you soak up the sun are your summer goals, it’s the best college student summer vacation!

Why Choose South Padre for Your Vacation

  • Because South Padre Island is stunningly gorgeous, with 34 miles of beautiful beaches, white-sand beaches.
  • Spring break here is crazy, busy, and crowded. Summer is a perfect time to visit.
  • It’s cheaper all-around in summer (hotels, food, etc.) because the demand is lower.

What To Do in South Padre Island, TX

  • Relax on the beach while the cool breezes melt away your school worries.
  • Learn to build sandcastles during a sandcastle lesson.
  • Swim and surf in Laguna Madre Bay.
  • Go deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Explore the centuries-old traditions of the Karankawa Indians.
  • Explore nature on a dolphin-watching boat tour.

What To Bring for This Summer Vacation

  • Very light, loose clothing. 
  • A wide-brimmed hat or other head covering.
  • All the swimsuits in your closet.
  • Plenty of sunblock.
  • Your surfboard, a frisbee, and a football. (You can store all your stuff in a SecureCare storage unit while you’re here.)

If You Want Adventure For Summer Vacation:

The Best Summer Vacations in the US That Students Can Afford Grand Tetons

One of the true treasures of the United States Park Service, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, is spectacular! The views of the Teton Range are incredible, as well as the wildlife. Two hundred miles of trails await you also, as well as pristine lakes and fantastic camping opportunities. If you’re looking for adventure, Grand Teton National Park is one of the best summer vacations in the US! It’s thrilling, invigorating, and, for college students, one of the most affordable summer vacation choices. If you’re planning on road tripping there this summer, make sure to prepare for some RV camping before you go!

Why Visit the Grand Tetons This Summer

  • Being young, in shape, and adventurous makes it a perfect time to come and explore!
  • Two hundred miles of hiking and biking trails!
  • Pristine lakes and the freshest air you’ve ever had the pleasure of breathing!
  • Many of the activities are low-cost and affordable.
  • You’ll get in great shape (or stay that way) while having a blast!

What To Do in Grand Teton National Park

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Mountain biking
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • White-water rafting
  • Climbing
  • Camping
  • Wildlife watching
  • Cook S’mores

What To Bring for This Summer Vacation

  • Camping gear. (You can store it all in a SecurCare storage unit while you’re visiting.)
  • Bicycles.
  • Hiking boots
  • Warm weather clothes and chilly weather clothes. (It gets cool at night at this altitude!)
  • A sense of adventure.
  • Lots of food, water, and healthy snacks to keep your energy up.

If You Want to Party for Summer Vacation:

If non-stop parties, 24/7 entertainment, and glittering lights are what you seek on vacation, make Las Vegas your destination! With a variety of 5-star resorts and superb shopping, gaming, and phenomenal restaurants, Las Vegas is super-exciting! There are decadent pool parties every day (and most nights!) and more entertainment than most students can handle! (But they sure try their best!) If non-stop partying is your summertime goal, Las Vegas is an exciting place for a summer vacation in the USA! It’s genuinely one of the best summer vacations in the US that are affordable for college students!

Why Las Vegas for Your Summer Vacation?

  • In summer, Las Vegas hotels (even the top hotels) offer many superb deals on rooms.
  • Clubbing? Day or night, it’s on! 
  • Shop till you drop all over the Strip!
  • Golfing is much cheaper in summer.

What To Do in Las Vegas

  • Hang out at pool parties all over the Las Vegas Strip.
  • See one of the hundreds of shows.
  • Eat like you’ve never eaten before at all the delicious, decadent buffets.
  • Surf or boogie-board on Planet Hollywood’s FlowRider wave machine. (It’s incredible!)
  • If you’re 21 or older, hit the gaming floor and try your luck.

What To Bring for This Summer Vacation

  • All your best outfits and swimwear.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals. (You’ll walk a lot at night.)
  • A few bucks for gambling if you’re over 21.
  • All the energy you’ve had pent up during the school year (so you can let it all out!).

Where to Put Your Stuff During Vacation?

Storing your college stuff is a conundrum that many college students face every summer vacation. Sure, some move it all back home, but for others, that’s not so easy. (If you attend UGA but live in New Jersey, home is 1000 miles away.) The solution? Store your stuff in a storage unit!

If you only need a storage unit for the summer, it’s no problem! Getting in and out of your storage unit is easy and fast. If you need something, use your gate keycode, open your storage unit, and you’re in! It’s the easiest way to store your college things! Nearby, so you don’t have to schlep everything back home and then back to school again in the fall! 

Questions? Chat online anytime with one of our friendly managers, or visit a SecurCare Self-Storage location near you! Until then, we hope your summer vacation is everything you wish for and more! Enjoy your break; you deserve it!


Read more travel tips on the SecurCare blog:

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