Earlier in April, we asked our readers for their suggestions of the cheapest spots for summer travel. Originally, we were going to add 20 of the suggestions to our initial list of 10, but with 180 responses, we decided to make an entire list from your suggestions.

Without further ado, here are the top 30 cheapest summer travel spots – in no particular order – according to our blog readers:

Lima, Peru (Suggested by Garrett) – “The city is filled with history and cheap accommodations.”

Great Smoky Mountains (Suggested by Daniel Plinska) – “Expect to pay less than $20 a night for your campsites.”

Nashville, Tennessee (Suggested by Alyssa Browning) – “The state capitol and other historic sites, such as old Civil War battle lines, are other economical attractions.”

Apparently, It is Quite Dangerous to Ride a Bike in the Smokies

Iowa (Suggested by Laura) – “There are several arts festivals in the summertime including the free Des Moines Arts Festival in June and Jazz in July.”

Austin, Texas (Suggested by Linsey McCullough) – “Then head into downtown on Austin’s famous 6th Street and enjoy the music capital of the world while the streets are blocked off at night to take part in great people watching, shopping and cheap to near free entertainment.”

Wellington, New Zealand (Suggested by Nicole Gustas) – “The exchange rate now has the New Zealand dollar at just over 58 cents; it’s like getting the entire country at a half-off discount.”

Budapest, Hungary (Suggested by Noemi) – “Unlike Western Europe…it is very cheap!”

Portland, Oregon (Suggested by Katie MacDougall) – “Where else can you watch a movie for $3 while drinking micro-brew beer?”

Medellin, Columbia (Suggested by Sevenreds) – “Street vendors and cafes offer national and local dishes at more than reasonable prices.”

Boston, Massachusetts (Suggested by Tori) –  “Boston is known as the “walking city,” so no rental car needed.”

Prague, Czech Republic (Suggested by Caroline Slocum) – “I am currently spending the semester in Prague, Czech Republic and it is the most fun and cheapest place ever.”

Australia (Suggested by Rosie) – “..flights to Australia are DIRT CHEAP!”

Washington, D.C. (Suggested by Julia) – “The only problem with meals is fitting them in between all the free sights, such as the National Monuments, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonians, Arlington Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, and all of the other fascinating things this city has to offer.”

In Boston, Some Cars are Also Boats. Quack!

Cape Town, South Africa (Suggested by Jarrad) – “The culture is rich and exhilarating, the people are inspiring and the weather is temperate…”

Seattle, Washington (Suggested by Stephen Alvarado) – “…riding the bus downtown is free!”

Puerto Rico (Suggested by Melissa) – “Get to experience the Latin flare of Central/South America for the price of visiting a U.S. territory hassle-free.”

Chicago, Illinois (Suggested by Renee O.) – “…don’t forget the free entertainment; this year’s line-up includes the Counting Crows, the Wallflowers, Barenaked Ladies and Ne-Yo.”

Bar Harbor, Maine (Suggested by Meghan Martin) – “I mean, come on, they have vacationland posted on their license plate.”

Granada, Nicaragua (Suggested by Shae) – “It’s very European, but you’re in a country where you can get a private room at a hostel for only $15.”

Minneapolis, Minnesota (Suggested by Alli Bloom) – “The attitude is hip and funky, and there are tons of cheap college places to eat, see music and just hang out!”

Michigan (Suggested by Carol Bontekoe) – “It’s a great state and needs the tourism to stay afloat.”

El Salvador (Suggested by Michelle Rios) – “Add inexpensive meals averaging $3 and hotels starting as low as $17 a night and you will be wishing summer lasted longer.”

Jersey Shore (Suggested by Katie Ryan) – “Another benefit of a beach house is having a kitchen so you can avoid eating out every night.”

Turkey (Suggested by Gina) – “I spent a month there on $500, traveling all around the country.”

An Artist's Wall in Krakow

Krakow, Poland (Suggested by James) – “The currency is not yet the Euro and it makes for a cheap, wonderful vacation.”

Memphis, Tennessee (Suggested by Megan) – “Memphis has something for everyone – and cheap! It was good enough for Elvis.”

San Francisco, California (Suggested by Alex) – “Little Italy and Russian Hill are only a few of the culture soaked districts in this North California gemstone.”

Cajon del Maipo, Chile (Suggested by Hannah) – “Get a group of friends to stay in cabanas or check out the cheap hostel options.”

Burlington, Vermont (Suggested by Josie) – “…it’s only about an hour to Montreal and The Ben and Jerry’s factory.”

Honduras (Suggested by Sarah) – “The food is amazing and cheap, offering the most amazing produce.”

To see STA Travel’s recommendations, click here.

Krakow Photo Credit: 13bobby on Flickr

Sign Photo Credit: xq311z on Flickr

Duck Boat Photo Credit: Pathfinder Linden on Flickr

There are about four million people who live in New Zealand and about 40 million sheep. If you want an authentic experience, make sure to spend some time on a farm like Flock Hill.

Located on the South island, Flock Hill is a fully functional farm that offers a great way too see the hard work and skill that goes into maintaining a successful farm. The head farmer will give you a tour of part of the land. We lucked out by getting to help herd and separate the sheep according which ones needing a trim of their wool to get ready for mating season (a process called, “crutching“).

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the people rule the sheep

We jumped right in and I think the two sheep dogs did a way better job than twenty of us could do together. We pretty much failed and some of us had to correct errors made in separating the woolly sheep from the skinny sheep.

In addition to meeting some cool animals (including a very friendly pig named Stella), the farm made us a delicious dinner that featured fresh vegetables and local favorites. (Yes, lamb was served but it was so good I was not bothered eating it.)

If you happen to book this trip through STA, you even get special rates on drinks at the farm bar.

Check out the stars at night with no city lights to block your view and wake up to stunning views of the misty mountains. It makes for a truly unique experience that you would normally never get a chance to do anywhere else. The best part: filling out your customs form upon your return to the U.S. and checking the box that states you, “came in close contact with livestock.”

Milford Sound is one of the more popular tourist attractions in New Zealand, yet many only spend a couple hours on a boat in the fjord.

I recently went to Milford on a South Island tour and the best part was that we got to actually spend the night in the Sound. The benefit of staying overnight on the fjord is that only a couple ships stay on the water so you experience extreme calmness, extreme quiet, and extreme darkness.

Like Bumper Cars on Water with Sticks

Our boat, The Wanderer, offered not only delicious meals onboard, but they gave us the option to take a tour around the Sound in a smaller boat or go kayaking.

I had never kayaked before so it was nice having the water so calm with only one other ship in the water.

After kayaking, a few of us were stupid enough to jump off the top of the ship and into the freezing cold water. When else are you ever able to swim in such unique water as Milford Sound with freshwater on top from the heavy rainfall and seawater on the bottom from the Tasman Sea?

At night, we enjoyed a hot shower and some of the unlimited hot chocolate/tea/coffee while playing games provided onboard.  We went out on the deck and experienced being surrounded in total darkness. In the morning, we indulged in a hot breakfast cooked up by the staff and headed outside (bring your jacket, it is quite chilly in the morning) and enjoyed your last moments alone on the sound before heading back to the dock.

There is no way to experience any of that within a short two hour trip!

Come back for more New Zealand tips tomorrow.

Being an adrenaline junkie myself, the destination I’ve always dreamed of going to Queenstown, New Zealand. Even if you’re not ready to jump out of a plane or off of a bridge, Queenstown offers plenty of options to seek the right amount of thrill for you.

Here are my top picks that I tried out, from tamest to “wet-your-pants” scary:

The Luge
Cost: NZD34 (About $19 USD) for the gondola and two luge rides
Good for: Amateur speed racers

While this is one of the less frightening options, my guide informed me it is also the most dangerous. First, you must take the Skyline gondola up towards the top of Bob’s Peak. I would recommend doing at least two luge rides, as there are two tracks and everyone must take the “scenic” track first before moving on to the more exciting “advanced” track. Cruise around the track and try not to get too distracted by the gorgeous views surrounding you, as the more advanced luge riders WILL run you over.

Shotover Jet
Cost: NZD89 (About $49 USD)
Good for: Laughs and getting wet

With 360 degree spins and close calls with canyon rocks, this super-fast jet boat is worth checking out if you do not want to jump out of planes or off of ledges. The drivers are extremely talented and though the thrill is short-lived, it is almost worth the money when you realize that they provide you with raincoat versions of Snuggies to keep you dry.

AJ Hackett bungee jump: Kawarau Bridge
Cost: NZD165 (About $91 USD)
Good for: First-time bungee jump

Though this jump is definitely not the highest at 43m, it was the first commercial bungee site and has one of the most scenic views on the way down. A 74 year-old man jumped before me (if you are over 60 you jump for free) so I could not justify getting too scared
but it was definitely an adrenaline rush. Did you know that only a TOWEL and a little strap are the only things keeping you from death? The hardest part was hiking up the steep stairs leading back to the building with my heart still pounding from the jump.

It doesn’t matter what you choose to do in Queenstown, just make sure you do something!

Check back tomorrow for more New Zealand tips!