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

The next stop on our golden itinerary was the famous city of Prague, a locale known for its innumerable spires and fantastical architecture. After arriving in the late afternoon, we took a short walking tour at dusk, winding through the Old Town to admire the astronomical clock and old town hall and then have a drink in a local pub.

Now, I’ve heard that Czechs say “Beer makes beautiful bodies” and consume more beer per capita than any other nation in the world (although Germany may dispute this); and, thanks to beer purity laws, it’s nearly impossible to wake up with a hangover after having Czech beer (note: I say NEARLY impossible). In fact, legend has it that Budweiser beer actually comes from an old Czech recipe for the beer Budvar! It seems an American fellow took a trip to Eastern Europe, dug the beer, and returned home with the recipe. Since he had the means to mass-produce and market the stuff, he passed it off as his own and went to work. Have the rights to the recipe been settled nowadays? Google it and let me know!

Prague at Night

Anyway, some of the group relaxed with quality beer while others tried absinthe. Fret not, Mom (she’s reading this, right?) — the stuff is no longer allowed to be made with wormwood, so there were no visits by that infamous little green fairy. After that, we walked onward to the Charles Bridge to marvel at the city of Prague by night. The evening was made perfect by the glorious castle on the hill (illuminated thanks to The Rolling Stones and a television special in which they wanted the Prague castle as a backdrop), a terrific group of travelers, and interesting stories provided by our guide, as well as a bit of fresh air while promenading. Then it was on to a super cheesy five-story nightclub in the heart of the city (right next to the Charles Bridge!) to dance to the most random mix of music EVER on the oldies floor. The group got down to everything from fifties joints to the flamenco jams of the Gipsy Kings. Nice.

The next day we were free to explore the city at our own leisure, so I took some time to recline, just wandering about the city, having coffee in a hidden café (not to mention the cocunut ice cream that came in a coconut shell), and generally enjoying myself. Suddenly there arrived a freak thunderstorm, and I had to make my second “emergency umbrella” purchase of the week. It seems I have poor judgement, as I always take my umbrella out of my bag on the days I need it. Don’t worry, though – I’m not just walking around with three umbrellas in my bag. I promptly lost the newest one when I left it in the hotel lobby that very night. Solid performance.

Anyway, after getting caught in the electric summer storm and buying a new umbrella, I met up with the gang for a bite to eat. More pork, potatoes, and beer before calling it an evening and saying farewell to glorious Prague.

From Prague, we sped toward the beautiful and oft overlooked country of Poland. We arrived rather late in the day, and after a sufficient number of tour group members got lost taking the wrong bus into Krakow, we called it a night and rested up for a massive day ahead. The following morning it was up and out early in order to pay a somber and enlightening visit to the concentration camp of Birkenau-Auschwitz. Always a fan of history (particularly that of World War II), I was left without words for much of the day; for touring the grounds and hearing our tour guide’s commentary on this place of such tremendous strife was both chilling and meaningful beyond description. It’s only through sharing and experiencing the past that we understand why we are where we are today, and for that reason, everyone should visit Birkenau-Auschwitz if given the opportunity.

After the sobering camp visit, we strolled into town to relax and take in the modern day. Some continued the day of learning with a Schindler’s Tour of the city while others chose to café hop, shop, or visit the markets. I spent my time wandering about in awe of the beautiful city center and wondering why more travelers don’t hit Poland in their journeys. It’s unbelievably lovely and metropolitan, that Krakow! I visited the open air markets that sold grand amounts of amber and ceramics, and I strolled through a festival that featured belly dancers and a power-walking tournament. Rock on. Upon grabbing some kebabs and heading back to the hotel, we stumbled upon a massive concert along the river that featured far too many out of place songs like “Red, Red Wine”…and I have to admit: the Polish people swaying and singing along was extremely entertaining. Something about that song and summertime just makes people want to jam.

All in all, a moving and exhilarating time