Claire Rollet
The deeper we dive into summer, the more expensive everything seems to get. So, we, the editors at Traveler, have turned an eye towards the elegantly affordable—the "cheapest, nicest” as our team in the UK has coined it. We're excited about beautiful boutique hotels whose nightly rates won't break the bank; we're beelining for casual eats that really tell you something about a place, at a friendly price. But once you have your itinerary and budget set—how can you apply this thinking to the rest of your time in a destination?
There are plenty of ways to upgrade your summer travel without having to pull your credit card out yet again. Because if it’s true that the best things in life are free, then the second best are certainly those you’ve already paid for.
Below, we're rounded up our favorite ways—from activities to packing tips—to improve your existing travel plans, with absolutely no payment required. Because, let's be honest, no matter what your budget is, everyone loves the word ‘free.’
One way to pass the time—and leave a positive mark while you're at it—is to participate in local, community-driven events such as beach clean-ups. (Claire Rollet)
Our favorite free things to do on trips
1. Take the scenic route (and not the fastest one) to at least one destination on your travels. If you’re driving in the US, do your homework on Scenic Byways and consider planning your route around them. The views may be worth a slightly longer journey.
2. Go running in a new city. Use Strava or MapMyRun to find your running route—it’s a great way to get the lay of the land.
3. Take part in local, community-driven events, be they beach clean-ups or citizen science projects, so you leave having made a contribution to a place you enjoy visiting (hopefully with a few new friends).
4. Walk whenever, wherever you can. It’s a great way to both see the city and get your steps in for the day.
5. Pack a bathing suit wherever you’re going, even if you think you won’t need it.
Always carry a swimsuit—you never know when the opportunity to take a dip may present itself. (Claire Rollet)
6. Keep a deck of playing cards in reach—whether that’s in your day bag, or carry-on—as they’re the perfect excuse to linger in the sun a little longer.
7. Carry a journal and jot down the highlights of your trip (and definitely doodle in the margins); it’s one of the best ways to preserve your memories.
8. Make sure to request the window seat on short flights, even if you usually default to the aisle. Enjoy every ounce of sun you can get this season.
9. If you’re on the shore, grab a blanket and have a picnic on the beach during golden hour.
10. There’s never a better time to do a free walking tour than in the summer. Look up some options in advance for the perfect afternoon activity. You'll get to meet people and learn about the city from a local. (Okay, you may need your wallet for this one—tips are expected, but the cost of entry is still a bargain.)
11. Ask your hotel or Airbnb if the city you’re visiting has a bike or scooter share system—like Citibike in New York, or Donkey Republic in Amsterdam. Many apps have free rides or discounts for first time users.
Ask your accommodations about a destination's bike share systems—there's nothing like seeing a city on a set of wheels. (Claire Rollet)
12. Instead of eating indoors, take your lunch to the nearest park or the waterfront and enjoy the fresh air—and the views.
13. Find the nearest swimming hole and take a swim—it’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day. In the US, the Outly app has a map to locate swimming holes, lakes, and hot springs in your area.
14. On your next hiking trip, share your snacks with other people on the trail or at a resting point—it’s one of our favorite ways to create a moment of connection with fellow hikers, especially if you don’t speak the same language.
Always look up at night—the stars are the greatest free show around. (Claire Rollet)
15. Keep your boarding pass for perks in your destination, from free drinks to discounted museum admission.
16. Book an airline stopover in a different city to maximize your airfare.
17. Utilize city ferries when you can as a way to get onto the water—they’re often free, or at least cheaper than taking an Uber.
18. Don’t forget to look up at night: Planets like Jupiter and plentiful meteor showers like the Perseids are visible every summer, even if you’re not traveling to a dark sky park or a remote destination.
19. Get free admission to national parks on August 4, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. Many state parks offer free admission year round, too, and even have programs with local libraries that offer cardholders free parking passes.
In warmer months, many cities and towns offer free concerts, movie nights, and dance parties in public spaces. (Claire Rollet)
20. Always Google what’s going on in your destination before you arrive. Keep an eye out for free live events—there are often summer music series, movie nights, and daytime dance parties on offer at local parks and waterfronts.
21. Gallery-hop to get a sense of the local art scene and enjoy some much-needed AC while you’re at it—think of these spaces as free micro-museums (though you may be tempted to break out your wallet and buy a piece while you're there).
22. Check to see if museums where you’re visiting offer free admission during select hours, then plan accordingly—New York City's The Whitney, for instance, has Free Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m.
23. Find a beautiful park, grab a beach blanket or towel, and spend an hour or two reading a book (and people-watching) outdoors.
24. Check in advance to see when the local food or farmers markets are on in your destination. They’re a great way to mingle with residents, discover endemic cuisine and produce, and, hey, there may even be free samples.
Museums often have free or discounted admission during certain hours, so plan accordingly. (Claire Rollet)
25. Use the Meetup app to make friends and attend events nearby.
26. Head to the roof—whether it’s a rooftop bar or an observation deck, you’re guaranteed the best views of your destination when you're elevated.
27. Use the weather app on your phone to find out what time the sun sets in your destination so you can catch it.
28. Enjoy the open air while doing something a little different. Depending on the month, head to a lavender field or pumpkin patch on the outskirts of a city to enjoy fresh air and scenic views.
A wander around a farmer's market is a great way to get a sense of the culture and meet locals. (Claire Rollet)
29. Check for ‘soft launches’ or free-to-public opening nights in your destination. You could be checking out one of the soon-to-be hottest new restaurants or galleries in town and saving a lot of money in the process.
30. Look up local open-container laws—if it’s allowed, grab a bottle of local wine or beer and enjoy happy hour in a public space, like you might in your own city. (We know, the drinks aren’t free, but the scenic setting sure is.)
31. If you’re using public transportation to get around a new city, make a point to get off one or two stops earlier than you need to—you never know what you’ll stumble upon in those few blocks before your final destination.
32. Use Duolingo to learn the basics of a new language before an international trip (or, at the very least, on the flight over). It’ll be worth it when you can greet your Airbnb host in their own language, or order your morning coffee without having to point.