Wealth Elf’s Best Last Minute Vacation Deals Summer 2025

If you're seeking a spontaneous summer getaway this summer, there are numerous destinations offering affordability, charm, and ease of access.

Here are some top picks for last-minute vacations domestic and international from the Wealth Elf. And if you want to stack great ways to save with your flights and hotel, visit the Wealth Elf’s Guides: How to Save on Flights Like an Industry Pro and Top Hotel Hacks to Save Serious Cash.

In the United States:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Enjoy classic beach vibes with miles of free public beaches while traversing a lively boardwalk with plenty of free family-friendly activities. The beach is known for attractions like:

• Broadway at the Beach: featuring shopping, dining, nightlife, and attractions like WonderWorks and Ripley’s Aquarium.

• SkyWheel: A massive Ferris wheel with ocean views.

• Mini golf: Myrtle Beach is known as the "Mini Golf Capital of the World."

Visitors can enjoy affordable motels and Airbnb options plus free summer concerts at Brookgreen Gardens ($12 entry).

With 60 miles of sandy shoreline along The Grand Strand you and your family will enjoy warm waters and gentle waves - great for , sunbathing, and water sports

New Orleans, Louisiana

We love NOLA for its rich culture, live jazz, and delicious cuisine. While hot in late July

and August you can enjoy great deals which make this city a vibrant yet affordable choice.

In the summer, music spills out of every bar, street corner, and festival (and it’s all about jazz). Experience live music and brass bands in the French Quarter or second line parades on weekends. Summer music festivals like Satchmo SummerFest occur in August, celebrating Louis Armstrong

And when it comes to food you’ll enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, soul food and Cajun-Creole dishes - the city is a food lover’s dream. Must-tries include:

• Beignets at Café du Monde

• Crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya

• Snowballs (like snow cones, but creamier and more delicious) — perfect for cooling down

You can stay in boutique hotels or guesthouses in neighborhoods like the French Quarter.

Enjoy walking tours, street performances, and eateries offering budget-friendly meals.

International Recommendations:

Cancún, Mexico

A perennial favorite for budget travelers, offering beautiful beaches and rich cultural experiences.

For Cancun, round trip flights range from $249–$350 with daily expenses average $90–$140. From the Mayan ruins, cenotes, and vibrant nightlife we love Cancun as an international vacation.

Summer is also peak season for marine activities where you can swim with whale sharks (June to September) — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Incredible snorkeling and scuba diving awaits in places like Isla Mujeres and the MUSA underwater museum.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

DR is ideal for beach lovers seeking an all-inclusive experience. From flights around $460–$560 you can even budget daily expenses around just $36–$45.

The Dominican Republic is great for its white-sand beaches, water sports, and the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

Consider ziplining through lush mountains, hiking, or cascading down waterfalls (like 27 Charcos). And if you love to move, dance is everywhere — merengue, bachata, and reggaeton fuel the nightlife. July is Merengue Festival Month (especially in Santo Domingo) with music, parades, and street parties

Toronto, Canada

Eager to go up north instead? A cosmopolitan city with diverse neighborhoods and cultural attractions - Toronto is your destination.

The city combines big-city energy with outdoor beauty in a uniquely Canadian way. Immerse yourself in different cultures and foods with neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Little India Global cuisine everywhere — from food trucks to fine dining with cultural festivals almost every weekend.

Check out flights from $150–$300 and lodging around $180-300 per night. The Wealth Elf team loves the Toronto Islands, CN Tower, and vibrant food scenes in Little Italy and Chinatown.

Did you love these recommendations? Let us know your favorite at @Wealth_Elf.