The most obvious way to reduce vacation expenses is to choose a budget-friendly area to visit. It's important to keep in mind that there are plenty of beautiful vacation spots both in the U.S. and abroad. Of course, if out-of-country travel is preferred, there are many foreign places

experiencing record lows in accommodation rates.

Everyone needs a getaway and should be entitled to a break from work. But with the cost of vacationing rising each year, it can be difficult to plan a trip that doesn't break the bank.

How should travelers go about reducing the cost?

1Between airfare, car rental, and miscellaneous travel expenses, travelers spend an average of $1,500.

The average rate for seven nights in a hotel is $1,200 with all associated fees included.

Visiting attractions and purchasing souvenirs adds another $400.

The average cost of food for a week-long vacation totals $800.

Miscellaneous expenses account for the remaining $500.

2Hotels rates in Venice, Italy are down 7% from 2012. A seven-night stay in renowned hotels – such as Al Ponte Mocenigo – can be found for around $100 or less per night.

As of this year, Riga, capital city of Latvia, is the official European Capital of Culture. Since its designation is still relatively young, vacationing here is still relatively cheap.

Riga has a thriving theater industry and is one of the world leaders in Art Nouveau.

World-class opera and ballet performance takes place regularly at the Latvia National Opera.

Warsaw is overowing with famous sites for any history enthusiast such as Old Town, a section of the city that was demolished during World War II but has since seen amazing rebuilding efforts.

During the summer, free piano concerts are offered in the city park every weekend.

Greece is a history-rich area with tourist spots including the site of Plato's Academy or the Parthenon in Athens.

Accommodation rates at Warsaw, Poland are also becoming more budget friendly, dropping 20% from 2012.

Following recent economic trouble, Greek vacation hotspots are offering highly affordable rates in effort to bolster tourism.

3Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation, is a thriving metropolis with plenty to see and do, and it is covered with hotels in all price ranges.

Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, with cheap tours available.

The city is also home to a sizable art scene and other entertainment options, such as the Please Touch Museum where patrons can experience exhibits hands-on.

Other historical sites, such as Lancaster County (home of the Amish and briey the nation's capital) and Valley Forge are within driving distance, perfect for day-tripping. Tours of Valley Forge can also be conducted independently for free, or guided for the low price of $16.50 per adult ticket.

Orlando is an affordable option with world-famous amusement parks. Hotel rates are also down 7% from previous years.

Both Universal Studios and Disney World have 1-day ticket options available for under $100 during peak season.

There are ve beaches less than 2 hours away from Orlando, including the renowned Daytona Beach, which can offer free relaxation and summer fun during vacation.

For an outdoor adventure, camping can cost as little as $10 to $20 per night year round.

Entrance fees to the park are reasonably priced as well, as low as $20 for a seven-day pass with annual passes available for only $40.

Yosemite National Park is a classic vacation choice with lots to see.

Atlantic Canada has always been a traditionally cheap place to travel across all four provinces (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick). With historical sites that appear the same today as they did centuries ago, competitively priced oceanic museums, and world-renowned seafood, it's a great choice for any trip.

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Seoul, South Korea is another fantastic choice. In addition to being the birthplace of the recently trending K-pop music scene, it's also home to historical palaces originating as early as the fourteenth century that have been restored and rebuilt to be experienced as they existed in the past. It also doesn't hurt that hotel rates are projected to remain down 8% from previous years in 2014!

Journey to South Africa and experience the country Nelson Mandela worked to change forever. With a plethora of beautiful beaches to explore, there's always time to spend a day having fun in the sun. If wildlife is momore the order of the day, the Kruger National Park offers exploration of the African ora and fauna for a mere $20 entrance fee. Packed with history and plenty to see and do, South Africa is a highly worthwhile travel destination that can be experienced fairly cheaply.

Whether you want to see America or anywhere beyond, travel is an affordable goal in 2014. Whatever your ideal vacation, travel safe and travel smart –

it's not too hard to avoid breaking the bank!

1. http://about.americanexpress.com/news/sst/report/2013-05_Spend-and-Save-Tracker.pdf 2. http://stuffedsuitcase.com/2014/01/average-vacation-cost/ 3. http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/10-best-budget-destinations-for-2014,19628/?page=1 4. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/venice/9540490/Venice-on-a-budget-the-best-cheap-hotels-and-restaurants.html 5. http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/london/Riga-2014/ 6. http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/10-best-budget-destinations-for-2014,19628/?page=4 7. http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/10-best-budget-destinations-for-2014,19628/?page=3 8. http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm 9. http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/10-best-budget-destinations-for-2014,19628/?page=2 10. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/beach/orl-closestorlando-story,0,4514450.story 11. http://www.bankrate.com/nance/smart-spending/7-classic-american-vacations-on-the-cheap-2.aspx 12. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm 13. http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/10-best-budget-destinations-for-2014,19628/?page=3

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