Destination Vacation

Great deals on popular summer destinations

Take a break from the everyday without breaking the bank. We researched deals on the top summer travel spots—here’s what we found.

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Work hard, play hard. When medical students and DOs have hectic schedules, a break to restore the mind, body and spirit is all the more important. Summer is the perfect time to unwind and get away from the chores of the day to maximize relaxation under the warmth of sunshine, on the shores of a beach, or tucked away in the solitude of nature.

The DO scoured popular travel websites and the AOA’s Member Travel Discount Program and found many unexpectedly good deals on popular summer getaways.

The AOA Member Travel Discount Program offers low rates on hotels and rental cars across most U.S. cities and in some international destinations.

Examples below reflect sample travel dates between June 30, 2018, and July 7, 2018, viewed on June 12, 2018.  Estimated savings may vary depending on date of booking, dates of travel, selected amenities and other offerings. 

Here are some of the best deals The DO found for 9 popular summer vacation destinations:

Las Vegas

Vegas is home to several professional sports teams, Cirque de Soleil and a host of celebrity shows. You can also escape into nature in nearby Red Rock Canyon. Get 60 percent or more off of accommodations and rental car rates as low as $19 per day via the AOA's Travel Discount Program.

Grand Canyon

With breathtaking views that span 18 miles wide and 277 river miles in length, the Grand Canyon offers a spectacular glimpse of nature to nearly 6 million visitors per year. Cabins, cottages and bed & breakfast accommodations fill up quickly for this location. Pair accommodations with a rental car for lowest overall savings. Expedia offers a $116 per day rate for hotel and rental car for 7 days.

Miami Beach

Summer is the off season in Miami, which makes it a good time for deals. With blue waters, under blue skies, Miami Beach offers shopping, nightlife and an art deco historic district. On Orbitz, find hotel rates as low as $46 per night including $68 for a four-star hotel stay and $19 per day for a rental car.

San Francisco

With over 400 properties to choose from through AOA's Travel Discount Program, and up to 72 percent off accommodation costs, San Francisco offers plenty of options for your budget. Among the top destinations for tourists are The Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite Park and Napa Valley. Enjoy rental car rates as low as $36 per day.

Seattle

Summer is Seattle's peak travel season so book early for this popular location. Lower-cost options include accommodations for around $100 per night through TripAdvisor. Car rentals start at $43 per day via Hotwire. After visiting the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, indulge in one of the area's breathtaking views, like this one of the Cascade Mountains at sunrise, from Patterson Mountain.

Vancouver

Mount Seymour Park in North Vancouver features an amazing view and space to move. The Vancouver Lookout has a panoramic view of the city including the Olympic Peninsula Mountains and Stanley Park. Find three-star hotels for $110 per night, and $29 per day rental car rates on Priceline. If you have flexibility, try Priceline's Express Deal service for up to 60 percent in savings.

New York City

What's not to like about New York City in the summer? Visit the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge, then explore hidden pockets of tranquility in Central Park. Travelocity offers accommodation rates of around $100 per night in and around Manhattan.

Washington, DC

Washington, DC, features a range of free attractions, such as the World War II Memorial, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian museums, and the Lincoln Memorial. Save up to 58% on accommodation and rent a car for $45 per day via the AOA's Travel Discount Program.

Myrtle Beach

Over 18 million tourists enjoy the nearly 60 miles of Myrtle Beach's coastline annually, including the SkyWheel, a large oceanfront Ferris wheel. With 281 properties to choose from, enjoy up to 53 percent off on accommodations using the AOA Travel Discount Program, with rental car rates as low as $36 per day.

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