Affordable Vacation Ideas for Boomers

There are countless vacation destinations that offer breathtaking scenery and comfortable accommodations with endless opportunities to relax and enjoy your well-deserved time off. Many destinations are not only inexpensive, but are no more than just a few hours drive, making them truly affordable. Even if these ideas don't tickle your fancy, you won't have to search hard to find similar deals.

The Great outdoors

With a wide range of regional, state and national park campgrounds from coast to coast, camping has always been one of the most affordable ways to stay and play.

Yosemite National Park, CA -- Best known for the massive granite rock formations Half Dome and El Capitan looking down over Yosemite Valley.

Yellowstone National Park, WY -- Home of the famed "Old Faithful" geyser, numerous other hot springs, geothermal mineral pools and deposits, Yellowstone also hosts an abundance of wild grizzly bear, bison and wolves.

A Day at the Beach

The United States alone has thousands of miles of coastline, with most of its sandy beaches open to the public, free of charge and many with affordable lodgings.

South Padre Island, TX -- One of the most popular beach destinations in the U.S.

Carolina Beach, NC -- A seaside town with beaches that aren't crowded, reasonably priced accommodations and affordable activities.

Cannon Beach, OR -- Only hours from Portland and Seattle, this northwest oasis has affordable accommodations as well as state parks and other campgrounds close by.

A Little Romance?

If you're looking for a quiet and affordable getaway for just the two of you, consider some place new and different.

Gatlinberg, TN -- A beautiful secluded destination in the middle of the Great Smokey Mountains with walking trails and a tramway to the mountaintop.

Lake Quinault, WA -- A large lake just a few hours from Seattle that hosts a rustic, century-old lodge surrounded by a temperate rainforest.

Rincon, Puerto Rico -- Away from the tourists, this low-cost getaway has beautiful beaches, inexpensive hotels and friendly locals.

Action and Adventure

Opportunities for affordable adventure abound, especially if you consider destinations off the beaten track.

Big Horn Mountains, WY -- Paradise Guest Ranch hosts horseback riding, overnight pack trips and rustic western-style cabins.

Baja California -- Four- and seven-day trips across Baja in open-wheel tour cars with seasoned guides by Wide Open Baja Company come with first-rate accommodations, service and meals.

Himalayas, Nepal -- Explore the villages, trails, palaces and temples of greater Nepal with Peak Endeavour Nepal Trek. Hike around the famed Annapurna Massif and the peaks of Khumbu with views of Mt. Everest. Stay in small guest lodges or choose a camping trek.