Oprah's Top Picks for Summer

Summer is the perfect time to take a family vacation. Trips can get expensive in the popular summer months, but Samantha Brown, from Travel Channel's Passport series, has advice for travelers on a budget.   See Samantha's budget-friendly summer travel ideas.

When you're choosing a destination, think outside the box. A big city is a great choice because most of the residents go out of town. "Hotels are cheaper, and it's amazing all the free stuff that happens in a city," Samantha says.

Taking a summer escape to a winter ski resort is another affordable option. "These places are beautiful in the summer," Samantha says. "The hotel deals are excellent because it's the off-season. You can hike, bike, swim or take the ski lift and have a picnic at the top of the mountain."

If you're itching to get to Europe, consider heading to South America instead. "Try Buenos Aires, Argentina," Samantha says. "The city has the look of Paris and the feel of Italy, but the hotels are a third of what you would pay across the Atlantic."

Looking for more travel ideas? Try our ultimate summer vacation guide!