If you've started planning your summer vacation, you already know that it can be hard to find great deals for popular destinations. This year, record gas prices will drive up the cost of road trips and air travel, making the already expensive travel season even worse.

However, if you visit destinations that aren't traditional summer hotspots, you can save money and have a unique vacation. Our top picks for summer travel offer everything from beaches to skiing in the U.S. and abroad. Read on to find out how you can save in the Cayman Islands; New Zealand; Phoenix; São Paulo, Brazil; and Thailand.

Next>>Cayman Islands: Summer specials, new flights, and 16,000 turtles