Big Cities Can be Affordable Too
While most of us wanderlusters have a bucket list full of exotic travel destinations, it might not make financial sense to book a trip abroad if you’re trying to vacation on a budget. There are tons of affordable places in your own backyard that won’t break the bank.
However, you don’t have to be bored in the countryside in order to save a few bucks; big cities can be affordable too. Plus you’ll save even more if you combine budget-friendly destinations with other money-saving tactics, such as knowing what traveling essentials you can get from the dollar store.
We’ve compiled a list to help you travel cheap in the USA, inspire your next getaway and get you back on the road in no time.
Albuquerque, NM
Named one of Hotwire.com’s top value cities, Albuquerque is one of the best places to travel in the US on a budget. Home to the world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, general admission tickets only cost $10 a person. The Balloon Fiesta is one of the reasons why Albuquerque is considered a fantastic fall destination for couples.
There are lots of free things to do for kids and families (especially during the summer) such as local history museums, community events and cultural presentations in the Old Town district. Visitors can travel on the historic Route 66, which offers a window into the past, and visit one of the many national parks where entry costs less than a cup of coffee.
Atlanta, GA
Although it’s considered a major city, Atlanta doesn’t have to break the bank like Los Angeles or New York City. Taking its place among other cheap destinations in the USA, Atlanta has tons of free outdoors festivals and activities throughout the year.
Since it’s a state capital, you can tour government buildings in the area for free including the Capitol Building and Governor’s Mansion. It’s also home to one of the Six Flags theme parks, which is about a third of the cost of a trip to the Disney parks.
Since its airport is used as a hub for many airlines, it’s also pretty cheap to fly into, with tickets typically ranging from $125 to $225 no matter what city you fly in from.
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Denver, CO
As cheap US destinations go, Denver, CO is one of the best. Full of art, historic buildings and beautiful scenery, you can tailor a trip to you or your family’s specific interests.
Museums are typically less than $15 per person with many offering free days during the year. The Buffalo Bill Museum offers a glimpse into the Wild Wild West for $5, and the Denver Story Trek provides free tours of the city.
Nearby Golden and Englewood also have rivers you can float down on the inflatable of your choice for less than $10. Denver’s also an up and coming foodie city, which means cheap, delicious eats no matter what your taste.
Dallas, TX
Another major airport hub, travel in and out of Dallas can range from $125 to $225 round trip, whether you’re coming from the Northeast or the Southwest. It consistently ends up on lists of the best places to travel in the US on a budget.
Dallas has a number of public plazas and squares where free cultural and food events take place during the year. It has the largest urban arts district which includes museums with free admission.
The city is also incredibly kid-friendly and includes lots of fun attractions such as ice skating, go-karting, and arcade gaming for between $5 and $10.
Phoenix, AZ
Known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes that are accessible year-round. If you’re feeling outdoorsy and adventurous, there are plenty of free hikes around South Mountain and Piestewa Peak.
Like many cheap places to travel in the US on this list, it also has tons of weekly festivals and farmers’ markets that are free and open to the public. Art lovers will enjoy staying in Phoenix the first weekend of the month, when they do their free art walk within in the city.
Amazingly, public transportation is a lot cheaper here than other capital cities, with an all-day pass on their light rail only costing $4.
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Cleveland, OH
While it might not be first on your list, Cleveland is one of those cheap US destinations that’ll surprise you with how much there is to do. Free live music abounds in pretty much every Cleveland neighborhood around the city.
Both University Circle and Downtown Cleveland offer free walking tours of their respective areas. In fact, you could spend an entire week just in University Circle, which is full of cheap museums and gardens, public performances, historical landmarks, shopping and mouth-watering restaurants.
It also has some of the cheapest accommodation on this list, with three-star hotels priced at less than $100 per night.
Tampa, FL
Tampa is a great alternative to Orlando if you’re not one for tacky tourist attractions and theme parks. This coastal city boasts the same great weather, but offers white, sandy beaches and much more budget-friendly prices.
There are plenty of things to do in Tampa. If you have kids, Tampa offers tons of discounts and free days for little ones at their movie theaters, museums and zoo. If your family’s into sports, their minor league baseball games are less than $10 a ticket and have $1 food days.
It’s also close to other fun Florida cities such as St. Petersburg, which has a hip bar and music scene that won’t break the bank if you’re traveling solo or with friends.