The United States is the third largest country in the world after Russia and China, making it a great place to explore on your travels. Depending on the region you visit, you’ll enjoy a variety of landscapes, water bodies and cultures.
Exploring the United States does not necessarily have to be an expensive endeavour. With some research and planning, you can find some of the cheapest places to travel in the US.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the country’s most budget-friendly travel spots, offering a variety of unforgettable experiences, seasonal activities, and fun.
Cheapest places to travel in the US: Cities
Each of the cities below offers a wide range of affordable accommodation, including cozy B&Bs and budget hotels. Plus, these places have tons of free or low-cost activities for all ages.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is best known for its beautiful autumn foliage. But it’s also a great spot to visit in the spring. Surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a hidden gem for budget travelers.
Fun local activities to try in Asheville:
- Hiking (with or without a tour guide) (Appalachian Trail, exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, exploring waterfalls, etc.)
- brewery visit
- Local food experience, including eating street food from a local truck dealer
- Explore historic districts including the famous Biltmore Estate
- Explore local markets, gardens, and Asheville’s vibrant downtown
2. Austin, Texas
Texas is known for its affordable prices and fun attractions, and Austin is a prime example. This laid-back atmosphere is perfect for travelers who want to relax and explore without spending too much.
Austin is known for its unique blend of a vibrant music scene, vibrant food culture, and Texas charm.
Austin offers a variety of budget-friendly or free activities.
- Visit Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek Greenbelt trails for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking
- Explore downtown areas with unique street art, independent shops and food trucks
- Hear local live music and attend events festival
3. Branson, Missouri
Branson is a small town nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.Stunning natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities Make Branson the ideal place For the adventure-seeking budget traveler.
Branson has plenty of opportunities to spend your money and explore.
- Fishing and swimming in local streams and rivers
- Explore trails in the Ozark Mountains
- Visit Bluff View State Park for breathtaking views of the Ozarks
- Hike to a local waterfall
- Tube down the Current River
And if you want to avoid the astronomical prices of the big theme parks and still have access to fun rides, shows, and other activities, Branson, near Silver Dollar City, is the place to go. The entry fee to Silver Dollar City is a fraction of the cost of other theme parks, but it’s still a lot of fun.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, an incredibly diverse city in the southern United States, is another affordable option. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a place to explore history and culture, this vibrant city has it all on a tight budget.
New Orleans has plenty of cheap and free activities.
- Visits to local museums, galleries and venues
- Explore the French Quarter with its unique architecture and vibrant nightlife (walking tour or privately)
- Attend street events such as parades, jazz festivals and live music performances
- Tour the Garden District
- Indulge in delicious Creole cuisine or take a cooking class
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Take the plunge and spend a lot, and Las Vegas could quickly become one of the most expensive destinations. Thankfully trip to las vegas It’s also a great place for budget travelers who want plenty of sunshine, warmth and people-watching.
Gambling on the Strip, exploring downtown art galleries and museums, and attending live performances such as the Cirque du Soleil show. Alternatively, you can choose a hotel with a pool and spend the day relaxing in the sun.
Las Vegas Free Attractions and Sightseeing:
- Bellagio fountain
- mirage volcano
- Fremont Street Experience
- The Venetian and buskers along the Strip
- Explore nearby Red Rock Canyon or Lake Mead National Recreation Area
6. Tampa, Florida
Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds, spring breakers, and anyone looking for a beach-filled, budget-friendly getaway. Tampa is a great city known for its culture, history, nightlife, and beaches, yet it’s less crowded than other popular destinations in the state.
Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or an opportunity to explore the city without breaking the bank, Tampa is a great tropical climate destination without splurging on Caribbean destinations.
Budget friendly activities in Tampa:
- Explore Tampa’s Riverwalk and Botanical Gardens
- Go for a swim, enjoy a day on the white sands and explore the coastline
- Visit the manatee viewing area
- Take a walking tour of downtown
Bonus Cities: Winter Wonderland Destinations
If you love winter and all that winter has to offer, including snow activities and cozy destinations, traveling during the cold months is a great option. Fewer people tend to travel to popular destinations when it’s cold outside, so it’s a great time to find cheap travel destinations. Remember to pack all layers.
With that said, here are some budget-friendly options to consider during the winter months.
- Denver: Not only is Denver one of the most affordable cities to visit in the winter, but it also has plenty of outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. Additionally, downtown has a vibrant nightlife for those who want to explore the city’s culture and history.
- Chicago: In the middle of winter, local Chicago hotels sometimes offer good deals. If you’re prepared to brave the cold, you can explore all that Chicago has to offer, including delicious food, shows, and museums, indoors and without the summer price tag.
- new york city: New York is a mecca for entertainment, food and culture. Plus, in the winter, hotel rates are cheaper and you can catch Broadway shows.
Cheapest places to travel in the US: National Parks
For the more adventurous, national parks are renowned as the cheapest places to travel to see the United States and its unique nature. With a national park pass and camping gear, you can explore some of the most beautiful places in the country without breaking the bank.
Note: National parks have become very popular in recent years. Plan ahead and consider traveling during the shoulder season around peak season to avoid crowds and hefty price tags. This is especially good advice if you plan to stay in a hotel.
Here are just a few National park To check out:
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Acadia National Park, Maine
To make the most of these iconic sites, check out lesser-known state parks and ask local rangers for additional tips on what to see and where to go.
Tips to make more money while traveling
The key is to plan and do your research if you want to save money while traveling. Here are some tips for extending your budget.
- Visit the destination during shoulder season. This means visiting places with low demand before and after the primary season.
- Get creative with your stay. Depending on your preferences, the length of your trip, and the size of your travel group, you have many options when it comes to staying somewhere. They range from traditional hotels to renting entire homes, staying in hostels, and even camping in her RV or tent.
- Find great deals on flights and hotels, including package deals to resorts. If you’re flying, be flexible with your itinerary and travel on cheaper days to save money on airfare.
- Take advantage of credit card travel rewards. With a strategy that earns bonus points, you can win free flights, hotels, and more with just a few credit cards.
- Avoid tourist traps. These can be expensive, overcrowded with tourists, and not an authentic experience.
- Find free or cheap activities. Take advantage of the free activities and attractions available in the city. Some of the activities you can enjoy in any town are always free, such as free walking tours, park visits, neighborhood explorations, and local nature experiences. So consider destinations that are rich in outdoor fun.
- Find local coupons and deals. Use a reputable coupon site such as travelin coupon to find bargains. They spend hours researching at each destination to save as much as possible on flights, hotels, local attractions and activities. We’ve got you covered with all your favorite budget travel destinations.
- try something different. If you have a lot of destinations you want to visit at once, find out what cruises are available from popular destinations like Florida and other eastern ports.
Ultimately, be open-minded and consider what opportunities present themselves to get the best travel experience on a budget.
Explore America on any budget
Traveling the US on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing memorable experiences. Above are some of the best options if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip in the US.
Whatever your interest or season, you’ll find affordable destinations. By exploring these affordable destinations and taking advantage of the deals available in the local area, you can create a great travel itinerary that won’t break your bank.
Embrace the spirit of affordable travel and embark on an unforgettable experience to amazing destinations across the United States.
Susan is the owner of Travelin’ Coupons, a website focused on finding the best prices on attractions, tours, museums, hotels and more. Susan has over 20 years of her experience in the travel industry, working half of her career in hotels and the other half in tourist attractions.
