Traveling in the US doesn’t have to be expensive. Many destinations are places where you can have fun without much spending. You will find cheap places to travel in the US that make your dream vacation affordable. Whether you’re looking for sceneries, culture, or just fun, the US has more than enough budget-friendly areas to cater to every traveler’s needs.
Cheap Places to Travel in the US and When to Go for the Best Deals
#1: Asheville, North Carolina
![Asheville is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains.]
Asheville is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has an energetic arts scene, historic buildings, and outdoor adventures. Some activities are free, including driving the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting the many local art galleries. There are also many beautiful scenic trails in and around the mountains. With affordable dining and lodging options, Asheville is a perfect destination for budget travelers. For more information, visit the official tourism site of Asheville.
Best Time to Visit: Travel to Asheville during the spring or fall. The weather in both seasons is mild, and the foliage color is at its peak. These are prime times of year for little tourism, so you will save costs on accommodation and avoid crowds.
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#2: San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio has a rich history and modern attractions, making it the perfect destination for any budget traveler. With scenic riverside walks and lots of cheap boat rides, there’s a lot to do in San Antonio. Likewise, the variety of food around the city offers many opportunities to save when dining out. On the other hand, the Alamo, always free to visit, is a must-stop location for anybody hoping to glean its importance. You can find more information on the official Alamo page.
Best Time to Visit: San Antonio is best enjoyed in the spring and fall. The weather is generally great and there are endless festivals and events. They’re the ideal times to visit if you’re trying to dodge the vicious summer heat and crowd-pleasing high prices.
#3: Portland, Oregon
Portland is all about its distinctive culture, beautiful parks, and a lively food scene. The city has the International Rose Test Garden with over 7,000 rose bushes and 600-plus food vendor carts. For more details, you can visit their website. But definitely, the cherry on top is a walk in Forest Park.
Best Time to Visit: Portland is a great destination all year long, but it’s best in summer. The place is abuzz with warm weather and many outdoor festivals. Spring and fall offer nice weather and smaller crowds, with lower prices.
#4: Savannah, Georgia
The historic district of Savannah has plenty to offer, including cobblestone streets, gracious architecture, and many park-like squares. Activities in this area include a gentle promenade around Forsyth Park, touring the city’s historic squares, or taking in the city’s lively arts scene. Dining in the city is also cheap, with options ranging from Southern comfort food to other international cuisines. For more information, you can visit the official page of Forsyth Park.
Best Time to Visit: Spring is the best time to visit, with Savannah enjoying mild weather, and the entire town in bloom. Fall is also a good time — moderate, with halfway decent weather holding out and fewer people. Beat the heat, save money on lodging, and stay more comfortably.
#5: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is affordable and offers visitors the incredible, original Southwestern culture. It also has one of the most impressive landscapes. The city offers a lot to do for free, from the Old Town full of history and the Petroglyph National Monument to views from the Sandia Peak Tramway. For more details on this museum, you can visit its site. Also, hotels and food are cheap in Albuquerque, making it great news for frugal travelers.
Best Time to Visit: Albuquerque is best in the fall. The weather cools off, and it hosts the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Spring is also great, having milder weather and fewer tourists. If you’re planning to travel to New Mexico, make sure to read our comprehensive guide to eSIM plans in the USA.
#6: Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, also known as the Music City, is very lively with plenty of cheap options in which to spend one’s time. There are many free live music stages on every corner of this place. There are historic sites like Music Row., where you can find more information on its dedicated page. And there is good, cheap food of all kinds — from classic Southern dishes to international ones.
Best Time to Visit: Nashville is indeed a wonderful place any time of the year, but spring and fall are really the best. Not only is the weather beyond compare in these seasons but also dozens of outdoor festivals and events take place. In summer, avoiding peak months offers many accommodation options, allowing for a more comfortable trip.
**#7: **St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine has extensive history and charm at a price that is low owed more to its age as the nation’s oldest city. The activities are countless, from touring historic districts and visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument to enjoying beautiful beaches. You can get more details on its official page. This city also has many cheap places to stay and eat, making it ideal for budget travel.
Best Time to Visit: This town is best visited during the spring or fall, to avoid the peak summer months. Not only are accommodations at their priciest during this time, but it’s also too hot for fun outdoor activities.
#8: Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has a rich tradition of jazz, tasty barbecue, and friendly Midwestern hospitality. Affordability matches the city well, offering many free or cheap ways to enjoy it. These range from visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to exploring the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. You can find more information on its official page, which also covers the parks and fountains. Kansas City has economic lodging and dining, making it a budget-friendly destination.
Best Time to Visit: The spring months until fall, when the weather is warming up and mellowing, are the best times to visit Kansas City. Spring has lots of outdoor activities and festivals going on — the very best time one can get to enjoy the city in full swing. By visiting during this season, travelers can avoid the heavy months of summer, saving on accommodation and enjoying the most ease.
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#9: Charleston, South Carolina
Combining historic charm, fabulous beaches, and vital culture, Charleston is an ideal destination for one on a budget. In this city, visitors can walk into its old district, enjoy the pretty parks along the water, and visit many of its free or low-cost museums and galleries. For more information, you can visit the official tourism site of Charleston. For those small on a coin, there are also eating options ranging from classic southern cuisine to fresh seafood. To further enhance your trip, don’t miss our article on the best travel tips for holiday happiness.
Best Time to Visit: You should visit Charleston in spring and fall. The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. You will also avoid paying peak prices for accommodations.
#10: Tucson, Arizona
With its scenic desert and spectacular cultural heritage, Tucson is a budget-friendly gem. Travelers can opt to visit Saguaro National Park, the historical Mission San Xavier del Bac, or simply enjoy the hip downtown scene. Additionally, this place offers many cheap lodging and dining options
Best Time to Visit: The best times to travel and stay in Tucson are spring and fall. The weather is milder than in the other seasons, and many outdoor festivals and events take place during these seasons. Plan your trip to Tucson at other times to save on lodging and make for a more comfy stay.
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Travel on a Budget Through the US: Money-Saving Tips
Budget travel can be fun, enjoyable, and comfortable. Here are a few practical tips that can help you get more value out of your travel dollars:
- Budget-Friendly Accommodations: It is very important to find affordable places of accommodation for any traveler. Consider some budget options like hostels, budget motels, or vacation rentals to save your money. Besides, a lot of places offer campgrounds and RV parks where you can enjoy nature during your stay.
- Inexpensive Dining: Enjoy eating in with a well-cooked meal at lower prices since dining out can be very pricey. You can get fantastic bargains on local food at small eateries, food trucks, and markets. In many cities, you will find that great ethnic restaurants offer dining at a fraction of the cost of high-end dining.
- Affordable and Free Activities: By looking up free or low-cost activities, you can be swimming in enjoyment without taking too large a chunk out of your pockets. Most cities around the world are filled with free museums, parks, and cultural events that you can attend. Besides, doing things outside is most likely cheaper as well.
Fortunately enough, traveling around the United States is not the expensive venture it once was. With careful planning and some research, you’ll find many cheap places to travel in the US that offer great experiences without costing much. There is something for every budget-conscious traveler, ranging from cities to natural sceneries. Following the tips from this guide will help you learn to spend less and get the most out of your travels, making priceless memories.