There is nothing more exciting than traveling around the country, discovering new places, and having unique and unforgettable experiences you’ll remember forever. However, as fun as traveling can be, it can also be incredibly expensive, making it a challenge for most people to do as much as they’d like. If you’re one of the thousands of people across the US who would love to travel more often but don’t want to spend a fortune in the process, this article is for you! We’ve taken the top affordable destinations and put them together in one place, so you can create the perfect itinerary that fits within your budget. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it!
10 Cheap Places To Travel In The US
1. Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is one of Tennessee’s most popular travel destinations and is the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. This small mountain town is full of fun and exciting activities that won’t drain your wallet for outdoor lovers or minimalistic travelers. There are hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, nature walks, and tons of wildlife from bears and deer to eagles and cougars for those who love exploring nature. You can take a trip up the Gatlinburg Space Needle or ride along the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views stretching hundreds of miles. If you’d prefer more indoor activities, check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or the Sweet Fanny Theater. Gatlinburg is home to an eclectic group of artists, so there are many museums and exhibits featuring one-of-a-kind artwork. For those who enjoy discovering local creations, there is a thriving arts and crafts community in the heart of Gatlinburg with unique designs from paintings to pottery and beyond. The food is incredible with a wide variety of local fares that give you a taste of the smokies. Whatever you’re searching for, Gatlinburg has it!
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you love history, Philadelphia is a dream spot for your next travel adventure. Full of historical monuments, museums, and landmarks, you’ll get an in-depth look into many events that helped shape our country. Although it can be a costly endeavor, there are ways to save money and make your vacation affordable. Choose tours that are either free or have a minimal cost attached, like the guided one of Independence Hall. It’s also fun to visit landmarks like the Rocky statue and steps from the movie or the Liberty Bell. Philadelphia offers a one-day Independence pass which allows you to ride any trolley, train, subway, or bus for only $11 per person or $28 per family, making it an even more affordable vacation destination!
3. New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most exciting and affordable places to travel in the US. You can’t miss the Garden District, the many museums, city parks, and of course the French Quarter, which all offer unique and low-cost experiences. From ghost tours to delicious restaurants, New Orleans has something fun for every member of the family. There is so much to do around New Orleans you’ll want to make sure you plan an itinerary, so you don’t miss a thing. Everyone knows New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but it has so much more to offer, which is why it’s on many travelers’ “must-see” list. There are airboat tours through the Bayou where you can enjoy a traditional crawdad boil and visit with locals who have interesting and hilarious stories to tell. Whether you love visiting distilleries, national monuments, cemeteries, or parks, there is something for every adventurer in New Orleans.
4. St. Francisville, Louisiana
While you’re in Louisiana, head on over to St. Francisville, where you can spend your days golfing manicured greens, touring historical sites, and eating delicious food. St. Francisville is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway that promises to create wonderful memories! Outdoor lovers will enjoy strolling through the beautiful Afton Villas Gardens while history buffs can transport back in time to the Myrtles Plantation, a can’t miss destination for those who love ghost adventures, since it’s said to house more than a few ghosts. When you want to get away but you don’t have much time, visiting St. Francisville is an excellent way to leave the cares of the world behind and recharge and unwind.
5. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, may seem like an unexpected destination for cheap vacations in the US, but the city offers many fun and inexpensive activities. You can sign up for a free walking tour that leads you around the city, teaching you about its history and pointing out interesting landmarks. Head over to Pikes Place Market for delicious food, street performers, and free entertainment, or catch a movie at Cinerama. Seattle is known for its eclectic art and music scene, so don’t miss your chance to visit a local club where you can listen to the sounds of the city from locals who call it home. Its seaside location means you have access to some of the most delicious seafood available, and of course, you can’t plan a Seattle trip without visiting the first Starbucks! With dozens of free and inexpensive activities throughout the city, make sure you plan your visit, so you don’t miss a thing.
6. Route 66
There is nothing quite like traveling across the country on historic route 66. Starting in Downtown Chicago and ending at the Santa Monica Pier, there are so many unique and interesting landmarks along the way. Established in 1926, Route 66 is a staple of the American highway system, inspiring many of the roads we travel routinely today. It has long been a popular travel destination for those who enjoy driving through living history and experiencing the sights and sounds millions have seen and heard before. Many towns, motels, and attractions were built along this vast highway, the bones of which are still seen today. Some have survived over the years, and you won’t want to miss taking a quick tour of snapping a few pictures. Some of the most popular include Cadillac Ranch, The Blue Whale Of Catoosa, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, and the Wigwam Village Motel. You’ll want to plan for ample time to explore the sights without feeling rushed as there is always something new to discover and explore. With so many historical stops along the way, you’ll want to plan your trip carefully; if you’re not sure how to, check out this guide!
7. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an excellent vacation destination for those who enjoy learning more about Native American history and love vast open spaces. Check out one of the many fascinating museums like The Harvey House Museum for those interested in learning more about the railway system or The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, which delves into how the desert landscape surrounding the area affects every area of its citizens. Albuquerque is home to dozens of other museums, ranging from natural history and science to Hispanic heritage. For those who enjoy learning more about geology and biology, the University of New Mexico features exhibits through their training facilities that are fascinating and informative. There are also national historical monuments like the Petroglyph National Monument that you can climb that provide stunning views of the surrounding scenery. You can also spend the day walking around the Old Town of Albuquerque, a historic area founded in 1706. Here you’ll find tons of shops, museums, and restaurants where you can get a taste of the local culture. Albuquerque has vast open spaces that are perfect for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. There are miles of beautiful trails full of nature and teeming with wildlife.
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
When you’re searching for one of the cheapest places to travel in the US, Salt Lake City, Utah, may not seem like an obvious choice, but this scenic city has many affordable activities. Most famously known as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there is so much to see and do in the surrounding area. Salt Lake is home to many gardens, museums, and major attractions that are free of charge, so you don’t have to spend a lot to see a lot! A low-cost transit system runs throughout the city, making traveling easy and affordable. Check out Temple Square, where artwork and statues surround a beautiful garden where you can take a leisurely walk and breathe in the crisp, fresh air. Here you’ll find a museum and temple which you can tour to learn more about the history of the Mormon church. For those visiting in the springtime, walking along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a must, where you can get breathtaking views of the city skyline and Salt Lake Valley. Not to mention it’s bursting with hundreds of wildflowers! For those visiting in winter, you can hit the slopes and ski or snowboard along one of the many snow covered trials. There is something fun, exciting, and affordable to do no matter the season when you visit Salt Lake City.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic waterfront town offering visitors piers, waterfront parks, museums, and sightseeing. The beaches surrounding the area feature beautiful white sand and crystal blue waters, making them a popular destination for families and those traveling alone. Many of the museums are free of charge, and you can learn about Charleston’s rich history dating back hundreds of years. Charleston is another city that offers low-cost transit, making it an even more affordable option for those who enjoy seeing everything a city has to offer. Charleston’s historic landmarks include many plantations that visitors can tour and peek into the past, one of the most popular being the Charleston Tea Plantation, the country’s only tea plantation! It’s also home to the country’s oldest public market, the Charleston City Market, where you can stroll through the vendors, grab a bite to eat, and see the many unique fares sold throughout. For a bit of relaxation, you head over to Battery Park and Point Garden, where you can view Fort Sumter and Charleston harbor while walking through the tree-lined trails bursting with flowers. Fort Sumter is another interesting destination, where you can tour the base and gain a deeper appreciation for the brave men who fought to ensure our country’s freedoms.
10. Red Mountain Resort And Spa
Many people don’t realize there are affordable all-inclusive resorts in the US they can visit. The Red Mountain Resort And Spa In Utah provides luxury accommodations complete with three meals a day and various amenities located on the resort grounds. Choose your retreat package from health and wellness to adventure, each one tailor-made to create an immersive and unforgettable experience like no other. When you stay at the Red Mountain Resort, you have access to spa treatments, adventure-laden trips around Zion National Park or Red Mountain, and dozens of other activities to fit your desired package. Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the country and features red rock formations, abundant wildlife, and plant life that is sure to excite the outdoor enthusiast. The views are incredible with miles of red rock cliffs and desert landscapes, with crystal clear views of the night sky full of twinkling stars for as far as the eye can see. There is nothing like taking in the beauty of nature while you relax and unwind at this incredible all-inclusive resort.
When you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, check out Passero so you can plan your vacation and get the most out of your trip. With Passero, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to experience the beauty the US offers. There are many cities throughout the country that offer free or affordable attractions so you can get more bang for your buck. Each city has a unique flavor from the east coast to the west and offers incredible experiences you won’t want to miss. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head out on your affordable vacation today!
