Traveling the world can be a great adventure that doesn't have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly vacation destinations in the United States alone. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors or a city filled with historical landmarks, you'll be able to find an affordable destination that suits your needs.
The United States is blessed with a huge variety of vacation destinations, and you can find remarkable sights and have extraordinary experiences in every state. Best of all, while the most famous spots can be a tad expensive, there are bargains to be had all over the place, for explorers happy to venture off the beaten track a little. Check out this list of some of the best, most beautiful, and most budget-friendly US vacations .
An affordable vacation in glamorous South Florida might sound like a pipe dream, but it is completely possible at this delightful little spot just north of glitzy Fort Lauderdale. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has a super-relaxed, old-fashioned ambiance to it, as well as the unbelievably beautiful beaches and coral reefs that make South Florida such an exceptional vacation destination. You can watch the sunrise from retro wooden piers or take in a free concert. This is a delightful little slice of Florida that won’t break the bank.
California is known for its high prices and overpriced toast however there are ways of taking in the state without breaking the bank. For example Los Angeles has plenty of free sites to take advantage of. You can walk the beautiful grounds of the Griffith Observatory or hike up to see the Hollywood sign. If you stay in a vacation house, you can save money on dining out by making your own meals. There are also deals on cruise ships that can save you money on lodging and food by bundling everything together. So why not sail from the California coast down to Ensenada in Baja California, and view the Paciic Coast in all its glory!
If you’ve always wanted an Olympic experience but can’t face the cost of heading somewhere like Tokyo or Paris, check out Colorado Springs, ‘Olympic City USA’, for a little taste of the gold-medal experience. There’s a wonderful Olympic & Paralympic Museum, as well as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center which is open for tours. Colorado Springs is famous as one of the best places to live in the US, and the perfect climate makes exploring the mountains, ghost towns, and nature centres around the city an absolute breeze.
Branson is the home of country music, and one of the most family-friendly destinations in the US, and it offers a far more affordable and less decadent alternative to more high-rolling music hotspots like Nashville and Memphis. Attractions like the Promised Land Zoo, a dinosaur museum, and Silver Dollar City will keep you entertained all day, while nighttime on 76 County Boulevard is an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, one of the most iconic country and Western venues in the US!
If you are looking for a taste of the Deep South but feel New Orleans is a bit out of your price range, head to Lafourche Parish instead. You’ll be able to try the exceptional cuisine that the Big Easy is famous for on the Cajun Bayou Food Trail, as well as discovering the exceptional, atmospheric beauty of the unique state of Louisiana.
Do you know of any more budget-friendly US vacations ? Feel free to comment below.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.