One of the central ideas of this blog and a book I once published is that being a contrarian traveler is the most effective way to maximize your travel budget. When everyone is flocking to the same place, take a different route to a less crowded destination. Although some American cities can be quite expensive, there are hundreds of budget-friendly vacation spots in the US that offer plenty to explore.
You can find information about NYC, D.C., and San Francisco in countless sources, so I don’t focus on them much. When I discuss USA travel here or at the Perceptive Travel Blog, I tend to shine a light on places that don’t receive as much attention. Since they aren’t popular destinations, prices in these lesser-known locations are generally much more affordable. They are also spots where overtourism is not a common topic, especially this year as Canadians and Europeans steer clear of the entire country.
Today, there are very few areas lacking in activities, with more options available than you’ll have time to enjoy. Every U.S. state has increased its tourism efforts over the past few decades, recognizing it as a smart method for generating revenue and jobs without needing to attract numerous large companies. The same goes for towns and cities.
I’ve previously praised numerous locations across the USA that might not make it to your top choices but offer plenty of attractions. This is particularly true for families, as nearly every sizable city has a wide range of activities for them. Unlike the overrun national parks everyone knows about or cities like Orlando that seemingly every tourist wants to visit, these are not places with extensive lines and overcrowded parking lots. The real draw of these destinations, in relation to this blog, is…they’re quite affordable.
Affordable doesn’t mean dull, however. Here are some ideas on how to organize a trip to a less expensive secondary destination while still ensuring a memorable US vacation.
Choose a Destination Aligned with Your Interests
Even if you establish criteria like, “Places I can drive to within four hours,” that still leaves you with many possibilities. Allowing your interests to guide you makes it simpler to refine your choices. Is there a band you adore that will be performing nearby? Look for event tickets for festivals, shows, and more featuring acts that excite you, and perhaps see them in a new city. If you use Spotify, you might receive notifications for concert dates for bands you frequently listen to. Seek out a secondary city where accommodations are reasonably priced and plan your trip around the event.
If sports are your thing, consider attending a minor league baseball game where concession prices are family-friendly or a college basketball game for a team that rarely reaches the Final Four. Or if you need to travel far for your child’s swim meet or little league game, why not extend your stay a couple of nights and explore the local sights?
This concept extends to theater, architecture, amusement parks, or hiking. On my Perceptive Travel site, there’s an article by a New York City writer who visited Morehead, Kentucky to explore folk art. I’ve spent time in Billings, Cody, and Flagstaff delving into the local craft beer culture.
Select a destination based on your passions and structure your trip around that.
Let Local Discounts Direct You
I’ll be visiting Palm Springs, California soon, which isn’t exactly a budget-friendly spot. One day, we plan to visit Temecula wine country for tastings along with a picnic. However, we won’t simply show up and pay the standard price. We’ll be searching for a deal on Groupon that makes it quite affordable.
You’ve likely checked Groupon for deals in your own city, but it’s also useful for finding activities anywhere you’re visiting. Family outings, romantic adventures, and thrill-seeking opportunities are plentiful there.
Don’t overlook the ultimate bargain: free. Almost anywhere you travel, there will be free things to do and attractions to see if you take the time to look. The less frequented the location, the more likely there are to be plenty of free activities. The North Dakota Tourism site lists 35 free things to do, Omaha Tourism features 20, Rochester NY Tourism has 20, and so on.
Rates First, Location Second
A method to narrow your options and discover a US vacation destination that won’t strain your finances is to crunch the numbers. If you’re flying somewhere, utilize Google Flights and leave the destination blank. See which great deals come up. (Just remember to check Allegiant)