6 Places to Travel in America When On A Budget

There is a certain romance that comes with the idea of traveling in America. From road trips to small towns, there are countless opportunities to discover hidden gems while exploring the widest country in the world. However, if you’re on a budget, this can be quite challenging. The cost of living is rising, and lodging can get very expensive very quickly. You can still travel in America without breaking the bank, though. Check out these six places to travel in America on a budget: 

 Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico is well known for its Native American culture, but it’s also a state with a distinct cultural identity. Albuquerque is the largest city in the state, and it’s a fantastic place for budget travelers as well as a chance to experience some culture of the Southwest. In addition, there’s a thriving arts scene there, particularly with theater and musical festivals. 

If you’re interested in history, then the National Hispanic Cultural Center is a great place to get a sense of New Mexican history. There are also plenty of museums and galleries to visit. If you’re looking to travel on a budget, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Albuquerque. You can find some great hostels, too, which are a great place to meet other travelers.

San Antonio, Texas

Texas is a big state, and it’s known for its distinct identity. San Antonio is a city that reflects this, with a particular culture and heritage. There are plenty of cheap hotels in San Antonio, and there are also some great places to eat that won’t break the bank. For instance, if you’re looking for a Texas BBQ experience, you can’t go wrong with the famous Franklin Barbecue. 

If you like to indulge in some retail therapy, there’s the famous South Congress Avenue, where you can find everything from vintage shops to art galleries. There are also plenty of great cultural activities in San Antonio, such as visiting the Alamo or the Blue Star Art Center. Finally, check out the beautiful botanical gardens if you’re still looking for stuff to do. 

 Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in America, and it’s a great place to visit on a budget. Like San Antonio, it’s easy to find cheap accommodation and restaurants that are still high quality. Charleston is a city rich in history, so visit the Charleston Museum to learn more about the area’s history and culture. The Spoleto Festival is also a great event that celebrates local art and culture, as well as a wonderful way to check out the local music scene. Charleston also has many beautiful sights to visit, such as the Savannah River. 

 Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix built itself around the desert and the Wild West, with a rich history as a cowboy town. There are many authentic Mexican restaurants to enjoy. To understand more about Phoenix’s history, you can visit Fort McDowell Yavapai Museum to learn about the Native American history in Phoenix. You can also go to the Gold Canyon to experience life as an old-style prospector and get a taste of the Wild West.

Other spots to consider are the Biltmore Fashion Park, one of the largest malls in the Southwest, and the Desert Botanical Garden, which is a great place to get a sense of the desert plant life.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is a lovely option if you enjoy natural beauty, with the Great Salt Lake for you to explore. Like the other cities on this list, it also boasts affordable places to stay and eat. To explore the area’s history, you can visit the Mormon Temple and the Capitol Building to get a sense of the culture. 

 Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a beautiful city with a distinct culture and a rich history, although maybe pick another destination if you want guaranteed good weather. If you’re more scientifically included, Seattle has loads of science spots for you to enjoy, like the Pacific Science Center.

There are other great museums like the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of History and Industry. Make sure you also check out the Pike Place Market for fresh produce and souvenirs and the Space Needle in the Seattle Center for breathtaking views. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of steps you can take to be money conscious while traveling, like investing in travel insurance, making a budget, and picking an unconventional way to travel. Although it’s tempting to be drawn to America’s more well-known cities, there are loads of hidden gems out there where you won’t break the bank with accommodation or food but still experience wonderful culture, history, and nature.