12 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

To know me is to know that I really like planning holidays. I at all times prefer to say planning holidays is one among my religious items—it’s a lot enjoyable. Severely, my in-laws even ask me to plan their holidays! Couple that with my different ardour for locating a great deal and I’m in heaven. I say all of this as a result of if you happen to’re searching for the most cost effective locations to journey, I will help.

There are tons of the way to economize once you journey, however let’s begin with selecting locations which have loads of issues for you and your loved ones to try this gained’t break your finances. I do need to point out I made this checklist primarily based on how simple it’s to get there, together with what number of free or reasonably priced issues there are to do when you’re there. 

12 Least expensive Locations to Journey in 2024

Discovering low cost locations to journey within the U.S. may really feel onerous proper now ( you, inflation), however they’re nonetheless on the market. Listed here are my high 12 favorites.

12. San Antonio, Texas

On the lookout for a Texas-size journey within the Lone Star State? San Antonio’s acquired all of it, y’all. Visiting the Alamo is a should. However you’ll additionally need to eat plenty of Tex-Mex delicacies. Fajitas? Breakfast tacos? Sure, please!

Free Points of interest:

• The Alamo: Admission to essentially the most well-known historic web site in Texas is completely free! Study all in regards to the Battle of the Alamo, after which go to the three different missions which can be a part of the San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park.
• River Stroll: Stroll alongside the gorgeous San Antonio River Stroll and benefit from the retailers, eating places and bars.
• Brackenridge Park: This park has loads of strolling trails and playgrounds. Order a Tex-Mex lunch to go, and dine out within the open air at one of many picnic areas!

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: You’ll have tons of thrills on the curler coasters at this theme park only a quick drive outdoors town. Single-day tickets begin at $59.¹
• San Antonio Botanical Backyard: Cease and odor the roses as you stroll via the gorgeous gardens and out of doors reveals. Admission begins at $18 for adults and $13 for kids ages 3–13.²
• Pure Bridge Caverns: On the lookout for a option to beat the Texas warmth? It’s 70 levels year-round on this underground world of limestone caverns and formations. Excursions begin at round $30, however costs range from everyday.³

11. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Metal Metropolis isn’t nearly metal mills and factories anymore. Pittsburgh has undergone a change, and also you’ll discover world-class museums and parks there. It’s fairly within the fall, however you’ll freeze within the winter—so hold that in thoughts when planning your journey.

Free Points of interest:

• Level State Park: This park is positioned the place three rivers come collectively and has a fantastic view of town.
• The Frick Artwork Museum: Free and open to the general public on daily basis, the Frick has a formidable assortment of artwork that features a portrait by Peter Paul Rubens.
• The Strip District: In case you’re searching for a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of distinctive retailers and eating places, head to the Strip.

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Mount Washington: Trip the inclined railway ($2.50 every approach) to the highest of Mount Washington for wonderful views of the Pittsburgh skyline.⁴ After which keep some time for lunch or dinner at one of many many eating places on the mountaintop.
• Nationwide Aviary: You’ll discover penguins, parrots and flamingos galore on the Nationwide Aviary. Tickets are $19 for adults and $16 for youths ages 2–12.⁵
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Tickets to Pirates video games are reasonably priced (beginning at $18), particularly if you happen to go to a weekday sport. I’m not an enormous baseball fan, however I’m a fan of stadium meals—so seize a large Primanti’s deli sandwich whilst you’re at a sport.
• Carnegie Museums: Pittsburgh has 4 Carnegie Museums: Carnegie Museum of Artwork, Carnegie Museum of Pure Historical past, Carnegie Science Middle, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Tickets for the museums are $13–15 for youths and $25 for adults.⁶

10. Raleigh, North Carolina

The Raleigh-Durham space is gorgeous, fashionable and nice for each households and {couples}, making it a no brainer for this checklist. You gained’t must spend an excessive amount of to get an honest resort room, they usually have fairly priced nonstop flights from many cities within the South and Midwest.

Free Points of interest:

• Pullen Park: There’s a lot to do at this park, and you may even pose for a cute image with the statue of Andy and Opie from The Andy Griffith Present.
• North Carolina Museum of Pure Sciences: Study dinosaurs, butterflies, fish and extra!
• Wrightsville Seaside and Carolina Seaside: Each are about two hours outdoors of Raleigh. Pack up a cooler and spend a day on the seaside! 

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Marbles Children Museum: Your children could have an absolute ball at this imaginative play place. Tickets are simply $9.⁷
• Beasley’s Rooster and Honey: This restaurant was began by a James Beard award-winning chef, and their fried hen breast with honey is price a strive!
• The Boxcar Bar and Arcade: Raleigh is understood for its beer scene, and this place affords every day drink specials and low cost arcade video games to maintain 21-and-up company entertained for hours.
• The Durham Bulls: I’m not tremendous into minor league baseball, however I do know lots of you might be. Plus, they’ve some fairly enjoyable promotion nights like Star Wars and Afforda-BULL Eats nights. So enjoyable!

9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

You recognize I can’t make a listing of low cost locations to journey with out together with a vacation spot from my residence state of Tennessee. The Nice Smoky Mountains are a well-liked vacationer vacation spot year-round, and listed here are a number of the reason why. 

Free Points of interest:

• Cades Cove: In case you’re searching for tons of panoramic views you possibly can take pleasure in within the consolation of your personal automotive, test it out.
• Clingmans Dome: This commentary tower is perched on the highest level within the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. So long as there’s no fog, you’ll get a fantastic view above the timber.
• Grotto Falls: Take the two.6-mile round-trip hike from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path to see the 25-foot waterfall.
• All the climbing: There’s actually no scarcity of climbing alternatives right here. I’m no skilled in that, however Google is!

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Cabin lodging: While you go to Gatlinburg, you’ve acquired to remain in a cabin. They’re surprisingly reasonably priced, and who doesn’t need to get up each morning to a mountain dawn?
• Dollywood: It’s a theme park, water park and resort multi functional. Tickets begin at $92, however you’ll save a bunch of cash on a number of days if you happen to purchase the tickets in a bundle.⁸
• Delauder’s BBQ: This can be a good spot for conventional barbecue.
• The Donut Friar: The very best donuts on the town! It’s money solely, so I’m already a fan! 
• Pigeon Forge: You’ll discover tons of touristy issues (wax museums, go-carts, arcades) to do in close by Pigeon Forge, however do your homework earlier than you blow your finances on a sport of mini golf.

8. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Regardless of Chandler’s complaints in Season 9 of Buddies, Tulsa is definitely a gem. There’s a lot to discover whereas spending little to no cash. And the resort charges are a number of the better of any main metropolis on the market!

Free Points of interest:

• Gathering Place: This public park is extra like a resort and will very properly make it definitely worth the journey to Tulsa all by itself.
• Woodward Park: Surrounded by outdated, historic neighborhoods, this park makes you’re feeling such as you’re stepping right into a fairy story.
• The Middle of the Universe: Hunt to seek out this eerie, discreet circle at 1 S. Boston Avenue in downtown Tulsa. In case you stand within the middle and converse, your voice echoes. 

Low-cost Points of interest:

• The Tulsa Zoo: Spend the day with lions, elephants, giraffes and extra for round $60 for a household of 4.⁹
• Decopolis: This is Tulsa’s artwork deco museum and retailer, and it’s a shimmering gold spectacle of Twenties and ’30s glamour.
• Andolini’s Pizzeria: This place has my title written throughout it. In case you’re going out to eat, paying for pizza beats shopping for particular person entrées for everybody. Plus, guys, it’s pizza. 

7. Seaside, Oregon

Seaside is a captivating, family-friendly city proper on the water. It made my low cost locations to journey checklist as a result of it has so many distinctive issues to do at little or no value. Flights into Portland Worldwide Airport are on the cheaper aspect—you’ll simply must discover a whole lot on a rental car to drive to the coast once you land. Be certain that to e book prematurely for an excellent higher fee.

Free Points of interest:

• Arcadia Seaside State Recreation Web site: This is likely one of the cleanest, most scenic seashores within the space.
• The Tillamook Head Path: Absorb breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean throughout a hike.
• The Turnaround: It’s the right place to see a beautiful seaside sundown and pose for a selfie with the Lewis and Clark statue.

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Seaside Aquarium: You’ll be able to work together with and feed the seals! Grownup tickets are $11, and youngsters ages 6–13 are simply $5.50.¹⁰
• Sam’s Seaside Café: This restaurant has one thing for everybody, from hand-breaded oysters to a garlic lover’s burger.
• Biking: Hire bicycles and discover the city and plenty of biking trails within the space.
• Seaside Inverted Expertise: Have you ever ever wished to do a handstand? Or maintain a motorcycle above your head? Now you possibly can—form of. This picture studio will provide you with the inverted expertise you’ve at all times wished (with out all of the heavy lifting). Photograph packages begin at solely $15.¹¹

6. Virginia Seaside, Virginia

Virginia Seaside is gorgeous and makes my checklist of low cost locations to journey as a result of there are a lot of reasonably priced lodging choices: tenting within the woods, tenting on the seaside, and renting a comfy cabin or an Airbnb.

Free Points of interest:

• Virginia Seaside Oceanfront: This 3-mile boardwalk makes my beach-loving coronary heart so pleased.
• Cape Henry Lighthouse: You’ll be able to discover the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and see the lighthouse that stands close to the positioning the place the Jamestown settlers first set foot in America. You can too tour the lighthouse for $10.¹²
• Virginia Legends Stroll: I at all times discover it attention-grabbing to study historic figures and the place they lived. The Legends Stroll is a self-guided tour the place you possibly can be taught all about well-known Virginians like Edgar Allan Poe and Ella Fitzgerald. Cool, proper?

Low-cost Points of interest:

• First Touchdown State Park: Calm down on the seaside or hike all the paths! Admission is simply $7 per automotive on weekdays and $10 on weekends.¹³
• Ocean Breeze Waterpark: This can hold a household of 4 entertained all day lengthy for underneath $200 once you e book tickets on-line.¹⁴
• Meals (clearly): Attempt she-crab soup—a staple menu merchandise at a number of eating places in Virginia Seaside. Get a $10.99 lunch particular at Margie and Ray’s crab home and restaurant.¹⁵ Or head to The Again Deck Bar and Café for fish tacos!
• The Army Aviation Museum: This museum has planes from each World Battle I and World Battle II. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for youths! Bonus: Admission is free to all WWII and Korean Battle veterans.¹⁶

5. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix has rather a lot to supply. Go for the desert panorama, purchasing and structure, and—if you happen to’re a fan of queso like I’m—keep for the Mexican meals. In case you’re adventurous, you can buy an annual nationwide park cross and tour any of Arizona’s stunning parks. Plus, these passes will get you into any nationwide park within the nation! And if you happen to’re much more adventurous, you possibly can go tenting for $26 per evening in Sedona (that’s one option to make your trip actually reasonably priced).¹⁷

Right here’s one other option to make it cheap: Go to Phoenix through the summer season months. That’s when resort costs are slashed in half as a result of most individuals flock to Arizona when it’s chilly in every single place else. However be warned: These summer season months get scorching (with a capital H)!

Free Points of interest:

• Papago Park: It’s beautiful, and you can spend a complete day exploring the paths and exquisite panorama. Then, watch the sundown at Gap-in-the-Rock.
• Camelback Mountain: If climbing is your factor (full disclosure—it’s not mine), you’ll like it!
• Fountain Park: Take the youngsters to take pleasure in a picnic, play disc golf, or splash round on the splash pad.

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Desert Botanical Backyard: That is positioned in Papago Park, and it’s filled with colour and life with greater than 50,000 crops. You’ll be able to spend the day there with a household of 4 for underneath $100.¹⁸
• Mexican meals: You will get it just about in every single place in Phoenix, however Carolina’s Mexican Meals and La Santisima Connoisseur Taco Store are recognized for his or her genuine taste (at budget-friendly costs).
• Final Probability: That is Nordstrom’s clearance retailer, the place designer garments can promote for just some {dollars} in some circumstances! In case you love trend or simply need the very best deal ever on a pair of denims, test it out.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans made the checklist as a result of it’s so wealthy in historical past, music and scrumptious meals. And also you don’t must be wealthy to go—until it’s throughout Mardi Gras (motels prefer to double and triple their nightly charges to money in on the celebration).

Free Points of interest:

• The French Quarter: This iconic space is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and makes for tremendous charming picture ops.
• Metropolis Park: It has the biggest assortment of stay oak timber on the earth—some as much as 900 years outdated.¹⁹
• St. Louis Cathedral: It’s one among New Orleans’ most well-known landmarks and is completely stunning!
• A literary strolling tour: You’ll be able to go to the properties of Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams and extra. Whereas the precise guided excursions value a fairly penny, with a little analysis, you possibly can take your loved ones by yourself tour!

Low-cost Points of interest:

• The Nationwide WWII Museum: This museum has over 24,000 five-star scores on Tripadvisor and prices $35 per ticket for adults and $25 for school-age children. Youngsters underneath 5 get free admission.²⁰
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: It’s historic and creepy, and it appears so fascinating to me! Guided excursions are $25 per grownup and $18 per baby.²¹
• Preservation Corridor: In case you’re searching for an aesthetic date evening, take a look at this stay jazz corridor. You are able to do that beginning at $25 per ticket.²²
• Algiers Ferry: Take a experience down the Mississippi River and get an unbelievable view of the New Orleans skyline for simply $2 per individual!²³
• Meals: Attempt an authentic New Orleans sno-ball or a favourite of mine: beignets—a French-style donut lined in powdered sugar. There’s actually no excuse for leaving New Orleans with out consuming no less than 27. And locals say the po’ boy at Adams Road Grocery and Deli is the very best worth on the town.

3. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

You won’t consider the seaside as an inexpensive place to journey, however this one makes the reduce. This stunning lakeshore on Lake Michigan is stuffed with issues to do! Named after an Ojibwe legend of the sleeping bear, the Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore covers over 50,000 acres alongside Lake Michigan. The dunes are nice for households because of the scenic hikes, drives, campsites, and canoeing and kayaking journeys. The park does cost an entrance price of $25 per automobile.²⁴ However when you’re within the park, the alternatives for good old school (free) enjoyable are countless!

Free Points of interest:

• Star events: These are led by park rangers as soon as a month within the spring and summer season, full with a bonfire on the seaside. It’s price timing your journey round this experience!
• Fishing: You’ll be able to fish in any of the 26 lakes inside Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore.
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: This affords 7.4 miles of gorgeous sights. Alongside the way in which, remember to cease at Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. It’s the right place to catch a sundown.

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Cherry Republic of Glen Arbor reward store: Michigan is known for its cherries, and you may strive some for your self right here.
• Cottage E book Store: Booklovers will love poring over the cabinets of the renovated log cabin that’s been became a e book store. (Searching is free!)
• Cherry Public Home: This falls between low-cost and expensive, relying on what you get. To economize, share a basket of cherry BBQ spice rub fries with a flight of their distinctive cherry beers—sure, please.
• The Manitou Islands: Take the ferry over to discover the lighthouse, secluded seashores and even outdated shipwrecks. Simply be certain to finances for the ferry tickets. It’s $45 a ticket for adults and $23 a ticket for youths 12 or youthful (it’s free for youths underneath 2).²⁵

2. Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital could not come to thoughts once you’re interested by the most cost effective locations to trip (and lower your expenses). However if you happen to e book a cheap flight and an reasonably priced Airbnb, this is likely one of the most budget-friendly locations to go! That’s as a result of there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do on this metropolis, like exploring museums, occurring excursions and visiting the nation’s coolest landmarks.

Free Points of interest:

• The White Home: Who wouldn’t need a tour of America’s most well-known residence? Plus, excursions are free! You’ll simply must e book no less than 21 days prematurely.²⁶
• Smithsonian’s Nationwide Zoo: With a number of reveals and trails, you and your loved ones can discover your favourite animals in a lot of discovery facilities!
• Smithsonian museums: These museums are world class and completely free. The National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum have a lot to supply for everybody in your loved ones.
• The Supreme Court docket: In case you’re into politics like me, that is thrilling! You’ll be able to truly sit in on a courtroom session (wonderful, proper?) or soak up a free lecture on how the courtroom features.
• The Library of Congress: That is the biggest library on the earth.²⁷ It affords guided excursions, exhibitions and quite a lot of stay occasions.
• The USA Holocaust Memorial Museum: This museum is broadly thought to be the most effective on the earth. It has a number of rotating reveals and lectures, however maybe essentially the most highly effective—the self-guided Holocaust exhibition spanning three flooring—is there year-round.
• The monuments: There are a ton of memorials, however a number of highlights embody the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument . . . simply to call a number of.

Low-cost Points of interest:

• Meals: D.C.’s meals sport is powerful, with a melting pot of affect from mainly in every single place on the earth.
• Half-smoke: That is what some name the official meals of D.C. It’s mainly a half-beef, half-pork scorching canine. Every restaurant likes to place its personal spin on the half-smoke. Attempt it out and see what you assume!
• Wiseguy Pizza: You guys know the way a lot I really like pizza, so I can’t ship you on trip with out recommending a pizza place. Wiseguy is understood for its five-star critiques and budget-friendly New York-style crust.

1. St. Louis, Missouri

Okay, guys, I’m rating St. Louis on the high of the checklist as a result of it’s a drivable vacation spot for thus many individuals within the South and Midwest. The very best half is that the Gateway Metropolis (as they prefer to name it) has a variety of free issues to do once you get there. Now that’s my form of metropolis!

Free Points of interest:

• The St. Louis Zoo: Yup, it’s actually free! Some points of interest have a small value when you get inside—like the ocean lion present, zoo practice or carousel—however you’ll get to see as many lions, tigers and bears as your coronary heart needs for precisely $0.
• Forest Park: This is likely one of the best city parks within the nation! Its 1,300 acres are stuffed with museums and cultural facilities, lakes, trails and a boathouse. There are even scorching air balloon races in the summertime. It’s a should on your go to.
• Purina Farms: It’s a pet lover’s paradise simply 40 miles west of St. Louis. Photograph ops, cat and canine exhibits, and a child animal petting space would hold my children pleased for certain!

Low-cost Points of interest:

• The Gateway Arch: This ought to undoubtedly be on the high of your itinerary. Tram rides to the highest are as little as $15 for adults and $11 for youths.²⁸ Plus, you possibly can tour the museum totally free!
• Metropolis Museum: It’s like a large playground for the entire household, and you may take a household of 4 for round $80. Youngsters underneath 3 get free admission.²⁹
• Missouri Botanical Backyard: This can be a nationwide historic landmark and is taken into account among the many high three botanical gardens on the earth! Tickets are $16 per individual for ages 13 and up.³⁰ (Translation: Children 12 and underneath get in totally free!)
• The Budweiser Brewery Expertise: Are you a Budweiser fan? If that’s the case, you’re in luck. Take the Day Contemporary Tour for $15 per individual and find out how they brew their beer.³¹ Friends 21 or older additionally get to pattern a glass of beer.
• Meals: St. Louis is known for its meals, and also you’ll get essentially the most bang on your buck at locations like Blues Metropolis Deli and Lulu’s Native Eatery. And also you don’t need to overlook about dessert. Try Ted Drewes for his or her well-known frozen custard.
• Grant’s Farm: This expertise could be a little on the expensive aspect, however if you happen to’re an animal lover, it simply may be price it to satisfy the Budweiser Clydesdales up shut and private. Excursions begin at $26 per individual (they’re free for youths underneath 3 years outdated). Simply be certain to finances for the opposite actions like carousel rides, camel rides and feeding the goats. You’ll additionally want cash for parking!³²

What to Do Earlier than You Journey

Discovering low cost locations to journey is what this text is all about—as a result of issues begin once you go on holidays you could’t afford. Preserve your financial goals on observe by doing this stuff earlier than you journey (and be sure you get the very best bang on your buck).

1. Funds.

You guys, a finances is so vital! I can’t stress this sufficient. You may assume a finances is a algorithm so that you can comply with. However that couldn’t be farther from the reality! Your finances offers you permission to spend. And if you happen to’re not doing an everyday finances, it is advisable. EveryDollar is my favourite budgeting app. It helps you create your zero-based finances (the place your revenue minus your bills equals zero) very quickly. Get started today!

2. Analysis all of the free or low-cost points of interest.

Like I stated earlier, this checklist is only a begin. There are such a lot of extra reasonably priced locations to go to that may aid you make these candy household recollections for much less! However the important thing to an inexpensive trip is ensuring you might have your itinerary of free (or low cost) issues to do earlier than you get there. A plan helps you keep on observe and on finances!

3. Stick with mates or household.

Moreover the flight (or fuel), you need to take into consideration how costly your lodging are. One of many methods to get round that’s by staying with mates or household. If your loved ones and mates stay in a extremely cool metropolis, staying with them will reduce your prices in half. (Simply be certain to be good houseguests.)

4. Journey with others to share the price.

Probably the greatest methods to journey is with mates or prolonged household. Not solely do you get to share a trip collectively, however you can even break up the invoice! That’s a win-win in my e book.

5. Pack snacks.

In the case of touring with children (and even your husband), the most effective issues you are able to do is pack snacks and drinks. Nothing provides up extra shortly than continuously shopping for meals on the highway. Gasoline station Doritos are expensive! It can save you a lot cash by stocking up at your favourite grocery store earlier than piling within the automotive.

6. All the time evaluate airways.

This can be a large one. I’m not quiet about how a lot I really like Southwest Airways. However simply because they’re my favourite, it doesn’t imply they’re at all times going to have the best deals on your subsequent low cost trip. Be certain that to match flight costs on websites like Google Flights, Hopper and even Scott’s Low-cost Flights before you purchase!

7. E book your keep through the week.

So many individuals like to journey over the weekend (is sensible with work, proper?), however many occasions, room charges go up on Fridays and Saturdays. Pay attention: It’s a lot cheaper to remain through the week! Schedule your journey to start on a Sunday as a substitute of a Friday, and also you’ll save a lot money.

8. Try Airbnb.

Many occasions, staying in an Airbnb may be cheaper than staying in a resort (relying on location and seasonal charges). Earlier than you e book your keep on the Vacation Inn, evaluate costs with close by Airbnbs. Not solely are you able to doubtlessly lower your expenses, however you can even negotiate the worth with the proprietor. What do you need to lose? The worst they will say isn’t any (however many occasions they are saying sure).

If you’d like extra journey suggestions the place these got here from, take a look at this video:

And don’t overlook: Plan for the whole lot. Issues at all times value greater than you count on, so construct a buffer in your finances to cowl the surprising stuff. 

Give your trip finances a head begin by utilizing my 14-Day Money Finder to unlock more money! And hold observe of that cash (and your finances) with EveryDollar! Download it right here.