Are you looking for an affordable destination that won’t wreak havoc on your wallet? 

With a huge list of vacation spots that offer a lot of nice activities at very affordable prices, it would be a pity not to pack your bags and visit the country this year. It’s definitely way cheaper than traveling internationally! And if you’re not very sure which destinations fit best with your budget, we’re here to help you decide because we’ve gathered some of the best vacation ideas that will leave you speechless.

The first golden rules of traveling on a budget are: be flexible, avoid hotels (go for AirBnBs), and plan everything in advance. Are you ready to discover the most affordable places in the U.S. in which you can spend the vacation of your dreams? 3, 2, 1, let’s start!

1. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, in Arizona, is a fantastic but still reasonably priced vacation spot in the United States. There are a ton of things to do in the city, but you can also travel to interesting places like Saguaro National Park, which is a terrific area to ride your bike around. A drink costs only $4 here—is it really true? Also, a typical three-star hotel costs about $134 per night.
Do you have a furry companion with you? Don’t worry! Because you can go to over 250 dog-friendly restaurants here, and there are many shops that allow dogs as well!
You’ve come to the right location if you’re looking for authentic Mexican specialties.

Have you ever been to Tucson before? If not, 2023 might be the time to visit this nice and affordable place.

2. Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, sometimes known as “The Big Friendly,” is undoubtedly a fantastic and affordable vacation spot for all of you budget travelers! There are many activities you can take part in that will cost you virtually nothing. In general, it’s one of the least expensive travel locations in the area. The notorious Arcadia Round Barn and Pop’s Soda Store may be accessible from here.

For less than $17, take in a Minor League Dodgers game while exploring downtown. Moreover, you can also spend the day at Scissortail Park, which is pretty neat because here you can enjoy free concerts and taste the delicious local goodies that you can find in the food trucks parked near the park.

If you are looking for an affordable cityscape, Oklahoma awaits you!

3. Bar Harbor, Maine

Are you looking for a less crowded destination? Well, then, Bar Harbor should definitely be on your list. This location, which is strategically located near magnificent scenery, combines all of the best qualities of the Main State. Its location along Frenchman Bay affords visitors a wealth of tranquil water landscapes to their left and right, as well as rugged coasts that seem to have been plucked from a landscape painting. Also, it serves as the ideal starting place for some of Maine’s top whale-watching excursions.

You go to a place like this to refresh and rediscover the simple pleasures of life, like taking a leisurely stroll, admiring the water’s movement as the day wears on, and indulging in delectable local cuisine. Honestly, everything about Bar Harbor is ideal! What do you think about this affordable destination? Tell us in the comments.

4. San Antonio, Texas

Tex-Mex food and Hispanic historical places to visit? In this case, San Antonio should definitely be your go-to place! Affordable and amazing to visit, San Antonio can be your vacation destination this year. San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the nation, never ceases to amaze us! This place has something to do for everyone, whether you choose to take two-step classes or hunt for the ultimate cowboy hat. San Antonio, which is known for having a great and temperate climate, is undoubtedly a fantastic location for all the lovely outdoor activities.

River Walk holds a lot of nice places to stay and have a tasty dinner, or if you prefer roaming around for a shopping spree, the Pearl district has a few places that are famous for affordable but fancy shopping. Moreover, if you want to take a day trip to Austin to see some live entertainment or go wine tasting in Fredericksburg, San Antonio is a wonderful central area to stay.

Have you packed your bags already?

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I bet you didn’t expect to see Philadelphia on the list! But if you are looking for the perfect vacation for you and your family, this is the place you must definitely pay a visit. Besides being super affordable because most of the site is completely free, Philadelphia is also a place where you can taste the local goodies for less than $20 per meal; High Street on Market is probably best known for affordable dining.

You can either rent a car, but that would be much more expensive compared to public transportation, or you can go on foot. If you want to find a good and low-budget accommodation where you can still stay cozy for a couple of days, you might want to try and check out the offers from Booking.

6. Raleigh, North Carolina

Do you like the charm of the South? If so, Raleigh is definitely a place that you should visit at least once (of course, if you haven’t been here before and you already love the place). If the word “affordable” is what makes your heart beat faster, then you must know that Raleigh is a big city in which you won’t spend an arm and a leg to have fun for a couple of days.

It’s packed with top-notch cuisine, exciting events, and interesting sights like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Discover the state parks in the area, such as William B. Umstead State Park, where you can stroll the Sycamore Trail for nothing. Are you ready to have fun on a budget?

7. Destin, Florida

Before jumping to conclusions after you see the picture from above, let me tell you: Destin is not an expensive destination! Known as the world’s luckiest fishing village in America, Destin has become extremely popular with all the people who are looking for a not-so-crowded, peaceful vacation that is also low-budget. The locals are trying to maintain a cozy, welcoming vibe for everybody who wants to visit their hometown. Every year, families from the Midwest and the South travel to Destin’s beaches to enjoy the region’s famed bright white shorelines, which are constructed entirely of Appalachian quartz. That’s pretty cool, right?

The waters are tinted emerald because of the special sand, which also helps keep people cool in the summer heat. In this location, you will never be bored because, besides soaking up the sunshine all day long, you can also go swimming and scuba diving near the coast or rent a boat to go deep sea fishing if you feel lucky! This might sound like the perfect destination for this summer, right? Tell us in the comments what you think about Destin. We’re eager to find out.

That’s it! These are the 7 most affordable destinations in the U.S. where you can spend your ideal vacation or have a nice getaway for a couple of days because, don’t forget, you can also have fun even if you’re not a millionaire!

Are you trying to be more frugal and looking for more ways to save money and enjoy your free time doing things that you like? You’re in the right place. On Brainy Savings, we have a ton of articles for you about budgeting. And if you want to receive them in your mailbox, don’t forget to subscribe to our page!

…psst! Did you enjoy reading this article about how to score an affordable vacation? then don’t close the page before checking out this article as well!