When was the last time you went on vacation?

Traveling is one of the most extraordinary things you could do in your life because you get the chance to relax, meet people, discover a whole different culture, try new and exquisite foods, see the beautiful architecture, and oh, do I really need to continue? I just want to book a vacation right now.

I’m pretty sure that you dream of a nice getaway too, but you immediately stop this beautiful thought, thinking that it will cause you to break the bank to have some time off. But that’s not true.

Traveling the world shouldn’t feel like a huge investment; you just have to know a few tips and tricks about how you can have the time of your life and still have enough money to live comfortably afterward.

So if you want to discover your dear America, there are many hidden gems that are waiting for you. And let me tell you that the majority of the time, they’re hidden in plain sight. Are you ready for a fantastic but budget-friendly vacation? Then keep reading!

5. San Diego, California

Do you fancy a sweet and warm vacation in the state of California? Then pack your bags and discover San Diego! It might not be exactly the cheapest place in the US, but if you visit it off-season, consider yourself lucky, because you’ll have the time of your life.

The West Coast is an iconic place that attracts people like crazy, and you’ll be impressed to discover incredible parks, free beaches (aka, let’s get our tans on), as well as waterfront views that are completely free to check out.

So if you love sunshine and you’d like to put a little bit of color on your body while drinking a mimosa on the beach, this sounds like a dream vacation!

If you want to have fun under the palm trees, I recommend that when you’re done swimming in the ocean, you go explore the historic Old Town and Casa de Aguirre, as well as Casa de Estudillo, which is considered a National Historic Landmark.

The best part about a vacation in San Diego is that you can find flight tickets as low as $33 on Skyscanner, and a meal in a restaurant is roughly $15. If you’re looking for something tasty and delish that won’t break your piggy bank, The Kebab Shop is the place to go.

A night at a hotel will be roughly $85 and, if your public transportation option is a trolley, the ride will be $2.50. However, if you’re more into cars, you can rent one and catch the sunset for $300 for three days.

4. Savannah, Georgia

Experience the Southern charm and soak up some sun and vitamin D during your lovely vacation in Savannah, Georgia. This small town is going to make you feel like the main character of a book since it’s not that crowded and it gives you plenty of time and patience to just walk and discover it day by day.

And if you get tired and need a pick-me-up after admiring the Botanical Garden, the Ghost Coast Distillery, and McQueen’s Island Trail, there are plenty of bars and restaurants that will fuel you up with amazing drinks and meals.

Speaking of food, a tasty meal out is going to be less than $20, and if you decide to spend your vacation days in Savannah, make sure you check out Fire Street Food. A night at the hotel can be around $75, and you might be lucky and find a flight ticket for under $50. Pretty great for a vacation in Georgia, right?

3. Phoenix, Arizona

In my opinion, Arizona is one of the most gorgeous states in America, and the city of Phoenix has been one of my favorite vacation spots since I was a teenager.

I grew up in a small neighborhood in Tucson, and my first getaway with my now-husband was in Phoenix. We stayed there for 3 days, ate delicious food, went out to dance and listen to the most spectacular live music, and drank way too many cocktails. It was fun; I miss those times!

If you’re a big fan of zoos, you should know that the Phoenix Zoo is one of the prettiest ones in the country, and the entrance fee is way cheaper compared to other areas. But let’s not forget about natural parks, because they’re breathtaking, and they’ll make you walk and walk and forget that you’re actually getting your steps in at the same time.

If a vacation in Arizona sounds like something fun, don’t forget to save a day to go to the Grand Canyon, because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s less than 4 hours’ distance from Phoenix, but it’s totally worth the trip.

Don’t forget to take your camera with you because you’ll want to take a thousand pictures when you get there and see that amazing natural wonder! If you need a Polaroid camera, check out this one because it’s fantastic and easy to carry! (and the pictures turn out heavenly.)

If Pheonix sounds like the perfect destination for a much-needed vacation, you can find a cozy hotel room for under $50 and a flight ticket for no more than $35.

As for a tasty dinner at a beautiful restaurant, the average meal costs around $15, but is pretty great and it’s worth it. And if you want to explore the city and all the beauties nearby, it’s going to cost you $210 to rent a car for 3 days.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

The place where the music was born! Oh, I don’t know about you, but I’m in love with the soft and strong rhythms of blues, soul, and rock-n-roll, so the city of Memphis is always the place where I recharge my batteries and satisfy my music and art cravings.

So if you want to discover the place where the biggest stars in history, such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash, recorded their albums, Memphis is the place for you.

Don’t forget to pop into the Blues Hall of Fame to take a look at the most wonderful albums and photographs from a lot of artists, such as Pee Wee Crayton and Muddy Waters.

If you want to enjoy yourself on a beautiful vacation in Memphis, a flight will take roughly $52 out of your pocket, while a night at the hotel will be around $36.

As for food, if you want to go to a restaurant, that might cost you a bit less than $14, and if you want to enjoy some tasty Mexican food, don’t forget to check out Maciel’s on Main. There are many places you can explore in Memphis, so if you want to rent a car for 3 days, it will cost you roughly $200.

1. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Have you ever been to Albuquerque, New Mexico? Well, that’s your clue to take a trip there, because it’s gorgeous and it’s one of the most affordable places in the US. Many people consider this a southwestern paradise that is incredibly rich in Native American history.

There are plenty of wonderful museums waiting for you to check out, take pictures, and have fun while getting to know more about your country. These museums have free admission and are both entertaining and educational, so don’t forget to stop by.

If you want to learn more about the history of this adorable town, make a stop at the Old Town of Albuquerque, and I promise you that you won’t regret doing so.

Are you a nature lover? Then I know exactly what you can do to make the most of this vacation. Rent a bike or put your workout clothes on and take a hiking trip at Open Space Public Park.

Now let’s talk a little bit about finances, because it’s not as expensive as you might think. If you want to take a plane to Albuquerque, you can find tickets that are as low as $79. You can take your significant other out to dinner and you’ll pay roughly $13 for a meal, but if you prefer something that is even more affordable, check out Frontier Restaurant for something delicious.

A hotel is going to cost you approximately $55 (if you look at offers on Booking.com), and you can go from one place to another with public transportation since a day pass for buses is $2. But if you prefer to drive and explore the city all by yourself, renting a car for 3 days is going to cost roughly $200.

What do you think about these vacation spots? If yes, where do you plan on going? If you need any more tips on how to save money but still live the life that you want, here’s another article that you might like: Most Baby Boomers Overspend on These 8 Things. Don’t Be One of Them!