Columbus, Georgia
Sean Pavone//Getty Images Out of everywhere in the South, Columbus, Georgia, might be one of the cheapest cities to visit, thanks to it multitude of free and almost-free attractions. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center has no entry fee, and neither does The Columbus Museum of Art (the second-largest art museum in the state). You can also bike the gorgeous 15-mile-long RiverWalk—rent a bike from Ride On Bikes for just $10 a day.
For more information, visit visitcolumbusga.com.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Education Images//Getty Images Well-known to budget travelers for being home to one of the most reasonable city stays in the country, Albuquerque offers great deals on hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Strolling around Old Town, the city's historic heart, is free, but if you want to visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October, tickets for a half-day's worth of fun are only $15.
For more information, visit visitalbuquerque.com.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
© Allard Schager//Getty Images Sometimes major cities offer surprisingly good deals on everything needed for a great getaway, as is the case with Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love's efficient public transport gives plenty of bang for its buck, attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are free, and Philly's most iconic food—the cheesesteak—is usually only around $10. Keep in mind, if you head into the city in the blustery winter months, you'll find hotels dropping their prices.
For more information, visit discoverphl.com.
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Daytona Beach, Florida
SeanPavonePhoto//Getty Images There are a lot of places in Florida that are expensive to visit (Sanibel Island, we're looking at you), but Daytona Beach isn't one of them—especially if you visit in the off-season. Don't mind some sticky, hot weather? Book a trip in the summer, and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf on the city's 23 miles of free beaches. Or if high temps don't appeal, head to Daytona in May, when events like spring break are over and the weather is juuuuust right.
For more information, visit daytonabeach.com.
Mexico City, Mexico
Sergio Mendoza Hochmann//Getty Images This year, why not skip Mexico's often over-priced resorts and head to Mexico City? Prices are bargain-basement compared to the U.S., with public transportation costing a few coins, meals as low as $5 (even less if you eat at street vendor carts), and admission to museums only costing a couple of dollars. Head to the Museo Nacional de Arte on Sundays and you'll not only get in for free, you'll probably have a chance to watch the city's famed Aztec dancers.
For more information, visit visitmexico.com.
Burlington, Vermont
Sean Pavone//Getty Images Whether you're people watching at pedestrian-only Church Street (Burlington has a famously boho vibe) or exploring the University of Vermont's Fleming Museum of Art, there is much to do in this pretty little city on Lake Champlain for no charge. Fans of frozen treats will want to head to nearby Waterbury, where the Ben & Jerry's factory tour is just $6 for adults.
For more information, visit helloburlingtonvt.com.
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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Elena Bennett / EyeEm//Getty Images Want to really save cash during your vacay? Go camping. To be more specific, go camping at the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site where $35 gets an entire carload of people entrance for a week. There are trails all over the national park to hike, but if you feel like taking some time off from physical activity, Grand Canyon Village, on the South Rim, offers a day's worth of free activities like window shopping and visiting art studios.
For more information, visit nps.gov/grca.
Dominican Republic
© Marco Bottigelli//Getty Images If you want to head to the Caribbean cheaply, the Dominican Republic is your best bet. While all-inclusive deals including airfare as well as hotel and meals can boast offers as low as $500 for three nights, stay outside of the resort area in Punta Cana for even better prices. Go during the low season, between June and November, and you'll save even more.
For more information, visit godominicanrepublic.com.
Breckenridge, Colorado
nick1803//Getty Images Colorado has gotten so popular, you might think it's impossible to plan a reasonably priced trip there, but the historic little mountain town of Breckenridge will prove you wrong. Breck, as it's been dubbed by the locals, serves up winter slopes cheaper than most in Colorado, but in summer the cost of lodging really nose-dives. For warm-weather outdoorsy folk, there are more than 200+ miles of trails to hike.
For more information, visit gobreck.com.
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
DenisTangneyJr//Getty Images We have a theory: The less well-known a destination, the better the value of the vacation there, and that's certainly true of Oklahoma City. Despite a flurry of recently opened and improved places, including the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, the First Americans Museum, and even streetcar lines, the limelight seldom shines brightly on this rapidly developing capital city. As a result, pretty much everything from hotels to meals to attractions are relatively cheap.
For more information, visit visitokc.com.
Finger Lakes, New York
Peter Unger//Getty Images Vino lovers, instead of taking a pricey trip to California's wine country, spend smart with a jaunt to the Finger Lakes. Every bit as breathtaking, but with hotels and restaurants that are a comparative bargain, the region is known for producing Riesling, which you can sample at wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Ravines Wine Cellars. Of course, there's plenty to do in the Finger Lakes even if you don't like wine, like budget-friendly hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.
For more information, visit visitfingerlakes.com.
Portugal
Francesco Riccardo Iacomino//Getty Images Sure, Portugal is pricier than a super cheap getaway to the Southern United States, but compared to the rest of Europe, it's very economical, which is one reason why so many Americans are retiring there. With the dollar about even to the euro, you can expect to pay around $75 for a mid-range hotel and $20 for a three-course meal with drinks. That's quite a bargain for some of the world's best cuisine.
For more information, visit visitportugal.com.
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San Antonio, Texas
Gabriel Perez//Getty Images While San Antonio may not get quite as much of the attention as other Lone Star State cities, it makes an ideal getaway if you're looking to save some moola. Wandering the justifiably famed riverwalk is free, and so is entry to the historic Alamo. Don't miss browsing the many colorful stalls of El Mercado (Market Square), and while you're there, fuel up at Mi Tierra Café.
For more information, visit visitsanantonio.com.
Big Bear Lake, California
Kesterhu//Getty Images There aren't a lot of options for truly cheap escapes from the everyday in The Golden State, but Big Bear Lake—located about two hours from Los Angeles—is the exception to the rule. Go in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and you'll not only avoid the crowds, you'll find lodging costs have plummeted. For big fun that won't empty your wallet, go hiking on Castle Rock Trail or the Alpine Pedal Path, then rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to get out on the water.
For more information, visit bigbear.com.
Columbus, Ohio
espiegle//Getty Images Another boomtown that is only now beginning to garner attention, Columbus's under-the-radar status and location in the traditionally low-priced Midwest has kept accommodations, food, and attractions cheap. Steals and deals can be found at North Market's fabulous food stalls, the Ohio Statehouse (you gotta love free guided tours!), and the Columbus Museum of Art, which features complimentary admission on Sundays.
For more information, visit experiencecolumbus.com.
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Baltimore, Maryland
Greg Pease//Getty Images With hotel rates that average at just over $100, Baltimore makes for a refreshingly low-cost stay, especially for one of country's more significant cities. There's loads to keep the whole fam busy there too, like wandering the bustling Inner Harbor (for cheap but delicious seafood, skip these eateries and hit up Sal and Sons in Fells Point). Visit the famed National Aquarium Fridays after 5 p.m. for half-price admission.
For more information, visit baltimore.org.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Karl Weatherly//Getty Images Do not, we repeat, do not visit NOLA during Mardi Gras, when prices for everything get jacked up. That is, unless you really want to, in which case good day and good luck. During the rest of the year, you can get thrifty by noshing on inexpensive staples like Café du Monde's beignets and enjoying free experiences, such as wandering the French Quarter and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. And don't forget to ride the ridiculously scenic streetcars for just $1.25.
For more information, visit neworleans.com.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Wiltser//Getty Images Are you a fan of autumn foliage? For a budget-friendly alternative to New England, leaf peep in Michigan's U.P. instead. The trees' fall colors usually hit their height in early October, with hundreds of waterfalls and lighthouses only adding to the region's appeal.
For more information, visit uptravel.com.
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Thailand
Matteo Colombo//Getty Images Safe, welcoming, and eternally inexpensive, Thailand is home to everything from stunning temples to idyllic beaches, fabulous food, and picturesque markets. If you go on the cheap, you'll pay maybe $30 a day. Care to pamper yourself and stay in more luxurious hotels? The price goes up to all of $50 daily. This Southeast Asia country is a great place to begin if you've recently decided to explore the world (far) outside of your backyard.
For more information, visit tourismthailand.org.
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
George Dodd / EyeEm//Getty Images Far less expensive than usual beach vacays, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach features lodging that averages just a little more than $90 a day. Save even more by visiting this family-friendly area in the latter half of September and take advantage of the area's lunch and happy hour specials. Or, enjoy the many activities at the roughly 6,000-acre Gulf State Park. Beaches, a nature center, hiking and biking trails, Segway tours, and more are all available at no-to-low costs.
For more information, visit gulfshores.com.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
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