Travel doesn’t have to be expensive.

Traveling doesn’t have to be about eating at fancy restaurants, booking every excursion, and staying at the fanciest hotel. Travel is about the experience, not the price tag.

Knowing each location and the best time to travel there makes a difference!

If you like to travel, but feel like you don’t have the money for it because it’s too expensive. Fear no more! You found the right place. Here is a list of seven unique, budget-friendly destinations that each offer a distinct vibe. Make the most of your money by traveling during the shoulder seasons and exploring free excursions, such as museums, parks, and local festivals.

Travel Tip #1: Plan your trips around shoulder seasons

Related Article: Perks Of Traveling During Off-Season

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Free Things To Do Nationwide

National Parks & Museums

Many National Parks offer free admission on special days, as well as school programs. Do some research before leaving to see if the local parks offer any special passes for individuals currently enrolled in education. These passes are sometimes valid for the entire year, so you can get enrolled in advance.

City Walking Tours

Many cities offer self-guided or donation-based walking tours that take you through the area’s most iconic photo op spots, giving you a glimpse into their history and upbringing.

Window Shop @ Unique Districts

From artsy enclaves and historic quarters to vibrant cultural hubs, these unique districts offer travelers an authentic glimpse into local life, flavors, and creativity. Read more to learn about these unique destinations within each city.

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San Antonio

Texas

Traveling to San Antonio on a budget is totally doable without missing out on the city’s charm. With a walkable downtown and plenty of affordable hotels, San Antonio makes for a fun and wallet-friendly getaway.

Tips Before You Go

Parking can get expensive if you plan to visit downtown for longer than a few hours. To make the most of the city, I suggest taking a hop-on/hop-off trolley tour, or finding a hotel that’s within reasonable walking distance of downtown.

Travel Tip #2: Set a daily budget in advance for shopping/food

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: October-November

October and November offer a balance between great weather and manageable travel costs.

Off-season typically falls during the late summer (mid-August to mid-September) and January through early February. This is due to the weather and fewer events. However, you can find the best hotel rates and smaller crowds around this time.

Seasonal Events

Spring – Fiesta San Antonio, a 10-day celebration with parades; the Strawberry festival
Summer – San Antonio Summer Art & Jazz Festival
Fall – Halloween on the River Walk; Muertos Fest (Día de los Muertos); Diwali San Antonio
Winter – Ford Holiday River Parade; River Walk Luminarias

Other Budget-Friendly Activities

Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour

Japanese Tea Garden – Koi ponds, waterfalls, walking trails, and more
North Star Mall – See the 40ft tall cowboy boots
San Antonio River Walk – 15 miles in total, 5 miles through downtown
LEGOLAND Discovery Center – $30 admission

Related Article: List of Free Museum Days In San Antonio

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New Orleans, LA

Visiting New Orleans on a budget is totally doable—and still full of flavor, music, and charm. With the helpful tips throughout this post, and some insider knowledge, you can make the most of your trip without putting stress on your wallet.

Tips Before You Go

Peak Hurricane Season – July-September (Avoid Traveling During These Months)

Eat smart – not every meal has to be at a fancy restaurant downtown. Nearby neighborhoods like Bywater, Mid-city, and East NOLA offer great food without the touristy upcharge.

Walk as much as possible, or take advantage of the streetcar and enjoy the scenery. It’s cost-effective and reduces the risk of paying for parking multiple times throughout your trip.

New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Unlimited Sightseeing Package

Places to Eat in New Orleans (that won’t break the bank)

Melba’s Old School Po’boys & Soul Food – 1525 Elysian Fields Ave
Coop’s Place – 1109 Decatur St
Norma’s Sweets Bakery – 2925 Bienville St
Dong Phuong Bakery – 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy STE 1A
Taceaux Loceaux – 2381 St. Claude Avenue

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: February to May

Mardi Gras season (late Feb or early March) brings parades, music, and culture—but book early, as it gets crowded and pricey. There is also great weather around this time of year, with low humidity.

October and November offer comfortable temperatures as hurricane season comes to an end and we approach winter. This is a great time to find low hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Pro Tip: Travel advisors can provide upgraded rooms for no additional cost.

Things To Do In New Orleans

Photo Op Locations – Art, History & Culture

Besthoff Sculpture Garden – 1 Collins Diboll Cir
St. Louis Cathedral – 615 Pere Antoine Alley
Lower 9th Ward Living Museum – 1235 Deslonde St
Frenchmen Art Bazaar – 619 Frenchmen St
Jackson Square – closest parking locations are at 500 Decatur St, 400 St Peter St, and 211 Conti St
French Market – located on the Mississippi River, consisting of shops, art, museums and more

Seasonal Events

Spring – French Quarter Festival; New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; NOLA Crawfish Festival
Summer – Essence Festival of Culture; New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
Fall – National Fried Chicken Festival; New Orleans Film Festival; Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
Winter – Mardi Gras; Réveillon Dinners; NOLA ChristmasFest

Travel Tip #3: Try to book accommodations with a kitchen to reduce extra dining expenses

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Savannah, GA

If you’re looking to visit the beach on a budget and you like history, Savannah is the place for you. With a reasonable drive to the beach and budget-friendly hotels, you can spend an entire weekend for less than $500 total!

Tips Before You Go

Savannah is home to the largest St. Patrick’s Day festival in the United States. Keep this in mind if booking during March, as travel is more costly, and there are larger crowds.

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: January-February and August

Pro Tip: Travel advisors have access to price tracking tools, allowing you to rebook at a lower rate (terms & conditions apply)

Free Things To Do In Savannah

• Tybee Island
• Savannah Botanical
• Forsyth Park
• Old Fort Jackson
• SCAD Museum

Where is the Forest Gump Bench?

The original bench, placed in Chippewa Square, was made out of fiberglass specifically for the film. Its location was set on the north side of the square, facing Bull Street. It is now on display at the Savannah History Museum.

Explore Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Bonus Unlimited Shuttle Service

Seasonal Events

• Spring – St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Savannah Music Festival
• Summer – Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade, and various 4th of July celebrations
• Fall – Oktoberfest, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, and the Savannah Pride Festival
• Winter – Savannah Christmas Market, Christmas on the River & Lighted Christmas Parade

Travel Tip #4: Review the city’s and/or state’s website for any local advisories and updates for travelers

Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary

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Albuquerque, NM

You’ve got a great mix of history, art, nature, and local flavor at an affordable cost.

Tips Before You Go

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: February-April

If you plan to go hiking, it’s important to plan your hike in advance to ensure you have plenty of water. It’s recommended to have at least 1 liter of water per hour, per person. Never hike a new trail alone, and never go late in the afternoon.

Hiking Trails

Paseo del Bosque Trail: Beginner, ~16 miles, flat riverside path great for biking
Petroglyph National Monument: Beginner, multiple trails between 2-3 miles, but little shade
Three Gun Spring Trail: Intermediate, ~5miles, elevation ~850ft steady elevation with open views
La Luz Trail: Experienced, ~7 miles one way, elevation ~3,775 ft

Free Things To Do In Albuquerque

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Rio Grande State Park & Nature Center

The Rio Grande State Park is an urban wildlife refuge and consists of 38 acres and a beautifully designed visitor center featuring an observation room and skylight tubes.

Seasonal Events

Spring – National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show, Gathering of Nations Powwow
Summer – Albuquerque Folk Festival, Route 66 Summerfest, ABQ Beer Week
Fall – ¡Globalquerque!, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Dia de los Muertos
Winter – River of Lights, Luminaria Walk, New Mexico Bowl

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Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City offers a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and culture, all with plenty of budget-friendly options. Here are some tips and activities to help you enjoy the city without breaking the bank:

Tips Before You Go

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: September-October

Use UTA TRAX light rail and buses for affordable and reliable transportation. Many attractions offer student discounts, so be sure to bring your school ID, if applicable.

Visiting Salt Lake On A Budget

Salt Lake Gallery Stroll: A free event where galleries open their doors, after-hours so the public can meet the artists. This takes place on the 3rd Friday of every month, except in December, as it’s on the 1st Friday.

Seasonal Events

Spring – Hogle Zoo Easter Eggstravaganza, and the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point
Summer – Utah Arts Festival, Utah Pride Festival, and Pioneer Day celebrations
Fall – Utah State Fair, Living Traditions Fall Garden Party, Oktoberfest at Snowbird
Winter – Sundance Film Festival, Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place, Temple Square Christmas Lights

Museums

Clark Planetarium: $10 admission
Natural History Museum of Utah: $21-$25 admission (under 2 is free)
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum: $12.50-$14.50 admission (under 1 is free)

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Asheville, NC

Visiting Asheville on a budget is totally doable, thanks to its abundance of free outdoor experiences and affordable local charm. Many of Asheville’s breweries offer free tastings or low-cost flights, and downtown hosts frequent street performances and art markets.

Related Article: Thrifting in Asheville, NC

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Tips Before You Go

With just your feet (and maybe a drum), you can experience Asheville’s creative heartbeat, mountain spirit, and warm community—all for free. Catch the Friday drum circle at Pritchard (Pack) Park, from spring through fall. Enjoy scenic overlooks, easy access to waterfalls, and rhododendron blooms across Blue Ridge Parkway.

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: January-March

Folk Art Center/ Southern Highland Craft Guild – milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina Arboretum – (parking fee required)
Carrier Park & Greenways – 50 acres of playgrounds, picnic spots, and trails for biking, and skating

Seasonal Events

Spring – Asheville Herb Festival, Shindig on the Green, and Asheville Botanical Garden
Summer – Drum Circle (Friday nights), Shindig on the Green, FAB Fest, and more
Fall – NC Apple Festival, NC Mountain State Fair, Old Depot Art by the Tracks, and more
Winter – Christmas at Biltmore, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, and the National Gingerbread House Competition

Pro tip: Check local listings for seasonal events like Shindig on the Green, free outdoor Shakespeare, and more arts festivals downtown.

Related Article: Things To Do In Asheville

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Kansas City, MO

Visiting Kansas City on a budget is easy and rewarding, thanks to its many free and low-cost attractions. Start with a stroll through the vibrant Crossroads Arts District or enjoy the beautiful fountains and sculptures at Country Club Plaza. History buffs can explore the National WWI Museum on a discounted admission day, while music lovers can catch free jazz performances at local clubs.

Tips Before You Go

Use the KC streetcar when traveling through downtown. You can view a full map of their route here. Explore the city’s culinary scene by enjoying happy hour deals and trying local BBQ at affordable spots. Keep reading for some yummy dining options that won’t break the bank.

Best Time To Travel if on a budget: August-October

Budget Dining Options

Free Things To Do In Kansas City

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (pictured above) allows families free entry after 2pm Monday-Thursday, except on holidays. Otherwise, it is $5 for ages 3+. Most of the attractions are included in the cost. However, a few activities like goat feeding, wagon rides, and fishing are an additional cost and still budget-friendly.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s offers free admission through the museum, though some exhibitions might require a fee. On the weekends between 1pm-4pm there are family friendly activities and live music on every 3rd Thursday from 6pm-9pm during their ‘Third Thursday: Not So Quiet Night’ at the Museum event.

Boulevard Brewing Company 45-minute walking tour – free on Wednesdays

Located in the lobby of the Federal Reserve Bank – An experience like no other bank. Be sure to take a look at the Truman Coin Collection of over 450 coins, and the largest automated cash vault in Missouri, featuring robots that transfer money through the vault doors.

Seasonal Events

Spring – Brookside Art Fair, and Snake Saturday Parade & Family Fun Festival
Summer – the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Old Shawnee Days, the Festival of Butterflies, and Boulevardia
Fall – Oktoberfest in Shawnee, Louisburg Ciderfest, Weston Applefest, and more
Winter – Crown Center Ice Terrace Ice Skating, Country Club Plaza Lights, Handel’s Messiah and Christmas Festival, and more

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