America is enormous, and although many big cities and popular tourist attractions can be rather expensive, there are numerous options to have a cheap vacation in the US. For nature and outdoor adventure lovers, the US can provide stunning attractions on a budget.
You can find a beach vacation, a stunning landscape in national and state parks across the US, or a city getaway. Foreign tourists will need american ESTA. You can ask for travel authorization online. There is an extensive set of questions, and the administration takes around three days to process the application. ESTA is for visitors from 39 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, and the permit is valid for two years.
Best affordable vacations in the US
Florida is one of the states with an abundance of sun and great weather around the year. While most people visit posh Miami and Orlando with its amusement parks, the oldest town in the continental US, St. Augustine, is often overlooked. More than 42 miles of beaches, Pirate and Treasure Museum, and Fountain of Youth Archeological Park are among top attractions. The town has historical significance, and the downtown holds some landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the Old Jail, and St. George Street.
San Antonio is a perfect budget-friendly destination, with its most prominent attraction being free or affordable. Texas has excellent weather, and summers can get hot. San Antonio River Walk is among the best in the US. It is a combination of a public park, artworks, nature, and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops along the San Antonio River. Near the city is the historic Alamo mission, important for American 19th-century history. Natural Bridge Caverns, Brackenridge Park, and San Antonio Zoo are among other attractions.
Colorado Springs is a budget-friendly town south of Denver. It is an ideal spot for exploring the stunning beauty of the Rockies and the Great Plains. You can find Garden of the Gods with famous red rocks near a town and numerous other attractions.
Grand Canyon is among the most recognizable symbols of America and one of the world’s natural wonders. The huge 277 mile-long park has countless miles of hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and other fun activities like drive-in Caves. Road trips and camping are probably the cheapest way to explore the US, and the Grand Canyon entrance fee covers pretty much all the attractions.
Albuquerque in New Mexico has more than 310 days of sunshine, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also hosts countless festivals, and Albuquerque International Baloon Fiesta is one of the most prominent. Other great things include exploring Old Town, BioPark, San Felipe de Neri Church, Sandia Peak Tramway, and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Olympic National Park near Seattle has more than a million acres of diverse landscape, including rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped mountains.
Sequoia National Park has an entrance fee, but the return is enormous for this Central California park. The giant trees in the world, numerous hiking trails, and abundant wildlife are the highlights. Other notable National Parks include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Montana vacations on a budget
Montana is the state with “The Last Best Place” nickname if you’re looking for pristine nature. Sparsely populated, Montana has the right road and railroad infrastructure, and you can rent an RV, Camper, or go with the car and experience the “Big Sky Country.” Montana is huge, and everything is big up there.
Glacier National Park is incredibly picturesque with high sharp mountain peaks, and mirror glacial lakes, lush forest, and rock formations. Lake McDonald is breathtakingly beautiful. Take a ride on Going the Sun Road, take a hike on Grinnel Glacier, and visit Highline Trail or Avalanche Lake.
Visit Kalispell, a small town near National Park, where you can find affordable accommodation. The most significant freshwater lake west of the Mississippi is near town. You can enjoy water activities on Flathead Lake in the summer months.
Bigfork is a small town where two rivers, Flathead and Swan River, flow into the Lake. It is an excellent hub for outdoor activities that include mountain biking, golfing, rodeo, and numerous festivals.
Other great travel destinations in Montana include Missoula and Bozeman, small towns that can serve as hubs for exploring this huge and beautiful state.
New Orleans holidays
The Big Easy has incredible cuisine, an eclectic and rich music scene, and countless festivals. If you want, big crowds go in January when Mardi Gras turns the city into a party town. Weather is pleasant throughout the year, and the best months for visiting New Orleans are from February to May when the weather is nice, and festivities are in full swing.
Cheap California holidays
LA and San Francisco are globally recognized when speaking about California but are not cheap. California is a huge state and has affordable gems. Death Valley National Park can be a more inexpensive experience if you opt for camping. Attractions like Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the US, or Ubehebe Crater volcano crater, and desert landscape in one of the US’s driest places are highlights.
Cheap campgrounds are available in Joshua Tree National Park, where you can explore the Mojave Desert, unusual rock formation, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Lost Palm Oasis.
Sacramento’s capital city is cheap(er) than other California cities, and it has significant historical landmarks, excellent museums, and lots of outdoor activities nearby.
Pismo Beach and Ventura are great places for a beach vacation that will not cost too much on the beautiful California coastline. Big Sur is also a must-see part of the California coast.
Check your esta application status before making a flight reservation or paying for accommodation. Usually, most travel authorizations are processed within three days, and once you obtain ESTA, you can explore the US for up to 90 days.
Bottom line
From big cities to vast spaces, America is a land of incredible diversity and many attractions. If you want to see more and save some money, opt to spend on interests and experiences, while cutting on accommodation. A great way to explore the US is by road. Rent a vehicle and find motels, B&B, Airbnb, and other accommodations with good reviews.