Top US Destinations for Low Budget Travelers

This summer, most travelers will be taking off with a budget in mind. Trips to Mexico, Hawaii and Europe have been traded in for vacations closer to home. The good news is there is a lot to explore right here in the United States for families and couples alike. And you don’t have to go to New York or Los Angeles to find the goods. Many budget-friendly destinations have added attractions, luxury hotels, dining and shopping to lure travelers. A one-week trip to a middle market city within the US will offer as much to do as trips to major metropolitan areas. Just do your research first. Know what you are getting into and schedule time for the attractions that will appeal to your group.

Denver, Colorado

While ski passes and rentals can make Denver and the surrounding mountains and expensive trip in the winter, the summer offers a great opportunity to stay at a lower cost. Enjoy the landscape on long hikes around the lush Rockies. Trips to Vail, Copper Mountain or Aspen can make each day a separate adventure. Denver offers a fairly central location, making most flights reasonable in price and time.

Memphis, Tennessee

Like good blues and jazz music? How about hometown barbeque? Interested in visiting Graceland? A trip to Memphis puts you in the center of both the Mississippi jazz culture and the Midwest barbeque belt. Local shows, such as a Cirque de Soleil spectacular, can be booked at a lower than average rate. The Peabody hotel offers a historic, world-class feel at a rate much lower than similar experiences in New Orleans or San Francisco.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston delivers on the all the charm of an antebellum town. From “Rainbow Row,” featuring brightly colored southern-Victorian row homes, to quaint bed and breakfasts, you will find a town preserved in time. Day trips can be arranged to Fort Sumner, a historic military site reached by a ferry. It is not uncommon to see dolphins playing in the waves surrounding the Fort or the ferry. Couples seeking romance will enjoy carriage ride tours of the historic buildings. Families will enjoy trips to farmer’s markets to keep meal costs low.

Nashville, Tennessee

Though just a quick hop over the state of Tennessee away from Memphis, Nashville offers a unique combination of quaint Southern town mixed with up-and-coming business center. You will find many newer buildings, restaurants and shops while you tour the downtown area. At the same time, a tour of the Vanderbilt campus reveals one of the most beautiful academic settings in the country. The Country Music Hall of Fame offers a day full of music and reminiscing.

Niagara Falls

Okay, so this one may involve travelling just beyond US borders. Whether you are driving or flying, though, getting to Niagara Falls is relatively easy, particularly from the Northeast. Seeing the falls is in itself a reason to travel there. Couples seeking adventure will also find casinos and dining at easy access. There are many surrounding communities on Lake Erie that offer quaint summer getaways and county fairs.

Tags: Charleston, Colorado, Denver, Memphis, Nashville, Niagara Falls, South Carolina, summer travel, Tennessee