By the way, the USA is not normally counted among cheap travel destinations in the world, because hotels, hostels, food, transport, and activities cost more. But if someone is already living inside the USA or travels from nearby countries like Mexico or Canada, then there are some cheapest places to travel right now in the USA also.
Globally, the cheapest places to travel are usually in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. In the USA, it’s generally expensive, but cheap travel is possible there too by traveling to some specific cities or in the off-season. That’s what we will see in today’s blog post.
Being a federal republic and consisting of 50 states, the United States of America is the third-largest country in the world, by area and population. For travelers, it’s such a country where modern cities, natural wonders, cultural diversity, and everything is found in one place. It has 60+ national parks which cover mountains, lakes, deserts, and forests. Round 66 and coast-to-coast drives are famous all over the world and considered to be a dream destination for road trips.
Did you know? The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the USA by France in 1886. Let me go on to explain further that the USA attracted more than 65 million tourists and visitors in 2024, according to UNWTO.
Why New Orleans, Louisiana, is an Affordable Travel Destination
New Orleans, or NOLA, is a historic and cultural city in Louisiana. You may know that it’s near the banks of the Mississippi River. The city is famous for being the birthplace of Jazz music, for its mix of French + Spanish architecture, and for the Mardi Gras festival, which attracts tourists from around the world.
Yup, New Orleans is considered cheap compared to other US big cities like New York, LA, and San Francisco. Here, street food and Po’boys (local sandwiches) are very inexpensive. Dishes like gumbo and jambalaya are also budget-friendly. Hostels and budget hotels are available in abundance, especially outside the French Quarter. Travelers and tourists can enjoy live street music, the French Quarter walk, the Mississippi Riverfront, and local festivals for free. Cars and buses are quite affordable. Hotels and flights are even cheaper if you travel outside of Mardi Gras.
NOLA is also known as the most haunted city in the USA because ghost tours and voodoo culture are popular there. Creole and Cajun Food is the unique food culture here, which can’t be found in any other US city. New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French, so its European touch is still strong. Hurricane Katrina (2005) caused extensive damage to the city, but tourism revived it.
NOLA’s nickname is “The Big Easy” because the lifestyle here is relaxed and musical. The beignets (sweet donuts) of New Orleans are world famous at Café du Monde. Every year, 10+ million tourists visit this city. If you are outside of the USA and planning to come to NOLA, usually you have to first land in New York, Atlanta, Houston, or Miami and then take a connecting flight here. Connection makes the cost of flights high.
Major airports here include Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located in the Kenner area, only 17 km west of the city. If any tourist comes from outside, then their main destination airport in NOLA is MSY. Inside the USA, tourists will only need a domestic flight or bus/train.
Experience San Antonio, Texas, Without Spending Too Much
San Antonio is a historic and cultural city in the state of Texas. It’s famous for The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, and Tex-Mex culture. San Antonio counts as a budget-friendly destination. Hotels and motels outside of downtown are much cheaper. Tex-Mex and BBQ dishes are available at very reasonable prices.
It also includes free attractions such as:
- The Alamo, a historic Spanish mission and battle site (1836 Texas Revolution), symbol of “Remember the Alamo!”
- San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest one, hosts a night light show, “San Antonio | The Saga”
- Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes Spanish colonial churches and history
- Strolling the river walk with romantic boat rides at cheap rates
- Mexican-style open-air market (El Mercado) for budget shopping and traditional food stalls
San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the USA. The Fiesta San Antonio (April Festival) is an annual 10-day celebration that is very colorful and cultural. San Antonio is a hub of Tex-Mex cuisine, such as tacos, nachos, enchiladas, etc. The 750-foot-high tower of the Americas is an iconic skyline feature here. Finally, you can say this Alamo City.
The cheapest hotels in San Antonio include Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, La Quinta Inn, Super 8 by Wyndham, and Econo Lodge. The special things about these hotels are that the rates range from $50 – $80 per night (off-season), which is quite cheap by their standards. Also, meals are comfortably available for $10 – $15, which is double in the bigger cities of the US.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a Hidden Gem for Cheap Travel
Albuquerque is also famous for its Native American and Spanish culture, desert landscapes, and festivals. Do you know it’s the largest city in New Mexico, located in the southwest region of the country? Albuquerque is counted among the cheapest destinations in the USA, but why? Let’s see!
Hotels and motels here are much cheaper than in major USA cities. Hotels and Airbnb options are also affordable for budget travelers. New Mexico is, overall, a low-cost state. Food, transport, and basic expenses are in the budget there. Many outdoor attractions are available for free or at minimal cost, such as trails, nature, and cultural spots. That’s why it is part of the cheapest places to travel in the USA.
The world’s largest hot air balloon festival (International Balloon Fiesta) takes place every year in October. This is the city’s biggest attraction. In addition, Sandia Mountains, the peak Tramway (North America’s Longest) is best for adventure lovers. In the Old Town Albuquerque, tourists can explore Spanish-style buildings, local markets, museums, and Native American art galleries. You may be surprised to hear that the famous TV series “Breaking Bad” was shot here, and fans visit those filming locations. Route 66 highway passes through Albuquerque.
Albuquerque is one of the sunniest cities in the USA with 300+ sunny days per year. New Mexico is nicknamed “Land of Enchantment,” and Albuquerque is its heart. The official state question is: Red or Green? – For flavors of local chili peppers.
Salt Lake City, Utah, is a Paradise for Budget Travelers
Being the capital and largest city of Utah, Salt Lake City is also known as SLC. The city takes its name from the Great Salt Lake, one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world. It’s the cheapest travel destination in the US because hotels and motels are cheaper.
TRAX light rail and buses are cheap. It doesn’t cost you a lot of money to explore nearby national parks, hiking spots, and lakes. Affordable meals are available at local diners and cafes as opposed to luxury dining. There are fewer crowds, so the prices are not inflated.
The Great Salt Lake contains water so salty that you can float in that salty water. Quite funny! While Utah’s mountains are famous for skiing and snowboarding. Temple Square, the Center of the Mormon religion, is a beautiful architecture site and open for free tours. Additionally, the Bonneville Salt Flats are like a white desert where tourists do car racing and photography.
National parks such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and the Canyonlands are all located in Utah and are perfect for road trips from SLC. There is low light pollution, so stargazing is an amazing experience to explore starry nights. Do you know that SLC is also called “Crossroads of the West” because it was the center of historic rail and road networks? The Salt Lake Temple here was completed 40 years ago (the largest Mormon temple). In some places, the Great Salt Lake is so salty that nothing other than algae and shrimp can survive. To amaze your travel experience, let me tell you that the 2002 Winter Olympics were also held there.
Moreover, if you plan to go there, one-way tickets to SLC within the US are very cheap if you are from the same state or nearby states. You can get a one-way fare ticket for around $26 – $30 on Skyscanner. Major airlines that operate to SLC include United Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. Some ticket deals are available for $70 or slightly more on a round-trip if the departure city is relatively nearby.
Portland, Oregon, is One of the Cheapest Places to Travel Right Now in the USA
Portland is a major city located in the state of Pacific Northwest region. It’s famous for its green lifestyle, hipster culture, coffee shops, and outdoor nature. Tourists also call it “City of Roses” because the climate here is perfect for growing roses. But why is Portland a cheap travel destination in the United States?
- Portland’s bus and light rail system (MAX) is affordable. No need to rent a car!
- Many attractions are free, such as parks, gardens, and hiking trails. Student discounts are easily available at museums and cultural sites.
- Portland’s street food/food truck scene is world-famous. The food is cheaper and tastier than in restaurants.
- You would be happy to hear that there is no sales tax in Oregon, which will make your shopping and dining cheaper compared to other states.
- Visitors can find affordable hostels and boutique guest houses at budgeted rates.
Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest independent bookstore, which covers an entire block. Hence, it’s a heaven for book lovers. The International Rose Test Garden has free entry for tourists, which covers 10,000+ rose varieties (making Portland the city of roses). If you are a nature lover tourist, then waterfalls and hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge will be best for you.
You will find budget-friendly hotels there, such as The Society Hotel, Sojourn Suites, Park Lane Suites & Inn, Hilton Downtown, and Hyatt Centric Downtown. Flights to there are also at good rates.
To conclude this blog post, American tourists and outside can find some cheapest places to travel in the USA. While this country is expensive in every aspect but you may get some cheap standard. So, have you planned your US tour now?