From lodging to lattes, it seems like prices have exploded these days. The idea of going on vacation might feel out of reach for some. However, with so many ways to travel on a budget, a relaxing holiday might just be closer than you think!
If you’ve ever wondered how to vacation cheaply, we’re here to show you. Our essential checklist outlines what to do in the planning, booking, and travel stages, highlighting the best ways to save money while still having an unforgettable time.
Download our FREE checklist now!
Pre-trip planning
Keep the cost down and the excitement high with a bit of pre-trip planning.
Setting a budget
First things first – how much do you have to spend? Put aside between 10-20% of that planned expenditure for unexpected fees and emergency funds.
Choosing your destinations
Dividing the cost per day, or per traveler, will help narrow down your destination options. Realistically, Martha’s Vineyard might not be the most affordable travel option, but maybe another beach town outside of DC or in the Outer Banks would?
Those looking for the cheapest way to travel often find success in booking an all-inclusive resort to avoid hidden fees and extra charges.Traveling off-season is a great way to travel for less, you’ll also encounter less tourists and experience a more authentic feel.
Researching deals
Websites and travel apps like Kayak, Skyscanner, Booking, and Expedia compile the cheapest travel alternatives conducive with your budget.
Packing smart
Traveling on a budget means packing just the essentials to avoid overweight or checked bag fees when traveling by plane.
Or, skip the flight altogether and rent a passenger van. You’ll have ample cargo space to fit extra baggage without the extra cost. Check out our car packing tips for more.
Pre-trip planning checklist
- Set a budget, allocating 10-20% for unexpected fees and emergencies
- Choose affordable destinations by dividing the cost per day or per traveler
- Consider traveling off-season to save money and experience a more authentic feel
- Research deals on websites and travel apps like Kayak, Skyscanner, Booking, and Expedia
- Pack smart by bringing only essentials to avoid extra fees
Saving money on transportation
What is the least expensive way to travel? We’ve whittled down a few of the best cheap travel options.
Car rentals and ridesharing
Cheap car rentals
Big name agencies offer car rental discounts on occasion, so if your plans are flexible, you could save money on your vehicle rental.
Rent a passenger van
A great way to travel cheap is by renting one vehicle that fits everyone. A passenger van can seat up to 15 people and their overnight bags.
Purchase an unlimited mileage package
Wondering how to travel cheap when covering long distances? Most agencies set a daily mileage limit and charge per exceeded mile. Go the distance without the cost by investing in an unlimited mileage package.
Ridesharing options
Check ahead of time to make sure that services like Uber and Lyft are available in your destination. In some locations, rideshares are cheaper than taxis.
The cheapest way to travel without a car
Public transit is the most affordable way to get around without a vehicle. Cities like New York and Boston have extensive subway and bus systems. Since walking or biking saves money, choose a destination that’s easy to get around on foot, like Anapolis, MD, or Portland, MN.
Air travel
The cheapest way to travel long distances is often on a budget airline like Frontier, Southwest, or Spirit. Keep in mind that these airlines have higher instances of cancellations and delays, and also charge for everything from carry-on bags to water.
If you’re headed cross-country, consider renting a passenger van and turning your journey into a road adventure!
Trains and buses
More than an affordable travel option, lines like Amtrak offer discount programs for seniors, students, and military personnel. Children under certain ages are generally subject to discounted tickets.
For long-distance bus routes out of major U.S. cities, try Greyhound, Boltbus, or Megabus.
Public transportation
Any list of budget travel tips will encourage you to use a city’s public transit system. Look for transportation passes to get unlimited travel for a certain number of days, such as the New York Pass or Chicago CityPASS.
Choosing to travel by road
Groups looking for ways to travel cheap can remove the cost of airline tickets, transfers, rideshares, and public transportation by planning a road trip. When you share the cost of gas and parking, it’s probable you’ll save quite a bit of money.
Road trips also give you freedom to come and go as you please. Find a vehicle that fits your crew comfortably – like a passenger van – and enjoy an unforgettable adventure across the U.S.A.
Save on transportation checklist
- Rent a passenger van for large groups to save on baggage fees
- Take advantage of car rental discounts and unlimited mileage packages
- Use ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft
- Utilize public transit, walking, or biking in cities with extensive systems
- Consider budget airlines, but be aware of higher cancellation rates and extra fees
- Take trains and buses, ask about discount programs for seniors, students, and military
- Travel by road in a passenger van rental
Saving money on accommodation
Ready to book accommodation? As a general rule of thumb, the earlier you book your lodging the better. This isn’t only beneficial in terms of price, but also ensures availability.
Hotels and motels
Saving money on lodging is far from impossible. From motel chains like Days Inn and Econo Lodge, to seasonal deals with Kimpton or Holiday Inn, you’re sure to find something within your budget. If your dates are flexible, look for rooms during low or shoulder season.
Hostels and guesthouses
If you don’t mind sharing your space, a hostel or guesthouse could be an excellent option. Try online booking platforms like Hostelworld, Dorms.com, and Hostelbookers.com, where you can research pricing trends throughout the year.
Alternative lodging
Couchsurfing
We live in an age where nearly anything is possible! Including cheap travel. If you’re comfortable meeting new people, try sites like Couchsurfing, where you literally stay on someone’s couch for a small fee.
House sitting
Up for watering someone’s plants or walking their dog in exchange for a bed to sleep in? Look into house-sitting opportunities on House Sitters America and MindMyHouse.
Housing swaps
If you live in a cool town, there’s a strong likelihood that someone would be willing to swap a week in their place for a week in yours. HomeExchange lets you search a database of thousands of houses, each fully equipped with the amenities needed to make you feel right at home.
Camping
Forgo the roof altogether and go on a camping adventure. Staying in a tent or an RV can turn your trip into an immersion into nature, plus save you money! Not into the tent life? Ask us about creating a sleeping nook inside a spacious passenger van.
Save money on accommodations checklist
- Book lodging early to ensure availability and get the best prices
- Consider motels, hostels, guesthouses, couchsurfing, house-sitting, housing swaps, or camping
Save money with travel rewards
Credit card points
Wondering how to travel on a budget while still feeling fancy? With credit card points, you can book hotels or flights without spending a dime. Chase and American Express are known for their lucrative points systems, offering up to four points per dollar spent.
Frequent flyer programs
Similarly, members of frequent flyer programs may have racked up enough miles for a discount. Through the Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus programs, you can use your miles to upgrade or book flights.
Hotel points
Frequent travelers choose chains like Marriott and Hilton for their awards programs, while others use reservation systems Booking.com to accumulate rewards.
Use travel rewards checklist
- Maximize credit card points, especially with Chase and American Express
- Redeem frequent flyer miles from programs like Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus
- Accumulate hotel points with chains like Marriott and Hilton or reservation systems like Booking.com
Saving money on food and dining
How often have you come home from vacation in shock at your food bill? Don’t worry, it’s easily avoidable by following these tips:
Eating out
Happy hour
Choose wisely! While you don’t want to limit your fun, perhaps save a few bucks by visiting those coveted fine dining establishments only during happy hour.
Affordable restaurant chains
If you simply can’t make it to a 5:00 PM dinner, you can still enjoy a lively meal out at an affordable restaurant chain like TGI Fridays or Applebees.
Coupons and discount apps
Digital coupons and apps like BeFrugal and Groupon are known for selling incredible packages at a variety of restaurants, with customers often saving up to 50% on meals at popular restaurants.
Grocery shopping
Shopping for your own food and making meals in your apartment rental isn’t just cheaper, it’s a great way to meet the community. Scope out nearby grocery stores and farmers’ markets for fresh produce and regional ingredients.
Sampling local cuisine
Here are a few ways to try local bites without taking a chunk out of your wallet:
- Food trucks: Major cities from Washington, D.C. to Austin, TX are known for their thriving food truck culture, showcasing their international population with each bite.
- Street food: Philadelphia and New York, among others, are home to a variety of street food, ranging from roasted chestnuts to hot dogs, gyros to pretzels, all at an affordable price.
- Farmers’ markets: Head to the local farmers’ market for farm-to-table produce and premade regional specialties you can eat on the spot.
- Food tours: Spending a weekend in Boston or New York? Sign up for a top-rated food tour, where you’ll eat more, spend less, and hear some great stories along the way.
Save money on food checklist
- Visit restaurants during happy hour or choose affordable chains
- Use coupons and discount apps like BeFrugal and Groupon
- Shop at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets for fresh produce
- Try food trucks, street food, and farmers’ markets for affordable local cuisine
- Book a food tour
Saving money on activities and entertainment
Stay entertained without opening your wallet! Here’s what to look for when deciding what to do while on vacation.
Free and low-cost attractions
There’s a lot of fun to be had while traveling on a budget. Especially when you realize how many free and low-cost attractions there are to visit in the U.S.A.
National and state parks
Many of the most famous parks in the U.S.A. are actually free to enter. Pack a picnic and head to:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Museums and cultural sites
Many museums and cultural sites are either free to enter or accept donations.
- The Smithsonian Museums: 11 of the 19 Smithsonian museums are in Washington, D.C. and are free to enter.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC: General admission is donation-based.
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: General admission is donation-based on Wednesdays after 4:00 PM.
Discount passes and cards
If you’re traveling to a popular U.S. city, odds are there will be a tourist pass that saves money on admission to popular attractions, museums, and tours. Look for a Go City card, CityPASS, or New York Pass.
Seniors, students, and AAA members are usually eligible for ticket reductions up to 50% of the full price of admission.
Local events and festivals
A wonderful way to travel cheap is to check out local festivals and celebrations. And because America loves a good party, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something at any time of year. Here are a few ideas:
Spring
- March/April: National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.
- April: Art Blooms at Mosaic, Fairfax, Virginia
- April/May: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana
Summer
- June: Pride Festivals, Various
- July: 4th of July fireworks, Various
- August: Lobsterfest, Rockland, Maine
Fall
- September: Oktoberfest at Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont
- October: Keene Pumpkin Festival, Keene, New Hampshire
- November: Day of the Dead celebrations, Various Southwestern cities
Winter
- December: Christmas markets, Various
- January: New Years Eve fireworks, Various
- February: Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana
Avoiding tourist traps
Look for cafes, restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods that are more community-focused than visitor-driven. Ask the locals for their favorite spots, chat with Uber drivers, or follow social media accounts run by influencers who actually live there.
And remember – if a host or hostess is hawking you to come into their restaurant, it’s probably overpriced.
Still, there are some tourist traps that are worth the hype (hello, Brooklyn Bridge!). Avoid peak hours by going very early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and travel during low season whenever possible.
Find free and low-cost entertainment checklist
- Visit national and state parks, many of which are free to enter
- Identify free or donation-based museums and cultural sites
- Use tourist passes like Go City Card, CityPASS, and New York Pass to save on attractions
- Attend local festivals and celebrations throughout the year
- Avoid tourist traps by asking locals for recommendations and traveling during off-peak hour
Download our FREE checklist here!
FAQs about traveling cheap
Is $500 enough for a trip?
Whether or not $500 is enough for a trip depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Destination cost – Cities like New York and Washington D.C. will inevitably be more expensive than smaller towns like St. Augustine, FL or Pittsburgh, PA, where your dollar will stretch further.
- Lodging choice – Staying in a hostel or on a campground instead of a hotel or apartment rental will help you stay within a $500 budget.
- Dining options – You could feasibly spend $500 on a dinner for four in a city like Miami or Boston. Choose low-cost dining options or make your own meals to stay within budget.
Overall, $500 is a very low budget for a trip, but it can be done with proper planning.
How can I reduce transportation costs while traveling?
Here are a few tips to save on transportation:
- Walk as much as possible in cities to avoid taxi and rideshare fares.
- Rent a bike or use bike sharing programs to get around.
- Book transportation like trains and buses in advance for discounts.
- Travel during off-peak hours when fares are lower.
- Rent a passenger van instead of multiple vehicles.
Where is the cheapest place to go on vacation in the U.S.A.?
Four of the cheapest places to go on vacation in the U.S.A. include:
- Las Vegas, Nevada for affordable hotels, food, and entertainment on the Strip.
- New Orleans, Louisiana for cheap eats, free live music, and budget-friendly hotels.
- Asheville, North Carolina for free outdoor activities.
- Savannah, Georgia – For free parks, squares, and museums.
Traveling on a budget? Save money on transportation with a passenger van. Here’s your free rental quote.
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