How to be a Budget Traveller in the US

Sunset on New York

According to the US Travel Association for 2012, the total spending by US residents and tourists averaged $2.3 billion a day. That is equivalent to $97.7 million per hour, $1.6 million per minute and $27,125 per second. Travelling in the US is once again gaining momentum.

With the strengthening of the US dollar, many families are planning on travelling to the country. However, many families are also trying to find ways on how to visit on a budget.

With the right information and a little research, you and your family can find places to see and enjoy in the US without spending much money.

Budget Accommodations in the USA

Travelling does not have to be expensive. In fact, having a vacation on a budget can provide you and your family a new and exciting experience. For example, one of the biggest expenses during a vacation is accommodations. Therefore, you will be able to save a lot of money by finding alternative accommodations that are not as expensive as staying in a hotel.

Many travellers today choose to stay in vacation rentals. These rentals are a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially if you are going with the entire family. Aside from great savings, vacation rentals have certain perks that you will not find in a hotel. One example is privacy. Another is that you can cook your own meals. This is another way to have a vacation on a budget.

Unexpected Destinations

Another way to save on travel is to know the best places where you can have fun and not spend a fortune. For example, one of the best places to go on a budget vacation for families that love the outdoors is Wyoming. The state of Wyoming has some of the most affordable yet great accommodations.

Glamping or “glamorous camping” has become an option in Wyoming and other states.  You can also stay in a yurt or a lodge that has all the amenities of a motel or hotel without having to spend as much as you would in a typical hotel. Most of the resorts in Wyoming even offer packages that include visiting famous national parks and enjoying outdoor activities. Therefore, you might want to do a little bit of research so that you can find the best places or states for vacationing or having a weekend getaway on a budget.

Other offbeat locations include places like Tampa, Florida which is one of the cheapest places to visit in the US. Compared with Miami, tours are significantly cheaper. Virginia also has very low lodging cost. Raleigh, NC has very affordable restaurants. Look at places besides the obvious for your perfect budget destination.

Know Your Budget

It is best to know how much money you will need to avoid overspending. What you can do is visit the travel sites of the state or city that are possible to visit. Many of these sites provide an average daily spending cost on accommodation, food, transportation, and resorts. These sites can help you get a good idea on how much you will need to set aside for a daily travel budget. For example, find restaurants that are within your budget to avoid paying for expensive food while enjoying your trip.

Pick Budget Attractions

There are many must see places in the US. Travelling on a budget does not mean that you have to miss out on them. On the contrary, the best places in the country are really very affordable. You can still do everything even on a tight budget. For example, you can still see famous landmarks and visit many free government run attractions. What you should do is plan ahead, and do a bit of research. There are many travel deals online and wise travellers use them to get the most out of their money.

For example, if you are travelling to New York, then the Statue of Liberty is one of the cheapest attractions in the state. A simple online search will help you get the best deals. Another foodie destination in New York may be the original Garbage Plate, served in Rochester. The restaurant where the Garbage Plate originated serves them at student price. There is no need to order the famous NY specialty from an expensive restaurant if you can get it cheaper from the restaurant where it was first served.

What to Take on Your Trip to Save Money

Finally, identify the best things to take on your trip that can save money. One example is the right shoes. For any vacation, you should bring comfortable walking shoes. Shopping for a new pair because you cannot walk in your own shoes is an example of how travelling can be expensive. Before going out, know also what to bring when exploring the city or area.

Preparing, planning, and doing a simple online search are ways to have an enjoyable and memorable experience without spending a lot of money. Finding affordable accommodations is a good way to save money as well. There are many great alternatives to staying in a hotel and you may even find them more enjoyable and exciting.  Knowing the best places to visit, setting your budget, and finding great deals on landmarks and attractions are ways to cut costs on any travel expense.

By Olivia, a keen traveller who loves exploring and going on adventures – she always lives each day to the fullest! Find travels deals for places like New York online at dealchecker.co.