The best affordable travel destinations in the US

Stef Zisovska

Having a memorable vacation with your family doesn’t mean going broke and leaving your bank account empty. There are many places across the States where you and your dear ones can spend a great holiday together while not having to go without after you get back home. The prices of accommodation and food, as well as the number of free activities offered in the following US cities, are some of the factors that influenced the creation of this list. You don’t have to be a millionaire to go on a vacation, and you know it. Check the list of the best affordable travel destinations in the US for 2018.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi casinos – Author: Zach123abc – CC BY-SA 3.0
Biloxi casinos – Author: Zach123abc – CC BY-SA 3.0

Biloxi is an amazing place, home to miles of sandy beaches and many casinos which makes it attractive during the day and during the night. If you’re traveling with kids, visit the white sandy beaches of Ship Island between November and April when the prices are lower. If you decide to go in the warmer months, then pay a lot of attention to last-minute accommodation deals.

Branson, Missouri

Outside of the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri. The building is shaped to look like the Titanic – Author: Paul Frederickson – CC-BY 2.5
Outside of the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri. The building is shaped to look like the Titanic – Author: Paul Frederickson – CC-BY 2.5

Vacationing families love Branson because it offers many kid-friendly activities including the Silver Dollar City amusement park. Visiting the grounds of the College of the Ozarks, exploring the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery or splashing around in Table Rock Lake, are all free activities that you and your family can enjoy while in Branson and save a bunch of money as well. Sounds like a good plan, right?

Daytona, Florida

Daytona Beach Golf Course, South Course – Author: Gamweb – CC BY-SA 3.0
Daytona Beach Golf Course, South Course – Author: Gamweb – CC BY-SA 3.0

The first thing you will think of when someone mentions Daytona is probably NASCAR, but the fact is that there are a lot more things to see and do here. More than 20 miles of public shoreline is what attracts a lot of people from the country to spend their vacations on the sandy beaches of Daytona. History buffs will enjoy the Museum of Arts and Science. Look for lodging far from the track or the sand to avoid high prices.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Cityscape of Raleigh
Cityscape of Raleigh

Raleigh is a perfect vacation spot for all types of travelers. Several colleges, craft breweries and numerous trails and parks that are free to explore means there’s plenty to enjoy here. Also, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History and the state Capitol all offer free admission. Hiking and biking activities are offered in Pullen Park and on the Neuse River Trail, where again you can do all the activities free of charge.

Jacksonville, Florida

St Johns Town Center in Jacksonville – Author: Excel23 – CC BY-SA 4.0
St Johns Town Center in Jacksonville – Author: Excel23 – CC BY-SA 4.0

Beach fans can head to nearby Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Atlantic Beach, all free to access. If you and your crew are not that much into beach activities, then you can visit the downtown Riverside Arts Market, open every Saturday for locals and tourists. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is home to another free attraction you can visit and that is the Kingsley Plantation. These unspoiled wetlands are a perfect place to visit for all who like a bit different than just sitting on the beach all day. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is another cool place to visit while you’re vacationing here.

As you can see, there are plenty of affordable places with many free activities around the country that will satisfy the need of every family member without affecting your wallet that much. Depending on what kind of vacation you want, choose the place that seems the best for you and your crew. Going on a vacation doesn’t necessarily mean starving yourself in the months following the holidays. Plan smart, stay safe, and good luck.

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival