With summer upon us, vacations are on our minds. But with inflation keeping costs rising, it can be a little more challenging to budget for vacations than it was a few years ago.

But that doesn’t mean you need to skip your trips! From breathtaking national parks and cozy small towns to vibrant cities with budget-friendly attractions, we've rounded up a list of 11 fun and inexpensive travel destinations. Whether you want to lounge on a beach or take in culture at a museum, you’ll find some hidden gems below — that won't drain your wallet.

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The cost of living in San Antonio is about 10% less than the national average, making it one of the cheapest places to visit for budget travel and cheap vacations.

Try Airbnb rentals, hostels, or a bed and breakfast place for budget-friendly accommodations. For gourmet food, try Boudro’s on the Riverwalk, which serves a scrumptious seafood platter that goes well with a prickly-pear margarita. For low-key budget meals, try Gilbert’s for tasty Mexican cuisine.

Things to do: Popular attractions include the Alamo, the Riverwalk boardwalk, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, the San Antonio Zoo, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is fall and spring when the weather is most comfortable. It gets a bit cold in winter. During summer, it can be very hot and humid.

Miami, Florida, has beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and year-round warm weather. Many visitors come to Florida from New York and other parts of the northern east coast to escape the harsh winters. No matter your reason for travel, Miami has multiple budget-friendly hotels, resorts, amusement parks, restaurants, and attractions.

For accommodations, consider a stay at a budget-friendly Airbnb or check into one of the many beach-side resorts such as the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort or the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel.

For food options, you can get excellent Cuban cuisine at Versailles, fresh ceviche at Milamor Seafood Kitchen, and delicious key lime pie at Joe's Stone Crab.

Things to do: Some popular attractions in Miami include the Zoo, South Beach for live music and clubs, Wynwood Walls, and Everglades National Park.

Best time to visit: November to mid-April will give you the nicest weather and help you avoid hurricane season (June to November).

Charleston, South Carolina, is a beach town with southern hospitality. It has beautiful architecture and many historic sites. Charleston offers plenty of budget-friendly activities for cheap vacations and lodging options for budget travel.

Affordable accommodation choices include the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Charleston, The Grand Bohemian in Charleston's Historic District, and the Francis Marion Hotel.

Popular dishes include BBQ, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, benne wafers, carrot souffle, and okra soup. If you like beer, you can enjoy craft beer made by local breweries to wash it all down. You can taste these delicious dishes and more at the Hominy Grill, Magnolia's, The Macintosh, Tradd's, and High Cotton.

Things to do: Popular attractions are the South Carolina Aquarium, the historic Charleston Market, Charleston City Market, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, William Aiken House and Garden, Charleston Waterfront Park, and the Civil War Museum.

Best time to visit: September to October have cooler temperatures with lower humidity.

Boulder, Colorado, is one of our top cheap places for family-friendly outdoor activities, biking and hiking trails, spectacular sightseeing, and relaxation. Take a walking tour of its historic downtown area lined with charming cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. 

There are accommodations for every budget, from cozy condos and economy hotels to luxury Airbnbs. Popular dishes at cafes and breweries in Boulder include the foie gras mousse, Mediterranean pizza, and the marinated flank steak from Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana, frito pies from Zolo Grill, and savory crepes from La Creperie.

Things to do: Popular attractions include the Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park, and the awesome Flagstaff Mountain for a day trip or a short road trip. 

Outdoor adventures include rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Hiking is popular, as are other free activities. There are music festivals, live theater, and the Colorado Museum of Natural History for American history buffs.

Best time to visit: April and October are best for outdoor vacation spots and nature lovers.

Moab, Utah, is known for its vistas, deserts, red-rock canyons, abundant wildlife, and spectacular mountain views. There are cheap places to stay and plenty of free camping areas and state parks to enjoy for a family vacation.

Budget accommodations include the Gonzo Inn and the Red Cliffs Lodge. The Courtyard by Marriott is another inexpensive option that offers hotel rooms right in the heart of Moab.

Popular dishes in Moab include Navajo tacos, chicken-fried green chili, roasted pork posole, and Utah cherry cobbler. Some of the best restaurants are Moab Brewery, the Moab Diner, and the Slickrock Café.

Things to do: For outdoor fun, try biking, kayaking, or jeep tours. Attractions include Arches National Park, the Moab Adventure Center, and the Dead Horse Point State Park.

Best time to visit: Mid-April to mid-May has cooler temperatures, and the wildflowers bloom. Come for the Moab Music Festival and the Moab Folk Festival.

Glacier National Park in Montana has breathtaking views, sparkling lakes, and stunning snow-capped mountains. Children in 4th grade or younger get free admission to the park.

The low-cost accommodations include camping sites like the Fish Creek Campground and St. Mary Campground.

For food, try the Two Sisters Cafe and Bakery and the Geyser Grill for classic Western fare with a local touch. Popular dishes from this region include huckleberry pancakes, Montana steak and potatoes, and fried Rocky Mountain oysters.

Things to do: Glacier National Park has lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Trail of the Cedars.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from late spring to early fall.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is a great location for a vacation because it has a wide variety of fun activities and attractions, as well as a mix of city and rural experiences all in one place.

There is Southern cuisine of pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken, and hushpuppies at popular restaurants, such as Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Poole’s Diner, and Bida Manda. In Durham, the Bull City Burger and Brewery is a must-visit for a classic burger and craft beer.

Things to do: The North Carolina Museum of Art (free entry), Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and the Duke Lemur Center are popular attractions. Outdoor adventures include Eno River State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, and Duke Forest.

Best time to visit: Late spring when temperatures are mild, and early fall when the weather cools off again.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, has Caribbean influences and activities to experience. San Juan has affordable accommodations and restaurants.

Accommodations include hotels, resorts, Airbnb, and vacation rentals.

San Juan has a variety of delicious local dishes, such as mofongo, alcapurrias, bistec encebollado, trifongo, and la parrilla. served at popular restaurants of El Patio de Sam, El Meson Sandwiches, La Parrilla Latina, and Acapulco.

Things to do: Attractions include Old San Juan, El Morro Fortress, La Fortaleza, El Yunque National Forest, Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, and Cayo Santiago.

Best time to visit: December to April is best because the weather is cooler and drier.

Memphis, Tennessee, is a great location for a vacation due to its abundance of exciting attractions and activities. It is also cost-effective since plenty of reasonably-priced accommodations and affordable local restaurants exist.

Local dishes include Memphis-style barbecue, dry rub ribs, Southern fried chicken, and Memphis-style hot wings. Some iconic restaurants include Central BBQ, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Rendezvous, Cozy Corner, and Ollie’s Trolley.

Things to do: Popular attractions are Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Zoo, and the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum. Outdoor recreation opportunities include riverboat rides, walks along the Mississippi River, tours of the city’s music scene, and the Cotton Museum.

Best time to visit: Late spring and early summer months when the weather is warm, but not too hot.

New Orleans, Louisiana (or “Nawlins” if you’re a local), is a unique cultural experience full of fascinating history, exciting attractions, and mouth-watering cuisine. There are a variety of cost-effective accommodations and dining options, making the city a great vacation spot for travelers on a budget.

The Saint Hotel and Country Inn & Suites are budget-friendly hotels. The casual po'boy sandwich shops offer a filling meal and drink for a low price.

Local dishes to try include gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets at popular restaurants such as Willie Mae's Scotch House, Cochon Butcher, and Café Du Monde.

Things to do: Attractions include the Audubon Zoo, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and the famous French Quarter. The area also enjoys vibrant music, art, nightlife, and festivals year-round.

Best time to visit: Late winter or early spring when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Portland, Maine, is a coastal city with a beautiful view of the Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

For cost-effective accommodations, travelers can choose from various Airbnb listings, stay at the many bed and breakfasts and hostels available in the city, or rent a vacation rental house. Many of these come equipped with kitchenettes, where you can save money by cooking your own meals.

Popular local dishes include the Maine lobster roll, classic fish chowder, fried Maine clams, and lobster mac and cheese. Restaurants serving these dishes include The Sicilian, Snappy's Lobster Juice Bar, Eventide Oyster Co., and The Fisherman's Catch.

Things to do: Popular attractions are the Portland Head Lighthouse, the Longfellow Garden, the Museum of Art, the Old Port Marina, the East End Beach, and the Portland Observatory.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Portland is late spring and summer when the weather is comfortable and activities like whale watching, kayaking, and biking are popular.

From the majestic landscapes of national parks to the charm of small towns and the vibrant energy of cities, the USA (and its surrounding territories) is teeming with budget-friendly adventures. Remember: Incredible experiences don't have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little research and some budget planning, you can make your next trip the vacation of a lifetime!

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