Nothing refreshes the body and mind like a vacation. Whether you travel alone, with family or extended family and close friends, avoiding the daily routine is good!
According to the American Society of Travel Agents, the five most budget-friendly travel destinations are:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Orlando, Florida
- Branson, Missouri
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles, California.
Here’s why these locales are so budget-friendly:
- Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas, you can get away, explore tourist attractions and stay in one of the many excellent hotel resorts, all for very reasonable prices.
- Because of the vast number of hotel rooms, nearly 150,000, says the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, many package deals to Vegas are available. A standard travel package to Las Vegas includes flights, hotel, food credits, and show ticket discounts.
- Vegas casinos will clamor for your business. However, if you want your vacation to Las Vegas to be truly budget-friendly, avoiding the casinos may be wise. Alternatively, you can budget a certain amount of money to enjoy the experience of the casinos, and when you hit that limit, stop gambling.
- With the many shows, amusement parks, and great places to eat, Vegas has plenty of non-gambling activities.
- Orlando, Florida. Because of Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Sea World, and more, there’s no end to the package deals you’ll find for Orlando, Florida. Families converge in groups each year to this sunny Florida vacation mecca.
- Depending on the time of year you go, you’ll snag some incredible “freebie” days at Disney and Universal Studios. Since July and August are in the middle of hurricane season, not to mention the hottest months of the year in Florida, you may prefer to avoid Orlando during those months.
- However, if you’re seeking a great travel deal to Orlando, you’ll find it in July and August.
- Branson, Missouri. Second to Nashville, Tennessee, as the country music capital of the world, Branson offers a stay at a fine hotel, delicious meals, and entertaining shows at astonishingly low prices.
- Here’s an example for a family of 4: two nights hotel, four complimentary admissions to a water park, four free show tickets to a Country Music Hall, two free large pizzas, and a $10 card to a local play spot, all for $298.60 for those vacationing in June, July or August.
- Another real advantage to a Branson vacation is that the location is easily accessible from several U.S. states. You can take a car trip to get there in a day or so. A destination you might not have considered, Branson offers numerous budget-friendly opportunities.
- New Orleans, Louisiana. What’s not to like about a visit to New Orleans? Steeped in history and some of the most charming old Southern homes you’ll ever see, this city of jazz and art is an experience in and of itself. If you haven’t been to New Orleans and want to save money, you’ll want to place this destination on your travel wish list.
- Beignets and chicory coffee can be had for a song at Café du Monde. A walk around Jackson Square when the artists are displaying their wares is free!
- For another real New Orleans experience, stroll down Bourbon Street after dark and listen to the music wafting out to the streets. No charge. Of course, you’ll be drawn to one of the no-cover-charge lounges to enjoy the entertainment.
- Los Angeles, California. This destination surprises as one of the top five U.S. budget-friendly travel locations. With museums, Venice Beach, Chinatown, and all things Hollywood, consider a budget-friendly trip to LA. Allow time to enjoy the free sightseeing and inexpensive (but reasonable) street food.
- Exploring Universal City Walk or the Hollywood Walk of Fame, except for food and drink, won’t cost a dime. Include in your budget what you’d like to spend on shopping and entertainment at these locations so you don’t get carried away and overspend.
Whatever your pleasure, you can afford to travel to one of these budget-friendly vacation destinations. With careful pre-planning and a great package deal, you can live it up during your cost-saving vacation to one of these top 5 budget-friendly destinations.