Whether you're planning a grand family vacation or are looking for a quick and breezy solo trip to switch up the scenery, finding affordable places to travel in the US can be difficult. There are so many different things to consider when planning a trip, from hotels and flights to food and activities, and it's safe to say that it can all get rather overwhelming. To help, we've compiled a list of 10 fun and affordable US cities perfect for all types of travelers. From Charlotte, North Carolina, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, these are some of the best budget-friendly cities in the country.
To ensure that our picks are all affordable, we've made selections using data from Priceline on the most affordable domestic flights and hotels in the US this summer (based on average round-trip airfare and average rate per night, respectively). We've also included a few quality hotel and vacation rental options, all under $300 a night, for each destination.
Read on for 10 affordable travel destinations in the US, so you can keep your budget in check while still enjoying your next great vacation.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
It's not the flights or the hotels in Orlando that will stretch your budget (both can be found at fairly reasonable prices if you plan in advance), but the activities. Since Orlando is home to Disney World, if you plan on attending any of the parks, you'll be designating a large chunk of your travel budget to tickets. But the theme parks aren't the only great thing to do in the city—from visiting some amazing museums to enjoying nature-filled parks, there are tons of other activities that are often overlooked. If you do plan to spend a day or two at Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios, you can rest easy knowing that the rest of your trip was budgeted accordingly.
Where to stay in Orlando:
Philly is home to some amazing attractions, wonderful views, cool hotels, and of course, incredible history. In Philadelphia's Old Town, travelers can walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers—meandering down the same streets and buildings they once did. There are plenty of great free and low-cost activities, including seeing the iconic Liberty Bell, walking past The President's House (the original “White House” before Washington, DC), and exploring Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US. If you find time to try a Philly cheesesteak while you're there, all the better.
Where to stay in Philadelphia:
Airbnb
Booking an affordable beach vacation can be quite the feat, but Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to go when you want to balance beachy views with budget-friendly prices. Especially in comparison to other South Carolina vacation hotspots like Charleston and Hilton
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The Boeing 737 Max is back in the news after the plane was involved in a “Dutch roll” on a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Oakland in May. The incident caused significant structural damage and is raising further safety questions about the aircraft.
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While we often celebrate our favorite hotels around the world, we rarely spotlight the spaces within the hotel that make the property shine. Often, these are the areas—the bars, the restaurant, the rooftops and more—that become destinations unto themselves, pulling in a devoted set of locals to help turn a hotel into a place that residents use, too. So, as an extension of our recently released 2024 Hot List of the best new hotels in the world, we are highlighting the best new hotel restaurants, spas, and bars, as picked by our editors. Below, the hotel restaurants that compete with the best places to eat, anywhere—and the dishes you can't miss.