Vacation is a tradition, an aspiration of the middle-class, and a part of the American dream. Too often, we put it off. We ask, "Can we really afford it this year?" And mundane needs, home repairs, and monthly bills push thoughts of that road trip to the side.
It need not be so. It's obviously easy to spend big on a trip, but there are dozens of destinations that are surprisingly affordable. "There is no need to bust your budget for vacation," said Chris Rivett, travel expert at HotelsCombined. "It won't take long to seek out the best bargains, an we've found that many American cities are stepping up with low-budget offerings to encourage tourism this summer."
Washington, D.C.
Despite the fact that hotels in Washington are pricier than average, we include the nation’s capital in our “most affordable vacations” list because of the many free opportunities available. Topping the list here is the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. Truly the “people’s museum,” the Smithsonian continues to honor the wishes of founder James Smithson, offering access completely free to the public and some of the most incredible exhibits available. For example, you can see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Ginevra de Benci, the only Da Vinci on public display in the United States. If you’re a fan of the hit TV series “Mad Men,” you can see Don Draper’s suit and trilby hat, and if you are a fan of even older television, you can see Archie Bunker’s chair. A few other of the more exciting displays include the Hope Diamond, the Apollo 11 module and the Wright brothers’ plane, and at the National Museum of American History, you can see such important historical artifacts as the original star spangled banner flag, and the original Kermit the Frog muppet.
Washington has a vibrant nightlife, and U Street is filled with bars offering live music with no admission fee. Hotels near the Capitol Mall will be more expensive, but the extra money may be worth it, since you’ll save money on transportation as most of the destinations you’ll want to visit are a short ride – or even walk – from the centrally located hotels.
U.S. Virgin Islands
With some of the most sought-after waters for swimming, recreation, and snorkeling, the U.S. Virgin Islands is the absolute best destination or a low-budget tropical getaway. U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport, and there are several direct, non-stop flights from major U.S. cities. What makes this destination especially affordable this year is the $400 in VI spending credits available as part of the island’s Centennial PLUS Promotion. There’s never really a bad time to visit a tropical paradise, but a trip this summer will give you access to the spending credit, and you can see the celebration of the destination’s 100 year anniversary as a U.S. territory, which will feature parades, concerts, cultural exhibits, and food festivals throughout the year.
Cincinnati, Ohio
It’s best known for its four-way chili, a combination of spaghetti, chili, beans and cheese. President Obama visited the city’s landmark Skyline Chili restaurant in 2012 and enjoyed a plate of the four-way. But there’s a lot more to Cincinnati than a bowl of beans and noodles. A stop at Gomez Salsa is an absolute must-do when visiting, and the tasty three-dollar taco will keep you on budget. The city is very walkable, and also boasts an excellent streetcar system. The fare is $1 for two hours or $2 for the whole day, and the streetcar will take you to popular destinations including the Fountain Square, Washington Park, Music Hall, and the Contemporary Arts Center. One of the most vibrant riverfront districts in the country, the Cincinnati riverfront is home to the Cincinnati Red and Bengals stadiums, and the scenic riverside is dotted with fountains, gardens, walkways, and plenty of special outdoor events. The Banks, a new entertainment district in between the two stadiums, is filled with plenty of fun destinations and outstanding restaurants. And finally, the Cincinnati Zoo, one of the top ten zoos in the country, is home to the famous baby hippo, Fiona.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
There are plenty of things to do in Pagosa Springs that won’t cost a dime. With over 650 miles of hiking trails on 2.5 million acres of wilderness and natural forest, visitors can also see cascading waterfalls, float down the San Juan River in an inner tube, and stop for a soak in a hot pot. Pagosa Springs, a mountainous part of the Four Corners part of southwestern Colorado, also offers a look at ancient history, as it has been home to several Indian tribes, and visited by Spanish explorers. The climate is mild, and the Great Pagosa Hot Spring is a destination not to be missed. The largest and hottest natural mineral outflow in the world, it is reputed to offer healing and restorative qualities.
Yakima Valley, Washington
This quaint destination has been recognized by MSN Travel as one of 2017’s Small Towns to Visit, and has also been cited by Fodor’s Travel as one of Washington’s undiscovered wine destinations. Just three hours from Portland, Yakima Valley boasts over 80 wineries, and winemakers are almost always onsite. Tasting fees are either minimal, or often nonexistent, a pleasant departure from the typical high price tag often found at wineries. Strolling through the vineyard is always a given, and some of the wineries, such as Alexandria Nicole Cellars (recently featured in Wine Advocates Grape Escapes) also provides a unique lodging experience with their four Tiny Houses that are located in the heart of their vineyard, overlooking the Columbia River. The houses range in style, and size (218 square feet to 392 square feet), but all include a propane BBQ with a "grill kit" on each deck.
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