5 Awesome Vacation Destinations You Didn’t Know You Could Afford

Stretch your vacation dollars at these cheap, beautiful places.

By Karen Doyle February 4, 2019 Compare Travel Credit Cards

If you plan on traveling during the spring or summer, start looking for the best travel deals now.

To help you in your search, GOBankingRates found the best places to travel in U.S. on a budget in 2019 after analyzing the cost of hotels, flights, public transportation, food and drinks in 54 cities. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation, outdoor adventure or nightlife, take a look at some of these surprisingly affordable places to visit this year.

Check Out: A Dream Destination for Every Month in 2019

New Orleans

The Big Easy is also The Big Affordable, especially when it comes to food and beverages. In a city where you can get a meal for an average of $12 and a beer for $3.50, you won’t blow your vacation budget here. If you’re looking for big crowds and excitement, Mardi Gras is March 5 this year.

Don’t Miss: Want to Celebrate Mardi Gras? It’s Not Too Late to Book a Cheap Trip to New Orleans

Austin, Texas

Austin has something for everybody – ballet, theatre, music, food and outdoor adventures. The city is getting a reputation for hip and quirky things to do, and it’s still one of the best places to travel on a budget. For unusual nightlife, check out the Rainey Street District for bars, restaurants and clubs. If you’re a water lover, you can sail, cruise, kayak or pedal on one of Austin’s lakes.

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Also See: The Best and Worst US Vacation Cities for Your Wallet

Saguaros at Sunset in Sonoran Desert near Phoenix.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a great choice if you’re looking for cheap tropical places to visit. Dining, accommodations and transportation are all inexpensive, and the weather is warm and dry year-round. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden or fishing and golf at Papago Park.

Las Vegas

America’s gambling mecca has surprisingly affordable hotels, and you can find inexpensive dining as well. The all-you-can-eat buffet has long been a staple of the Las Vegas dining experience, and still provides a great value. There are also a lot of free attractions, like the Fountains at the Bellagio and the Volcano at the Mirage.

Try These: 13 Easy Ways to Save for Your Next Big Vacation

Center of Boise Idaho as seen from above at night.

Boise, Idaho

Idaho might not be the first place you’d think of to go on vacation, but think again. You can get a four-star hotel in Boise for under $100 a night, according to the study. Downtown Boise features unique shops, restaurants, microbreweries and nightclubs. The Boise Art Museum and Idaho Botanical Gardens are must-sees, and history buffs won’t want to miss the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.

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