How to Travel In the U.S. On A Budget: Our Divalicious Tips!

By The DivaGals | February 1, 2023 | Travel

Hey DivaGals! When we think of vacationing in our lovely U.S., it’s often about brilliant road trips, the magic of our home base New York City during Christmas and the dazzling lights of Vegas. However, the United States offers so much more than this. In fact, America is incredibly diverse. One area may have pristine, sandy beaches, the next may have breathtaking mountains. Because of this, it’s easy to see why so many people have the travel bug and want to explore more of their homeland.

If you want to know how to travel in the U.S. on a budget and check out other states, we got you. With our help, you’ll be surprised how much you’ll save. (though this will depend on how far you travel and the length of your trip!) Here’s our guide to get you started.

Pick Your Destinations Wisely

Arguably the most important question of all, where would you like to visit in America? Some people have dreams of heading to California and being by the beach, while others like the sound of a bustling city like NYC. The choice is entirely up to you, but you need to pick your destinations wisely. For those after low hotel rates and affordable cuisine, going to a major city may not be the best idea.

There are plenty of lesser-known cities across the states, like Charleston or Savannah, that offer plenty of fantastic sightseeing without a huge price tag attached. What’s more, there is lots of rich history and entertainment options to enjoy. Map out the places you would like to go, and if you’re going with others, you may need to compromise to keep everyone happy!

Opt for Train and Bus Travel

If you plan to travel hundreds of miles, your first thought will be to book flights. However, while air travel is considered the most comfortable and fastest mode of transport, buses and trains are fairly cheaper options. What’s more, they’ll add tons of local flavor to your USA adventure!

The best place to start is by looking at bus travel websites like Wanderu. They can help you book bus and train travel. Also, they partner with the best bus and train companies in the country, which ensures you get the lowest prices. If you don’t mind your journey being a little longer, opting for public transport may be the answer.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

From galleries and museums to parks and tours, each city in the United States has its fair share of attractions. One of the great things is that many of them are completely free to visit! All it takes is a little bit of research, and you’re sure to find free attractions wherever you plan to go. Some of the best cities in America for free attractions include Houston, Saint Paul, and Minneapolis.

There are lots of museums around America that provide discounts too. Should you visit during the week, you may even be able to get free admission. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to forget about the top attractions and instead focus on hidden gems that may provide the same fulfillment without having to dig into your pocket!

Consider Camping

Regarding accommodation, hostels tend to be the cheapest. However, they’re not as popular in the United States when compared to Europe. For those wanting to cut down on accommodation expenses, why not consider a spot of camping?

There are free campsites dotted all over the United States, particularly in some of the country’s most glorious national forests and parks. You’ll find lots of these spots have great facilities too. This means you won’t have to worry about where you’ll shower or use the toilet!

Make Use of Grocery Stores

If you’re on a shoestring budget, you simply may not be able to afford to eat out at restaurants during your trip. Thankfully, wherever you head to the states, you’re sure to be close to a grocery store. You can pick up plenty of tasty grub from these outlets to keep you going on your trip, such as sandwiches and pastries.

Make sure to fill your bag with lots of fresh fruit and healthy snacks too. That way, you won’t have to stop at eateries along the way to keep you going. You can pick up lots of goods from grocery stores that will give you the fuel you need.

While we can’t say exactly how much your trip across America is going to cost but these are savvy tips that you can use can help keep expenses down. Whether you’re only heading to a neighboring state, or you want to venture further, there are many things you can do that can help you travel the U.S. on a budget and get the most out of your exciting adventure.