How to Experience the Best of the US on a Budget 

Any trip to the US offers travellers an immense array of experiences. But do you know how to experience the best of the US on a budget?

“The Land of Freedom and Opportunity” may be a moniker more closely associated with the fortunes of those who call the States home, but it’s a title that can definitely also be applicable to holidaymakers. 

The possibilities are endless in the US.

Whether you choose to explore the lush green landscapes of the Midwest, explore metropolises in the North, or immerse yourself in the arid, yet exhilarating, climate of the South, there’s something for everyone in America. 

But seeing all that splendour doesn’t come cheap. If you’ve already forked out a pretty penny on travel and accommodation, your budget might already be limited for what you can do upon arrival.

That’s where this guide has you covered. 

Today, we’ll assess four of the most poignant ways to experience some of the best that the US has to offer, while also being conscious of your spending.

Read on to discover how to optimize the time you spend engaging with one of the most unique nations in the world. 

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Make the most of shoulder season 

Travelling during peak tourism season might mean you get the best of the weather, but it certainly comes with its downsides.

Overcrowdedness, an increase in pickpockets and – most pertinently for our discussion today – inflated prices are all factors that visitors to the US will have to face during these periods of mass influx. 

For that reason, travelling during a shoulder season is always advised.

These are the periods that connect the busier times of year to the colder or less tourism-friendly months, but which still offer decent value for those wanting to explore. 

April to May, as well as September through to November, are the best times to capitalise on these quiet, yet far-from-dormant, periods.

The weather across most of the US is welcoming enough during this time – although anyone looking to travel to the north might want to keep their trip closer to the spring-to-summer shoulder. 

Find the best free activities 

While a lot of tourist attractions are worth the cost of admission, we’ve all found ourselves deflated at one time or another after falling into a tourist trap.

Sometimes, even when the price tag does warrant the experience, we can be left with a sense of regret over how much of our daily or weekly budget we had to part with. 

An easy get-around here is to make the most of the countless free activities there are to discover all across the US.

Museums tend to offer free admission, while beaches across the West and East Coasts are spots you can spend hours enjoying without spending a dime.

Nature lovers should also consider a trip to a national park.

The States has a whopping 423 in total, which means you’re never far away from one. While these are not always entirely free, most will be. Check before you plan anything. 

Factor tipping into your budget 

Fpr those of us who have enough foresight to budget, one aspect which often goes overlooked are the hidden costs of eating out.

Even if you’re frugal enough to count up the cost of your meal (remember to add tax) before paying, it’s probable that the tip might still catch you out. 

While not a necessity, most travelers would agree it’s polite to tip serving staff. And with this now representing as much as 18% of the total bill (on average) at the time of writing, it’s more important than ever to prepare for it. 

A solution here is to take the total food budget for the trip and allocate another 20% on top of it.

This way you’ll always be prepared for this forgotten expense, and could even find yourself with a little extra money at the end of your adventure if you’ve overestimated your generosity. 

Don’t overlook lesser-known cities 

We’d never recommend avoiding iconic locations like New York, Miami, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Dallas – but how about splitting your time between the usual behemoths and some overlooked gems? 

While prices in these kinds of locations aren’t going to be cheap, they’ll definitely be lower than in the big metropolises – which not only raise costs because of tourism, but have a high cost-of-living to begin with, thanks to most of them being the hub of a State’s economic wealth. 

Here are some slightly cheaper alternatives to big cities in some of the most popular states: 

• California – Sacramento 
• Florida – New Smyrna Beach 
• Georgia – Athens 
• Hawaii – Kailua 
• Kansas – Wichita 
• Louisiana – Baton Rouge
• Michigan – Grand Rapids 
• Minnesota – St Paul 
• New York – Ithaca 
• Oklahoma – Tulsa 
• Rhode Island – Providence 
• Tennessee – Knoxville 
• Texas – San Antonio 
• Vermont – Montpelier 
• Washington – Olympia 

Do you feel prepared for your adventure? A trip to the US is unlike any other. Make sure you follow these handy tidbits to get everything you want out of your time in the States. 

Read these posts to continue planning your US trip
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Make a Layover at LAX Airport Fun
Do I need an ESTA for the USA? – All you need to know!