30 Best Family-Friendly & Truly Cheap Vacations in the US
Looking for cheap family vacations in the US? Here are 30 of the best—perfect for families of all ages and budgets, and sure to create lasting memories.
Family holiday? Yes!
Family holiday budget? Oh no.
How great would it be to go on an unforgettable family trip without denting your pocket, right? If you’re like most families that keep postponing their vacation in the US because of budget constraints – it’s time you stop missing out!
Whether it is a city in the US, or a certain spot you want to visit, we’ve got it covered in this blog. So, use it to help pick your next affordable domestic destination, and the next one, and the next…you get the idea!
TLDR
Cheap vacations in the US are now wholly within your reach.
Don’t let the fear of running out of cash stop you.
Below, we present two lists:
Thrifty travels: 15 cities for cheap vacations
Low-Budget adventures: 15 cheap vacations in the US
Use the lists to plan your next family vacay!
Our methodology
To give you a list of cheap places to travel in the US, we have taken into account the averages of per person cost of food, commute, and accommodation. Next, we added all three to give an estimated figure per person per day for each city.
Behold our awesome lists:
Thrifty travels: 15 cities for cheap vacations
Unveiling the top 15 cities, each with its unique charm and budget-friendly opportunities.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Nov-Apr
Average food cost: $28 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $69 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $112 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $28 + $69 + $112 = $209
Why visit:
A budget-friendly rendezvous with nature.
Exploring the park's trails without overspending.
Tips for camping and hiking on the cheap:
Plan Ahead: Research affordable spots.
Pack Light: Minimal gear, less cost.
Cook In: Save on restaurant bills.
Water Filter: Free, clean water source.
Off-Peak Times: Fewer crowds, lower fees.
Share Costs: Split expenses with others.
Gear Repair: DIY fixes extend gear life.
Leave No Trace: Avoid fines, protect nature.
Discount Passes: Park passes for savings.
Local Exploration: Stay close, save on travel.
Public Transport: Cut gas expenses.
Borrow/Rent Gear: Skip buying, save.
Multi-Day Trips: Spread costs.
Energy Snacks: Affordable trail munchies.
Free Activities: Enjoy no-cost adventures.
2. Portland, Maine
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Nov-Apr
Average food cost: $48 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $34 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $115 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $48 + $34 + $115 = $197
Why visit:
Coastal beauty without coastal prices.
Relish affordable seafood delights.
Navigate the city on a shoestring budget for cheap vacations in USA:
Parks: Explore Forest Park.
Powell's Books: Free book-browsing.
Food Trucks: Affordable eats.
Brewery Tours: Some are free.
Hawthorne District: Window shopping.
Waterfront Park: Free events.
Japanese Garden: Free hours.
Lan Su Chinese Garden: Discounted tickets.
Pittock Mansion: Views for less.
Farmers' Markets: Budget-friendly.
Street Art: Enjoy urban art.
Public Transit: Affordable transportation.
Multnomah Falls: Free nature.
Try Voodoo Doughnut: Cheap treats.
Visit the Grotto: Budget spirituality.
3. Boulder, Colorado
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Sep-Oct
Average food cost: $54 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $51 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $102 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $54 + $51 + $102 = $207
Why visit:
Mountain town magic without mountainous expenses.
Farm-to-table delights for budget-conscious foodies.
Enjoying Boulder's outdoorsy vibe without breaking the bank:
Hiking: Free trails abound.
Flatirons: Free to admire.
Chautauqua Park: Low-cost activities.
Pearl Street Mall: Window shopping.
Outdoor Yoga: Often free classes.
Tubing the Creek: Affordable fun.
CU Boulder Campus: Stroll for free.
Rock Climbing: Budget-friendly options.
Boulder Farmers' Market: Tasty deals.
Free Concerts: Check local listings.
Wildlife Watching: No cost.
Bike Rentals: Affordable transport.
Picnics: Enjoy nature cheaply.
Local Breweries: Happy hour deals.
Free Workshops: Look for events.
4. Savannah, Georgia
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb
Average food cost: $58 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $27 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $84 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $58 + $27 + $84 = $169
Why visit:
Southern elegance without a high price tag.
Savoring comfort food and budget-friendly bites.
Strolling through Savannah's beauty on a budget:
Forsyth Park: Free, scenic strolls.
River Street: Window shop for free.
Savannah Historic District: Walk and admire.
Forsyth Fountain: Iconic photo spot.
Savannah's Squares: Free history lessons.
Bonaventure Cemetery: Affordable tour.
Wormsloe Historic Site: Low-cost entry.
Telfair Museums: Budget-friendly art.
Savannah Bee Company: Free tastings.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: Free exterior views.
Sunset on the River: Nature's show.
Picnic in the Parks: Cheap dining.
Visit Tybee Island: Affordable beach day.
Free Trolley Tours: Select options.
Local Eateries: Budget-friendly bites.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Jul-Aug; Sep
Average food cost: $45 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $51 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $125 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $45 + $51 + $125 = $221
Why visit:
Jazz, culture, and flavor on a frugal note.
Affordable Cajun and Creole delights.
Cheap vacation spots & ways to revel in the Big Easy:
Off-Peak Visits: Lower hotel rates.
Budget Eats: Try local po' boys.
Street Music: Free entertainment.
Historic Tours: Many are low-cost.
Festivals: Enjoy free festivities.
City Parks: Picnic and relax.
Biking: Rent and explore.
Local Markets: Bargain hunting.
Riverfront: Stroll for free.
BYOB: Some restaurants allow it.
Free Museums: Certain days/times.
Happy Hours: Deals galore.
Public Transport: Affordable rides.
Live Music: Tip musicians directly.
6. Phoenix, Arizona
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Jun-Sep
Average food cost: $52 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $39 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $144 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $42 + $39 + $144 = $235
Why visit:
Embrace the desert's beauty without depleting your funds.
Acadia National Park, Maine: Explore rugged coastlines and granite peaks.
Vermont's Covered Bridges: Seek out historic covered bridges.
White Mountains, New Hampshire: Hike the Presidential Range.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts: Relax on this idyllic island.
Mystic Seaport, Connecticut: Experience maritime history.
Providence, Rhode Island: Discover vibrant arts and culture.
Berkshires, Massachusetts: Enjoy music and art festivals.
Coastal Connecticut: Visit charming towns like Mystic and Essex.
Newport, Rhode Island: Tour opulent Gilded Age mansions.
Franconia Notch, New Hampshire: Admire the Flume Gorge.
15. Moab, Utah
How much it costs:
Best time to visit: Dec-Jan
Average food cost: $37 per person per day
Average cost of commute: $17 per person per day
Average accommodation cost: $336 per night
Total approximate budget per person per day = $37 + $17 + $336 = $390
Why visit:
Nature's wonders within the budget's reach.
Outdoor activities that won't empty your pockets.
Maximize your adventurous family vacations out west in Moab on a budget:
Camping: Opt for affordable campsites near national parks.
National Park Pass: Invest in an annual pass for park access.
Hiking: Explore scenic trails like Delicate Arch.
Pack Meals: Bring your own food to cut dining costs.
Off-Season Travel: Visit in winter for fewer crowds.
Free Activities: Enjoy star-gazing and petroglyphs.
Local Deals: Look for discounts on tours and rentals.
Shared Accommodations: Split costs with fellow travelers.
DIY Adventure: Rent gear and plan self-guided trips.
Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and tours in advance.
We hope the list gave you plenty of ideas about which state to visit next. And now for the truly pocket-friendly & nature-packed adventures, i.e., US national parks.
Low-Budget adventures: 15 cheap vacations in the US
Delve into various attractions across the national parks in the US that offer enriching experiences without straining your budget:
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Gaze upon nature's masterpiece without hefty entry fees.
Hiking trails and viewpoints for cost-free thrills.
Don’t forget to ask about fee-free days and interagency passes
Cosmic Club family annual—$432 (2 adults & 4 kids)
15. Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington (FREE ADMISSION)
Immerse yourself in the local culture without excessive costs unlike Olympic National Park.
Fresh produce, artisan crafts, and iconic fish-tossing.
Love eco-friendly traveling? Check out this blog to make sure all your trips are like that!
Budgeted Trips? Sure!
Unmemorable ones? Impossible!
We’ve got just the perfect way to make your family trip unforgettable!
Behold the exclusive merch for your entire family!
USA family vacation shirt ideas
Depending on the kind of family holidays in USA you take, you can emblazon one of these on the shirts:
Wildlife Safari
Adventure Awaits
Festival Vibes
Space Explorers
Disney Magic
City Explorers
Campfire Stories
Beach Bums
Historical Journey
Cruise Crew
Tropical Paradise
Sports Fanatics
Mountain Retreat
National Park Enthusiasts
Capturing and sharing moments
If you have already read our blog on must-take poses, you already know how you should be immortalizing your family trips. But what do you do once you’ve captured those precious moments? Let them languish in your phone gallery? Your camera?
We recommend using DropEvent to create an album at the end of every family trip and upload all your snaps in bulk. It will make things like sharing, commenting, and even setting up slideshows oh-so-easy!
All prices and information in this article are accurate at the time of writing.
All prices mentioned are applicable if visited during the best time of the year (mentioned under each location)
In a Nutshell
It’s indeed possible for you & yours to travel on a budget across the US! Want to successfully pull off such trips well under your budget? Then, all you need to do is pick and pair the locations and adventure spots mentioned in this blog for some of the cheapest vacations in the US.
After that, you’ll be left with only two tasks. One, have lots of family fun while making memories. And, two:
Share the most memorable moments from the trip with your loved ones through DropEvent.
Happy travels!
FAQs
1. Where is the cheapest place to vacation in USA?
Based on our calculations for in-city commute ($69), food ($28), and accommodation ($112), we think Montana’s Glacier National Park (the first item on our list: Thrifty travels: 15 cities for cheap vacations) is the cheapest place to vacation in the USA. You’ll be spending about $209 per day per person. So, plan accordingly!
2. What is the least expensive place to go on vacation?
The Glacier National Park in Montana is the least expensive place to go on vacation. Prepare to spend close to $200 per person each day if you’re planning to visit.
3. Where is the safest and cheapest place to vacation?
The safest and cheapest place to vacation is the Glacier National Park, Montana. A low crime rate, professional staff, well-maintained infrastructure, visitor education, and the 24/7 availability of emergency services are some reasons making the park safe for you and your family.
4. What state is cheapest in USA?
Mississippi is the cheapest state in the US for vacationing. Its cost of living is lower than the national average. You’ll also be spending less on transport and food. It has many free and low-cost activities for vacationers to enjoy.