12 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2026

To know me is to know that I love planning vacations. I always like to say it’s one of my spiritual gifts—it’s so much fun. Seriously, my in-laws even ask me to plan their vacations! Couple that with my passion for finding a good deal, and I’m in heaven. I say all of this because if you’re looking for the cheapest places to travel, I can help.

 

Saving money on travel really comes down to making a few smart choices. One of the biggest ones is picking a destination where you can enjoy lots of free (or cheap) activities. That’s how I built this list. I looked at how easy each place is to get to and how many free or affordable things you can do once you’re there.

Top Picks for Cheap Travel in 2026

Finding cheap places to travel in the U.S. might feel hard right now (looking at you, inflation), but they’re still out there. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the best budget-friendly destinations and what each one is known for:

Destination	Best For
San Antonio, TX	Culture and historic landmarks
Chicago, IL	Big-city attractions
Gatlinburg, TN	Family-friendly activities and nature
Washington, D.C.	U.S. history and free museums
Gulf Shores, AL	Affordable beach vacations
Colorado Springs, CO	Mountain views and outdoor adventure
Las Vegas, NV	Shows and entertainment
New Orleans, LA	Budget-friendly food and culture
Phoenix, AZ	Warm-weather travel deals
Pittsburgh, PA	Scenic city views and museums
Tulsa, OK	Affordable hidden gem
St. Louis, MO	Midwest getaway

Now let’s break down each destination and what makes it a great budget-friendly trip. Just remember, these cities aren’t ranked. The best place really comes down to what kind of trip you want!

San Antonio, Texas

Looking for a Texas-sized adventure in the Lone Star State? San Antonio’s got it all, y’all. Visiting the Alamo is a must. But you’ll also want to eat lots of Tex-Mex cuisine. Fajitas? Breakfast tacos? Yes, please!

Free Attractions:

• The Alamo: Admission to the most famous historic site in Texas is totally free! Learn all about the Battle of the Alamo and then visit the four other missions that are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
• River Walk: Stroll along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk and enjoy the shops, restaurants and bars.
• Brackenridge Park: This park has plenty of walking trails and playgrounds, plus a beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. Order a Tex-Mex lunch to go and dine out in the open air at one of the picnic areas!
• Historic Market Square: This vibrant outdoor Mexican marketplace is full of colorful shops, live music and local culture. You can walk around, take it all in, and enjoy the atmosphere without spending a dime (unless you can’t resist the food!).

Cheap Attractions:

• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: You’ll have tons of thrills on the roller coasters at this theme park just a short drive outside the city. Single-day tickets start at $39 when you buy online.¹
• San Antonio Botanical Garden: Stop and smell the roses as you stroll through the beautiful gardens and outdoor exhibits. Admission starts at $18 for adults and $13 for children ages 3–13.²
• Natural Bridge Caverns: Looking for a way to beat the Texas heat? It’s 70 degrees year-round in this underground world of limestone caverns and formations. Tours start at around $30, but prices vary from day to day.³
• Ghost tours: If you’re up for a little spooky fun, San Antonio has plenty of ghost tours that walk you through the city’s haunted history. Prices vary, but it’s a unique way to explore downtown at night and hear some seriously eerie stories.

Chicago, Illinois

If you’re looking for a big-city vacation without a big price tag, Chicago is a great option. Between the lakefront views, iconic skyline and tons of free things to do, you can have an amazing trip here without blowing your budget. And yes, you’ll definitely want to come hungry.

Free Attractions:

• Millennium Park: Snap a picture at “The Bean,” relax in the park, or catch a free concert or event during the summer.
• Lakefront Trail: Take a walk or bike ride along Lake Michigan and enjoy some of the best skyline views in the country.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: This zoo is completely free and open year-round, making it a perfect stop for families.
• Navy Pier: You can walk around, enjoy the views, and catch live entertainment without spending a dime. And depending on when you visit, you might even catch a free fireworks show!

Cheap Attractions:

• Architecture river cruise: This is one of the best ways to see the city, and tickets can be found starting around $30 if you book in advance.⁴
• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck: Take in incredible views from the 94th floor for around $30 per adult and $20 for kids. If you’re feeling brave, you can pay an extra $15 to lean out over the city from 1,030 feet above the Magnificent Mile.⁵
• Chicago Sports Museum: If you’ve got sports fans in the family, this interactive museum is a fun stop. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $6 for kids, making it an easy add to your itinerary without blowing your budget.⁶
• Food: Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches—and you can find plenty of budget-friendly spots to try them all.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

You know I can’t make a list of cheap places to travel without including a destination from my home state of Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains are a popular tourist destination year-round, and here are a few reasons why. 

Free Attractions:

• Cades Cove: If you’re looking for tons of panoramic views you can enjoy from the comfort of your own car, check it out.
• Clingmans Dome: This observation tower is perched at the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As long as there’s no fog, you’ll get a great view above the trees.
• Grotto Falls: Take the 2.6-mile round-trip hike from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see the 25-foot waterfall.
• All the hiking: There’s really no shortage of hiking opportunities here. I’m no expert in that, but Google is!

Cheap Attractions:

• Cabin lodging: When you go to Gatlinburg, you’ve got to stay in a cabin. Some of them are surprisingly affordable (especially when you book off-season), and who doesn’t want to wake up every morning to a mountain sunrise?
• Dollywood: It’s a theme park, water park and resort all in one. Tickets are $95 for adults, but you’ll save a bunch of money on multiple days if you buy the tickets in a bundle.⁷
• Ober Mountain: For around $37 per person, you can grab an Adventure Fun Pass and ride the Gatlinburg Tram up the mountain for some amazing views, plus enjoy fun activities like ice skating and more.⁸ And if you happen to visit when it’s colder, you can even add on skiing or snow tubing.
• The Donut Friar: The best donuts in town! It’s cash only, so I’m already a fan!
• Pigeon Forge: You’ll find tons of touristy things (wax museums, go-carts, arcades) to do in nearby Pigeon Forge, but do your homework before you blow your budget on a game of mini golf.

Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital may not come to mind when you’re thinking about the cheapest places to vacation (and save money). But if you book an inexpensive flight and an affordable Airbnb, this is one of the most budget-friendly places to go! That’s because there are so many incredible things to do in this city, like exploring museums, going on tours, and visiting the nation’s coolest landmarks.

And it’s not just me saying that. Chelle from the Ramsey Baby Steps Community Facebook group shared how affordable her family’s trip was: “Washington, D.C., was a cheap option for our family of five. We stayed in an Airbnb just outside the city, cooked our own breakfast, and used public transportation to get around. We went to monuments and Smithsonian museums, which were all free. Our total cost was about $2,000.”

Free Attractions:

• The White House: Who wouldn’t want a tour of America’s most famous home? Plus, tours are free! You’ll just need to book in advance through your Member of Congress.⁹
• Smithsonian’s National Zoo: With multiple exhibits and trails, you and your family can find your favorite animals in a number of discovery centers!
• Smithsonian museums: These museums are world class and totally free. The National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum have so much to offer for everyone in your family.
• The Supreme Court: If you’re into politics like me, this is exciting! You can actually sit in on a court session (amazing, right?) or take in a free lecture on how the court functions.
• National Gallery of Art: This world-class art museum is completely free and features everything from classic masterpieces to modern works. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering the galleries and taking it all in.
• The Library of Congress: This is the largest library in the world.¹⁰ It offers guided tours, exhibitions and a variety of live events.
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: This museum is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. It has several rotating exhibits and lectures, but perhaps the most powerful—the self-guided Holocaust exhibition spanning three floors—is there year-round.
• The monuments: There are a ton of memorials, but a few highlights include the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Cheap Attractions:

• Washington Nationals game: Catch a baseball game at Nationals Park with tickets starting as low as $20—especially if you go on a weekday.¹¹
• Half-smoke: This is what some call the official food of D.C. It’s basically a half-beef, half-pork hot dog. Each restaurant likes to put its own spin on the half-smoke. Try it out and see what you think!
• Wiseguy Pizza: If you love pizza as much as I do, check out Wiseguy. This budget-friendly spot is known for its New York-style crust.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches and warm Gulf water without the high price tag of Florida, Gulf Shores is where it’s at. This laid-back beach town is perfect for families looking to relax, soak up the sun, and stick to a budget.

Free Attractions:

• The beach: This is what you came for! Public beach access points make it easy to enjoy the white sand and clear water without paying an arm and a leg.
• Sunsets on the shore: It might sound simple, but catching a Gulf Coast sunset is one of the best (and free) experiences you can have.
• Fishing from the shore: If you already have gear and a license, you can cast a line right from the beach and try your luck.
• The Wharf (Orange Beach): Just a short drive away, you can walk around this lively entertainment district for free and catch the nightly laser light show. It’s a fun, family-friendly atmosphere even if you don’t spend a dime.

Cheap Attractions:

• Gulf State Park: According to the park’s Facebook page, day parking is just $15, and you’ll get access to beaches, fishing piers, hiking trails and picnic areas for the whole day.¹²
• Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: This small, family-friendly zoo is a hit with kids. Tickets are $23.95 for adults and $15.95 for children.¹³
• Waterville USA: This waterpark and amusement park combo offers plenty of ways to cool off and have fun. Waterpark tickets are $38.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids under 42 inches tall. The amusement park side is pay-as-you-go, so you can control how much you spend.¹⁴
• Fort Morgan: Step back in time at this historic coastal fort at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Admission is just $8 for adults and $5 for kids, and you’ll get great views plus a little history lesson.¹⁵

Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you’re looking for mountain views, fresh air and plenty of outdoor adventure without spending a fortune, Colorado Springs is a great pick. It’s less expensive than other Colorado destinations like Denver or Aspen, and it’s packed with scenic spots and family-friendly things to do. Just make sure to plan ahead for flights and consider visiting in the spring or fall for the best deals.

Free Attractions:

• Garden of the Gods: This is one of the most popular natural landmarks in Colorado—and it’s completely free! Walk or drive through towering red rock formations and take in incredible views of Pikes Peak.
• Red Rock Canyon Open Space: This park is a less crowded alternative to the Garden of the Gods with hiking and biking trails that are just as beautiful.
• Helen Hunt Falls: A short, easy walk leads you to this 35-foot waterfall located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
• Manitou Springs: This nearby mountain town is fun to explore, and you can even sample natural mineral spring water from fountains throughout the area.

Cheap Attractions:

• Pikes Peak Highway: Drive to the summit of one of Colorado’s most famous mountains for about $12–20 per adult (prices vary by season). The views are absolutely worth it!¹⁶
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Just south of Colorado Springs, you’ll find one of the highest zoos in the country, where you can hand-feed giraffes! Tickets are around $30 for adults and $25 for kids.¹⁷
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park: Take a guided cave tour starting around $30 and explore underground rock formations.¹⁸
• Local eats: You don’t have to spend big to eat well here. Grab a hearty breakfast or casual lunch at local spots like Shuga’s or The Skirted Heifer.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think “cheap vacation,” but hear me out. If you do it right, Vegas can actually be one of the most budget-friendly trips in the U.S. Between cheap flights, discounted hotel rates (especially during the week), and tons of free things to see, you don’t have to spend big to have a great time.

Free Attractions:

• The Bellagio Fountains: This iconic water show happens every 15–30 minutes and is completely free. It’s one of the best shows in Vegas, and you don’t need a ticket.¹⁹
• Fremont Street Experience: Head downtown for a massive LED light show, live music and street performers (all for $0).
• The Strip: Walking the Las Vegas Strip is an experience all on its own. Pop into different hotels like The Venetian, Caesars Palace and New York-New York to take in the over-the-top themes and décor.
• Flamingo Wildlife Habitat: Right behind the Flamingo Hotel, you’ll find real flamingos, koi fish and turtles in a peaceful garden setting.²⁰

Cheap Attractions:

• Buffets and food courts: Vegas is famous for its buffets, and while some can get pricey, there are still affordable options if you go for breakfast or lunch. Food courts in major hotels are also a great way to save.
• Pinball Hall of Fame: If you’re looking for something a little different, this spot is packed with vintage pinball machines and arcade games. It’s free to enter, and games are super affordable—usually just 25–50 cents to play.²¹
• Discounted shows: You can often find same-day tickets for concerts and shows at a steep discount through ticket booths along the Strip.
• Day trips: If you’re willing to drive, Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam are both nearby and relatively inexpensive to visit.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans made the list because it’s so rich in history, music and delicious food. And you don’t have to be rich to go—unless it’s during Mardi Gras (hotels like to double and triple their nightly rates to cash in on the party).

Free Attractions:

• The French Quarter: This iconic area is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and makes for super charming photo ops.
• City Park: It has the largest collection of live oak trees in the world—some up to 900 years old.²²
• St. Louis Cathedral: It’s one of New Orleans’ most well-known landmarks and is totally beautiful!

Cheap Attractions:

• The National WWII Museum: This museum has tons of interactive exhibits and costs $36 per ticket for adults and $26 for school-age kids. Children under 5 get free admission.²³
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: It’s historical and creepy, and it seems so fascinating to me! Guided tours are $33 per adult and $26 per child.²⁴
• Preservation Hall: If you’re looking for a classy date night, check out this live jazz hall. You can do that starting at about $28 per ticket.²⁵
• Algiers Ferry: Take a ride down the Mississippi River and get an incredible view of the New Orleans skyline for just $2 per person!²⁶
• Food: Try an original New Orleans sno-ball or a favorite of mine: beignets—a French-style donut covered in powdered sugar. There’s really no excuse for leaving New Orleans without eating at least 27. And locals say the po’ boy at Adams Street Grocery and Deli is the best value in town.

Phoenix, Arizona

Go for the desert landscape, shopping and architecture—and if you’re a fan of queso like I am, stay for the Mexican food. If you’re adventurous, you could purchase an annual national park pass and tour any of Arizona’s beautiful parks. Plus, those passes will get you into any national park in the country! And if you’re even more adventurous, you can go camping in Sedona (that’s one way to make your vacation really affordable).

Here’s another way to make it cheap: Visit Phoenix during the summer months. That’s when hotel prices are slashed in half because most people flock to Arizona when it’s cold everywhere else. But be warned: Those summer months get hot (with a capital H)!

Free Attractions:

• Papago Park: It’s gorgeous, and you could spend a whole day exploring the trails and beautiful landscape. Then, watch the sunset at Hole-in-the-Rock.
• Camelback Mountain: If hiking is your thing (full disclosure—it’s not mine), you’ll love it!
• Fountain Park: Take the kids to enjoy a picnic, play disc golf, or splash around at the splash pad.

Cheap Attractions:

• Desert Botanical Garden: This is located in Papago Park, and it’s full of color and life with more than 50,000 plants. You can spend the day there with a family of four for under $100.²⁷
• Phoenix Zoo: Also located in Papago Park, this is a great spot to spend the day seeing animals from around the world. Tickets are $39.95 for adults (14+) and $29.95 for kids ages 3–13.²⁸
• Mexican food: You can get it pretty much everywhere in Phoenix, but Taco Chelo and Tacos Chiwas are known for their authentic flavor (at budget-friendly prices).
• Last Chance: This is Nordstrom’s clearance store, where designer clothes can sell for just a few dollars in some cases! If you love fashion or just want the best deal ever on a pair of jeans, check it out.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Steel City isn’t just about steel mills and factories anymore. Pittsburgh has undergone a transformation, and you’ll find world-class museums and parks there. It’s pretty in the fall, but you’ll freeze in the winter—so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Free Attractions:

• Point State Park: This park is located where three rivers come together and has a great view of the city.
• The Frick Art Museum: Free and open to the public every day, the Frick has an impressive collection of art that includes a portrait by Peter Paul Rubens. While you’re there, you can also check out the Car and Carriage Museum or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and greenhouse.
• The Strip District: If you’re looking for a vibrant neighborhood with lots of unique shops and restaurants, head to the Strip.

Cheap Attractions:

• Mount Washington: Ride the inclined railway ($2.50 each way) to the top of Mount Washington for amazing views of the Pittsburgh skyline.²⁹ Then stay a while for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants on the mountaintop.
• National Aviary: You’ll find penguins, parrots and flamingos galore at the National Aviary. Tickets are $20.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids ages 2–12.³⁰
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Tickets to Pirates games are affordable (depending on where you sit, of course), especially if you go to a weekday game. I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I am a fan of stadium food—so grab a giant Primanti’s deli sandwich while you’re at a game.
• Carnegie Museums: Pittsburgh has four Carnegie Museums: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Tickets for the museums are $13–15 for kids and $25 for adults.³¹

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Despite Chandler’s complaints in Season 9 of Friends, Tulsa is actually a gem. There’s so much to explore while spending little to no money. And the hotel rates are some of the best of any major city out there!

Free Attractions:

• Gathering Place: This public park is more like a resort and might be worth the trip to Tulsa all on its own.
• Woodward Park: Surrounded by old, historic neighborhoods, this park feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
• The Center of the Universe: Hunt to find this eerie, discreet circle at 1 S. Boston Avenue in downtown Tulsa. If you stand in the center and speak, your voice echoes back to you. 

Cheap Attractions:

• The Tulsa Zoo: Spend the day with lions, elephants, giraffes and more for around $20 per adult and $17 per child.³²
• Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium: If you’ve got kids (or just love space), this is such a fun stop. A combo ticket for the museum plus a planetarium show is $20 for adults and $14 for kids—and it’s even cheaper if you just do one or the other.³³
• Philbrook Museum of Art: This beautiful museum is set in a historic mansion and surrounded by stunning gardens. Tickets are $20 for adults and $9 for kids, and it’s well worth it for the art and scenery.³⁴
• Andolini’s Pizzeria: This place has my name written all over it. If you’re going out to eat, paying for pizza beats buying individual entrées for everyone. Plus, guys—it’s pizza. 

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis made the list because it’s a drivable destination for so many people in the South and Midwest, which helps keep travel costs down. The best part is that the Gateway City (as they like to call it) has a lot of free things to do when you get there. Now that’s my kind of city!

Free Attractions:

• The St. Louis Zoo: Yup, it’s really free! Some attractions have a small cost once you get inside—like the sea lion show, zoo train or carousel—but you’ll get to see as many lions, tigers and bears as your heart desires for exactly $0.³⁵
• Forest Park: This is one of the greatest urban parks in the country! Its 1,300 acres are filled with museums and cultural centers, lakes, trails and a boathouse.³⁶ You can even watch hot air balloon races in the fall. It’s a must for your visit.
• Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum: This peaceful, 300-acre space is part cemetery, part arboretum, with thousands of trees and beautiful walking paths. As you explore, you’ll spot the final resting places of notable figures like explorer William Clark and Anheuser-Busch co-founder Adolphus Busch.

Cheap Attractions:

• The Gateway Arch: This should definitely be at the top of your itinerary. Tram rides to the top are as low as $15 for adults and $11 for kids.³⁷ Plus, you can tour the museum for free!
• City Museum: It’s like a giant playground for the whole family, and you can take a family of four for around $80. Children under 3 get free admission.³⁸
• Missouri Botanical Garden: This is a national historic landmark and is considered among the top three botanical gardens in the world! Tickets are $16 per person for ages 13 and up.³⁹ (Translation: Kids 12 and under get in for free!)
• The Budweiser Brewery Experience: Are you a Budweiser fan? If so, you’re in luck. Take the Day Fresh Tour for $15 per person and learn how they brew their beer.⁴⁰ Guests 21 or older also get to sample a glass of beer.
• Food: St. Louis is famous for its food, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck at places like Blues City Deli and Adriana’s on the Hill. And you don’t want to forget about dessert. Check out Ted Drewes for their famous frozen custard.
• Grant’s Farm: General admission is free, making this a budget-friendly must-do! Ride the tram through Deer Park, feed baby goats, and see the Budweiser Clydesdales up close. Guests 21+ can even enjoy up to two complimentary drinks. If you want to splurge, behind-the-scenes Clydesdale tours are $31.⁴¹

How to Plan a Cheap Vacation (Without Overspending)

Finding cheap places to travel is what this article is all about—because problems start when you go on vacations that you can’t afford. Keep your financial goals on track by doing these things before you travel (and make sure you get the best bang for your buck).

1. Make a budget before you book anything.

You guys, a budget is so important! I can’t stress this enough. You might think a budget is a set of rules for you to follow. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Your budget gives you permission to spend. And if you’re not doing a regular budget, you need to. EveryDollar is my favorite budgeting app. It helps you create your zero-based budget (where your income minus your expenses equals zero) in no time. 

2. Plan your free and low-cost activities ahead of time.

Like I said earlier, this list is just a start. Every destination has so many more affordable places to visit that will help you make those sweet family memories for less. But the key to a cheap vacation is making sure you have your itinerary of free (or cheap) things to do before you get there. A plan helps you stay on track and on budget!

3. Stay with friends or family if you can.

Besides the flight (or gas), lodging is usually the biggest expense. One of the ways to get around that is by staying with friends or family. If they live in a really cool city, staying with them will cut your costs in half. (Just make sure to be good houseguests.)

4. Travel with others to share the cost.

One of the best ways to travel is with friends or extended family. Not only do you get to share a vacation together, but you can also split the bill! That’s a win-win in my book.

5. Pack snacks and drinks.

When it comes to traveling with kids (or even your husband), one of the best things you can do is pack snacks and drinks. Nothing adds up more quickly than constantly buying food on the road. Gas station Doritos are pricey! You can save so much money by stocking up at your favorite grocery store before piling in the car.

6. Compare flight prices before you book.

This is a big one. I’m not quiet about how much I love Southwest Airlines. But just because they’re my favorite doesn’t mean they’ll always have the best deals for your next cheap vacation. Make sure to compare flight prices on sites like Google Flights, Hopper or even Scott’s Cheap Flights before you buy!

7. Travel during the week.

So many people love to travel over the weekend (makes sense with work, right?), but many times, room rates go up on Fridays and Saturdays. Listen: It’s so much cheaper to stay during the week! Schedule your trip to begin on a Sunday instead of a Friday, and you’ll save so much cash.

8. Compare hotels and Airbnb options.

Many times, staying in an Airbnb can be cheaper than staying in a hotel (depending on location and seasonal rates). Before you book your stay at the Holiday Inn, compare prices with nearby Airbnbs. Not only can you potentially save money, but you can also negotiate the price with the owner. What do you have to lose? The worst they can say is no (but many times they say yes).

Don’t Let Surprise Costs Ruin Your Vacation

Even the cheapest trip can get expensive fast if you’re not paying attention. Little things like last-minute meals, extra activities or unexpected fees can sneak up on you.

That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead and leave some margin in your spending. Give yourself a little breathing room so surprises don’t throw off your whole trip.

If you want to make things easier, start by freeing up extra money before you go. My Money Finder Challenge can help you find cash in your current budget so you’re not scrambling to cover costs later. And once you’re on your trip, use EveryDollar to keep track of your spending and stay in control.