Travel while you’re young, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. Well, most young people don’t have that much money to travel, do they? Young people need to clock in, day in, day out, out to fulfill their careers, yet they do not live a fulfilling life themselves, eventually reaching retirement age full of regrets.
Is that what you want? Does life really need to start after forty? Not necessarily.
While travelling can be expensive, you can do it on a budget. There are plenty of places in the world that are cheap to visit and maybe even to stay in for a bit.
For example, in the United States, economical accommodations for two people can just range around $40–$80 per night, and you can get more out of your budget depending on how you travel. Flying, of course, is costlier. But because the US—the continental United States excluding Alaska and Hawaii—is one contiguous large land mass, you can take a car and drive interstate, a cheaper alternative to airplane tickets.
As you can see, a budget trip is possible. So save a bit, then escape from the city.Get a leather weekend bag, and take a trip to any of these budget-friendly tourist destinations in the USA.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Nothing is more breathtaking than standing atop the world and gazing down at the magnificent earth below.
Entrance fees to Grand Canyon National Park vary depending on how you got there. If you drove in a private, noncommercial car, you only have to pay $35 for yourself and your passengers, $30 if you went there by motorcycle. For other methods (e.g., bus, bicycle, walking, etc.), it’s $20 per person. However, on certain holidays, entrance is free!
If you are looking to explore more of Arizona while on your visit to the Grand Canyon, the hiking in Sedona, Arizona is amazing and is only 2 hours away from the Grand Canyon.
Sequoia National Park, California
Entrance fees are more or less the same with that of the Grand Canyon’s. The only difference are the commercial tour group fees, which can range from $25 to $200, depending on the seating capacity of the tour bus.
The passes are valid for one to seven days, so you and your group can spend a week camping under the canopy of lumbering giants.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Awe-inspiring landmarks everywhere you look in the land that sprung the ballad “America the Beautiful.” The Colorado Springs sits nestled between the Rockies to the west and the Great Plains to the east.
Some attractions around the area, like the Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs, are free to visit, and many amenities in the city offer deals and discounts.
Glacier National Park, Montana
On the border to Canada lies the Crown of the Continent, the Glacier National Park. The park contains over seven hundred lakes, from which flow countless rivers and waterfalls along two mountain ranges.
Fees match the rates of the Grand Canyon and the Sequoia National Park, including free entrances on the same holidays. In addition, you can purchase an annual pass to the park for $70. The pass includes your immediate family; thus, it’s an economical option for get-togethers and outings.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the cheapest summer destinations in the country, Albuquerque offers a mix of Hispanic and Native American experiences for the thrifty traveller. It’s a true cosmopolitan city where the culture of the Old World fuses with the new.
While city attractions and amenities already doesn’t cost that much, you can save more money through coupons provided by travel websites.
The Finger Lakes, New York
The eleven Finger Lakes are named so because they’re shaped like fingers or, depending on who’s looking at it, like stretched-out gummy worms. These near-a-dozen lakes hide plenty of fun in and around their waters.
The Regional Tourism Council in the state of New York provides packages and promotions for Canadians visiting from north of the border.
Nags Head, North Carolina
On the Outer Banks region of North Carolina rests a strip of land known for its beaches and beach parties.
If you want to save money, go to Nags Head during fall and spring, since accommodations are typically cheaper in the off-season. As for coupons and packages, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills一the peninsular trio of North Carolina一often team up to give their guests great deals for vacations.
Even If You’re Not Young
Age is only a number. Even if you don’t feel young anymore, you are always free to travel anytime. In fact, you should do that at least once. It’s a big world out there, and life is short. Shorter still if you don’t take a vacation every now and then.
With this list, you’ll be guided on where to go on a budget. Money won’t be a problem. Just make time.
