Vacation money and vacation time are hard to come by these days. Savvy travelers are seeking out locations that offer more for less – more public parks, more choices for affordable dining and more high-quality low-cost attractions.
Here are ten cities that not only offer a range of free activities, but go out of their way to welcome tourists with great rental rates and fantastic transportation options. Find one in your region or broaden your horizons- because when your dollar goes further, you can too.
1. LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas has spent the last two decades transforming from Sin City into an all-ages entertainment mecca, the ultimate family destination, with plenty of night life. The fabulous Bellagio fountain show, the Mardi Gras at the Rio, the walk-through wildcat experience of the Mirage are all completely free. Plus, if you’re any good at blackjack, its one of the few vacations that could possibly end up paying for itself.
Getting Around: Airlines compete to offer the lowest fares to Vegas. Once there you can navigate the casinos easily with the monorail.
Why Such A Deal? Hotel competition is notorious in Las Vegas and the recession has upped the ante. During the week, you can find rooms along the world famous strip for under thirty dollars.
2. NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans’ rich past has given it architecture, music, and spirit uniquely its own. After the obligatory stroll down wild Bourbon Street, investigate the narrow alleys and hidden courtyards to discover real southern charm and elegant dining. The low cost of drinks and fine restaurants is simply refreshing. Enjoy a trolley ride down St. Charles, under old trees still festooned with beads from past Mardi Gras.
Getting Around: You can drive to New Orleans simply by following the 10 freeway. Visitors who fly in can easily navigate using the old-fashioned trolleys and bus lines.
Why Such A Deal? Its been four years since Katrina, but the Big Easy is still recovering from the storm. Luckily, the big tourist draws like the French Quarter are still unscathed, presenting unprecedented values.
3. AUSTIN, TEXAS
Austin Texas is not just the capital of the nation’s proudest state- its also the hippest. The beautiful – and completely free – Zilker Park offers miles of paths, a miniature train, gorgeous Barton Springs, and a botanical garden. For a few dollars, you can rent a canoe and glide under Capitol Street bridge downtown. Tour the original Whole Foods, snag some samples, and watch the nation’s largest bat colony fly out into the dusk. Austin hosts some of the best music festivals, like South by Southwest. It is, after all "the live music capital of the world."
Getting Around: Leave the car at home; a bike or a bus pass (1.25 for the day!) is all you need.
Why Such A Deal? Austin is full of fun, free activities, lots of free music, and as a college town there’s plenty of delicious low-cost eats.
4. ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH
Hiking, Bike paths, swimming - you could easily spend a lifetime enjoying the beauty and challenges of Zion. Within the park, enjoy the wildlife and star gazing events lead by staff or take a free shuttle to climb Angel’s Flight. Beat the heat with a popular hike through the knee-deep waters of the Narrows, a long stretch of shady canyon that glows with the fiery color of the rock and the reflected light of the water.
Getting Around: Zion is definitely a place you’ll want to drive to, so you can bring your gear. If you must
take a plane, consider flying into Las Vegas and renting a camper to drive to Zion.
Why Such A Deal? With its central Southwest location and the low camping rates setting the pace for lodgings, Zion is an inexpensive way to see one of the nation’s greatest treasures.
5.MYSTIC VILLAGE, CONNECTICUT
Stroll Old Mystic Village, take in the epic coastline, see the magnificent tall ships without once reaching for your wallet. Visit BF Clyde’s Cider Mill, enjoy a stroll through summer wineries or have a piece of famous Mystic pizza. Don’t skip the Mystic Seaport Museum, a recreated 19th century village. Mystic is cozy in winter, radiant in spring, full of beachside charm in summer, and in autumn, explodes with the red and gold foliage that is New England’s crowning glory.
Getting Around: From New York and the Boston area, Mystic is just a beautiful shore-line train ride away. It’s also serviced by four airports!
Why Such A Deal? Because it is neither a ski resort nor a beach resort town like Cape Cod, you can avoid "peak season" prices. Mystic entices tourists year round.
6.COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA
Whether you enjoy the sugary white sand coast, take a day trip to Disney World, or watch a space shuttle launch from Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach offers a wide range of options. As the closest beach to Orlando, you’re in no better place to pounce on Disney deals than this proud stretch of the "Space Coast."
Getting Around: The Beach Trolley is only $1.25 and .60 cents for seniors, and the area offers many competitive car rentals.
Why Such a Deal? Cocoa beach is closer to Disney World than to major metropolises, like Daytona or Miami, so it doesn’t get the wild Spring Break crowds that drive up rates and traffic. Its known as an all-ages crowd.
7. ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
St Louis offers a range of activities as dynamic as its seasons. In summer, enjoy the St. Louis Zoo (no admission charge!) or romp in the manmade caves and sprawling outdoor playground of the City Museum. In winter, gaze at a Rembrandt or Van Gogh at the St. Louis Art Museum, or check out ice carving at the Loop Ice Carnival. Whether you want to enjoy the many parks, the warm Mid Western hospitality, or try your luck on the riverboat casinos, St Louis has a lot to offer.
Getting Around: St Louis light rail metro system is affordable and comprehensive, but its central location makes a road trip worthwhile.
Why Such a Deal? St Louis has a staggering amount of high quality free attractions. Its truly an urban setting with small town charm- and small town prices.
8. PORTLAND, OREGON
Portland offers cultural and natural delights. You can bike and hike for miles in Forest Park, the nation’s largest city park, or get lost in Powell’s City of Books (literally - it takes up an entire city block). Catch an event at Pioneer Courthouse Square or let the kids cool off in Salmon Street Springs. Its easy to see where this artistic community draws its inspiration.
Getting Around: Portland is very proud of its comprehensive light rail and bus system, but is also quite walk-able. If you’d rather bike, bring your own, as bike rentals an be costly.
Why Such a Deal? Portland is an artistic community, not an industrial or economic center. Its affordable dining, natural beauties and art scene can keep travelers happy on a shoestring budget.
9. MONTREAL, QUEBEC (CANADA)
An island in the middle of the Saint-Laurent river, this stunning city is a province that is culturally and architecturally the closest thing to Europe in North America. Walk the cobblestone streets of Vieux Montréal and head to Mile End to take in a cutting edge musical performance at Casa Del Popolo. See the Notre-Dame Basilica, built in 1656. Kids can frolic in the soft white sand of the manmade lake at the Plage des Iles, or watch the street performers of Place Jacques-Cartier in the warm months. And winter unleashes the full wonder of Carnaval. Whatever season, prepare to be transported by the incredible French cuisine.
Getting Around: Don’t bother with a car rental- much as in New York City, a car only gets in the way of the incredible public transport.
Why Such A Deal? Montreal provides a European experience without a costly transatlantic flight.
10. COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is an immaculate international treasure. The beaches of Costa Rica are considered the best in the world. Car rental is quite affordable and its a beautiful drive through the immaculate villages and pristine tropical forests of this small nation. Zip-lining in Monte Verde can be followed by a day at Tamarindo beach. A stay in the capital of San Juan can give way to a day trip to see the Arenal volcano. And end your visit with a pampering spa day at five-star Gaia in Manuel Antonio...in Costa Rica, a week can become a life time of memories.
Getting Around: Its imperative to rent a car, but they can be had reasonably, and the roads are maintained even at the highest altitudes.
Why Such A Deal? The US dollar is still much stronger than the local Costa Rican currency. Car rentals, lodging, and restaurants are significantly less expensive.
So no matter the starting point or the destination, there's likely a city near you that is both affordable and fun for the entire family – you just have to know where to look. If you're savvy enough, you'll be able to stretch your dollar enough to visit each of these ten affordable cities at least once.
