Travelling on a budget is very rewarding. Who needs 5-star hotels, luxury restaurants and more? I have found that my favourite places to visit are those close to home, right on American soil. Having had such a wonderful experience, I wanted to share with you a few of my favourite places. Even if I didn’t have to clean up my savings account or go for these “budgets” one of the kind places, they were worth all the money I could spend. Here are 5 of my top places I can go, whether on budget or not.
1. Arizona
This tropical America is a great place to go whenever you come. We all know the power of discovering the Grand Canyon but so much more, Whether Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, Arizona gets an A from me from the amazing weather to the most affordable things you can see and do. It can be very hot, so pack some cool clothes. because if you’re like me, the best place you can be is outside. The state has done a commendable job of building mountain trails, botanical gardens, campgrounds, outdoor trips and other nature-friendly trips. The kingdom is full of big cities and small towns full of art, culture and history as well as delicious food.
For example, Tucson, the most beautiful place in Arizona is full of southwestern and Mexican heritage. It is very little or no entry fee to see places like Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park and then move on to Sedona, Arizona for a chance to see an art gallery with 100 events and events happening all the time. The sites are amazing to see if you have a passion for art or not.
2. Baltimore, MD
I have visited Baltimore many times and it is one of my favourite places to see it. Seafood is fresh and delicious as is all the fare in town, and for us on a budget, the dollar goes a long way. Hot crabs are unlike any other in the world. The National Aquarium is well located in Baltimore Harbor and the day spent there is a well-used day. Beautiful, family-friendly ideas, smells and sounds are one of the most unique! Harborplace and Gallery are located near the harbour and offer an amazing mecca shopping and dining area where you can choose the right one for your wallet and tastes.
Depending on the time of year (remember Baltimore is cold in winter) there is even free entertainment. The American Visionary Art Museum deserves a short tour from the Harbor. They charge a fee to get inside but the building itself and the property are filled with statues and art that can be viewed for free. And there are plenty of other museums to visit in your spare time in this family-friendly city.
3. Hershey, PA
Hershey, Pennsylvania has become one of the most popular destinations in our country and offers many free and affordable things to do. There is a world-class entertainment park, and a world-famous spa that can be but also expensive but there are also many less expensive things to do. Hershey Chocolate World is a tour of Hershey Park but is completely free. It is a beautiful and exciting and instructive historical journey. If you go with the kids they will get a sample of free candy at the end of the trip when you are dropped off at the gift shop.
There is also a Hershey trolley transport around the city complete with kiss-shaped lights lining the streets. It was started by Milton Hershey while planning the city and continues to this day … worth your time. If you have time (and I would suggest making time) visit ZooAmerican, Hershey Gardens, Milton Hershey School and other great museums all found in Hershey, PA.
4. Dallas, TX
In a city known for all its greatness, the cost of travel is not so great. We had a little experimentation so we booked a city PASS that offers discounted prices in some of the city’s most attractive places. We could not beat them all but we saw the George W. Bush (former president) Library and Museum and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Great to add a little culture to your holiday. My travelling companions enjoy visiting the Zoo, so we went to the magnificent Dallas Zoo and met two beautiful African elephants and offered a giraffe. There are so many family-focused events and presentations at the zoo, you may need to stay longer than one day.
Dallas Farmers Market is a marketplace you should see. Food, retailers and the most memorable experience are like any other market I have ever visited. If you are going, take a street taco at La Ventana or a pig-filled tamale at El Mero Mero. I have to talk about the Trinity River Audubon Center to all of you travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. This urban hardwood forest is a city escape route to a different part of Texas.
5. Nashville, TN
Nashville is home to country music, American history and more, much more you can see and do. First of all, a must-see for all to see is the Country Music Hall Of Fame and the famous Grand Ole Opry. Just a look outside of these famous buildings is a must-see. Once you are full of country music, head up to the beautiful campuses of Vanderbilt University and Belmont University or go to the Adventure Science Center or Belmont Mansion and spend the afternoon learning something new.
The campuses are full of history and culture as well as a great place to enjoy the outdoors. And we never talked about Nashville food. Nashville should be a melting pot of food. There are all kinds of travel expenses to satisfy any day. My favourites are found in food trucks that provide fast, delicious and budget-friendly travel on the go. If you have a pie place, I recommend peach or pecan.