10 Budget-Friendly Tips for Exploring the USA

With some careful planning, you can enjoy a fun visit to the USA without breaking the bank.

The great outdoors is one of America’s greatest treasures, filled with mountains, canyons, rivers, and beaches, much of which is free to explore. Camping is also quite affordable. Small towns generally offer low-cost options, with family-run motels and eateries keeping prices down.

However, major cities like New York City, Washington, DC, and San Francisco are known for their high costs, with hotels, restaurants, and museums working hard to empty your wallet. Yet, there are still bargains to be found even in these urban hubs.

To secure the best deals, begin planning your trip well in advance and make as many reservations as possible before you arrive. Daily travel expenses can vary widely across the US. Lodging typically takes up a large part of your budget, and remember to account for lodging taxes that may not be included in the advertised prices.

Renting a car can significantly affect your budget, especially with additional costs for daily and overnight parking. To save money, evaluate all transport options and choose a combination that is budget-friendly. We’ve compiled essential tips and a daily cost breakdown to help you maximize your travel budget in the USA.

Look for affordable domestic flights and travel options

When booking domestic flights, consider using smaller regional airports near major cities, such as Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York, or Hollywood Burbank near Los Angeles. These airports often serve smaller airlines with very competitive fares. If you're covering long distances, flying might be your best option, as routes operated by Amtrak (the US rail network) can be limited and inconvenient.

In larger cities, more light-rail trains are now connecting passengers from the airport to major transportation hubs or downtown. Light-rail fares are usually much cheaper than taxi or rideshare costs. Additionally, compare prices for rental cars—airport rentals often come with higher prices due to fees, making off-site agencies a better choice.

If you have a solid itinerary, pre-paying for your rental car can also lead to savings. Finally, let Autoslash handle a quick comparison for you; they frequently find discounts you might not have noticed.

Cheerful women with luggage strolling through a motel parking lot on a sunny day

Local motels often provide much greater value than major hotel chains © Westend61 / Getty Images

Cut costs on accommodations at hotels and motels

Budget hotel chains such as Travelodge and Super 8 offer clean rooms at affordable prices, though you shouldn't expect new furnishings or many amenities. Many larger chains are launching trendy budget options—think compact rooms, minimalistic decor, and vibrant colors. For a little extra, consider Drury Hotels, which often include generous complimentary breakfasts and happy-hour snacks (sometimes with beer and wine), as well as Best Western. Most cities, towns, and resort areas typically feature several good independently owned motels.

Third-party booking sites can provide excellent rates, but don't forget to check the hotel’s official website. Booking directly allows you to earn points in hotel loyalty programs for future stays. You may also have more control over your room selection, and cancellation can be simpler. If the hotel isn’t fully booked, you can usually negotiate a discount by mentioning your travel plans or simply asking for a better rate.

It’s also beneficial to browse through the green-covered coupon booklets found at welcome centers and rest stops along interstate highways. These often feature rates for mid-range hotels that can surpass what you’ll discover online.

Rentals from Airbnb and VRBO can be a budget-friendly choice, but be cautious of cleaning fees and hidden costs that may raise the final price beyond what was initially advertised. Additionally, explore rates for guesthouses and B&Bs, where you’ll likely gain valuable insights about local attractions from the owners. While hostels are a more affordable option, they are less common in the US than in other countries. Nevertheless, you can find at least one or two hostels in most larger cities and near major national parks.

Consider traveling in May or September

The high season for most of the US is during summer (June through August) when schools are out, and families embark on vacations, causing lodging prices to soar. Think about visiting national parks and resort areas in May, just before summer vacation starts, or in September, shortly after school resumes. Prices are generally lower, the weather remains pleasant, and you’ll avoid the crowds.

Waterfalls are often at their most impressive in May due to spring rains and melting snow, with wildflowers blooming abundantly. However, avoid arriving too early in spring (March/April) in upper New England, as many inns and attractions may be closed during the “mud season,” when frozen roads and landscapes start to thaw. September brings warm weather, and it’s typically too early for foliage enthusiasts, who flock to forested areas as the leaves begin to change, driving lodging prices higher.

Don’t dismiss camping—it might not be as rough as you think!

Setting up a tent is still a favored budget-friendly choice... unless you’re not a fan of tent sleeping! However, keep an open mind—you may be surprised by the variety of “camping” experiences available. At large commercial campgrounds like KOA, you’ll often find sturdy canvas tents, yurts, and wooden cabins equipped with cots or bunk beds. Shared facilities typically include sinks, showers, and toilets. Prices usually stay below $150 per night, unless you opt for a larger cabin with added amenities.

You can discover unique budget-friendly options on private properties via Hipcamp and Tentrr. While amenities differ, it’s common to find sites starting at $25, although these cheaper options might lack showers or potable water. At glamping resorts, you can stay in canvas tents and yurts furnished with cots, cozy linens, wood stoves, and basic furniture—but don’t expect budget rates!

Developed campgrounds are readily available in national and state parks, often costing under $40 per night. In larger parks, RV campgrounds are generally around $80-90. Also, look for affordable primitive campgrounds in national forests.

You can camp for free in many national forests and on extensive lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), mainly in the West. Just be sure to check the guidelines on regional BLM websites regarding dispersed camping, which means no hookups or amenities. There are usually rules about how long you can stay and where you can set up camp, ensuring a certain distance from water sources and roads. If you’re in an RV, you might be able to park for free—known as boondocking—in a Walmart parking lot, though no electrical hookups will be available. Always confirm with store management first before staying overnight.

A male backpacker lounging in a hammock by a lake in a U.S. park

Many major parks offer free entry and breathtaking views for miles © Justin Lewis / Getty Images

Make the most of free entry to national, state, and city parks

Most popular national parks require an entrance fee ($30-35), which covers a vehicle and all passengers for seven days. If you hike or bike into the park, you can save about $15.

The National Park Service also provides five “fee-free” days each year—check the park websites for specific dates. There are a few national parks with no admission fees, such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park (which charges $5 per day for parking), Great Basin National Park in Nevada, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina.

State parks often offer views that compete with national parks, and entrance fees are usually under $10. In West Virginia, all state parks have free entry. City parks are also free, with larger ones providing plenty of outdoor recreation options and camping. Multi-use greenways and rail trails offer a healthy and scenic way to discover cities as well as nearby forests and mountains.

Maximize the benefits of sightseeing passes

If you plan to visit multiple national parks, think about purchasing an America the Beautiful (Interagency) Pass. This $80 pass grants admission to all locations managed by the National Park Service and other federal agencies for an entire year.

In many cities, you can find sightseeing passes that grant access to various attractions at a discounted overall price. If you aim to visit several museums and tourist sites, the pass can save you money. Look for them at visitor centers or city tourism websites.

Enjoy art and artifacts without breaking the bank

Admission is free at all 19 Smithsonian Museums (including the zoo) in Washington, DC. Other free attractions include the Getty Center in Los Angeles (though parking costs $20), the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, the Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Museum in Baltimore, as well as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.

Many museums host monthly free days, often supported by local businesses. In NYC, you can find free or “pay what you wish” days at the Whitney Museum of American Art (Fridays from 7pm to 10pm) and the National September 11th Memorial & Museum (Mondays, tickets available online starting at 7am on a first-come, first-served basis). The Denver Art Museum also offers free days throughout the year.

Bank of America cardholders can access over 225 museums for free during the first full weekend of each month through their 'Museums on Us' initiative. Discounts are often available for veterans, active military personnel, seniors, and students. Occasionally, purchasing tickets online in advance can save you a dollar or two at private museums or popular attractions.

Art galleries usually have no admission fee, making it enjoyable to visit several during a public art walk. Participating galleries typically provide light snacks, wine, and conversation at no charge. These events usually take place on a designated Friday or Saturday once a month, starting around 5pm.

Public art, street art, and murals are always free, and city visitor centers often offer maps for art walks and mural trails. Cities renowned for their murals include Austin, Tucson, Phoenix, Memphis, and Asheville. You can also discover vibrant public art trails in Scottsdale, AZ and Columbia, SC. And you never know what you might encounter while strolling along the High Line in NYC!

Four friends strolling and enjoying themselves beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

Exploring a new city through a self-guided walking tour is a fantastic option © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images.

Embark on a self-guided walking tour.

Most cities and larger small towns feature a historic downtown area. Visit the local visitor center or chamber of commerce to obtain a free, self-guided walking tour map of nearby historic sites, often just a short stroll away. Many of these maps are available for download, and some even offer an audio guide.

Numerous towns offer themed tours, such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail in Alabama, art and architecture trails in Asheville, and Route 66 and haunted sites tours in Flagstaff, AZ.

Access education for free.

College campuses offer a rich cultural experience at no cost, particularly during the academic year (September to May). Many state universities and private colleges host free art and cultural museums, and it's beneficial to check their online calendars for public talks, panels, and movie screenings available at no charge.

Enjoy delicious meals for less at diners and food trucks.

Dining out has become increasingly expensive due to rising inflation. However, diners often remain a great place to find affordable meals. Characterized by long counters with stools and cozy booths, diners are iconic for their hearty breakfasts and satisfying lunches and dinners. You can often enjoy a good meal for under $12 per person, especially if you opt for water instead of soda. Most diners are independently owned and open early, with complimentary coffee refills.

Many restaurants, particularly those specializing in pizza and takeout, offer midweek promotions. Look for deals like buy-one-get-one-half-off and combo meal specials. Pizza slices are typically generous, priced around $3 each.

Food trucks offer a delicious and affordable option for meals, with hot dogs and tacos being particularly budget-friendly. However, gourmet food trucks that serve items like lobster rolls and pork belly sandwiches may not be the best value. Many grocery stores in the US provide premade sandwiches and salads in their deli sections, typically priced under $10. You might also find slightly lower prices at stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s.