Dave Ramsey: 15 Cheap Vacation Ideas in the US (2024)

Adam Palasciano

·5 min read

Dave Ramsey: 15 Cheap Vacation Ideas in the US (1)

Vacations are a time of rest, relaxation and enjoyment. In today’s economy with high prices and inflation, taking your next vacation could come at a premium.

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Despite higher costs, 40% of Americans plan to travel more in 2024 versus 2023, according to Forbes. Higher prices mean more expensive vacations. However, while Americans are vacationing more, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

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15 Budget Vacation Ideas To Try

Ramsey Solutions highlighted 15 budget ways to take your next vacation in the US:

  1. Travel Off-Season: Traveling off-season can save you a bundle on your next getaway. For example, go on a beach vacation in early September rather than August. Going places when fewer people are visiting can reduce costs and might even help you afford more than one getaway.

  2. Explore Nearby Destinations: Taking a “staycation,” a vacation nearby within one to two hours from home, can save you money. If you’re visiting a destination close to home, the cost of roundtrip travel should be less. Since you’re taking a shorter trip and the destination isn’t so far away, you could spend less on accommodations by just staying for a night or two.

  3. Choose Day Trips: Day trips can make you feel like you’re on vacation, without actually going on vacation. You can get up early and drive to take a hike, go to the beach or visit a popular nearby attraction. Staying out the whole day and perhaps having a meal or two out before heading home for the night can feel like a vacation, but at a much lower cost.

  4. Visit a National Park: America has dozens of national parks. Consider exploring a nearby national park, perhaps one within driving distance. Most national parks only charge an entrance fee by car or person, which is usually pretty nominal.

  5. Go on a Weekend Trip: Opting for a weekend trip rather than a weeklong vacation can save you a bundle. It can also save you from using up a bunch of paid vacation time all in one go since you’ll probably travel on days you already have off from work.

  6. Stay With Friends and Family: Choosing a destination where family and friends live is a great idea, especially if they love to host. This can be a huge cost saver. Not having to pay for a hotel or other accommodation can free up funds to have more meals out or even treat your hosts.

  7. Book a Trip With a Warehouse Store: Purchasing a vacation package through a warehouse club like Costco can help save you money. Oftentimes, you can get discounts on vacation packages including hotels, resorts, theme park tickets and flights.

  8. Visit Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: Visiting less frequented destinations can not only be a memorable and unique experience but also a money-saving one. These can include beaches in non-tourist cities or cultural sites like museums in smaller towns.

  9. Be a Tourist in Your Own City: If you’re fortunate to live in or very close to a big city like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, consider taking a mini “vacation” and visiting popular sites close to home. Although you won’t be traveling far, you can take in the best sites in your local area and save a lot of money by not paying for flights and accommodations.

  10. Choose Camping: Camping is an economical way of taking a vacation. While campsites may charge a nightly fee, the cost is usually far less than paying for nights at a hotel.

  11. Travel on a Weekday: Traveling over a weekend (like on a Friday and Saturday night) usually costs more when it comes to the cost of flights and accommodations. If you can swing it, try traveling during the week to save money. You might even be able to save enough to stay an extra day and have a longer vacation.

  12. Find Out About Insider Tips: When you visit a new destination as a tourist, it’s difficult to know the best spots that might be less frequented. Do some research in advance to find insider tips from travel bloggers, TikTokers or others who might be locals in the area. Insider tips and tricks can not only save you money, but also lead to a more enjoyable vacation.

  13. Try Home Swapping: If you’re comfortable with other people staying in your home when you’re away, consider a home swap. Websites like HomeExchange and Noad offer a way to connect with other travelers and swap homes with someone who lives in a destination you want to visit. You can save a lot of money and get to visit a new place on a budget.

  14. Book Early: Typically, booking flights and accommodations well in advance of your trip will save you money. Booking a trip last minute, especially to a hot destination, can cost you an extra bundle that can be saved with some proactive planning. However, when planning isn’t possible, travel sites like Expedia and HotelTonight sometimes offer steep discounts on hotel stays at the last minute.

  15. Choose a Bed and Breakfast: As an alternative to a hotel, bed and breakfasts offer budget-friendly accommodations. The best part? Many will offer breakfast, coffee and treats, and other nice extras during your stay. B&Bs also tend to be more personal and unique than hotels.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey: 15 Cheap Vacation Ideas in the US

Dave Ramsey: 15 Cheap Vacation Ideas in the US (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest vacation destination? ›

The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024
  • Laos, $30/day.
  • Vietnam, $30/day.
  • Cambodia, $30/day.
  • Northern Thailand, $32/day.
  • Indonesia, $35/day.
  • The Philippines, $37/day.
  • Malaysia, $40/day.
  • Sri Lanka, $35/day.
May 1, 2024

How to go on vacation with little money? ›

10 tips to take a vacation for less than $500
  1. Make a swap for a free stay. ...
  2. Head to the great outdoors. ...
  3. Don't settle for high rental-car costs. ...
  4. Use flight and gas trackers. ...
  5. Pack light. ...
  6. Consider hotels that offer more than just a room. ...
  7. Stay near the action. ...
  8. Time your trip right.

Is 5000 enough for a vacation? ›

On a $5,000 budget, you'll be able to spend a week at a nice all-inclusive resort while still having extra cash for airfare and day trips.

How much spending money should you have for vacation? ›

Some financial experts recommend this one: spend 5-10% of your net income on vacations. If you're in debt, your budget should be closer to the 5% mark; if you're not, it can be closer to the 10% end of the range.

Where is the cheapest nicest place to visit? ›

The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit
  1. Laos. Average daily cost: $15.
  2. Vietnam. Average daily cost: $59. ...
  3. Indonesia. Average daily cost: $60. ...
  4. Thailand. Average daily cost: $81. ...
  5. South Africa. Average daily cost: $89. ...
  6. Costa Rica. Average daily cost: $119. ...
  7. Mexico. Average daily cost: $128. ...
  8. Dominican Republic. Average daily cost: $133. ...

What is the number 1 vacation destination? ›

Hawaii is the most popular domestic vacation destination among Americans. Unsurprisingly, over a third (35%) would consider visiting the Aloha state sometime in the next few years. Las Vegas, Nevada is the second most popular destination, followed by NYC.

How to travel to the USA on a budget? ›

10 tips for exploring the USA on a budget
  1. Seek out cheap domestic flights and onward travel options. ...
  2. Save money on hotels and motels. ...
  3. Consider visiting in May or September. ...
  4. Don't say no to camping – sometimes it's barely camping! ...
  5. Take advantage of free admission to national, state and city parks.
Sep 23, 2023

Is $100 a day enough for vacation? ›

You should have roughly $50 to $100 per person every day of your trip.

How do you take a vacation when you can't afford it? ›

If you can't afford your usual vacation plans, you may want to consider visiting friends or family who live out of town. If you know friends or family with extra space and the ability to host, this could help make your upcoming travels less expensive and gives you time to catch up with loved ones.

What is a realistic budget for a vacation? ›

Average Vacation Costs in 2024: Transportation, Entertainment, and Budgeting Tips. Quick Answer: In the U.S., a one-week vacation for a solo traveler costs about $1,984, while a family of four can cost around $7,936.

How much is a Hawaii trip? ›

Hawaii vacation information
Top vacation (Flight+Hotel)$658
Family vacation (Flight+Hotel)$598
Romantic vacation (Flight+Hotel)$838
Luxury vacation (Flight+Hotel)$878
Budget vacation (Flight+Hotel)$412

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

How much does the average vacation cost for one person? ›

The average vacation cost for one person is around $1,986 for 1 week, according to BudgetYourTrip.com, but that number will vary depending on where you're traveling and what time of year you travel.

How much to save for retirement? ›

By age 35, aim to save one to one-and-a-half times your current salary for retirement. By age 50, that goal is three-and-a-half to six times your salary. By age 60, your retirement savings goal may be six to 11-times your salary. Ranges increase with age to account for a wide variety of incomes and situations.

Where does the US dollar go the farthest? ›

Peru/Peruvian Sol

This South American country offers tons to do — there's exploring the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the Maras salt flats, the Amazon river, and the beach-strewn coasts. Even with a tourism boom, your dollar will go far here against the Peruvian Sol.

What country is the cheapest to fly to? ›

Cheapest Countries to Fly
  • Vietnam – Where Budget Meets Beauty.
  • Portugal – A Cultural Cocktail on a Budget.
  • Greece – An Odyssey of Affordability.
  • Mexico – A Fiesta of Value.
  • Thailand – The Land of Affordable Smiles.
  • Turkey – Where East Meets West on a Budget.
  • Pakistan – A Mosaic of Culture and Affordability.
Nov 19, 2023

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