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Just because you have a limited budget and not having a lot of money doesn't mean you shouldn't be allowed to take a vacation. There are plenty of places all over the country where you can have a great time for just a few hundred dollars. Here are some of the places travel agents say you can visit this year and don't worry about spending too much.
Burlington, VT
“(Burlington) is located on the shores of Lake Champlain, with a bustling downtown area with boutiques and cafes,” said Alex Cornici, CEO and founder of The traveler. Cornici also said the beautiful waterfront makes a great place to picnic and watch the sunset. There are also many scenic bike trails for outdoor enthusiasts. During the summer you can find hotels for around $150 a night, which gives you a few hundred dollars to spend on food over a weekend.
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Savannah, Georgia
Cornici recommended Savannah to travelers looking for something chic. “Its historic district is full of wonderful architecture, leafy plazas filled with Spanish moss and a bustling waterfront all its own,” Cornici said. “Walk the cobblestone streets, visit art galleries and historic homes, or take a ghost tour. The atmosphere offered by Savannah is unique.
Try to go during the week rather than the weekend and you will probably be able to find hotels for less than $70 one night in July.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth offers many activities for visitors, including harbor cruises, aerial tours, and the Great Lakes Aquarium. “This port city on Lake Superior reveals an example of great natural beauty with a laid-back vibe,” Cornici said.
“Enjoy hiking or biking along the lake, with a stop to see the huge aerial lift bridge and Canal Park on the waterfront, home to what might be the most diverse mix of dining options in all of Duluth.” June and July can be quite expensive to stay in a hotel in Duluth, but August prices tend to be lower, so try to make your trip then.
Cheyenne, Wyoming
“For a taste of the Wild West, take a trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming,” Cornici said. Cheyenne is ideal for those interested in Western heritage without feeling like they're in a tourist trap, he said. You can visit the Frontier Days Old West Museum and watch a rodeo show. But that's not the only type of entertainment Cheyenne offers.
“Hiking and park exploring in national parks can easily be arranged,” Cornici said. If you go in August, you can easily spend less than $100 one night for accommodation.
New Orleans, LA
You might think New Orleans is such a popular destination that it's not affordable, but Christopher Falvey, a partner at Unique NOLA Tours, begged to differ. “New Orleans, especially in the summer, is a very inexpensive destination,” Falvey said. “You could easily do a weekend trip for $500 or less. The state of Louisiana has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, including New Orleans.
Falvey said you can always look for tours that offer discounts on their activities. If you're looking for good deals, you can always find them. Plus, aiming to travel during the week rather than on a weekend will guarantee you lower prices and Falvey said you won't miss out on anything. “We have a ton of summer festivals and it’s not like Bourbon Street ever slows down.”
Cleveland, Ohio
“Cleveland is one of our favorite places to travel on a budget,” Becky Martin, content marketing strategist at Seven Corners Travel Insurance said. Martin recommended Cleveland for its affordability. Cleveland offers the RTA trolley, which you can use for free on weekdays. Yet another reason to consider taking a few days out of the week for your next trip.
Martin said there is something to love for every type of traveler in Cleveland. “If you love art, the Cleveland Museum of Art offers free general admission year-round. Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Lakeview Cemetery are full of sculptures that, time permitting, are worth exploring. For nature lovers, the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, full of gardens and unexpected exhibits, offers free admission and parking. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also close to downtown Cleveland and is one of our nation's few free national parks.
It is easy to find rooms for between $100 and $150 one night when you leave in June, so you can start making your plans now.
Denver, Colorado
Have you never been to Colorado? Maybe this is the summer to think about it. Martin recommended Denver for outdoor enthusiasts. “Visiting the Red Rocks Amphitheater is free for hiking, biking and sightseeing as long as there are no concerts scheduled.”
Martin also said that getting around Denver is pretty easy and purchasing a CityPASS gives you great benefits. “The Colorado Capitol Building and the US Mint both offer free tours and if you purchase a CityPASS you'll find great deals on other major attractions such as the Children's Museum, Downtown Aquarium and the Museum of Nature and Science.”
Hotels in Denver can be expensive, but even just seven miles from Denver, you can start finding hotels for less than $200 a night.
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