How to afford these 5 popular North American destinations
The world is your oyster, but if you are looking for budget-friendly destinations, these 4 spots in North America should fit the bill.
Travel can put a squeeze on the wallet, but if you plan smartly, it doesn't have to. You can visit those coveted destinations without taking out a second mortgage with strategic planning: choosing the right time of year, staying in affordable accommodations, and leaning on free activities!
Check out my tips on how to afford these five popular North American destinations.
San Diego, California
This California city is often called “America’s Finest City.” One glimpse at the white sandy beaches, and it is easy to see why! Located on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego sports more than 68 miles worth of beaches that are perfect for digging your toes in the sand or heading out in the waves with your surfboard. Plan your trip for the last two weeks of the month of January when things are predicted to be the least crowded.
The weather in San Diego is fantastic, pretty much all year long, and January is no exception. You will find days in the mid-60s and nights that are just a touch cooler. If you are coming from a spot with a more wintry climate, you will really feel like you are basking in the sunshine.
Where to stay in San Diego?
You may want to consider booking a room at the La Quinta by Wyndham which starts at $107 per night and is in close proximity to many area attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Another good option is this one-bedroom condo on Airbnb, which sleeps two and starts at $89 per night.
Five things to do in San Diego:
Tip: If you want to hit up several attractions of the not-free variety, you may want to consider purchasing a _Go San Diego Card. This all-inclusive pass will get you into the attractions you want to enjoy at a fraction of the cost.
Boston, Massachusetts
This American city is full of history, sports, and that famous bar from the TV show Cheers. It is also a good destination for those who like to eat lobster or lobstah as the locals call it. January is a great time to visit Boston because many of the museums and cultural sites offer free or discounted admission for the Martin Luther King Day holiday.
January in Boston will be downright cold. Pack your warmest coat, gloves, and hats to stay toasty while you are wandering around the city. It is also likely that you will encounter a snow day or two, and it isn’t uncommon for three to five inches to fall in a single day in January. Historically, this is the coldest month of the year for Boston!
Where to stay in Boston?
YOTEL Boston is a budget-friendly accommodation that is located in the seaport district. It has a rooftop terrace where you can get some pretty stunning views of the city, and rooms start at $144 per night.
5 things to do in Boston:
Disney World, Florida
If you have little ones, then a trip to Disney World may be on your radar. While a visit to the Mouse will never be a budget destination, there are ways to make it a touch cheaper if you just have to go.
The cheapest months to visit Disney World in Florida are January, February, August, and September — as long as you avoid any holiday weekends. Early in the month of February, you will find crowds in the park to be on the lighter side, with wait times considerably shorter. August will be extremely hot and humid, which is definitely something to consider if you aren't used to the heat.
The weather in winter is very comfortable with highs in the mid-70s. The chance of rain isn’t terribly high, but the park has rain ponchos for sale if you happen to get caught in a shower. August, however, will see highs in the 90s, and September is only slightly cooler than August.
Where to stay in Disney World?
The eternal question when booking a Disney vacation is whether you should stay on or off the property. Everyone has their own theories on which is better. You can often save money on things like transportation and parking by staying on-site, but you may pay a higher price for your room. The cheapest Disney property option is camping out at Fort Wilderness. Although, it may be too rustic for some people.
If you think you would rather stay off-site, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham is a solid choice. Breakfast is included with your nightly rate, which can help stretch the dining dollars a little further.
5 things to do at Disney World (beyond the main parks):
Tip: If you want to save even further on your Disney vacation, check out these 10 tips from Travel + Leisure.
Las Vegas, Nevada
When booking your trip to Vegas, you will find that the room rates are much cheaper during the week than they are on the weekend. In fact, Tuesday and Wednesday nights will have rates that can be close to half of what they are on Friday and Saturday nights. Mid-November until the end of February is the cheapest time to visit Vegas.
Winter temperatures are very pleasant and usually in the low 60s. Even a chilly day will likely still be in the mid-40s, which is much more enjoyable than the 113º days you can see in the summertime. February is the rainiest time, but in Vegas, that means it rains on average four days out of the month.
Where to stay in Las Vegas?
If you are strategic about your booking days, you can capture those mid-week savings I discussed above. You can snag this MGM Studio starting at $150 per night. It is located on the 32nd floor and offers an impressive skyline view.
Another option is the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino which has the largest pool deck in all of downtown Las Vegas. Rooms can be as low as $70 per night.
5 things to do in Las Vegas:
Tip: If there are a lot of attractions on your itinerary, you may want to consider purchasing the _Vegas Explorer Pass for discounted rates.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans can be brutally hot and humid in the summer months, which is why a wintertime visit can be so amazing. The cooler weather means you can wander the French Quarter without melting out of your clothes. As long as you work around Mardi Gras, you can also find accommodations at good price points. It is one of the best destinations to get a big bang for your buck! January is the cheapest month, with December not too far behind.
In winter, you can expect the temperatures to be in the 60s during the day and get a little chillier in the evenings. Rain is expected several days per month, but an umbrella should be able to handle the downpours so you can keep letting the good times roll.
Where to stay in New Orleans?
You can find places to stay in just about every single corner of the city and in every single price range. If you are taking a larger group, you may want to check out this apartment in the Garden District. I stayed here on a girl’s weekend, and the four of us could not have been comfier.
If you don’t need that much space, you could try a room at Hotel Indigo. You will have the trolley literally at your front door, which will take you to other parts of the Garden District, to the French Quarter, or out to explore more of the city.
5 things to do in New Orleans:
Tip: There is plenty of fun to be had in NOLA without forking over a ton of money in admission fees, but if you want to visit things like the zoo or the aquarium, then the New Orleans Pass may be worth your while.
From San Diego to Boston...
The U.S. is full of amazing destinations, but they aren't always the cheapest on your travel budget. But with proper planning, you can hang with the Mouse, party on Bourbon Street, or hit up the California beaches!
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