Best destinations for budget travel
Cheap flights, $50/day spending, and free things to do. Twelve hand-picked destinations US travelers love for budget travel.
Skip the search — let a CheapoTrav expert do it for you.
Phone-only fares, 24/7.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090Key facts
- 12 destinations chosen specifically for budget travel
- All picks bookable from any major US airport
- Phone-only fares available on most routes
- Mix of price points — luxury, mid-range, and budget options
- 24/7 travel desk for full-trip quotes
Cheap flights, $50/day spending, and free things to do. This guide is a short, opinionated list of destinations that consistently outperform for budget travel — based on what our travel desk actually books for US travelers.
Every pick has good flight inventory from the major US gateways and a stack of hotels at multiple price points. Click through to any destination for the full breakdown of flights, hotels, and what to do — or call our travel desk for a tailored quote.
Top picks
- Travel guide: Mexico City
Massive food scene, art museums, and Aztec ruins downtown.
- Travel guide: New Orleans
Jazz, beignets, and a French Quarter unlike anywhere else.
- Travel guide: Austin
Live music, BBQ, and Texas Hill Country swimming holes.
- Travel guide: Portland
Food carts, microbreweries, and Pacific Northwest forests.
- Travel guide: San Antonio
Riverwalk, the Alamo, and Tex-Mex on every corner.
- Travel guide: Memphis
Beale Street blues, Graceland, and dry-rub barbecue.
- Travel guide: Nashville
Honky-tonks on Broadway and country-music pilgrimage.
- Travel guide: San Juan
Old San Juan blue cobblestones, El Yunque rainforest, and no passport needed.
- Travel guide: Las Vegas
Casinos, headline shows, and a desert just outside the Strip.
- Travel guide: Montreal
French-speaking, Euro-feeling city with bagels and smoked meat.
- Travel guide: Puerto Vallarta
Pacific resort town with cobblestone old town and Banderas Bay.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the best US destination for budget travel?
- It depends on dates and budget — but the picks at the top of this list are the most consistently strong choices our travel desk books for budget travel year after year.
- Where can I go internationally for budget travel?
- Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada are the closest international options for US travelers — all on this list where appropriate. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- How much should I budget for budget travel?
- Budget varies hugely by destination and travel style. Expect $1,200–$3,000 per person for a 4-night domestic trip and $2,000–$5,000 for international.
- What's the best time of year for budget travel?
- Each destination on this list has its own peak season — see the linked best-time-to-visit guide on each destination page. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- Can CheapoTrav build the full trip?
- Yes — call our travel desk and we'll quote flights, hotel, and ground transport for any destination on this list as one bundle.
- Are these destinations beginner-friendly?
- Every pick on this list is well-served by US carriers and works for first-time international travelers when relevant. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares