More than a few bargain-hunting travelers believe that the only way that they can travel on a budget is by going to budget-friendly countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Those places may be inexpensive to visit, but that doesn’t mean the U.S. is off the table.
Some states, like California, Florida, and Hawaii, are rightfully known to be expensive because of the attractions and high cost of living. But there are states that you can travel to with stunning attractions that won’t wreck your vacation budget. If you’re ready for fun domestic travel, check out these destinations.
New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment rightfully earned its nickname with its National Parks and Monuments. The White Sands National Park is 275 miles of gorgeous desert with an amazing ecosystem of plants and more than 800 animal species.
When you hike, climb, or bike the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, you’ll feel as if you can touch the sky. Measuring more than 9,000 feet high, the picturesque Organ Mountains offer views of the woodlands and canyons.
Arizona
You stargazers out there must make a point of visiting the Four Corners region of the state, not only because of the chance to stand in four states at once, but the chance to see its legendary skies at nighttime.
This part of Arizona has the most Dark-Sky certified areas in the U.S. The combination of the perpetually clear, dry weather, minimal light pollution, and viewing spots at higher elevations make it the perfect area to count the stars and see the constellations.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is full of natural beauty, and nowhere is that more evident than the numerous secret gardens found around the state. In Grove, you’ll find the Satsuki Garden nestled near an unlikely section of the city.
The Japanese Garden, located in the vicinity some local companies, provides a peaceful, meditative oasis for its visitors. Between the koi ponds, the dogwoods and azaleas, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another place and time.
Colorado
It’s one thing to see the majestic Rocky Mountain range on television or in the movies. Seeing them in person is another. One of the most unique ways to see the mountains is to take a five day guided llama hike.
As a hiker, you’d carry a small backpack with you throughout the hike, and llamas carry the rest of your gear for you. Fishing excursions with the llamas is also available with the Rocky Mountain National Park With Kirks Flyshop & Mountain Adventures trek.
Arkansas
If hiking isn’t high on your list of things to do, consider taking a tour of the culinary trails of Arkansas. When it comes to discussion about where the best barbecue can be found, Arkansas should definitely be in the mix.
You may not be aware of this, but Arkansas is famed for its pies. Embark on a pie tasting trail excursion that is all but guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Peanut butter, banana cream, blueberry cream, and coconut are a few of the delectable desserts you can find,
Missouri
Children often want to have a treehouse in their yards, and if they’re lucky, one will be built for them. Adults who want to reminisce about their times in a treehouse or those eho never had one as kids can experience it now.
The outside of the Enchanted Forest Treehouse is equipped with a hot tub, grill, a private pavilion, and three treetop decks. Inside, is a kitchenette with a breakfast nook, an underwater bathroom, and a wardrobe inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia.
Indiana
Ready to hit the road for a vehicle tour of small town America? Then Indiana is a great place to go and experience Hoosier congeniality. On the border of Lake Michigan, the small towns of northern Indiana include Amish country.
In the central part of the state, you can visit the historical district in Greenfield with its architectural marvels. In southern Indiana, you’ll see some of the natural beauty the state has to offer, such as the hills and picture-worthy scenes.
Pennsylvania
Travel back in time to experience the Amish way of life in rural Lancaster County. See the horse and buggies and taste genuine Amish food like pot pie, scrapple, apple butter, and shoofly pie. Not far from Amish country is the chocolate capital of the U.S.
The community of Hershey is best known for it’s Hershey park amusement park and The Hershey Company, which makes popular candy such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Rolo, Almond Joy, and Hershey’s Kisses.
West Virginia
There’s nothing like seeing the U.S. by train, and in West Virginia, there are several scenic trains rides you can take to view the iconic West Virginia countryside. Each fall, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad takes passengers on a round trip 46 mile foliage trip.
The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad offers rides through an area where the bald eagles nest and soar. You can book a 3-hour ride or an 8-hour trip with an extended layover to make time for shopping and dining.
North Carolina
Environmental sustainability is the ethos of the Outdoor NC movement. If preserving the beauty of the natural landscapes and waterscapes is important to you, then you’ll want to follow the Leave No Trace Principles.
These include planning ahead and preparing, keeping wildlife wild, being careful with fire, leaving it as you find it, trashing your trash, sticking to the trails and overnighting the right way, and being considerate of others and sharing the outdoors.
South Carolina
The beaches of South Carolina are some of the state’s most famous natural wonders. Each of the beaches has unique features that appeal to different populations. The Kiawah Island beach is luxury defined, with a golf resort and oceanfront hotel.
Surfside Beach is perfect for families with little ones. It has several public parks with playgrounds for the children, while the adults and older kids can enjoy a dog park, horseshoe pit, and ball fields, along with bocce and tennis courts.
Georgia
Searching for serenity and luxury on your vacation? All of that and more are found in the Serenbe section of Georgia’s Chattahoochie Hills. The atmosphere at the Inn at Serenbe centers on health, wellness, and peaceful living.
Atlanta is a vibrant city where all of the culinary action is. From Michelin-starred restaurants to barbecue joints and ethnic culinary delights, from soul food to Asian cuisine to Indian street food, dining is Atlanta is like taking a food world tour.
Tennessee
Tennessee is known for its diverse music scene, and it doesn’t disappoint. That goes for the various music festivals held throughout the state. No matter which genre of music you prefer, it can probably be found in Tennessee.
The IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga features some of the most renowned bluegrass musicians worldwide. The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion hosts musicians whose works reflect the music of Appalachia.