There are many ways to travel the United States on a budget. You can hop from city to city with buses and Worldpackers, rent a car with friends to camp and see national parks, or take a long walk across America.
The main thing to keep in mind is to plan your trip carefully. Make sure that you have all your flights booked and print out any booking confirmations.
1. Rent a car
When traveling to the United States on a budget, renting a car is often one of the best options. It will save you the cost of paying for cab rides or train tickets. In addition, it will give you the freedom to travel as you please and visit places that may not be accessible by public transportation.
Renting a car is also a great way to explore the United States at your own pace. The country is large, and it can be difficult to get from one city to another by bus or train. However, if you plan your route carefully, you can find some amazing road trips to take.
It’s a good idea to book your car in advance. This will help you get the best deal possible. For example, you can rent a car in Miami from 18 eur per day, in New York - from 17 eur per day. In addition, it’s also a good idea to make sure you have insurance coverage in case of an accident or other damage. If you don’t have insurance, the cost of a rental car could be very expensive.
Another option for saving money on a trip to the United States is to stay in hostels. In many cities, you can find hostels for under $30 a night. These are much cheaper than hotels, and they often offer kitchens, free wifi, and other amenities. Additionally, hostels are often located in central neighborhoods that are easy to navigate.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to travel by bus if you’re going on a multi-city trip. This is a cheap and convenient way to get around, and it’s especially useful if you’re planning to visit multiple states. In addition, you can use online services like Busbud to find the best deals on bus tickets.
2. Plan your route
If you’re planning on traveling to the United States, it’s important to know how much you should budget for your trip. The US is an enormous country, and the costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips that can help you save money on your trip.
First, be sure to plan your route ahead of time. This will help you avoid expensive tourist traps and focus on the parts of the US that are most interesting to you. Additionally, you can save money on airfare by travelling during non-peak times. Additionally, you can save on lodging by choosing a hotel that is centrally located but still affordable.
Make sure to budget for all of your expenses, including food, accommodations, transportation, and activities. You should also include fees for any landmarks you plan on visiting. Also, remember to factor in the cost of gas, tolls, and car rentals. Lastly, be sure to set aside some money for emergencies.
When planning your route, make sure to consider the weather and other seasonal factors that might affect your travel plans. For example, if you’re travelling during the summer, hotels will be more expensive and the roads may be more congested.
Finally, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes for the road trip. While it might be tempting to spend extra on a nice pair of sneakers, you can save money in the long run by investing in a good pair of walking shoes that will last the duration of your trip.
It’s also a good idea to plan your route so that you can take regular breaks. Driving for such a long distance can be draining, so it’s important to keep yourself refreshed. Also, be sure to bring water with you at all times and eat healthy foods that will give you energy throughout the day.
3. Stay in hostels
You can save money by staying in hostels when traveling to the United States on a budget. They are often cheaper than hotels and have a social aspect to them that can help you meet other travelers. Many also have kitchens that allow you to cook cheap meals instead of eating out. If you are a family, consider looking for a hostel that specifically says it is not for party types as some will have nightly drink specials and organized pub crawls.
Many of the most popular museums and attractions in the US are free. You can often find out about them from tourism centers, Google, or just asking hostel staff. If you want to eat out, consider the dollar menu at McDonalds or other fast food options to save money and avoid expensive restaurant tips. You should also try to drink as little alcohol as possible to save on costs.
Another good tip is to book your accommodations, transportation, and tours ahead of time. This will save you money as prices tend to increase the closer it gets to the actual trip. You can also use a credit card with airline points to get cheaper tickets. When booking flights, try using an incognito browser window as this will stop websites from tracking your search history and raising prices as it gets closer to the departure date.
Finally, you can save money by planning your trip around volunteer experiences. These are great ways to see the country, meet people, and learn about a culture without paying for accommodation or most of your food. You can find a variety of opportunities through Worldpackers or even local community projects and farms.
4. Cook
There are many ways to cut down on food costs when traveling. A big way to do this is by cooking your own meals. When staying at a hostel, Airbnb or even some hotels they will usually provide a kitchen that you can use. It is much cheaper to cook your own meals than eating at restaurants.
Another way to save on food is by shopping at cheap grocery stores. You can find these in most places around the USA. Grocery outlets like Walmart, Aldi, and Winco are all good options. You can also find great deals at ethnic and buffet restaurants. You can also save on drinks by ordering one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you order.
You can also save by packing snacks and making your own lunches. This will help you stay on your budget and will also give you a chance to try different foods that you wouldn’t normally get at home. Finally, it is also a good idea to avoid eating out on weekends and holidays when possible. This will save you a lot of money.
In addition, it is a good idea to plan ahead and avoid visiting popular destinations during events or festivals when possible. This will save you a ton of money on everything from food and accommodation to entrance fees to attractions.
The United States is a huge country and can be very expensive to travel in, but there are ways to make it much more affordable. By using these tips, you can have a fun and memorable trip while sticking to your budget!
5. Stay in smaller towns
You might think that traveling to the USA is expensive, especially when you're going to major cities like Washington, DC or New Orleans, but there are plenty of ways to save money and experience these places on a budget. For example, one-star hotels start at just $45 a night in Denver and you can find affordable meals at cheap food trucks. Plus, you can save a lot by booking your accommodations during the shoulder seasons in spring (late March to late May) and autumn (late September to late October).
Other ways to travel on a budget include staying in smaller towns. For instance, Asheville is a charming, off-the-beaten-path destination in western North Carolina that's popular with adventure travelers, nature lovers and those seeking a romantic vacation. This city is known for its scenic mountain views, southern Appalachian culture and abundance of hiking trails. You can also save on accommodation by staying in a hostel or renting a tent instead of staying at a hotel.
Another way to save is by visiting national parks during the shoulder season. This is a great time to visit because the weather is warm but not hot, and there are less visitors. Plus, you can get discounts on entrance fees and buy a pass that lets you visit all 63 national parks and other federal recreation sites for just $80.
You can also save by avoiding eating out as much as possible and sticking to your grocery list. However, if you must go out to eat, try to stick with cheap restaurants that have a good reputation for customer service and offer healthy options. Or, download an app like Too Good To Go that allows you to purchase discounted food from restaurants, supermarkets and bakeries that are about to throw away their food.