Craving a vacation? Worried about how you are going to budget a trip, especially after the holidays? Worry no more! Here, we are all about stretching your travel dollars with the best budget destinations in the U.S. One of the best budget-friendly times to visit a destination is during the off-season. During the off-season, top destinations are less crowded and tend to have more affordable pricing. Keep reading as we discuss our top budget destinations to travel to in the U.S.
Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach’s off-season typically extends from mid-September to mid-May. During this time, the area offers better deals on accommodations, free street parking, and endless fun. Check out some great travel ideas below!
Bring Your Pets
Is your dog your best friend? Is it difficult (and costly) leaving your pet at home when you travel? During the off-season you don’t have to worry about a dog sitter because it is the perfect time to bring your four-legged friend with you to Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. From October 1 through April 30, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk. One of the best ways to stretch your travel dollars is to forego the dog sitter and bring your dog with you!
Eat for Less
Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach offer countless tasty dining options. During the off-season, many of the local restaurants offer dining deals and promotions. It’s one of the best ways to make the most of your travel budget!
If you are a seafood lover, check out the discount lobster, shrimp, and fish options at local restaurants. The area has plenty of other dining choices including burgers and pizza. The best time for deals is during the week and lunch hours.
Explore the Area
One of the many advantages of traveling during the off-season is that it is easier to explore. There are less crowds which makes it easier to get around and enjoy all that Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach have to offer.
The beach is open year-round. During the late winter and early spring, take advantage of the cooler temperatures by strolling the shore, flying a kite, or packing a picnic. For more budget and family-friendly outings consider visiting Delaware Seashore State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Now is the best time to stretch your budget at a beach town. Request your free print and downloadable Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach Visitors Guide today!
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula is stunning! It is home to Olympic National Park, charming small towns, and ample outdoor recreation. The off-season at Olympic National Park is from October through May. This can be one of the best times to stretch your travel dollars while also experiencing the natural wonders of the area. Keep in mind that while this may be the most affordable time to visit the area, some roads, campgrounds, and visitor facilities are closed or have reduced hours. Regardless of when you visit, there is plenty to see and do including the travel ideas below.
Road Trip
The Olympic Peninsula is huge! It is also beautiful with countless scenic road trip options. While you will have to spend money for gas, taking a road trip can be a fun way to explore the area based on your budget and interests. The Olympic Peninsula website actually has four road trip ideas that are under $100. The routes include the following:
- Port to Port: Port Angeles to Sequim to Port Townsend
- Lake to Shore: Lake Crescent to La Push
- Lodge to Lodge: Kalaloch to Quinault
- Follow Hood Canal: Shelton to Quilcene
Free and Affordable Activities
The Olympic Peninsula is a budget-friendly destination with countless free and affordable activities that are fun for the whole family. This means that you won’t have to break the bank to have a good time. If you want to stretch your travel dollars, add some of the following fun experiences to your itinerary for your Olympic Peninsula vacation:
- Visit Olympic National Park (there is a fee)
- Storm watch along the Pacific Coast
- Take a self-guided Twilight tour
- Hike for petroglyphs
- Take in the history and beauty of Port Townsend
- Learn about native communities
- Explore the Valley of the Rainforest Giants
- Walk the whale trail (bring your binoculars)
- Stroll the beaches along the Pacific Ocean
- Join a program or class at the Dungeness River Nature Center
The Olympic Peninsula is a place to explore! Request your free print and downloadable Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner today!
Finger Lakes Region, New York
The Finger Lakes Region in New York is home to 11 serene lakes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. While the Finger Lakes Region is a four-season destination, the winter months tend to be slower. This means that you may not necessarily save thanks to off-season rates. However, you will be able to stretch your travel dollar thanks to the abundance of affordable activities.
Tour Cayuga in the Finger Lakes
Cayuga County is an area rich in history. Auburn is a small town in this beautiful county. It is where the legendary Harriet Tubman chose to call home for the last 50 years of her life. Harriet Tubman was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, abolitionist, humanitarian, and Civil War hero. She was also a public speaker, mentor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. The area is rich in historical markers and information. Visitors are encouraged to learn about Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy with a self-guided Underground Railroad Tour.
In addition to history, food and drink also play an important role in Cayuga County. The area is home to a number of tasty trails. Beginning in May, visitors can experience the Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail. The Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail is an award-winning trail that includes local cafes, farmers markets, shops, farms, and bakeries. If you visit during the trail season, each of the partners will offer a signature item and their own unique flavor! The trail can also act as a terrific guide for your visit (no matter what time of year).
Sip-sip-hooray! Visitors can also sip their way through the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail – America’s first wine trail! This trail is perfect for the budget savvy traveler because it allows you to plan your own adventure. That means you can choose which of the countless wineries around Cayuga Lake you want to visit. Cheers!
Are you ready to tour Cayuga in the Finger Lakes? Request your free print and downloadable Cayuga County Official Visitors Guide today!
Explore Watkins Glen and Schuyler County
Schuyler County is in the heart of the Finger Lakes and is home to Watkins Glen State Park. Watkins Glen is breathtaking! It is the perfect budget destination for nature lovers with an awe-inspiring gorge, 19 magnificent waterfalls, and scenic trails. Keep in mind that the Gorge Trail is open seasonally while the North Rim Trail is open year-round.
Schuyler County is home to agritourism. Agritourism is the intersection of agriculture and tourism. This means that you can both sample local cheeses and meet the cows that provide the milk for the cheeses. In addition to milk and cheese, many of the creameries also offer raw milk, fresh cream on top milk, yogurt, and other locally produced goods.
For a truly unique travel experience, consider visiting the Farm Sanctuary. The Farm Sanctuary is home to more than 400 rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals. It provides unique insight into the realities farm animals face in the modern food system. The Farm Sanctuary offers tours where visitors can learn from a sanctuary guide and meet some of the resident farm animals. Public tour season opens in May and private tours can be booked online throughout the year.
Are you ready for a budget friendly vacation? Request your free print and downloadable Watkins Glen and Schuyler County Travel Guide today!
Book Your Budget Friendly Trip Today!
Traveling in the U.S. can be fun and affordable! You just have to figure out where you can stretch your travel dollars. Luckily you don’t have to do it all on your own. We have countless free print and downloadable travel guides to help you plan the perfect vacation!