Are you looking to explore the United States on a budget? Do you want to find ways to save money on your travels without sacrificing the quality of your trip? If so, then this blog post is for you! In this post, you’ll discover 16 of the best and cheapest ways to travel in the USA on a budget. From finding the best deals on flights and accommodation to taking advantage of public transportation and opting for budget-friendly activities, you’ll find everything you need to know to make your travels more affordable. So, let’s get started!
1) Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is a great way to travel around the USA on a budget. Not only is it often much cheaper than other forms of transportation, but it can also be a great way to explore the area and get to know locals.
There are a few ways to save money when using public transportation in the US. First, many cities offer day passes that allow you to use the public transportation system all day for a discounted rate. These can be a great way to save money if you are planning on taking multiple trips in one day.
Also, many cities offer discounts for students and seniors. Make sure to check with your local transit authority to see what kind of discounts are available in your area.
Finally, it is often cheaper to purchase a monthly pass for public transportation rather than paying for individual trips. If you plan on using public transportation regularly, look into the cost of a monthly pass and compare it to the cost of individual trips. It could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Using public transportation is an easy and affordable way to travel around the USA on a budget. Make sure to do your research and take advantage of any discounts or passes that are available in your area.
2) Hitchhike
Hitchhiking is one of the cheapest ways to travel in the US, but it can also be a risky option. It involves asking strangers for a ride, so you will want to make sure you exercise caution. You may want to consider joining a ridesharing app like Hitchhiker or Holler to make the process safer.
If you choose to go this route, there are some safety tips that you should consider. First, make sure you are well-prepared. Have a plan and a clear idea of where you are going and how long it should take to get there. Also, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
It’s also important to bring the necessary supplies with you. Carry a backpack with snacks, water, and a map of the area you are traveling through. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and carry enough cash in case you need it.
Finally, always trust your instincts and never get in a car with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. If a driver seems sketchy, don’t be afraid to decline their offer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Hitchhiking can be an economical way to travel around the US, but it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and use caution.
3) Camp or Stay in Hostels
Camping is a great way to explore the outdoors and travel on a budget. It’s also a great way to meet new people. You can find camping sites in national and state parks, as well as in many other outdoor locations. Campsites usually offer basic amenities such as electricity, fire pits, restrooms, and even showers. Prices vary depending on location, but you can usually find affordable campsites.
Staying in hostels is another great way to save money while travelling. Hostels are affordable dorm-style lodging where travelers can stay for as little as a few dollars a night. Most hostels also have common areas where you can meet and socialize with fellow travelers. In addition, some hostels offer free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and discounts on local attractions. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before booking a hostel room.
4) Walk or Bike
If you’re up for an adventure and have the physical ability, walking or biking is a great way to travel in the USA on a budget. Not only can it be a fun and unique way to explore a place, but it’s also a great way to save money and get some exercise at the same time.
There are a few things you should consider before setting out on foot or bike. Make sure you have the necessary supplies, such as water, food, a first aid kit, and a map. You should also make sure that your route is safe and secure. Many cities now have bike lanes, which can make biking a much more enjoyable experience.
One of the greatest benefits of walking or biking is that it’s free! Plus, it’s a great way to see sights that you may not be able to access by car or public transportation. If you plan ahead and take your time, you can find some amazing hidden gems along your journey.
So if you want to save money and explore the USA in an affordable and unique way, why not try walking or biking? It may take a bit more effort than other methods of transportation, but the rewards can be well worth it!
5) House Sit
House sitting is a great way to save money while traveling. It involves finding someone who needs someone to look after their home while they are away, and you get to stay in the house for free in exchange. You will have to take care of all the house’s duties, such as taking care of pets and plants, and keeping the house tidy, but in return you get a free place to stay. There are numerous websites and apps where you can find a house sitting job such as TrustedHouseSitters and HouseCarers. This can be an amazing experience and an excellent way to save money while traveling in the USA.
6) Rent a Room
If you’re looking for a way to travel the USA on a budget, consider renting a room in someone’s home. Not only can this be a great way to save money, but it also gives you the opportunity to experience the culture of the area in a unique way. You can find these kinds of accommodations through websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO.
When you rent a room, you can usually save money by staying with a local family. You can often get access to facilities such as a kitchen and living room, allowing you to save on costs for meals and entertainment. Plus, you’ll get insider knowledge of the best places to visit, as well as tips on where to find the best deals.
However, before you rent a room, make sure you ask lots of questions. Ask about the cleanliness and safety of the area, as well as if there are any extra costs. Make sure to read reviews from previous guests, and check that the host has good ratings and is reliable. Finally, always take the necessary precautions when travelling in unfamiliar areas.
7) Travel Slowly
Traveling slowly is one of the best ways to save money on your travels. When you take your time, you can explore destinations in depth without having to rush from place to place. There are a few ways to travel slowly on a budget, such as staying in one destination longer, taking your time while exploring, and splitting up the cost of accommodation over multiple locations.
When you stay in one destination longer, you can take advantage of special discounts and deals available at local hotels and hostels. Often times, staying longer gives you access to better rates and more affordable deals than if you were to book a short-term stay. Additionally, when you’re not in a rush, you can take advantage of free activities, sightsee on your own, and even befriend locals who can show you the ins and outs of their city.
Another way to save money on travel is by splitting up the cost of accommodation over multiple locations. You can do this by visiting nearby cities or towns, or even different countries. You don’t have to stay at luxury accommodations; there are plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses scattered throughout the world that are perfect for budget travelers. By splitting up your accommodations, you’ll be able to save a significant amount of money and explore multiple destinations for the price of one.
Traveling slowly also allows you to really soak up the culture of each place you visit. This is because you’ll have more time to explore, learn about the history and customs of each place, and immerse yourself in the local culture. This is an experience you can’t get when you’re always rushing from one place to another.
So if you’re looking for ways to travel cheaply in the USA, consider taking your time and traveling slowly. It’s one of the best ways to save money and still have an amazing time!
8) Work While You Travel
One of the best ways to travel in the USA on a budget is to work while you travel. There are a variety of jobs that you can do while you’re out on the road, such as working on a farm, being an au pair, or becoming a seasonal employee at a hotel or resort. Working while you travel gives you an opportunity to earn money while also getting to explore new places.
If you’re looking for a job, there are many websites that offer listings for seasonal work in different areas of the USA. You can also check with local employers for any opportunities. Make sure to research the company or employer you’re interested in and read reviews from former employees before committing to anything.
Once you find a job, make sure to take advantage of any discounts or perks that come with it. You may be able to get free or discounted meals, free accommodation, and even access to discounts at nearby attractions. Working while you travel can be a great way to see the country on a budget and to meet new people.
9) Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the cheapest and most rewarding ways to travel in the USA. Not only do you get to explore a new place, but you also get the opportunity to give back to the community. From volunteering in national parks to helping out with animal rescue organizations, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact while exploring the USA.
Volunteer opportunities can range from day trips to longer stays. You may be able to find volunteer positions that will pay for room and board or provide other benefits like free transportation and meals. This is an excellent way to save money and make a difference while on the road.
Before you set off, research local charities and organizations to find out which ones offer volunteer opportunities. You may even be able to find volunteer abroad programs if you’re looking for a truly unique experience. You may even be able to use your skills and expertise to help out in areas such as teaching English, providing medical care, or offering technical support.
Volunteering is a great way to travel in the USA on a budget and make a difference at the same time. It’s a great way to meet people, build connections, and gain experiences that will stay with you long after your travels are over.
10) Teach English
If you have a TEFL certification, you can use it to find employment teaching English in the USA. This can be a great way to travel and experience different parts of the country while getting paid to do it. There are several websites that list jobs in various locations, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Most teaching jobs require a certain number of hours per week. You can also find freelance teaching positions which can be more flexible and less commitment. Whatever type of job you choose, you’ll be able to make enough money to cover your expenses and travel in the USA on a budget.
There are plenty of opportunities to teach English all over the USA, so if you’re willing to be flexible about where you go, you can have a great time exploring the country while earning an income.
11) Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
Many people don’t think of their hometown as a tourist destination, but it can be! Take advantage of the attractions you may have in your city. Visit the local museums, historical landmarks, and attractions that you may have missed while living there. Explore your city’s culture and history, and make sure to take pictures along the way. You could even plan an itinerary of your own and make a weekend out of it. It’ll give you a great opportunity to get away from the usual routine and explore the city with a new perspective. You could also reach out to friends or family in the area to hear their tips for the best places to visit. Additionally, check online for special offers and discounts for local attractions and restaurants. Who knows, you might discover something new about your city that you never knew before!
12) Join a Group Tour
Group tours are a great way to travel in the USA on a budget. Not only will you have the safety and security of being part of a larger group, but the cost of joining a tour can often be significantly cheaper than traveling solo. The costs associated with a tour usually include accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities, so they can be a good value if you’re looking to stretch your dollars.
The main benefit of joining a group tour is that you don’t have to plan or worry about every detail of your trip. Tour companies handle all the logistics for you, including accommodations, transportation, activities, and more. This means all you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself. Additionally, these tours often come with knowledgeable guides who know the area and can provide insight on the local culture, customs, and attractions.
If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to see the sights in the USA, consider joining a group tour. There are many different companies that offer tours of varying lengths and budgets. You can find tours for almost any destination in the USA, so be sure to shop around to find one that best fits your needs and budget.
13) Take a Road Trip
One of the best and most affordable ways to travel in the USA is to take a road trip. It allows you to explore new places and take in the sights and sounds of each destination. You can plan your route, make stops along the way, and experience something different at each place.
When planning a road trip, it’s important to consider the cost of gas, lodging, and food. With careful planning, you can stretch your budget and make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
If you are driving alone, carpooling with others is a great way to save money. Many carpool websites allow you to find like-minded people who are willing to share the cost of fuel and lodging.
Additionally, staying at campsites or hostels can be much cheaper than paying for a hotel. This allows you to save money while still getting an authentic experience. You may even be able to find free camping sites.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of entertainment. If you plan ahead, you can find lots of fun activities that won’t break the bank. From hiking trails to local festivals, there are plenty of ways to have fun without spending too much money.
Whether you are planning a cross-country adventure or just want to explore your own backyard, taking a road trip is one of the cheapest ways to travel in the USA. With some creativity and careful planning, you can stretch your budget and make the most out of your journey.
14) Use Discounts
One of the best ways to travel on a budget is to use discounts whenever possible. There are many websites and companies that offer discounts on everything from hotels and flights to activities and car rentals. You can find discounts on sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, and KAYAK. Additionally, many hotels and airlines have their own discount programs that you can take advantage of. It’s always worth doing a bit of research to see what discounts you can find and take advantage of before making any reservations. You may also want to sign up for the email lists of certain companies as they often offer exclusive discounts and deals for their members.
15) Use Credit Card Points
Using credit card points is one of the most affordable ways to travel in the United States. Credit cards offer a great way to accumulate points and miles for free flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. When using credit cards to accumulate points, make sure you pay off your balance in full each month to avoid accumulating debt. Some credit cards even offer additional points or rewards for spending certain amounts on their cards.
For example, some credit cards may offer extra points for every dollar spent at a certain store or airline. If you’re someone who frequently flies with one airline, consider using a co-branded airline credit card for your purchases. You’ll be able to accumulate points quickly and save money on flights.
Another option is to use a general rewards credit card, which will allow you to use your points across multiple airlines and hotels. With this type of card, you can redeem your points for travel related purchases such as airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
Finally, you can use a cash back rewards credit card which will give you a percentage back on all of your purchases. This type of card is great if you don’t travel often, but still want to get rewarded for your purchases.
Using credit card points is an excellent way to travel in the United States on a budget. Take advantage of the offers available to you and you could save hundreds of dollars on your next vacation!
16) Negotiate
When it comes to travel on a budget, negotiation can be a great way to save money. You can negotiate deals with hotels, hostels, airlines, rental cars and more. Many times, if you call the customer service department of a company, you can negotiate a discounted rate for your stay or travel plans. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or upgrades.
You can also try to negotiate discounts with tour operators or guides. Many times, they will be willing to work with you to lower the cost of their services. It never hurts to ask!
You may also want to consider using local websites or forums where locals post special offers. For example, a hostel in India might offer discounts for travelers who book online or through a specific website. These discounts may not be widely advertised, so it pays to look around and do some research.
Finally, don’t forget to use social media to your advantage. You can post on your personal page or groups that you’re looking for deals, and other members may be able to offer advice or help you find cheaper options.
Negotiating is an important part of traveling on a budget, so don’t be afraid to use it. You never know what kind of savings you might be able to get!
Final Words
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or enjoyment. In fact, it can be an amazing way to get to know a destination better and to save some money in the process. With the right strategies, you can find ways to save money while traveling without compromising your experience. Consider using public transportation, hitchhiking, camping or staying in hostels, walking or biking, house sitting, renting a room, traveling slowly, working while you travel, volunteering, teaching English, being a tourist in your own town, joining a group tour, taking a road trip, using discounts, using credit card points, and negotiating. By following these tips, you can make your travels more affordable and memorable.
