There is often an idea that traveling is super expensive. You have to save up for months and even then probably won’t have enough to cover the whole trip. There are food expenses, accommodation, excursions, and more. While it is true that traveling costs money, it doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive.
You can see the world and have an amazing experience, all while sticking to your travel budget. You just have to be smart with how you spend your money and take certain things into consideration when planning the trip. There are countless things you can do and see in every single city that doesn’t cost a cent. There are ways to save money on food and cut back on accommodation expenses. And you can absolutely find affordable airfare. If you’re itching to travel but don’t think you have the funds for it, just check out these 5 underrated cities you should visit if you’re on a budget:
- Knoxville, Tennessee
There are so many incredible cities in Tennessee, like Memphis and Nashville, but one city that doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as it deserves is Knoxville. Located in the east of Tennessee, Knoxville is a great city with tons to do… especially if you’re on a budget. Browse the Knoxville Market Square or check out the Knoxville Museum of Art to learn more about the history of the city.
- Dallas, Texas
Texas is home to great cities, and one of the best is Dallas. If you’re planning on doing a tour throughout Texas, start here because flights to Dallas tend to be the most affordable. Not to mention the plethora of completely free activities you can do in the city. Check out the city hall, the historic west end, and many of the museums that offer free admission. Talk about a bang for your buck!
- Phoenix, Arizona
Want to go somewhere warm but don’t want to break the bank while doing it? Phoenix, Arizona might just be the perfect place for you. It’s also a great city for a quick stop during a road trip. Airfare and hotel rates are relatively affordable in the city and you don’t have to worry about renting a car because there is a local metro system! The Phoenix Valley Metro can take you anywhere in the city at a fraction of the price of renting a car.
- Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is a city that is on the rise and definitely doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves. And because it’s still on the come up, it’s a very affordable city to visit. There is no dearth of free things to do in the city, between the stunning botanical gardens and museums, you won’t find yourself bored.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you’re a fan of warm weather, good food, and incredible sights, Albuquerque is the place for you. It’s actually one of the cheapest cities in the U.S. to visit because there are so many free things to do! The National Hispanic Cultural Center offers free events throughout the year and is a great way to learn more about the history of the city.
Don’t let the stress of spending too much money stop you from pursuing your dreams of travelling! You can absolutely have a stress-free experience and see all the amazing cities in the U.S., without making a dent in your bank account. There are always free or affordable options of things to do in each city. Whether it’s getting a free admission to a museum or checking out a local historical sight, there are always options. Traveling is something everyone should get the chance to experience, no matter what your budget may be.