10 Road Trip–Worthy Spots Around The US — And How To Build Affordable Weekend Trips Around Them
So you've been dreaming of an amazing summer getaway but don't want to spend a ton of money, right? Luckily, you don't have to.
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There are lots of ways to travel — you just need to find the trip that fits within your budget. That may mean packing a cooler with leftovers and road-tripping to the other side of the state, but it doesn't necessarily mean skimping on cool lodging or cheap-but-excellent eats at your destination.
To help you out, I've combed through hostels and Airbnbs in some of the country's coolest destinations and come up with a few sample itineraries for each — including what to do, eat, and see when you're there.
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Just keep in mind that I’ve excluded the cost of getting there (who knows, you might live right down the road!) — but I've also made sure to spread the destinations out across the country, in hopes that you'll find one near you.
1.Stay in an A-frame cabin near Asheville in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Just 15 minutes east of Asheville by car is Swannanoa, where you'll find this truly adorable (and impressively hip) A-frame house. Enjoy the year-round views from your perch before settling into the hammock by a creek. For a mini adventure, head out for a hike on the nearby Rhododendron Ridge Trail system — it's just 15 minutes to the top of a ridge.
To save some cash, swing by the grocery store on your way to the house — and aim to cook most of your meals. (There's a grill outside for your convenience.) For a night out, head to Pisgah Brewing Company for live music and brews (personal favorite: the Pisgah Pale Ale), and make sure to save a day to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park (one hour by car, free entry).
Lodging: $47/night (assuming you share the house with a friend)
Food: $30/day for groceries or beer
Activities: $0
2.Spend a night in a treehouse in Prescott, Arizona.
Turn your childhood dreams into a reality by spending a night in a real-life treehouse. This little gem in Prescott is super affordable, and super cute. Just keep in mind that the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room are shared in a common area below.
The treehouse is located an easy 15-minute walk to downtown Prescott, where you can stock up on sandwich ingredients, snacks, and other fixings for your stay. Or split a heaping pile of nachos at Raven's Cafe. For some nature, head north to Watson Lake, a great place for a trail run followed by a dip in the lake.
Lodging: $23/night assuming you share the treehouse with a friend
Food: $30/day for groceries or lunch
Activities: $3 for parking at Watson Lake Park
3.Book a room in the middle of vibrant downtown Austin, Texas.
4.Get off the grid with a cabin escape near Acadia National Park in Deer Isle, Maine.
5.Cozy up under the Rocky Mountain stars in Deckers, Colorado.
6.Stay on a house boat in San Diego, California.
Posting up on a boat on Harbor Island puts you quite literally right on the water, but you'll also be close to downtown San Diego and all the activities the city offers. Spend your morning cruising down the bay in a tandem kayak, which is included in the rental. Then, take one of the city’s dockless bikes from the harbor to Balboa Park for a picnic and people watching. Alternatively, head to the nearby King and Queen Cantina during happy hour for $5 Coronas and $6 house fries.
Lodging: $77/night assuming you share the boat with a friend
Food: $20/day for groceries or happy hour
Activities: $4/day for bike rentals
7.Book a house by the water for your crew in Petoskey, Michigan.
8.Kick back in a vintage airstream in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.
This restored 1970 airstream makes it easy to stay somewhere cool (and affordable) without sacrificing location. Your little home away from home — which has its own yard and outdoor seating — is parked right next to the hip Sugar House neighborhood, the place to be for SLC nightlife and great eats.
Head to Taqueria Los Lee, and grab a couple tacos ($2 each) before cruising through Fairmont Park to the Wasatch Brewery for an ice-cold beer (an Apricot Hefeweizen will set you back $5.25).
Lodging: $28/night assuming you share the airstream with a friend
Food: $30/day for groceries or tacos and beer
Activities: $0
9.Sleep in a tiny, tropical home near Little Haiti in Miami, Florida.
The great thing about a beach vacation is that enjoying the beach is totally free. From your little green tiny house in Buena Vista (which has a garden, outdoor seating, and grill), it's an easy 20-minute drive to Miami Beach or South Beach.
For some culture, walk (or catch a ride) north to Little Haiti, and visit Naomi's Garden for a plate of jerk chicken, rice, and collard greens ($9.50). Also worth checking out: Wynwood Walls, Pérez Art Museum, or just walking around art deco buildings on the strip.
Lodging: $39/night assuming you share the tiny house with a friend
Food: $30/day for groceries or lunch
10.Take some time for yourself at a meditation retreat in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.
What's the best local (or semi-local) road trip you've made that didn't break the bank? Share in the comments below.
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