Money is tight for a lot of people with the pandemic situation. Yet, we’re still itching to get out of the house, do something different, and at least feel like things are somewhat normal. With that in mind, we’ve put together a special COVID edition for budget-friendly travel ideas.
We’ve included things that are either low-cost or no-cost and make for either simple day trips or an inexpensive getaway that won’t break the bank. Yes, a lot of museums have free days or online virtual tours, and plenty of parks offer free outdoor recreation, but we wanted something different, something you might not have thought of for this special COVID edition. Let’s get started!
Orlando, Florida offers you plenty of fun without having to pay hundreds of dollars to go to the amusement parks. Orlando was built for tourism, and with the massive parks of Universal Studios, Sea World, and Disney World, people save up because the parks alone can cost hundreds of dollars when you have a family to buy tickets for. Here’s a great tip to enjoy themed fun and adventure, with the ability to stay on a budget. With so much competition among hotels, you can always find a great deal, then head over to Disney Springs (heavily themed with plenty of Disney fun) which is a shopping and restaurant district. You’ll be enamored by all the sights, entertainment options, and more. You can easily spend a day enjoy a leisurely lunch, picture taking, and exploring the boutiques. Yep, there’s even free parking.
Hendersonville, North Carolina: Follow an orchard trail. Spend time outdoors, pick fruit, and enjoy the farm fresh scenery. They also have a Cheers! Trail you can follow, if it’s an adult adventure. Try something different than the usual vacation, relax, unwind, and easily social distance.
Taos, New Mexico is a great warm, weather spot most of the year. Enjoy the sunshine while visiting this gorgeous area that sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s a great opportunity to take in the unique pueblo architecture, along with the creative and vibrant community.
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas offers plenty of attractions without having to break the bank. The two sister cities sit about an hour apart, which means you can easily choose a hotel anywhere between them that fits your budget best. Take in the Fort Worth Stockyards, The Dallas World Aquarium, or the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Grand Canyon. Okay, so we cheated a little bit. Yes, it’s a park. But it’s a massive one with plenty of room to spread out, plenty to see, different ways to see it, and walking trails galore. It’s budget-friendly and if you haven’t visited it yet, this might be the perfect time.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity to see how the Amish live. In Lancaster, roads are shared between horse-drawn buggies and cars. Whether you’re learning how the Amish live, shopping in quaint markets, or taking in the views, you’ll be able to enjoy learning about another way of life that’s dropped and set-in modern-day times. The gorgeous rolling hills in Pennsylvania are a treat to the eyes, and the incredible Dutch inspired homestyle cooking you’ll find there is a treat for your taste buds.
Newport, Rhode Island offers an amazing trail with scenic views. Cliff Walk is just under 5 miles of trail, but the views are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll be able to check out fancy digs on one side, and the majestic ocean on the other. (Note: not a great choice for small children or those with balance issues. This is not a completely smooth walking experience and may pose challenges.)
Door County, Wisconsin is a 66-mile peninsula that is a year-round escape, whether it’s snow-time activities you prefer or getting lost among the thousands of acres of cherry blossoms. Enjoy the Trolley to see the sites, go hiking or biking, and get back to nature in this underrated gem.