The United States has some amazing vacation spots that should not be missed. However, if you’re thinking a trip to NYC or the Grand Canyon is out of your budget, just take a look at some great savings advice from Bankrate:
Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, MA
As Massachusetts residence say, head “down the Cape” for a “wicked awesome” time. According to Bankrate, the best time to go to get the best deals and have the most positive experience is late May/early June. You’ll want to beat the rush that happens when the kids get out of school, but you’ll also want to go when the weather is nice and you can enjoy the outdoors. The Cape, after all, is a great place to explore what with the piers, lighthouses and other outdoor attractions. For even cheaper accommodations, travel during the week before mid-June.
Grand Canyon, AZ
Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lives. It’s one of those great American vacations that may be on your list, but maybe you’ve not thought it was in your budget to go. However, if you go in later summer/early fall after the throngs of summer vacationers have gone home, you could enjoy a beautiful vacation for much less. And if you’re looking to save extra, try the North Rim instead of the South Rim.
New York City
Taking a trip to the Big Apple is very exciting. However, New York is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. To go to NYC, get the best of what it has to offer and enjoy lower prices, you’ll want to go during the summer. A lot of New Yorkers will leave the city during the summer to escape the heat, so Broadway theaters will feature discounted tickets (especially in the month of July). You can also take advantage of summer restaurant weeks (in July and August) if you’re a foodie.
Yellowstone National Park
This is a great vacation for adults and kids alike, but you’ll save the most money by timing your trip right. Try looking into visiting in late summer or during the winter.
[Travel expert Kara Williams of TheVacationGals.com] recommends a late-summer visit to avoid the thick of the crowds; save money by camping in a tent or RV (just make sure you make your campsite reservations far in advance, as some spots fill up a year ahead of time).
Alternately, try going to the park in the winter, when you can “admire winter wildlife via snowcoach, snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes,” she says. Just check to make sure that you can get to the locations that you want to go, as some roads are closed.
For 4 more great American vacations that can be taken more cheaply, head over to Bankrate’s 8 great US Destinations to visit for less.