The Best Destinations for Budget Travel

Americans are prioritizing travel this summer but doing so without overspending can be challenging amid hefty gas prices and rising airfares and room rates. Settling on the right destination can be the difference between enjoying multiple trips to new places or being limited to one high-ticket vacation. Personal finance website WalletHub recently compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 65 key metrics of a fun time bundled into three different categories, one of which was cost. The category took into account factors such as the price of a three-star hotel room, restaurant meal costs, the average price for beer and wine as well as movie and bowling costs. Looking at some of this data, we can pinpoint some of the best domestic destinations to travel to on a tight budget over the remainder of 2022.

Orlando is among the most fun cities in the country that travelers can experience while stretching their dollars further. It's tied for the most restaurants per capita and ranks third in terms of the most dance clubs per capita. Better yet, it ranked ninth in WalletHub's study for costs and while many come for the epic theme parks, the city offers lots to do for relatively cheap, including swan boat rentals at Lake Eola Park, miniature golf, scenic hiking and biking trails and nearby natural freshwater springs.

Craft beer and motorcycle fanatics can't go wrong in Milwaukee. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this Midwestern city offers trend-setting breweries in bunches-Milwaukee boasts the nation's lowest average beer price, according to WalletHub-and is home to the captivating Harley-Davidson Museum. Visitors can also save money by relaxing at the lakefront in South Shore Park or hitting one of the city's many beaches.

Whether arriving via Will Rogers World Airport or by way of I-40 or I-35, Oklahoma City is a worthwhile stop that won't wreck your budget as it ranks third for costs in WalletHub's aforementioned study. NBA fans can enjoy the up-and-coming Thunder in action before taking in OKC's unparalleled cowboy culture at spots like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Frontier City.

From the Alamo to the River Walk, San Antonio is a city full of quintessential American sites and attractions as well as a few pleasant surprises. Among the 180-plus cities that WalletHub analyzed for fun, the Lone Star stop ranks an impressive 14th for costs and 32nd for both entertainment and recreation and nightlife and parties. In addition to some of the best steakhouses and Mexican cuisine in the nation, visitors can look forward to local attractions like the UNESCO-recognized San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Located just a few miles southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert offers travelers food, fun and culture in bunches. Affordability and gorgeous weather only add to this destination's appeal as visitors will spend plenty of time outdoors interacting with local farmers, tasting Arizona-grown wine and exploring the scenic San Tan Mountains. Travelers can also look forward to goat yoga and world-class birding at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

Albuquerque is a phenomenal destination ideal for travelers seeking a deeper connection to nature and interested in learning more about Native American history and culture. It's also worth noting that Albuquerque has the second-lowest average beer cost in the country, based on WalletHub's latest analysis. Visitors will also have access to some of the best views in the country on a hot air balloon ride or the scenic Sandia Peak Tramway.

In WalletHub's study, Knoxville ranks 15th-best in the nation for costs and 41st for entertainment and recreation. Museums such as the Knoxville Museum of Art and McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture are both free to access. What's more, visitors can explore the city's sprawling parks, gardens, trails and outdoor areas without spending a penny.

Omaha, Nebraska ranks 17th nationwide for costs and offers a variety of exciting experiences that won't break the bank. Whether relaxing on the riverfront, enjoying live music at Midtown Crossing's Turner Park or taking a step back in time viewing a pair of iconic Union Pacific Railroad locomotives at Kenefick Park, Omaha isn't short on free things to do, leaving visitors with more cash to spend on special attractions such as the renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

A dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts not so keen on spending big money, Sioux Falls provides visitors with numerous chances to reconnect with nature. The Outdoor Campus, Butterfly House & Aquarium and Great Plains Zoo are just a few of the stops to consider for an affordable adventure and the beautiful Falls Park and its enchanting cascading waterfalls are not to be missed either.

Ranking just outside of the top 30 in terms of costs, Indianapolis boasts a slew of budget-friendly sites and attractions, from scenic White River State Park downtown to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway and accompanying museum northeast of the city. Visitors can also tour the Mass Ave Arts District and the family-friendly Children Museum's of Indianapolis.

A trip to the South warrants a visit to Baton Rouge. The Louisiana capital sits along the iconic Mississippi River and wows travelers with its splendid architecture, history and unmistakable Creole culture. College football fans will also want to add Baton Rouge to their bucket list as few places come to life quite like the home of the LSU Tigers on Saturday game days.

Out West, Boise is an often overlooked travel destination providing visitors with numerous opportunities for unique experiences, especially of the outdoor variety. In addition to exploring plenty of hiking and biking trails, visitors can climb into a hot air balloon, tour a historic prison or view eye-popping murals up close at the spectacular Freak Alley Gallery.