Do you want to go on a fun-filled vacation to amazing places but you don’t have enough money to make it a success? After extensive research, we put together some fascinating and enjoyable places in the USA you can visit and explore at an affordable cost. When you plan your trip, collaborate with friends, and start saving early, you’d be able to enjoy great vacation without spending a fortune.
So, here are some of the best cheap vacations for college students in the USA and the best time to take them:
Best Cheap Vacations for College Students in the USA
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Oklahoma City
- Phoenix
- Grand Canyon
- Myrtle Beach
- Bahamas
- Tucson, Arizona
- New Orleans
- Denver
- Savannah, Georgia
1. Jacksonville, Florida
It’s amazing to find an all-in-one vacation destination. Jacksonville has a lot in stock for you as a visitor. The famous Kingsley Plantation offers free entry. The downtown Riverside Arts Market is another amazing place you should visit.
If you are a beach lover, Jacksonville is a loaded lot for you. You have full access to charming beaches like Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Amelia Island. The hotels in the city offer both modest and luxurious lodges.
You can make do with less expensive hotel rooms with rates as low as $10 per night. This makes it one of the best cheap vacations for college students in the USA.
Best time to visit: March to May, and September to November (when the weather is pleasant, with lower prices and fewer tourists)
2. Oklahoma City
There are many fascinating places in the US you can take a memorable vacation without spending much. One such place is Oklahoma. The city is known for many intriguing things, ranging from its amazing museums to funky festivals. Make sure you visit Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
Try eating the fried onion burger at the Mother Tucker. The city is reputed to have the biggest livestock market in the world. CurioCity, situated in the heart of the Science Museum, seeks to regale you with marvels and discoveries of science.
Best time to visit: September and November (when the weather is mind)
3. Phoenix
Camelback Mountain is a famous tourist spot that attracts many visitors all over the world every year. Hiking and biking offer you fun-filled moments. Try visiting the world-renowned Heard Museum to have an eyeful of amazing things. The new METRO Light Rail helps visitors get around the Phoenix. They charge only $3.50 for an all-day pass. This historic center has affordable and comfortable hotels, and opportunities to go camping.
Best time to visit: November through April
4. Grand Canyon
Make your next vacation a very fabulous one by paying a visit to the world-famous Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site that welcomes over 4 million visitors every year. Visiting Grand Canyon isn’t expensive, there is a free shuttle bus that takes visitors through South Rim. Consider camping with your friends and keep your expenses at a low ebb. Visits to Grand Crayon is one of the cheapest road trip destinations for college students.
Best time to visit: Spring (March through May)
5. Myrtle Beach
Amazingly neat beaches and amusement-parks are the major centers of attraction at Myrtle Beach. When you feel you have had enough of beach vibes, you can visit Broadway Grand Prix. Myrtle is a cheap vacation destination for students in the USA.
You can cut costs by renting a home for your vacation. It’s advisable to approach the tourism board to get authorized to use certain facilitates for free or at lower rates. You have a variety of fine dining options to choose from, ranging from locally-owned eateries to chain restaurants.
Best time to visit: June through August
6. The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a favorite vacation destination for many people due to its scuba diving, duty-free shopping, and over 500 beautiful islands. Lovers of nature and beach lovers gravitate towards the Bahamas every year to splash around on the beach. Johnnycakes and peas n’ rice are yummy things to snack on.
The cheapest way to move around is by public buses, better known as Jitneys. However, these buses are not found on all the islands. There are many affordable hotel rooms with rates for students. This makes it one of the best cheap vacations for college students.
Read also: Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget
7. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is the second biggest city in Arizona. The city offers a cheap vacation destination for college students in the USA. Glass studio tours, gardens, horseback riding, tours, beautiful parks, balloon rides, and hiking are things you will enjoy and explore in the city. Try visiting St. Philips, Farmers Market. Finally, the Taste of Tucson Downtown is an awesome place to tour. The hotel rooms in Tucson also offer inexpensive rates.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October (when there are clement weather and lower accommodation rates)
8. New Orleans
Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is a carnival-like, action-packed event that everyone looks forward to. The Bourbon Street Clubs make the nights at New Orleans full of life and energy. Moving around New Orleans is relatively affordable.
You can get a one-day jazzy pass for just $3 which allows you to hop on a local bus or streetcar a couple of times. Drinks, foods, and entertainment options are less expensive here. You can explore the city by walking around, taking a riverboat cruise, or joining a streetcar.
Try these great dishes: Beignets, red beans, gumbo, crawfish, gumbo, creole dishes.
Best time to visit: February to May
Read also: Cheapest Places to Travel for Students
9. Denver
Denver, the Mile High City is perfect for college students smitten by wanderlust. Denver offers a couple of free hiking and biking trails around the city. With MallRide service, you can move around downtown for free.
The public buses are reliable, safe, and pocket-friendly. Denver offers one of the best cheap vacations for college students with hotel rates as low as $19 per bed, per night.
Denver has a ton of attractions to wow you. Breweries are the most prominent attractions. You can avail yourself of the free Coors Brewery Tour. Almost all museum tours are free. Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods offer breathtaking views. From September to October, you have lower accommodation prices.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October (when there’s OK temperature, reasonable accommodation prices, and fewer tourists)
10. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a stunningly beautiful place you can visit to have fun. It’s rich in history, culture, and nightlife. Just a week in the arms of Georgia will mean a lot to you all your life. The hotel rates are far lower than in other big cities in America.
Best time to visit: March to July
Read also: Best Cheap Winter Break Trips for Broke College Students
