9 Best Budget Travel Destinations of 2023

New York City has free activities bespoke to the city such as: Central Park, the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can also find free entertainment like street performers in Times Square and Washington Square Park. Additionally, there are many affordable dining options like street vendors, food trucks and ethnic eateries. Luxury doesn’t always have to be expensive.

Club Wyndham Midtown 45, part of the nation’s largest vacation ownership company, is joining forces with Take a Chef to offer guests a complimentary private chef experience in their modern apartment-style suites with kitchens. Situated smack in the middle of the NYC action with an iconic rooftop view, travelers staying at the property can score access to the best Manhattan private chefs to feast on any kind of cuisine, dietary preferences included—at no additional cost this year.

New Orleans, Louisiana is known for its vibrant music and cultural scene, as well as its delicious food and rich history. There are many free or low-cost activities such as visiting the French Quarter, strolling down Bourbon Street, and exploring Jackson Square. Street performers and local musicians can be found throughout the city providing free entertainment.

Every night doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner. There’s plenty of local eateries including food trucks throughout the city as well as a range of pricing for hotels and accommodations. Attractions such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park do not charge admission.

Las Vegas, Nevada is known for its luxury resorts and casinos, but it can also be a budget-friendly destination. The Las Vegas Strip realistically requires a lot of walking. You can explore the themed resorts from Aria, The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, New York New York and more each with a totally unique experience. A hub of entertainment, you can find tickets to shows like Mad Apple – a Cirque du Soleil show that’s New York themed with singing, acrobatics, stunts and even comedy. Escape the strip if you love nature to Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park.

Santa Monica, California is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and shopping and dining options. While it can be an expensive destination, it can also be budget-friendly if you plan ahead. The iconic (and free) Santa Monica Pier is a great place to hangout during the day or at night with the illuminating ferris wheel. The Strand is a bike path along the beach that connects beaches such as Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Marina Del Rey and more. Explore the 3rd Street Promenade for all types of shopping and dining, then venture to the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

The City of Lovers doesn’t have to leave you broke. Get lost in a neighborhood and enjoy a coffee at a cafe or have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. Getting to Paris is cheaper than ever with French Bee–a French low-cost airline based at Paris Orly Airport. French Bee focuses on providing affordable travel options while still offering a comfortable travel experience. They offer a range of fare options, from basic to premium, allowing passengers to choose the level of service that best suits their needs and budget. It doesn’t lack quality and is overall a great experience.

Coastal Mississippi is a beautiful destination known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, historic towns, and delicious seafood. There’s 26 miles of uninterrupted beaches to be exact. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. The area also has several state parks, nature preserves and a wildlife refuge.

There are also many cultural and historical attractions, such as the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Beauvoir Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. Visitors can also explore the small towns along the coast, such as Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs, which offer charming local shops, art galleries and restaurants. Lodging options include everything from vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts and if you’re feeling adventurous…campgrounds!

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada offers many budget-friendly options for visitors. The city has many free or low-cost attractions such as the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Craigdarroch Castle, and the Beacon Hill Park. Visitors can also explore the city by walking or biking along the scenic Inner Harbour. The city also has many affordable food options such as food trucks, street vendors, and local cafes. Depending what you’re looking for, there’s a wide range of hotel accommodations from hostels to the more luxurious.

You should know that if you’re planning on visiting the bucket-list Alamo–it’s completely free to enter (but reservations are required). Spend the day on the River Walk, exploring local shops and grabbing a bite. To avoid additional costs, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum also offer free admission on select days. Come hungry because with so many options, San Antonio may arguably have some of the best Tex-Mex!

All inclusive resorts will get you the most for your dollar in a place like the Bahamas. Baha Mar in Nassau offers three different hotels within the resort, each at a varied price point. Explore white sand beaches, go snorkeling with wildlife, try out water activities such as paddle boarding and enjoy the crystal clear blue waters.

The Bahamas is a great weekend adventure to give you a dose of Vitamin D without having to fly across the world. While there are high end restaurants, the local seafood joints are not only lower in price but will be the most authentic and fresh food you’ll have.

Regardless of which destination you choose, you can always find alternatives to save you some money without discounting the quality of your trip. You’ll discover more walking through a city instead of taking a car and the small food truck on the corner might just be the best Tex Mex you will ever have. Wherever vacation takes you this year, don’t forget to always look for the free days at museums!