U.S. Road Trips that Won’t Break the Bank

When you need to get away but don’t want to empty your wallet, it can feel like your options are limited. Instead of feeling stuck, why not get creative with your travel plans instead? There’s a good chance there’s much to see right in your backyard, whether it’s a city you’ve yet to explore or a natural wonder you want to rediscover with your family. The following destinations are affordable road trip alternatives to the stresses of high-cost long-distance travel.

The Finger Lakes

For families living in the northeast, the Finger Lakes region offers ample camping options; great hidden swimming enclaves; and stunning gorges. For a more adult-friendly road trip, you and your friends can make your way through some of the excellent wineries that dot the Seneca Lake Wine Trail (chances are you’ll also run into some locally made, farm fresh cheeses on the way).

Niagara Falls

Another great trip for northeasterners: drive up to the Falls in New York, then head over to neighboring Canada. Take a scenic drive along Lake Ontario and explore the vibrant city of Toronto. Be sure to take your time exploring upstate New York on your way back home.

Yellowstone National Park

Make sure to bring the camping gear along when you take a road trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Spending a few nights out in the wilderness without modern distractions (okay, with some modern distractions) can be a great opportunity for family bonding. Plus, after hiking through the magnificent wilderness of Yellowstone, you’ll relish the opportunity to spend more time in nature and less time opening your wallet.

Tennessee

Two great cities -- Memphis and Nashville -- and loads of fun attractions (Dollywood!), live music institutions, and southern food meccas await you in Tennessee. Like any prime southern destination, there’s lots to seek out when it comes to good barbecue, and Nashville’s famous hot chicken sandwiches are just as mouthwateringly delectable and mouth-scaldingly spicy as you’ve heard.

The Grand Canyon

Head to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and enjoy sights that never fail to marvel. The view of the Canyon is hard to beat, and since it’s the only place in the U.S. where four states meet in the same place, it’s a great excuse to travel to neighboring states for additional sightseeing.