Budget-Friendly Under-the-Radar US Travel Destinations for Students

A Weekend Getaway Guide

Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re itching to explore the USA but your wallet is giving you side-eye, don’t fret. I’ve got some awesome under-the-radar destinations perfect for a student budget. Here’s the scoop on a few of my favorite spots, complete with detailed weekend budgets from my own travels. So pack light, and let’s hit the road!

1. Asheville, North Carolina: A Hidden Gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Accommodation: Sweet Peas Hostel – $20/night
  • Lunch: Tupelo Honey Cafe – $15
  • Get the Southern Fried Chicken BLT. Trust me, it’s worth it.
  • Afternoon: Walk around the River Arts District – Free
  • Check out the street art and local galleries.
  • Dinner: White Duck Taco Shop – $10
  • Their tacos are legendary and affordable.
  • Evening: Free live music at The Grey Eagle – Free (but grab a drink for $5)

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway – Free
  • The views are breathtaking, and the trails are well-marked.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic from groceries – $10
  • Ingles Market has everything you need.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Biltmore Estate – $40 (student discount)
  • It’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it for the history and gardens.
  • Dinner: Farm Burger – $12
  • Delicious and filling burgers made from local ingredients.
  • Evening: Brewery tour at New Belgium Brewing – Free

Day 3: Wrapping Up and Heading Home

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Stroll through Asheville’s historic downtown – Free
  • Window shop and enjoy the street performers.
  • Lunch: 12 Bones Smokehouse – $12
  • Best BBQ in town, hands down.
  • Afternoon: Departure

Total Weekend Budget for Asheville: $184

2. Boulder, Colorado: Outdoor Adventure on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration

  • Accommodation: Boulder International Hostel – $25/night
  • Lunch: The Sink – $12
  • Try their famous Sink Burger.
  • Afternoon: Walk around Pearl Street Mall – Free
  • Street performers and local shops galore.
  • Dinner: Illegal Pete’s – $10
  • Huge burritos that won’t break the bank.
  • Evening: Sunset at Chautauqua Park – Free

Day 2: Hiking and Scenic Views

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Hike the Flatirons – Free
  • The trails offer stunning views and are great for all skill levels.
  • Lunch: Snag some food at the Boulder Farmers Market – $10
  • Fresh, local, and delicious.
  • Afternoon: Bike along the Boulder Creek Path – Free (hostel provides bikes)
  • Dinner: Mustard’s Last Stand – $10
  • Their hot dogs are a local favorite.
  • Evening: Free concert at the Bandshell (check local listings) – Free

Day 3: Last-Minute Adventures

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Visit the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse – Free to enter
  • The architecture and ambiance are amazing.
  • Lunch: Café Mexicali – $10
  • Affordable and tasty Mexican food.
  • Afternoon: Departure

Total Weekend Budget for Boulder: $137

3. Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm Without the Price Tag

Day 1: Arrival and Historical Exploration

  • Accommodation: Savannah International Hostel – $22/night
  • Lunch: Zunzi’s – $10
  • Their Conquistador sandwich is a must-try.
  • Afternoon: Free walking tour of the historic district – Free
  • Soak in the history and beautiful architecture.
  • Dinner: Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – $15
  • Southern comfort food at its best.
  • Evening: Ghost tour (student discount) – $15

Day 2: Parks and Relaxation

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Forsyth Park – Free
  • Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a game of frisbee.
  • Lunch: Leopold’s Ice Cream – $8
  • Treat yourself to some classic ice cream.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bonaventure Cemetery – Free
  • Beautiful and hauntingly serene.
  • Dinner: Treylor Park – $12
  • Innovative Southern cuisine that won’t break the bank.
  • Evening: River Street stroll – Free

Day 3: Last Bits of Savannah

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Explore City Market – Free
  • Check out the local artisans and shops.
  • Lunch: The Collins Quarter – $12
  • Great spot for brunch or lunch.
  • Afternoon: Departure

Total Weekend Budget for Savannah: $94

4. Flagstaff, Arizona: Gateway to the Grand Canyon and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Small-Town Charm

  • Accommodation: Grand Canyon International Hostel – $18/night
  • Lunch: MartAnne’s Burrito Palace – $10
  • Their breakfast burritos are the stuff of legends.
  • Afternoon: Walk around downtown Flagstaff – Free
  • Quaint shops and friendly locals.
  • Dinner: Beaver Street Brewery – $15
  • Great food and even better beer.
  • Evening: Stargazing at Lowell Observatory – $15 (student discount)

Day 2: Grand Canyon Day Trip

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Drive to the Grand Canyon (entry fee) – $20
  • Split gas costs with friends to save money.
  • Lunch: Picnic at the Grand Canyon – $10 (from groceries)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Grand Canyon – Free
  • Hike, take photos, and marvel at the views.
  • Dinner: Back in Flagstaff at Pizzicletta – $10
  • Delicious wood-fired pizza.
  • Evening: Relax at the hostel or local bar – $10

Day 3: Nature and Departure

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Hike at Walnut Canyon National Monument – $8 (student discount)
  • Lunch: Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery – $10
  • Perfect for a light lunch and great coffee.
  • Afternoon: Departure

Total Weekend Budget for Flagstaff: $116

5. Burlington, Vermont: New England Charm on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Lake Champlain Views

  • Accommodation: Burlington Hostel – $25/night
  • Lunch: City Market Onion River Co-op – $10
  • Grab some fresh, local bites.
  • Afternoon: Walk along the Burlington Bike Path – Free
  • Gorgeous views of Lake Champlain.
  • Dinner: The Skinny Pancake – $12
  • Crepes and live music, what’s not to love?
  • Evening: Free outdoor concert at Battery Park (summer only) – Free

Day 2: Exploring and Enjoying Nature

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Bike rental and ride along the lake – $10
  • Lunch: Food trucks at Church Street Marketplace – $10
  • Variety and affordability.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – $7 (student discount)
  • Dinner: American Flatbread – $15
  • Their pizza is amazing and uses local ingredients.
  • Evening: Sunset at Waterfront Park – Free

Day 3: Last-Minute Burlington

  • Breakfast: Free at the hostel
  • Morning: Visit the local farmers market – Free to browse
  • Maybe pick up a small snack or souvenir.
  • Lunch: Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour – $4
  • A short drive away, but worth it for the ice cream and fun tour.
  • Afternoon: Departure

Total Weekend Budget for Burlington: $93

General Tips for Budget Travel in the US

Before I wrap up, here are some general tips that helped me save money while traveling around the USA:

  1. Travel Off-Peak: Visiting destinations in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can save you a ton of money on flights and accommodation.
  2. Use Public Transportation: Many cities have great public transit systems. Buses, trams, and bikes are often much cheaper than renting a car or using ride-shares.
  3. Stay in Hostels: Not only are hostels cheaper, but they also offer great opportunities to meet other travelers and join in on free activities and tours.
  4. Cook Your Own Meals: If your accommodation has a kitchen, hit up local markets and cook your own meals. It’s cheaper and a fun way to try local ingredients.
  5. Look for Free Activities: Many cities have free museums, parks, and festivals. Do some research beforehand to find these hidden gems.
  6. Travel with Friends: Splitting costs on accommodation, gas, and food can make a big difference. Plus, it’s more fun to share the adventure!
  7. Be Flexible: Sometimes the best deals come when you’re open to changing your plans. Last-minute deals on flights and accommodation can save you a lot of money.

So there you have it! These are my top picks for budget-friendly, under-the-radar weekend getaways for students in the US. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, full of adventure and charm, without breaking the bank. Happy travels!

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