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Top Cities to Visit on a Budget This Summer

Hang up that winter coat and get ready, summer has finally arrived! No more worrying about keeping warm, treading snow in the house, or shoveling the sidewalk — the only thing you need to worry about now is which outfit you’re going to wear to have some fun in the sun. Now that the sun is shining, we know what you’re thinking, what is the best city to visit on a budget this summer? Well, we have a few suggestions on summer trips on a budget:

Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia
Ron Cogswell / Flickr

If you live around the Southeastern region of the United States and crave a little piece of history, we recommend taking a trip to Savannah. This is the perfect place to be if you want to take a summer trip on a budget. Haunted houses, soul food, and Southern hospitality are just a few things in store for you when vacationing in one of the oldest cities in the region.

The first thing you want to do on your budget-friendly summer vacation is take a ghost tour at Hearse Ghost Tours. At a cost of only $15, the ghost tour takes you around Savannah and gives you a rich tour of the city’s history, legends, and its spooky past. What better way to experience vacation than visit the city that topped the Most Haunted Cities of the Nation list?

After the adrenaline rush from the ghost tour leaves you hungry, make your way to Mrs. Wilkes House for some comforting southern soul food to soothe your nerves. Every little bite will feel like a hug, we promise. Rated one of Savannah’s best restaurants from Zagat, Mrs. Wilkes House offers affordable family-style dishes with a smile.

We understand you’re on a budget this summer and the best thing we can suggest is taking a solo walking tour — Savannah will not disappoint! With historical architecture, a rich past and beautiful scenery, you’re in for a wonderful budget-friendly vacation.

On Wanderu, find low prices on bus and train tickets to Savannah. Take a bus from Atlanta to Savannah or a train from Tampa to Savannah to get out on vacation this summer!

Washington, D.C.

If you want to take a selfie in front of the White House, Washington D.C. is the place to be! Maybe you’ll even get a photo with the president in the background. Either way, Washington D.C. offers many free attractions that will fulfill your budget-friendly summer getaway dreams.

If museums are your thing, we suggest taking a trip to the U.S Navy Museum to witness some of the nation’s top fighter jets used in World War I and World War II.

One way to really feel like you are in Washington D.C. is by visiting the Lincoln Memorial. Nothing screams Washington like the father of freedom himself. It is located across from the Washington Monument, on the western end of the National Mall. Open 24 hours every day, this memorial will leave you in awe and with a pretty good Snapchat story.

Purchase your tickets today on Wanderu to enjoy your summer trip on a budget. With affordable prices on bus rides from New York to Washington D.C. or train trips from Baltimore to Washington D.C., Wanderu has your travel needs covered!

San Antonio, TX

Cheap bus and train travel from San Antonio.

Remember the Alamo? Well, you will when you visit San Antonio. Be a part of where the 13-day Texas revolution took place because if you’re traveling to San Antonio, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit this historical site. We hear they take costume themed pictures too! While you’re visiting the Alamo, don’t forget to take a trip to La Villita and Market Square. Originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo, it has now transformed into a beautiful market that offers a look into culture, art, and music and it is the largest Mexican market in the U.S., which means great food.

If history is not for you (no judgment), we recommend going downtown and taking a walk along the river. Filled with a network of restaurants, art galleries, and little shops, the River Walk is the perfect place to see the heart of the city. See, San Antonio is the perfect summer destination if you’re on a budget!

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the summer, purchase your budget-friendly ticket today for an easy ride by bus from Dallas to San Antonio or enjoy a train ride from El Paso to San Antonio. Whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed!

Chicago, IL

Cheap bus and train travel from Chicago.

Chicago may be known as the Windy City, but we’re here to tell you that it is also known as one of the top cities to visit on a budget. If you enjoy nightlife and culture, then Chicago is the place for you to visit this summer.

For all those animal lovers out there who are visiting Chicago on their budget-friendly vacation, we have the perfect suggestion for you! Head over to Lincoln Park Zoo and enjoy the view of its cute and furry inhabitants. It will definitely put a smile on your face and make you say “Awww!” Don’t be embarrassed, we would squeal too if we saw a baby panda.

Even though you’re on a budget this summer, there are plenty of affordable places to grab a bite to eat! Chicago offers some of the best foods at great prices. Check out any of Chicago’s little neighborhoods; they are filled with hole-in-the-wall restaurants that offer rich flavors that will make your taste buds scream for more. One of our personal favorites is University Village, commonly known as Chicago’s Little Italy.

Don’t miss out on summer just because you’re on a budget. With Wanderu, you can travel from Detroit to Chicago by bus or even from Toronto to Chicago by train at low prices. Purchase your ticket today – we are here to help you make some unforgettable memories!

San Diego, CA

Nothing says summer like sunshine, sea, and smiles! What better way to get all three than to visit San Diego? Now, we know what you’re thinking: “I’m on a budget and California sounds expensive.” Well, we found plenty of affordable things to do while vacationing in the Golden State.

While you’re on your budget-friendly vacation in San Diego, head over to La Jolla beach and enjoy some sun and surfing – it’s free! If surfing is not for you and you are looking for a little more of an adventure, then rent a bike or roller blades, which cost about $20 for the whole day, and cruise up and down the Mission Beach Boardwalk. What better way to get some exercise and tan at the same time?

The perfect combination to summer and sun is a delicious cocktail and this doesn’t have to break the bank either! Head to Cass Street Bar & Grill for affordable drinks and a beautiful view, and if you really want to have a good time, don’t forget to order the fish tacos!

Summer trips on a budget are possible with Wanderu! With buses going from places like Los Angeles to San Diego or trains going from Sacramento to San Diego, Wanderu offers affordable prices and plenty of transportation options.

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About the author
Austin Bay

Austin Bay

As a Northern California native, Austin's favorite trips begin and end in the mountains. He's always on an adventure to find new running trails and stay somewhere long enough to get to know people.

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