Mid-Range Travel Guides

Wyoming is dominated by Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Accommodation near parks is expensive in summer. Budget travelers camp and cook for $80-110/day. Jackson Hole is luxury-priced.

Vermont offers fall foliage, skiing, craft beer, and farm-to-table dining. Budget travelers manage $75-100/day. Fall and ski season are peak; summer and spring are cheaper.

Tennessee offers Nashville music, Memphis BBQ, and Great Smoky Mountains — all very affordable. The Smokies are the most visited NP and have no entrance fee. Budget travelers thrive on $65-90/day.

South Carolina offers Charleston charm, Myrtle Beach fun, and Lowcountry cuisine at moderate prices. Charleston is pricier but walkable. Budget travelers manage $70-100/day.

Minnesota offers Minneapolis culture, Boundary Waters wilderness, and North Shore beauty at moderate prices. Budget travelers manage $65-90/day. Summer is peak season; winter is cheapest but cold.

Ohio is one of the most affordable Midwest states. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus offer culture, food, and sports at budget prices. Budget travelers easily manage $60-80/day.

Michigan offers Great Lakes beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Detroit culture affordably. Budget travelers manage $65-90/day.

Massachusetts centers on Boston plus Cape Cod summers. Rich history. Budget travelers manage $95-130/day.

Utah has 5 national parks (Mighty Five) plus outstanding state parks and free BLM camping. Budget travelers explore on $75-100/day by camping and cooking.

Louisiana, especially New Orleans, offers incredible food and music at affordable prices. Po-boys and beignets cost under $15. Budget travelers thrive on $70-100/day.

Oregon offers Portland city culture and coast/mountain scenery at moderate prices. No sales tax. Budget travelers manage $75-110/day.

Nevada is dominated by Las Vegas, where budget travel is surprisingly possible: cheap buffets, free Strip walking, and weekday hotel deals. Outside Vegas, Nevada offers affordable access to Death Valley, Great Basin NP, and Reno.

Virginia offers history from Colonial Williamsburg to Civil War battlefields, plus Shenandoah Valley nature, at moderate prices. Northern Virginia near DC is expensive, but the rest of the state is very affordable.

Illinois is essentially Chicago versus the rest of the state. Chicago budget travelers need $80-130/day with hostels, deep-dish pizza, and the L train. Downstate Illinois is significantly cheaper at $50-80/day.

Washington State offers Seattle city vibes and stunning nature from Olympic to Rainier. Seattle is moderately expensive, while rural areas and state parks are very affordable. Budget travelers manage $80-120/day.

Colorado costs vary dramatically by season and location. Ski season (Dec-March) in Vail or Aspen can exceed $500/day, while summer hiking in lesser-known areas is very affordable. Denver is moderate by city standards. Budget travelers do best in shoulder seasons.

Texas offers excellent value, especially for food lovers. World-class BBQ and Tex-Mex can be had for under $15 per meal. Outside of Austin and downtown Dallas/Houston, accommodation is very affordable. Budget travelers can manage $70-100/day easily.

Florida is affordable outside of theme park areas and Miami Beach. Budget travelers can enjoy free beaches, state parks, and casual dining for $85-120/day. Theme park visits add $120-200/day per person in tickets alone.

California costs vary wildly by region. San Francisco and LA are expensive ($150-200+/day budget), while smaller coastal towns and inland areas are more manageable. Budget travelers do best with hostels, taquerias, and public transit or rideshares.

Taipei is a fantastic budget destination with world-class night markets where you can eat for $5, an efficient MRT system, and free temple visits. Budget travelers thrive on $50-70/day. Weekend hotel prices can double, so plan around weekdays for best value.

Hakone is Japans premier hot spring resort, 90 min from Tokyo. The Hakone Free Pass ($41/2 days) covers trains, buses, boats, and cable cars. A ryokan with onsen and kaiseki is the quintessential experience.

Rio offers beaches, mountains, and culture at moderate prices. Budget travelers enjoy the city on $40-60/day with hostels, per-kilo buffet lunches, and free beaches. June-August offers 30-40% lower prices.

Tel Aviv is expensive but rewards with world-class beaches, nightlife, and incredible food. Budget travelers manage on $90-120/day with hostels and legendary street food.