5 Not-Boring, Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2024
Nothing can spoil a trip faster than feeling guilty over how much you're spending.
Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash
There are a lot of factors that work towards you having an amazing travel experience: good food, great hotels, amazing local culture. But one that we can’t leave out is leaving your economic worries at home. Nothing can spoil a trip faster than feeling guilty over how much you're spending. This is your trip. You should be relaxing, exploring new places, and having fun, not worrying about what that next credit card bill is gonna look like when you get home. And while it may seem impossible to visit cool places and stay at great hotels without the price tag, we promise it’s not. Here are Five not-boring and budget-friendly destination ideas for you to consider in 2024.
Our criteria for creating this list were simple. Each place had to be reachable by air for under $300 and have an amazing hotel we could afford to stay at, no Motel 6’s (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s not our jam). So, each destination was reachable with round-trip airfare from New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles for under $300, and each hotel or accommodation had an average price of around or under $250/night or less (at the time of writing this) on tablethotels.com. Our favorite resource for finding a great place to stay. And no, we are not sponsored or affiliated with them. We’re just huge fans. Obviously, hotel costs can vary greatly depending on when you’re traveling, but we had to start somewhere.
#1 - New Orleans, LA
Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash
Can you find a place more vibrant than New Orleans? Don’t waste your time, the answer’s a resounding no, and with sub $200 roundtrip airfare we found, getting to the big easy has rarely been cheaper. New Orleans isn’t just a city buzzing with life. It's a full jazz band playing in the streets. Boasting incredible budget-friendly culinary delights, sensational live music, and historically rich landmarks, New Orleans is a must for any budget-conscious traveler in 2024.
What to Do
Soak up the Culture
You can’t go to New Orleans and not experience some Jazz. We love Preservation Hall, the famous small French Quarter Venue. Tickets from $25
As we mentioned before, there are plenty of places in NOLA where the music spills out into the street, and none more than Frenchman Street.
Explore The French Quarter
Wander through the historic French Quarter, marvel at the architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along Royal Street and Chartres Street to see art galleries, street performers, and iconic architecture.
Commune With The Dead
Explore some of the famous NOLA Cemeteries. You can book tours with local guides like This New Orleans Cemetery Tour, but you can also explore spots like St. Louis Cemetery #3 for free on your own.
Where to Stay
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Average Price $151/night
2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
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Average Price $201/night
2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
https://thepontchartrainhotel.com/
Where to Eat
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This world-famous sandwich shop is worth the hype, and with life-changing sandwiches for under $15, with some under $10, you can’t beat the value. Great restaurant ROI.
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House choice Charcuterie Plate for $25, yes, please. They also an amazing choices of sandwiches and small plates, plus great cocktail and beer options to wash it down.
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Classic New Orleans Dishes like Creole Gumbo, Southern fried chicken, and red beans and rice that won’t break the bank, our mouth is watering already.
#2 - Joshua Tree, CA
Photo by Gretchen Spencer on Unsplash
Craving a dose of natural beauty with a taste of the wild? Time to pack your bags and head to Joshua Tree. Whether you come to stare at the expansive desert, lose yourself beneath a canopy of stars, or fill your TikTok and IG with influencer-worthy content, Joshua Tree beckons with a silent allure for any budget-conscious adventure seeker. It’s a desert destination that’s anything but boring.
What to Do
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most beautiful places in all of California, maybe the country. It offers fantastic hiking, picturesque scenery, and unbelievable stargazing and is the perfect place for travelers seeking solitude and an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life.
Car Pass: $30
On foot or Bike: $15/pp
Integration Sound Bath, Landers
This truly unique and unforgettable 60-min sound experience, in the middle of the Mojave, feels like the quintessential CA desert activity.
Tickets $55. Book well in advance. They are only open Thu-Sun and sell out fast.
Scale Ancient Stones
Yes, this is in the Park, too! But you’re in Joshua Tree for the park. Advanced rock climbers already know Joshua Tree Offers some prime opportunities for climbing. But even if you’re not 100% sure where to start with the terrain, you can still get your carabineers ready to clip by booking half-day trips with guided rock climbing trips, while experiences may veer to the high end of some people’s budgets, how often do you climb ancient rock formations in National Parks?
Where to Stay
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Average Price - $252/night
62209 Verbena Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
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No, this isn’t on tablethotels.com but if you’re into camping and like the budget friendly average price of $40-$50/night.
Where to Eat
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Pioneertown was created in 1946 by some folks from Hollywood to shoot over 50 Old Western TV shows and films. It’s isolated, but in a good way, where you feel like you’ve walked into a timewarp. It’s here you’ll find Pappy & Harriets, the legendary bar/restaurant that serves BBQ, burgers, and drinks, along with some great live music.
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Crossroads serves fantastic burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other items inspired by the Southwest. It can get busy, but it’s close to the park and easy on the wallet.
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Is there anything more budget-friendly than Pizza? True, it’s not the quintessential desert food, but you can’t go wrong, either. The Wings are some of our most favorite we’ve ever had, so mark them down as a must-order.
#3 - Ashville, NC
Photo by Darrell Moore on Unsplash
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is that rare gem that seamlessly marries urban flair with country charm. With its welcoming vibes, mouthwatering cuisine, bustling arts scene, and jaw-dropping landscapes, Asheville is the go-to spot for a getaway that's anything but boring. And despite its growing popularity, Asheville still maintains an under-the-radar vibe.
What to Do
Cruise the Blueridge Parkway
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina, is a breathtaking experience that combines the thrill of winding mountain roads with stunning vistas of the Appalachian landscape. There truly is no better way to experience the natural beauty of Ashville than with a cruise down the parkway.
Biltmore Estate
The largest home in the United States opens its doors to visitors year-round. This 8000+ square foot home and its grounds are truly magnificent, and with numerous activities, including free wine tastings, there is plenty to do to justify the $70+ admission fee.
Enjoy “Beer City” USA
Asheville is “Beer City USA” so you can’t come to the Blue Ridge Mountains and not enjoy some cold ones. Our favorite way to experience all the best beers is with all-inclusive, guided tour from City Brew Tours. There are so many great Breweries to experience that we like deferring to the experts.
Where to Stay
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95 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801
Where to Eat
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This James Beard award-winning restaurant serves up delicious Indian-inspired street food, including their unbelievable Okra Fries.
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What’s better in “Beer City USA” than a great burger? Baby Bull is a classic burger spot in Ashville’s Art’s district, serving well Burgers, but also delicious Lobster Rolls and Roast Pork Hoagies. And if you’re really looking for a fantastic Budget Deal, come to Baby Bull for Burger Monday’s where you can get a Burger & Fries + Pilsner, Coca-Cola or Ice Tea for $15.99
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Who doesn’t love fluffy, perfectly golden biscuits? The lines prove how great these biscuits are. There are multiple locations and not
#4 - Seattle, WA
Photo by Robert Ritchie on Unsplash
Set the scene: it’s raining, you have a Starbucks in your hand, Nirvana pumping into your earbuds, and you just casually avoided a flying Fish walking through Pike Place Fish Market. Now, forget all of that and every other cliched, outdated, very boring idea you have about Seattle. Replace them with a thriving culinary scene with the best seafood in the country, lush and beautiful natural splendor, and world-class museums. Now, imagine all of those things at a great price point, and you’ll see how The Emerald City ended up on our list of best not-boring places to visit on a budget in 2024.
What to Do
The Space Needle
The iconic Space Needle was originally constructed to be part of the 1962 World’s Fair, and it offers the best views of the city, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains. And ask yourself, what trip to a new city is really complete without a trek to the top of said city’s tallest structure? Paris, you go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. In Chicago, you have your Ferris Bueller moment at the Sears (ugh, never Willis) Tower; in Tokyo, you take a ride to the top of the Skytree, so when in Seattle, you go to the Space Needle. Recently renovated, there are a number of not-boring things to do at the top, like take in the view with the tilting glass walls or on the revolving glass floor. Best news? There’s also a bar at the top, so grab a drink at the Loupe Lounge.
Mt. Rainer Day Trip
Visiting Mr. Rainer is at the top of our must-see lists when it comes to Seattle, and while you can venture out on your own, we prefer taking the guided tour route, especially when you’re only here for a short while. Organized trips just make everything easier, and so while our favorite option isn’t inexpensive, it’s money well spent for the travel experience ROI you can get back.
Museum Of Pop Culture
This is the self-described World’s most immersive Pop Culture experience, and they’re telling the truth. This museum offers fantastic and engaging exhibits that highlight iconic moments in movies, music, TV, and more, and an entire collection dedicated to Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix. In a city where the weather dictates that in-door activities should always be on the agenda or backup agenda, the Museum of Pop Culture is a perfect not-boing entry.
Where to Stay
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Average Rate - $195/night
1007 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
https://www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/wa/seattle/alexis-royal-sonesta-hotel-seattle
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Where to Eat
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You come to Seattle for the seafood, and there’s no better place for that than the Walrus & The Carpenter. This is not a hidden gem. Its deliciousness is known city-wide, so get ready to wait, but once you slurp down some oysters or take a bite out of the Albacore Crudo, you’ll understand why it was worth it.
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Delicious Japanese comfort food at budget prices? Yes, please. The only bad thing about Fremont Bowl is deciding which Donburi bowl you’re gonna go with. They’re all delicious, but the Chirashi and the Mixed Katsu are what we’d be having.
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When you want to take a short break from all the delicious seafood, head to Bar Del Corso, where you can indulge in wallet-friendly woodfired pizzas and delicious small Italian plates.
#5 - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Photo by Eastman Childs on Unsplash
Most people don’t think of Minneapolis as a go-to destination for not-boring travel. They think of the cold, the “Minnesota Nice” people, sure, but they overlook it the same way a lot of people overlook the Midwest in general, as flyover country, cute and quaint, but not much else. Their locational arrogance is their massive loss. Minnesota, in general, leaves you stunned at its scenic natural beauty. The crystal clear lakes and lush green forests offer boundless outdoor adventures, and its thriving capital has a culinary scene, with seven James Beard Award Nominees for 2024, that can rival most anywhere in the county. We agree; it's probably best to visit when the temps aren’t hovering near zero, not because Minneapolis isn’t a year-round city, but because it’s one of the best good-weather cities in the whole country.
What to Do
Midtown Greenway
Minneapolis is considered one of the top Bike Cities in the country, and with this 5.7-mile bike and walking path, you’ll see why. The Path follows the abandoned route of the Milwaukee Road railway and maneuvers through the heart of the city. So rent a bike and see the city the way the locals do.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
What’s a better budget option than Free and open 365 days a year? The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden opened in 1988 and might be the perfect example of a true Urban Oasis, where, over 11 acres in the center of the city, you’ll find over 60 different sculptures.
Take in The Twins
Target field opened in 2010 right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, and with single-game tickets starting at $14, this is your chance to spend a beautiful Upper Midwest day by checking off another ballpark from your baseball bucket list.
Where to Stay
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Average Rate - $181/night
901 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
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Average Rate - $249/night
615 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55402
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/mspct-hyatt-centric-downtown-minneapolis/
Where to Eat
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Nothing beats a great bowl of Ramen on a cold day, or any day for that matter. So whether you’re visiting Minneapolis when it more closely resembles the tundra, or it’s a perfect summer day, Ramen Kazama is a great budget-friendly choice. They have a few varieties to choose from, including Classic Tonkotsu with rich Pork Bone Marrow Broth, Torisho Ramen made with Chicken Broth and karaage, and both veggie and vegan options.
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You can’t come to Minneapolis and not try their most famous culinary export. The Juicy Lucy is a staple across the city. This cheesy, stuffed burger is a classic, and Matt’s Bar is one of its original creators. There are a lot of places across the Twin Cities that have their own spin, interpretation, whatever you want to call it. In fact, you could probably spend a https://www.theinfatuation.com/minneapolis/guides/best-juicy-lucys-minneapoliswhole day of your time here going from place to place to try them all and crown a Juicy Lucy King. You may need that extra extender for your seat belt on the way home, but it would be a way to spend a not-boring day in the city. For more info on other Juicy Lucy Options, check out the infatuation’s guide to the best Juicy Lucy’s across the city: https://www.theinfatuation.com/minneapolis/guides/best-juicy-lucys-minneapolis
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This food hall is located in a historic industrial building, so it brings the cool factor, but it also brings quality budget-friendly food options. There are nine different culinary concepts from up-and-coming chefs, with distinct cuisine options that include Southeast Asian, Argentinian, tacos, and smoked meats. They also have a Self-Pour Tap Wall with a rotating selection of craft beers and wine.