As one of the superpowers, with a currency that has long been the world’s benchmark, the United States (US) is often considered a city with a relatively expensive lifestyle. However, behind all that, Uncle Sam’s country also has many pocket-friendly tourist destinations and offers impressive natural beauty and outdoor activities.

No need to empty your wallet, US News in “Best Cheap Tourist Destinations in the US in 2025″ shares a series of recommendations for cheap tourist destinations in the US that are pocket-friendly. What are they? Keep scrolling to see the full list.

Recommendations for Cheap Tourist Destinations in the United States

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Traveling to the US doesn’t have to be a waste of money because you can visit Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This place offers various exciting activities, from hiking, mountain climbing, to kayaking. For visitors who want to find out about the history of this national park, the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is ready to welcome you.

2. Moab, Utah

Moab is a paradise for adventurers. Located between two famous national parks—Arches and Canyonlands, Moab invites budget travelers to hike, bike, or cruise the Colorado River. When night falls, pitch your tent to admire the Moab night sky free from light pollution.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

For those looking for a beach vacation in the US but not too expensive, you can take a trip to the Gulf Shores area in Alabama. This place offers beautiful panoramas of white sand and blue ocean. For a more stunning view, ride the Ferris wheel at The Wharf and witness the face of Gulf Shores bathed in the sunset.

4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Who doesn’t know the Grand Canyon? This valley of steep cliffs can be found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. In addition to admiring the great canyon, tourists can also visit the shops and historic buildings in Grand Canyon Village.

5. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach in Oregon adds to the list of cheap tourist destinations in the US. Located on the northwest coast of Portland, Oregon, Cannon Beach is famous for its iconic Haystack rocks. Wildlife enthusiasts can also encounter a number of rare bird species, such as tufted parrots and magpie robins.
In addition, this coastal area is also an ideal destination to meet gray whales. Specifically, winter or spring is the right time to see around 18,000 gray whales migrating.

6. Sequoia National Park, California

Many people come to Sequoia National Park, California, to admire the lush giant trees that have lived for thousands of years. Hiking and mountain climbing are some of the outdoor activity options in the place, but you also need to know that this national park area is home to wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is the next recommendation for a cheap tourist destination in the US. Located in Montana, this national park is a favorite destination for hikers, especially at Logan Pass. Other activities that are no less interesting are swimming, walking along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, or spending time in a picnic area after a tiring hike.

8. Olympic National Park, Washington

Nature lovers will definitely love Olympic National Park in Washington because this national park offers a diverse landscape that includes mountains, beaches, and rainforests. Escape the city life for a moment and be one with nature by fishing, hiking, or meeting various wildlife, such as black bears, bald eagles, and elk, here.

9. Bar Harbor, Maine

As the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most beloved national parks in the northeastern US, Bar Harbor offers an affordable vacation experience, especially during the off-peak season, namely during the summer. Here, travelers can take a leisurely stroll along the Shore Path or have a picnic on the shores of Agamont Park.

10. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes allow you to do many exciting activities. Like fishing? Get ready all your equipment and go fishing at Lake Sakneateles. Hiking enthusiasts can explore Watkins Glen State Park and its 19 waterfalls.

In addition, tourists can also learn more about the life of Harriet Tubman, an important figure who was a spy during the American Civil War, at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.

Five Flower Lake, also called Wuhua Lake, is located in Jiuzhaigou Valley, China. It is famous for its crystal-clear water that naturally shows many colours like blue, green, turquoise, and yellow, making it a stunning natural wonder.

Some places in the world are famous for their amazing natural beauty, attracting travelers from everywhere. Certain lakes stand out because of their unique colors, clear water, and peaceful surroundings. These lakes look magical, almost like a painting, and change their appearance with sunlight and seasons. People visit them to enjoy nature, take pictures, and experience a calm and relaxing environment that feels truly special and unforgettable.

Which Lake is known as the Five Flower Lake?

Five Flower Lake, also called Wuhua Lake, is a beautiful and colourful lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, Sichuan, China. It is famous for its crystal-clear water that shows many colours like blue, green, turquoise, yellow, and light brown at the same time. These colours are created naturally by minerals, algae, sunlight, and fallen tree trunks under the water. The lake is a protected natural wonder and a popular tourist attraction.

Why is it called Five Flower Lake?

The lake is called Five Flower Lake because its water appears in many colours at once. You can see shades of blue, green, turquoise, yellow, and light brown in the lake. These colours happen naturally due to minerals, sunlight, algae, and fallen tree trunks underwater. The combination of these elements creates a spectacular, multi-coloured effect, like a painting made by nature.

Location of Five Flower Lake

Five Flower Lake is located in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, which is in Sichuan Province, China. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beautiful landscapes, including lakes, waterfalls, forests, and snow-capped mountains. The area is protected to preserve its natural beauty, and it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in China.

Why does Five Flower Lake Have Different Colours?

The unique colours of the lake come from several natural factors:

• Mineral deposits: Minerals in the water reflect sunlight in different ways, creating various shades.
• Algae: Tiny water plants contribute to the greenish and yellowish tones.
• Calcium carbonate: This natural chemical affects the water’s clarity and colours.
• Submerged tree trunks: Fallen trees at the bottom of the lake also change the way light reflects.
• Clear water: The water is extremely clean, allowing sunlight to reach the lake bed and show multiple colours at once.

Clear Water and Lake Features

The water in Five Flower Lake is so clear that visitors can see the lake bed, mineral layers, and tree trunks from the surface. This gives the lake a glass-like appearance, making it look magical. You can also notice the details at different depths, which adds to its beauty and uniqueness.

Changing Colours with Seasons

The colours of Five Flower Lake are not always the same. They change depending on:

• Sunlight: Different times of the day produce different shades.
• Weather: Clouds, rain, or sunshine affect how the colours appear.
• Seasons: Snow in winter or flowers in spring can change the lake’s appearance.

Surrounding vegetation: Trees and plants around the lake reflect in the water, adding more shades.

Tourism and Environmental Protection

Five Flower Lake is a major tourist attraction, but it is strictly protected to preserve its fragile ecosystem.

• Swimming, fishing, or touching the water is not allowed.
• Walking on designated paths is encouraged to avoid damaging the surroundings.
• Visitors are educated about the importance of keeping the lake clean.

Interesting Fact About Five Flower Lake

One fascinating fact about the lake is that it naturally displays multiple colours at the same time, something very rare in nature. Its combination of colours, crystal-clear water, and natural surroundings makes it one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Getting a vacation requires a significant amount of money. It is not surprising that travelers are looking for affordable holidays. A travel expert shares tips for planning a budget-friendly vacation, especially when traveling to Europe.

According to Amy Doherty, owner of Travel by Luxe, there are opportunities to find affordable vacations amidst the competition in the tourism industry. “There are still brilliant deals out there, but you have to approach planning with a bit more strategy than you did five or ten years ago,” she said, as quoted from Express UK.

After finding the best discounts or determining the right time to travel, you can save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips from Amy Doherty that are often used when traveling to Europe.

1. Book hotels via mobile

One of Amy’s main tips is to always book hotels on a mobile device, rather than a laptop. Hotels often offer exclusive discounts to mobile users because apps usually have a better conversion rate.

“If you check the same hotel on your phone versus your desktop, the mobile price is frequently lower. Websites like Booking.com or Hotels.com are particularly good for these deals,” she said.

2. Set price alerts

The most effective trick for getting cheap airline tickets is setting price alerts from the beginning so you’re notified when prices drop. Travelers can use platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights to set price alerts. When the price drops, they will be notified and can book before it rises again. Travelers who monitor prices for several weeks usually pay much less than those who book impulsively.

3. Choose destinations where your money is more valuable

According to Amy, the cost-of-living crisis affects how people choose vacations. If the destination choices are more flexible, look for destinations with really low daily costs. Travelers can also use comparison tools like Numbeo to compare restaurant, transportation, and accommodation costs before deciding on a destination.

4. Use installment options

When attractive offers appear but it’s not yet payday, installment services can help. Amy explained that platforms like Booking.com and Expedia now offer such features. “It means you don’t lose out on a brilliant price just because the timing isn’t ideal,” she said.

5. Avoid booking last minute

It’s no longer the era of last-minute bookings. According to Amy, UK operators like Jet2holidays or TUI, the most stable low fares usually appear two to six months before departure. If you book too close to the departure date, you might only be scrambling for remaining rooms, and the prices rarely drop.

She suggested that March is one of the best months for smoother and calmer travel, while September and October often offer lower fares and quieter destinations. As for flights, choose Sundays to get lower prices.

6. Travel around Europe by train

Traveling by train in Europe can be much cheaper than flying, especially if booked early. Amy said that the European train network offers early discounts that are rarely matched by airlines.

7. Stay flexible with dates

If you need to change your departure or return dates, try not to exceed one day. This is because the fares can change drastically. “Airlines charge more on peak days, so playing around with your schedule is one of the easiest ways to save,” she said.

8. Getting more legroom

If you want extra comfort without paying for a seat, choose the right side near the bulkhead, or the back often has more space. Most airlines will seat families together for free if they check in early and do not choose seats. Conversely, if they check in late or when the flight is very full, they will sit separately.

9. The hotel is more cost-effective than Airbnb

Amy referred to a recent Which? A study found that in most major destinations, hotels are much cheaper than Airbnb for a single room. She said hotel prices are clearer, with daily cleaning, and often include breakfast, so the value is greater. To save even more, she suggested booking hotels on Thursdays.

Every year, travel lists promise discovery. And every year, they quietly deliver the same places, repackaged with a new adjective. The result is a strange flattening of the world: cities reduced to backdrops, countries condensed into a single neighbourhood, whole cultures filtered through a café table and a caption.

I’m bored of travel that feels like homework. Of cities reduced to three landmarks and one restaurant everyone tells you to book months in advance. Somewhere between surge pricing and “hidden gems” that are no longer hidden, the joy of discovery has been replaced by logistics. And frankly, I’m done organising my holidays like a military operation.

So, these are my top picks for 2026.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

I mean, yes, you do find the Komodo monitor lizard here and that’s how it earns the name. But Komodo Island is so much more than that. It’s earned it’s keep and it’s not another Bali 2.0. In fact, it’s on the list because it’s exactly the opposite. Indonesia attempted something rare here: slowing tourism down before it collapses under its own weight. The government has introduced sharper visitor caps, higher park fees and tighter controls on trekking routes to avoid overtourism and crowding. And that’s actually helped maintain most of its beauty. The reefs here sit at the crossroads of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, making them among the most biodiverse on the planet; manta rays, reef sharks, and coral systems thrive here.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen’s blue-washed medina has been flattened into visual shorthand by social media, but the town’s relevance lies in its past. Founded in 1471 as a defensive settlement, it absorbed Muslim and Jewish refugees from Andalusia, shaping its architecture and closed-off character. The blue came later. Step away from the main square and you’ll find functioning local markets and access points into the Rif Mountains, where hiking routes thin the crowds quickly. It’s worth visiting before northern Morocco’s expanding road infrastructure folds it more tightly into mass itineraries.

Tsum Valley, Nepal

Chefchaouen’s blue-washed medina has been flattened into visual shorthand by social media, but the town’s relevance lies in its past. Founded in 1471 as a defensive settlement, it absorbed Muslim and Jewish refugees from Andalusia, shaping its architecture and closed-off character. The blue came later. Step away from the main square and you’ll find functioning local markets and access points into the Rif Mountains, where hiking routes thin the crowds quickly. It’s worth visiting before northern Morocco’s expanding road infrastructure folds it more tightly into mass itineraries.

Tsum Valley, Nepal

Zanzibar matters because it refuses to be just a beach destination. Stone Town—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—was once a major Indian Ocean trading hub, shaped by Omani sultans, Swahili culture, Indian merchants, and European colonial powers. Its narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and former slave markets tell a far more complicated story than most island escapes care to engage with. Beyond town, spice farms, mangrove forests, and reef systems offer substance.

Verona, Italy

Verona survives Italy’s tourism crisis by being stubbornly functional. While Rome and Florence strain under visitor numbers, Verona’s Roman arena still hosts opera, its medieval streets still house offices and schools, and its wine culture—Valpolicella and Amarone country—is treated as agriculture. Shakespeare may have borrowed the setting, but the city’s real identity comes from two millennia of uninterrupted urban life.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca belongs on this list because it hasn’t been flattened into a capital-city proxy. Power here has always been decentralised — politically, culturally, gastronomically — and that matters in a country where indigenous systems are often treated as heritage rather than infrastructure. Zapotec and Mixtec communities still shape foodways, markets, and local governance, which is why Oaxaca’s culinary reputation doesn’t feel like a trend cycle. It’s continuity. In a global food culture obsessed with reinvention, Oaxaca’s refusal to reinvent itself is the point.

San Sebastián, Spain

Yes, San Sebastian continuously punches above its weight. But the city is not only interesting because it eats well, but because it institutionalized taste. Nowhere else will you find the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. This city has truly built an ecosystem where casual pintxos bars coexist with experimental kitchens and neighbourhood bars. That flattening of hierarchy is very Basque, and very deliberate. The city’s confidence comes from repetition, not novelty, which is why it has outlasted every food-world hype cycle thrown at it.

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi resists narrative. Although it was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the wealthiest cities of the 16th century (before being violently sacked and abandoned), today it’s a sprawling amalgamation of temples, marketplaces, and even vineyards. It’s also a UNESCO site that still feels under-interpreted, allowing visitors to engage directly with scale and ruin rather than curated narrative. Few places in India offer this degree of historical openness.

Chongqing, China

Chongqing matters because it breaks the mental model most outsiders have of Chinese cities. This is not imperial, not coastal, not legible at ground level. Built into mountains at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, it grew vertically out of necessity. The city can literally break your brain because of how confusing it is to navigate. Its density, infrastructure, and food culture — especially its famously punishing hotpot — are some of the few best reasons to visit.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków surprises people who arrive expecting solemnity. Yes, it carries the weight of history — but it’s also one of Central Europe’s most energetic nightlife cities, fuelled by a massive student population and cheap, very good alcohol. What makes Kraków interesting is the tonal whiplash: medieval architecture by day, aggressively alive after dark. And yes, it’s absurdly affordable. Five-star hotels at three-star prices. Michelin-acknowledged dining without the Michelin attitude. You can eat extremely well, drink better, and still wake up without financial regret.

Paros, Greece

Paros benefits from proximity without proximity fatigue. Well-connected by ferry but largely ignored by cruise traffic, it offers Cycladic architecture, swimmable beaches, and agricultural villages that still produce their own food. Tourism exists, but it hasn’t displaced daily life.

Sardinia, Italy

This is old money Europe on holiday.  Also dubbed the “billionaire’s playground”, Sardinia is where Italy goes when it wants privacy. The Costa Smeralda is unapologetically wealthy — think Porto Cervo marinas lined with superyachts, private beach clubs, and villas owned by European royalty and discreet billionaires. Along the Costa Smeralda, beaches like Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli, and Cala Brandinchi deliver that almost-unbelievable shade of blue, backed by private villas and Porto Cervo’s superyacht scene.

Shimosuwa, Japan

Sitting in Nagano Prefecture, this small lakeside town was once a post station on the Nakasendō route connecting Kyoto and Edo, but today it’s quietly relevant for a different reason: sake. Several historic breweries operate here, fed by alpine water and colder climates that favour slow fermentation. It’s also one of the few places where Shinto shrines, industrial workshops, and everyday domestic life still sit side by side. There are no Kyoto-heavy crowds here.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An gets written off as quaint, which misses the point. This was one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports between the 15th and 19th centuries, linking Japan, China, Europe, and the subcontinent. That layered mercantile history still shows up—in architecture, food, and the fact that the town works best after dark, once day-trippers leave. Tailor shops aside, Hoi An rewards slow nights, long dinners, and river walks.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Atacama doesn’t care whether you’re comfortable. It’s one of the driest places on Earth, used by NASA to test Mars rovers. The appeal isn’t just stargazing—though it’s world-class—but the confrontation with scale. Salt flats, geysers, and lunar valleys stretch without concession. There’s no urban distraction here. You go because you want the world stripped down to physics.

Bled, Slovenia

Bled looks ornamental, but Slovenia has quietly become one of Europe’s most competent small countries. Lake Bled is the entry point: glacial water, a medieval castle, and just enough restraint to avoid Alpine kitsch. What makes it work is access—Ljubljana’s creative scene, Triglav National Park’s serious hiking, and wine regions like Brda within easy reach. It’s picturesque, yes, but also refreshingly unsentimental.

Nazare, Portugal

It’s famous for the largest surfable waves on the planet, created by an underwater canyon that funnels Atlantic swells into absurd vertical walls of water. But beyond the spectacle, it’s still a working fishing town, stubbornly intact beneath the global surf economy layered on top.

Noto, Italy

Rebuilt entirely after the 1693 earthquake, it’s one of Europe’s most cohesive Baroque cities—honey-coloured stone, theatrical staircases, and proportions that make even a short walk feel deliberate. What elevates it is restraint: fewer crowds than Taormina, better access to vineyards, beaches, and the Val di Noto hinterland.

Salento, Colombia

Salento sits inside Colombia’s coffee axis, where agriculture still structures daily life. The surrounding Valle de Cocora, with its towering wax palms, is visually dramatic, but the real interest lies in how openly the region integrates tourism into production. Coffee farms remain farms first, experiences second. Evenings are quiet, social, and local. No one is trying to turn this into Medellín’s countryside extension.

Wadi Shab, Oman

Wadi Shab feels almost confrontational in how untouched it is. A narrow gorge carved by water through rock, leading to emerald pools and a hidden waterfall cave, it’s one of Oman’s most accessible natural sites—and still largely uncommercialised. There are no cafés, no ticket counters, no guardrails. Oman’s tourism model prioritises preservation over volume, and Wadi Shab is the best example of that.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is medieval drama set against Adriatic excess. The old town is compact, heavily protected, and hemmed in by mountains that make expansion impossible. Cruise ships dock, yes—but stay overnight and the city changes entirely. Locals reclaim the streets, bars fill quietly, and the Bay of Kotor becomes glassy and still. Montenegro’s appeal lies in this contrast: Balkan grit wrapped in Venetian architecture and yacht money.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju operates as South Korea’s pressure valve. Volcanic terrain, black sand beaches, lava tubes, and a matriarchal diving culture (the haenyeo) define the island far more than its resort infrastructure. Domestic tourism dominates, which keeps the rhythm grounded and the food uncompromised.

Vík, Iceland

Vík is less a town than a threshold. Black sand beaches, basalt columns, and violent Atlantic weather define the landscape, with human settlement feeling almost incidental. Iceland’s tourism boom has passed through here aggressively, but the environment remains dominant.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is Portugal’s most underrated destination. A subtropical Atlantic island with brutal hiking routes, old-money hotels, and a tax structure that quietly attracts European wealth. Funchal balances cruise traffic with residential calm, while the island’s levadas—irrigation channels turned walking paths—cut through cliffs and forests with alarming beauty.