esta-america-logo
Search

How to Travel to the USA on a Budget

It can be challenging to travel to America for the first time. It isn’t easy to navigate a country with a different culture and much information. Due to the dollar’s strength, the United States is currently quite expensive. Foreign currency doesn't travel as far as it used to. There are so many incredible places, sights, and things to see that it would be boring not to go to some of them. Therefore, spending money is a must. You can save money by planning.

Before we start, consider other states for cheaper stays if you’re considering moving to the USA. Professional movers are a good option, as moving can be complicated. Visit the website of the company for more information. These top tips help you plan your dream trip to the USA.

Check the Entry Requirements and Apply for an ESTA

To ensure that you are eligible for a tourist visa and have a valid passport, it is a good idea to research what you need before you travel to the United States.

Britons and all other nationalities worldwide must apply for an entry permit. This ESTA visa permits citizens of eligible Visa Waiver Program nations to enter the US and is accepted upon arrival legally.

Online application for ESTA is possible. It can be approved within hours. The fee is only $14, so it won’t affect your bank account too much.

How long do you want to stay?

Most vacations last between 1 and 4 weeks. This allows you to see most of the highlights. If you plan well, it is possible to squeeze a large USA vacation into a shorter trip. You will spend more money the longer you stay, so limit your time.

The cheapest month to visit.

If you have a flexible travel schedule, then January, February, and October are the best months to book your flights to the USA. Avoid Christmas and summer if you want to avoid paying a premium for accommodation and flights.

Make a budget

Your trip will be defined by how much money you have. You can budget for accommodation, time, and sightseeing if you know your money. You can set a budget for each day and stick to it.

Select Where to Go

There are hundreds of incredible places in America. It would help to decide what you want from your trip, how long you have to spend there and what you can afford.

Each state has its own culture and sights. There are many places to visit in the United States, as well as world-famous cities all across the country.

These are some of the most popular US cities to visit:

  • Miami, Florida
  • New York
  • Los Angeles, California
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Chicago

New York is a city that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Are you interested in history? We recommend Washington, DC. Are you looking to party? New Orleans is the place to be. Are you looking for beautiful beaches? Consider California or Florida.

Consider traveling to less expensive places like New York, Miami, and LA if you’re looking for a low-cost option. These cities are costly all year, but they can be more expensive during peak tourist seasons like Christmas, New Year, and summer. These times are when prices rise. Consider other places to keep your money from moving too fast.

You might also consider these cities:

  • Portland, Oregon
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Austin, Texas

Transport

The USA has a vast transport network. You can choose to fly, rent your vehicle, take a tour, or travel by bus. Megabus is an excellent option if you plan to travel to multiple locations. However, the distances can be quite long. You can find many budget airlines that offer routes across the United States. Prices vary depending on the month.

Take Care When Choosing Accommodation

Your most significant expense is likely to be finding somewhere to stay. You have many options for accommodation, including:

  • Hotels
  • Vacation Homes
  • Villas
  • Resorts
  • Spare Rooms
  • Hostels

Also, consider whom you’re going with when deciding on accommodation. Traveling solo? Hostels can be more social than hotels and are also cheaper. Go with your friends. Hostels and hotels can be great options if you are traveling with friends.

Private accommodation is best for families. This will allow you to feel more at ease and makes it easier to find the best deal. Airbnb offers many benefits, including the ability to cook at home. This allows you to save money on dining out.

It is worth reaching out if there are any family members or friends in the States to find a place for you to stay. You will be able to spend more on sightseeing and activities the more you save on lodging.

It is always cheaper to avoid tourist hotspots when visiting the USA. Living outside Manhattan might be more affordable if you’re visiting NYC. You can save big on hotel costs by staying in the other boroughs or further away. Woodstock is within easy driving distance of the Big Apple. You can find a variety of Woodstock vacation rentals that will suit your needs.

Book Advance Flights

Although flights to America can be costly, there are many ways to save money.

Skyscanner is a flight comparison site that compares flights with all major airlines.

Flexible when it comes to time and dates for flights. Weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends.

Take a budget airline. Companies like Norweigan Air offer cheap flights from Europe to New York, Miami, Chicago, and New York destinations.

Find Low-cost and Cheap Things to Do

TripAdvisor is a great website to find reviews and recommendations for things to do in different parts of the USA. It’s not a good idea to arrive at a destination and not enjoy the entire experience. You can find unique places to visit and highlights on various travel websites, social media, and blogs. For instance, Instagram is a great place to find places to eat or popular points of interest.

It is easy to travel cheaply, and the USA is truly unique. These tips will help you have the best trip!