YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE RICH TO TRAVEL WELL. – EUGENE FODOR
With the ongoing lingering high gas prices and added costs to everyday living expenses, it’s hard to think about squeezing in a vacation when most of us consider travel a luxury. You’re not alone if you’ve had to cut back on travel or skip out on that yearly vacation. But, have no fear! I have created a list of uncommon destinations that typically don’t make the top destination list, but are just as travel worthy, without breaking the bank.
1. Buffalo and Niagara Falls (New York)
I know we all have heard of Niagara Falls and many of us may have already been, but don’t overlook this magnificent wonder. Sure, there is only so much you can do and see by looking at giant falls, which is why I lumped this in with a visit to Buffalo. Buffalo is only a short 20 mile drive from Niagara Falls. Spend a few days exploring Buffalo and check out the Naval and Military Park as well as Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. After a visit in Buffalo head north and spend a few days in Niagara Falls. You don’t need a passport and can stay on the U.S. side, but I will say, the Canada side is worth the visit. If you haven’t been to Niagara Falls, make it a priority to get tickets to the Maid of the Mist, https://www.maidofthemist.com. This was by far my favorite experience! While in the area a visit to Old Fort Niagara will not disappoint. If it’s a clear day you can even spot Toronto Canada in the distance.
2. Lake Erie and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
I know not many people would pick Ohio as a vacation destination, but here me out. I have lived in Northeast Ohio and while you wouldn’t want to visit in the winter unless you’re a fan of the cold; Ohio makes for some mild summers. Consider heading up to Lake Erie, one of the great lakes and enjoy a few days relaxing by the water. The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake https://www.thelodgeatgeneva.com offers budget friendly options and boasts beautiful views of the lake. Soak in the sun on the beach or rent a boat and enjoy a day on the water. Spend the next few days an hour southwest from the lake and enjoy the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This stunning park is free to enter and is 33,000 acres that offer hiking trails, bike paths and a scenic railroad. There are plenty of budget friendly hotels nearby such as Country Inn and Suites or opt for a bed and breakfast for a more unique experience. The Inn at Brandywine Falls or Shady Oaks Farm Bed and Breakfast are a few options that will not disappoint. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at the beauty that can be found in this state.
3. Traverse City (Michigan)
Before I really started traveling, I never batted an eye at Michigan. Anytime my husband mentioned visiting Michigan, I would roll my eyes and say no. Boy, was I wrong about this beautiful state! A few years back we took a road trip through Michigan. We drove from Kentucky and stopped in Holland, Traverse, Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula. I was truly blown away by the beauty of this state and the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. I’m not kidding when I say I felt like we were in the Caribbean without the heat. The best time of year to visit is summer or early fall. If you’re looking to enjoy the water than choose July or August, but be prepared, the water is usually cold year round. If you’re not looking to do a road trip and only want to stay in one or two locations than I recommend Traverse City. Traverse City is well known for wineries, restaurants and The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. This gorgeous lake town has you feeling like you’re on a Caribbean beach without the overwhelming sweat and heat. There are some really great budget friendly options in Traverse City such as The Grand Beach Resort Hotel https://www.tcbeaches.com/ or there are plenty of budget friendly options on Airbnb. Don’t be like me and wait so long to visit this picturesque state. One visit and you’ll be wanting to go back.
4. Eureka Springs (Arkansas)
Believe it or not, I was born in Fayetteville Arkansas and lived there until I was 10. It took me years to appreciate this state and the beauty that it offers. Eureka is a small quaint town located in the Ozark Mountains that boasts Victorian buildings in its historic district. The town became popular for it’s well known natural springs. If you’re not spending time in Eureka and exploring all it has to offer, there is plenty of outdoor options to enjoy nearby in the Ozarks. Beaver Lake is a gorgeous lake nearby that offers many options of lodging, fishing, and boating https://www.eurekasprings.com/waterworld/beaverlake.html. Plus, you can’t visit The Ozarks without a trip to the lake. They really do offer some of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S. Beaver Lake provides budget friendly options such as cabins and cottages with spectacular views of the lake. If you prefer to stay in town, consider New Orleans Hotel or Basin Park Hotel for budget friendly options. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much nature Arkansas has to offer.
5. Louisville (Kentucky)
Yes, my hometown is on this list! Louisville has so much to offer and has really grown into it’s own over the last few years. Louisville is a budget friendly destination due to the international airport and its central location to other major cities that are a short drive away, such as, Nashville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Louisville has really marketed bourbon as being the focal point of our city. Now, I understand bourbon is not for everyone and there are other options to enjoy in the city. However, if you enjoy bourbon/distilleries, Louisville is a great place to visit. Downtown Louisville houses Angels Envy, Old Forrester, Rabbit Hole, Michters and much more. It’s also worth a day trip to Buffalo Trace and Four Roses which are a few of my favorite. My favorite places to stay in Louisville is The Omni Hotel and The Galt House. The Omni can be pricey so I would check rates first, but I have been able to snag a night there from $150 – $200 a night. Louisville also offers so much more than bourbon. Consider The Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs and catch a soccer game at Louisville City FC. Although, I have lived here for 25 years, you can always find something new to do in Louisville.
6. Boise (Idaho)
I feel like Idaho gets overlooked by the other surrounding states such as Utah, Wyoming and Nevada to name a few. I’m not denying that these states aren’t just as breathtaking, but Idaho gets lost in the background. Idaho is a beautiful state many people don’t consider visiting. Depending on the time of year, you can find decent airfare into Boise. There really isn’t a bad time to visit and Idaho offers so much to offer for all seasons. Boise offers great parks and great views with a small town feel. The nice thing about Boise is you can take day trips to some really amazing locations in Idaho. A little over an hour away is the Bruneau Dunes State Park where you can spend the day sand boarding. Silver Dunes is another fun day trip that takes you to an old mining town and explore all the old monuments. Snake River Canyon is another beautiful location to visit where the Snake River runs through ancient volcanic ash. There are so many bewildering destinations to visit in Idaho that I can’t list them all, but check out this informative blog for some really great suggestions https://www.meganstarr.com/day-trips-from-boise/. Consider Franklin House, Hyatt Place or Best Western for budget friendly lodging in Boise. If you’re looking for unique lodging, check out The Pink Guesthouse or The Anniversary Inn. Idaho is a truly spectacular state that needs to be given the chance to be a great destination location!
Well, there you have it! My top list of unpopular destinations to consider that won’t break the bank! It really is amazing to me how many beautiful destinations we have in the U.S. What really amazes me is the amount of American’s who have never explored or visited their own country! Don’t get me wrong, the world is full of beauty, but there is so much beauty in our own backyard that we tend to overlook it. I would love to hear in the comments if there are any unpopular destinations that should be on this list!
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