Are you a huge travel fanatic but are held back by your wallet? Why sacrifice your thirst for wanderlust when affordable vacation destinations are awaiting your arrival? All it’s going to take for an affordable trip is careful planning and budgeting.
Explore destinations that offer budget friendly options when it comes to accommodations and activities. In this blog, I am bringing to you not only affordable travel destinations but also some useful recommendations and insider tips for planning budget-friendly getaways.
Pennsylvania has a number of cheap places to visit that are beautiful, you can experience the wanderlust and thrill of travel without compromising your wallet.
Cheapest Places to Travel in Pennsylvania
1. Gettysburg: A Hub of History
If you are a huge history nut, don’t shy away from Gettysburg as it offers rich experiences in the history of the Civil War. Gettysburg is an expansive battlefield home to many monuments, artifacts and statues. You can take a guided tour to the battlefield and the National Military park on buses, bicycles, and horse carriages. Take a stroll through the quaint town and experience the town’s culture and living history performances.
A week-long adventure in Gettysburg on a budget would cost you around $977-$2,648. Which is further broken down to $140-$378 per day. Here is the full break down:
- Food, Travel, Sightseeing: $26-$52
- Flights: $429 – $1,144 for economy
- Lodging: $61 – $69 per night for a one-star hotel room or $160 – $190 for a vacation rental.
2. Poconos: Outdoor Fun Yearound
The Poconos are one of the best places to travel in Pennsylvania, it is the perfect getaway for someone that loves the outdoors. In summer you will be exposed to water sports like rafting, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing and waterparks, and the fun doesn’t end there. In winter, experience winter sports like skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and snow shoeing!
You will also find plenty of cheap places to stay in the Poconos, making it one of the best destinations for budget-friendly travel. The activities are also moderately priced, and you shouldn’t face any issues fitting these activities within your budget.
Activities like swimming, hiking or even exploring nearby towns are all free activities which will help you cut down on costs.
A week of fun in Poconos on a budget will cost you around $706 – $1,345, which is broken down into the following:
- Food, Travel, Sightseeing: $27 – $47
- Flights: $382 – $620 for economy
- Lodging: $54 – $63 per night for a one-star hotel room or $26 – $66 for a vacation rental
3. Presque Isle State Park, Erie- Budget Beach Vacation
Presque Isle State Park is the closest you will get to a Beach Vacation in Pennsylvania. It is a gorgeous natural area, and even better, the entry to the park is free, which reduces your expenses by a lot and the only areas where you will have to spend are travel and accommodation.
Presque Isle State Park is one of the most stunning natural areas in Pennsylvania, which offers opportunities for swimming and relaxing. You can also enjoy activities like hiking and biking as the park offers many trails for both. The park is day use only, but you will find plenty of overnight stays nearby.
4. Philadelphia – Birthplace of America
Philly, also known as the birthplace of America, is one of the best inexpensive weekend getaways PA has to offer. Philly is home to historical monuments like the Independence National Historical Park, Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. You must check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Penn State Museum and the National Liberty Museum.
You can also explore various other fun activities around the city like ax throwing, and the Adventure Aquarium. There are endless options.
The average cost for a week in Philadelphia is as follows:
- Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $24 to $47 per day
- Flights: $382 – $620 for economy
- Lodging: $54 – $63 per night for a one-star hotel room or $26 – $66 per night for a vacation rental.
Budget Friendly Travel Tips
- Save money on flight tickets by traveling by road if you own a vehicle. Flight tickets tend to eat up most of your budget, this way you can save a chunk of money. And if ultimately flight is the only option, book your tickets in advance and travel on weekdays as the tickets are cheaper.
- Embrace public transport, if you do not own a vehicle, public transport can be the best option for you to get from one place to the other.
- Explore cheap and fun places to travel, just because it is cheap does not mean it is not going to be fun, do your research well and pick destinations that appeal to both your interests and your wallet.
- Take as much advantage of state parks as there is rarely any entry fee, you can enjoy the outdoors for free.
Check out this blog for more affordable travel tips
Winding Up:
There are various destinations to go on vacation without hurting your wallet. Whether its a beach vacation, or a retreat to be with nature, options are endless. Careful planning and budgeting is the best way to make sure you can experience a delightful yet affordable vacation.
Remember to do your research well, choose what appeals to your interests as well as your bank account and make sure you compare prices, look for deals. Keep in mind the tips I’ve listed out for you and you can enjoy a lovely vacation which will leave you happy and rejuvenated.
For your accommodation needs, do check out HolidayKeepers and their properties. Get in touch for any booking queries or assistance. Happy Traveling!
With a decade of expertise in travel and hospitality, Aman Mehrotra, Senior Editor and Travel Manager at HolidayKeepers, is known for his compelling storytelling and insightful travel content. He skillfully combines strategic marketing wisdom with engaging narratives, covering everything from undiscovered destinations to the latest trends in vacation rentals. Aman’s writings resonate with both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely retreats. His global perspective and innovative approach make him a valuable asset to the HolidayKeepers team and a favorite among readers seeking inspiration and practical advice for their travels.
