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Budget Weekend Getaways: Best Deals for Long Weekend Trips
Looking for your next budget-friendly weekend getaway? Whether you’re dreaming of a staycation by the beach, hitting the slopes for a ski break, or exploring a new city, we’ve rounded up some of the best cheap weekend trip ideas in the USA and abroad.
Our curated list includes weekend getaways under $500, affordable family vacations, and romantic weekend escapes for two. You’ll also find cheap all-inclusive trips and last-minute weekend deals so you can plan a spontaneous adventure without overspending.
Affordable Vacation Destinations in the US
While the US overall may not usually be thought of as a budget-friendly travel destination, there are plenty of cheap travel deals out there if you know where to look. While the locations for these deals vary, there are a number of cheap US vacation spots that come up again and again.
The US also happens to be a great money-saving option for a family trip, as there are a large number of amusement parks, beachside resorts, and national parks that perfectly cater for those traveling with kids - along with activities to keep them busy!
Here are our top destinations for a cheap US vacation:
New Orleans: Considered to be one of the best-value city breaks in the US, there are plenty of deals to be found here. This city may be famous for Mardi Gras, but there's no shortage of things to do in New Orleans.
Glacier National Park: This destination is ideal for those looking to get outdoors on their vacation. Glacier is located in the Rockies and is home to over 700 miles worth of hiking trails.
Miami: Feel like a relaxing beach vacation on Florida's coast? Miami beach is the perfect getaway. Enjoy an adults-only vacation hitting up Miami's hottest clubs, and enjoy the Cuban influence in all the dishes you treat yourself to in Little Havana.
Niagara Falls: Enjoy one of the natural wonders of the world in either the US or Canada. With a wide range of accommodation, including more budget-friendly options near Buffalo, New York, or Toronto, Ontario. You can even find top hotel chains that offer incredible rates for a stay overlooking the falls.
Orlando: It's probably the first place that comes to mind when considering a family vacation, being home to Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Though prices to stay inside the parks can prove to be quite an expense, oftentimes, there are great-value deals outside the parks.
Asheville: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers scenic drives, hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a thriving arts scene in the River Arts District. The city is also known for its award-winning craft breweries and affordable boutique stays.
San Diego: With 70 miles of coastline and a mild climate, San Diego is ideal for a budget beach getaway. Enjoy Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove’s sea lions, and free spots like Balboa Park and Sunset Cliffs. Frequent flight deals make it an easy West Coast escape.
Austin: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin offers vibrant nightlife, food truck parks, and budget-friendly activities like kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or visiting Zilker Park. Affordable stays range from boutique hotels to vacation rentals.
Sedona: Famous for its red rock formations, Sedona is perfect for hiking, photography, and stargazing. Trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are low-cost attractions, and the town’s art galleries and budget motels make it an accessible nature escape.
Portland: Portland blends urban attractions like coffee shops, craft breweries, and food carts with quick access to the Columbia River Gorge for waterfalls and hiking. Public transit keeps transportation costs low, making it a smart budget weekend trip.
Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to break the bank. Many destinations across the US offer family weekend getaway deals with kid-friendly activities, free attractions, and accommodations designed for larger groups. National parks, beach resorts with kids’ clubs, and theme park cities like Orlando or San Diego are great choices. Look for off-season discounts and packages that include meals or tickets.
Romantic Weekend Getaways
For couples, a romantic weekend getaway can be as simple as a cozy mountain cabin or as luxurious as a wine country retreat. Popular options include Charleston and Savannah for charm and history, Napa Valley for vineyard tours, or a quiet coastal escape in the Outer Banks. Many boutique hotels offer weekend romance packages with dinners, spa treatments, or champagne on arrival.
Weekend Getaways for Under $500
Want a quick trip without overspending? These trips under $500 include flights and hotels — with some options offering luxury or all-inclusive stays. By booking last-minute or choosing budget-friendly destinations, you can enjoy a long weekend away for less than you might think.
Popular affordable combinations include:
Las Vegas flights + hotel deals
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean from major US hubs
City breaks like Chicago, Boston, or Denver with round-trip flights and central hotels
All-Inclusive Weekend Getaways
Remove the stress of planning by choosing an all-inclusive weekend getaway. Meals, drinks, activities, and accommodations are covered in one price, making budgeting easy. Common destinations for all-inclusive weekend trips include:
Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Beach resorts with pools, entertainment, and excursions.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Great for couples and families.
Florida, USA – Relaxed atmosphere with water sports and fresh seafood.
These trips often appear as last-minute all-inclusive deals, giving you luxury experiences for less.
More Vacation Inspiration
Check out our vacation categories below to find the best vacation option for you!
FAQs: Budget and Cheap Weekend Getaways
Q: What are the best budget weekend getaways in the US?
A: Popular options include New Orleans, Niagara Falls, Miami, Glacier National Park, and Orlando. Affordable choices also include Asheville, San Diego, Austin, and Sedona.
Q: Can I book a weekend getaway for under $500?
A: Yes. Many weekend trip packages with flights and hotels can be found for under $500 per person, especially with flexible travel dates and departure airports.
Q: What are good destinations for a romantic weekend trip?
A: Charleston, Savannah, Napa Valley, and coastal escapes like Carmel-by-the-Sea or the Outer Banks offer great settings for couples.
Q: Are there last-minute deals for weekend getaways?
A: Absolutely. Many travel sites post last-minute weekend trip discounts on flights, hotels, and packages.
Q: How do I save money on a weekend trip?
A: Travel mid-week, book packages, stay outside tourist centers, and choose destinations with free attractions.
Q: What are the cheapest cities to fly to for a weekend?
A: Cities with multiple low-cost carriers like Las Vegas, Denver, Orlando, and Chicago often have cheap airfares for weekend trips.
Q: Can I do an international weekend getaway?
A: Yes, if you’re close to a major hub. Popular international weekend trips from the US include Toronto, Montreal, Mexico City, and Cancun.
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