12 Surprisingly Affordable Vacation Destinations Only A Few States Away

5. Taos, NM: Art, Soul, and High Desert Vistas

Experience the unique cultural fusion and dramatic landscapes of Taos, New Mexico, without the Santa Fe price tag. This historic art colony offers stunning Pueblo architecture (Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO site, nominal entry fee), numerous art galleries (many free to browse), and breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Enjoy affordable New Mexican cuisine, explore the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for free, and find budget-friendly guesthouses. Taos provides a deeply spiritual and visually inspiring escape steeped in art and Native American heritage.