12 Surprisingly Affordable Vacation Destinations Only A Few States Away
8. New Orleans, LA (Budget Savvy): Let the Good Times Roll (Affordably!)

Yes, the Big Easy can be done on a budget! While famous for revelry, New Orleans offers incredible free experiences: soak in live music on Frenchmen Street (just buy a drink), wander the historic French Quarter admiring architecture, enjoy street performers, and take a free ferry ride across the Mississippi. Indulge in iconic, affordable eats like po'boys and beignets. Stay in guesthouses outside the main tourist drag for better rates. It’s all about savoring the unique culture without the premium splurge.