North America is very alluring right now with plenty of festivals, state fairs and activities going on. And with our tips these hot cities will also keep your travel budget in check.
San Francisco, California, USA
The legendary Californian city of San Francisco buzzes with energy all year round and offers a lot to meet the high expectations of vacationers. From its historic neighborhoods to great restaurants, there are plenty to see and do in San Francisco; and the best news is some of this city’s most famous attractions are free and many others are cheap!
The city encompasses just 49 square miles that makes it easy to take a leisurely walk and discover landmarks at every corner. The 1.7-mile Golden Gate Bridge that stretches from San Francisco to the Marin headlands, views of Alcatraz and the bay front Embarcadero are just some of the must-sees.
The Ferry Building on the historic waterfront is a paradise for food lovers. It is the place to shop for farmers produce, get the best chocolate, or relax over a cup of coffee brewed from fresh-roasted beans.
A trip to San Francisco will not be complete without a ride on the cable cars. Start on the Powell-Mason line and travel to the top of Nob Hill and enjoy the great view, or just tour the Cable Car Museum from the corner of Mason and Washington streets.
There are some hotels near Union Square that charge less than $100 per night but if budget is really tight, one get a decent hostel accommodation for about $20 per night. Be sure to pack lots of sunscreen and light clothes that can be layered.
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
Daytona is one of the cities in North America that offers affordable vacations with plenty of free attractions and clean hotels, ideal for vacationers on a budget. It is widely known for car racing sports, but it’s also a great vacation place for beach activities. The fifty three year-old famous Daytona International Speedway is one place to see.
Take a free weekday tour of the Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory where tourists are offered free samples of chocolate. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Visit The Casement at Ormond Beach for a free cultural and historical exhibition. The home that is now being used as a cultural center and museum was once owned by John D. Rockefeller.
The North Peninsula State Recreation offers a long stretch of beach land for family fun and activities such as surfing. The park is free to all visitors and opens every day. Items packed for a trip to Daytona Beach should include clothes that feel comfortable in warm and humid temperatures. There are lots of places for camping so a camping gear can be packed for those who love the outdoors.
Merida, Mexico
Lying right at the tip of Mexico, Merida displays Colonial-era architecture, remarkable beaches, and fishing villages that promise an unforgettable vacation. The food, historical buildings, long beaches, and affordable inns all make a visit to Merida a great experience.
Take a stroll along the mansion-lined Paseo Montejo, or visit the four hundred year-old cathedral. Venture to Chichen Itza, the ancient Maya city located on a lush, scenic highway stretch that runs between Merida and Cancun and explore the world-famous Pyramid of Kukulkan.
The Isla Mujeres offers the Merida’s colorful open-air market for great shopping of custom work and jewelry at a fraction of the cost of other Mexican cities. Don’t miss a trip to the tropical forests, lagoons and wildlife of the Sian Ka’An Biosphere Reserve.
Traveling through Mexico calls for casual clothing and sunblock creams all year round, especially in the summer when the sun can be fierce.
Vancouver, Canada
The city of Vancouver with its natural beauty of mountains and the ocean makes it an appealing place to visit. Some hotel prices can be a bit on the high side, but Vancouver is still a good choice for an inexpensive city to visit. There are some good hostels that cost less than $20 per night.
There are also plenty free entertainment and places to tour such as British Columbia Golf museum and the Athlete’s Village. Enjoy the scenic Vancouver by driving along the Sea-to-Sky Highway for a view of the rainforests and beautiful mountains. Explore serene Vancouver Island for a change of pace, packed with wildlife and outdoor sports adventures.
Tour Vancouver’s art galleries for free, have an afternoon of fun with the family at the Queen Elizabeth Park or watch cruise ships from Canada Place. Either way, no money will be spent doing these activities, but plenty of fun is guaranteed.
Depending on the time of year that you visit Vancouver will pretty much determine what items need to be packed. Warm clothes are advisable for the winter months because the mountains can get very cold and icy. However, some general things to take along are cameras and binoculars for sightseeing; backpacks and raincoats for those who love hiking, and sunscreen and bathing suits for the beaches during the summer months.
