While border restrictions continue to relax around the world – making travel more accessible than it’s been in years – soaring living costs might make travellers hesitant to book. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly and affordable activities worldwide to control travellers’ budgets. From the beaches of Valencia to the mountains of Colorado, make the most of your holiday budget with these low-cost activities in many of the world’s bucket-list destinations.
Experience the sights of Slovenia
For travellers looking to see the sights of Slovenia in record time, the Ljubljana Card allows free admission to over 20 attractions. See impressive contemporary art displays at The Museum of Contemporary Art or experience the highest altitude spa in Slovenia, located in the heart of Tuhinj Valley, Terme Snovik. Cardholders also receive free travel on public transport, or a four-hour bicycle hire so travellers can squeeze in as many activities as possible. Not to mention the guided city tour, funicular ride to the castle or tourist boat cruise on Ljubljanica river – all boasting once-in-a-lifetime views of the romantic, historical city. www.slovenia.info/en
Explore the Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Exploring the Old Sacramento State Historic Park is perfect for travellers looking for the best things to do in Sacramento for free. This 28-acre National Historic Landmark is the entire area of the 1850s downtown district and is the main tourist destination of Sacramento with historical buildings including the B.F. Hastings Building, the Big Four Building, and Eagle Theatre. There are several free museums on-site, including the California Automobile Museum, the Sacramento History Museum and the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum. Take a brochure of the Sacramento Visitors’ Guide at the Old Sacramento Visitors Centre and check out the Walking Tours section to explore at your own pace. www.visitsacramento.com
See the skyline in Seattle
The scenic skyline alone is enough reason to visit Seattle and there are so many locations to experience it at different angles, for free. A historic landmark and one of the city’s most unique attractions, Gas Works Park features spectacular views of South Lake Union, which can be seen via kayak or on land. Featured in the iconic movie, 10 Things I Hate About You, other amenities of Gas Works Park include a sundial, the kite flying hill and a large play area. Featuring a beautiful backdrop of Elliot Bay, the Space Needle, downtown’s skyscrapers and on a clear day, Mount Rainier, Kerry Park in the Upper Queen Anne area is the perfect location for skyline seekers and photographers alike. visitseattle.org
Soak up sun and culture in Valencia
Valencia is the perfect destination for budget travellers, with low-cost food and accommodation compared to other cities in Spain and Europe. Soak up the sun at one of Valencia’s many incredible beaches – such as Playa de la Malvarrosa – or in the meandering nine-kilometre stretch of garden, the Turia Gardens. For culture, many of the city’s museums are completely free, including the Fine Arts Museum – which contains works by Goya and Velazquez – the Bullfighting Museum and the Museum of Prehistory. Many others, like the Fallas Museum and the Valencian History Museum, are free on Sundays. www.visitvalencia.com/en
Set sights on stunning scenes in Yosemite Mariposa There is no better way to get up close and experience Yosemite than by setting out on foot and exploring some of the great trails. Plan a full day hike to see some of Yosemite’s world-class waterfalls up close and discover some of the best views on the planet at Glacier Point, Tunnel View, or Vernal Fall for a low price. www.yosemite.com
Spot the abundance of wildlife in SLO CAL
One of the free natural wonders in San Luis Obispo County, California (SLO CAL) is the abundance of wildlife which can be viewed at various coastal locations throughout the year. Friendly sea otters make their home at Morro Bay, enjoying the calm protected waters around Morro Rock. Vibrant orange and black monarch butterflies can be seen between October and February at Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, and up in San Simeon, wild elephant seals can be spotted on the beach year-round. Gray, Blue and Humpback whales, as well as dolphins, are a common sight in the area. www.slocal.com
Hit the beach in San Diego, California
With over 70 miles of coastline to explore, beaches are one of San Diego’s star attractions. Black’s Beach is popular with experienced surfers whilst Pacific Beach is a great spot for young adults, with its many restaurants and bars nearby. Families looking for a laid-back vibe can head to Coronado Beach, set against the backdrop of the Hotel del Coronado, whilst travellers in search of rocky reefs and secluded coves will find that La Jolla has everything they could want and more. Pack a picnic and spend endless days enjoying San Diego’s sun, sea and sand. www.sandiego.org
Go hiking in Greater Palm Springs
With nine cities surrounded by four mountain ranges, see the wild side of Greater Palm Springs and get out into nature for little cost. Comprising three canyons which are the ancestral home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Indian Canyons give an insight into the indigenous past of Greater Palm Springs. Home to native flora and fauna and thousands of palm trees, visitors can spend hours in the canyon’s hiking, relaxing under a palm or soaking in the waterfalls. The Indian Canyons are a stone’s throw outside of Cathedral City and cost £10 for adult entry. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
