With many watching their pennies in 2022 and the costs of living rising, a trip to the USA may be more affordable than first imagined. Whether it’s a short but action-packed visit to a much loved city, or a multi-trip holiday, the chance to explore new, exciting places or revisit old favourites, makes a trip Stateside great value for money. Visit the USA rounds up five affordable but unmissable U.S. destinations…
New York and Las Vegas
Experience two of the greatest cities on earth, in one unforgettable trip. Satisfy the hunger for urban adventure by exploring the city that never sleeps, before heading to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Whilst in New York, pay half price for tickets to the hottest broadway shows by waiting in line at Duffy Square and purchasing same-day tickets. See the famous sites for less by catching the free Staten Island ferry to the Statue of Liberty, or purchase cheap tickets for ‘Top of the Rock’ to marvel at the iconic New York skyline from above. In Las Vegas, watch the Bellagio fountains perform their choreographed routine, or visit more than 30 vibrant murals on the streets of Downtown Las Vegas on a walking tour. For travellers that fancy an escape from the city, hike Red Rock Canyon and take in the spectacular views.
Orlando, Florida
Holidays to ‘the happiest place on earth’ are full of fun for the whole family. Experience all the thrills, with twists, turns and the occasional splash at Orlando’s iconic parks, from Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld to Walt Disney World Florida, celebrating its 50th anniversary with an 18 month spectacular, which kicked off in October 2021. With dazzling decorations, new outfits and magical touches throughout all four parks, the festivities are guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime and visitors can save money by purchasing a multi-day pass. After an action packed trip to the theme parks, travellers can spend their days soaking up the sunshine whilst watching pro-surfers hit the waves at the ample beaches close to Orlando; favourites include Cocoa and Daytona Beach.
Chicago, Illinois
Standing on Lake Michigan, Chicago is known for its vibrant arts scene, cultural attractions and interesting architecture. Grab an insider’s look into Chicago’s neighbourhood by taking part in free guided city tours, led by local Chicagoans. The ‘windy city’ is also ideal for nature lovers, with an abundance of parks and gardens. Described as a ‘landscape art under glass’, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest buildings of its kind in the world and free to the public all year round. The Garden of the Phoenix, often referred to as the Japanese garden, is home to a century old pavilion and 160 cherry trees, whilst the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park was designed to evoke nature’s beauty during all four seasons, meaning there are flowers in bloom all year round.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is the perfect place to spend a few days exploring and is home to beautifully restored historic buildings, romantic cobblestone streets, tree lined avenues and cafes. Known for its baked beans, Indian pudding, clam chowder and lobster rolls, Boston is a food lover’s dream and travellers can tantalise their taste buds at the world-famous Quincy Market. After sampling some New England delicacies, visitors to the market can watch a daily show from world-class street performers showing off acts of juggling, acrobatics and magic.
Washington
Washington is a city overflowing with history and celebrated monuments. With an impressive lineup of free museums, the capital is the ideal place to immerse in classic art and marvel at the wonders of aviation and our natural world. The National Gallery of Art hosts ancient and contemporary art collections, including the likes of Da Vinci, Degas and Calder, whilst the National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft. The National Museum of Natural History is home to an impressive collection of 127 million artefacts, including dinosaur bones, the Hope Diamond and ancient Egyptian mummies.
