Cheap Detroit travel

A trip to Detroit can be done affordably, by flying a low-cost airline to the city, staying at a budget hotel, and taking a self-guided (read: free) tour. The following websites will help you save money on your Detroit excursion.

When to book

Book at least two weeks in advance for low season (October to February) and weekends. It's a good idea to book at least one month in advance for travel during the high season (May to September), and three to six months for major sporting events. Hotel rooms are usually readily available, especially on weekends when there isn't a big game in town. Planning in advance is always a good idea. However, you may be able to take advantage of last-minute specials.

Where to find deals and book

Spirit Airlines, known for super low-cost flights, has a hub in Detroit. Southwest, another low-cost favorite, also flies to Detroit. AirTran rounds out the low-cost airlines servicing the city. All three of these low-cost airlines have frequent promotions, so check our airfare sale page before you book. For the legacy lines, Northwest operates a hub in Detroit. Check their promotions page for the newest deals.

You'll find a variety of travel packages at area hotels on VisitDetroit.com. Offers include shopping, zoo, and cultural getaways. TripAdvisor (a partner site of SmarterTravel.com) also includes a round-up of Detroit hotel deals.

As mentioned in the overview section, self-guided tours are a great way to see the city on a budget. ExperienceDetroit.com includes several itineraries for self-guided driving tours, complete with maps and directions. Possibilities include historic neighborhoods, Huron River Drive, sports, and "uniquely Detroit," among many others. You can also take a virtual tour of the The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit for no charge at all.

A few more sites for deals

• Michigan Economic Development Corporation: The state's travel and tourism bureau maintains a Detroit travel packages site. Travelers can search current promotions by date, city, or interest.
• Marriott: Marriott operates several properties in the greater Detroit metropolitan area. This site offers a listing of area hotels, as well as the latest deals.
• SmarterTravel.com's price-comparison tool: Compare the lowest airfares from multiple travel providers to get the best rate for your upcoming trip.

The information and websites listed here were valid at the time of publication, but some details may have changed since that time. Please check directly with the provider for the latest information.