Budget-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

There’s more to Orlando than expensive theme parks. Orlando is a trending destination for families looking to travel over Memorial Day Weekend and, according to Skyscanner , flights are going for around $188 roundtrip.Orlando is also one of the cheapest cities to rent a car over Memorial Day Weekend this year, averaging just $57.16 daily.

There’s plenty to do on a budget around the city, from having a picnic andrenting a paddleboat in Lake Eola Park to checking out the shops and art galleries in the Thornton Park District. Families wanting to soak up the Florida sun can venture an hour outside the city to famous Daytona Beach. For travelers who won't want to shell out for park tickets but still want to experience some of the magic, the Universal Studio Citywalk has free admission and dozens of lively restaurants and nightlife attractions.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a blast from the mid-modern past, with retro decor and beachy cabana vibes throughout the two pools and winding lazy river. The hotel has several onsite restaurants, including an on-theme Shakes Malte Shoppe and its own bowling alley. If you do choose to splurge on a day at the parks, booking with a Universal resort gets you free perks like early admission and shuttle transportation.

Spending Memorial Day weekend exploring Music City has never been more affordable—airfare to Nashville has dropped about 19% from Memorial Day of last year, with flights going for roughly $230 roundtrip. There are plenty of activities to fill up your itinerary on a budget, including wandering the 132-acre public Centennial Park, snapping a pic of the iconic replica of the Parthenon, and visiting Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in historic Germantown. Nashville is also rich in incredible live music that can be enjoyed for the price of a beer at one of the many bars and venues along the city’s Honkey Tonk Highway. The Nashville Sightseeing pass , available in a pay-per-day and pay-per-attraction version, offers discounted or free admission to the city's most popular spots like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Madame Tussauds Nashville.

Drift Nashville is a four-star hotel at a budget price, with nightly rates starting at $125. It has a trendy onsite lounge for cocktails and light bites, a cafe, and a poolside bar. With a 24-hour gym and a central location, there's no better bang for your buck.

According to Dollar Flight Club, flights to the Mile High City from most major US airports average below $200 roundtrip. The daily cost of rental cars is also one of the cheapest in the country for the upcoming holiday, averaging $50.92. Explore the galleries of the Rino Arts District, take in the incredible architecture and natural formations at the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, or shop the lively markets at Union Station. Denver is also centrally located to many gorgeous state and national parks, including Cherry Creek State Park (20 minutes outside the city), Eldorado Canyon State Park (40 minutes outside the city), and Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours outside the city). The Mile High Culture Pass lets visitors enjoy all the city has to offer, including discounted admission to museums, cultural centers, botanical gardens, and more.

Catbird Hotel in downtown Denver goes the extra mile for a reasonable price. It offers complimentary valet parking, a laundry room, board games, Peloton bikes, and self-check-in for under $150 per night. The property also includes a rental room where guests can check out bikes, scooters, cameras, and even kitchen equipment.

Another sunny Florida locale, travelers can get to Tampa for just $200 roundtrip and, according to Skycanner, flights for this Memorial Day weekend are down 26% from last year. Spend a day on the lively downtown Tampa Riverwalk with the Riverwalk Attraction pass , a tourist card that includes admission to seven sites along the waterfront for the price of a single pass. Attractions include the Florida Aquarium, a water taxi city tour, the Tampa Museum of Art, and more. Bayshore Boulevard, home to the world’s longest sidewalk, is the best spot for sweeping skyline views and an afternoon of uninterrupted biking, skating, or strolling.

The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk is a pet-friendly hotel located in the center of Riverwalk attractions and downtown Tampa. It has a pool, restaurant, convenience store, on-site parking, and complimentary luggage storage if you want to arrive before check-in to explore the city.

Flights to Chicago are on the low end year-round, under $100 each way. Once you touch down in the Windy City, there's plenty to fill a long weekend. Head to Navy Pier to enjoy the art installations, ride the Ferris wheel, and take in a free outdoor movie or musical performance. Enjoy iconic sites like The Cloud Gate—or The Bean" as locals call it—or take in the architecture of the Magnificent Mile, an iconic boulevard known for its historic facades and shopping. While Chicago doesn't offer a seaside beach, Lake Michigan has plenty of places to relax, like North Avenue Beach and Ohio Street Beach, which are close enough to the city to take in skyline views from the shores.

The Hotel Saint Claire Magnificent Mile is a four-star hotel for under $100 per night. As the name suggests, it is close to the Magnificent Mile's shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. The hotel itself offers a gym, onsite restaurant and bar, parking, and pet-friendly accommodations.