Even Cheap Things Feel Really Expensive Right Now

But these U.S. vacation spots balance charm, affordability, and local flavor.

Big thanks to all of you who answered in our first Substack subscriber survey. We appreciate your feedback, and meant it when we said we want to make this newsletter better for you and your travel plans. And we heard you loud and clear that as much as you love the aspirational, luxury travel content and photos, you want us to share more intel for travelers on a, you know, human budget. Especially given the current political climate, geopolitical tensions, tariff shenanigans, and rising inflation — we all feel the financial pressures.

But there’s no need to close your eyes, tap the credit card, and hope for the best. Here are four cool, fun, nature-filled, and affordable vacation destinations around the U.S. that totally deliver. After all, when you are in the midst of an epic landscape, the million-dollar views are totally free.

Photo courtesy of Field & Stream Lodge Co.

Bozeman, Montana

Priceless access: Plenty of space, environmental outlook, and natural beauty — this gateway to Yellowstone has lots of recreational activities to lure outdoorsy types. And is much less crowded than ritzy Jackson Hole.

Do not miss: Main Street to Mountains greenway trails, local breweries (like Montana Ale Works or Map, Outlaw, and Bridger Brewing), Extreme History Project walking tours (for $20 or less per person), family-friendly Bozeman Hot Springs, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (free, for the last 50+ years).

For a not too fancy stay: The new Field & Stream Lodge Co. channels the great outdoors — indoors — and serves as home base for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Women-owned RSVP Motel is retro renovated with a Palm Springs flair, and has free bikes plus rates in the $200 range during summer.

Photo courtesy of Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

Taos, New Mexico

Priceless access: Pueblo culture, the kind of light artists chase, high vibrations, low-key output — about a 90-minute drive north of Santa Fe.

Do not miss: Living Native American community Taos Pueblo (we enjoyed the horno bread baking experience and artist studio visits); Downtown Taos (to eat at local spots and try on handmade hats); artist Georgia O'Keeffe's homes and continual source of inspiration.

For a not too fancy stay: Hotel Willa, the latest adorable offering from Casetta Group, captures the simple stillness of the region with earthy pink textures and fabrics, wispy willow trees, and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. For something new-agey and throwback, dig the vibes at El Monte Sagrado, which has casitas surrounding a grassy clearing lined with cottonwood trees.

Photo by Stephanie Russ / courtesy of Cuyama Buckhorn.

Cuyama Valley, California

Priceless access: The road from Ojai to New Cuyama isn’t designated as a Scenic Highway, but sure does fit the bill. It’s an easy city escape surrounded by agricultural lands and curated dining experiences.

Do not miss: Small-scale organic farm tours (friends recommend Cuyama Homegrown and Quail Springs Permaculture); local vineyards Condor’s Hope and Sagebrush Annie’s; superblooms, horse trail riding, and stargazing at Mt. Piños.

For a not too fancy stay: Cuyama Buckhorn, a revamped motor lodge with a culinary twist, operates sustainably, thanks to partnerships with local farmers, purveyors, and wine growers.

Photo by Pavia Rosati.

Asheville, North Carolina

Priceless access: Hurricane Helene may have devastated too much of North Carolina last fall, but it’s not keeping our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain town down. Asheville is roaring back, with funky boutique stays, innovative bars and restaurants, and hopping music venues. As for the gorgeous waterfalls and parks, well, they never left.

Do not miss: Bright new eateries include immigrant-run Taqueria Rosita (tasty Oaxacan fare), Potential New Boyfriend (wine and ice cream), Hail Mary (burgers and “snicky snacks”), and ButterPunk (from the Queen of Biscuits). Say hi to wolves, bears, and otters at WNC Nature Center; head to Pisgah National Forest to slide down the natural 60-foot waterslide at Sliding Rock and see the waterfalls at Catawba Falls. Top off the day with honky-tonk and jazz at the new music venue Fitz and the Wolfe.

For a not too fancy stay: The city has welcomed several new hotels of late. The Radical in the River Arts District is a sensory riot (graffiti’d walls, floral headboards) and has a great rooftop bar. The Flat Iron, built in 1926 inspired by the NYC architectural icon, has been converted into a contemporary boutique hotel, with 71 handsomely outfitted rooms, a light-filled co-working space, and a terrific restaurant, Luminosa. Especially great for families are the Nordic-style cabins and Airstreams along the French Broad River at Asheville River Cabins.

Got an easygoing vacation destination that delivers good bang for the buck? Tell us!