img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:46.97265625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}If you’re looking for ways to save money traveling (and who isn’t?), Skyscanner’s got your back!
Wouldn’t it be nice if some of the most popular destinations were more affordable? Imagine traveling to New York City without worrying about your bank account.
Sadly, that’s not typically the case. But, with an open mind and wallet, some of America’s under-the-radar cities are your best bet for a great trip.
Recently highlighted by Skyscanner as 2025’s ‘Best Value Destinations‘, these 4 cheap U.S. cities are well worth a visit for those seeking new experiences on a tight budget.
Fargo: The Midwest’s Unsuspecting New Hotspot
North Dakota? Really? Yep, the “Peace Garden State” is on the rise. Better yet, it’s budget-friendly, especially when it comes to airfare.
You’ve surely seen some familiar faces in South Dakota, but why the hype in the ‘North’?
Finding itself creeping up on multiple travel lists in recent years, Fargo has become an up-and-coming destination seemingly in the middle of nowhere, hugging the Minnesota border.
But Fargo is teeming with delights in a small city where old meets new. You’ll discover quaint art galleries, timeless streets, and a surprisingly buzzing food scene, including numerous restaurants featured on popular travel show Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives.
You can enjoy affordable luxury at great rates in the low $100s at 4-star hotels like the DoubleTree or towering Jasper Hotel downtown.
Fargo is well connected for a weekend getaway by traveler favorites, United, Delta, and American, but for the cheapest flights that Skyscanner mentioned seeing as much as 24% price drops, you’ll likely want to check out Allegiant.
Travel Tip: Check out the Jasper Hotel’s ’48 Hours in Fargo’ package, which includes $50 in property credits and a champagne toast.
San Jose: California’s Forgotten City In The Bay
For better or worse, San Jose has been hidden in the shadows of both San Francisco and Oakland, yes, Oakland!
There are multiple reports that San Francisco is making a comeback after some less-than-flattering years, and Oakland, well, Oakland, San Jose, has been the Bay’s rock whether people know about it or not.
A bigger city with small-town vibes, San Jose, makes for a fun getaway where you’ll feel safe perusing palm-tree-lined streets and San Pedro Square without your head on a swivel, unlike the bigger names up north.
San Jose’s claim to fame, if any, is being the gateway to Silicon Valley, where you can nerd out at the Intel Museum and also home to the NHL team, the San Jose Sharks, for sports junkies.
What you may not know is San Jose boasts a beautiful side that may not often discussed with such must-see stops like Alviso Marina County Park and Baylands Nature Preserve, great for kayaking the scenic canals tourists largely overlook.
During my one visit to San Jose, my favorite area was Japantown, one of the last remaining authentic Japantowns in America.
According to Skyscanner, it’s a great time to book a trip as flights are dropping as much as 23%.
Charlotte: More Than Just A Stopover City
If you’ve been to Charlotte, chances are it’s been a stopover. Charlotte is well-connected as a stopping point to East Coast destinations (and home to the best AMEX Centurion Lounge if you ask me).
But Charlotte is more than a blip on your itinerary. In fact, did you know North Carolina is having one of its best years yet?
As the state’s biggest city, it’s gotta be a cool place to visit, right?
Charlotte brought in 53 million visitors in 2023. This vibrant city with lush green parks, captivating museums, world-class food, and a trendy craft beer scene makes for an awesome getaway.
Check out The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art holding rave reviews and only $10 to enter.
Best of all, flights have been seeing as much of 22% decreases in fares.
Salt Lake City: Utah’s City On The Rise
Coming to Utah is like visiting another world in more ways than one. With Zion’s Mars-like landscapes and Salt Lake City’s deeply religious roots, there’s no comparison.
SLC has opened its mind in recent years, becoming more flexible on formerly tight liquor laws, yet legend has it that it’s still illegal to walk down the street with a violin in a paper bag. Go figure.
Like Fargo, Salt Lake has landed on many travel lists as an underrated destination.
I visited a few years ago and was shocked at how beautiful it was, especially at hidden gems like Antelope Island State Park, where you can see wild bison roaming in the wild.
Downtown is just as jaw-dropping in its own way, boasting incredible temples backdropped by staggering snowcapped mountains.
Flights here are seeing as much as 19% discounts.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Appeared first on: traveloffpath.com
