Inflation has gone through the roof and is only getting worse ever since Biden has infiltrated the Oval Office.
And having to watch your grocery bill rise exponentially may make all your travel plans feel hopeless.
Well, rest assured – the current administration has not taken over all things good in the world. There are still some destinations you can put on your itinerary that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
So how does Proud American Traveler know these destinations are friendly on your wallet?
Popular vacation search engine Kayak looked at all the flight searches from July 2022 through November 2022 to determine the most affordable flight packages for 2023.
And since most people aren’t really looking for a low-budget destination like Pamukkale, Turkey, Kayak also considered the top 100 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average flight and hotel prices.
Because flying somewhere for $199 – and then paying $399 a night for accommodations – is not what we consider “budget-friendly.”
So with all of these considerations in mind, Proud American Traveler can confidently recommend the following top vacation picks for this travel season.
Houston, Texas
Houston is one of many popular destinations in Texas – and with Space City (so-called for being NASA’s mission control facility) being a major travel hub, you can catch a flight for a great deal. For a roundtrip flight and hotel stay, Kayak found the average cost to be $569, leaving plenty in your budget to tour the fun-filled city. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a favorite with hands-on exhibits for the whole family. Afterwards, grab some mouth-watering BBQ at Virgie’s BBQ – that alone will make the whole trip worth it.Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia, is a massive city with all the attractions you could want and all that southern charm. Kayak averaged a roundtrip flight and hotel to this bustling tourist stop at only $623. Some sights you’ll have to visit are The Georgia Aquarium, the SkyView Ferris Wheel (with views of Centennial Olympic Park), and a tour to North Georgia’s wine country. However, because Atlanta is home to one of the busiest airports, take extra precaution in protecting yourself against panhandlers and pickpockets, as Proud American Traveler has warned.Orlando, Florida
Every budget-friendly list would be incomplete if it didn’t mention the family-favorite Orlando, Florida. Of course, the average flight and hotel cost of $632 can skyrocket if you add a Disney theme park to the list, but did you know there are plenty of other things to do in Orlando? Take a stroll around Lake Eola Park or hit the art district for a free gallery opening where you can sip on wine and pretend to be posh, discussing whether the piece invokes social change or imitates the strokes of a major art influencer.San Juan, Puerto Rico
The tropical American territory of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is probably already on your bucket list – and now you can make it a reality. At an average of $832 for a flight and hotel stay, it ranks a little pricier, but makes up for it with all the free activities while you’re there. Enjoy beautiful, bright Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestoned streets in Old San Juan, or head to the beach – or jungle – for a taste of Puerto Rico’s impressive and diverse landscape. It can be hard to stay put (even when the government has decided you are a free citizen again). But don’t limit your travel experiences just because Biden and his administration have crippled the economy. Travel smart and you can have those family-enriching vacations you desperately want – and need – without going into debt. (h/t Proud American Traveler)