By: James Barrett | From: Woman's Day

The United States is home to many great vacation destinations that offer both fun and culture, while still being budget-friendly. From the musical roots of New Orleans, Louisiana, to the gorgeous beaches of Santa Monica, California, there are many places to explore without going into credit card debt. Most of the time when you go off the beaten path, you’ll find cities filled with culture, authentic food and friendly faces. With a little planning and research, you can find great deals on lodging, transportation, and activities, making it possible to have an unforgettable vacation at an affordable price. Here are our favorite budget friendly destinations to visit this year.

San Antonio, Texas

You should know that if you’re planning on visiting the bucket-list Alamo–it’s completely free to enter (but reservations are required). Spend the day on the River Walk, exploring local shops and grabbing a bite. To avoid additional costs, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum also offer free admission on select days. Come hungry because with so many options, San Antonio may arguably have some of the best Tex-Mex!