9 Underrated Vacation Spots That Won’t Break the Bank

Whether you're looking to escape the stress of work or the mundane tasks of everyday life, a vacation is certainly something to look forward to. Despite vacations being a worthy investment, they're not cheap, especially when you're bringing the whole family.

Even traveling within the U.S. can get pricey — according to Chime, a financial institution, the average cost of a one-week vacation in the U.S. is nearly $2,000 per person, when you factor in things like transportation, accommodations, food, and entertainment.

When it comes to traveling outside of the country, not all areas are safe to visit. The safest places to travel can change frequently and even vary widely within one country. Be sure to check the U.S. Travel Advisory before planning any trip.

If you're planning a vacation on a budget, there are many underrated vacation spots that won't break the bank. From Mexico to Arizona, these destinations have plenty of sights and attractions, but they won't require you to drain your savings to get there.

First on the list is Atlanta, GA. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world, which means even if you haven't visited Atlanta for vacation, there's a good chance you may have stopped there on the way to another destination. But there are plenty of reasons to travel to Atlanta, and a trip there won't break the bank.

In the city, there are attractions worth visiting, such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, the Millennium Gate Museum, and the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Atlanta is also only a short drive from Stone Mountain Park, which has over 3,000 acres of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

There's no doubt that Mexico is a popular destination for tourists throughout the year. However, many don't realize that you can visit parts of Mexico on a budget and still experience all the beauty and attractions you're looking for.

According to some travel bloggers, some of the best places to visit are Bacalar, Veracruz state, La Manzanilla, and Oaxaca City. The destination in Mexico you choose depends on the type of vacation you're planning. While other areas of Mexico, such as Cabo, are worth visiting, you'll find more tourists there. La Manzanilla, on the other hand, is a more laid-back destination, which won't be as crowded as other areas.

Even without leaving the country, there are many beautiful destinations in the United States. Some of the landmarks worth seeing cost a lot to visit, but you can plan a trip to Flagstaff, AZ, that stays well within your budget.

Flagstaff is the closest city to Grand Canyon National Park, but that's not the only reason to visit this mountain town. You can choose to walk the streets of the historic downtown area, stargaze at the Lowell Observatory, or visit the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Exploring the downtown area and spending your days hiking is a great way to save money on additional excursions.

There are many destinations, such as Atlanta and Athens, worth visiting in the state of Georgia, but traveling outside the country to the Republic of Georgia is also worth the trip. Depending on the time of year you visit, the flights are a lot less than you might expect.

Some of the best places to visit, according to travel bloggers, include Tbilisi, Mtskheta City, Telavi, and Kutaisi. There's no shortage of beautiful and historic destinations in Georgia, no matter what area you travel to. Many bloggers suggested it's worth seeking out some of the best wineries, since winemaking is something Georgia is known for.

While St. Augustine, FL, may not seem like an underrated destination, some don't realize just how much there is to do in this Florida city. While the population of St. Augustine is less than 20,000, many people travel every year to the nation's oldest city.

Of course, there are many historic sites worth visiting, such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Lightner Museum. But you can also find many shops and cafes on St. George Street while exploring the beauty of the historic district. During the heat of the summer (or any time in Florida, really), you can swim and sit in the sun at St. Augustine Beach or explore the nature trails at Anastasia State Park.

Europe is usually not considered an affordable place to visit, but it really depends on where you go. Athens, Greece, is a destination worth visiting, and it's possible to plan a trip there without breaking the bank.

While in Athens, you can visit the ancient ruins and other historical sites, walk through the National Gardens, and take a stroll through the streets of Athens. You can find budget hotels and guesthouses in Athens that cost less per night than hotels at popular U.S. destinations.

Door County, Wisconsin, is another U.S. destination that may not be the first choice on your list, but it's worth planning a trip for. This peninsular county in the Midwest is home to charming small towns, 300 miles of shoreline, and numerous state parks.

Whether you plan to shop, hike, or bike, there's plenty of space to do so in Door County. This area is sometimes referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," but it offers the opportunity for a more laid-back and affordable vacation.

Colombia is often known for its affordability. When you visit Colombia, you can explore breathtaking landscapes, experience the rich culture of the community, and plan a luxury vacation without breaking the bank.

While some areas are popular tourist destinations, one travel blogger suggested visiting the Pacific Coast for a more remote experience. Or, if you're looking for a vacation with more sun, the Caribbean coast may be a better choice for you. Either way, you can lose yourself in the beauty of nature, no matter what part of Colombia you visit.

If you're looking for a place to visit with a rich culture, but don't want to leave the country, Taos, NM, is a great choice. In Taos, you'll find beautiful historic sites and scenery that represent the heritage of the community. Just a short drive north of town is Taos Pueblo, an Indigenous/Native American community with over 1,000 years of tradition.

According to Tripadvisor, some of the best free things to do in Taos include visiting the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, exploring the scenery on the High Road to Taos, and driving through the Carson National Forest on the Enchanted Circle Drive. It's also worth visiting the historic Taos Plaza in the center of town, where you'll find shops, art galleries, live music, and farmers' markets.

Planning a vacation, especially one for the whole family, can seem overwhelming. Navigating the details of your budget may lead you to wonder whether it's worth pursuing at all. But whether you're traveling solo or bringing your kids along, traveling is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of other places and communities. Here are some tips for saving money on your trip:

• Visit during the off-season. No matter where you're traveling to, flights and hotels will cost less when you visit during the less-busy time of year. This might require some more planning as far as the weather, but it will save you a lot of money in the long-run, and you'll get to avoid the crowds.
• Don't splurge on the hotel. It's common for travelers to look for the nicest hotels out there when they're planning a trip. But you don't usually spend most of your time in the hotel. Look for vacation rentals or other alternative options that may be less expensive than resorts.
• Plan free and low-cost activities. Especially when visiting another country, you can often enjoy yourself without having to spend money on excursions. Whether you visit a park, museum, or simply walk the streets and gaze at the architecture, there are likely enough free and low-cost activities to fill your schedule.