Many people who live in smaller towns or in the countryside love to spend their holidays in a major city. During a “city break” they can enjoy the cultural events, nightlife, fine dining, shopping and impressive architecture that only a decent sized city can provide.

However, the USA’s biggest and most famous city destinations, such as New York and LA are notorious for their astronomical prices. Although these huge mega-cities are very exciting to spend time in, they can also make a small travel budget disappear very quickly.

The good news is that there are many other alternative city break destinations which will offer plenty of culture, shopping, food and nightlife for a much cheaper price.

In these cities you will find better hotel rates, lower prices of gas, and more affordable food so that you can enjoy the excitement of the city for less.

Washington DC.

Have you ever been to the nation’s capital? Washington, DC is a very affordable travel destination because most of the main attractions that you will be visiting are free!

That’s right; almost all of the museums and monuments including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian and even the White House will not cost you a dime.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This city is set within one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the USA, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the clear blue skies creating a dramatic backdrop.

You can pick up some gorgeous American Indian arts and crafts from the open air market place at a great price and you can even relax in a traditional Japanese hot bath spa for only around $20.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is known for having some of the lowest hotel rates in the South, which makes it a very affordable vacation option.

Nashville is a dream destination for music lovers, who will be attracted to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry as well as many other excellent museums and historic sites.

Next time you take a city break in the USA, think outside the box and check out these alternative cities for cheaper prices and plenty of fun things to see and do. Have a great trip!