1/13
FJZEA/Getty Images
coast to coast
We traveled all over the US on a budget without sacrificing anything. Our secret: We found out the cheapest time to visit each state. Sure, we made some mistakes (going to Orlando for spring break wasn’t a wise decision), but we learned along the way. The key is to understand the best seasons to visit the state and avoid those times. The cheapest months of the year to visit all 50 states are:
2/13
5W Infographics from Reader’s Digest, rd.com
January
Half of the country is below freezing, which will scare many tourists. Translation: It’s time to pack your bags and head to the colder states. Sure, New York City looks beautiful during the Christmas season, but Frommers says you can save hundreds of dollars on hotels and flights by visiting the Big Apple in January, when the holiday tourists have left. There are also fewer families, as they are more likely to visit during the summer and holidays. Travel to Boston (53% hotel savings), San Diego (37% off), and Alabama (20% off). According to U.S. News, this is also a good time to visit Arkansas. It may be a little chilly when you take a hot spring bath, but you will save money. If you love skiing, head to Colorado this month, where flights average $173 round trip, or 25% cheaper than the average annual flight, according to Skyscanner. Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Nevada, Indiana and Kansas are also currently the cheapest states, according to Skyscanner. Find the best winter activities in each state before you go.
