Affordable Places to Travel on a Budget

5 Affordable Places to Travel From San Diego on a Budget

Before you say traveling is out of my budget, We have some great suggestions. There are plenty of places to travel and things to do that are not going to cost you a pretty penny.

-Hop In Your Car and Head to These Awesome Spots Without Breaking the Bank!

1. Big Sur, CA

Big Sur is about 460 miles from San Diego and an eight-hour drive, which seems far, except the coastal drive is part of the fun! Enjoy the road trip up Interstate 5 to see the beautiful beach cliffs. While staying in Big Sur can be very expensive, there are cheap alternatives such as camping, small motels, or staying in a nearby town with cheaper hotel rooms. The adventure only gets more exciting when you do things out of the ordinary. Cozy up with your partner or best friend in a tiny room at the historic Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn for just $90 a night!

Photo Credit: Visit California

2. Idyllwild, CA

A much easier commute at only 110 miles from San Diego and a two-hour drive, Idyllwild is a great vacation spot for lovers of the outdoors. Idyllwild is near San Jacinto National Park where you can hike, rock climb, and relax with nature. It can also be quite a romantic spot if you rent a cabin and get a fire going at night. AirBnB provides great, budget-friendly options for rooms and cabins in the area.

3. Catalina Island

It only takes a few hours to get to Catalina Island from San Diego. Drive up to Orange County and then take a ferry over to the island. On Catalina, you can snorkel, picnic, enjoy the beach, or go on a hike for very cheap prices! Camping is always the cheapest option for vacationing, however, there are some more affordable hotels on the island such as The Hotel Atwater with rooms from $71 to $179. Also, consider using the trolley for transportation around the island!

4. Ensenada, Mexico

This Mexican town is only 83 miles from San Diego and about a two-hour drive. This city is beautiful and right on the coast of the Baja peninsula. Ensenada has horseback riding, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and surfing available to visitors. It is also a great place to get a taste of Mexican culture with many great restaurants and bars. Again, Airbnb has a lot of great room and house rentals for reasonable prices in Ensenada. You don’t have to break the bank to go international!

5. Joshua Tree

The famous Joshua Tree National Park is 163 miles and a three-hour drive from San Diego. For an awesome and affordable experience in this amazing outdoor oasis, consider glamping in a yurt or roomy tent for less than $100 per night. Many of these fancy tents include real floors and beds, where you can get close to nature without being down in the dirt. Joshua Tree is a great place for hiking and relaxation. The Mojave Desert is a part of the experience and provides a great getaway.

All of these vacations can be very affordable when coming from San Diego because no plane tickets are required. With the right planning, you can make your trip enjoyable and relaxing without breaking the bank on accommodations. Research hotels, activities, and dates in order to find the perfect place for your vacation at the perfect price. Don’t let money stand in the way of your escape!