Moon’s American Nomad blogger and travel guidebook author, Laura Martone, helped Moon Travel Guides compile a list of 15 top budget-friendly U.S. travel destinations for summertime travel.
“With unique and fun cities like Austin and Portland, and some smaller, more family-friendly gems, like Traverse City, MI, this list of budget-friendly destinations is a great starting point for any budget-conscious traveler,” said Martone.
The list, which was recently published in a three-part series on Laura’s blog, American Nomad, includes the following destinations:
The Florida Keys; New Orleans; Hot Springs, AR; Austin, TX; South Padre Island, TX; Santa Fe, NM; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles; Portland, OR; Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks;
Denver, CO; Chicago, IL; Traverse City, MI and Washington, D.C.
Last on her list was none other than Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here's what Laura has to say about the Smokies:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only major national parks that doesn't charge an entrance fee, so you can easily tour this vast place, whether via car, bicycle, or foot, free of charge. In addition, you can rent bicycles for $4-6 per hour at Cades Cove Campground Store & Bicycle Rental, and hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and touring waterfalls are popular, free activities. Moreover, ten primitive campgrounds are available in the park for $14-23 per night. Clingmans Dome, situated along the Appalachian Trail, is one particularly curious (and free) attraction in the park. At 6,643 feet, it's the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. On clear days, it affords incredible, 360-degree views. Situated within the heart of the Smokies, Gatlinburg features a variety of family-friendly attractions, including unlimited mini-golf at Fort Fun's two 18-hole courses ($16), a Gatlinburg Sky Lift ($12 adults, $9 children 3-11), and a ton of museums. In nearby Pigeon Forge, Dollywood offers reasonably priced cabins (as low as $179 per night for seven people) as well as vacation packages with area hotels.
Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, Moon Travel Guides has just published its latest guide on the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. The book, written by Deborah Huso, offers tips and advice on travel strategies, scenic drives, horseback riding, hiking, and camping.Moon Travel Guides makes independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience.
For more information and to order a copy of the Smokies Moon Travel Guide, please click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.
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