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The 5 Most Affordable Vacation Destinations You Can Get to by Bus

Planning a vacation on a budget is taxing, especially when you’re trying to balance the expense of travel, boarding, meals, and sightseeing. Fortunately, choosing bus travel will cut your costs in half, leaving more money for hotels and food. You can reduce your total costs even more without sacrificing fun by choosing a location that offers plenty of free and low-cost recreational activities. If you’re facing a tight budget, buy cheap bus tickets to these five affordable vacation destinations.

1. Memphis, TN

At the top of every music lover’s travel list is a visit to Memphis, TN. Dubbed the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll,” this city has created some of the most influential artists of the 20th century and, as such, music can be found on every corner. Since it’s such a popular city, bus tickets to Memphis are incredibly affordable. Plus, you’ll also have the opportunity to take in the views of the Smoky Mountains, Missouri Bootheel, or Mississippi Delta along the way, depending on your departure location.

One of the most popular destinations in Memphis is Graceland, and while there’s an entrance fee for the official tour, you can visit the Meditation Garden during set hours for free. You should also stop by The Peabody Hotel at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day to watch the legendary ducks march between their rooftop home and their favorite swimming hole: the lobby fountain. No visit to this great metropolis is complete without a trip down historic Beale Street, where you can grab food and drinks, and enjoy live music inside the halls and on the street itself.

2. Grand Rapids, MI

The family-friendly town of Grand Rapids, MI, is the perfect destination for parents and kids who love the outdoors. While it’s often praised for its popular winter activities, like ice fishing, the small city offers plenty of spring and summer fun as well. If you’re a family of cyclists, then you don’t want to miss out on the miles upon miles of bike trails. The city itself boasts more than 25 parks, some of which offer public water access and beaches, and hosts free events for all ages.

3. Hannibal, MO

If you’re a literary fanatic or history buff, put bus travel to Hannibal, MO, at the top of your summer to do list. As the home of beloved writer Mark Twain and Titanic passenger Molly Brown, the town offers a plethora of museums and historic properties. While some of these sites charge admission for the official tour, you can avoid spending money at multiple locations by reading up on them during your bus journey. Pick your favorite option to utilize your entertainment budget, and then simply snap a picture of the other tourist hotspots for your scrapbook.

Fortunately for budget-minded travelers, there’s nothing the city of Hannibal loves more than a festival. From their annual Tom Sawyer Days to the Big River Steampunk Festival, there’s a constant stream of family-friendly activities that also offer free options. As for paid entertainment, the area offers many affordable choices, like the Mark Twain Riverboat, which offers one-hour long sightseeing cruises for around $20 per ticket.

4. Portland, ME

Portland, ME, is the East Coast’s best-kept secret. The city has flourished as a tech and financial hub in recent years, but its modern amenities oddly compliment its historic identity as a port town powered by the fishing industry. Marveling at the architecture is enough to keep you busy for a few days, but be sure add in a few trips to the beach and a hike along one of their numerous trails. If you love the feel of the ocean breeze on your skin as you dive into a plate of locally caught (and surprisingly affordable) lobster, then book your bus tickets to Portland, ME, before fall arrives.

5. Eugene, OR

Last on the list—but most definitely not least—is Eugene, OR. Often overshadowed by its big sister, Portland, this Pacific Northwest city offers the welcoming atmosphere of a small town with the rich cultural opportunities of a metropolitan city. Its diverse offerings include art exhibitions, music festivals, and craft breweries, and just outside of town, you can delve into Willamette Valley’s blooming wine scene by spending an afternoon at a local vineyard.

Book Affordable Bus Tickets to Portland, Memphis, and More!

If you’re ready for an adventure this spring or summer, turn to BusTickets.com for a hassle-free and affordable approach to travel. Our convenient service allows you to compare tickets from the industry’s top carriers so that you can find the most budget-friendly option.  So what are you waiting for? Tick off the next destination on your bucket list by booking your bus tickets today!

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