How to save money travelling in America - from an American

Travelling around America isn't for the faint of wallet. But there are a few tricks you can employ to save yourself significant dollars. 

Hiking in America.

Think you need to be plush-pocketed to explore America? Oh, ye of little faith. With a smidge of guile and a dash of cunning, the Land of Stars and Stripes is well within your grasp… even if you aren’t lavishly cash-cushioned. I’m just back from a month in the US, travelling from one coast to the other; here are a few of my best tips for doing more while spending less in the States.

Dine smarter

Don't whinge about serving sizes: take advantage of them

Food is a vibrant scene in the US, and yes, it can be a bit confusing: Appetisers are entrees, and entrees are mains. Servings? They’re in keeping with a country where you’ll find cocktails served in fishbowls and something called cathead biscuits (named after their size).

Take advantage of Happy Hour

Jump into the Happy Hour trend. You’ll find major discounts on food and drink, a festive atmosphere, and since you’re likely dining at an “off time”, fewer crowds. It's a smart way to enjoy more for less. 

Order appetisers

Usually a couple of appetisers in America are more than enough to fill you up

Order an appetiser or two as your meal; they’re usually large enough to make a main, and you can try smaller portions of different things without feeling stuffed.

Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions

This is true for pretty much anywhere you go, but as a rule, avoid restaurants near big tourist attractions unless they have a reputation for being unmissable. 

Eat in

Don’t eat out every single meal. Create your own food tour by visiting the local grocery store. Add snacks to your trolley (aka ‘buggy’) for between meals, and if you’re staying somewhere self-catering is available, cook your own feast. Grocery stores in America have choices for days, so try something you haven’t before. Corndogs anyone? Shrimp and grits? Also, take your leftovers with you when you do go out; everybody does it.

Follow the locals

Locals know what's up

Find out where the locals dine, and don’t be afraid to venture off the tourist trail. Stop into small ‘Mom and Pop’ cafes and experience food as it’s done in these parts.

Check your receipt

Check your receipt BEFORE you tip. Yep, tipping is a cultural practice here. It’s not optional, and you need to do it, but it’s become trickier. Often, the receipts will already include a 20 per cent tip (listed as ‘service charge’) and yet leave space for another tip to be added – with the figures suggested for you at the bottom of the receipt. Also, if you’re splitting a bill, both receipts might suggest 20 per cent of the TOTAL, not just on your half. Don’t be fooled; pay attention to the details. And this business of tipping at fast-food counters? Just no. Don’t feel compelled, I don’t even know what that’s about.

See also: Australians confess the horrible tipping mistakes they’re making in the USA

Carry one dollar notes

Speaking of tipping, always carry $1’s. When I visit, I head to the bank and change at least 20 dollars worth so I can tip bellmen, cab drivers, cafe staff, etc. Without the right change, you might end up having no choice but to overtip. 

Move around smarter

Get off the beaten track

America is a massive country; there’s so much to see between the bookends of California and New York, where most Aussies tend to flock. Get out there and see some of the more interesting, less-trodden places. Explore.

Do one region at a time

You can’t see it all in one go, so don’t run yourself and your wallet ragged trying to do so. Instead of short changing yourself by trying to do too much, stick to one region at a time. Immersion into a smaller geographic area means you can avoid wasting time and money in transit. 

Avoid peak season

Zig while others zag

Travel during shoulder season, and believe me, there are many good reasons for this. Everything is less expensive than the high season, so your money will go further. Crowds, queues, and general costs will present much less of a hassle, too. 

Consider a campervan

The thing about America? Expect highways that will take you anywhere you want to go. Urban and rural connectivity is both a matter of economic growth and mobility as well as access and convenience. Here, all roads lead to roam, so consider a campervan. It’s not only economical, given you sleep and cook there, but it also guarantees endless choice and freedom. You can even change your itinerary on a whim.

Become a petsitter

Other alternates to hotel costs? Join a petsitting website. In exchange for collecting the mail, watering plants, and, of course, giving TLC to someone else's pets, you’ll get a place to stay and settle, gratis. 

Get a US Parks ticket

If you’re planning on seeing America’s sublime National Parks, it’s smart to purchase an annual US Parks Ticket, known as the America the Beautiful Pass. For A$121 (US$80), admission to over 2,000 recreation areas is yours to prioritise. We’re talking National Parks, Forests and Recreational Lands. If you’re going to visit three or more of these areas, it’s a no-brainer. 

Equipped with these savvy strategies, you’re now prepared to explore the diverse and expansive landscapes of the United States without depleting your savings. Who says a memorable adventure necessitates an extravagant budget? The key lies in navigating with discernment and avoiding the costly pitfalls that often ensnare less-informed travellers. 

Originally published as How to save money travelling in America - from an American