Yellowstone National Park One Day Itinerary

Yellowstone National Park has been going viral on social media lately, so this week I thought it would be fun to highlight.

Something I talk about all the time with Discount Travel Secrets: one of the best ways to save money on attractions and entertainment while traveling is to choose activities that are naturally low cost.

National parks are one of the best budget-friendly attraction options out there.

An annual America the Beautiful pass is just $80 for the entire year, and many people may even qualify for a discounted or free pass depending on their age, military status, or other eligibility.

Even if you just pay the regular entrance fee at most parks, it is usually around $25 to $35 per vehicle, not per person, which makes it an especially good deal if you’re traveling with other people.

If you plan a few trips around national parks in the same year, you can really maximize the value of that pass.

Camping at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Camping at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a really smart alternative if you want to visit places like Santa Barbara, Solvang, or the Santa Ynez Valley without paying the premium prices to stay right in those areas.

Santa Barbara is expensive in general, and Solvang has gotten so popular over the years that even little inns that used to be much more affordable can now jump to $400 a night on busy weekends.

That is exactly why we chose to stay at Cachuma Lake one weekend when we were in the area for a graduation.

I knew I was not about to pay $400 for a hotel room that I know is often under $200 at other times of year.

Instead, we camped at Cachuma Lake for a fraction of the cost, somewhere around $25 to $50 for the whole weekend, and saved that money for things that mattered more.

What makes this option even better is that you do not have to be limited to traditional tent or RV camping.

They also have yurts, which can be a really fun and unique way to stay near some of California’s most popular destinations without blowing your budget on lodging.

15+ Best Restaurants In San Francisco

San Francisco is actually a great example of a destination where you can eat well without spending as much as people might expect.

Some of the foods the city is most known for are surprisingly affordable, like clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.

Chinatown is another great example of where you can often find restaurants for much less than you would pay in most other areas.

Pier 39, one of the most recognizable tourist spots in San Francisco, has snacks and treats like the Biscoff Coffee Corner or hot mini donuts with hot chocolate.

And if you do want to dine in one of the nicer restaurants San Francisco is known for, there are still ways to keep it more affordable.

Sharing meals, going during happy hour, or checking for specials ahead of time can help you enjoy the experience without overspending.

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