Traveling to the USA on a budget

Planning a trip to the USA and want to save money? Our tips will help you make smart savings on flights, accommodations, and activities. Your dream vacation to the USA doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Saving tip #1: Get an eSIM!

eSIMs for your smartphone or tablet help you save money on your trip to the USA by allowing you to switch between flexible and highly affordable data plans. This means you don't have to pay expensive roaming charges from network operators or buy complicated SIM card tariffs while in the USA.

Book the right eSIM plan before you leave for the USA (e.g., the USA eSIM from eSIMony,) and activate your data package as soon as you arrive in the USA! The cost-effective economy rates for the US are available in the following sizes:

• 2 GB — 15 days: € 11.90
• 5 GB — 30 days: € 14.90
• 10 GB — 30 days: € 24.90
• 20 GB — 30 days: € 39.90
• 50 GB — 30 days: € 69.90

In contrast to roaming packages from the major mobile phone providers, you can get around the USA cheaply with an eSIM. You can comfortably surf, stream, and publish the photo or video diary of your trip without any form of data panic!

Pro tip: You can use several eSIM plans at the same time and switch spontaneously as required. This is helpful, for example, if you take a short trip to Canada or Mexico during your vacation in the USA or are in remote areas where the cheapest tariffs do not have good network coverage.

Saving tip #2: Use ESTA instead of a visa!

Before you spend a three-figure sum on a US visa, you should check whether you might qualify for the inexpensive electronic travel authorization ESTA!

ESTA costs only a fraction of the traditional visa fee and is available online within a few hours. So you not only save money, but also an incredible amount of time.

Here are the requirements for traveling to the USA with ESTA:

• You are a citizen of one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
• You have an electronic passport (e-passport) that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the USA.
• Your trip lasts a maximum of 90 days. 
• You are traveling to the USA for tourism, business, or transit.
• You have never been refused a US visa in the past, or are otherwise considered ineligible for entry.
• You have a valid round-trip ticket or an onward ticket to another country.

Do you meet all the requirements? Great, then you can submit your ESTA application online here!

Saving tip #3: Travel in spring or fall!

Summer is the peak travel season because of vacations, and the winter holidays attract many visitors. However, significantly fewer people travel to the US during the spring and fall months.

This lower demand means that airlines and hotels lower their prices to attract more bookings. For you, this means that you can often find significantly cheaper deals during this time of year.

Saving Tip #4: Use comparison sites!

Some of the most useful platforms for cheap flights like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak offer price comparisons, flexible date searches, and price alerts to keep you informed of the cheapest travel options at all times.

Here are a few tips on how to use the handy digital helpers:

• Some platforms offer additional services, such as "best times to book" or "best days of the week for cheap flights". Use these tips to find the best rates for you.
• Price alerts are a powerful tool for finding cheap flights. As soon as the price drops, you're alerted and can act immediately. This is especially useful if you book early and want to monitor prices.
• You can often do "multi-city" searches or specify neighboring airports as alternatives. Sometimes, flights from smaller or less frequented airports are cheaper.
• There is a rumor that airfares go up if you search the same route repeatedly. To avoid this, use incognito mode or regularly clear your cookies when performing different searches.
• Another rumor is that certain devices (e.g., Apple) and locations may cause more expensive fares to be displayed. Try testing your flight search on different devices in different locations (or with a VPN) to see if you can fly cheaper.
• Some platforms allow you to view prices in different currencies. Compare the cost in the local currency of the departure or destination country to see if you can get a better deal.

Attention: Don't forget to include additional fees such as baggage costs, seat reservations, or taxes in your calculations. Some platforms offer filter options to include such costs in the price comparisons so that you can better estimate the actual final price.

Savings tip #5: Cashback and bonus programs

Choosing the right credit card for the USA can not only offer you a comfortable travel experience, but also provide you with numerous benefits in the form of bonus programs. Here are some tips on how to track down the best offers and get the most out of your rewards programs:

• Many credit cards offer cashback programs where you get a percentage of your spending back. Pay particular attention to cards that offer higher discounts for travel-related expenses, such as flight bookings, hotels, or rental cars.
• Cards like the American Express reward you with points for every Euro you spend. You can redeem these later for flights, hotel stays, or other attractive rewards.
• Check whether your card includes foreign health insurance, travel cancellation insurance, or baggage insurance. These can save you a lot of money and hassle.
• Many credit cards offer time-limited promotions or partnerships with certain providers. These can bring you additional bonuses, discounts, or exclusive offers.
• Some credit cards allow you to transfer accumulated points to other loyalty programs, such as air miles or hotel points. By cleverly combining the programs, you can maximize the points you collect and use them for even bigger rewards.
• When making your selection, pay attention not only to the amount of the bonus programs, but also to any fees such as foreign transaction fees or annual fees.

Saving tip #6: Visit national parks on free-of-charge days!

Exploring the national parks of the USA is a fantastic way to enjoy nature without breaking your budget — especially on the free days offered by the National Park Service (NPS) each year.

To find out when the next free days are, visit the official National Park Service (NPS) website at www.nps.gov and type "Free Entrance Days" into the search box at the top.

Here, the NPS lists all the dates for the current year on which you can visit the national parks without paying an entrance fee. For example, the following days have been listed for 2024:

• January 15th, 2024: Martin Luther King Day
• April 20th, 2024: First day of National Park Week
• June 19th, 2024: Juneteenth
• August 4th, 2024: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 28th, 2024: National Public Lands Day
• November 11th, 2024: Veterans Day

Many national parks offer special programs and activities on these days to raise awareness of nature conservation. Take advantage of these offers to learn more about the flora and fauna of the parks and how you can contribute to the preservation of these unique places.

By the way: Not every national park charges an entrance fee. You can visit some for free all year round.

Saving tip #7: Take advantage of the free attractions!

There are numerous sights in the USA you can experience without paying admission. Here are some of the best free experiences:

1. The 9/11 Memorial in New York City is a place of remembrance and reflection you can visit for free. The related museum is also open free of charge on Monday afternoons.
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota is one of the most famous monuments in the USA. Guided tours with rangers and access to the visitor center are free of charge.
3. A walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles is free. Combine your visit with a detour to the nearby Griffith Observatory for a fantastic view of the Hollywood Sign.
4. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a breathtaking nature park with spectacular red rock formations. Admission is free, as are guided hikes through this unique landscape.
5. The Staten Island Ferry in New York City offers a free crossing with excellent views of the famous Statue of Liberty!
6. Some of the most prestigious universities in the USA, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, offer free guided tours.
7. A tour of The White House in Washington, D.C. is free but requires early registration. Alternatively, a walk around the grounds also offers impressive views.

Saving tip #8: Buy city or sightseeing passes!

Are you planning a trip to the USA and want to see as many sights as possible without spending a fortune? Then sightseeing passes are for you!

A sightseeing pass is a ticket that gives you access to a variety of attractions in a given city. You can visit museums, observation decks, historical sites, amusement parks, and more, often at a much lower price than buying individual tickets.

Many passes also offer "skip the line" access, which allows you to avoid long queues — this is particularly valuable in busy cities like New York or San Francisco.

Choosing the right pass depends on several factors, including the number of days you're spending in the city, the attractions you want to see, and your travel budget. Make a list of the attractions you absolutely want to visit and compare the offers.

It's worth comparing different options to find the best deal for your needs, as in many cities there are several passes to choose from:

• New York: With the "New York Pass" or the "Go New York Pass," you can discover the city's many attractions, including the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and a variety of museums. The "New York Sightseeing Pass" also offers hop-on hop-off bus rides to help you explore the city comfortably.
• Los Angeles: The "Go Los Angeles Pass" gives you access to over 30 attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood and the Hollywood Museum. Another good offer is the "Los Angeles CityPASS," which is especially recommended for families.
• San Francisco: The "San Francisco CityPASS" includes classics such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and a ride on the famous cable cars. The "Go San Francisco Pass" also offers access to over 25 attractions, including some of the city's best museums.
• Las Vegas: The "Las Vegas Pass" gives you the opportunity to experience some of the most famous shows, museums, and attractions, including the Mob Museum and the High Roller.

Already packed your bags? With a little preparation and our money-saving tips, your USA vacation will be both unforgettable and affordable. Have fun on your next adventure in the United States!