We Asked 4 Experts the Best Affordable U.S. Destination—and They All Picked the Same Place

The world is really expensive right now: despite inflation decreasing, the cost of goods and services is about 26 percent higher than before the pandemic, NerdWallet reported. The new cost of living, however, doesn’t mean you need to forgo a vacation entirely. In fact, it could be the stress relief you’re after. All you need to do is pick the right vacation for your budget—and travel experts know exactly where you should go: Florida. Here’s where a few of the pros say you should visit in the Sunshine State for a fantastic getaway that won’t break the bank. 

Kissimmee, Florida

“For top savings right now, try the South,” Christina Bennett, a consumer travel trends expert at Priceline, shared. And for the best family-friendly affordability in the region, she suggested Kissimmee. She even had some stats to back up her recommendation. “Averaging $107 per night, Kissimmee provides a quieter alternative while still offering easy access to the area’s amusement parks,” she explained. The destination, she added, combines all the best parts of a great vacation: flavor, walkability, and affordability. 

Tampa Bay, Florida

Jesse Neugarten, the founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club, agreed that Florida makes for a fantastic and affordable getaway spot, sharing that he has a particular affinity for the Tampa Bay and St. Pete-Clearwater areas. “It’s one of the best bang-for-buck beach metros in the country this season, with tons of added airline capacity into TPA and solid competition spilling over to St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE),” he said. And Neugarten came correct with his own numbers as well. “In our data, Tampa Bay is popping with some of the lowest domestic roundtrips we’ve seen lately,” adding that’s especially true if your dates are a bit flexible. “Tampa Bay has all you need for a great vacation: sunsets, museums, and breweries without Miami prices.”

Daytona Beach, Florida

“If you are looking for a tropical or warm US destination to visit right now, one place I would recommend is Daytona Beach,” Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, shared. “Florida is at its slowest in terms of tourism during the fall and winter, so now and through the rest of the winter would be an ideal time to go.” He noted that this winter, prices will be even cheaper due to the decrease in demand. He added that it’s always a good idea to spend a little time at the beach at Daytona, “which is beautiful,” but added that there are some great museums and “if you are a NASCAR fan, be sure to visit the Daytona International Speedway.”

Destin–Fort Walton Beach, Florida

“Destin-Fort Walton Beach has been one of the most affordable family-friendly beach destinations in the U.S., offering outdoor adventure, coastal relaxation, and meaningful educational experiences without a price tag,” Jennifer Adams, the director of tourism at Destin–Fort Walton Beach, shared. And sure, she may be a little biased, but she’s not wrong. After all, the destination offers programs like the Little Adventures program, which provides free classes for kids up to 16 so they can experience all the best that beach life has to offer like fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, and beginner scuba. “Families can also enjoy free or low-cost community events like the Emerald Coast Open in May 2026, the world’s largest lionfish tournament, where visitors can sample local flavors during Restaurant Week or cheer on divers helping to protect the Gulf ecosystem,” Adams said.