10 Once-Affordable Vacation Spots That Are Now Totally Out of Reach

Some people love visiting major tourist sites, from Disneyland to New York City. But others prefer something more low-key.

Unfortunately, as those quieter spots become more popular, prices are soaring and jeopardizing the finances of anyone who travels there.

So, before you step up your travel game and book your next low-key vacation, double-check this list of places no one can afford anymore.

1. St. George, Utah

St. George is known for its beautiful scenery and vistas. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures to places such as Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park, among others.

But the parks are also getting packed with tourists, and it can be hard to find affordable lodging close by. You'll also have to consider making reservations for some of the more popular hiking trails.

2. Sedona, Arizona

Like St. George, Sedona has beautiful landscapes for vacationers to explore while hiking, biking, or off-roading.

The city has a population of around 10,000 residents but draws nearly 3 million tourists annually. All those visitors mean hotel rooms and short-term rentals are in high demand.

“Current development patterns have largely capped new developments in Sedona so it’s just for those who can afford it now,” lamented Reddit user Adorable-Bus-2687.

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, making it ideal for tourists who want to visit during autumn to see the leaves changing color.

But that means a lot of people want to explore Asheville, which causes hotel prices to skyrocket. If you plan to visit Asheville, skipping peak season might help you keep money in your pocket.

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4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is famous for its art galleries, historic sites, and outdoor activities. But as the tourists have flocked to the town, hotel prices have climbed.

A cheaper alternative might be to consider visiting other nearby towns that may not be as expensive, such as Nambe or Chimayo.

5. Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman offers plenty of outdoor activities. In the winter, hit the slopes at Big Sky Resort. In the summer, enjoy hiking or fishing.

But don’t forget to factor in additional costs if you decide to visit, especially in the summer months. “It's a tourist town and August is right in the middle of peak summer season,” said Reddit user Turkino.

It’s not just hotel costs that will hurt your wallet, but also car rentals. Reports suggest that the cost to rent a car in Bozeman has soared in recent years.

6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea, near Monterey, California, offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, vineyards, and a diverse art scene.

It also has expensive hotels with some of the highest rates in the state. From 2019 to 2023, hotel rates rose by more than 30% in Carmel-by-the-Sea, far outpacing the rate increases in other California towns.

7. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is the perfect spot to stay for a summer Maine vacation, especially if you want to enjoy nearby Acadia National Park.

But flights, hotels, and even restaurants may be more expensive than in other potential destinations.

“Expect everything in Bar Harbor to be expensive,” complained Reddit user _stickinapot.

8. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay is the perfect summer spot, with its quaint downtown and access to the water.

But it also has seen an increase in summer visitors, leading to more expensive hotels, crowded sidewalks, and heavier traffic.

Alternatives to the city include Suttons Bay, Leland, or Interlochen. It’s also important to remember that the tourist season in northern Michigan peaks in the summer, so you may need to plan well ahead to lock in lower hotel rates.

9. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Colorado ski towns vary when it comes to how expensive they are, with places such as Vail costing visitors a huge chunk of money to visit during the winter.

In the past, Steamboat Springs was a low-key town that was still affordable. But it’s now becoming out of reach for some visitors. “Steamboat basically doubled in price from 2022 to 2023,” reported Reddit user JackedJaw251.

It’s also getting more expensive for workers to live there, causing prices to go higher. In fact, the city has had problems filling some positions because workers can’t afford housing.

10. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston has plenty of history and Southern charm. Visitors can take in the beach, go golfing, or explore the arts and restaurants around the city.

But it’s also getting pricey for visitors, with higher hotel costs and more expensive restaurants. “I have been considering a weekend trip to Charleston but many hotels there are very expensive,” wrote Reddit user AA950.

Why prices are rising

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still rippling through vacation prices.

Pent-up demand from when Americans couldn’t travel at the height of the pandemic is still causing more competition for hotels, airlines, and food. Inflation is also causing prices to rise.

It’s also important to remember that peak seasons can mean higher costs. So, one way to try to save is to consider visiting places during off-peak times.

Bottom line

Fortunately, there are still some great places to visit where the cost to stay in a hotel or to rent a car hasn’t soared out of control.

To save more when you travel, do some research so you can find these affordable gems. Also, look for other ways to save. For example, savvy Costco shoppers might want to try booking their next vacation through Costco Travel to see if they can cut costs.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).