How to Explore the United States for Two Weeks on Less Than $800 (Excluding Flights)

Visiting the United States sounds like a dream for many international travelers. The vast landscapes, iconic cities, world-famous national parks, and cultural melting pot are incredibly appealing. But the reality is often different: America is not a cheap travel destination. It’s massive, car-dependent, and can be expensive to explore, especially if you come from a country where daily travel costs are much lower.

If you’re a backpacker or budget traveler, don’t get discouraged. While the U.S. isn’t a $20-a-day backpacker paradise like Southeast Asia, it’s absolutely possible to experience an authentic, adventurous American road trip on a shoestring budget—if you plan carefully and embrace some unconventional strategies.

This guide will show you how to explore the U.S. for 14 days on less than $800 (excluding international flights). It’s not luxury, and not even mid-range — but it will be eye-opening, adventurous, and packed with iconic American experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.

⚠️ Before You Start: The Harsh Realities of Budget Travel in America

First, some brutal honesty:

• You’ll need a car — Public transportation outside a few major cities is sparse or nonexistent. If you want to see national parks or do a coast-to-coast route, a rental car or car share is essential.

• Accommodation can be expensive — Hotels and motels often start around $100 per night, which quickly blows a tight budget. Hostels exist but are rare outside big cities.

• Food costs add up — Unlike many countries, the U.S. isn’t cheap for eating out. Groceries, gas station snacks, and occasional budget meals are your best bets.

• National Parks and Attractions often charge entrance fees — Many popular parks charge around $20 to $35 per vehicle, and some museums or landmarks have entrance fees.

• Distances are vast — Driving long distances burns fuel and time, so planning a route carefully is crucial.

Despite these challenges, if you’re flexible, willing to rough it a bit, and prioritize what matters most to you, this trip can be rewarding, fun, and affordable.

💸 Budget Breakdown for 14 Days in the U.S.

Here’s a rough estimate for a two-week trip on a budget of $800 (excluding your international flight):

This is a minimalist plan. You won’t be staying in hotels or dining in restaurants every day, but you will experience real American road trip culture, some stunning natural wonders, and major cities.

🛣️ Week 1: The Wild West + National Parks Loop

If you want the classic American road trip, nothing beats the Southwest and California’s iconic natural landmarks and national parks.

Starting Point: San Francisco, California

• What to do: Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (totally free!), explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and visit the nearby Muir Woods to see ancient coastal redwoods.

• Budget tips: Food trucks offer tasty, cheap eats. San Francisco is expensive, so buy groceries and cook where possible.

• Accommodation: Try car camping or find a budget hostel.

Next: Los Angeles / San Diego

• What to do: Skip expensive amusement parks and opt for free or cheap beaches like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, or Malibu. Wander iconic areas like Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and downtown LA.

• Budget tips: Eat at taco trucks or local diners. Use Uber Pool or local buses if needed.

• Accommodation: Car camping or budget motels if you can find deals.

Head to Las Vegas, Nevada

• What to do: Drive the Strip at night for free spectacular neon light shows. You don’t have to gamble to soak in the atmosphere.

• Budget tips: Sleep in your car in casino parking lots or 24/7 Walmarts outside the city.

• Accommodation: Car camping only, to save money.

Visit Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon (Arizona)

• What to do: The $35 park fee covers both the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon National Park. Hike Rim Trail or Bright Angel Trail for breathtaking views.

• Budget tips: Pack your own meals and water to avoid expensive park concessions.

• Accommodation: Campgrounds or car camping nearby.

Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

• Parks: Arches, Zion, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon

• What to do: Prioritize 2–3 parks to visit based on proximity and interests. Zion is great for hiking; Bryce Canyon offers surreal hoodoo formations.

• Budget tips: Buy an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks (one-time $80 fee covers entrance to all national parks for a year).

• Accommodation: Campgrounds or car camping.

🔥 Insider Hack: Sleep in Your Car Like a Pro

• Buy a full windshield sunshade ($20–30) to block light and add privacy.

• Get a compact camping pillow and a lightweight sleeping bag (Walmart has great budget options around $50 total).

• Park overnight at 24/7 Walmart stores, some casino lots, or designated rest stops (check local laws!).

• Make sure you stay safe — pick well-lit areas, lock your doors, and keep valuables out of sight.

Sleeping in your car can save you over $100 per night, which is a game-changer for budget travelers. Plus, it adds to the adventurous vibe of a classic American road trip.

🎶 Week 2: The Culture & Music Trail (From New Orleans to Chicago)

After the scenic West, switch gears to the soulful cities of the American South and Midwest, where music, history, and delicious food dominate.

New Orleans, Louisiana

• What to do: Experience live jazz on Frenchmen Street, enjoy beignets at Café du Monde, explore the French Quarter on foot.

• Budget tips: Many music shows have free entry or low cover charges. Street food and po’boys are affordable.

• Accommodation: Hostels exist, but you can also camp outside the city or car camp in safe areas.

Memphis, Tennessee

• What to do: Skip the pricey Graceland if needed, but enjoy blues bars on Beale Street and famous barbecue joints.

• Budget tips: Walking tours and free museums available.

• Accommodation: Budget motels or car camping nearby.

Nashville, Tennessee

• What to do: Experience live country music on Broadway Street, try local hot chicken, and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.

• Budget tips: Many bars offer free music with a drink minimum; food trucks and casual eateries offer good value.

• Accommodation: Car camping or budget hostels.

St. Louis, Missouri

• What to do: Visit the Gateway Arch (walk around for free), and explore free museums like the Missouri History Museum.

• Budget tips: Cheap local eats and city parks.

• Accommodation: Budget motels or car camping.

Chicago, Illinois

• What to do: Millennium Park (home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture), Navy Pier, Lake Michigan beaches, and deep-dish pizza (try budget spots like Pequod’s).

• Budget tips: Use free walking tours and public parks.

• Accommodation: Hostels or car camping if you can find a safe spot.

🎯 Alternate Routes Based on Your Interests

• Nature Lovers: Focus on the Southwest and national parks in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.

• History Buffs: Explore the Northeast “historical triangle” of New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC (most Smithsonian museums in DC are free).

• Foodies: Dive deep into Los Angeles’ Latinx and Asian food scenes, or the South’s soul food in New Orleans and Nashville.

📅 When to Travel?

The best time for a budget U.S. trip is late spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October) — the weather is mild, and crowds are smaller.

Avoid deep winter unless you are chasing winter sports or visiting warm southern states like Florida, where January and February can be pleasant but more expensive due to tourist seasons.

💡 Final Money-Saving Tips & Apps

• Use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas stations along your route.

• Roadtrippers.com is an invaluable tool for planning quirky roadside stops and campsites.

• Download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me to save data.

• Pack your own snacks to avoid convenience store markups.

• Avoid toll roads when possible to save money.

🇺🇸 The Bottom Line

Exploring the United States on less than $800 for two weeks is challenging but doable. It requires flexibility, a willingness to rough it by sleeping in your car, and embracing the true spirit of an American road trip.

You won’t stay in luxury, dine at fine restaurants, or visit every attraction. But you’ll see towering redwoods, stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, hear live jazz in New Orleans, and taste authentic barbecue in Memphis — all unforgettable, iconic American experiences.

Are you ready to hit the road and explore America on your own terms?