inexpensive vacations in myrtle beach south carolina

Inexpensive Vacation Locations In The Carolinas For Budget Trips

You can have an amazing vacation in the Carolinas without breaking the bank and still get all the entertainment you and your family crave. From South Carolina's Myrtle Beach to North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these states have plenty of inexpensive vacation locations you can visit for rest, relaxation, and entertainment. 

In the following sections, we'll take a look at five of the best affordable locations you and your family are bound to enjoy. We also walk you through how Carolina Payday Loans, Inc. can help determine if you qualify for a Carolina payday loan should a financial emergency arise that can ruin your vacation plans.

What Are Five Inexpensive Vacation Locations in the Carolinas?

Looking for cheap vacation ideas in the Carolinas? These two states offer plenty of scenic locations that can provide the rest, relaxation, and entertainment that budget-conscious travelers need. You can visit inexpensive vacation locations in North and South Carolina like Myrtle Beach, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Florence County Museum while maintaining your tight budget.

The following are five inexpensive vacation locations in the Carolinas:

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

First on our list is popular Myrtle Beach, a go-to destination for families and friends alike in South Carolina. Boasting over 60 miles of clean sand and swathes of accommodations to suit all budgets, this South Carolina vacation location is brimming with affordable family-friendly activities.

You can spend a day on the beach building sandcastles, getting much-needed Vitamin D, and experiencing the thrill of water sports. After that, you can visit the lively boardwalk showcasing the best of carnival entertainment, Ripley's Aquarium, or the inexpensive mini-golf courses and amusement parks. Local resorts offer low rates, allowing for cheap vacations to enjoy the sun without breaking the bank.

inexpensive vacation locations in the carolinas

2. Durham, North Carolina 

Durham, North Carolina's fourth-most populous city, is a hive of activity for travel and trips. Regardless of where you travel in this metropolis, you will always find something to do for vacations.

However, if you're looking for the best place to experience Durham's incredible vibe, you should check out the American Tobacco Campus. It showcases over twelve structures, like the 1902 Lucky Strike cigarette factory, that were core components of the area's tobacco-based history. Today, you'll find everything from green spaces to eateries, sporting areas, and entertainment here.

The best part? You won't have to spend a lot of cash to have fun here—most locations have minimal entry costs.

3. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina’s capital city, delivers on the lofty expectations a tourist may have for a state’s capital. It’s a cheap travel destination for art lovers, foodies, or those looking for pure entertainment for vacations. Thanks to its impressive collection of bakeries, restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops, the entire destination oozes an artsy vibe.

Some of the cheapest (and most fun) things to do in Columbia include:

  • Browsing the vintage and antique items at the Old Mill Antique Mall
  • Take your kids to the EdVenture Children's Museum
  • Hiking across the 25 miles of trails in Congaree National Park
  • Witnessing some of the East's tallest trees in the aforementioned national park
  • Visiting the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
  • Cycling or walking the Riverwalk alongside the Saluda River

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park In North Carolina 

If you want to escape the city lights, the 500,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans North Carolina and Tennessee, offering the state's most breathtaking views. It remains the most visited national park in the country, welcoming more than ten million people every year. 

There isn't an entry fee, so you'll start your affordable vacation off on the right foot. Once you've entered the park, you can participate in the area's favorite activity, hiking, for free. Outdoor lovers cannot go wrong with this affordable vacation spot in the Carolinas.

5. Florence, South Carolina

Florence was originally earmarked as a railway hub due to its location roughly midway between New York City and Miami. Its rich history played a vital role in the Civil War, and you can soak in that history during your inexpensive vacation. Visitors can explore Veterans Park, the War Between the States Museum, and the Florence Stockade and National Cemetery during their affordable visit. 

The Florence County Museum is also a highlight, showcasing the art of prominent artists like William H. Johnson. If you plan to visit in November, don't miss the annual pecan festival.

What If A Financial Crisis Happens While Trying To Plan An Inexpensive Vacation?

Even when planning an inexpensive vacation in the Carolinas, urgent financial emergencies can complicate things. You may have to pay for medical bills, auto repairs, or travel costs but do not have the money to pay for urgent bills and a vacation.

If an emergency like this threatens to derail your vacation plans, contact us at Carolina Payday Loans, Inc. We offer payday loans to borrowers with all credit types who don't have the cash saved to fund unexpected scenarios. You don't have to let emergency expenses ruin your trip when you can get up to $550 from a payday loan.

To qualify for one of our payday loans, borrowers need a few requirements. These include; government-issued identification, a blank check from an account open in your name, and your most recent bank statement. If you have these items available, we can guide you through the entire process, allowing you to qualify for the money you need the same or the following business day.

family vacation in the carolinas

Get A Payday Loan So You Can Still Enjoy Your Vacation 

You can benefit from the cheap vacation destinations in the Carolinas for inexpensive fun. However, financial problems can still arise that you may not be able to pay for out of pocket. When that happens, contact us at Carolina Payday Loans, Inc. to apply for a quick cash payday loan, so urgent bills don't ruin your vacation plans.

You can begin the approval process by filling out our online quick cash form or calling our loan representatives. A professional at one of our South Carolina locations can guide you through the payday loan process to see if you qualify.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Emma Frost

Emma Frost is a lifestyle and finance blogger with a talent for communication and a passion for financial literacy. She uses her writing talents to explore topics that help her readers gain financial stability and growth.