Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the best attractions in the United States are completely free, and it’s possible to find a cheap hotel room while staying in style. Rented car? Avoid this by visiting a walkable city.
To find the best options that fit your budget, a panel of travel experts and USA TODAY Top 10 editors selected their top picks across five budget travel categories, then readers voted for their favorites over four weeks—and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners:
Best Budget Hotel Brand: Motel 6
Beloved and easily recognized by those traveling America’s roads, Motel 6 has gained a reputation for being clean, friendly, reliable, and most importantly, affordable. Expanded cable TV and pet-friendly rooms make this hotel a good choice for those looking to stay within their budget. Free coffee in the morning makes waking up and going out a pleasure.
Full list of winners: Best budget hotel brand »
Best buffet restaurant: Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl, Pennsylvania
Shady Maple Smorgasbord, which claims to be “America’s Greatest Buffet,” serves delicious Pennsylvania Dutch dishes in East Earl, Pennsylvania. Well-prepared comfort food is offered on a 200-foot-long buffet, and the space is designed to offer a cafeteria-like atmosphere. A gift shop is open to visitors and its birthday promotions are popular.
Full list of winners: Best Buffet Restaurant »
Best bus service: Yankee Line
In operation for more than 45 years, the Yankee Line serves the Northeast, from Boston to New York City. Additionally, the company offers charter services for corporate events, school trips, and more. Its fleet of customized buses offers free Wi-Fi, on-board bathrooms and electrical outlets.
Full list of winners: Best bus service »
Best Free Attraction: Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida
Located in Juno Beach, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center focuses on ocean and sea turtle conservation and is free and open to the public every day. As the goal is to rescue and return wildlife to their natural habitats, the number of resident sea turtles will vary when people visit. Additionally, there are many other sea creatures to observe, and the volunteers are helpful and willing to answer visitors’ questions.
Full list of winners: Best free attraction »
Easiest city to visit: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is loved for its cultural and historical attractions, and its walkability is appreciated by residents and visitors alike. Tourists would probably most enjoy strolling through the city center – home to historic Old Town and the beautiful neighborhoods of Rittenhouse Square.
Full list of winners: Easiest city to visit »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote for more Readers’ Choice awards.
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: Travel for less: better bus services, buffets and free attractions
