Traveling and discovering new places benefits your body, mind, and soul. That being said, many people are giving up on traveling in light of the recent economic situation. While some expenses are unavoidable, you can save money if you plan your trip properly. If you’re visiting Idaho, stopping by Boise is an absolute must. It’s a charming city that offers many fun activities. And the best part is – it doesn’t have to be expensive! Check out our list of tips for visiting Boise, ID, on a budget, and take notes for your next trip there.
Transport
Using a car while traveling often isn’t very budget-friendly. If you travel by plane, you’ll probably need to rent a car, which can get pricey. While having a car available is non-negotiable in most US cities, Boise isn’t one of them. In truth, there are plenty of better and cheaper ways to get around.
Public transport
Using public transport is a great way to get around if you’re visiting Boise, ID, on a budget. There are plenty of fairly frequent bus lines. Also, ticket fares are quite affordable, so you can easily budget them. However, if you need to get around at night, you must look for other options.
Rent-a-bike
Boise has a few biking trails that all the locals love and use. It’s a quick and healthy way to get around-just. Make sure you use sun protection so you don’t burn! If you don’t own a bike or can’t bring yours, don’t worry. Boise has a bike-sharing program that is both cheap and efficient. This makes it an excellent option for exploring the city without spending too much on transportation.
Walking
Boise, especially the city center, is generally walkable. If you don’t have too much planned for the day, consider ditching the transportation altogether. Instead, walking around will allow you to experience this city in a completely new light.
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually the most expensive part of every trip. While staying in hotels is probably the most convenient, you might want to explore a few other ones if you’re looking to save some money.
Airbnb
Renting a room or apartment through Airbnb or similar services has been a popular way to save money while traveling for a while now. It’s generally more affordable than hotels and has many other benefits. For example, if you’re planning on moving to Boise and are searching for the right moving team, your host can give you some suggestions. Overall, it’s a great way to experience Boise on a budget and like a local.
Stay in a hostel
While hostels aren’t for everyone, they surely offer many benefits. Money-saving is the main one, as hostels are the most affordable accommodation option. We understand that sharing a room with strangers can be challenging for some. Still, you’ll be able to meet new people and maybe even form new friendships.
Activities
There are plenty of fun activities in Boise. Many of them are free or fairly cheap to make things even better. Of course, it’s up to you to choose which ones fit your taste, and scheduling is up to you.
Visit the parks
Boise’s nickname, The City of Trees, comes from its many parks and green areas. Visiting these parks is mainly free of charge, so it’s a great way to spend your day if the money’s a bit tight. Some of the biggest and most popular parks are Julia Davis Park and Ann Morrison Park. Many smaller ones are just as worth exploring.
Caption: Make sure to visit all major parks while you’re in Boise
Alt-tag: People in a park sitting down on the grass and riding bicycles
Tour the museums
Being Idaho’s capital, Boise is home to many museums and galleries. If you research ahead, you’ll find that most offer free entry on certain days of the week. Also, there are many great museums where you can see incredible, unique exhibitions for a relatively small fee. For example, the adult ticket for the Idaho State Museum is 10$, while you can visit the Boise Art Museum for just $6.
Explore the Boise River Greenbelt
If you’re an outdoorsy person looking to stay healthy during your trip, visiting the Greenbelt is a must. This scenic pathway follows the Boise River and stretches for over 20 miles. Most of it is paved, perfect for running, cycling, or just strolling around and enjoying nature.
Food and Drinks
Budgeting food and drinks properly are essential for planning a wallet-friendly trip. Boise isn’t as expensive as other US cities, and you can easily find a tasty bite without breaking the bank.
Flying M Coffee
Flying M Coffee is the way to go if you want a quick and cheap morning pick-me-up. They currently have two locations in Boise. While their prices suggest modest services, their coffee, pastries, and other snacks are extraordinary.
BACON
A meat lover’s dream, BACON is the perfect place for a weekend brunch. Everything’s bacon-themed. However, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Spicy bacon, candied bacon, bacon-themed drinks – if you can imagine it, it’s probably there. It’s also very budget-friendly, with an average meal being around $15 per person.
Tasso
This relatively new restaurant is one of the best places to visit if you want a filling and nutritious lunch between your activities. The menu features all kinds of sandwiches with meat, fish, and veggies, as well as various salads. The prices are more affordable, so you won’t have to worry about spending too much on food.
Final words
Visiting Boise, ID, on a budget doesn’t have to be challenging. In truth, there are many free or very cheap things to do around the city. Whether you want to walk through nature or visit a museum and experience the culture, you have plenty of options. However, to get the best prices, make sure to plan and do your research. This way, you’ll get the best experience without breaking the bank.
Meta: Traveling doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. Here are some tips for visiting Boise, ID, on a budget.
KW: visiting Boise, ID, on a budget
Pictures used: form Unsplash
