13 Famous U.S. Landmarks That Will Eat Up Your Entire Budget
Traveling around the United States can be a fun adventure until you actually look at your bank account. There are plenty of landmarks in the country, iconic spots with incredible views, jaw dropping experiences and lots of Instagram worthy moments, but with expensive price tags that will leave you gasping.
These landmarks have expensive entrance fees, overpriced food, or hidden costs that catch you by surprise. They’re famous for a reason and their beauty and worth are always worth the splurge. Here are U.S. landmarks that will leave you broke for case but with full memories.
Statue of Liberty, New York
It’s a rite of passage for many tourists to visit Lady Liberty, but the journey to get there, is not as easy as taking a ferry. When you’re done, you’ll be a lot lighter in the wallet – tickets, pedestal or crown access and the must have overpriced snacks at the concession stands. The views are stunning, but it’s something that’s so undeniably inspiring to stand at the feet of this iconic statue.
Disneyland, California
The ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ is one of the saddest receipts you’ll ever see. Tickets are already expensive, but when you factor in parking, snacks, souvenirs and those irresistible Mickey shaped pretzels, those costs can add up quickly. Also, everything within the park is more expensive than it should be anywhere else. People save for years to make this trip.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon doesn’t come free. Between park entrance fees, guided tours and gear for people who want to hike or raft, the costs begin to add up. The accommodations near by are on the pricey side and can quickly eat up your budget.
Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
The Las Vegas Strip is basically an adult playground but every ride is priced at a small fortune. There are many activities that can take your money; fancy shows and temptation of the casino tables. You can just walk down the street and toss money at street performers, buy frozen cocktails or make spur of the moment purchases you’ll regret.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Standing there, you realize how much you’ve spent just to stand there, but seeing the awe inspiring faces of four U.S. presidents carved into a mountainside is worth it. You’ll also pay parking fees, buy overpriced souvenirs.
Alcatraz Island, California
Getting to this infamous former prison is a shakedown, but it’s hauntingly fascinating to visit it. Ferry tickets are not cheap and if you go with a guided tour , the price goes up even more. Once you’re back on the mainland, you won’t forget the small fortune you’ll probably spend on snacks and souvenirs.
Times Square, New York
It is technically free to visit Times Square, however, when you are surrounded by all the dazzling lights, street performers and towering billboards it’s hard to avoid spending the money. This “free” attraction can empty your wallet as quickly as a cab ride across Manhattan, or a spur of the moment impulse buy at the gift shops.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list destination, and a magnet for hidden costs. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more private experience, it will cost you extra for specialised activities.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, California
Another free attraction is this iconic stretch of sidewalk. They have street performers, celebrity impersonators, souvenir vendors and they are all pros at getting you to dig around in your pocket and pull out cash. With the parking fees, and the probably irresistible urge to spend too much on food at a nearby café, you’ll leave with memories, but an emptier wallet.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is roaring beautiful and mesmerizing a visit is expensive. Boat tours, observation decks and nearby attractions, like the Cave of the Winds, all come with hefty price tags. To eat near the falls may feel like a ‘tourist tax’ but the mist on your face and the thundering sound of the water will make it worthwhile.
Empire State Building, New York
The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper in New York with breathtaking views of Manhattan. Standard tickets are expensive, and for express passes which can help you skip the lines, you have to dig even deeper into your savings. Don’t even consider the gift shop at the top, it’s going to be a budget buster.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
The costs of exploring this awe inspiring park go far beyond the entrance fees. Guided hikes, specialized tours, an cost of drives can add up quickly. However, watching molten lava flow into the ocean is a memory no money can buy.
Washington, D.C.
While touring the White House is technically free, the dollars come in when you get there and make the most of your trip. It’s expensive to lodge in the area, there are expensive meals near the National Mall, and every gift shop within walking distance knows exactly how to get you to pay a little extra.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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