If you are heading to the Motor City of Detroit, Michigan, you’ll soon find yourself in one of America’s best cities. Known for its automotive industry and as the birthplace of some of the greatest music to ever hit the airwaves, Detroit is a great place to visit. But like it is traveling anywhere today, your trip can turn expensive very quickly. If you want to save money while traveling to Detroit, here are seven ways you can keep more money in your pocket.
Good Meals at Low Prices
Despite being a big city, Detroit has received numerous awards over the years for having great restaurants that offer low-priced meals. Whether it’s a 24/7 diner, a family restaurant, or even a high-end eatery, you can find plenty of great meals for as little as $5, and many snacks to fill you up for only $1. If you intend on spending multiple days in Detroit, it may be worth going to a local grocery store and make your own meals for breakfast and lunch. That way you can save even more money. Things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, for example, are extremely cheap to make and pack well so you can take it with you during your day. That way the majority of your appetite is covered during the day and you can supplement with snacks and street food until dinner.
Take Advantage of the Freebies
While in Detroit, there are many great activities you can enjoy that won’t cost you a penny. For example, the city has many museums that offer free admission and provide free tours. Before you know it, you’ll be strolling around admiring wonderful works of art, sculptures, and much more. A great place to look when trying to find free museums is through the city page that is run by the local government. City-run sites typically do their best to provide a whole look at what is available without being bogged down by paid content or marketing negotiations like many other travel sites.
Use Public Transportation
If you want to get around the city easily and not be spending your money at the gas station, park your car and take advantage of shuttle services and public transportation. Very popular services for both residents and visitors, you’ll be able to go anywhere you like in Detroit at a much more affordable price. Available 24/7 for the most part, you’ll have no trouble going wherever you want during the day or at night. The local transportation websites typically have a full list of times and fare costs if you want to get tickets or passes ahead of time.
Tents Over Hotels
While a hotel room can be cozy, it can also be expensive. Rather than see your money say goodbye, choose to pitch a tent at one of Michigan’s many great campgrounds in and around Detroit. With over 1,000 campgrounds in Michigan, some even offer cabins for rent at very affordable prices, allowing you a greater level of comfort at a cheaper price. Tents, however, are typically better for the summer months so if you want to save money on hotels but don’t want to braver in a tent, consider a local hostel or an Airbnb. In the past few years, more and more property owners have been renting out their space, which can even be more luxurious than a hotel at a cheaper price.
Split the Cost with Friends
If you have friends traveling with you to Detroit, work out a deal so that all of you split the costs of meals, transportation, lodging, and so forth. Once all of you sit down and work out a budget for your trip, it will become obvious that the Detroit trip won’t cost you or anyone else with you much money. The most savings with splitting it with friends is probably with nightly accommodations. Splitting the cost of a hotel room with someone is not only a way to decrease the overall cost of your trip, it may also help you get more comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank.
Visit During the Summer
Detroit is the 18th most walkable large city in the US, meaning that you get just about everywhere by foot in a safe manner. However, if you want to skip public transportation and taxies, it’s best that you go during the summer so you can enjoy the outdoors without the need of packing jackets, long socks, and gloves. There are many trails and places that you can get on foot, however, snow may make it hard to do that safely and comfortably.
Visit in the Winter
If you don’t mind the snow and are prepared to get wet and cold, then you can save money by visiting Detroit during the off-season. There are many accommodations and things to do that may be discounted due to the season and lack of tourists, comparatively. If you are coming during the winter, however, it is likely that you’ll want to come with a good pair of snow boots so you don’t get wet.
Detroit can be an incredible place to visit but if you’re on a budget, there are some extra considerations you should take into account before buying your plane tickets. By implementing these tips into your trip to Detroit, your visit to Motor City will be enjoyable as well as more affordable.
