Originally posted on Lonely Planet.

Travel reminds us of the beautiful nature, cultural exploration and exciting experiences that are all around us. However, as the cost of living increases, it is important to seek out affordable destinations that still deliver the sense of adventure that we crave. 

Luckily, the United States has a captivating array of untapped attractions, from craggy mountains to red-rock deserts to vibrant cities. If you're looking for an affordable excursion that doesn't compromise your experience, here are our top recommendations for the best value destinations in the US. 

2. Salt Lake City, Utah 

Best for outdoor adventures

Salt Lake City balances mountain town vibes with a city life. The sugarcoated Wasatch Mountains frame the city, beckoning outdoor adventure lovers. From the city center, it is just a day trip to scenic viewpoints, powdery slopes and alpine trails. 

Food lovers will enjoy Caputo's, a local favorite deli that is home to artisan cheese caves and one of the world's largest collections of ethically sourced craft chocolate bars. For free, visitors can attend a rehearsal of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), wander through the Gilgal Sculpture Garden and discover other top spots in the city. 

You can stay in the center of everything with affordable spots like the evo Hotel, which offers fitness classes, access to the skatepark and outdoor gear rentals. 

Detour: Just 30 minutes outside of the city you'll find the Lake Blanche trailhead, a 6.9-mile hike that leads to a lakeside trail with a backdrop of mountain peaks.

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.