Ways to have a budget holiday on Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, and one of the country’s most charming holiday destinations. While these qualities may be what it’s best known for, you might be more interested in the fact that it’s also a good place for an affordable break. Today, we are going to take a look at exactly how to have a fun holiday here while staying within your budget.

Of course, it might strike you as odd to suggest anywhere in the US as a wallet-friendly destination, purely because flights can be so costly. However, find a competitive deal on flights and travel with a reputable company, such as Bon Voyage, and you’ll find that pairing a reasonable price with a high-quality trip needn’t be too difficult. One of the key things to remember here is to look for value over price – yes, you do want a good deal, but if it is at the expense of quality then it will be a false economy.

Go on walks

One of the reasons it’s so easy to have an affordable break in Rhode Island is that there are so many ways to enjoy the place that are entirely free of charge. While being tiny, this island has 400 km of coastline and is known for its great beaches, beautiful coastal walks and impressive mansions. For the moment, we will look at walks and nature trails.

Exploring on two feet is almost always the best way to discover any destination – and has the two additional advantages of being free and a good way to spend some quality time with whoever you’re travelling with. One of the best trails in Rhode Island is the Cliff Walk, which is just 3.5 miles long – but packs in a lot of exciting sights.

This National Recreation Trail runs through a National Historic District, meaning you can look forward to seeing everything from Gilded Age Mansions to the crash of the Atlantic Ocean waves as you stroll. The bulk of the walk is very easy, with some more difficult sections to the south when the route gets a little more rugged.

Go cycling

If you prefer exploring at a faster pace, cycling is the natural choice. You can hire bikes from companies like Ten Speed Spokes in Newport, while there are more than 100 miles of trails to choose from. These include the East Bay Bike Path, which is a 14.5-mile route that offers gorgeous views across the waterfront, while also taking you through some beautiful state parks.

If you had something shorter in mind, the William C O’Neill Bike Path in South Kingstown is a good choice. Spanning just 7 miles, it is a route that’s generously sprinkled with historical sites. For instance, it begins at the historic Kingston Train Station and takes in Main Street in Wakefield, among other important locations.

Eat for less

A major expense on most holidays is food, which means finding affordable places to eat is an important part of staying within your budget. Rhode Island is home to a fantastic selection of low-cost eateries, including fabulous food trucks that combine decent meals with both convenience and a low price tag. Among the best is Fancheezical, a truck that can be found in various locations in Providence – and is easily recognisable thanks to its bright orange exterior. This company specialises in an American favourite – grilled cheese. You can have it lots of different ways, from plain and classic to delicious twists, such as a pulled pork topping.