Okay, so, the Fourth of July is coming up, and I really wanted to do something fun without breaking the bank. I started by brainstorming some ideas. I was thinking, “Where can I go that’s fun, festive, and, most importantly, cheap?” I mean, who wants to spend a fortune on a short getaway, right?
First thing I did was to hit up my friends for suggestions. A couple of them mentioned Myrtle Beach, which sounded pretty good. Beaches, fireworks, and good vibes – what’s not to like? But I wanted to see what else was out there.
So, I started looking around to see my choices. I saw some people talking about Oahu and Miami, which both seemed amazing, but maybe a bit pricey for what I had in mind. Then I saw Las Vegas and Asheville mentioned as well. Vegas is always a blast, but again, not the cheapest option. Asheville, on the other hand, had that charming, laid-back feel that I was kinda digging.

I spent a good chunk of time comparing prices for travel and places to stay. I checked out what activities each place offered for the Fourth. After a lot of back and forth, I narrowed it down to a few solid contenders. Myrtle Beach was still in the running, and Asheville was looking more and more attractive. I also found a couple of other spots that seemed promising but eventually, I settled on one.
I decided to go with Asheville! It just had that perfect mix of fun and relaxation without costing an arm and a leg. I found a cozy little place to stay that didn’t eat up my entire budget. Plus, they have some awesome Fourth of July celebrations, like live music, parades, and of course, fireworks.
Here’s what I did to plan my trip:
- Booked my stay: I found a cute little Airbnb that was super affordable and close to all the action.
- Planned my activities: I made a list of all the free events happening around town, like the Independence Day Celebration at Pack Square Park and some local hikes I wanted to check out.
- Set a food budget: I decided to cook some meals at my Airbnb to save money but also planned to try out a few local restaurants that weren’t too pricey.
- Packed my bags: I packed light, with some comfy clothes, my hiking boots, and of course, my American flag bandana!
The Trip
Man, Asheville did not disappoint! The town was buzzing with energy. I spent my days exploring the beautiful scenery, hiking some trails, and enjoying the local vibe. The Fourth of July celebration was a blast – the fireworks were amazing, and the atmosphere was so festive.
I ended up having an incredible time without spending a ton of money. It was the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day. I’m already thinking about where to go next year!