10 amazing free (or almost free) travel experiences
Who says travel has to cost a fortune? Some of the most memorable experiences can be had for little to nothing, says Jessica Cole, editor of the new book The Best Things in Life Are Free: The Ultimate Money-Saving Travel Guide (Lonely Planet, $22.99.) “There’s a feeling around the world that to travel you have to spend a lot of money, but it shouldn’t be off-limits to anybody. You can have these fantastic experiences.” She shares some favorite free or low-cost activities with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Bat emergence
Austin
On summer and fall evenings, crowds gather near the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue bridge to watch the world's largest bat colony start its day. The one million-plus Mexican free-tail bats emerge from their roost underneath the bridge to dine on mosquitoes and other bugs. Some visitors even rent kayaks to watch from the water or order bat-themed cocktails from bars. "It's a completely natural phenomenon, a free show for anyone to see," Cole says. austintexas.org
Getty Center
Los Angeles
The billion-dollar museum offers much more than art. “You’ve got amazing architecture and natural gardens that change along with the season, and you’ve got amazing views all the way across the L.A. basin,” Cole says. And the price? Free. Visitors arriving by car, though, do have to pay for parking, which costs up to $15. getty.edu
Slow Roll
Detroit
It costs just ten bucks to join this weekly Monday evening mass bicycle ride around Motor City. "It's a slow, safe ride and a nice way to see a city. You'll see something new and you might meet someone new," Cole says. The fee covers registration and rides for a year, but the ride is free beyond that. slowroll.bike
Fremont Street Experience
Las Vegas
Even in a city known for flash, the hourly Viva Vision light show at Downtown Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience impresses. Projected on a video screen stretching 1,500 feet long and suspended 90 feet above a casino-lined pedestrian mall, the show is accompanied by music from bands like The Who, Heart and Imagine Dragons. “It’s a trippy light and sound show, a real exciting thing to do,” Cole says. vegasexperience.com
Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays
Miami
Miami’s always-bustling historic Cuban neighborhood hosts a huge street party the last Friday of every month. “It takes over the heart of Little Havana and there’s loads going on, and it’s completely free,” Cole says. Highlights include street markets, dancing, food vendors and walking tours. viernesculturales.org
Mardi Gras
New Orleans
The nation’s wildest party doesn’t cost a cent. In the month leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades wind their way through many city neighborhoods, and nearly all are family-friendly. “It’s on many people’s top to-do list. It’s amazing when you think about it: The whole spectacle is free,” Cole says. gonola.com
Kayaking
New York
Sure, you can find great views from skyscraper observation decks, but for a completely different vista of the city, it’s hard to beat the sight of it from the water. Several Big Apple boating clubs offer complimentary rides from spring through early fall. “You can get a free 20-minute paddle on the water with this million-dollar backdrop,” Cole says. Find details on club websites. licboathouse.org, manhattancommunityboathouse.org, downtownboathouse.org
Saturday Market
Portland, Ore.
While shopping isn’t free at Portland’s 43-year-old weekly market, you can still have a wonderful time without spending a dime. “There’s loads to see and plenty going on. There are buskers and great people-watching,” Cole says. Expect to find hand-made items, along with plenty of food. The venue calls itself the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country. portlandsaturdaymarket.com
ImprovBoston
Cambridge, Mass.
For a mere five bucks, visitors can watch aspiring comics at a weekly Sunday night Comedy Jam. "People just turn up not knowing what to expect because the show isn't written until you arrive," Cole says. For just a few dollars more, the theater’s Mainstage show features more seasoned comedians. ImprovBoston.com
National Archives
Washington
While they may be some of the most famous documents in the world, you don’t need to pay a thing to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. And that’s just the start. “There are loads of original records from Lincoln’s telegrams to recordings from the Oval Office. It’s a real hub of amazing stuff,” Cole says. archives.gov
