If you’re planning a New Orleans vacation, you can either expect lots of crowds and little discounts, or you can brave the heat. July and August – the city’s hottest and most humid months – are probably the cheapest time to visit. However, if you plan to do lots of outdoor sightseeing, it may not be all that comfortable….or worth it.

For a year-round vacation spot like New Orleans, it’s best to plan in advance, or on the other hand take advantage of an extremely last-minute deal. Snagging discounts on attractions and relying on reliably affordable accommodations like vacation rentals are the best way to go!

What other destinations lack an off season and make it difficult to visit on the cheap? Do you have any insider tips for saving money?

• Check out the River Walk, the San Antonio Zoo, Sea World, and the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.
• See the many sights of San Francisco, California at your own, leisurely pace.
• Find out why so many people love Seattle, Washington by visiting “the Emerald City.”
• Enjoy the perfect combo of urban delights and fresh mountain air in Denver, Colorado.
• Indulge in tasty cajun food and some quality revelry in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Let loose in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Catch a tan in Miami, Florida.
• Soak up some history in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Get some serious shopping done in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Find your inner cosmopolitan in Chicago, Illinois.

While not all of these NYC alternatives is necessarily dirt cheap to do, they are significantly more affordable options than the Big Apple. So, what are you waiting for? Find a big city rental, and book your vacation today!