The perfect Columbus getaway doesn’t have to cost you an arm and leg.
Located in the county of Franklin, Columbus is the capital city of the state of Ohio. It is also the third-largest city in Midwest America and ranked as the fifteenth biggest city all over the United States. As per the 2010 Census, the population in Columbus has already reached 787,033 making it the densest and crowded city in Ohio. Free fun is always a good thing, and guests will surely be able to experience that in Columbus. Planning a trip to this city can be as cheap as you want it to be. That is if you take the time to sit down and schedule your travel itinerary carefully.
Saving tips: Planning a cheap vacation in Columbus is possible by booking a room at a budget hotel, participating in free events or fun festivals, and visiting cheap attractions in the city.
Where to Stay While in Columbus
Finding good accommodation in Columbus, Ohio is not that difficult assuming that you have already done your research. Just like when planning your vacation to other cities, it is highly advised that you do your homework to find the best Columbus hotel before your scheduled travel. Compare prices of various hotels, inns, motels and B&Bs situated or near Columbus.
If you are looking to save money, then a good tip is to find a hotel that is situated away from downtown Columbus. Doing so will allow you to save a hefty sum of money as downtown hotels often charge higher compared to those that are nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also advisable to make your reservations early on especially if you plan to visit Columbus during the peak season. Remember that hotel rooms sell like pancakes during this time so to ensure that you will have a place to stay at when you arrive in Columbus you have to book a room a month before or even earlier than the date of your planned trip.
Guests who do not have problem splurging on their accommodation can choose to book their stay in Columbus at one of the top and finest hotels servicing the area which include the Westin Columbus Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown Columbus, Drury Inn Suites & Convention Center, DoubleTree Suites By Hilton, Hyatt On Capitol Square, and the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.
Those looking for more affordable accommodation without sacrificing the quality of their stay should make their reservations at the Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham, Clarion Hotel & Suites Conference Center, The Concourse Hotel, Days Inn Columbus Fairgrounds, Four Points by Sheraton, or at the Best Western Plus North Columbus.
Exploring the City on a Budget
Looking for all-around entertainment without busting your budget? Then you should not miss out on Gallery Hops. It draws in a large crowd every time so if you like to enjoy the lively parade without getting squeezed in the big crowd, it is best to come late. The Short North Gallery Hop is on every 1st Saturday of the month from 4 pm onwards. The Grandview Gallery Hop, meanwhile, is at the Grandview Avenue every last Saturday of the month of April to November, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
It is a good idea to schedule your travel to Columbus when the festival area is held. Festivals held in Columbus are must-see events. Some of the festivals to look forward to this year include the fall harvest festival, Circleville’s Pumpkin festival, free arts festival and many more. You should check the city’s events calendar to know more about the upcoming activities that you can participate in during your stay in Columbus.
Do you have an eye for art? Then, you would surely want to see the best museums in the city. The good news is that Columbus houses several amazing art museums carrying varied themes and concepts. What’s best is that most of them offer free admission. Some of the must-see museums in Columbus that you must not miss out before leaving the city include the Wexner Center, Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Ohio Historical Center.
