Planning a bachelorette trip is exciting and can be so much fun! But it can also be stressful and super expensive. It doesn’t have to be!
I’ve planned many bachelorette trips ranging from laid back and relaxing to exciting and adventurous, but they are always amazing.
It can be hard to figure out a destination for the perfect bachelorette party without hurting your wallet. That’s why I’ve put together 17 bachelorette trip ideas on a budget in both the United States and Canada.
Not only do we have destination suggestions, but in this post you’ll also find cost-saving tips, and practical strategies to plan a fun and relatively stress-free bachelorette trip on a budget.
Want to learn how to travel more for less? Check out my post on how to travel on a budget.
Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bachelorette Party Planning Tips
Download Bachelorette Planning apps:
- Bridesquad – Bridesquad is an all-in-one app that will help keep you organized while planning a stress-free bachelorette party.
- BACH – I like the BACH because you can coordinate plans and book bachelorette party activities all within the app.
- RSVPify is perfect for tracking RSVPs.
Split the costs: Apps like Splitwise and SettleUp make it easy to keep track of and split expenses when you’re traveling with a group.
How can I have a cheap bachelorette party?
Compare prices and be flexible: Set Google flight alerts and use Google Flights Explore to find affordable destinations and be flexible! The more flexible you are with dates and destination the more deals you’ll find. Check out this blog post about 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Flights.
Travel during off-peak times: Try to avoid weekends, holidays, and when kids are not in school. If you can’t avoid weekends then don’t travel on a holiday or when kids are in school. Research when the high and low season is for your destination. You’ll find better deals and less crowds. Just make sure that the main activities are available. For more tips check out these blog posts on How to Plan a Weekend Trip on a Budget and 11 Simple Ways to Save Money for your next Vacation.
Limit Alcohol Expenses: Alcohol can quickly add up so consider adding a BYOB (bring your own booze) component to the trip.
Plan for meals: You don’t have to eat out for every meal. Plan for a night in with food, drinks, and games!
Games and Entertainment: DIY trivia, scavenger hunts, or karaoke nights are so fun!
Plan for transportation: If you have a big group it may not be a good idea to rely on ridesharing. Look into public transportation, or book activities with transportation included.
Prioritize experiences: Focus on the experiences that are most important. Maybe you book one slightly more expensive event and then more budget-friendly activities for the rest of the trip.
Deals and Special Offers: Keep an eye out for deals and special offers from airlines, hotels, and other travel companies. Sign up for newsletters or follow them on social media.
Group Discounts: Check for group discounts on activities you plan to do. Many places offer special rates for large groups.
Local Events and Festivals: Research any free or low-cost festivals or events happening during your trip.
Daytime Activities: Plan daytime activities that are budget-friendly like hiking, food and drink tours, or have a beach day.
Keep It Simple: The most important part of a bachelorette party is spending time with the bride-to-be and having fun together. Focus on keeping things simple.
Who is supposed to pay for The bachelorette trip?
Traditionally, the responsibility of paying for the bachelorette trip falls on the bachelorette party guests. But it’s important to have open communication and consideration of the financial situations of everyone involved. Ultimately, this is the bride’s party so their wishes are the only ones that truly matter. Here are some options to consider:
Equal Contribution: In many cases, all attendees, including the bridesmaids contribute equally to cover the costs of the bachelorette trip.
Bridesmaids Cover Bride’s Expenses: Sometimes, the bridesmaids may take on the responsibility of covering the bride’s expenses for the bachelorette trip. This could include the bride’s transportation, accommodations, and activities.
Splitting the Bride’s Costs: This is when all attendees contribute to cover the bride’s expenses equally, reducing the financial burden on the bridesmaids.
Bride Pays Her Own Way: In some cases, the bride may choose to cover their own expenses for the bachelorette trip. This decision might be made if the bride wants to ensure that the event is affordable for everyone or because they prefer to handle their own costs.
Just remember that there’s no right or wrong way to go about this. For my bachelorette party, I decided to pay for the favors because I wanted to keep the costs down for everyone else. Many people were appalled by this, but it was my decision and I don’t regret it.
How many nights do you need for a bachelorette trip?
The number of nights needed for a bachelorette trip is dependent on many factors like the destination, the activities planned, and everyone’s preferences. It’s important to communicate with everyone to find a timeframe that works for everyone’s schedules and budget.
Ultimately, this is about the bride, and not everyone is going to agree on everything. At the end of the day, the bride’s preferences should be the ones most considered.
Bachelorette Trip Ideas on a Budget
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, Louisiana, is an absolute blast for a budget-friendly bachelorette party! This city knows how to have fun. From the lively music scene to amazing cuisine, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.
The iconic French Quarter, bars and clubs, lively street musicians, haunted bar crawls, and delicious beignets and po’boys are just a few of the many activities available. The most affordable time to visit New Orleans is during July-September.
Austin, TX
Austin, Texas, is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and has a ton of options for fun daytime and nightlife fun. From iconic music bars on Sixth Street to outdoor concerts in Zilker Park.
Explore the scenic trails and swimming holes in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, or take a dip in the natural springs at Barton Springs Pool. Visit the funky and eclectic South Congress neighborhood, where you’ll find unique shops, street art, and affordable food trucks.
The most affordable time to visit Austin for affordability and fewer crowds is during its shoulder seasons: late fall (October to November) and early spring (March to April).
Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon, is known for its food carts, craft breweries, and outdoor activities. Explore the trendy Pearl District or bohemian Hawthorne or enjoy Portland’s food cart scene. The most affordable time to visit Portland is from November to February.
San Juan, PR
San Juan, Puerto Rico has a blend of tropical beaches, culture, and historic charm. Puerto Rico is a United States territory so a passport is not required for U.S. citizens. The city’s stunning beaches, such as Condado Beach and Isla Verde Beach, offer free and affordable relaxation.
You can’t beat San Juan’s nightlife scene with so many bars and nightclubs from Distrito T-Mobile to La Placita. The most affordable time to visit San Juan is between August and November.
Need help planning? Check out this Puerto Rico itinerary.
Nashville, TN
Nashville, Tennessee, is the perfect mix of Southern charm with a lively music scene. It’s of course known as the “Music City,” Nashville, and renowned for its live music venues and country music heritage. There are so many entertainment options it’s not hard to find affordable things to do.
The artsy East Nashville neighborhood, trolley, and tractor tours, farmer’s markets are all fun and affordable activities. The most affordable time to visit Nashville is between November and March.
Don’t forget to check out this Nashville itinerary!
Shenandoah Valley, VA
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, is a hidden gem and an excellent destination for a budget-friendly bachelorette trip. The valley is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains the perfect backdrop for a bachelorette party.
Napa Valley has nothing on the Shenandoah Valley which is home to numerous wineries, breweries, and cideries with many offering tastings and tours. You’ll love the region’s farm-to-table culture and visiting charming towns like Staunton. The most affordable time to visit Shenandoah Valley is late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October).
If you need more reasons to visit Shenandoah Valley, check out my Girls Trip to Shenandoah Valley blog post.
Portland, ME
Wait did we already talk about this one? Nope, there’s another Portland that would make the perfect location for a bachelorette trip on a budget. Portland, Maine has a charming coastal setting and delicious seafood.
Portland has plenty of affordable outdoor activities like a scenic ferry ride to the nearby islands, like Peaks Island or a sunset cruise. The most affordable time to visit Portland, Maine is March, April, or May.
Savannah, GA
Savannah, Georgia, has the perfect mix of Southern Charm and fun nightlife making it a great option for a bachelorette trip. The lively River Street and City Market have plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Savannah also offers numerous low-cost or free activities. Stroll through Forsyth Park, go on a haunted bar crawl, or hop on a trolley tour. The most affordable times to visit Savannah are during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October).
If that isn’t enough to convince you, check out this blog post 7 Reasons Why a Girls Trip to Savannah Should be on your Bucket List.
Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, is perfect for a bachelorette party for its Southern charm, historic landmarks, and beautiful beaches. The city’s historic landmarks, such as the Battery and Rainbow Row, offer free and scenic spots for photo ops.
Charleston’s stunning beaches, like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms, are great options for sunbathing and activities like paddleboarding or surfing. The most affordable times to visit Charleston are during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October).
You may also want to check out this Charleston, SC itinerary.
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe, New Mexico’s southwestern culture and outdoor adventures make it a great option for a bachelorette party. You can take a stroll through the colorful streets and enjoy live performances by local musicians.
Take a hike in the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains or explore the stunning landscapes of Bandelier National Monument. The city’s central Plaza is a hub of free and low-cost things to do from open-air concerts to local art markets The most affordable time to visit Santa Fe is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October).
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale, Florida may not seem like a budget-friendly destination for a bachelorette party, but it’s actually a great option. It’s the perfect blend of beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and fun activities.
Fort Lauderdale has plenty of options for bars, clubs, and lounges, many of which have affordable drink specials and free cover. Las Olas Boulevard is full of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The most affordable time to visit Fort Lauderdale is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October).
If you’re looking for some help with planning check out this Fort Lauderdale Bachelorette itinerary.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona, Arizona, is a captivating destination for a bachelorette trip with its breathtaking desert landscape and stunning red rock formations which make for the perfect Instagram posts! Sedona’s natural beauty is perfect for budget-friendly outdoor experiences. Visit the scenic Oak Creek Canyon, enjoy some wine tours, or simply relax by the creekside.
The most affordable time to visit Sedona is during the shoulder seasons of late fall (October to November) or early spring (March to April). If you’ll be in Sedona, you may want to check out nearby Scottsdale. I’ve got a Girls Weekend in Scottsdale, AZ post for you to check out!
Montreal, QC
Montreal, Canada offers a vibrant mix of European charm and fun nightlife. The city’s Old Montreal district with cobblestone streets and charming cafes is the perfect photo op with your bachelorette squad.
Montreal’s culinary scene is filled with affordable and delicious food from various cultures at local markets, food trucks, and casual eateries. The lively nightlife offers plenty of bars and clubs. The most affordable time to visit Montreal is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October).
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, Canada, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban adventures. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the stunning Pacific coastline, Vancouver provides plenty of free and low-cost outdoor activities. Check out this Vancouver, itinerary for ideas!
Vancouver also has a great culinary scene from food trucks to bustling markets there are plenty of options on a budget. The most affordable time to visit Vancouver is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October).
Quebec City, QC
Quebec City, Canada, is a charming and budget-friendly destination for a bachelorette trip, offering Old World European charm with the city’s cobblestone streets and quaint architecture. Quebec City’s historic district, Old Quebec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many free and low-cost things to do, including exploring the iconic Château Frontenac or wandering through the charming Petit Champlain district.
Quebec City’s culinary scene is perfect for foodies on a budget. From sampling traditional dishes like poutine and tourtière to enjoying delicious pastries and crepes at local cafes. The most affordable time to visit Quebec City is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October).
Toronto, Ont
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has something for everyone, with many free or low-cost activities perfect for a bachelorette party on a budget. You can explore the charming Distillery District or enjoy the city’s diverse food scene. The city also has many free events and festivals throughout the year.
The most affordable time to visit Toronto is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October).
Bachelorette Party Cruise
If you want to take most of the “planning” out of planning a bachelorette party then taking a cruise is a fantastic and budget-friendly idea. Cruises offer an all-in-one experience with activities, entertainment, and exotic destinations conveniently in one package.
Many cruise lines offer affordable options specifically designed for group travel, making it easy to plan and coordinate your bachelorette party. Onboard activities such as poolside parties, live shows, and themed events ensure there’s always something fun to do! Plus it’s easier to budget for a cruise because all of the essential expenses are covered like accommodations, entertainment, and food.
Some popular cruise lines that offer affordable options for bachelorette parties include Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean International. These cruise lines provide a mix of affordability, entertainment, and itineraries so you can tailor your bachelorette experience to suit your budget and preferences.
Want to Travel More for Less?
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