Budget Planning

North America can be an expensive area to travel, but if you plan ahead and make some smart decisions you can definitely cut down on your costs. Cities, particularly the larger ones, are quite expensive. A more affordable way to see the United States is to do a National Park trip. Buy a National Park pass which will give you access to all parks for free. If you carry a tent, your accommodation will be very cheap, and you can cook your own meals. You'll also be staying in some of the most beautiful settings in the area. If you do want to visit cities, look into hostels. Most larger cities have hostels with kitchens where you can cook your own meals. Also, look at websites that announce free, local events. This way you can experience the true culture in the city without spending big bucks.

Things to Do

National Parks: The United states and Canada both have some incredible national parks. Some of the most famous, like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Banff and the Grand Canyon, are breathtakingly beautiful, but they can also be quite crowded. If you're traveling around the country, try to hit some of the less frequently visited parks as well. This will help you see the country in more depth, and you'll have an all around better experience.
Urban Areas: There are some great, diverse, and enriching cities throughout North America. Because of this region's large size, it's best to pick a small area to explore. If you're interested in doing a city tour, you might consider eastern Canada, where cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec each offer its own atmosphere and feel. In the northeast United States, you could easily hope from Boston to New York and Washington DC. Alternatively, you could head to the west coast and center your trip around Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. Even within these regions you are still covering great distances. Plane flights are likely necessary, but it is a great way to see some of the most impressive cities in North America.
Beaches: The coasts in North America range from dramatic cliffs to beautiful white sandy beaches. Perhaps Florida is the most famous area for sandy beaches, where places like Miami, Key West, and Destin all have beautiful beaches and warm, blue water. Less well known, but also beautiful are the beaches near Charleston, S.C. and along the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The California coastline is unique in that the dramatic mountains rise up from the earth at the edge of the water. These beaches may be more dramatic, but the frigid water makes swimming far less comfortable. They do offer the biggest waves though, so they are some of the best bets for surfers. If you're looking for a more tropical setting head to Cancun or Cozumel in Mexico. You can easily find some good deals on some resorts, particularly in the low season.
Skiing: Ski Resorts dot the Rocky Mountains up and down the United States and Canada. Skiing can be an expensive hobby, but if you plan to be a regular, consider investing in your own equipment. Also, pick a location near your home and purchase a season pass. Some of the top ski resorts in North America include Whistler, Vail, and Park City, Utah.
Amusement Parks: The United States is the land of Disney, so of course Orlando, Florida is a top tourist destination. If you're an amusement park buff, there are Six Flags Parks in many major cities. If your goal is to visit some great amusement parks, definitely visit during the summer when the parks are fully open. Most parks have a waterpark component which closes when the weather becomes cold.

Budget Travel Destinations

Mexico is the most affordable country in North America. Canada and the United States are comparable in cost. The most affordable cities are often the less popular. If you plan to visit some of the more expensive cities, definitely build the expense into your budget. Use public transportation whenever possible. Perhaps the most affordable touristy city in the United States is Washington, DC. Most of the sites and events are free. There are also many reasonably priced places to stay.

Transportation Budget

Traveling around North America can be very expensive. Because it is such a large area, you will have to fly to cover any great distance. There is essentially no public transportation in many parts of the country, so it may be necessary to rent a car. The best way to keep transportation costs down is to pick one small region to visit and do that area in depth, particularly if you are short on time.