Boston

Visiting Boston on a budget is a true test of grit, especially in February when even the 'cheap' options feel pricey. The current vibe is cozy but cold, with travelers huddling in pubs or world-class free museums like the BPL. To survive, you must look toward the few reputable hostels like HI Boston near Chinatown, which offers a rare social hub in a city dominated by expensive hotels. For food, bypass the trendy Seaport and head straight to Quincy Market for snacks or the North End for affordable (and massive) slices of pizza. The best free activity remains the Freedom Trail, a self-guided 2.5-mile walk through history that costs nothing but provides hours of entertainment. You can also utilize the 'T' (subway) to reach Cambridge and walk the Harvard campus for free. A daily budget of $95 is tight here; it covers a bunk bed, two modest counter-service meals, and a day pass for transit. To save money, stick to the grocery stores like Trader Joe's and utilize the city's extensive park system when the late February sun finally peeks out.