El Paso

Enjoying your holiday in El Paso need not be expensive

The city of El Paso is located in El Paso County in the state of Texas. It is the state’s sixth largest city and the 19th largest city in the country. It had a total population of 649,121 at the time of the 2010 US census. Often referred to as the Sun City, El Paso is one of those Southwestern cities that are becoming one of the country’s developing urban centers. Oil, mining and military defense industries are the contributors to its strong economy, with the Fort Bliss military installation providing the biggest boost.

The comfortably hot climate of El Paso allows a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities all year round. The Franklin Mountains that border the city not only provide a picturesque backdrop, but offers a lot of hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities. The Rio Grande river provides an aquatic wonderland if you prefer water adventure for the entire family. You can also check out the parks and museums where admission is free.

City Highlight: El Paso offers reasonably-priced accommodations (i.e. Travelodge El Paso Airport and America’s Best Value Inn) and cheap dining places (i.e. Papa John’s Pizza, Fuddruckers and Chili’s Grill and Bar), making it one of America’s most affordable cities to visit.

Seeing City Attractions on a Low Budget

Going up the Franklin Mountains at night is a memorable sightseeing opportunity. You can see the entire city of El Paso all the way to Ciudad Juarez light up like a cluster of stars. You can also hike up the mountain through Transmountain Road along a steep trail teeming with desert plants and wildlife. Near the top, you will be rewarded by a breathtaking view and you can see as far as New Mexico and even Mexico, an unforgettable experience that you enjoy by paying a nominal fee or giving a donation for the use of the trail.

The Museum of Archeology at Wilderness Park features historic artifacts and life-like reconstruction of ancient life. It has trails that run through 15 acres of land to give you a scenic view of the Franklin Mountains as well as over 250 local species of plants. Admission is free. If you are more culturally inclined, the Second Floor Gallery highlights the work of rising local artists from El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.

The PX at Fort Bliss is the biggest of its kind in the world. The stores close to the base have a lot of low-priced military surplus if you are interested in such items.

Budget Hotels in El Paso

For a popular tourist destination, you will be surprised (and pleased) that there are a lot of El Paso hotels where you can stay with nightly rates that are friendly to the pocket. Guests at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham El Paso Airport receive free parking, high-speed internet access, gym facilities, pool, and free breakfast buffet daily. Pets are allowed in this hotel. The Camino Real El Paso features a business center, fitness gym, on-site restaurant, free internet access, airport shuttle service, and more. The El Paso Marriott has smoke-free rooms and offers free parking, a fitness center, on-site restaurant, pool, and high-speed internet access. Other excellent hotels that come at the same price range include Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport, La Quinta Inn & Suites El Paso, Hilton Garden Inn El Paso, and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.