Affordable 4-Week USA Adventure: Hawaii, Texas, Utah & New York on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival & Beach Time

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on April 1, 2026

9:00AM

Check in and Relax

Arrive in Honolulu, check into your budget-friendly hostel or friend's place. Rest and get acclimated to the island climate.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Kono's Café

Enjoy a classic Hawaiian breakfast with affordable options like loco moco or pancakes at Kono’s café, opening from 6:30AM to 2:30PM.
USD10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Waikiki Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing at the iconic Waikiki Beach, a free and beautiful spot perfect for swimming and people-watching.
USD0, 3 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ala Moana Center

Walk around Ala Moana Center, an open-air mall with shops and food courts, great for window shopping and a light bite.
USD0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Helena's Hawaiian Food

Sample authentic Hawaiian dishes at Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a budget favorite open until 8PM.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Explore Nature

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on April 2, 2026

7:00AM

Breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee

Start your day with coffee and acai bowls from Island Vintage Coffee, open from 7AM.
USD12, 1 hour

8:00AM

Hike Diamond Head

Hike up Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic views of Honolulu. Entrance fee is $5 and the hike takes about 2 hours roundtrip.
USD5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Honolulu Museum of Art

Explore the art collection showcasing Asian and Hawaiian art. Open 10AM-4PM, admission is $20 but discounts for students apply.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ono Seafood

Grab fresh poke bowls at Ono Seafood, a budget-friendly and local favorite.
USD12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Lanikai Beach

Take a short bus ride to the stunning Lanikai Beach, known for its turquoise water and white sand.
USD2, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Pig and The Lady

Enjoy innovative yet affordable Vietnamese fusion dishes at The Pig and The Lady, open till 9PM.
USD18, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Explore More Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on April 3, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at Leonard's Bakery

Taste their famous malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) for a sweet start, bakery opens at 6AM.
USD8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tour Iolani Palace

Visit the only royal palace in the US, open 9AM-4PM with tours costing $25.
USD25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bishop Museum

Delve into Hawaiian culture and history at the Bishop Museum, open 9AM-5PM. Admission $24.
USD24, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rainbow Drive-In

Enjoy classic Hawaiian plate lunches at this budget-friendly spot open till 8PM.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Afternoon Surf Lesson

Book an affordable group surf lesson at Waikiki Beach; typical cost around $50 for 2 hours.
USD50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Casual Dinner Near Hostel

Find local food trucks or inexpensive eateries near your accommodation for a light, budget-friendly dinner.
USD10, 1 hour

Day 4: Travel to Dallas

Honolulu to Dallas, USA on April 4, 2026

9:00AM

Breakfast & Check Out

Have breakfast locally and prepare for your flight to Dallas. Budget around $10 for breakfast.
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Flight from Honolulu to Dallas

Book an economy flight with possible stopover in Los Angeles or Phoenix to minimize cost, expect 8-10 hours travel with layover included.
USD300, 10 hours

10:00PM

Arrive in Dallas & Settle In

Check-in at friend's place or hostel. Rest after the long journey.
USD0, Rest

Day 5: Dallas with Friends

Dallas, Texas, USA on April 5, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hypnotic Donuts

Start the day with colorful, delicious donuts and coffee, open from 7AM.
USD8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit The Sixth Floor Museum

Explore the JFK assassination history at this popular museum, open 10AM-6PM, admission $18.
USD18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pecan Lodge

Enjoy famous Dallas BBQ with budget-friendly plates, open 11AM-3PM.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk in Klyde Warren Park

Relax at this urban park with food trucks and occasional live events, free entry.
USD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner With Friends

Enjoy a home-cooked or affordable restaurant dinner arranged by your friends.
USD0-15, 2 hours

Day 6: Dallas Exploration

Dallas, Texas, USA on April 6, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Brazil

Visit this cozy café offering affordable breakfast options, open from 7AM.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Stroll through this beautiful garden, open 9AM-5PM, entry fee $17.
USD17, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Velvet Taco

Try creative and budget-friendly tacos at Velvet Taco, open 11AM-9PM.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Explore exciting exhibits, open 10AM-5PM, tickets $20.
USD20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fuel City Tacos

Grab some of Dallas’s best street tacos at Fuel City, open late and budget-friendly.
USD8, 1 hour

Day 7: Travel to Salt Lake City

Dallas to Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on April 7, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast & Pack

Fuel up with breakfast and prepare for the flight to Salt Lake City.
USD10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to Salt Lake City

Take an economy flight from Dallas to Salt Lake City, approximately 3 hours flying time.
USD150, 3 hours

3:00PM

Arrive & Meet Friends

Check into your friend’s place and relax after travel.
USD0, Rest

6:00PM

Dinner with Friends

Enjoy a homemade meal or go to a budget local place your friends recommend.
USD0-15, 2 hours

Day 8: Explore Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on April 8, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Rose Establishment

A boutique coffeehouse with great affordable breakfast, open from 7AM.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Temple Square Tour

Visit the iconic Temple Square, free tours available 9AM-6PM.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Red Iguana

Try authentic and budget-friendly Mexican cuisine, open till 9PM.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike at Ensign Peak

A short hike offering great views of the city, free and open all day.
USD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

Savor affordable genuine Neapolitan pizza, open until 9PM.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Day Trip Options

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on April 9, 2026

7:00AM

Breakfast at Red Rocks Café

Local favorite for breakfast and coffee, budget friendly and opens early.
USD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Day Trip to Antelope Island State Park

Explore wildlife and scenic views in this free-entry state park about 45 mins from downtown, bring packed lunch.
USD0, 6 hours

2:00PM

Return & Rest

Head back to Salt Lake City and relax.
USD0, Rest

6:00PM

Dinner at City Café

Affordable diner-style food near downtown, open until 9PM.
USD12, 1 hour

Day 10: Fly to NYC

Salt Lake City to New York City, USA on April 10, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast & Pack

Grab breakfast and prepare for your flight to NYC, budget options close to the hostel or friend's location.
USD10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to NYC

Fly economy flight approx 5-6 hours to New York with possible layovers to reduce cost.
USD180, 6 hours

5:00PM

Arrive & Settle In

Check into your NYC hostel or friend's place and rest.
USD0, Rest

7:00PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Enjoy one of NYC’s best budget pizza spots, open until late.
USD8, 1 hour

Day 11: Explore Manhattan

New York City, New York, USA on April 11, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Try New York-style bagels with affordable prices, open from 7AM.
USD8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Central Park Walk & Visit

Enjoy Central Park’s greenery and landmarks, free and beautiful for a morning stroll.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit The Met

Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art, pay-what-you-wish entry, open from 10AM.
USD0, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Halal Guys

Budget-friendly and iconic NYC street food, open till late.
USD10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk Fifth Avenue & Rockefeller Center

Explore famous shopping streets and landmarks, free unless shopping.
USD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Enjoy affordable Chinese food in Chinatown, numerous budget restaurants open until late.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 12: Iconic NYC

New York City, New York, USA on April 12, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at Clinton St. Baking Company

Famous for pancakes but slightly pricier; budget accordingly, opens at 8AM.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Take the morning ferry tour (ticket about $24) to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
USD24, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen

Experience classic NYC deli sandwiches at moderate prices, open until 10PM.
USD15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Walk the High Line & Chelsea Market

Enjoy this elevated park and casual browsing at Chelsea Market, free to walk, food and shopping at own expense.
USD0, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mamoun's Falafel

Affordable Middle Eastern food, open until 2AM.
USD10, 1 hour

Day 13: Final NYC Day

New York City, New York, USA on April 13, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

Affordable breakfast with great bagels, open from 7AM.
USD8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore modern art, pay-what-you-wish on Fridays 4-8PM, otherwise $25 admission.
USD0-25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC Flatiron

Sample various affordable Italian meals within the food hall, open 10:30AM-10PM.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Times Square & Broadway Area

Window shop and experience the buzzing atmosphere, free to explore.
USD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Shake Shack

Enjoy a casual meal at Shake Shack before departure night, open until midnight.
USD15, 1 hour

Day 14: Departure

New York City to Australia on April 14, 2026

8:00AM

Pack & Breakfast

Have a light breakfast at the hostel or nearby café before departing to the airport.
USD8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Travel to Airport

Head to JFK or Newark airport for your flight back to Australia.
USD50, 2 hours