Mid-Range Travel Guide: Traverse City

Accommodation

$120-250 per night

Mid-range hotels, vacation rental private rooms, boutique inns, chain hotels with amenities

Food & Dining

$50-85 per day

Mix of casual dining restaurants, wine tastings, local breweries, some upscale meals

Transportation

$30-65 per day

Rental car for day trips, regular rideshare use, occasional taxi service

Activities

$60-120 per day

Winery tours, boat excursions, paid attractions, guided activities, cultural experiences

Visit during shoulder seasons (late fall or early spring) for 25-40% savings on accommodation

Shop at local grocery stores and farmers markets instead of tourist areas for 40-60% food savings

Book vacation rentals with kitchens for self-catering, typically saving $30-50 per day on meals

Use free outdoor activities like beaches, hiking trails, and state parks instead of paid attractions

Buy wine directly from vineyards rather than restaurants for 50-70% savings on bottles

Stay outside downtown core and drive in for 30-50% accommodation savings

Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants, typically 20-40% off food and drinks

Only eating in downtown tourist areas instead of local neighborhoods (typically 50-100% markup)

Not renting a car for exploring wineries and attractions outside the city (missing better value experiences)

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak summer season (can cost 2-3x more)

Buying wine at restaurants instead of tasting rooms or retail stores (typically 200-300% markup)