America’s most affordable travel destinations this summer revealed

Americans looking for a low-cost vacation this summer should consider a trip to Atlanta, GA – a place usually reserved for layovers.

The Southern city came out top on a ranking of the best and most affordable vacations for overstretched households this summer. 

A report by Wallethub estimates eight in ten US citizens plan to travel this summer while 42 percent will take more than one trip.

But red-hot inflation and record-high interest rates means affordability has never been more important.    

Researchers analyzed 100 of the largest metro areas around 41 key indicators.

The data was set on factors such as cheap flight costs, number of attractions, and the average price of meals.

Out of the 100 locations that WalletHub concluded were the best places to visit, the most affordable ones to look out for this year include Georgia, Florida, and Hawaii. 

Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia is the home of one of the largest airports in the US and it’s been named the best summer travel destination.

One of the main reasons behind its ranking is its cheapest flights from major cities not requiring a connection.

WalletHub found that airline tickets to Atlanta can cost as low as $278.

Atlanta is full of family and adult friendly entertainment, and one of its latest last call times at bars was 4:00 in the morning.

Washington, DC

The Washington, DC metro area has been ranked the second-best travel destination and the safest place to travel this summer.

One plane ticket from other major cites will cost at least $331, according to WalletHub.

Washington, DC is the nation’s capital, and it’s home to popular attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial and The White House.

The area is also full of museums, recreational activities, and affordable restaurants that will make a Washington, DC trip one to remember.

Orlando

Orlando, Florida is the third-best summer destination, and the home of the most magical place on Earth – Disney World.

The cheapest flights out of Orlando to major cities have zero connections and one plane ticket could only cost $308.

The city also has the lowest nightly rate for three-star hotels, and like Washington, DC, Orlando is full of affordable restaurants.

One part of Orlando’s high rating is also the amount of tourist attractions there are, including waterparks and boat tours.

Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii has a high ranking in more than one WalletHub list this season.

Not only is it the fourth-best summer destination this year, but it’s also has the second lowest travel costs and one of the highest local costs.

This is a touristy hot spot for travelers who are looking to relax on a beach, but flight tickets are on the pricey side, with some starting at over $400.

However, its airport does offer connecting flights to all other islands in Hawaii.

Tampa

Tampa is the fifth-best summer destination this year despite its hot and humid temperatures all year round.

June to August are usually when the weather is the hottest, which may play a part in what draws tourists into the city.

A roundtrip ticket to Tampa unfortunately is expensive, and most flights will cost between $400 and $500 per traveler.

It is home to some top tourist attractions that are affordable, including Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium. 

Austin

Austin, Texas is a top contender for an affordable trip due to its affordable flight tickets.

Travelers who are looking to spend time in Austin this summer can book a roundtrip flight for less than $200.

It is also in WalletHub’s top 10 list of attractions for tourists of all ages.

However, guests may need to watch out for hotels in Austin due to the usual close proximity from festivals like South by Southwest or Austin City Limits. 

Philadelphia

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was ranked the seventh-best summer destinations, and it has various activities for travelers of all ages.

Tourists can do things like eat a classic Philly cheesesteak, take pictures of the Liberty Bell, or pose in front of the Rocky statue.

However, average round trip flight tickets to Philadelphia only range from $198 to $234 per passenger.

The average cost to stay at a hotel in Philadelphia is $1,055 a week, which is almost the same price as a roundtrip ticket to Honolulu this summer. 

Chicago

Chicago came in as the eighth best place for families to vacation to this summer. 

It scored 61.59 on WalletHub’s index and ranked highly for its local costs and travel prices. 

One popular Chicago tourist spot is the Navy Pier – a family fun pier with various free activities.

El Paso

El Paso in the Texas Metro area was ranked the ninth best summer destination and it even cracked the top 10 in best weather.

However, depending on the time of year, a roundtrip ticket to El Paso could cost up to $350.

Travelers may have a better chance of a more affordable hotel stay in El Paso than Austin since it is not near major events.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio cracked the top 10 summer destinations, and it even made the top 10 in activities.

On average, a roundtrip ticket to Cincinnati only costs $186, and it would likely cost less than $1,000 to stay in a hotel there for the week.

There are a variety of places where tourists can go to enjoy the city, including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Great American Ball Park. and the Cincinnati Art Museum.