Money’s second annual Best in Travel Awards announced the best domestic travel cities based on travel experience for the value. The top 10 U.S destinations' weekly costs were determined by average airfare, a week’s hotel stay, transportation, meals and activities for two.
Money worked with a number of data partners including J.D. Power and fellow Time Inc. publication Travel + Leisure when determining travel services.Yearly price changes in average airfares and hotel costs were considered to ensure the best value for the current market for the list.
Vacations can end up being more expensive than people realize. For example, in a 2017 Learn Vest Money Habits and Confessions survey 74 percent of respondents said their debt increased an average $1,108 to pay for a vacation. According to Value Penguin, on average travelers can expect to spend about $581 for about four nights for lodging on vacation. The average cost per day ran about $144.
Meanwhile, average hotel-night costs in 2017 were around $128, says Statista.com. Average airfare could set you back $354, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Car rental averages vary by preferred vehicle choice; an economy rental will cost $45-$65 per day, while traveling in luxury will cost $80 per day and up.
The following top 10 cities offer the best travel experience for quality, cost and value, says Money. Only one location was chosen from each state.
10. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Total cost a week for two: $2,085
Home to the University of Michigan, this college town offers several free cultural attractions: The University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the Kelsey Museum of Archeology.