By Martha Williams, Dailymail.Com
May 23, 2024 02:52, updated May 23, 2024 14:55
- A recent study by Optimos Travel found the cheapest vacation spots in the United States to be
- The top-ranked destination will cost you just $1,237 for a one-week trip
The cheapest vacation destination in the United States has been announced, and the winner is not only luxurious, but also cheap at just $91.44 per night.
A recent survey by Optimos Travel selected the best spots for the most bang for your buck in the US.
1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Taking the top spot is the Outer Banks, a collection of islands that line the coast of the US state of North Carolina.
The Outer Banks is famous for its open ocean beaches, state parks, and shipwreck diving sites, making it the perfect place for a spring or summer vacation for the whole family.
According to the study, an Outer Banks vacation costs about $177 per day, or about $1,237 for a week-long stay.
“We ranked the Outer Banks as the least expensive destination that combines Atlantic Ocean charm with affordability,” the company said in its findings.
“With a minimum room rate of $91.44, meals of $60, and attractions of $11.27, the daily cost per person is just $177. A week’s stay here… for a family of four [comes out] At just $3,247.90, it proves that paradise doesn’t have to cost a fortune.”
Aaron Tuell of the Outer Banks Tourism Board said the spot has become especially popular with travelers since the hit Netflix series began airing in April 2020, joking that it’s been great publicity for the region.
Tuell acknowledged that he thinks the TV show starring Chase Stokes and Madeline Cline has brought a lot of new people to the Outer Banks.
He told Fox 5 that the show raised global awareness of the “big secret” of the value of vacationing on the Outer Banks.
“The Outer Banks has never been better,” he said. “We’ve seen a surge in growth and then it’s slowly starting to get back to normal.”
Tuell said local businesses, property management companies and hotels have been able to perfect their business models to provide visitors with a great vacation experience.
“Ours is a family-run property,” Tuell said, adding that officials have devised a plan to ensure it maintains its roots as the Outer Banks expands and changes over the coming decades.
2. Charleston, West Virginia
Number two on the list was Charleston, West Virginia, with weekly costs of about $1,242.
The riverside city of Charleston is the state’s capital and boasts a rich history and growing arts scene, making it the perfect place to vacation.
Visitors can stroll down scenic Capitol Street, listen to the sounds of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and reconnect with nature at Kanawha State Forest.
The city is known for its light and fluffy cornbread and bean combination as a staple food.
Vacationers often stop at Charleston’s Capital Market, a large, open shopping area with fresh produce, bakery products, select meats, and small businesses.
For those who love the outdoors, Kanawha State Forest is the perfect place for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The length of the forest is about 40 km.
Another popular attraction in Charleston is the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.
This two-story memorial honors more than 10,000 West Virginia veterans from the 20th century. The outdoor memorial is free to visit and open daily.
3. Helen, Georgia
Coming in third is Helen, Georgia, with an average cost per person of just $1,297.
Americans dreaming of traveling to Germany on a budget would be delighted to visit this southern city known for its Bavarian architecture and “authentic German food.”
The town is also known as the “Heart of Northeast Georgia,” and travelers can spend their time tubing, biking, wine tasting at nearby wineries, and more.
Helen Tubing & Waterpark and Cool River Tubing are popular summer outdoor destinations where people spend the day floating down the river.
The stunning waterfall known as Anna Ruby Falls also attracts many tourists. This fun spot is made up of two waterfalls and is named for Anna Ruby Nichols, the daughter of John H. Nichols, who created the falls.
Helen is also known for its annual Oktoberfest, filled with German-inspired food and drinks and polka dancers. The festival begins with a parade in early September, and the festival itself runs from September until October.
The town also hosts the region’s oldest hot air balloon event each summer. This year, the 51st Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival will be held from May 30th to June 1st.
Other destinations on the list included Sedona, Arizona, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Vacationing in Sedona costs about $1,156 per week on average. According to Sedona.net, January to mid-February is the cheapest time to visit this desert town.
A week-long trip to Cape Cod costs approximately $1,282 per person, including lodging, transportation, meals, and sightseeing.
The best time to visit the peninsula is in the fall, as many people flock to the beach areas during the summer.
