The cheapest holiday destinations in the USA

by Fulvia Montresor on 29 July 2011  |  3 comments
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Find out about the most affordable destinations in the United States to visit this summer.

Still considering where to go this summer? Considering the strength of the pound against the dollar, our top tip would be a trip to the USA.  According to research by Hotwire.com, which ranks US destinations according to their transportation costs, average hotel prices and entertainment and activity costs, here are the best value destinations in the United States to visit this summer:

Texas: Dallas

With news that the 80s TV show Dallas is set to return to our screens, the timing couldn’t be better to visit this modern and sophisticated city.  Dallas takes the number one spot for value on the US Summer Getaway’s list. Dallas tops the list because it offers amazing discounts on a wide variety of quality 4 and 5-star hotels and has plenty of affordable entertainment options. 

Throughout the city, you can enjoy some of the best shopping in the southwest, top tier restaurants and the largest urban arts district in the country.  You can also take part in year-round sports like hiking and biking trails connecting White Rock Lakes and White Rock Creek Park or you visit the Texas Wild exhibit at the Fort Worth Zoo and plenty of museums for free. Blend in moderate weather, true Southern hospitality and average room rates around £30 per room, per night* and you have yourself a great holiday experience.  

Arizona, Phoenix

Phoenix isn’t the first place everyone thinks of when considering a US holiday, but if you are looking for an action packed break with low prices on world-class hotels and resorts, Phoenix is a good option.

Whether you’re into horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing Phoenix has something for everyone. Thrill seekers can soar above the desert plateau in a glider, sailplane or hot-air balloon. Holidaymakers that don’t want to miss out on water sports can also choose from water skiing, sailing, fishing and tubing in the region’s lakes and rivers.

Many hotels have water park attraction facilities attached to keep children cool and entertained and notable attractions include free and low priced museums, the South Mountain Park and the Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix is also home to more than 200 golf courses - although you’ll have to play in the morning to escape the heat of the sun in the afternoon!

The average cost of a room in Phoenix this summer should be around £29 per night*.

Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Miami

Whether you are after some family fun, sun, sea and sand or exciting nightlife, Florida has it all. For families with kids, Orlando offers guaranteed hot summers and hosts the biggest and best amusement parks in the world. From the wonder of Disney World, to the excitement of Universal Studios, Sea World, and other attractions, there is always something for the whole family to enjoy. And with most Americans choosing to holiday elsewhere prices are quite appealing. The average hotel costs around £29 per room, per night*.

Tampa has a unique blend of urban excitement, beautiful natural surroundings, and low prices. You can take your pick of dozens of pristine golf courses overlooking beautiful blue waters or relax on gorgeous sugar white beaches and enjoy seemingly endless spectacular sunsets. You will soon realise why Tampa is ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes. And better yet, the average cost of a room in Tampa this summer is only around £35 per room, per night*.  

Miami, affectionately known as ‘the Las Vegas of the South-East’, offers great nightlife, easy access to the Everglades and Florida Keys, and fantastic beaches. Better yet you can enjoy all Miami has to offer without breaking budget –  average room prices look to be around £55 per night this summer.

California: San Francisco and the Bay Area

In a city surrounded by water and with such a distinctive skyline, San Francisco is perfect for budgeting couples looking for an inexpensive way to explore a romantic, sun-drenched metropolis. There are a plethora of low-cost and free things to see and do in this magical city. You can visit a selection of eclectic shops, national parks, interesting museums and romantic beauty spots such as Crissy Field. But just a short drive away, the surrounding Bay Area is a veritable playground for lovers of all ages.

If you’re looking for that perfect romantic location to pop the question, it would be difficult to beat the views of Marin Headlands, Northside of the Golden Gate Bridge or the Palace of Fine Arts, with its beautiful classical-style columns and lakes of white swans. Or if you are looking for something more unique, you could take a short drive to Napa Valley, California’s stunning wine country where there are plenty of great value tours, including horse back and bicycle tasting tours.

Average room prices in San Francisco are going for as little as £90 per room, per night*.

Louisiana: New Orleans

New Orleans is the festival capital of the world and has dozens of festivals planned for summer celebrating food, music and the heritage of the city; making it the perfect destination for holiday makers looking for a lively and cultured getaway.

You'll find great music at the New Orleans Essence Music Fest and three days of outdoor concerts, music history seminars, jazz exhibits and local food at Satchmo Summer Fest. And if you’re the more active traveler, you can get your running shoes on and prepare to be chased through the French Quarter by the Big Easy "RollerBulls" as New Orleans harmlessly duplicates the thrill of San Fermin, Spain's Running of the Bulls.

Experiencing the festivities need not cost a fortune, as average room rates are around £55 per night*.

Enjoy!

* Prices are based on Hotwire.com bookings made from 1/4/11-30/6/11 for stay between July and August.