The cheapest vacation destinations in the United States have been revealed, and the winner is not only beautiful but costs as little as $91.44 a night.
A recent study of Optimos Travel is named one of the best travel hotspots in the United States where you can get the most bang for your buck.
1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Taking first place is the Outer Banks – a line of islands on the coast of the American state of North Carolina.
The Outer Banks are famous for their deep-sea beaches, national parks and wreck diving sites, which make them an ideal spring or summer vacation spot for the whole family.
According to the study, vacationing in the Outer Banks costs about $177 per day, meaning a week's stay would cost about $1,237.
The Outer Banks, named the cheapest vacation destination, are famous for their deep-sea beaches, national parks and wreck diving sites.
“We ranked the Outer Banks as the least expensive destination, where Atlantic appeal meets affordability,” the company shared in its findings.
“With the lowest lodging costs at $91.44, combined with meals at $60 and attractions totaling $11.27, the daily cost per person comes to just $177. A week-long stay here…for a family of four (comes out) for just $3,247.90, proving that paradise doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Aaron Tuell, of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, said the location became particularly popular with travelers after the hit Netflix series hit screens in April 2020, which he said was an excellent promotion for the region.
Tuell admitted he thought the TV show, starring Chase Stokes and Madelyn Clyne, brought a lot of new people to the Outer Banks.
He said Fox5 that the show made the world aware of the “big secret” that is the value you get with a vacation to the Outer Banks.
“The Outer Banks have never been better,” he said. “We saw crazy growth and started to get back to normal.”
Tuell said local businesses, property management companies and hotels have been able to perfect their business models and create a great vacation experience for visitors.
“Our homes are family properties,” Tuell said – adding that the Bureau has developed a plan to ensure the Outer Banks stays true to its roots as it grows and changes over the coming decades.
2. Charleston, West Virginia
Coming in second on the list is Charleston, West Virginia (pictured), which costs around $1,242 per week.
Coming in second on the list is Charleston, West Virginia, which costs around $1,242 per week.
The riverside city of Charleston is the state capital and has a rich history and growth art scene, making it an ideal vacation spot.
Visitors can stroll scenic Capitol Street, listen to the sounds of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, or reconnect with nature in the Kanawha State Forest.
The city is known for its staple food combination of light, fluffy cornbread and beans.
Vacationers often stop at Charleston's Capital Market, a large, open shopping area filled with fresh produce, bakeries, a selection of meats, and small businesses.
For those who love the outdoors, Kanawha State Forest is a great destination for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The forest is approximately 25 miles long.
Another popular place to visit in Charleston is the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.
The two-story monument honors more than 10,000 West Virginia veterans from the 20th century. The outdoor memorial is free and open 24/7.
3. Helen, Georgia
In third place is Helen, Georgia, which costs an average of just $1,297 per person.
Americans dreaming of an inexpensive vacation in Germany will be delighted to visit this southern city, known for its Bavarian architecture and 'authentic German fare.'
The city is also known as the “Heart of Northeast Georgia,” which offers travelers many ways to spend their time, including tubing, biking, and wine tasting at nearby wineries.
Helen Tubing & Waterpark and Cool River Tubing are two popular outdoor summer destinations where people spend their days floating down the river.
A wonderful place where there is a waterfall known as Anna Ruby Falls also attracts many tourists. The fun attraction is made up of two waterfalls and is named after Anna Ruby Nichols, the daughter of John H. Nichols, founder of the waterfalls.
Helen is also known for its annual Oktoberfest which is full of German-inspired food and drinks and polka dancers. The festival begins with a parade in early September, while the festival itself runs from September to October.
The town also hosts the region's oldest hot air balloon event, which takes place every summer. This year, the 51st annual Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race and Festival will take place from May 30 to June 1.
In third place is Helen, Georgia, which costs an average of just $1,297 per person.
Other destinations included on the list were Sedona, Arizona (pictured) and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Other destinations included on the list were Sedona, Arizona, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
It costs on average about $1,156 per week to vacation in Sedona. January to mid-February is the cheapest time to visit the desert city, according to Sedona.net.
A week-long trip to Cape Cod costs approximately $1,282 per person, which includes lodging, transportation, food and sightseeing.
The best time to visit the peninsula is fall, as many people flock to the beach during the summer.
