Livability.com, a national website that highlights more than 500 of America’s best places to live, recently released a list of the top 10 cities for affordable vacations.
A great trip shouldn't be a financial hardship, but finding the right destination to maximize travel dollars can be a real chore. Livability.com editors narrowed down the list of 500 cities to destinations offering both value and a variety of attractions and entertainment options that appeal to families and single vacationers alike. Cities were ranked by the quality and quantity of unique, free activities—both indoors and out—and by the availability of discounts on otherwise pricey attractions. Now that I'm 40-something and have kids of my own I'm always looking for great vacation spots so my kids have great memories of their vacations. But, being the mother of 5, finding affordable vacations is really a chore. This is a great list and I know I'm looking forward to some great vacations with my family.
“Great family vacations don't have to be expensive,” says Nancy Schretter, managing editor of the Family Travel Network. “Get the whole family together to help plan the vacation and decide on your own definition of family fun. Then enlist the kids' help (if they're old enough) in searching the Internet for cities that have attractions that match your family's interests.”
Schretter also suggests traveling during the off season to take advantage of hotel and attraction price breaks. Be sure to download free coupon and discount books online, and check individual attractions’ websites for special rates. If you’re traveling with children, choose restaurants where kids eat free and look for hotels or other places to stay that offer free breakfast, kitchens and more room to spread out.
Whether your ideal vacation is hiking a snow-capped mountain, milling around museums or downing cheesy concessions at a minor league park, this list of top cities for the best affordable vacation destinations gives travelers plenty of choices. And, there are loads of choices here at these great destinations.
Top 10 Cities for Affordable Vacations:
1. Louisville, Ky. - Home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville prides itself in all things equine. Take a historic walking tour of Churchill Downs with admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Kids under five are admitted free, and AAA members receive discounts. Join in the citywide Derby Week celebration at the Kentucky Derby Festival and Thunder of Louisville, the largest fireworks display in America.
2. Minneapolis, Minn. - home to Mall of America and many other free destinations, Minneapolis is a cool destination to visit.
3. San Antonio, Texas - Downtown, San Antonio’s famed River Walk offers visitors a glimpse into Texas culture, art and commerce. Its latest addition is the Museum Reach, which stretches north from downtown and connects the existing River Walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery complex.
4. Chattanooga, Tenn. - For less than $4, train enthusiasts come aboard at Chattanooga’s Model Railroad Museum, located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. The model railroad exhibit is one of the world’s largest and includes more than 3,000 feet of track. Being a model train enthusiast myself, this looks like a great place to visit.
5. Greenville, S.C. - located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every May Greenville hosts Artisphere with many attractions.
6. Tulsa, Okla. - attractions include Tulsa International Speedway, Tulsa Air and Space Museum, Andy B's arcade and go-karts, Oklahoma Aquarium, Stone Bluff Cellars winery, Big Splash Water Park.
7. Boulder, Colo. - located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Outside Magazine recognized Boulder as the destination for outdoor enthusiasts for cycling, running, rock climbing and many more outdoor activities.
8. Athens, Ga. - rated the #1 on the college music scene so will be popular with your teenagers and 20-something folks.
9. Tempe, Ariz. - suburb of Phoenix. Home to the Tempe Arts Festival and a free Oktoberfest celebration.
10. Rogers, Ark. - located in the Ozarks, one of the most popular destinations is Crystal Bridges Museum which is free to visitors.
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