Ecotourism hotspot, Port Charlotte, along southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, tops the US Best Value Destinations Index. The runner-up on the list is the fun-loving, historic Manitou Springs in Colorado, which, due to its plethora of natural mineral springs, has been a popular tourist destination for wealthy east coasters since the 1870s.
For a domestic vacation that won’t break the bank this year, check out these 50 affordable hidden gems. Hotel search trivago.com has compiled a list of the best value destinations on home turf for 2014. Based on the yearly average overnight price of a standard double room, combined with the destinations’ overall hotel reputation (based on over 82 million traveler reviews), the index showcases the country’s tops in terms of delivering the biggest bang for your buck on vacation.
The full top 50 list of US Best Value Destinations (with prices) may be found here.
Ecotourism hotspot, Port Charlotte, along southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, tops the US Best Value Destinations Index. The town and the surrounding Gulf Islands were named by SAIL magazine one of the “10 Greatest Places to Sail.” The port city is off the beaten tourist path, but offers world-class fishing, birding, hiking, boating, shopping, and dining. An overnight stay in a standard double room in Port Charlotte costs an average $93 per night.
The runner-up on the list is the fun-loving, historic Manitou Springs in Colorado, which, due to its plethora of natural mineral springs, has been a popular tourist destination for wealthy east coasters since the 1870s. Manitou Springs also serves as the gateway to Colorado’s most popular free park and stunning geological wonder, Garden of the Gods. This beloved red rock valley has meaningful historical ties to the Native American Ute, Comanche, Apache, Kiowa, Shoshone, Cheyenne, Pawnee and Lakota tribes. Travelers to Manitou Springs will pay an average $116 for an overnight stay.
Within the top 50 list, Florida took seven places in total (Port Charlotte, Panama City, Vero Beach, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fernandina Beach). California tied with Florida for the most represented state in the index, also with seven destinations ranking highly in terms of affordability and hotel quality: San Clemente, Crescent City, Sacramento, Big Bear Lake, Temecula, South Lake Tahoe, and Morro Bay.
The index offers reasonably priced alternatives to popular holiday destinations. Charming ski town Steamboat Springs, CO makes the list with hotel rates at an average $152/night, less than half the price of its expensive neighbor, Aspen (at $368). Looking for a cheap hotel in sunny southern California? San Clemente, CA will cost travelers $134/night, as opposed to an average $244/night in pricey La Jolla (to the south), or $224/night in pricey Newport Beach (to the north).
Colorado and Georgia had three destinations each to make the ranking. Oregon was represented by picturesque Ashland and Bend, while Nevada was represented by gambling destinations Las Vegas and Reno. No destinations in Hawaii made the list. All but four of the top 50 highest value destinations have an average nightly rate below $150.
Photo caption: Spring at Emigrant Lake.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
