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At a time when flight delays are on the rise and it seems almost impossible to get tickets at a good price, the best way to still experience that fun, exciting summer vacation you’ve been dreaming of is to get in a car and take a go classic. , all-American road trip.
But all the freedom, spontaneity and choice that make car travel so attractive this time of year can be a double-edged sword: which destination is really worth your time and money?
Sure, you can see where the road takes you, but with gas prices reaching new highs and time off from work at a premium, you want to make sure you get it right from the start.
The good news is that WalletHub have done all the research for you and come up with a list of possible choices.
The ranking, based on criteria such as cost, scenery and attractions, named these the 10 best US states for a road trip this summer:
- Pennsylvania
- Maine
- Wyoming
- North Carolina
- Ohio
And now the crème de la crème:
5. Florida
I don’t have to convince you to go to Florida this summer.
With all the scenic, energetic beaches and incredible attractions, chances are you’ve already been thinking about traveling to the sunny state this season, so take this as a sign to finally go on that long-awaited road trip.
Drive along Highway 30A, which connects some of the country’s most charming beach towns, then plan some stops at major theme parks (Orlando is the obvious choice here) and hiking trails.
A road trip on the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys is also a must experience.
The 180-kilometer stretch of road connects some of the dreamiest islands you’ve ever seen, offering the most breathtaking ocean views along the way.
4.Louisiana
Heading to a much-underrated summer hub, Louisiana promises road trippers a mix of fascinating history, great music and even better cuisine.
While you’re here, you’ll want to take a drive along the Great River Road through Louisiana’s historic plantations.
These antebellum estates (think Oak Alley and Laura Plantation) offer tours that take you through the state’s complex history and how it influenced the lives of people who still live there today.
On the other hand, those of you looking for something more nature-oriented can’t go wrong with one of the many scenic drives along the Creole Nature Trail.
3. New York
Even though driving through New York City may sound like a nightmare, the rest of the state is actually a haven for road trippers.
It has great infrastructure and clear signage and offers some of the best views in the entire country.
Some of my all-time favorite routes to ride here include the Hudson Valley Scenic Byway, the Adirondack Northway (I-87), and anything in Finger Lakes Wine Country – suffice it to say, this is the perfect destination for high-energy travelers who never want to be bored.
2. Minnesota
With high scores in both safety and summer events, Minnesota takes a well-deserved second place on today’s list.
Not only is the Midwestern state a treasure trove of places to see and do (Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Lake Superior, and BWCAW are particularly unmissable), but it’s also one of the most affordable destinations you’ll find here. summer, with the average three-star hotel costing just over $70 per night.
If you’re looking for specific route recommendations, the Great River Road and the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway are my top picks.
1.Texas
Coming in at No. 1 is none other than Texas, a state known for its beautiful landscapes, incredible cities, and now great road trip options.
Its more than 9,000 miles of scenic byways take you past more iconic attractions than you can count (theme parks, museums, cultural centers, and botanical gardens are a dime a dozen here), fantastic restaurants, and plenty of fabulous yet reasonably priced accommodations.
If you’re having trouble coming up with an itinerary, keep in mind that Austin, Hill Country, San Antonio, Big Bend National Park, and the Gulf Coast are (in my humble opinion) Texas’ most visit-worthy locations.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
