by Planning a trip to or within the United States is a great way to spend a holiday or simply get away from work for a little while. However, the U.S. is a massive country with countless cities, cultures, and experiences to behold. What are some of the must-visit cities around the United States? Actually determining where to go on vacation in this country could be the hardest decision of the trip. Therefore, consider visiting one of the top five cities in the country, ranging from lesser-known to well-known, in order to get your next vacation on the calendar.
How Expensive Is a Vacation in the U.S.?
The daily average cost of travel within major U.S. cities is as much as $355 all-in. This figure is for a single person alone, meaning a family of four may pay nearly triple to quadruple that per day. For a simple week-long vacation in the United States, this averages out to around $2,500 for a single person. Out of the many destinations around the world, the U.S. is without a doubt one of the most expensive locations to travel to.
Main Expenses Associated with a Trip
With such a high cost of travel nowadays, it’s only natural to wonder where that cost is coming from. The following categories are where the majority of people’s expenditures occur while traveling:
- Transportation costs associated with planes or cars
- Parking at the airport for those who fly
- Rental car costs or rideshare service costs
- Accommodation costs ranging from campsites to hotels
- Expenses for food
- Entertainment and activity costs
5 Cities All Travelers in the U.S. Need to See
With the average cost of travel in the United States outlined, it’s worth learning about the most prominent cities to visit. The following five are some of the best options to keep in mind:
1. Pigeon Forge, TN
While it may not be the first destination that comes to mind, Pigeon Forge in Tennessee has countless sights to offer. With activities ranging from magician shows to even tours of the Great Smoky Mountains, any avid traveler should consider taking a trip to this city. Additionally, just on the outskirts, a person can also immerse in the vibrant city life of downtown Gatlinburg which is not too far away.
2. Miami, FL
For those who are seeking a relaxing beach vacation where they do nothing but soak up the sun while enjoying some nightlife, Miami, Florida is certainly an option to consider. The downtown of city offers amazing culture and great food, and the countless beaches on the outskirt of the downtown area ensure sun-lovers have something to enjoy.
3. Los Angeles, CA
With sights ranging from Hollywood to even Disneyland just a little bit south, Los Angeles is a staple when it comes to visiting California. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, however, so it’s best to come up with a budget that allows for spending. With that said, visitors can also enjoy a relatively cheap trip if they go to museums such as the Griffith Observatory or the beach out in Santa Monica.
4. Napa, CA
Wine lovers of the world need to absolutely take a trip out to Napa Valley in California to experience first-hand some of the world-class wines that are up for grabs in this region. Additionally, the town of Napa itself has fun and engaging nightlife, of course with wine, that can make the trip unforgettable. This area also has unique accommodation spots with one winery even appearing as an ancient castle.
5. Dallas, TX
Finally, Dallas is a city in Texas that is a unique mix of Texan culture and modern society. The towering buildings in the downtown center are coupled with iconic Texan barbecue spots that make for amazing food spots. Going beyond this, however, there are a number of popular nightlife bars and general entertainment venues that can make for a fun and exciting trip to the states.
The Bottom Line
With a country as big as the United States, it’s impossible to see everything it has to offer in one single vacation. That’s why planning multiple trips around the country and seeing a new city every time is an excellent strategy. For the avid travelers out there, consider setting a new goal of seeing all the states in the country within a certain number of years. However, each of the five must-visit cities around the United States is an excellent starting point for casual and avid travelers alike.
