Who doesn't want a great vacation experience at a low price? One of the top questions among travelers continues to be how to plan an enjoyable trip without going into the red.
To provide travelers a resource for planning fun yet affordable getaways, discount travel site Hotwire.com developed the Travel Value Index. A first-of-its-kind resource for travelers, the Travel Value Index identifies which U.S. cities offer the greatest overall value to visitors based on three factors:
• discounts offered to travelers;
• low prices on airfare, hotel and rental cars; and
• affordable entertainment and outdoor attractions.
Which city topped the charts? With low prices on accommodations and a range of outdoor and cultural attractions, the mile-high city of Denver offers vacationing Americans the best value for their money. Denver boasts easy access to the Rocky Mountains, more than 450 miles of bike paths and a nationally recognized zoo.
The top 20 places for travel bargains include the entertainment capital Los Angeles, family-friendly Tampa and Orlando, country music haven Nashville, and cities brimming with Southern charm and hospitality like Knoxville, Dallas and Charlotte.
"The Travel Value Index proves that no matter what you're looking for, you can enjoy a memorable vacation without blowing the budget," said Barbara Messing, vice president and travel expert at Hotwire.com. "These cities offer something for everyone-whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, beach lover or prefer the big city."
From the Carolinas to California, here are the top 20 places that offer the perfect combination of a memorable vacation experience and a low price:
1. Denver
2. Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
3. Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
4. Knoxville, Tenn.
5. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota, Fla.
6. Albuquerque-Santa Fe, N.M.
7. Orlando-Daytona Beach, Fla.
8. Reno, Nev.
9. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
10. Los Angeles
11. Nashville, Tenn.
12. St. Louis, Mo.
13. Atlanta
14. Kansas City, Mo.
15. Phoenix
16. Columbus, Ohio
17. Salt Lake City
18. Pittsburgh
19. Milwaukee
20. Charlotte, N.C.
The Travel Value Index helps travelers get more for less year-round in places that offer the best savings and overall value on air and lodging. And the index is a great resource for travelers who want to stretch their vacation dollars when planning their next getaway.