Affordable Vacations: Which States Offer the Best Value for Your Dollar?

In today's turbulent economic times the family vacation is often being delayed, scaled back or eliminated entirely. If you are still trying to get away but are working with a restricted budget, where can you go for not a lot of money? AAA has released its survey of the most costly, and most affordable states in which to vacation. In the AAA Vacation Cost Survey they look at the average cost of meals and rooms to determine the average daily cost of staying in any given state. It is not surprising some of the most popular vacation spots are also among the most expensive. The range between the highest state and the lowest state is a staggering $634 per day difference. For a five day vacation the cost difference between the highest and lowest is over $3,100 just for your meals and room.

The five most expensive states in which to vacation are: Hawaii, coming in at $793/day. In second place was the District of Columbia at $574/day. There is a significant drop to third place where you can stay a day in New York for the average cost of $319. Close behind in fourth place was Nevada were you will spend $301/day and in fifth place was Florida which will cost you an average of $288/day

The five least expensive states in which to vacation are: At number one, North Dakota where you will spend an average of $159/day. In second place is Nebraska at $160/day followed by Kansas at $164/day and Iowa at $169/day. In fifth place was South Dakota where you can stay a day for an average of $175.

So, for room and board on a five day vacation, you can expect to spend:

In Hawaii - $3,965.00

In Washington D.C. - $2,870.00

A week in the Big Apple (New York) - $1,595.00

Las Vegas for a week (Nevada) - $1,505.00

A trip to Walt Disney World (Florida) - $1,440.00

Hunting trip to N. Dakota - $795.00

Mount Rushmore (S. Dakota) - $875.00

The difference in cost is quite surprising, plus the cost of the attractions, transportation and availability must also be calculated when planning a trip to any of these destinations. In these tight times we can expect more families to be traveling shorter distances, staying for fewer days, and probably traveling in the family automobile. All things to consider when planning your next vacation getaway. Can you afford Hawaii, New York, or Kansas?

Source: AAA Vacation Cost Survey