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Every summer, it seems like there are several new lists of must-see travel destinations. The problem with this is that those destinations are often exotic and expensive places that are spread all over the world. That may be fine if you’re someone with a lot of cash who isn’t affected by the downturn in the global economy.
However, if you’re one of the tens of thousands of average consumers who are really feeling the pinch, then you need a list of suggestions for fun and cheap travel destinations; after all, everyone deserves a vacation! This list will reveal the top ten must-see travel destinations across the United States for summer 2009. These getaways won’t break the bank, but they do have a lot to offer. Who knows, you may not need to look any further than your own proverbial backyard for a good adventure.
1.) Orlando, Florida – Yes, it is the home of Disney World. Who can resist Mickey Mouse’s big ears, visiting Cinderella or taking a boat ride with the Pirates of the Caribbean? It’s no surprise that Orlando is the top family travel destination, with its low prices and wide variety of world-class entertainment. Even if you’re not interested in going to Disney World, or maybe you’re a couple without kids, or a single person traveling with friends, there’s something fun in Orlando for everyone. Cruise to Old Town Orlando on Saturday night, catch a rock concert, tour the Daytona Speedway, or visit one of the nearby beaches.
2.) Atlanta, Georgia – It’s another family-friendly vacation spot, with attractions like the Coca-Cola Museum (they offer free tours on certain days, and you can get free Coke!) and Six Flags over Georgia. Take a thrilling ride on roller coasters like the Cyclone or Ninja. Visit CNN or Weather Channel news headquarters. Go out to eat and try the most fabulous, yet inexpensive, home-cooked southern food. Atlanta is famous as a hotbed for musicians and rappers, so go see one of the many local shows. Atlanta has something for everyone, and the prices there can’t be beat.
3.) Las Vegas, Nevada – Even Las Vegas has some cheap family fun at one of the city’s many daytime magic shows or a Cirque Du Soleil event. At night, however, it’s best to leave the kids with a babysitter because people under 21 are not allowed in the casinos. Casinos offer a lot of excitement, just don’t get addicted to slots or play too many poker games. However, Las Vegas and the surrounding area are packed with things to do, like a tour of the Hoover Dam. And, on the plus side, with all the revenue coming from casinos, Las Vegas travel accommodations, and countless other entertainment outlets, you won’t have to empty your wallet.
4.) Phoenix, Arizona – Another top (literally) hot summer destination, Phoenix offers plenty of fun. You will be thankful for the many low-priced hotels and resorts, and for the pools at those resorts. Take some time to drive around and see the beautiful desert scenery and mountain backdrop. Take an inexpensive tour of the Desert Botanical Gardens and see the lush plant life the desert is home to. Drive to Tucson to visit Old Tucson Studios and see where many of the most famous western/cowboy movies were filmed. Browse through beautiful Native American handcrafts at one of several Phoenix Indian markets. There is much more to Phoenix than meets the eye.
5.) Tampa, Florida – Tampa offers deep discounts during the summer since its most popular tourist season is during the winter. Take advantage of low prices and beautiful beaches and have the time of your life in an unmissable travel destination. Get cheap tickets to a Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball game. Enjoy delicious burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe. Spend as much time as you like at any of Tampa’s free public beaches. Not only will you leave Tampa with an amazing tan, but you’ll have a blast!
6.) Los Angeles, California – Sun, celebrities, concerts, shopping, surfing and fun! Need I say more? Go see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where so many stars have left their hand and foot prints. Take a trolley tour of celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Take a thrilling ride down Mullholland Drive. See the entire city from the top of one of several mountains. Dance the night away at one of Los Angeles’ abundant nightclubs. Drive to the coast and gaze in awe at the majesty of the Pacific Ocean. Maybe the sheer thrill of possibly meeting a celebrity is enough for you. Whatever the case may be, Los Angeles is definitely a must-see travel destination and contrary to popular belief, it is quite possible to have an entire Los Angeles vacation on a budget.
7.) New York, New York – Yes, believe it or not, even New York City can be seen on a low budget. There’s a lot to see in New York: Broadway plays, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Museum of Natural History, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, Saturday Night Live studios. The list is almost endless! Remember to look for matinee tickets to shows, group discounts (if you’re traveling with friends and family) to the Museum, daytime baseball games, and many other places to see that are low-cost or totally free. Book your hotel room several weeks in advance to get the best price.
8.) San Francisco, California – Check out the stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the wonderful weather of the Bay, because even in the height of summer, San Francisco rarely has temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ride the trolley through downtown San Francisco and the historic district and see the beautiful architecture of the Victorian era. Stand at the famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury Street. Taste amazing food at the open market at Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market. Stop by the San Francisco Art Institute to see some student work on display and get a glimpse of some Moorish architecture. Whatever you like, you’re sure to find it in San Francisco!
9.) New Orleans, Louisiana – Since Hurricane Katrina, tourism has been at an all time low for New Orleans. He’s slowly recovering, but the Big Easy needs your help. Head to New Orleans for a memorable trip to one of the most unique cities in the entire country. Not only will you be helping locals rebuild with the business you bring in, but you can also have a wonderfully fun time for very little money. Stop in at any Cajun or Creole restaurant in New Orleans for some of the best food in the entire Southern United States. Creole cuisine is a delicious flavor that you will not soon forget. Go to the Mardi Gras World Factory for an up-close look at Mardi Gras behind the scenes in the off-season, and it’s open year-round. For those of you who are into the spooky side of New Orleans, there are inexpensive “vampire tours” that tour the entire French Quarter, talking up vampire legends along the way. You can also visit Marie LaVeau’s House of Voodoo for authentic occult and hoodoo articles and books. Be sure to visit New Orleans during its “off season” during the summer to find the best deals on hotels and airline tickets. Mardi Gras (in March), Jazz Fest (May) and Halloween are the busiest tourist seasons in New Orleans.
10.) Chicago, Illinois – Last on the list of top ten must-see travel destinations is the Windy City. If you love music, and especially the blues, then Chicago is a must-visit destination during June, as this is when the Chicago Blues Fest kicks off. Another spectacular summer fun during June in Chicago would be the huge cookout, called “Tastes of Chicago.” Tickets for the great food festival are wonderfully cheap, especially considering the vast amount and variety of food available at Tastes of Chicago.
Another huge and free attraction to visit in Chicago would be the public beaches along Lake Michigan. Take advantage of the refreshing lake breeze to cool off from the summer heat. Don’t forget to check out the local cuisine that Chicago is famous for: Chicago-style pizza! One more free attraction would be the famous Sears Tower. Regardless of what the Windy City throws at you, make sure you don’t get blown away!
That concludes my list of the top ten must-see travel destinations for summer 2009. Not only are they great fun to visit, but these destinations are perfect for people who have to travel on a budget. Be sure to book all your reservations in advance and look for special deals and coupons online. Also look for free tours or special event discounts at the destination of your choice. And don’t worry, even in a recession, you can budget to travel to great places and have an adventure.