This North Carolina City Ranked As One Of The Most Budget Friendly Travel Destinations
Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of places that offer a variety of exciting things to do, nice places to stay, and of course, delicious meals that won’t break the bank. The other expensive part of traveling can be the travel expenses. But you can avoid costly flights too. One North Carolina city was recently ranked as one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations by USA Today. It’s part of the publication’s ongoing 10 Best Awards. A panel of experts narrows down finalists in a variety of categories and ultimately readers vote on the “10 best”.
So which North Carolina city is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations? It’s Asheville! I have to say as a frequent visitor to Asheville who likes to stay at The Inn at Biltmore or the Grove Park Inn, budget friendly isn’t my first thought when I think of Asheville. But while most (if not all) of my visits to the Blue Ridge Mountain city include a trip to Biltmore Estate, which can be a little pricey, I have stayed in some nice, affordable accommodations. There are plenty of free or cheap outdoor activities including hiking, taking the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive, or browsing art galleries. Asheville is also home to numerous breweries and is a foodie’s paradise. Just don’t try to eat without a reservation!
Some other nearby cities that make this list include Knoxville, TN, Washington DC, and Destin, FL. Read the full USA Today 10 Best List here.
These Are 14 Of The Best Places To Travel In And Near North Carolina This Summer
1. Atlanta, GA
Kruck20
Total Score: 66.63
Travel Costs & Hassles: 9
Local Costs: 20
Attractions: 16
Weather: 15
About a 4 hour drive from Charlotte down I-85 Atlanta, is an easy and affordable weekend getaway. You can park your car at your downtown hotel and never move it. Attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum, Skywheel, and College Football Hall of Fame. There is also incredible shopping and dining, plus if you have the chance to catch an event at Mercedes Benz Stadium you won’t want to pass that up!
3. Washington, DC
SeanPavonePhoto
Total Score: 64.07
Travel Costs & Hassles: 21
Local Costs: 78
Attractions: 15
Weather: 19
DC is always a great vacation destination, whether you want to take advantage of all the free museums and rich history, or my personal favorite activity shopping and dining in Georgetown.
13. Greenville, SC
Total Score: 59.07
Travel Costs & Hassles: 13
Local Costs: 17
Attractions: 59
Weather: n/a
One of the trendiest cities in the Carolinas is the top ranked destination actually in either Carolina on this list. I still need to check out all there is do in Greenville, but at just about a 2 hour drive from Charlotte it’s an easy enough trip even for the day!
23. Raleigh, NC
Mark Howard
Total Score: 56.76
Travel Costs & Hassles: 42
Local Costs: 50
Attractions: 41
Weather: 22
Take into the history museum or Marbles Kids Museum, or enjoy a picnic and paddleboat at Pullen Park. Or perhaps visit the North Carolina Farmer’s Market. Or do what I do and attend any NC State sporting event. Go pack!
28. Virginia Beach, VA
Kyle Little
Total Score: 55.81
Travel Costs & Hassles: 16
Local Costs: 82
Attractions: 57
Weather: 26
A visit to Virginia Beach of course includes the beach and the boardwalk. Other fun activities include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and First Landing State Park.
31. Knoxville, TN
Kruck20
Total Score: 55.27
Travel Costs & Hassles: 66
Local Costs: 7
Attractions: 80
Weather: 36
Knoxville isn’t too far from North Carolina, and this college town offers a gorgeous location on the Tennesee River as well as affordability. It’s my stopping point on drives to Nashville and I’d love to spend more time here and even attend a Tennesee game. Though to quote Sandra Bullock’s character in The Blind Side, “I will not wear that gaudy orange”.
32. Jacksonville, FL
TraceRouda
Total Score: 54.54
Travel Costs & Hassles: 59
Local Costs: 15
Attractions: 27
Weather: 61
At just 5 hours from Charlotte Jacksonville and the area beaches are closer than some North Carolina beaches. I spent my January birthday in Jacksonville a few years ago and loved it. From the warm enough weather to walk on the beach in shorts in January, to the zoo, and some fabulous restaurants I’m just waiting for an excuse to go back!
33. Charleston, SC
Sean Pavone
Total Score: 54.34
Travel Costs & Hassles: 81
Local Costs: 51
Attractions: 60
Weather: 3
I’m shocked it took this long to get to Charleston. This city full of southern historic charm is an extremely popular vacation destination. From the nearby beaches to gorgeous scenery and incredible restaurants it’s the city that keeps visitors coming back for more.
35. Augusta, GA
Kruck20
Total Score: 54.17
Travel Costs & Hassles: 64
Local Costs: 2
Attractions: 63
Weather: 29
If you’re a golfer Augusta is a must-visit, and even if you’re not there are still plenty of things to enjoy such as the Augusta Riverwalk and Meadow Gardens. Take an adventure scavenger hunt or hike at the phinizy nature park.
47. Charlotte, NC
Kruck20
Total Score: 52.53
Travel Costs & Hassles: 71
Local Costs: 27
Attractions: 26
Weather: 23
I’m desensitized to Charlotte spending most of my life here but there really is a ton to do especially if you’re not used to city life. From endless restaurants, bars, breweries, and shopping to the Whitewater Center, Carowinds, and NASCAR Hall of Fame.
48. Columbia, SC
f11photo
Total Score: 52.08
Travel Costs & Hassles: 55
Local Costs: 13
Attractions: 69
Weather: 28
Whether you are making the 90 minute drive down I-77 for the day or the weekend there is plenty to do. Visitors love the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens or take in the history at the SC State Museum. Spend the day walking around the University of South Carolina campus or take a boat out on Lake Murray.
49. Nashville, TN
Jonathan Ross
Total Score: 51.56
Travel Costs & Hassles: 80
Local Costs: 53
Attractions: 22
Weather: 6
One of my favorite cities is about a 6 hour road trip from Charlotte. Even if you don’t love country music you’ll love exploring downtown, visiting Opryland Resort, shopping, and taking in the diverse music scene of Music City.
51. Chattanooga, TN
Kruck20
Total Score: 50.29
Travel Costs & Hassles: 74
Local Costs: 40
Attractions: 56
Weather: 14
Just under 6 hours away is the underrated destination of Chattanooga. Take a ghost hour, visit the Tennessee Railroad Museum, The Tennesee Aquarium, or Racoon Mountain Caverns.
59. Greensboro, NC
SeanPavonePhoto
Total Score: 49.14
Travel Costs & Hassles: 65
Local Costs: 18
Attractions: 82
Weather: 35
Another underrated fun spot is Greensboro. A lot of fun restaurants and bars have opened up lately. Kids and adults love Wet & Wild Emerald Park, relax at the Grandover Spa, and the Greensboro Science Center offers fun for all ages.
