It's road trip season. Summer road trips are all about embracing freedom, having fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each mile will be a new chapter in your summer road trip saga.
Planning a road trip may seem simple, but selecting a destination and managing the costs of your desired itinerary can be challenging. You have to consider the cost of gas, which has remained persistently high throughout the year. Currently averaging over $3.50 per gallon nationwide, according to the AAA. Let us not forget accommodations, activities, and dining expenses are all feeling the pinch of high inflation too.
WalletHub took on the mission of assisting fellow travelers in planning an exciting and cost-effective road trip. They evaluated all 50 U.S. states, analyzing 32 key metrics ranging from attractions abundance to road conditions and overall expenses.
The Best & The Worst For Summer Road Trips
According to the study, Texas, New York, and North Carolina emerged as the top states for summer road trips. On the other hand, Montana, Hawaii, and Connecticut are ranked as the least favorable states for embarking on a summer road trip.
Let’s Talk Florida
Get ready for some summer road trip fun in Florida because they made it into the top ten, securing the 7th spot. The study did find that Florida has some of the pricier camping rates. But the state makes up for it by offering various options regarding the percentage of the total area designated as national parkland. While you might spend a bit more on camping, you'll have plenty of breathtaking national parkland to explore and create unforgettable memories.
Other Study Findings
Regarding scenic byways, California takes the crown with 66 routes. This number is 22 times higher than the states with the fewest scenic byways, Connecticut and Delaware, each having only three. Mississippi is the place to be if you're looking for affordable camping. With a daily price of $36.86, it's a steal compared to California, where camping costs a hefty $129.19 per day, making it 3.5 times higher. The study also found that with three-star hotel rooms, Oklahoma offers the best bang for your buck. At just $62, it's 2.8 times lower than Hawaii, the state with the highest price of $173. If car theft is a concern, Vermont is the safest bet. With only 0.42 car thefts per 1,000 residents, it's 12.5 times lower than Colorado, the state with the highest rate of 5.24 car thefts.
Take a look at the complete study here.
