Every summer, it seems like there
are several new lists of must-see travel
destinations. The problem with this is,
those destinations are usually exotic,
expensive places that are spread out all
over the world. That may be fine if you are
someone with loads of cash who is not
affected by the sagging global economy.
However, if you are one of the tens of
thousands of average consumers who are
really feeling the crunch, then you need a
list of suggestions for fun, inexpensive
travel destinations - after all, everyone
deserves a vacation! This list will reveal
the top ten must-see travel destinations all
across the United States for summer 2009.
These getaways will not break the bank, yet
they have a lot of excitement to offer. Who
knows, you might not need to look any
further than your own proverbial back yard
to have a good adventure!
1.) Orlando, Florida - Yes, it's the home
of Disney World. Who can resist the big ears
of Mickey Mouse, visiting with Cinderella,
or going on a boat ride with the Pirates of
the Caribbean? It's not surprising that
Orlando is the top family travel
destination, with its low prices and wide
array of world-class entertainment. Even if
you aren't interested in going to Disney
World, or maybe you're a couple with no
children, or a single person traveling with
friends - there is something fun in Orlando
for everyone. Cruise down to Old Town
Orlando on Saturday night, take in 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 sights
such as the Coca-Cola Museum (they offer
free tours on certain days, and you can get
free Coke!) and Six Flags over Georgia. Go
for a thrilling ride on roller coasters like
the Cyclone or the Ninja. Visit the CNN or
the Weather Channel news headquarters. Go
out to eat and taste the most fabulous, yet
inexpensive, down-home Southern food.
Atlanta is famous for being a hotbed of
musicians and rappers, so go see one of the
numerous local shows. Atlanta has a little
something for everyone, and the prices there
can't be beat.
3.) Las Vegas, Nevada - Even Las Vegas
has some inexpensive fun for the family in
one the city's many daytime magic shows or a
Cirque Du Soleil event. At night time,
though, it's best to leave the children with
a babysitter because no one under the age of
21 is allowed in the casinos. The casinos
offer plenty of excitement - just don't get
addicted to playing the slot machines or
play one too many games of poker.
Nevertheless, Las Vegas and the surrounding
areas are chock full of things to do, such
as a tour of the Hoover Dam. And, on the
plus side, with all the revenue coming in
from the casinos, Las Vegas travel
accommodations and the countless means of
entertainment you won't have to empty your
wallet.
4.) Phoenix, Arizona - Yet another hot
(quite literally) top summer destination,
Phoenix offers plenty of fun to be had. You
will be thankful for the numerous low-priced
hotels and resorts, and for the swimming
pools at those resorts. Take some time out
to drive around and view the beautiful
desert scenery and mountain backdrop. Take
an inexpensive tour of the Desert Botanical
Gardens and see the lush plant life that the
desert holds. Drive down to Tucson to visit
Old Tucson Studios and see where many of the
most famous Cowboy/Western movies were
filmed. Browse through gorgeous handmade
Native American arts and crafts at one of
Phoenix's several Indian markets. There's
much more to Phoenix than meets the eye.
5.) Tampa, Florida - Tampa offers some
deep discounts during the summer since its
most popular tourist season is during the
winter. Take advantage of the low prices and
beautiful beaches and have the time of your
life at a must-see travel destination. Score
cheap tickets to a Tampa Bay Devil Rays
baseball game. Chow down on delicious
burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe. Spend as much
time as you want on any of Tampa's free
public beaches. Not only will you leave
Tampa with an awesome tan, but you will 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 placed their hand and footprints. Go on
a trolley tour of celebrities' homes in
Beverly Hills. Take a thrilling drive down
Mullholland Drive. View the entire city from
on top of one of the several mountains.
Dance the night away at one of L.A.'s
plentiful night clubs. Drive down to the
coast and stare in awe at the majesty of the
Pacific Ocean. Perhaps the sheer thrill of
possibly meeting a celebrity is enough for
you. Whatever the case may be, Los Angeles
is most definitely a must-see travel
destination, and contrary to popular belief,
it's quite feasible to have an entire L.A.
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 is so much to see in New
York: Broadway plays, the Empire State
Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Museum
of Natural History, Chinatown, Greenwich
Village, the Saturday Night Live studios.
The list is nearly endless! Remember to
check for matinee tickets to shows, group
discounts (if you are traveling with friends
and family) to the Museum, daytime baseball
games, and many other sights 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 - Go take a
peek at the awesome sight of the Golden Gate
Bridge. Enjoy the wonderful Bay weather,
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 glimpse the lovely
Victorian-era architecture. Stand at the
famous Haight and Ashbury Street
intersection. Sample incredible food in the
open marketplace at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's
Market. Stop by the San Francisco Art
Institute to see some student work showcased
and to glimpse some Moorish architecture.
Whatever tickles your fancy, you are 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. It is slowly
picking back up, but the Big Easy needs your
help. Mosey on down to New Orleans for a
memorable trip to one of the most unique
cities in this entire country. Not only will
you be helping the locals rebuild with the
business you bring in, you can have a
wonderfully fun time for very little money.
Stop into any Cajun or Creole restaurant in
New Orleans to taste some of the best food
in the entire Southern United States. Creole
cooking is a delicious taste that you won't
soon forget. Go to the Mardi Gras World
factory for an off-season, up close look at
Mardi Gras behind the scenes -- and it's
open all year round. For those of you that
are into the spooky side of New Orleans,
there are low-cost "vampire tours" that go
all throughout the French Quarter, speaking
of vampire legends along the way. You can
also drop into Marie LaVeau's House of
Voodoo for a look at authentic hoodoo and
occult supplies and books. Make sure to
visit New Orleans during its "off season"
times during the summer to find the best
deals on hotels and plane tickets. Mardi
Gras (in March), Jazz Fest (May), and
Halloween are the busiest tourist seasons
for 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 blues, then Chicago is a
must-visit destination during June -- for
that is when Chicago Blues Fest begins.
Other spectacular summer fun during June in
Chicago would be the enormous outdoor food
extravaganza, called "Tastes of Chicago."
Tickets for the huge food festival are
wonderfully cheap, especially considering
the vast quantities and varieties 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 down from the
summer heat. Don't forget to check out one
local cuisine that Chicago is famous for -
Chicago style pizza! One more free
attraction would be the famous Sears Tower.
Whatever the Windy City holds for you, make
sure you don't get blown away!
Thus concludes my list of the top ten
must-see travel destinations for summer
2009. Not only are they tons of fun to
visit, but these destinations are perfect
for people who have to travel on a budget.
Make sure to book all your reservations in
advance and search for special deals and
coupons online. Also search around for any
free tours or discounts to special events at
the destination of your choice. And don't
worry - even in a recession, you can budget
for travel to great places, and have
yourself an adventure.
