The Top 10s
Most Expensive Destinations
1. Hawaii $559
2. Washington, D.C. $518
3. Nevada $348
4. New York $329
4. Rhode Island $329
6. California $320
7. New Jersey $311
8. Massachusetts $310
9. Florida $303
10. Delaware$294
Least Expensive Destinations
1. Nebraska $191
1. North Dakota $191
3. Kansas $193
4. Iowa $196
5. Oklahoma $199
6. South Dakota $203
7. Arkansas $206
8. Kentucky $210
9. Alabama$211
10. Tennessee $214
Source:AAA
With its palm trees, refreshing trade
winds, clear blue skies and beautiful beaches, Hawaii is easily one
of the most alluring vacation destinations in the U.S. Its also one
of the most expensive states to vacation in, according to a new
survey by AAA.
The survey measured
only the price of hotels and restaurants and didnt address the
price of gas, air fares, admission at attractions and activities at
the destination.
Despite those
caveats, it would cost a family of four -- two adults and two
children -- $559 a day to visit the 50th state. Hawaii has been the
most expensive destination in AAAs survey for five years
running.
The next most
expensive destination, based on AAAs 2006 U.S. Vacation Costs
report, is Washington, D.C., which entered the list of the five
most expensive destinations for the first time last year. A family
of four would spend on average about $518 per day to visit the
city.
On the bright side,
admission is free to most Washington museums and other attractions,
such as the U.S. Capitol.
Hot on Washingtons
heels was Nevada, which costs a family of four $348 per night.
Rhode Island and New York were tied at $329 per night.
By comparison,
North Dakota and Nebraska were bargains. On average, a family of
four would only spend about $191 per day to visit each state,
making them the least expensive vacation destinations.
For a few dollars
more, $193, vacationers can stay inexpensively in Kansas. Rounding
out the five least expensive destinations were Iowa ($196) and
Oklahoma ($199).
Overall, AAA found
that travel expenses for a family of four would be at least 5%
higher this summer, not counting the costs of transportation. A
family can expect to spend, on average, about $261 per day on food
and lodging this summer.
Lodging rates are
expected to average $141 a night, up nearly 9% from last year,
while meals will cost at $120 per day, up 2%.
Even though the
survey didnt take rising gas prices into account, the cost of fuel
does play a factor by forcing up lodging rates and meal prices, AAA
said.
Rate increases for
lodgings are mostly a result of supply and demand, especially in
major markets, said Michael Petrone, director AAA tourism
information, in a statement. For both lodgings and restaurants,
rising energy costs as well as salary and benefit costs are
certainly having an impact.
AAA has been
tracking vacation costs since 1950, when the average cost was just
$13 a day for a family of four.