Those itching to travel but without the funds for their big plans have several factors to consider.
While true remoteness and off-the-beaten-path destinations are generally associated with the high cost of everything from getting there to local food options, large cities such as New York and Paris also offset some by their high hotel costs. As such, a smaller city with good infrastructure but that one might not have otherwise thought of for a vacation may be the best bet for those on a budget.
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After crunching the average costs for accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment and the odd random expense over a two-day weekend, travel website Scott and Yanling identified Kansas' Wichita as the most affordable U.S. city for a weekend away.
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These are the cheapest (and most expensive) cities for a two-day weekend
One can get a three-star hotel for less than $100, see a local theatre performance for $21 and grab several pints of beer for an average $4 each — in total, a weekend for two people will set travelers back $519.
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Tulsa in Oklahoma, Fresno in California, and Tennessee's Memphis all landed in the top five for the cheapest U.S. cities to spend a weekend away. While the latter is a tourism mecca for its music scene, a two-person weekend away still costs only an average $671.
By contrast, the same weekend in Boston will set one back $1,401 — the city known for lobster rolls and Fenway Park beat out New York, San Diego, and San Francisco as the most expensive city in the country for a vacation. While the costs of eating at its famed restaurants also run high, the high cost is driven largely by the $345 one will on average spend for a not particularly luxurious hotel in the city.
While Boston topped the list, NYC and San Diego were not far behind with a respective $1,291 and $1,231 cost for a two-day visit. In the middle of the country, Chicago also landed in the middle of the list with a $1,070 average.
'Avoid surging prices' by embracing flexibility and considering different places
"The sunny coastal city of San Diego claims the third spot with an estimated total of $1,231," the report's authors write. "With the average beer costing over $10, San Diego's charm certainly comes at a considerable cost, reinforcing its reputation as an attractive yet expensive destination."
Whether one plans to visit an affordable or expensive city on the list, flexibility remains the trick to minimizing costs — while the study looked at the typical weekend days of Saturday and Sunday, those who can take time off during the week will immediately bring down their costs amid lower demand.
And while many hope to find that elusive "last-minute deal," booking in advance will usually earn one bigger savings.
"To secure the best possible deals and avoid surging prices during peak periods, meticulous planning in advance is key," Scott and Yanling co-founder Scott Sidders said in a statement. "Embracing flexibility by choosing different weekdays can also work in your favor, which unlocks more affordable accommodation and entertainment options, ultimately providing an enriching experience without breaking the bank."
