
File photo from Clearwater Beach.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesYou hear all this talk about inflation, but people are still spending big bucks to travel this summer. For travelers on a budget, Wallet Hub is out with its list of best summer travel destinations for 2023. Tampa is right up there in the top 10. So who beat us?
The survey was done calculating 41 things like cheap flights, weather, safety, the cost of a meal for two, how any attractions there are and how much they cost. Only 6 cities ended up ranking higher than Tampa. Here's their top 10. Some of these I've never thought to visit before, but after my penny-pinching trip I made to Colombia last month, maybe I should.
#10: Springfield, Missouri
Located along historic Route 66, check out the cities caverns or the Route 66 Car Museum.
#9: Richmond, Virginia
It's one of the oldest cities in America. For history buffs, definitely check out their Civil War museum.
#8: Orlando
Our neighbor made the list. The theme parks can certainly ruin the gameplan to keep your vacation affordable, but there's more to do than just the parks.
#7: Tampa
Heard of it? How many of these things in this video have you actually taken the time to check out?
#6: Chicago
I finally made my first visit to the Windy City last year. Definitely get some deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, take the river cruise and watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
#5: New York
Not sure how this one made the affordable list, but you'll never run out of things to do in NYC. I love to bike through Central Park. And skip the Empire State Building - my favorite view from high above is at Rockefeller Center. Faster and less crowded!
#4: Wichita, Kansas
Bet this wasn't in your travel plans. Mine either to be honest. I usually think of cornfields and the Wizard of Oz. But the Sedgewick County Zoo and their Old Town area look fun.
#3: Washington, DC
It's that trip every American should make at some point. Seeing The White House and all of the famous landmarks in person is definitely worth the trip.
#2: Honolulu, Hawaii
Another one that I'm surprised scored well in affordability. The beaches are a big reason to visit, but don't forget the moving experience you'll have at Pearl Harbor.
#1: Atlanta
After many visits to Atlanta, I can see how this made the must-see list - but I don't know if it'd top my list. Try to do an event at their Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I got to see the Super Bowl there a couple years ago and I was blown away by its incredible feel. Plus, as we're talking cheap, they keep all the food options cheap!