From Travel Pulse by Patrick Clarke
1. North Carolina
North Carolina is the best state in the U.S. for a wallet-friendly summer road trip in 2019 as it ranks inside the top 10 for both costs and activities. It ties California for the most scenic byways in America and is also home to some beloved beach towns, many of which you’ll find during a road trip through the Outer Banks.
2. Wyoming
You might be surprised to find that Wyoming ranks second among the 50 states when it comes to a road trip this summer, but the Equality State can’t be topped when it comes to costs, beating out the 49 other states. The all-important category takes into account average gas prices, maximum toll costs, lowest price of a three-star hotel room and lowest price of camping, among other key indicators.
3. Minnesota
Safety propels Minnesota into WalletHub’s top three as only Vermont and Maine fare better. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are undoubtedly worthwhile during the warmer summer months but don’t overlook Duluth, a port city with a gorgeous waterfront.
4. Virginia
Virginia doesn’t rank any lower than 16th in either of the three categories, meaning it’s not only safe and budget-friendly, but it’s entertaining as well. Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is a must regardless of the time of year and the state boasts the fifth-lowest cost of camping in the nation.
5. Texas
The Lone Star State is one of only two in the U.S. to rank inside the top 10 for both costs and activities, coming in at fourth and seventh, respectively. If it’s affordability and fun you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong in Texas.
6. New York
Unsurprisingly, only two other states fare worse than New York in terms of costs. However, it ranks second behind only California for road trip activities and fourth among the 50 states for safety. The Big Apple will be a popular stop for many this summer, but Upstate New York promises plenty of scenery and serenity.
7. Louisiana
Only Alabama tops Louisiana in terms of the lowest average gas prices this summer, according to WalletHub’s research. Give yourself a few days and make the road trip from Lake Charles to Grand Isle, stopping in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the way.
8. Oregon
Cost is the one category holding Oregon back from the top five as it trails only California and North Carolina for the country’s most scenic byways and ranks inside the top 10 when it comes to road tripper safety. Consider a cruise up the Pacific Coast via U.S. Route 101 or venture inland to explore places like Bend and Crater Lake National Park.
9. Utah
Nearby Utah ties Oregon for third nationally in terms of most scenic byways and ranks 17 spots better for costs, making it a budget-friendly option for road trip vacationers prioritizing price and scenery this summer.
10. Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks eighth in terms of both costs and safety. America’s Dairyland trails only Wyoming for the lowest price of camping and ranks fourth among the 50 states for the lowest average cost of car repairs in the event that your vehicle breaks down.