Hitting the road is a moment when travelers can enjoy the journey, see actual communities, and natural wonders. For many US travelers, summer is the best season to get a car and go. But, if you are not sure where are the best roads for safe and fun travel, a report from WalletHub found the best and worst states for summer road trips in 2022.
With nearly 80% of U.S. adults saying they will take some sort of road trip this summer, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released this month its report on 2022’s Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips, along with accompanying videos and expert commentary.
To help travelers plan a fun and wallet-friendly road trip, WalletHub compared the 50 U.S. states based on 32 key metrics. The data set ranges from the number of attractions to road conditions to costs. New York state was at the top of its list according to this criteria.
“With hotel prices back to pre-pandemic levels (and higher) as travel demand spikes, it is worth one’s while to plan ahead and explore accommodation options before the trip and not just wing accommodation while on the road. Also, if one is flexible, then traveling during off-peak times – weekdays, not during peak school vacation, etc. – can help get some really good rates on accommodation and better experiences in restaurants and destinations that are otherwise packed,” said Makarand Mody, one of the experts of the study. Mody is an associate Professor; Director of Research; Chair of Undergraduate Programs (Interim) at Boston University School of Hospitality Administration.
| Best States for Summer Road Trips: | |
| 1. New York | |
| 2. Minnesota | |
| 3. Texas | |
| 4. Louisiana | |
| 5. Maine |
See the highlights of the study below:
1. California
California has the highest number of scenic byways, 66, which is 22 times higher than in Connecticut and Delaware, the states with the lowest at three each.
2. Mississippi
Mississippi has the lowest daily price for camping, $35.53, which is 3.3 times lower than in California, the state with the highest at $117.37.
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room, $50, which is six times lower than in Oregon, the state with the highest at $300.
4. Vermont
Vermont has the lowest number of car thefts per 1,000 residents, 0.42, which is 12.5 times lower than in Colorado, the state with the highest at 5.24.
5. Maine
Maine ranked as the fifth most recommended state for summer road this year. The state ranked 27th for activities, first for safety and 27th for costs.
