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The Top Low-Cost Travel Destinations of 2017

Traveling is always a fun adventure and escape from the stresses of life, but sometimes we don't have the budget or time to take the elaborate vacations that we imagine are truly "relaxing". So, we have put together a list of the top travel destinations for 2017 that will definitely surprise your idea of creative fun, relaxation and minimal expense.

Bon Voyage!

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, came in at No. 1 this year as the small city packs a big punch in terms of its offerings. It is known for its welcoming, creative spirit, eclectic architecture and a booming food scene. All of this, of course, is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the country. From 10 breathtaking waterfalls in cathedrals of nature to scenic trolley tours around the historic areas of the city, Asheville offers a variety of activities and entertainment. Their food scene is exploding with flavor with amazing eateries like 12 Bones Smokehouse and 67 Biltmore, which offer a unique twist to the American comfort foods we all know to long-forgotten Southern Soul Food that is coming back with gusto! You can also find beautiful lodging at refined resorts like the Residences at the Biltmore and Omni Hotel & Resort or super quaint Bed & Breakfasts/Cottages like the Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast and the Beaufort House. So, if you live on the East Coast or somewhere in the middle of the country, then this can be quite a peaceful, inexpensive, relaxing vacation that will help you make many more unforgettable memories.

2. Cincinnati, Ohio

The Queen City’s transformation is most evident in its Over-the-Rhine district, first settled by German immigrants in the 19th century. Once a dodgy neighborhood, it has renovated buildings and warehouses that are now apartments and offices for tech companies. On Vine Street, young brands like interiors shop Elm & Iron sit alongside Cincinnati institutions like Holtman’s Donuts. There are larger changes throughout the city: the new Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar links the northern fringes of OTR with downtown and the Ohio River, and Ziegler Park, with a deepwater pool and redesigned public spaces, will be unveiled this spring, followed by the reopening of the city’s historic Music Hall and the inaugural Blink Cincinnati light and art festival in October. Locals zip across state lines on a daily basis, and the best new place to bed down is actually a 10-minute drive across the river in Covington, Kentucky. The boutique Hotel Covington occupies the former headquarters of Coppin’s Department Store, and the original 1907 architecture serves its new purpose beautifully: upon entering, you get a sweeping view of reception, the lobby, and the bar with its 20-foot ceilings, thanks to a sloping floor originally designed to let shoppers see the entire department store when they walked through its Madison Avenue doors. Filmmakers are also increasingly drawn to Cincinnati, thanks to its Art Deco buildings and its tax incentives. Off-camera, Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, and Ellen Page have all been spotted dining in hot spots like Boca and Sotto and checking in to the art-filled 21C Museum Hotel. —Aoife O’Riordain

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

"Grand" doesn't begin to do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder. For six million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4.5 million visitors per year awestruck. But if you're seeking a secluded escape to Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded. The South Rim — home to the Grand Canyon Village and the well-worn Bright Angel Trail — is particularly popular for sightseers and hikers. It is on this side that you'll find the most amenities. However, for a true escapist experience, head to the North Rim. This is the place for backwoods camping and hardcore hiking.

4. Yellowstone National Park

With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Multicolored pools swirl around hot springs; verdant forests weave past expansive meadows; and volatile geysers launch streams of steaming water toward the sky. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it's no wonder everyone suspected John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) was embellishing when he first described Yellowstone's geothermal curiosities in 1807. Nowadays, there's no doubt that the park is indeed extraordinary. While you traverse the park's 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies. Just make sure to be smart when camping or hiking. Never go anywhere alone and always carry bear spray and other smart emergency tools with you.

5. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Long before Nantucket became known as a vacation destination, it was primarily a quiet whaling community off the coast of Massachusetts. These days, folks aren't flocking to this Atlantic isle seeking fortune from the sea, but are coming for the sheer beauty and peaceful nature of the island. The tourist season kicks off with the Daffodil Festival in April and tapers off in mid-November with the end of the cranberry season. But despite the increase in visitors over the years during the high season, Nantucket has preserved the rustic charm and shabby chic feel of yesteryear. So, pack up the kids and bid farewell to the car, fast-food restaurants, traffic lights and high-rise buildings and head for what the Native Americans called the "Faraway Land." Nantucket Island also boasts more than 20 hotels and inns along with delicious, fresh seafood and traditional restaurants that will keep you wanting to stay a few more years.

6. Washington, D.C.

With its marbled monuments and high-profile politicos, Washington, D.C., has long been saddled with a reputation as a stuffy government-driven town. A "city of southern efficiency and northern charm," as John F. Kennedy once described it, Washington is often seen by outsiders as slow and inefficient. But these days, our nation's capital is awash with a new energy, transforming itself into an exciting, faster-paced East Coast vacation destination. Although government is still the sun around which this city orbits, the District also offers a host of renowned museums and interesting neighborhoods. And with a recent explosion of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and clubs, D.C. is transitioning into a thriving cultural hub. As the D.C. Tourism Board is emphasizing through its "DC Cool" campaign, this isn't the Washington you remember from your middle school field trip — it's much hipper than that.

7. Napa Valley, California

When you drive into Napa Valley, there is nothing more invigorating that the smell of earthy soil, salt and flowers mixed together in the warm air moving through the valley surrounded by rolling green hills of vineyards, cypress trees and old farm houses. This is truly one of my favorite places to visit in the U.S. not only because of it's delicious wine and organic food fare, but also because of it's rich history and breathtaking views. From the historic hotels and coffee shops downtown Napa to the newly built Hog Island Oyster Company and Farmer's Market filled with locally produced cheeses, breads and vegetables, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Napa, regardless of whether you drink wine or not. These films might also give you more inspiration to inspire you to visit Napa Valley: A Walk in the Clouds or Bottle Shock.

8. San Juan, Perto Rico

If you definitely want to get away from the continental U.S., then Puerto Rico is one of the closest and easiest travel destinations to feed that "exotic" bug. The best way to get a deal in the Caribbean is to travel during the low season (end of April through mid-December) to destinations that have direct and frequent fights from your gateway; plenty of hotel inventory; and economies that aren't euro-based. Puerto Rico fits the bill and San Juan is an easy and affordable getaway, especially for visitors from the East Coast of the U.S. Old San Juan has charm, and if you stay within the old city's two-square-mile radius you won't need a car rental to access great restaurants, sightseeing and shopping. U.S. citizens can save themselves the cost of a passport since it's not required to visit, and since the U.S. dollar is the legal tender, there's no money lost on currency exchange. Hotel Casa Blanca and Villa Herencia are two of my favorite high-style/low-cost boutique hotels.

9. Havana, Cuba

A city trapped in time, Havana captures the imagination like no other. Faded glamour meets careful colonial-era reconstruction with a backdrop of irresistible color. Walk El Malecón, the walkway bordering the ocean; visit Old Havana and the Catedral de San Cristóbal; and listen for salsa music, open-air bazaars and parties that last all night. From festive nightlife and meals that will make your taste buds come alive to pristine, white beaches that make every pool jealous, Cuba is a truly untapped gem that is now open for tourists and welcoming visitors with open arms.

10. Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii’s island of Oahu, also known as the “gathering place,” perfectly fits its nickname, as its beauty and wealth of near endless activities attracts tourists from across the globe. From outdoor adventures to world class shopping and historical sites, we’ve “gathered” the top things to do in Oahu so that you won’t miss any of the magical moments this idyllic island affords. From snorkeling and paddle-boarding to private lagoons and traditional luau's that make the beach magically come alive at night, this island is filled with culture, beauty and sweet moments that make any vacation unforgettable. Oahu has regular franchise restaurants that most people will recognize, but the best places to eat on the island are run by the locals. For example, instead of going to IHOP for pancakes, why try Boots & Kimo's macadamia nut pancakes that will have you talking for years. There are many delicious restaurants that rang a variety cuisines and budgets. You can find a full list of them here.

**We gained our inspiration for this list of travel destinations from our own travel experiences and the wonderful people at US News and TravelChannel.com.

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