17 Best Value Destinations Of 2017

Is there anything travelers love more than a bargain? From last-minute flight deals to 50 percent off hotels, vacationers go wild for a budget-friendly trip. That's why trivago.com ranked the 17 best value destinations in the U.S. Determined by an exclusive algorithm that considers both hotel prices and guest reviews, the locations that top the list aren't only easy on the wallet but also offer entertainment options for nearly every type of traveler.

Outdoor fun, zip line rides, attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum, live shows, amazing acrobats and animals – Branson has it all. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either. They have access to thrilling opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, trout and bass fishing, hunting, trap and skeet shooting, spelunking, and rock climbing. Branson also made the list of the most pet-friendly vacation destinations and the best trail running towns in the U.S.

Travel back in time, explore history and be inspired by the arts. Some outdoor adventures everyone in the family is sure to enjoy are whitewater rafting, kayak fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding in the Coosa River; kart riding is a locals' favorite. Explore funky neighborhoods, art galleries, go to a baseball game, eat at outstanding restaurants, and dance at trendy nightspots. If you can, visit in time for the Montgomery Half Marathon and 5K races on March 11.

This is no longer a quiet, small town. It is booming and modern. But it's still a great place to visit if you want to see remnants of the Old West. Learn about it at the Old Cowtown Museum or explore the Museum of Ancient Treasures for a more unconventional experience. Marvel some of the best art by Plains Indian artists at the Indian Center Museum. See how the aviation industry has evolved through the years at the Kansas Aviation Museum. But history is not all there is in Wichita. There is plenty of wildlife to encounter at the zoo.

Go on a Southern adventure and learn about Georgia's rich history, explore its gorgeous architecture, and soak up its irresistible charm and soulful music. This is one of the most wonderful places to see cherry blossoms. Every March, Macon becomes a pink, cotton-spun paradise, as more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. For 10 days, festival-lovers are treated to one of the most extravagant displays of springtime color in the nation as they visit the town referred to by Congressional Records as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.

It may be named after the American president but it's not all about politics and history at all. Children, too, will have a great time at the Botanical Gardens and Folsom Zoo. They can go around it in a miniature train and see more than 300 different animals. History buffs will like the observation tower of the 400-foot high capitol building, the tour of the building and its grounds where they'll find a Lincoln monument created by the same artist who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C., according to TripAdvisor. Don't miss the Wilderness Park, the largest park in the city, for some exciting outdoor fun along its hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana's Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the "Happiest City in America," according to Lafayette Travel. Whether your passion is for rich cultural history, a bustling culinary scene or distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave smiling from ear to ear. Go on a tour and find out more about the craft behind building the specialized instruments responsible for the music of Cajun Country. Swamp and various food tours are also favorites. 

A weekend getaway doesn't have to be expensive, especially when you are spending it in Sioux Falls. Watch free Moonlight Movies in Fawick Park on Saturday nights; go for an inexpensive bike ride along the Big Sioux River Greenway; head to McKennan Park for kid-friendly, free theater performances; and purchase an all-day pass — $1 per person — for the Sioux Falls Trolley.

Lake George has long been a popular vacation spot for lovers of outdoor recreation. Commonly referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes," it easily fits in among the top lake towns, especially for vacationing in the summer. Water activities include everything from swimming and fishing, to boating, jet skiing, tubing and even diving. With so many adventures to choose from, it's truly an exceptional destination for summer travelers of all ages and interests.

Little Rock has received many awards – it was ranked No. 1 in America's 10 Great Places to Live, it was named one of America's "Five Secret Foodie Cities," and it made it in the Top 10 Best Value City in 2015 as well. Its location on the Arkansas River makes it very alluring. The city has a flourishing New South culture that offers an exciting nightlife, entertainment, iconic attractions, and a thriving dining scene. Make sure you visit the Clinton Presidential Center and the Heifer Village.

Springfield is the heart and soul of the Ozarks. As a regional hub with large city amenities and small town hospitality, you will find plenty of intriguing attractions, a diverse culinary scene, and unique shopping. Locals take pride in the fact that their culture is "rooted in the genuine desire to celebrate life's simple pleasures." Popular attractions include the C-Street Historic District, the Calaboose, the 7C's Winery & Vineyard, the Battle of Springfield Tour, and the Civil War Library at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

It's a real pleasure to be in a city that celebrates its colorful past and is equally proud of its exhilarating present. On the banks of the Savannah River, you'll find a mix of Southern charm and city fun that blends arts and culture, shopping, and amazing food, according to Visit Augusta. Don't only think of golf when it comes to this beautiful city. Mild temperatures year-round make adventures possible whenever you go. Water or land, mountain biking or water skiing – every kind of adventurer will have lots to do. Kayaking, canoeing and SUPing, sailing, hiking, biking, MTB are just a few options.

Rochester developed as a stop along the Dubuque trail, a stagecoach line between St. Paul and Dubuque, Iowa.  Located at a crossroads near the Zumbro River, travelers would stop in this area to camp and water their animals. The city was named after Rochester in New York.  Some of the most popular activities are golfing, exploring the Mayo Civic Center, attending Riverside Concerts, and having fun in the parks. The city has more than 3,500 acres of park land with over 85 miles of paved trails and about 100 individual park areas to visit.

This small town, one of the cleanest in the world, is mostly famous for a motion picture from 1996 that has the same name and for a similar TV drama series. It's not getting popular for keeping its air clean, which is mostly possible because of its small population of 114,000. Coal-fired coal power plants, oil and gas fields, of which the state has plenty, have not been a big problem due to North Dakota's geography. The windy weather and wide-open spaces dilute the pollution particle.

Knoxville is a hidden gem in the state; most people will go to Memphis or Nashville. Some of its most appealing attractions are within walking distance of the very vibrant downtown, according to Visit Knoxville. That only makes it more attractive to people looking for off the beaten path destinations. You'll get a chance to experience live music, culture, outdoor adventure, eclectic shopping, and highly acclaimed cuisine in just one unique location. The city was also named by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 10 Destinations on the Rise.

This is one of the most underrated cities in America. Also, Tulsa has one of the best and safest drinking water in the country. It comes from three lakes in northeastern Oklahoma. The city monitors pH, turbidly, chlorine, and other water quality tests every 4 hours. Tulsa is also a friendly and easy going city. There's good turnover in IT and reasonably good paying jobs. You can't ignore the concert venues, the minor league ball park, nearby lakes, and the city's closeness to the Ozarks (just about 3 hours).

The Gulf Shores are certainly more famous than Mobile, especially when it comes to awesome beach towns, but Mobile is much cheaper and it, too, offers stunning waterfront access and beachfront homes. Once called the Paris of the South, Mobile has long been the cultural center of the Gulf Coast and you'll find an authentic experience found nowhere else in the southern U.S. The city is home to America's original Mardi Gras, dozens of festivals, art shows, and culinary cook-offs nearly every weekend.

El Paso is an adventurous winter weekend getaway because of its central location to everywhere. Rock climbing and bouldering are must-try activities, especially at Hueco Tanks, which is one of the most historical sites in the entire state. Some of the city's best attractions include the Chamizal National Memorial, which commemorates the treaty that ended a century-old boundary dispute between the U.S. and Mexico, the El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center, the National Border Patrol Museum, which is the only one of its kind in the country, and the War Eagles Air Museum, which has more than 30 military and civilian aircrafts of the World War II-Korean War period.