Somewhere in the neighborhood of 85 percent of Americans are planning a summer vacation this year. It’s estimated that close to 90 percent of that number will be traveling on the road somewhere.

Why leave the country when there’s so much asphalt and gravel right here at home?

WalletHub, a social network for the financially savvy and thrifty people of the world, recently ranked all 50 states for their summer road-trip-worthiness, based on the following factors:

Transportation and Accommodation Costs

• Average Gas Prices
• Maximum Toll Costs
• Average Cost of Car Repairs
• Lowest Price of Three-Star Hotel
• Lowest Price of Camping
• Number of Lodging Units (campgrounds, hostels, condominiums, villas, lodges) per 100,000 Residents

Road Conditions & Safety

• Vehicle Miles Traveled per Capita
• Population Density
• Driving Laws Rating
• Quality of Roads
• Quality of Bridges
• Number of Fatalities per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled
• Number of Car Thefts per 100,000 Residents
• Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents

Fun & Scenic Attractions

• National Park Units per 100,000 Square Miles
• Number of Attractions
• Number of Nightlife Options per 100,000 Residents
• Number of Scenic Byways
• Average Weather Conditions
• Accommodation and Food Services Establishments per 100,000 People

Here’s the top 10:

1. Oregon

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 32/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 4/50

Fun and Attractions: 3/50

2. Nevada

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 12/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 24/50

Fun and Attractions: 4/50

3. Minnesota

Gas and Accommodation Expense:22/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 1/50

Fun and Attractions: 19/50

4. Washington

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 40/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 9/50

Fun and Attractions: 1/50

5. Ohio

Gas and Accommodation Expense:30/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 6/50

Fun and Attractions: 7/50

6. Utah

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 28/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 2/50

Fun and Attractions: 17/50

7. Wyoming

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 4/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 8/50

Fun and Attractions: 26/50

8. Colorado

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 11/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 23/50

Fun and Attractions: 14/50

9. North Carolina

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 14/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 31/50

Fun and Attractions: 12/50

10. Idaho

Gas and Accommodation Expense: 27/50

Road Conditions and Safety: 21/50

Fun and Attractions: 15/50

After seeing this list, what are your summer road trippin’ plans? Will you be keeping your summer travel stateside or heading overseas someplace?

Happy and safe travels!

 

Main image by Ken Lund