AMERICANS have been given a new vacation destination that doesn’t break the bank and is just as good as tourist favorites.
A little-known island destination has been ranked the top most underrated spot within the US.
The Island of Martha’s Vineyard may have found a new, less crowded rival[/caption]
St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia, has been ranked to top most underrated destination in the US[/caption]
It offers travelers a budget-friendly alternative to the likes of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and Montauk in New York.
Not only will it help with your wallet, the overlooked location will also be less crowded and more peaceful.
St. Simons Island, Georgia, was given top place in the list of the ‘best underrated travel destinations in the US’ by travel experts at U.S. News.
The coveted list was created using a combination of expert opinion, traveler votes, things to do, and how crowded the destinations are.
St. Simons is located off the Georgia coast and has a rich history dating to the Civil War.
The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles has salt marshes and sandy beaches and animal lovers can even spot migrating whales.
“It is often overlooked by out-of-state beachgoers,” the travel experts said, adding that people prefer going to Florida and South Carolina.
“This dreamy barrier island is home to stately live oaks, dune-lined beaches, maritime forests and quaint shopping villages, lending it a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere even during peak season,” they added.
The island has a number of shops, beaches, museums, and golf courses, as well as a variety of water sports and other activities like fishing and biking.
According to the World Travel Index, St. Simons Island is better than Martha’s Vineyard.
The island has 72 out of 100 points compared to the 66 of the hugely popular Massachusetts destination.
Points are scored based on a variety of elements including activities, safety, and cost.
A vacation rental at Martha’s Vineyard will set you back between $350 and $400, the Index states.
Meanwhile, the same type of accommodation in St. Simons is between $200 and $250 on average.
St Simons has ranked higher than Martha’s Vineyard due to cost, traveler reviews, and things to do there[/caption]
A trip to Martha’s Vinyard could easily cost thousands of dollars for just a weekend, compared to a few hundred for St Simons, travlers have said[/caption]
Restaurant meals are also cheaper in St Simons, though bar prices are pretty much the same in both locations.
Meanwhile, on Reddit users warned a traveler looking to spend a glam weekend in Montauk over the summer that they should “be prepared to [pay] at least $3k”.
In comparison, on average, $2,954 will get you a whole week in St. Simons, with travelers spending around $211 per day there, per BudgetYourTrip.com.
But if island or beach life isn’t your thing, the runner-up on the U.S. News list of top underrated destinations might be better suited.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho, was awarded second place.
“Covering roughly 750,000 acres, this protected area encompasses 700-plus miles of hiking trails perfect for exploring its massive mountains and alpine lakes,” the experts said.
Coming in third place is Door County, Wisconsin, where visitors can enjoy heavy snowfall and all that comes with it including skiing, snowshoeing, and frozen lakes.
Travelers looking for a new holiday destination should explore outside of the usual tourist locations to save money and find peace and quiet (stock)[/caption]
