When you think travel destinations, “far away places with strange-sounding names” likely come to mind. But while there are plenty of these you can visit, going there can be an expensive proposition. If your budget demands something a little less exotic but just as fascinating, consider going to one of your home state destinations. It’s true. Each of the 50 states offers numerous opportunities for you to enjoy yourself while not breaking the bank.
Northeast
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia are the 13 Northeastern states. If you live in one of the ocean states, you’ll find numerous beautiful beaches. Also don’t forget that Maryland and Virginia surround Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, where you can visit such places as the Capitol, the Smithsonian, and the National Archives which houses the original Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Northwest
The five Northwestern states consist of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. If you’re lucky enough to live in Wyoming, you have easy access to Yellowstone National Park, a bucket-list destination. If you live in Montana, Glacier National Park is practically your next-door neighbor. And if you live in Washington, have you ever been to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle?
Southeast
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina comprise the 10 Southeastern states. If you live in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, or Mississippi, you have easy access to the gorgeous ocean and gulf beaches. And if you live in Kentucky, have you ever attended the Kentucky Derby, the most famous two minutes in sports?
Southwest
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah comprise the eight Southwestern states. Attractions abound and you live in National Park paradise, as evidenced by the following:
- Grand Canyon in Arizona
- Yosemite in California
- Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado
- Death Valley, Great Basin, Lake Mead. and Tule Springs Fossil Beds in Nevada
- Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico
- Chickasaw in Oklahoma
- Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend in Texas
- Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion in Utah
Midwest
The Midwest consists of the following 12 states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
This isn’t just flyover country either, despite what the politicians want you to believe. If you live in the Midwest, you know that every single state boasts at least one major attraction, such as the St. Louis Arch in Missouri; Dodge City in Kansas; the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, both in Ohio; and the Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame in Sturgis, SD, home of the famous annual Sturgis Bike Rally.
Alaska and Hawaii
Alaska and Hawaii are special states. Not only are they not contiguous to the rest of the country, they also offer arctic and tropical destinations found nowhere else in the U.S. If you live in one of these two newest U.S. states, you have easy access to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, not to mention some of the country’s most spectacular beaches.
Whichever state you live in, your home state has numerous close-to-home attractions and travel destinations that other people travel hundreds or thousands of miles to see.
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