If you thought 2009 was the year for cheap travel, then think again. This year is shaping up to be a stellar time to book vacations on the cheap, from flight sales to reduced hotels. MSNBC and Budget Travel have put together a list of the world’s new best-value destinations in 2010. Check them out and book a cheap flight.
Portland, Oregon
This Pacific Northwest gem is the place to be if you’re looking for creative local restaurants, friendly locals, and an alternative frame of mind. Eco-friendly and sustainable on most accounts, this green city welcomes any innovative environmentalists, or just simply someone looking for a great craft beer. With over 9 million visitors in 2009, Portland expects an uptick in the coming year, and low-cost carriers like JetBlue and Southwest made it an inexpensive jaunt. Once you’re there, small boutique hotels are easy to come by. Strap on your Birkenstocks and get going.
Las Vegas
Whether you’re looking to wake up married to a stranger, or just want to experience the decadence of gourmet food, five-star spas, and luxurious hotels, it’s hard to go wrong in Vegas. Last year, hotel prices practically collapsed due to the recession. The city depends heavily on convention travel, and with conventions decreasing in both 2009 and 2010, it looks like this will be another year of low costs and high drama in the City of Sin. More than 14,000 rooms have been added, mainly in the Hard Rock, the Golden Nugget, and CityCenter, and some hotels are charging only $40 per night. Take a chance and travel to Vegas in 2010.
Glacier Park, Montana
Back in 1850, this national park boasted 150 glaciers to its name. Today, it has only 26, and scientists predict that there will be none left in 2020. Long story short: Head to Montana and see Glacier Park before it disappears. This year marks its 100th anniversary as a national park, and this one-million acre land has super low prices on lodgings in the winter. With seven-day entry passes and occasional fee-free days, Glacier Park is an affordable piece of nature. For cheap challenge, try its 7.6-mile downhill hike along the Highline Trail.
For the rest of 2010’s best-value destinations, read the article on MSNBC.com.
