Alexandria, Va., outranked Disneyland’s home town of Anaheim, Calif., and every other city as the No. 1 place to go for 2018 in the United States, according to a new survey by Money magazine.
The magazine said in a description of its rankings called “The 20 Best Places to Go in 2018” that it looked at locations internationally and in the United States that “deliver the highest value for your dollar.” It also gives tips on what it considers “must-do experiences and amenities,” and it claims that its suggestions are a deal and even a “steal.”
It also looked at “more than 32,000 data points in total from dozens of sources.” It considered costs and customers’ experiences and happiness and trends each year. And it got into such details as the cost to travel to each destination, with rough prices for hotels, airfare and meals.
For U.S. travel, Money ranked Alexandria, Va., in first place.
According to the ranking, a week-long stay for two people in Alexandria cost roughly $2,540. That compared with a week-long stay in Anaheim, Calif., home to Disneyland theme park, for $2,361 for two people.
But the ranking was about more than the costs. Money said the city’s cobblestone streets make it feel as if “you’re a world away from the hubbub of the nation’s capital” even though you’re roughly 10 miles from popular Washington landmarks.
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The ranking suggested visiting popular spots such as Hank’s Oyster Bar, the Torpedo Factory Art Center and The Birchmere music hall in Alexandria.
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Here’s a look at the top 10 places to visit in the United States, according to Money magazine’s ranking (in order):
- Alexandria, Va.
- Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
- Stateline, Nev.
- Glen Arbor, Mich.
- Pompano Beach, Fla.
- Chicago
- Anaheim, Calif.
- Lake George, N.Y.
- Oklahoma City
- Philadelphia
For international spots, Money ranked Tokyo, followed by Rome and Merida, Mexico, as the top destinations to visit.