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Travel & Experiences

The most and least expensive states to visit in the U.S.

Traveling for two in the United States: the 10 least expensive states
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The AAA 2008 Vacation Costs Survey, which culls published rates for more than 60,000 restaurants and lodgings, recommends a budget of $244 per day for two while traveling in North America.

Here are the states found to be the cheapest vacation spots. (Costs are based on average published prices for meals and lodgings for two adults.)

1. North Dakota

Lodging: $95.71

Meals: $63.04

Total average daily cost: $158.75

Photo: The Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota.  (Will Kincaid / Associated Press)
Traveling for two in the United States: The 10 least expensive states
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2. Nebraska

Lodging: $100.33

Meals: $59.32

Total average daily cost: $159.65

Photo: The commercial area of Omaha, Neb.  (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)
Traveling for two in the United States: the 10 least expensive states
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3. Kansas

Lodging: $103.40

Meals: $61.22

Total average daily cost: $164.62

Photo: Tulips bask in the April sunshine in Oakdale Park in Salina, Kansas.  (Tom Dorsey / Associated Press)
Traveling for two in the United States: the 10 least expensive states
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5. South Dakota

Lodging: $109.09

Meals: $65.74

Total average daily cost: $174.83

Photo: The Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  (Mike Stewart / Associated Press)
Traveling for two in the United States: the 10 least expensive states
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7. Alabama

Lodging: $111.99

Meals: $68.76

Total average daily cost: $180.75

Photo: The Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.  (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Traveling for two in the United States: the 10 least expensive states
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8. Arkansas

Lodging: $120.43

Meals: $65.66

Total average daily cost: $186.09

Photo: The Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.  (Danny Johnston / Associated Press)
Traveling for two in the United States: the 10 least expensive states. Nebraska
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9. Mississippi

Lodging: $110.77

Meals: $76.56

Total average daily cost: $187.33

Photo: Horses at a refuge in Prentiss County in Mississippi.  (Thomas Wells / Associated Press)
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10. Kentucky

Lodging: $121.02

Meals: $66.74

Total average daily cost: $187.76

Photo: The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.  (Morry Gash / Associated Press)
By Mary Forgione
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Where are you going on vacation this year?

You might want to consult AAA’s 2008 annual Vacation Costs Survey to see a comparison of the 10 most --and 10 least--expensive states to visit.

North Dakota is definitely the cheapest; Hawaii, the most expensive. According to the survey, the average cost for lodging is $164 per night (based on double occupancy). AAA recommends spending about $244 per day for lodging and meals.

The survey culls published rates from more than 60,000 restaurants and lodgings; costs are based on average published prices for meals and lodgings for two adults.

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Travel & Experiences
Mary Forgione

Mary Forgione launched and wrote The Wild, a weekly newsletter featuring insider tips on the best of Southern California beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests and mountains.

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