Hey there, it's me, Toby 'The Staycation Sensation' Knapp, and today, we're getting down to the art of the staycation! As we're all gearing up for the summer travel season, 85% of Americans are ready to hit the road. But wait! Inflation has us clutching our wallets a bit tighter. So, what's the solution? Well, WalletHub has just released its report on 2023's Best & Worst Cities for Staycations.

To determine the best local vacation spots, WalletHub crunched some serious numbers, comparing over 180 cities across 42 key metrics. We're talking about everything from parks per capita to the cost of a restaurant meal.

The results are in! The top-tier staycation champions are Honolulu, Orlando, and Las Vegas - bringing in sunshine, theme parks, and a splash of glitz and glamour. Other cities that have aced the staycation game include Tampa, Salt Lake City, Charleston, Chicago, San Diego, Cincinnati, and New Orleans. The jazz, the food, the scenery - these cities are practically oozing with local vacation potential.

On the flip side, it seems the likes of Laredo, Oakland, Yonkers, Santa Rosa, and Irving may have a little catching up to do.

Top 10 Best Cities for Staycations in 2023

Honolulu, HI

Orlando, FL

Las Vegas, NV

Tampa, FL

Salt Lake City, UT

Charleston, SC

Chicago, IL

San Diego, CA

Cincinnati, OH

New Orleans, LA

Top 10 Worst Cities for Staycations in 2023

Laredo, TX

Oakland, CA

Yonkers, NY

Santa Rosa, CA

Irving, TX

Santa Ana, CA

Oxnard, CA

Fremont, CA

Pearl City, HI

Chula Vista, CA

Now, here's a few fun tidbits for you. Did you know that Las Vegas has the most zoos & aquariums per capita? Meanwhile, it's New York that takes the crown for the most parks per capita. And if you're looking to get your house cleaned at a bargain, Billings, Montana, holds the title for the lowest cost.

So, there you have it folks, from the best staycation cities to some fun, quirky stats that just might influence your summer plans. Be sure to check out the full report for more details, and remember, you don't always have to venture far for a great escape. Staycations, here we come! 🌴🏙️

Visit the WalletHub's full report here.

Ellen K Weekend Show