Hotwire rates best places for value vacations

Phoenix ranked at the top of the list for travel value, according to the latest Hotwire Travel Value Index.

“Phoenix…is a city that offers almost everything a vacationer could want. From low prices on world-class hotels and resorts Phoenix offers outdoor adventures, breath-taking golf courses, trendy shopping in the ‘Beverly Hills of the desert’, and nearly perfect year-round weather,” says the Index.

The index recommends visitors tour the Desert Botanical Garden and take in Taliesin West, the one-time winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Other top cities for value:

ü Dallas-Fort Worth, which has big discounts on travel and bargains at the Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall.

ü Orlando, which is the theme-park capital of the world and close to Daytona, known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach.”

ü Denver, which has “great discounts on accommodations and a wide variety of outdoor and free activities, including the US Mint and a tour of the Coors Brewery.”

ü Atlanta, which has “deep discounts, affordable entertainment and a wide variety of quality hotels.”

ü Los Angeles, which had high marks for affordable entertainment, free museums and parks, and other inexpensive attractions.

ü Washington, DC, where there is a huge variety of historic and emotional memorials.

ü Kansas City scored “high marks for low prices and fantastic discounts.”

ü Miami, recommended for sports fans, sun-bathers and salsa dancers. The city “sizzles all year long with exciting entertainment venues and attractions,” says the index.

ü Milwaukee, which has some of the best breweries and sports teams in the nation, as well as performing arts and even a casino.

Report by David Wilkening