Popular Destination Just Named Number 1 Attraction In The World

If you're lucky enough to snag a trip every now and then, you're lucky enough, right? And, if you're trying to stay in the U.S. you can visit the Empire State building, the number 1 attraction in the world, quite easily.

I know, it sounds predictable and cliche. Millions of folks flock to the Empire State Building, and some grew up with the iconic landmark nearby, taking it for granted. But, when you consider attractions in the U.S., it's impressive enough. However, the Empire State Building took top honors in the entire world.

My family is by no means world travelers. The first time I ever left my home state was in 8th grade for the class trip to D.C. And, that was my first time on a plane. But, when my son was in high school we planned a post Christmas trip to New York City. And, it truly was unforgettable. And, yes, we visited the Empire State Building.

Travel+Leisure says according to Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Things to Do list, the destination cemented its 1st place spot as the number 1 attraction in the world. Tripadvisor indicates the spot "Boasting 60,000 5-star reviews, the Empire State Building reinforces its claim as the 'World's Most Famous Building' by rising to the No. 1 attraction in the U.S. and in the world."

The travel platform goes on to say visitors are impressed by the 360-degree view of New York and the fact that it's possible to glimpse up to 6 states if the weather cooperates. And, they even declare it a 'once in a lifetime experience.' Those are powerful sentiments when you consider other spots making the list, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Anne Frank House. But, none measured up to the Empire State Building.

According to the official Empire State Building website, the landmark was intended to be the world's first 100 plus story building. Workers began construction on March 17, 1930, and it was completed in rapid time at 1 year, 45 days. President Hoover pressed the button in D.C. on May 1, 1931 opening the site and turning the familiar lights on for the first time.

And of course, who can overlook the affection Hollywood has for the building. It's King Kong's infamous perch, a meeting spot for romance in "An Affair to Remember" and the more contemporary "Sleepless in Seattle." Also, the first Valentine's Day weddings took place at the Empire State Building in 1994. And, they even offer proposal packages.

I could go on and on. But, suffice it to say, the Empire State Building totally earns the world's number 1 attraction honors. Learn more on the website and see the full story of other landmarks making the list.

Christmas is a time to visit family and friends and get away from the daily grind. The holidays can be a wonderful time, but they can also be very expensive. From buying lots of Christmas gifts for family and friends to having to pay for plane tickets and travel, holiday expenses can really add up. But, the good news is that there are some affordable Christmas vacations in the U.S. that are available for a good deal. Also, North Carolina has one of the cheapest Christmas vacations in America.

One good thing about traveling during the winter months is that it's often the off-season for popular vacation destinations. Of course, the holidays are a busy travel time. That makes late December a difficult time to find a deal for travel. But, if you don't mind the cold and snow, some northern areas of the U.S. offer very good deals. That's true even during the Christmas season.

Some tips for finding a good deal for holiday vacationing include searching a lot of booking websites, comparing different hotel dates to find the most reasonable ones and finding bundle deals. Also, keep your eyes open for special deals on resorts and hotels that are just opening. That's because sometimes, during those opening months, new vacation spots try to attract a loyal clientele by offering special deals. One more tip is to search for airfare rates individually even if you are traveling as a couple or a group. If you put in a search for a group of tickets, the algorithms will often leave out information on one or two cheaper tickets being available. They'll just send you a group of tickets, sitting together, all at the same price. So, you might get a deal if you search for one ticket, instead.

So, what are the best affordable Christmas vacations in the U.S.? Here are some popular spots that won't break the bank. One is in North Carolina.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the self-proclaimed Christmas capital city of the world. Okay, so many argue that Strasbourg, France, takes that honor, but Frankenmuth is close, and it's a lot cheaper to get there. No passport needed. The villiage's Franconian-style architecture has given it the loving name "Little Bavaria." Frankenmuth is also home to the world's biggest Christmas store.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and it offers a beautiful view of snowy hills and Amish country. It's a very old-fashioned type of town, making it a charming winter getaway. There are plenty of fun, holiday-type things to do in Lancaster that won't break the bank.

You might never guess, but Las Vegas, Nevada, is a great spot for an affordable holiday trip. Think about it. Most people wouldn't think to go to "Sin City" for Christmas. Of course, it's much less the "sin" part these days, as Las Vegas offers fun activities for the whole family.

Fort Myers, Florida, is a popular destination for snow birds. But, that's doesn't mean to skip it during the holidays. If you want to get away from the snow and ice, Fort Myers offers a great escape over Christmas and for prices that are more reasonable than in many other areas of Florida.

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a great spot to visit in the holiday season, because it's not as crowded as other times during the year. It's also less expensive to visit during the holidays and offers beautiful decorations during Christmas. Don't forget the many holiday markets.

Boston, Massachusetts, gets cold in the winter, but it also has that classic Christmas charm. It's a big city with a smaller city feel during the holidays. What's more, it's a more affordable winter vacation destination than many other areas, and you won't have the fight the crowds.