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Looking for a unique new destination in the U.S. for your next trip? Here's why this trendy Southern city should be on your radar!
Atlanta, Georgia is swiftly growing in popularity as one of the top destinations in the United States.
I spent several years living in Atlanta, and although I didn't love it at the time, I was impressed on a recent visit with how much the city had changed and grown.
It's becoming one of the most popular cities in the U.S. for a reason — here's why you should add this trending city to your travel bucket list this year.
It's Affordable
Let's get one thing out of the way first. Travel has gotten incredibly expensive lately.
While you can still find some affordable destinations abroad, it seems like the cost of travel in the U.S. has doubled.
But Atlanta is actually one of the most affordable major cities in the country, especially when you compare it to pricier destinations like New York, California, and even Florida.
According to BudgetYourTrip, a travel planning resource, these are the average daily costs for a trip to other major cities in the United States:
- New York: $326 per day
- Los Angeles: $258 per day
- Miami: $206 per day
But the cost of travel in Atlanta? Just $173 per day.
You'll especially save money on hotels, food, and activities in Atlanta compared to other destinations.
It's Easy To Get To
Another reason to visit Atlanta this year? It's easy (and cheap!) to get to.
Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, meaning it's a major hub for most airlines and it's easy to find nonstop flights there.
Located in the Southeastern part of the U.S., Atlanta is just a couple of hours by plane from the Northeast, Midwest, and South.
A Revitalized City And Thriving Neighborhoods
One of the biggest reasons that Atlanta is so popular right now is because of how much it has grown and changed in recent years.
The neighborhood of Buckhead has always been ritzy, most comparable to the Beverly Hills of Atlanta, and it's the best place to stay for a luxury getaway.
The eastern part of the city, including neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Little Five Points, and Inman Park have become hip and thriving hotspots in recent years, with tons of lively restaurants and bars, as well as the BeltLine, a multi-purpose trail and green space, connecting them.
Downtown and Midtown Atlanta have also gone through a lot of renewal in recent years. These are great areas to stay if you want to be close to Atlanta's museums and cultural hotspots.
My personal favorite places to visit are the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theatre (which often has Broadway shows and other performances), and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Close To Nature
Atlanta is very urban, but even within the city, you can find a natural oasis in Piedmont Park, which feels like Atlanta's answer to Central Park in the middle of the city.
But if you want to get out of the city entirely, there are several nature-based day trips you can take from Atlanta.
The picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains are less than 1.5 hours away, with lots of scenic hikes and quaint small towns.
Tip: Rent a car for your trip to Atlanta. Public transportation (MARTA) is not great, and not every neighborhood is walkable. Renting a car gives you more flexibility and allows you to go on day trips.
A Set-Jetting Hotspot
Set-jetting, or visiting destinations where your favorite movies and television shows were filmed, is one of the top travel trends of the year.
Atlanta is home to a thriving film industry, and more films are produced in Georgia each year than in Hollywood!
Fans of movies like The Hunger Games and Black Panther can spot several filming locations in and around Atlanta, as well as for TV series such as The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.