PHOTO: Walt Disney World draws visitors far and wide to Orlando every year, but Orlando also offers plenty more (Courtesy Walt Disney World)
Looking to get away this Labor Day Weekend, but don't want to spend a fortune?
Well, fortunately for you, travel search engine KAYAK has compiled a list of the least expensive Labor Day hotspots, based on the lowest average hotel rates among its top 40 U.S. destinations.
And, fortunately for you, TravelPulse has delved into the top five least expensive destinations.
Whether you want to visit a famous theme park, take a trip to sunny Southern California or hit the slopes at one of America's greatest skiing destinations, you don't have to spend your life's savings to have the time of your life.
Here's a look at the five least expensive top travel destinations in America, and their corresponding hotel rates for Labor Day Weekend (kudos to KAYAK for the list).
5. Denver ($151)
Located at the base of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Denver has a lock on some of the finest outdoor activity in the country.
But beyond the fantastic snowboarding and skiing surrounding Denver, there is so much more to the city.
You've probably heard of the thriving music and arts in the city. Denver is known for basically living and breathing summer festivals, and the Denver Art Museum simply has to be seen.
For you sports fans out there, you probably already know about the Mile High City's love of sports. The city has a team for each major sport in America (Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies), and the Broncos and Rockies have stadiums that rank among the top of their respective sports.
There's also, you know, the fact that the Broncos made it to the Super Bowl last season. That's in addition to Denver holding the USA Pro Challenge every year, the most demanding bike race in the country.
Add in the city's thriving craft beer scene and the fact that it gets more than 300 days of sunshine per year and it's truly a blessing that you can experience so much for so little. Average round-trip airfare is a wallet-friendly $302 on KAYAK.
4. San Antonio ($147)
San Antonio certainly knows about sports. The Spurs just won the NBA title last year in one of the most convincing championship performances of all time (they beat the Miami Heat by 15 points or more in all four of their wins going up against the best NBA player today, LeBron James), and they have arguably the greatest basketball coach today in Gregg Popovich.
But, obviously, it's not all about sports in San Antonio. The city has an incredible history (ever heard of the Battle of the Alamo?), and that is reflected in the numerous historical sites and museums, including San Antonio Missions Historical Park, Mission San Jose, St. Joseph Catholic Church, San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral and Mission Concepcion.
Beyond that, there's the Majestic Theatre (built in 1929), the San Antonio Botanical Garden (over 10,000 paintings, sculptures and prints) and the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art.
In term of natural attractions, you absolutely must explore the River Walk along the banks of the San Antonio River (it winds throughout the city and is a great way to tour San Antonio's numerous attractions).
3. Anaheim ($140)
What does Anaheim have that's so special?
Well, some place called Disneyland, for one.
But beyond having one of the premier theme parks in the country/world, Anaheim has a world-class convention center, some beautiful parks (check out Yorba Regional Park), a variety of spectacular golfing venues and a museum called Muzeo featuring some stunning art pieces (it currently has an exhibit made entirely of trash and recycled items).
The Center Street Promenade is also a big tourist attraction in Downtown Anaheim, sporting Muzeo, the historic Carnegie Library, the timeless neighborhoods of the Colony District and more.
And don't forget about Knott's Berry Farm, a 160-acre theme park that rivals Disneyland.
Anaheim is currently experiencing a revitalization since the economic collapse and warrants attention beyond its theme parks.
The city also hosts the Anaheim Ducks, the NHL team inspired by the Disney movie "The Mighty Ducks" and one of the greatest moments/burns in cinema history ("Quack, quack, quack, Mr. Ducksworth!").
2. Washington D.C. ($131)
OK, we all know that Washington D.C. houses the President of the United States in the White House.
And we all know about the Capitol building, the National Art Gallery, the Washington Monument and the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, and the Jefferson Memorial.
But beyond the numerous historical sites and museums, Washington D.C. offers plenty more.
Even if you aren't a religious person, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a must-see in the nation's capital. The art in this place alone will floor you, even for those of you who have seen some of the stunning art in Europe.
The United States Botanic Garden is also an eye-catching attraction (I mean, it basically houses a jungle). And there are other gardens and parks such as Dumbarton Oaks and Rock Creek Park that will bring you peace of mind.
It's also never a bad idea to visit the Albert Einstein Memorial (it hasn't been proven, but they say that simply being around his statue makes you smarter).
1. Orlando ($115)
That brings us to Orlando, Fla., site of Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and a lot of other fun stuff.
Not only is Orlando one of the premier theme park cities in the world (if not the premier theme park city), it also sports the lowest rates on KAYAK and average round-trip airfare comes in at about $309.
I could rattle on about the wonders of Orlando's theme parks, but TravelPulse's own Barry Kaufman exemplified the fun to be had the best during his tours of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Diagon Alley (click here, here and here, jealousy is currently running rampant throughout TravelPulse).
You also have SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld's Discovery Cove, which allows visitors to swim and snorkel alongside the fish and the dolphins. There's even an attraction called Exotic Animal Experience that provides hands-on opportunities with animals such as lemurs, kangaroos, llamas and kinkajous (which are related to my mortal enemy the raccoon, but are much more adorable).
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