June 25. With 75 percent of Americans saying they will take a road trip rather than fly in 2024, North Carolina is in good shape for more travel spending this summer.

North Carolina is the seventh best state for summer road trips, according to a new WalletHub study.

WalletHub compared the 50 states based on 32 key metrics ranging from the number of attractions to road conditions.

Road Tripping in North Carolina (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

19th – Number of Attractions
5th – Lowest Price of Three-Star Hotel Room
19th – Avg. Gas Prices
18th – Nightlife Options per Capita
18th – Car Thefts per Capita
4th – Access to Scenic Byways
25th – Lowest Price of Camping
27th – Driving Laws Rating

For the last few years, Americans have traveled more than ever. There’s also a post-pandemic scarcity of reasonably priced rental vehicles at travel destinations. Increased costs are an economic push to road travel in a personal vehicle.

Quotable

“A road trip allows you to spend on certain items and save on others. You remain in control of your vacation. You will also have spare cash to buy a great ice cream treat or other fun food when you stop at each destination,” said Dr. David C. Miles, executive professor at Northern Arizona State University.

Nearly one in five Americans saying they would prefer to take a road trip rather than fly in 2024