US Top Summer Destination 2008

Portland, Maine

The land of lobster and home of Acadia, the only national park in New England, Maine has long been a popular summer destination. But unless you live in a neighboring state, it's been expensive to get there.

That changes May 23rd, when low-fare carrier JetBlue begins service to Portland with fares up to 70 percent lower or $59 to $129 each way. JetBlue starts its Maine service with four flights a day from New York and offers connections from 30 of JetBlue's 34 destinations.

Portland is Maine's largest city and noted by Frommer's as a "culinary mecca." It's also got numerous cultural attractions such as the Portland Museum of Art with works from Degas, Picasso and Renoir and a vibrant music scene that includes the Portland Symphony and jazz, blues and rock clubs.

The city is also a draw for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike along the ocean in Two Lights State Park, kayak in Casco Bay or lounge on secluded beaches just a ferry ride away.

St. Lucia

Heading to the Caribbean in the islands' off-season - when the weather is just 5 to 10 degrees warmer than winter - is one of the best ways to save on a summer vacation. And St. Lucia, one of the southern most islands in the Caribbean, is a particularly good deal this summer because a slew of hotels are opening, bringing low introductory rates.

At the recently opened Almond Bay Resort, they're offering an early summer booking special for $300 a night for an ocean-view room including all meals and drinks. Typically, that rate is $400 a night. Prices at even the most luxurious resorts are half of what you'd pay in the winter. At Ladera, a resort nestled between St. Lucia's famous Piton Mountains and recently named the Best Hotel in the Caribbean, a one-bedroom suite with your own plunge pool is $280 a night vs. $500 in the winter. Just be sure to make it an early summer getaway - May through July - before hurricane season kicks in.

Banff

If you're looking for cooler climes and outdoor adventure, head north to one of Canada's 40 national parks, which are less crowded and less expensive than U.S. parks in the summer, says Banas from SmarterTravel.com.

At Banff in the Canadian Rockies, a 90-minute drive from Calgary, summer temps are in the mid 60s and if you book a hotel stay by June 30, you can save up to 40 percent on your lodging at resorts such as the Banff Caribou Lodge and the Rimrock Resort Hotel.

Richmond, VA

Richmond is less than two hours from Washington, DC but the former capital of the Confederacy is just as steeped in history, making it a great family destination. Sites include Edgar Allen Poe's boyhood home and the Paramount King's Dominion amusement park with 200 rides. And it's the only U.S. city to boast Class IV white water rafting in an urban setting on the James River in downtown Richmond.

JetBlue begins service to Richmond April 4th, the first time this destination has had any low-fare competition. Fares are up to 50% lower: $138 to $268 roundtrip from New York and $158 from $288 roundtrip to Boston.

Denver, Colorado

Ski resorts are a great vacation value in the summer and there's even more to do outside of ski season, from hiking to horseback riding. And now it's even cheaper to get to Denver since low-fare king Southwest Airlines began flying to in Denver in January.

Though low-fare airline Frontier has been battling it out with United there for several years, even Frontier has been forced to cut its low-fares to match Southwest prices, which are as low as $23 each way. Visitors can head to the nearby Rocky Mountains or stay in the Mile High City to visit free or reasonably priced attractions such as the Denver Zoo and the U.S. Mint.

Greenville, South Carolina

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has a big city feel in a small town setting with boutiques, art galleries and outdoor cafes. It was voted a "best value" destination in Hotwire's Travel Value Index thanks to bargain priced accommodations including high end properties like the Westin Poinsett, a lavishly restored 1920s landmark where rooms are as low as $135 a night.

Greenville, at the gateway to South Carolina's mountain wilderness areas, is also fun for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nearby lakes and mountain trails.

Knoxville, Tennessee

The former capital of Tennessee is full of cultural and family fun attractions, from the Knoxville Symphony and the Knoxville Zoo to the Knoxville Opera and the Candy Factory, a 19th century building that now houses art galleries and a chocolate shop.

While there are plenty of low-priced hotels and motels, there are noteworthy new accommodations, such as the Cumberland House, a small luxury boutique hotel walking distance to downtown and overlooking World's Fair Park. Rates are as low as $119 a night on the weekend and even a suite with a balcony and sitting room is just $179 a night.