3. Boston
It's a fun family destination steeped in American history; it's also a convention hot spot famous for its sports, whale watching and fascinating accents. Beantown also happens to be the third-most expensive city for a hotel room, according to the Hotels.com. Save a few pennies with a stroll along the gorgeous Charles River Esplanade or through historic Boston Common, and then be ready to blow those pennies on a fresh lobster for dinner.

4. San Francisco
The City by the Bay draws travelers from around the world thanks to scenic beauty, mild weather and an eclectic dining scene. Too bad the average price tag for accommodations and dining per person for 24 hours tops $300, according to Forbes.com. But no worries: San Francisco is also home to the famous Haight-Ashbury district's lush public parks — with plenty of benches to nap on.

5. Miami
South Beach has some of the most beautiful, well-kept beaches in the United States. But that kind of grooming, ocean-side lounge chairs and Baywatch-caliber lifeguards don't come cheap. Year-round, leagues of visitors flock to South Beach, the art deco hotels and big-time resorts, all for top dollar. True, the service is usually friendly, and the food as fresh as it gets, but living high on the surf will definitely leave your wallet feeling washed out. But the surroundings are almost as beautiful as the people.

Also of interest:

• Best places to live on $100 a day.
• Join the discussion: Share your most memorable vacation spots.
  

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