1. Washington DC

Washington is full of attractions associated with the history of the nation and the federal government and of course some of the very best monuments and museums in the country. However, the recent ‘DC Cool’ campaign means you have a lot more to do in Washington than just visit the historical attractions. The recent vibe that Washington has acquired makes it one of the best value US cities for a vacation. Check out dccool.com for more info.

2. Nashville

Nashville has a modest and down-to-earth vibe and of course is the country music capital of the US. If you are planning a vacation here, there are some great spots to head to including the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Belle Meade Plantation is another great attraction in addition to the large number of boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops where you can hang out. The trendy boutiques and hipster bars are what make Nashville a great place to visit.

3. Charlottesville

This is the town of Thomas Jefferson and you can see his imprint in places like the University of Virginia and the vegetable gardens of his former home, Monticello. But that’s not all that the city offers. Upcoming musicians love the outdoor pavilion space that is dedicated for them every summer. Wine lovers who don’t want to pay the exorbitant prices of the Napa Valley will find Charlottesville wineries a terrific alternative. Some hip coffee and sheesha lounges also add to the unique identity of Charlottesville, making it one of the best value US cities for a vacation.

4. Seattle

Seattle is home to the country’s best coffee (arguably) and has a thriving art scene with plenty of history and culture. It is a great destination for those who love an outdoor adventure with great facilities for kayaking, camping and hiking. There’s a lot going on in Seattle and it’s experiencing rather a growth spurt. The numerous neighborhoods are an eclectic mix and let’s not forget this city gave birth to Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix.

5. Savannah

Savannah is a true taste of the Old South, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the city hasn’t moved with the times. Although there’s gorgeous antebellum architecture, this is a modern city too. I want to go here because travel guides call Savannah “an angel with a dirty face” and a place “where eccentricity finds a natural home”. What may be as prim and proper as a pre-Civil War matron by day, becomes a reckless Southern Belle by night. With a fair climate, good priced accommodation and the coast only 18 miles away, Savannah definitely makes my list of best value US cities for a vacation.

6. New Orleans

New Orleans is home to the European style architecture of the French Quarter and mouthwatering Creole cuisine. It is heaven for music lovers as jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and blues along with other tunes permeate from every corner of the city. Recent disasters like the BP Oil Spill and Hurricane Katrina may have been a setback, but the identity of this iconic city has hardly diminished – just been dented a bit!

7. Austin

Austin is another of the best value US cities for a vacation with music at its heart. It has the most live music venues per capita than any other place in the country. And that’s not all. Austin’s motto is ‘Keep Austin Weird’ and even that tells only a part of the story. Austin is heaven for sun-seekers with over 300 days of sun on average per year. Places like the Zilker Park ensure that Austin lives up to its billing as the ‘most livable city’ in America. From the Renaissance Market to the Blanton Museum of Art and the sports at the University of Texas-Austin, Austin is the city that makes you say to yourself, "Why am I not living here?"

What do you think about a city break as a vacation? Would you prefer a beachside resort instead?