According to The Motley Fool, the average vacation is projected to cost $7,249 in 2025, up nearly $1,400 from the year before. Instead of cutting back on fun, many families find a smarter solution: college towns. These destinations deliver culture, history and entertainment without the big-city price tag.

With average vacation costs up by $1,400 since 2024, one unexpected travel trend is gaining momentum: college towns. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

The irresistible charm of college towns

Big cities may dazzle with skyscrapers and flashy attractions, but they also bring traffic jams, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and steep prices. College towns offer a refreshing contrast with a mix of nostalgic charm, youthful energy and surprising affordability.

In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that char

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