mississippi
Cheap gasoline and camping sites couldn't save Mississippi from coming in dead last in a recent ranking of the best states for summer road trips.
While the costs of driving and accommodations in the Magnolia State aren't too expensive, the WalletHub report said, the state ranks low for traffic conditions, safety, weather conditions and fun/scenic attractions.
Our neighbors in Alabama ranked 45th, the report said, while Louisiana snagged a more favorable spot as 25th, bolstered by an abundance of attractions and low-cost accommodations.
The top five states for summer road trips were Oregon, Idaho, Minnesota, Utah and Washington, all of which received higher rankings for traffic, safety and weather conditions.
Rounding out the top 10 were Nevada, New York, California, Ohio and Colorado.
Courtesy of WalletHub
Mississippi ranked third for the lowest average gasoline price and fifth for lowest camping costs, but that wasn't enough to keep it out of the lowest overall ranking.
It ranked 16th in gas and accommodations pricing, 42nd in traffic conditions and safety, 41st in weather conditions during summer months and 48th in attractions.
If elaborate Elvis shrines had been weighted heavily in the survey formula, perhaps Graceland Too in Holly Springs would have boosted Mississippi's attraction rank.
Based on the WalletHub rankings, the traffic and safety award goes to Virginia, while Washington is said to have the edge on scenic and fun attractions.
Montana boasts the best summer weather conditions for travel, and Arizona ranks highest in fuel and lodging affordability.