Top 5 most expensive US vacation spots

PHOENIX - If you want to take a vacation and keep your bank account satisfied at the same time, then there are a handful of U.S. cities you should avoid.

TripAdvisor just released its latest TripIndex for 2012 with the most expensive destinations in America.

The prices are based off a one night stay in a 4-star hotel, round-trip taxi fare, cocktails for two and dinner for two with a bottle of wine.

Although they are going a little overboard with a lavish night out, there’s no doubt these cities are not bank account friendly.

First up is Chicago!  From extravagant shopping to deep dish pizza and a stroll on the Navy Pier, there’s no hesitation in saying Chicago is a fun town. A vacation there could cost you an average of $393 a night.

Next on the list is Honolulu, Hawaii.  While its setting is beautiful, right on the Pacific Ocean backed by dramatic cliffs and extinct volcanoes, a luxurious stay here could cost you an average of $398 a night.

Third most expensive destination is San Francisco.  Sure crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, taking a trolley up the inclines and chowing down on some crab at the Fisherman’s Warf sounds fun, but a lively night here could cost you an average of $429 a night.

Boston, Massachusetts comes in as the second most expensive destination.  As one of America’s oldest cities, it’s hard not to feel surrounded in this town, but I’m warning you like Paul Revere, that an overnight stay here could cost you an average $450.

New York City comes in as the most expensive destination.  Arguably the world’s most vibrant and sprawling metropolis, a lavish night out in the Big Apple could set you back $456 a night.

Again, these prices are based on an unnecessary luxurious overnight stay, so you could easily spend a lot less.

The key if you are planning a trip to one of these cities is to be patient and dig deep for good deals.

Some searching uncovered some 3-star hotels in New York for under $200, so who’s to say you can’t make an expensive trip affordable!