The 12 Worst U.S. States for Travelers — Ranked by Experience and Quality
Do you want to plan a cross-country journey yet remain uncertain which states to avoid? According to the U.S. Travel Association, travelers in the United States made over 1.1 billion domestic trips in 2023, which shows why travel experiences can vary significantly from magical to miserable, depending on your destination.
The travel experience suffers in certain U.S. states because they fail to deliver on safety measures while offering dull attractions, inadequate infrastructure, and scarce hospitality. Research can prevent travel headaches for those who drive through scenic routes or fly to cities for a getaway.
This listicle examines the top 12 U.S. states that receive poor travel feedback based on their quality of life ratings, safety conditions, number of attractions, infrastructure quality, and general atmosphere. To ensure a safer and more fulfilling adventure, prepare to learn which routes need rethinking and wise planning advice.
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including traveler frustrations. CNBC’s 2024 livability rankings showed Texas has the poorest quality of life among all U.S. states. Travelers encounter several problems during their stays, including limited healthcare access, insufficient inclusiveness, and worker protection measures. They also face regular flight delays at Dallas and Houston airports.
Those who prioritize reproductive rights and personal freedoms during travel will find Texas to be restrictive. Despite its excellence in BBQ and live music offerings, the state’s societal and infrastructural issues are too significant for many visitors to overlook.
Travel Tip: Travelers seeking authentic Southern hospitality should explore Georgia or South Carolina, where they will find more welcoming atmospheres and stronger legal safeguards.
Indiana
Indiana earns the “Crossroads of America” nickname but fails to maintain road-trip appeal beyond its initial promise. Becker’s Hospital Review (2024) places this location as the second-worst state for quality of life due to major problems with childcare services and reproductive rights, combined with low inclusiveness and limited voting access.
Travelers become underwhelmed because there are few activities outside Indianapolis and little nightlife or standout attractions. Travelers concerned with voting rights and diversity should expect to be disappointed.
Travel Tip: Needing Midwest charm? Travelers who seek family-friendly places will find Michigan and Illinois stand out for their vibrant nightlife and family attractions.
Alabama
All travel presents health risks, but Alabama significantly amplifies them. The state endures ongoing elevated levels of flu and COVID-19 infections and high RSV rates, as reported by QuoteWizard. It also deals with a poverty rate of 15% and crime rates that are among the highest in the nation. Around 17% of Alabama residents lack health insurance coverage, and visitors might face minimal access to healthcare services.
Due to Alabama’s poor track record on inclusiveness and worker protections, its appeal diminishes among solo travelers and families.
Travel Tip: Those who want to explore the Deep South should visit Tennessee’s scenic locations or Florida’s Gulf Coast, which offer greater safety and hospitality.
Oklahoma
According to CNBC 2024, Oklahoma struggles significantly with healthcare access, worker protection policies, and voting rights despite its poor educational ranking—it ranks 46th nationally. Road trip travelers complain about inadequate highways and rest stops, while adventure enthusiasts find the absence of protected natural areas disappointing. Travelers encounter physical and metaphorical feelings of being stranded because of infrastructure difficulties and affordability challenges.
Travel Tip: Nature enthusiasts should travel north towards Colorado because it offers beautiful parks, trails, and magnificent scenery.
Arkansas
Despite being affordable, Arkansas remains burdened with the stigma of being an uninspiring travel destination. Arkansas holds a low position among the five worst states for life quality and safety because its violent crime rate exceeds the national average by 50%. The state provides few inclusive activities, reducing the likelihood of discovering exciting events. The combination of scarce entertainment options and safety issues makes Arkansas unattractive for most travelers.
Travel Tip: Missouri offers natural beauty identical to the Ozarks, improved safety, and additional activities.
Tennessee
Tennessee is the origin of country music, but it has poor health and safety standards. Travelers encounter elevated flu and COVID-19 rates and find themselves in one of the ten states with the worst crime rates (QuoteWizard, 2022). Outside Nashville and Memphis, healthcare access remains difficult because areas lack inclusiveness, and worker protections fall short throughout the state.
Travel Tip: Music enthusiasts should visit Austin, Texas, or Beale Street in Memphis because these locations offer lively yet secure environments.
Missouri
Travelers to Missouri encounter high crime rates and persistent inclusiveness and reproductive rights issues. The recent quality-of-life rankings by Becker’s Hospital Review placed Missouri at 98 out of 325. Yet, visitors find that the suburban and rural areas offer limited attractions and safety features outside St. Louis and Kansas City. Travelers frequently shorten their stays when faced with an unexpected dose of reality.
Travel Tip: Choose Illinois instead of Missouri to experience active urban vacations and stronger safeguards.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s cultural vibrancy often disappears because local safety problems and health challenges interfere. According to WalletHub’s evaluation, the state deals with high crime rates and poor health outcomes while also maintaining the second-highest poverty rate nationwide, which places it at the bottom end of road-trip destinations. The rising violent crime rates in New Orleans, a well-known destination, generate safety concerns among tourists.
Travel Tip: Travelers seeking Creole cuisine and historical appeal will find Charleston, South Carolina, both safer and equally delectable.
Kansas
When visiting Kansas, travelers encounter high crime rates, inadequate childcare systems, and insufficient worker protections, which prevent them from experiencing the “home on the range” vibe. Becker’s Hospital Review ranked Kansas as the 9th-worst state for quality of life in 2024 because residents and visitors find the attractions dull while experiencing insufficient infrastructure and nightlife options.
Travel Tip: Travelers overlook Nebraska, yet it provides beautiful landscapes and unusual roadside attractions.
Arizona
Although Arizona receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, travelers often find more drawbacks than benefits. Poor healthcare and safety ratings compound the air quality problem since Phoenix and Tucson regularly top the list for smog levels. You should avoid this destination if your priorities include dependable, clean lodging and excellent healthcare services.
Travel Tip: The states of Utah and Nevada offer better air quality, hiking opportunities, and sunshine to enhance your travel experience.
Mississippi
Mississippi has the highest poverty rate nationwide and some of the worst health and education outcomes. It also ranks lowest in insurance coverage and healthcare accessibility, and its inadequate infrastructure makes travel difficult. People who want an easy and relaxing trip should explore different destinations.
Travel Tip: The Gulf Coast offers stunning scenery, but vacationers find Florida provides more dependable and secure travel experiences.
Delaware
Small state, big problems for travelers. Travelers cite Delaware for limited activities, safety concerns, and an underwhelming road trip experience. Travel experts routinely advise against including this destination in road trip itineraries because its high living expenses exceed median income levels, and 12% of its residents lack health insurance.
Travel Tip: If you seek East Coast appeal and active adventure options, consider visiting Maryland, including Baltimore and its scenic beaches.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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