Road trips are an integral part of summertime in the United States; however, some states are better than others when it comes to traveling on a budget. 

A new report from WalletHub, a website dedicated to helping people make better financial decisions and save money, ranked all 50 states for summer road trips. North Carolina ranks number nine on the list, behind states like Oregon, Washington and Colorado .

The rankings were based off of three criteria: driving and lodging costs, road conditions and safety and fun and scenic attractions. These three main categories were further broken down into 20 key metrics, ranging from quality of bridges and toll costs to total number of attractions .

 “We kind of had to pick and choose which metrics really agreed with and supported the website,” Jill Gonzalez, spokesperson for WalletHub said.

 Nick Gregory , a sophomore majoring in design studies, said that he wasn’t relatively surprised when he heard that North Carolina ranked within the top 10 for summer road tripping. 

 “I wouldn’t consider any road trips within North Carolina too expensive,” Gregory said. “This is especially true with current gas prices and because Raleigh is situated toward the middle of the state. You can get basically anywhere you want to go in under five hours.” 

 Gregory said he takes in-state road trips nearly every year, most notably to Boone and Asheville. 

 North Carolina is ranked number two for most scenic byways,  with a total of 54, according to Gonzalez. The majority of these byways are located within the western part of the state.

 “Driving up and through the mountains in the summer is the most enjoyable,” Gregory said. “Whenever possible, I try to take a scenic route. It may take longer, but the views are worth it.”

 The Internet outlet also elevated North Carolina for its low toll costs, quality of roads and low camping costs, but the state hit a pothole with its average car repair costs, ranking 50th with an average repair totaling $426.50, according to Gonzalez.

 Regardless of these statistics, Gregory said the only thing that ever really dampens his road trip experience is Raleigh traffic. 

 “Overall, traffic is usually pretty good, but traveling anywhere in or near Raleigh is always a problem,” Gregory said. “It doesn’t seem like I can ever leave this city without hitting major traffic.”

 As for the first and last place winners, Oregon ranked first overallin the survey, despite placing 32nd in driving and lodging costs, and Connecticut finished 50th, weighed down by bottom rankings in driving and lodging costs and fun and scenic attractions.