Most expensive/best: South Africa in 2010 for the World Cup. Then drove up through Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Did a Safari at Chobe, stayed on a small private island is Zambia with fresh cooked meals by island staff outnumbering the guests, elephants roaming and hippos in the river….then hit Victoria Falls and zip lined from Zimbabwe to Zambia. Once in a lifetime trip.
Least expensive/best: Asheville, NC. Stayed in a couple Air BnBs including a small cabin in a backyard in Weaverville (about $100). Good beers, solid food and hiking.