DALLAS, Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Last year, in a Travelocity survey of 1,003 people, more than three-quarters of those surveyed said they would like to go on a trip where they visited craft breweries and sampled local beer. Recognizing this interest in beer tourism, Travelocity enlisted the expertise of the Brewers Association, a national trade association dedicated to promoting American craft brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts, to find America’s best beer destinations by creating the first Beer Tourism Index.

By examining the location of all breweries in the U.S., and looking at other factors important to a successful “beercation,” including the availability of rideshare services, accessibility via air and the average cost of lodging, this index identified the best large and small metro areas to sample some of the nation’s best craft beers.

While overall beer sales were flat year over year in 2015, craft beer production increased 13% by volume (or to about 24 million barrels) for the year.^[1] That’s roughly 700 million more pint glasses of beer in 2015 than in 2014. And with about 4,800 craft breweries operating across the United States today, there is no shortage of locally produced brews from which to choose. Since many of these locally produced beers are available only at or within a limited radius of the brewery, there has been an increased interest in the experiencing of local craft beers by American travelers.

“Small and independent craft brewers are part of the DNA of their communities. They are becoming mainstay attractions for travelers,” said Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director for the Brewers Association and Publisher of CraftBeer.com. “Whether as part of a backyard getaway, a break from a business trip or as the main reason for a beer-focused vacation, we encourage everyone to broaden their knowledge of beer by visiting these local brewers, to experience firsthand the advancing beer culture across the country.”

“Since its inception over 20 years ago, Travelocity has been dedicated to making it easier, faster and more affordable for people to follow their passions,” said John Morrey, Vice President, Brand Expedia Group, North America. “Whether it’s locally-produced art, food or beer, Travelocity is proud to make it possible for local artisans to share their crafts with people from around the country and around the world.”

Travelocity is making it easier for people to get out and visit America’s best beer destinations with special offers to cities identified in the Travelocity Beer Tourism Index. At www.travelocity.com/beertowns, travelers can find great deals on hotels and hotel/flight packages to book their own beer lover’s getaway. Travelocity has also curated a selection of beer-related activities atwww.travelocity.com/brewerytours, including beer tours, beer cruises and even beer trains, that can be booked directly on the Travelocity site.

Beer God’s Thoughts

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited the top 4 of the large metro areas and breweries two and three from the smaller metro area (which I’m pretty proud of myself).  Those trips honestly were Beercations because we wanted to see certain states and cities, but every time we were there we would stop for beer in one, two, or many of the local breweries.

Every new place I went, I would chat with the bartender, brewer, or owner and just get a feel for that specific area. And my favorite part was always when I would ask them where I should go next.  Not a single person didn’t tell me another brewery to go to.  The inner-city love between these breweries is what really make each beercation special.

Sometimes you plan on going to breweries A, B, and C, but you end up going to F, M, and Z because of the recommendations of other people and places.

I live in an area that is trying to get in on this action.  Buffalo, NY has had a bunch of breweries pop up in the last 5 years and honestly it’s awesome.  I had friends visiting from out of town and I get to take a mini-beercation in my own back yard.

So, check out Travelocity’s lists and do yourself a favor — take a beercation.