Denver a popular destination for business travelers

With praise for its "beautiful architecture and wide-open spaces" as well as Red Rocks Amphitheater and Black Hawk casinos just a drive away, Denver landed sixth on USA Today’s list of Road Warrior’s top destinations.

The entire state of Alaska, with its friendly people and the beautiful outdoors, came in at No. 1, and Texas had two cities – Fort Worth and Houston – on the list. USA Today’s assembled the top destinations following a survey of business travelers who are volunteer members of its Road Warrior panel. According to the newspaper, about 175 responded.

For these travelers, ample recreational opportunities mean a business trip isn’t just for business, and they get to see and do things they wouldn’t normally at home. The friendliness of local residents or lifestyle can also make or break a destination, according to USA Today. Extreme temperatures can turn off many business travelers from certain places, as can constant sound of slot machines in otherwise popular gambling communities to those who don’t care to gamble.

Here’s a look at USA Today’s Road Warriors’ top 10 favorite business destinations:

1. Alaska
2. Asheville, N.C.
3. Austin
4. Boston
5. Chicago
6. Denver
7. Fayetteville, Ark.
8. Fort Worth
9. Houston
10. Indianapolis