Feb 6, 2012

How to Spend Valentine’s Day in NYC

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Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed not only by couples, but singles as well. Make your Valentine’s Day extra special with a trip to the romantic city of New York. The city boasts of plenty of romantic spots that will definitely impress your special someone. For singles this is a place where you might find your perfect match.

Here are some tips to enjoy Valentine’s Day in the Big Apple:

1. Spend a relaxing time in Central Park. You can relax in the park or take a fanciful carriage or boat rides for a more romantic feel.

2. Impress your date with an amazing view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Engage in a memorable kiss while sharing the amazing view.

3. Have a romantic dinner in the city. New York has plenty of restaurants with perfect romantic ambience. Delight yourselves to the sound of live piano music with the sweet cozy atmosphere of fireplace and dim light settings at One If By Land, Two If By Sea restaurant located in Barrow Street between 7th Ave S. & W. 4th Street. For seafood lovers, impress your date by dining in The Sea Grill Restaurant which offers superb seafood dishes and a romantic sight of the ice rink in the Rockefeller Center.

4. Indulge in something sweet with your sweetie and share a bowl of the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate by the popular Serendipity for dessert. This restaurant is located between the 2nd and 3rd avenue and is frequented by tourists.

5. If you are looking for a date on this special day or would just want to enjoy a few drinks with your special someone, New York City has plenty of cocktail bars perfect for mingling or tasting deliciously mixed drinks. Singles can mingle in the Temple Bar in SoHo which houses about over 40 vodkas and offers a wide range of mixed drinks. For a warm and cozy atmosphere, bring your date in Flute Bar and Lounge and enjoy a bottle of champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

6. For singles this valentine season, the city hosts several events and parties catered to single people. Enjoy and mingle at the city’s largest singles Anti-Valentine’s Day Party held at the Stitch Bar and Lounge and meet singles from the city while enjoying special drinks and the great sounds courtesy of talented DJs.

Celebrate love and romance in the city of New York and make your Valentine’s Day one that is really worth remembering!

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Feb 2, 2012

Things to Do in New York City by Neighborhood

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If you have plenty of time to explore New York City and would want to experience everything it has to offer, then touring popular neighborhoods in the city will allow you to feel the warmth of the Big Apple. New York City boasts of plenty of historical sights, some of which are the common tourist spots like: The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park to name a few. But to be able to truly experience New York, a trip to the following neighborhoods can give you a feel of life in the city.

The neighborhood of Chelsea is located on the West Side of Manhattan. It stretches from the 15th to the 34th street, between the Hudson River and Sixth Ave. It’s a great place to enjoy nightlife and a great shopping destination too with the Barneys CO-OP in the neighborhood. Experience great food by grabbing a bite at The Empire Diner which is frequently visited by Hollywood stars. If you enjoy visiting museums, don’t forget to drop by the Rubin Museum of Art and enjoy art pieces such as paintings, sculptures, textiles and see ritual objects from the 2nd to the 20th centuries.

If you enjoy bar hopping, then East Village is a place you have to see. They have plenty of bars for you to experience the great night life in the city. After a night of partying, you may relax on the green grass at the Tompkins Square during the day. The neighborhood has plenty of community gardens for you to be able to relax during the daytime.

A neighborhood on the lower Manhattan called Tribeca is considered to be the most ideal place to live in the city since they have low crime rates, high quality schools and loft-type apartments. A visit to this neighborhood will make you feel the tamer side of New York, as this is mostly a residential neighborhood.

A taste of China in New York City is possible with a trip to the neighborhood of Chinatown. Enjoy shopping and haggling over goods at Chinatown while filling your tummy with delicious Chinese foods. A feel of Italy is possible even if you’re in New York City. Drop by Little Italy for a feel of Italian living and enjoy Italian delicacies with several popular Italian restaurants.

Experience the feel of America’s Black Capital by visiting the Harlem neighborhood. Make sure to visit the famous Apollo Theater and Lenox Lounge. Music lovers will also enjoy a trip to The Studio Museum and El Museo del Barrio that features the work of popular Harlem artists.

For a posh New York experience, the neighborhood of SoHo in lower Manhattan is the perfect place to visit. This neighborhood is one of the most popular with tourists and features first class restaurants, designer boutiques and art galleries.

In the western portion of the Greenwich Village, is West Village where you can find the NYU. Aside from the bars that you can enjoy at night, walking through the neighborhood in the daytime is great way to spot nice places. One perfect spot to have a photo op in this neighborhood is the iconic Arch at Fifth Avenue.

You will never run out of place to explore when you are in New York.

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Jan 20, 2012

Tips on Savannah Tours

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If you’re interested in knowing more about the history of United States, it’s best to visit Savannah, Georgia. This city was founded in 1733 by British colonist and is currently the location of the largest historic landmark in the United States. Aside from being known as the birthplace for The Girl Scouts, this city is filled with buildings with amazing architecture, historical sites and it is also known for the best preserved historic neighborhood.

Here are some of the must-see places in the city:

* City Market
* River Street
* Forsyth Park
* Bonaventure Cemetery
* Grayson Stadium
* Fort Pulaski
* Owens-Thomas House
* Andrew Low House
* Colonial Park Cemetery
* Telfair Museum of Art
* Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
* The City Hall
* Savannah Cotton Exchange
* Ships of the Sea Museum
* Davenport House
* Savannah History Museum
* Wright Square
* Laurel Grove Cemetery
* Old Fort Jackson
* Chippewa Square
* Johnson Square
* Tybee Island
* Savannah College of Art and Design
* Mercer Williams House Museum

Aside from checking out the amazing sights mentioned above, there are plenty of other things to do to make your stay in the city more fun and adventurous. Different Savannah tour companies offer great way of exploring the city. You have the option of roaming the city in a horse and carriage which is a more relaxing option. Get to experience the traditional horse-drawn carriage ride while enjoying the magnificent view of the historic city. You may also get on riverboat cruises to explore the city’s harbor while listening to your tour guide’s historic narration of the place. Getting you daily dose of exercise is fun while walking through the city’s historic district. A tour in the city is not complete without checking out some of Savannah ghost tours. It’s a unique way of getting to know another side of the city.

Savannah is a must-see for people who are lovers of history and for those who just simply wish to see historical places; this city has endless magnificent historical places to see. No wonder it is included in the top 10 city destinations in the US with over 50 million tourists over the last decade.

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Jan 18, 2012

Tips on Key West Tours and Attractions

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Key West, an island in the Florida Keys, is considered the southernmost part in the United States continent. It is a perfect place for relaxing, a sweet romantic weekend with your special someone or bonding time with your family. You can bond with your friends or family while fishing on the shore or you can even go kayaking and canoeing if you want to try out water sport activities. Spend a relaxing time with your special someone by the beach is a great way of unloading all the pressures and stress from work or another romantic thing to do in the island is to enjoy the magnificent view of the sunset in Mallory Square. Not only that, exploring the waters is also possible as you can also go scuba diving or snorkeling on the waters. Enjoy getting up close with different kinds of sea creatures and at the same time be blown away by the beauty of the sight under the sea.

For those who are not into water adventures, you have the option to go sight seeing as Key West has great places to see too. Here are some of the places to see while in the island:

* Key West Aids Memorial
* Key West City Cemetery
* Southernmost Point
* Ripley’s Believe it or Not
* Key West Aquarium
* Key West Shipwreck Museum
* Mallory Square Dock
* Audubon House and Tropical Garden
* Key West Lighthouse
* Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
* Pirate Soul Museum
* Duval Street

With lots of places to see and plenty of activities to do, Key West is a must place to visit. Exploring the island is not that difficult as there are plenty of different travel companies that offer different tours of the island based on how you would like to explore it. You may choose the water adventure only or you may choose to have both water activities and sight seeing.

Key West may not be a big island, but indeed it boasts of unlimited fun activities that you can enjoy with your family, friends or a special someone.

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Jan 17, 2012

Tips on Washington DC Tours

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The capital of the United States, Washington DC was named after George Washington and was founded in 1791. It ranks as the 24th most populous place in the United States with an estimated population of 617,996 in the year 2011. The city boasts of world-famous landmarks, museums, historic sites and monuments making Washington DC a must see. With so much to see and do in the city, no wonder it attracts at least 16 million tourists per year. Since this city is the central location for the United States Government, most of the tourist attractions focus on the country’s history. One need not spend too much money in exploring the city as there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy. Museums like National Museum of American History, National Postal Museum, Museum of American Indian, The National Air and Space Museum, The National Museum of African Art, The Sewall-Belmont House and Museum and if you happen to be in the city on the first Sunday of the month, you can also view the National Museum of Women in the Arts for free. If you wish to view how money is printed, you can visit the United States Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a free 40-minute tour to how the money is printed. Visiting the United States National Arboretum that showcases bonsai museums, herb garden and cherry trees is also free. Admission is also free at the National Zoological Park and United States Botanic Garden.

Here is the list of the must-see places in Washington DC:

* Washington Monument
* White House
* U.S. Capitol
* Lincoln Memorial
* Georgetown
* Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
* National Zoo
* Washington National Cathedral
* Thomas Jefferson Memorial
* International Spy Museum
* National Gallery of Art

Exploring the city is fun and you can do it in several options. You can book Old Town Trolley Tours to take you to the great spots and at the same time hear a full narration of history about Washington DC. Another option is by joining a biking tour. It’s a great way to stay fit and healthy why exploring the city. You also have the option to explore Washington DC via package cruises.

Washington DC is a place worth visiting not only for its famous museums but for its historical sites as well.

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Jan 9, 2012

How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in New York City

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Celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year is a grand festivity in the east. Marking down the start of a busy and enjoyable event on the 23rd of January is also a great privilege to the westerners who are now moving around to make the celebration alive and colorful in the city of New York.

As New York City stands to have the seat of one of the biggest China towns in the US, it is not ironic to witness myriads of Chinese New Year activities that caters to families, adults and kids. With the various colors, calligraphies, lion masks, red ball lanterns, Chinese restaurants and souvenir shops swarming the grounds of New York, tourists and even residents do not bother walking around just to be part of the festivity. Music and dances are all over the place to make one feel the atmosphere of China in the west, needless to say the numerous populations of Chinese residents who definitely take part of the joyous celebration of welcoming another symbolic lunar year.

The Chinese New Year is also referred to by the Chinese as the Spring Festival since it is celebrated by the end of winter and start of spring. With the onset of a colorful season, the Americans are also on for a celebration. And with no hesitations, do it with the festivity of the Asian culture.

New York City will be in its busiest on the 23rd of January as the Chinese New Year kicks off. Activities such as the firecracker detonation at Roosevelt Park will be witnessed between 11am-3pm. The activity will be attended by local politicians and other leaders of the community to shove away evil spirits. Simultaneous with this event is the dragon dance that goes around China town’s main streets. Seeing this event is heart pounding as drums also roll along the streets of Mott Street, Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard Street, Elizabeth Street and Pell Street.

All throughout the days of celebration interesting activities show off and are scattered all over New York’s China town. Some of the song and dance performances are staged free in selected areas while some are exclusive for ticket holders. One Chinese program for the whole family will be shown on February 5 at China Institute in 125 East 65th Street with the cost of $40-70 member of one child and adult and; $50-80 for members.

Another interesting activity is the learning of the Chinese traditions and culture through a walking tour that starts off in MoCA Museum Lobby located at 215 Centre Street. Going around the places of China town is a fun way of learning the Chinese history. There will also be New Year sample treats for the participants. There will be a registration fee of $18-20 for each person. A discounted rate of $8 will be given to the museum members. The Walking Tour is scheduled on January 14-15, 21-22, & 28. Two sessions will be conducted each day. One is at 11am-12:30pm and 1pm-2:30pm.

There will also be fun-filled activities for the kids like Chinese paper cutting and calligraphy writing. A nonstop dragon dance around the area will also entertain the children as they put in their creativity in doing dough figurines as part of learning Chinese past times.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in New York is one way of getting to know the culture that is so diverse and apart from what the western countries have. Witnessing and joining the throw of colors and music while in New York is truly an experience that will always be remembered and treasured.

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Jan 6, 2012

Tips on New Orleans Tours

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New Orleans is a brilliant mosaic of culture, food and music with influences from Europe, Caribbean, Africa and beyond, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Discover the entertaining sound of jazz music and the unique diversity of cultures from French, Africa perfectly mixed with the American culture. You will definitely enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the south mixed with a touch of French culture and mystic traditions of the African American culture. It boasts of great Creole foods, music of different styles, 18th and 19th century architecture, antiques and museums.

Jazz Festivals and Mardi Gras attract millions of tourists. So if you are planning to join in the fun on these two festivals, be sure to book your hotel in advance to be assured of a room. Other events that are also celebrated in the city are French Quarter Festival, French Market Tomato Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St. Joseph’s Day Altars and others.

The city has also a lot to offer for families and those who are interested in culture and arts even if it is known as an adult oriented city.

Here are some of the main attractions that are worth seeing whether you’re traveling alone or as a group:

* French Quarter
* New Orleans Cemeteries
* City Park in New Orleans
* Audubon Institute Parks and Attractions
* The Garden District
* The Warehouse/Arts District
* The Superdome
* Museums and Aquarium
* The Mississippi River
* St. Louis Cathedral

New Orleans is also a culinary delight. Their cuisine is unique. It is a mixture of the different cuisines from different parts of the world. Enjoy the fantastic food in the city and make sure to try out their famous Po-boys, Gumbo, Jambalaya and Muffulettas to name a few. It’s also a great dining adventure for seafood lovers, since restaurants here serve fresh and cheap seafood compared to other places.

Shoppers can also enjoy the city with plenty of shopping places to visit. You can shop for antiques, cool art pieces, vintage clothing, one of a kind jewelry and many more. Drop by Magazine Street which is a home to a six-mile strip of eclectic and artsy stores. You can find everything from fabulous country French antiques, ancient oriental pieces, beautiful art galleries, vintage clothing and many others. Another shopping area is the Royal Street which comprises antique shops, boutiques, cool jewelry store, art galleries and fine dining restaurants and hotels.

So make sure to include New Orleans in your next destination and experience the entertaining jazz music, cosmopolitan culture, sumptuous dishes and party-loving people.

By: Christina P.

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Jan 3, 2012

Affordable Budget Family Resorts in the Caribbean

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Vacationing in the Caribbean would probably be one of the best gifts that you can give your family this year and there are definitely affordable Caribbean vacation hot spots that you can choose from without draining your wallet. Vacations in the Caribbean need not be expensive to be enjoyed by the whole family especially by the little ones. Check out some of the best Caribbean vacation spots that you can find and decide which you think is the best for you and your whole family.

The Bohio Dive Resort
Divers and non-divers will surely appreciate the four acres of pristine white sand beach and a shop that allows visitors to explore the world-class diving panorama and take the opportunity to learn how to dive with the available instructions and courses. The whole family will have a great time snorkeling off the beach of Bohio, the pool in the resort, biking, and free kayaks to ride. There are also horseback riding, yoga sessions, excursions, and high-speed connections to keep in touch with your social networking pals and share such sizzling hot wonderful experience. Children sixteen years old and younger can share room with the parents for free. Babysitting is also available for your personal indulgence.

Breezes Curacao Resort Spa & Casino
The resort offers families an all-inclusive vacation package with Dutch Island flamboyance. The entire family will be thrilled with the water sports and they will truly enjoy exploring the 1,500-foot beach of pure white sand. The resort also provided a breakwater to create a protective barrier for children to swim. The children will surely enjoy their stay because the resort is adjacent to an exquisite Undersea National Park and a Sea Aquarium. Camp Breezes also included kids program for babies, school children, and even teens. There are nannies to baby sit for a fee. Foods are great, accommodation is superb, and the whole set up of the resort is very family oriented.

Cinnamon Bay Campground at St. John, US Virgin Islands
This gorgeous campground and cottage amalgam is a brilliant choice for a family looking for a great deal in an island paradise. There are over thirty bare sites that you can bring your tent to for a safe island get-away experience. It offers fifty five tents made of durable materials and forty rustic cottages with some fantastic view of the majestic beach. It is truly a haven for beach lovers and campers that would like to have a taste of paradise.

Guavaberry Spring Bay Vacation Homes Located in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The distinctive Guavaberry Spring Bay resort is an assortment of different tree house-type villas. Each home of one to three rooms comes with fully operational kitchen, a living room that doubles as a dining area, deck, and picturesque views. The villas lack air conditioning units but the trade winds can compensate for everything together with the worthwhile activities in the area that you wouldn’t want to miss and will make you stay out of your room for a long time that you won’t even notice the absence of air conditioning.

These are just some of the amazingly fantastic Caribbean vacation spots that you would like to consider for your family’s pleasure. If you can’t decide what to choose and you have some extra cash then perhaps trying out one or two spots won’t hurt your pocket if you plan to have some great adventures of a lifetime.

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Jan 2, 2012

Tips on New York City Tours

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New York City, also called Big Apple, is one of the largest and most populous metropolitan areas in the world. It served as the capital of United States from 1785 to 1790 and is the wealthiest American city for the past two centuries. It traces its development to the consolidation of the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, The Bronx and Queens in 1989. It boasts of architecturally noteworthy buildings and iconic landmarks that was shown in several Hollywood films.

With plenty of things to see in the city, touring companies offer different ways to discover New York. You can explore the city with a relaxing cruise that gives you magnificent view of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty. If you have a big budget and would want to see New York in a different scene, then touring the city via helicopter is something that you should try. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the city that is unimaginable from the ground. Staying fit while on vacation in New York City is possible by joining a biking tour. It allows you to see great sights in the city and at the same time it enables you to exercise. You can bike by the famous Brooklyn Bridge, Hudson River Park or circle around Central Park. Double Decker bus tour is also a great way to roam around the city. This is a great way of seeing the amazing sights in the city at your own pace since you can spend as much time as you want exploring the attractions before boarding the bus going to the next destination.

The must see places in New York are the following:

* Statue of Liberty
* The Empire State Building Observatory
* Museum of Modern Art
* American Museum of Natural History
* Rockefeller Center
* Radio City Music Hall
* Central Park
* Grand Central Terminal
* Top of the Rock Observation Deck
* Fifth Avenue
* Times Square
* Madame Tussauds Museum
* Ground Zero Museum

So, whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway with a special someone, or a family tour, this city has endless options to offer because New York is for shopaholics, art connoisseurs, and also for those who just simply love to go sight seeing.

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Dec 28, 2011

Top Low Budget Travel Tips to Europe

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Traveling around the globe widens our perspective of the majestic beauty of places. It is a dream come true once your feet land in Europe. It is one of the hottest spots everyone wants to explore. You will surely find yourself pacified by the grandeur of the different historical edifice surrounding it. Each country has something to brag about. Europe definitely offers you the travel package you are aiming for in a pocket-friendly way.

1. Do Research. Scan websites about Europe travel so that you can make up your mind and travel within your budget. Everything really starts with planning. It can be intensive but will keep travel smooth.

2. Money-Friendly Places. Be definite where exactly you want to visit. Cheap but breathtaking cities are Greece and Portugal. You can enjoy seeing the ruins and feel the cool beach water in Greece. Portugal has welcoming beaches and rich cultural attraction.

3. Guided Tours. You can save a good deal of money with agencies offering packages. For detailed itinerary you can try Cosmos. You can choose packages below $2000 dollars. At TravelZoo, there’s a $799 package inclusive of breakfast with $310 discount.

4. Electronic Ticket. You can save a good amount by going through the airline’s website and just use your credit card. Suggested airlines catering affordable airfare are EasyJet and Air Berlin. They cover various routes all over Europe with 132 and 137 airports respectively.

5. Hotel Chains. For travel purposes, finding a budget hotel chain is a good option. The hotel offers well furnished room with a comfortable bathroom. Wireless connection is also available for easy communication. For convenience, food dispensers are readily accessible. There are different hotel chains to choose from like ETAP, Quick Palace and Mister Bed.

6. Packed Meals. You’ll be spending in euro for sure so a very effective alternative is to bring readily eaten foods. Local market is also a good choice to find affordable food. There are also restaurants offering menu for the day which is cheaper than the other dishes.

7. Rent a Car. Renting a cab every time you switch places can give you a headache. Having a rented car is convenient plus the fact that you can cut down fare cost.

8. Free Admissions. There are museums with free admissions like British Museum or National Gallery. Grab the opportunity of enjoying the country’s culture for free.

9. Nature Trips. Nature trips are usually inexpensive and it is health friendly too. Lisbon is a good place to visit for nature lovers. There are beaches.

10. Keep an Expenses Diary. It is always wise to live within your means. Budget keeping is a good way to trace where you spend your money and prioritize your future expenses.

Traveling tips make you a wise traveler. With all these in mind you can make your trip to Europe a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Grab the opportunity while it lasts.

By: MJ Araneta

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Dec 27, 2011

Affordable Vacations in the USA

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Summer is here and it means vacation time for most people. But planning your vacation can be tricky and get very expensive if you don’t know where to look. Here are some places that are popular in the United States for your family to explore without breaking the bank.

Yellowstone:
If you’re never thought of traveling to Yellowstone as part of your vacation, you’re missing out on one of nature’s greatest treasures. It is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. It has a collection of geysers and hot springs and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. If you’re interested in fishing, hiking, camping, or picnicking opportunities in one of America’s first national park, check out Yellowstone.

Myrtle Beach:
If your family likes to hang out at the beach, consider visiting Myrtle Beach this year. Trip Advisor reviewers have voted it as the Best Beach Destination in the United States for the second consecutive year. Myrtle Beach is great for any age or desired style of vacation. To save money on your lodging, consider staying at major hotel chains that are located away from the main beach. Introduce your kids to golf at one of more than 100 golf courses located in Myrtle Beach.

Fort Lauderdale:
If you love beach and nature, Fort Lauderdale should be your next choice. Most families visit the area in winter months to get away from the cold weather. So you can find deals on airfares and hotels if you plan to visit in June, July or August. You can check out Sawgrass Recreation Park, home to alligators and other Floridian wildlife. Take a walk down along the New River for art exhibits or take a river cruise to tour the city.

Portland, Maine:
Portland is considered one of the most popular summer destinations in the United States and home of Acadia, the only national park in New England, Maine. The city is known to draw outdoor enthusiasts who can hike along the ocean in Two Lights State Park, kayak in Casco Bay or lounge on secluded beaches. Look out for deals and discounts from travel discount websites to Portland, Maine.

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Dec 14, 2011

How to Save Money on Travel

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Travel industry is struggling to attract customers, so if you plan your trip carefully, you will have plenty of opportunities to save on airfares, lodging and more. Here are some tips on how you can save on travel when planning a trip.

Be Flexible:
Depending on when you book your flight can either cost you or save you money. Most airliners know that many people like to fly on Sunday so chances are that you’ll be paying full price to fly on Sunday. If you can depart very early or very late in the day, or can fly on Tuesdays and Wednesday, you’ll likely save up to 20% on your flight.

Book Last Minute:
To get a deep discount, check airlines web sites to see if there are any seats available last minute. Many airlines would want to fill those seats than to have them unoccupied.

Travel Off Season:
During low travel periods, most airlines, hotels, tour operators offer deals to attract visitors. If you know where you want to visit, check to see when is the off season to travel. If you travel off season, not only you’ll pay less on airfares and hotels, you’ll enjoy less crowding and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Pack Light:
With so many airlines charging for checked bags it’s important that you pack only what you’ll need. Before you pack, check to see if what you’ll need can be purchased at your destination. It’s probably cheaper to buy those items than to pay for baggage fee.

Use Cash:
Cards are useful when traveling abroad, but avoid using them because they are always associated with hidden fees. Your best bet is to exchange some money when you arrive at the destination and use only cash to make purchases or payments.

Membership Discounts:
If you belong to organizations such as AARP or AAA, there are many discounts available you can take advantage of. Before you book a flight or hotel, check to see what offers are available. All you need to do is provide the membership card or number when booking to receive the discount.

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Dec 7, 2011

Family Fun Activities on a Budget

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Spending time with our families is priceless. Taking a whole family out for a day of fun activities can get quite expensive. A simple movie night out can put a hole in your wallet by the time you buy tickets, popcorn and drinks for everyone.

Movie Night In:
The biggest blockbuster movies come out in the summer. Trying to bring a family of four to a movie theater can get very pricey. The best way to save money is to create a weekly movie night in at home. You can sign up for a service such as Netflix to get dvd quality movies instantly on the internet. Make sure you have comfy seating for everyone. To complete the whole movie night experience, bring out the popcorn, chips, cookies and drinks like soda, water, or juice.

Outdoor Movies and Concerts:
Kids love to be outdoors. It doesn’t matter what the event is, as long as they get to be outside of the house doing something different is fun to them. Check your local paper or website for free concerts or kid-oriented movies in the park. Some areas even have live theatrical performances or orchestra. You and your children can enjoy these cultural activities for free.

Picnic in the Park:
Parks are great to spend a day with kids. You can let your children run around, play frisbee or ball, or you can set up a picnic and relax. The playground equipment can keep your children occupied for hours. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can bring sandwiches, snacks and drinks instead of eating out. Pack everything light so clean up is a snap.

Planning a fun family outing shouldn’t require a six-figure income if you know where to look. You can always find activities that are free or next to nothing for the whole family to enjoy.

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