Category Archives: US

02Apr / 2012

Top Cultural Sites to See on Your Hollywood Trip

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? You’re not alone. With the weather warming up in Southern California, now is the best time to plan a trip to L.A. and have a great vacation.

Hollywood Bowl

One of the best entertainment venues in the Los Angeles area is the Hollywood Bowl. At this destination you will be able to see great concerts plus live events and thanks to Hollywood Bowl Seating, you will feel like you’re part of the event instead of being far away in the “cheap seats” like at entertainment venue that you’ve attended for concerts or performances in the past.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Every movie or television fan should visit Universal Studios Hollywood at least once in their lives. Here you will be able to see first-hand how some of the best movies and TV shows are made, experience fun rides/attractions and visit the sets for popular movies from the last 20 years.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

If you’re in the mood to experience a part of “Classic Hollywood” you should visit Grauman’s Chinese Theater, here you will be able to literally touch Hollywood history by placing your hands and feet in the handprints and footprints of Hollywood stars from the past plus experience the ambiance of old Hollywood that starts like John Wayne to Bob Hope new and loved.

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05Apr / 2011

Tropical Travel on a Tight Budget


After all the stress in the workaday world that you put your brave face on for, wouldn’t it be nice to get away to a warm, tropical destination without having to re-mortgage your home? You can do it.

How are Ya, How are Ya, Hawaii?

Kauai, Hawaii is a great place for tropical escape on a tight budget. This can be your frugal alternative to some of those other oceanfront locations. With all of Kauai’s cheap inns and hotels you’re bound to find a place that fits right inside your pocketbook. With all the scenic beaches and beautiful little towns to roam through, your biggest expense will more likely than not be for food. After everything I just mentioned what else would you need? Air fares to Hawaii can be found at affordable rates by planning your little getaway during the off-season. Seriously there’s no real ‘bad’ part of Hawaii, just more expensive places.

Ya, Jamaica Man

Jamaica, Fiji, the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean have island getaways and all-inclusive resorts that have become much more inexpensive in past years. With a set budget and a plan there are great deals to be had on hotel and flight packages offered by booking companies. Packages usually include lodging, meals and some activities. As an incentive, some of these places will cater to newlyweds; they are adults only and offer the opportunity of making new friends and meeting with other couples.

Wherever you decide to go it is going to be worth your while to do a little research. Find out if by purchasing airfare, hotels and whatnot, you can do it cheaper on your own; or if going through a booking agency or travel agency will give you the better buy. It might take a little doing on your part, but the money that you will save in the long run will be well worth the effort

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21Mar / 2011

Cheap vacations (or, How to Travel without Breaking the Bank)

Take Me Home Country Roads

Whether you’re a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll, you will be able to rock on into this location without spending a bank roll:

  • Portland, Oregon-home of Voodoo Donuts. Uh huh, that’s right. (Don’t miss their ‘bacon-maple-Donut’) Whereas some of the other vacation areas where they offer temperature to the extreme, Portland has mild temperatures and low rainfall. It hosts one of the largest wilderness parks (in city limits) in the U.S. and is also home to a classical Chinese Garden. Keeping the throes of visitors in a jolly mood every year are Portland’s Craft Beer Festivals. (okay so I’m traveling here right after Tex Mex) Oh, and the doughnut place… they host weddings.
  • Nashville, Tennessee-country music anyone? Nashville manages to maintain a small town feel despite its cities skyscrapers. Market Street’s nightly live music, chocolate shakes and cheeseburgers (in paradise), line dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon and of course the Grand Old Opry are only some of Nashville’s many attractions. Musical shows and theme parks can be found at Opryland and for you more seasoned travelers, enjoy a bit of Europe by visiting the Parthenon (one of the city’s most well known attractions).

Need One More? Okay. How About a Tropical Paradise?

You didn’t think I’d leave you hanging without taking you to Florida, did you?

  • Orlando, Florida-home of Universal Studios and Sea World. Budget friendly theme parks and hotels are now a big part of Orlando. Art galleries, floral sites, farmers markets, and big bad cypress trees (photo op) are just a few of the attractions in this tropical paradise.

So there you have it. Reasonable air fares, good hotel rates and a decent number of ‘freebies’ make each of these some of the cheapest cities in the United States.

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04Feb / 2011

Traveling on a Budget


Let’s take a look at some inexpensive cities in the United States to vacation or visit. And these will be categorized by low air fare and/or low gas prices, lowest hotel costs, while still offering ‘the most’ (food, shopping, nightlife, culture).

Some Like it Hot

If warm weather is your dream:

  • Phoenix, Arizona-basically a sports lover’s dream come true. Racing (boat and car), major league baseball and professional lacrosse all take place in Phoenix. Both water and dessert attractions pretty much cover all bases, as well as a ghost town and state park.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada-no surprise here; with 90+ casinos, reasonable room rates, over 14 shopping malls, outdoor art exhibits, crazy cheap meal buffets and free drinks and entertainment, how on earth can you go wrong? Many travel agencies offer sweet package deals but some people like to put together their own packages (sometimes for less). Fountains, light shows and animal parks will appeal to the whole family.

Paaarrrttteeeee!

That’s pronounced pah-tay:

  • New Orleans, Louisiana-(reasonable air fares and even more reasonable train rates are available to this destination) Bourbon street, the French Quarter, endless nightlife, infinite dining experiences, antiques, boutiques, numerous attractions for history buffs, and a diverse music collection (yes of course, Jazz) spell out an eventful, yet relatively inexpensive, collection of good times. Oh, and one last thing…
  • Austin, Texas- Yee Haw! (or something like that) Austin is, in a word, weird. And there’s no shortage of it. Music festivals and nightlife are two things that Austin does best. Pure spring water, bike trails through rolling hills and a much needed break from the heat at Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs (crazy collection of flavored sno-cones) will give the entire family something to do until mom and dad drop the kids off at the hotel and head out for the evening.

Don’t forget to invite me along for the ride. ;-)

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13Jan / 2011

Inexpensive Tropical Travel Destinations


Forget your troubles and get happy. How about a little bungalow cabin, on a sandy beach, on an island resort? Can’t afford it? Aah but you can. Here’s how.

Saint Thomas

I’ve been to Saint Thomas and I have to tell you it is amazing. The water is so clear that when you go snorkeling you can see the brilliant colors of the tropical fish as if they were in a lighted aquarium. The people are friendly, there’s never a shortage of things to do, and most importantly; you can find inexpensive travel packages. You don’t even need a passport when you travel to Saint Thomas from the United States. You can choose from a wind powered cabin, a secluded bungalow and even access a floating pizza boat for a minimal cost. There’s also the Virgin Island Campgrounds, if the whole hotel thing isn’t cutting it with you. Their idea of a tent is actually a canvas covered, wood frame ‘cabin’ that is powered by wind. Seriously, you’re on a tropical island. It’s not like it’s going to snow or something. There are of course, mega resorts as well, but we’re talking about a budget here.

Myrtle Beach

No matter what your interest in its; be it gulf, spring break, romance or a family getaway. Myrtle Beach is the place to go when you’re on a budget. With quick access to spacious accommodations and beaches for miles, families can enjoy the unlimited activities and sites or simply bask in the sun while the kids go for a swim. The Ocean Creek Resort is a golfer’s paradise. With efficiency kitchen and a screened in porch your accommodations will still allow you the funds to enjoy countless rounds of golf and a free southern style breakfast buffet daily.

Air fares are usually better in the off-season, but one airline or another usually has some kind of deal.

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02Dec / 2010

Inexpensive Travel to Hot Locations


And I do mean hot! Whether it’s the weather, the heat index of the food, for the happening crowds and attractions; these places are hot but there prices are not.

Not Everything in Texas is Bigger

This place is big on food and entertainment but not big on price:

  • Dallas, Texas- FOOD! My kind of town. Mexican, barbecue and Tex Mex all combine to offer one of the most down home culinary experiences of all time. Amazingly, Dallas has more culinary establishments per capita than does the infamous New York City. For history buffs, the museum devotes one floor in its entirety to JFK. ‘Trees’ and ‘Club Clearview’ are the best places to sample local musical talent but ‘Deep Elm’ in the warehouse district has the city’s finest music venues as well as interesting shopping opportunities. (don’t miss Mia’s Tex Mex Restaurant)

San Antonio is My Kind of Town

If you liked Dallas Texas you’re going to love this next one:

  • San Antonio, Texas-The walk way along the San Antonio River known as The River Walk, is packed with bars shops and restaurants of all types. Not too far from the river is the infamous Alamo viewable from the touring barge or a walk along the path. As with in Dallas, Tex Mex rules (I may have to stop writing long enough to take a trip south!). Taking a trolley through the city allows one to sample a choice of delectable delights. If art is your thing a magnificent collection can be found at the McNay Art Museum as well as a fascinating medieval collection on the upper floor.

I love traveling south, even better if I can do it inexpensively. Then again, I’m from Wisconsin, and any time I can get away from the snow and ice is a good day; or week; or month. Come to think of it I do have some friends down in Dallas that keep bugging me to move there. Hmm.

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