traveling articles

During the communist reign in Russia, architectural styles could best be described as bland. Fortunately, the summer palace of Peter the Great wasn’t affected.

Peterhof

Known as Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great is a very impressive area. The palace is arranged with a central rectangle format over roughly two or three acres. This area is then surrounded by areas of wood and “nature” as the Russians call it. Peterhof stands out like a jewel among the bland communist structures found in greater St. Petersburg.

Fountains, Fountains, Fountains

At the time of construction in 1715, Peter the Great was clearly in his “fountain” phase. Peterhof isn’t so much a palace as a collection of some of the most impressive fountains you’ve ever seen. There are fountains in the front, back, each side, in the bathroom and so on. All of them are impressive and worth a look.

Foremost of the fountains of Peterhof is the Great Cascade. Arriving from St. Petersburg by boat, one is offloaded on a long pier at the end of the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal cuts through the woods surrounding Peterhof directly to the front of the palace. As you proceed, you start to notice something big and colorful at the front of the palace. Welcome to the Great Cascade.

The Great Cascade sites at the base of Peterhof and is more impressive than the palace. Created in the Baroque style, the Great Cascade is hard to describe. At its base is a pool a large pool with rock platforms crowned by golden statutes spouting water. Rising up from the pool to the palace are two sets of steps surrounding a plateau. The steps are a combination of black marble inlaid with gold and white marble. The steps are crowned with statues and, again, fountains, which make them a combination of sprouting water and cascading falls. All of this is built up on a collection of rock and rises over 30 feet to the base of the palace. As I said, the Great Cascade is hard to describe. If you would like to see it, just do a search for “Peterhof” on your search engine of choice.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Great Cascade is the power source. With fountains blowing water thirty to fifty feet in the air, there must be some serious pump action at work? Nope. Peter the Great created a system that runs entirely off gravity. Great, indeed!

Day trips to Peterhof are hocked something fierce in St. Petersburg. While I usually disdain tourist traps, this is one you should definitely see.
]]>

First, decide on your preferred destination. Where, in the whole, wide world, do you want to go? Don’t allow fear or a lack of preparation limit you to places close to home. Also, do you want to explore a specific locale in depth or travel from place to place though one or more regions? Deciding where and how you want to travel will help you limit the number of tours available.

After you decide where you want to go, decide what you want to do on your tour. Whether you have a love of ancient cave art or a passion for underwater photography, tours most likely exist that will allow you to explore your interests. If you have a number of different interests, other tours will offer you the variety you crave.

Next, figure out when you want to go and how much time you have at your disposal to spend on a tour. Some tours only operate in the summer, or some countries are unpleasant to visit in the winter. Seasonal variations can ruin your perfect vacation if you don’t do your research. Also, decide how long you want your tour to be—a few days, a week, or more—and what portion of your vacation you want to devote to touring.

After you decide on your timeline, try to determine what pace you would prefer for your tour. Perhaps time is of the essence, and you would rather move from location to location as quickly as possible. Other people may enjoy a more leisurely visit in every locale. Fast or slow, each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Next, consider who you will bring with you on tour. Are you hoofing it alone or do you want to bring your five young children with you? Take into consideration the additional fees single travelers must pay, and remember the needs and interests of your travel partner(s). You will have a happier family vacation if the tour is child friendly.

Once you know who is going on your little adventure, you can figure out how large your budget is and what sort of tours you can afford. Prices depend on the length of your tour and what is included. Consider the price of airfare, food, ground transportation, accommodations, and tour guides and find out whether these are included in the price of your tour. Don’t forget to consider extra expenses, such as gratuities and shopping.

Decide whether you want to tour with a group or on your own. If you decide to go with a group, consider how large you would prefer the group to be and the age range of the fellow group members. Some tours cater specifically to singles, women, families or seniors. If the thought of strangers does not appeal to you, you can create a tour for your own family or small group, or you can even arrange for a self-guided tour.

Next, search your soul, and figure out what level of comfort you require. Does the thought of staying in a cabin or hut terrify you? Some rural destinations or adventure tours will require a sacrifice of certain creature comforts. Are you a picky eater? Some places won’t have a McDonald’s down the road or allow for a vegetarian, kosher, etc. diet. Finally, how fit are you and your traveling companions? Your eighty-year-old grandmother may not appreciate a yoga tour of India (unless she’s unique and enjoys that sort of activity). Or, if you plan to use a hiking tour of the Alps as motivation to get fit, your vacation could be ruined before it even begins, and you will have wasted time, money and energy.

Once you decide on the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of your desired tour, it’s time to do your research. Consult the internet, travel publications, and periodicals, and don’t forget to network. You never know who will have a friend who knows someone who just went on the best surfing tour in Australia. Finally, once you’ve gathered all the information you need, compare tours and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to request references. It’s your money and your vacation, and, hopefully, with all of your soul searching, planning and foresight, it will be the best journey you’ve ever taken.]]>

There is so much more to Pisa than the tower and you will need plenty of time to explore what is on offer. The Cathedral houses one of the first and finest examples of Pisan Romanesque. Bonanno, one of the leaning tower of Pisa architects contributed to the cathedral, including the fabulous bronze doors towards the south of the building. A fire in 1595 destroyed much of the original art but one of the most impressive pieces - the great mosaic of Christ Pantocrator luckily survived. The pulpit, a work by Pisano displays an array of Christian and classical elements, unique to its time period. Opening hours vary throughout the year so check times and days of opening before hand.

Close to the cathedral is the Museo delle Sinopie. It houses many sketches of the frescos destroyed in the Campo Santo fire – the sketches are works of art in them selves and give a great impression of what the finished pieces looked like. The Museo Del Duomo, also close by contains pieces of the cathedral faחade, along with some unique pieces like the griffin from the cathedral top. Giovanni Pisano’s ugly gargoyle style face sculptures stand out along with more pleasant works by Nino Pisano and Camaino. Both museums are open year round with admission fees payable on arrival.

Pisa has no ‘centre’ as such, so you will find the city’s attractions scattered all over. Other highlights throughout the city include the Palazzo della Carovana and Palazzo dell’Orologio. To the west of here you will find the beautiful botanical gardens, to the south the University of Pisa (established 1330) and east of the university are the lively markets of Piazza Vettovaglie.

The Galileo Galilei airport is only 3km away, with regular cheap buses linking the airport to the city. Once in the city, all buses depart from the Plaza Vittorio Emanuele II, near the stazione centrale. Bus tickets are cheap (less than €1 for 1 hour’s unlimited bus riding) and cover routes for wherever you need to go. There are so many more cultural things to do in Pisa than shop, but it is a great place for souvenir tackiness – every variation of colour of the leaning tower of Pisa you can think of! You can’t fail to find an exquisite place to eat in Pisa, everything from Tuscan and Sardinian specialities at Il Nuraghe, to dishes elsewhere that even the chef is not sure of!]]>

Valencia has a very profound history and therefore has many interesting historical buildings, monuments and cultural places to visit. Valencia City is also home of the Spanish Arts and Sciences, with its galleries, exhibits and performance spaces.

Tourists often frequent Valencia also to experience the splendor of Valencia’s famous beaches. Valencia’s beaches border the Mediterranean Sea; facing the Bay of Biscay and are always alive with people enjoying the warmth of Valencia’s Weather.

Cathedral de Valencia

Cathedral de Valencia is a magnificent old building situated in the Old quarter of Valencia City. Its architectural structure is reminiscent of the early structure of Valencia City; a City influenced by the Roman Empire, the Moorish customs and the Christian influence. If you visit the Cathedral de Valencia, you will get a glimpse of the preserved history of Valencia’s past.

Nova Tabarca

The Island of Nova Tabarca is only around three miles from Valencia’s coastal beach area. Once the home to pirates, the Island of Nova Tabarca is now a popular tourist destination. In the 18th century King Carlos III initiated the building of the first settlements on Nova Tabarca, which were designed to house Italian refugees.

Today, Nova Tabarca features the historical remnants of those times, such as an eighteenth century fortress; St Jose fortified tower and a baroque church.

Turia

The river Turia is the sight of three of Valencia’s notable tower bridges, the Puente del Real, the Puente de la Trinidad and the Puente de Serranos. These three bridges date back to the 15th century and form part of what was one the old fortification walls of Valencia City.

Since the diversion of the river Turia, the old river bed is now the home of Valencia’s Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno, Valencia’s spectacular museum of modern art.

La Lonja

La Lonja is home to several of some of Valencia’s famous attractions, such as the Palacio de la Generalidad, Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, the Plaza de Manises and the Campanil de la Iglesia de Santa Catalina bell-tower.

Palacio de la Generalidad is a famous 15th century Valencian Palace that currently houses the government offices of the Valencian parliament. While the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas embodies the beautiful architecture style of the rococo era.

There are no limits to the sightseeing treasures that await any visitor to Valencia. The province of Valencia and Valencia City are a delight to see and form an important part in both Spanish and European history.]]>

by Romantic Hotels

Who has time to go away? And who can afford to get away in this economy? You do! And more importantly, you should. Finding time away from home to reconnect as a couple is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your relationship. Here’s everything you need to plan your own memorable, romantic, and affordable getaway.

Budget

Before you even start to look for hotels, start thinking with your pocketbook. Considering your finances right now, come up with the top dollar amount you’re willing to spend on a hotel per night. Double that for the weekend rate, and add an extra 75% on top of that for the added expenses of gas, tolls, tax, tips, meals and miscellaneous.

So, for example, say your top price for a hotel is $75.00 per night. That would make your total weekend getaway cost set at around $265 dollars. I always like to round that up a bit, so I’d make it $300.

Having this firm price in mind will set the starting point for the hotels you look for. Now decide how often you’ll schedule your weekends. Can you afford to get away once a month? Quarterly? Once a year?

Knowing up front the dollar amount and the frequency of your trips will also allow you to put aside money each week towards paying for this getaway. This avoids the nasty credit card surprise the next month. A sudden financial setback will sour any romantic afterglow from your weekend and make you that much less likely to plan a trip ahead in the future.

Now it’s time to start finding ways to help pay for that dollar amount you just set. I have four favorite spots for earning discounts and freebies on my getaways:

Sweepstakes. Don’t laugh - people win these things! We did once. We won a weekend stay in a brand new hotel that had opened right off Times Square. I have to tell you, not having to pay for that weekend made it probably the best one we’ve had yet. Enter any and all travel sweepstakes you can find. Someone’s got to win - why not you?

Hotel Programs. If you haven’t done so already, go out and register an account with every single major hotel chain as soon as possible. It only takes a minute to sign up as a member, and with each stay you earn points towards a free stay sometime in the future. You can see a list of all major hotel websites from Yahoo

American Express. We pay just about every bill possible with our American Express card. Those reward points add up fast when you consider the monthly cost of groceries, phone bill, electric bill, cable bill, etc. Paying with American Express not only helps reduce the amount of bills we need to pay each month, we use the points towards our frequent stay hotel programs.

MyPoints. One of the oldest rewards programs online, this earns me a quick and easy 1000 Hilton Honors points just by clicking the links on their emails. Of course you can use your MyPoints rewards points for other things.. but I like to let them add up and roll over into my Hilton account. If you’re not already a member, head over to www.MyPoints.com to sign up. (PS Please use ROMANTICHOTELS as the referral name? Thanks!)

Pre-packing

Now that finances are out of the way, let’s get the pre-packing taken care of. Pre-packing a suitcase does two things. First, it cuts down on the packing time when the getaway does roll around. Second, it gets you in that ‘going-away’ mindset.

Have a special suitcase you use only for getaways. Keep this pre-packed with travel necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving creme, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hairbrush, makeup… all the things you’ll need. Even though hotels usually have the shampoo taken care of, I’m finding a lot of them may skip on the conditioner and opt for the shampoo/conditioner combo. I like to know in advance that I’m going to have everything with me I need.

Distance Planning

I don’t like to travel more than an hour away from home for my getaways. When I go away, I like to focus on the romance, and not the hassle of getting there. Travel nightmares are another romance killer. What kind of an evening are you going to have if you’ve been stuck in a traffic jam for two hours, or worried about missing a plane? Make a 60 mile radius around your home, and set your plans around there.

Hotel, Motel, Inn or B&B?

Think about the type of lodging you wish to stay at. Do you want a luxury hotel with room service, and all the bells and whistles? Is budget a primary concern, and you’re happy enough to stay in a small mom-and-pop type motel? Do you dream about a bed & breakfast with a roaring fireplace in your room?

Consider carefully about what type of accommodation is going to provide the best weekend for the two of you. I may get hate mail for saying this, but for a romantic weekend, I tend to skip the B&B route. It’s not that they aren’t romantic - they are! It’s not that they aren’t beautiful - they are that as well!

Frankly, it’s the privacy aspect. I want to feel anonymous when I go away. I just don’t get that at a lot of B&B’s. I have stayed at many where the walls are very thick and no sound escapes the room.. but these seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

The first B&B I stayed at was a darling old Victorian on Cape Cod, where a sound made by anyone in the place echoed throughout the whole mansion. Just walking to the bathroom was a series of creaks on the floorboards. Worrying about the guest in the next room overhearing your passionate weekend is another sure romance-killer.

As a couple, discuss your own needs and desires when planning on a type of accommodation. What do you need inside your hotel room to make your weekend as stress-free as possible? Here are a few things to think about.

Are you a monster in the morning? Do you need coffee right away before you’re in any shape to speak with? I know I’m that way, so a coffee maker in the room is a must. Most hotels offer free coffee in the mornings, but the last thing I want to do is stumble out of my room in search of it.

How about a fridge? A jacuzzi? In-room movies? Plan in advance the things you love, and your weekend will be just perfect.

Research

Search two or three different sources for planning your trip. Check out the major online booking sites, and also check out the hotel’s own website if you’re going with a chain. The rates vary widely, and giving yourself time for searching will always guarantee you the best rate.

Hold the mail

A few days before you go away, head on over the the USPS website at www.usps.gov and arrange to have your mail held for you on Friday and Saturday. The Post Office rearranges their website a great deal, so I won’t give the direct link to a form that probably has been moved by the time your read this article.

Once you get to the website, type ‘hold mail’ into the search box to find the form to have your mail held. Nothing says “We’re not home, please come rob us!” more than an overflowing mailbox, so remember to get this step taken care of.

Two plans for Saturday

Whatever you’re thinking of for your Saturday afternoon, try to have both a good weather and bad weather plan. This way if it’s pouring out on the day you were hoping to hit that outdoor festival, you’ll have a backup plan just in case.

Confirm Reservation

I do this twice. The day after I make my original reservation, I’ll call the hotel just to be sure they’ve got it, and to make sure my preferences are met. Get the name of the person on the phone, and verify with them your arrival and departure dates, smoking or non-smoking preference, number of beds, etc.

The day before we leave, I’ll do this one more time, again being sure to get the name of the person I spoke with. Mistakes happen with reservations, so taking a few extra minutes to confirm will cut down on this possibility. Having names and dates of when you confirmed will also give you extra bargaining power if there’s something wrong with your reservation at your time of arrival.

Pack the extras

Because you’ve pre-packed, doing the rest should be a breeze. Besides your best lingerie and a few outfits, add as well candles, CDs, wine, and anything else that will make the weekend as perfect as possible. We always make a point to stop at a grocery store on our way to the hotel and get some juice, bottled water, fruit and light snacks. We stay up very late when we go away and we like having things in the room available for us to snack on.

Clean Sweep

Get your home in as clean condition as possible before you go. Nothing is a bigger let down than coming home from a blissful weekend to a mess. Take a look at your home from your entranceway, and get all clutter out of the way before you leave.

Saturday is your day

Try not to pack a ton of things into your Saturday. You don’t want to be exhausted when you head back to the hotel Saturday night. If you’re going to eat big, do it at breakfast to decrease the risk of a Saturday night stomach ache. It’s your last night alone before you have to head back into reality, so try not to do anything that would ruin it.

Head home early

After checkout, hang around the town for a little while, but try not to get home too late Sunday night. You’ll need time to adjust back. Some women have a slight let-down when returning home from a vacation. Sometimes it just comes with the territory of our busy and stress-filled lives. Give yourself space to decompress before you switch out of weekend-vixen mode and back into mommy-working woman-homemaker mode.

Start from the beginning

Plan your next trip within a week of getting home. It will give you something to look forward to when life gets stressful. Knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel gives the two of you something special to look forward to as you go through the daily grind.

Best wishes for a romantic getaway!]]>

When it comes to travel, a well-planned trip is a fun trip. Now, some might say you’re taking the fun and spontaneity out of a trip by over planning. I’m not saying plan every second of every minute of your vacation. You can be as spontaneous as you like once you’re there, but plan for the unexpected on your trip. Don’t let your travels around the world or your annual family road trip get ruined by not being prepared, whether it’s not having the right clothing for the destination, or realizing a GPS unit would sure come in handy while you’re traipsing through the rainforest.

How many times have you gotten to your destination only to find you forgot to pack your favorite shirt? Or, worse, your underwear? (I see the hands raised out there). Now, if it’s just a shirt or underwear, you can always buy more when you roll into town. But, what if it’s your allergy medication and your destination is going through its worst allergy season ever? Then it’s a few hours out of your fun trip to visit the local urgent care center to get a new prescription (if the town you’re visiting has an urgent care center).

A well-thought-out travel plan can help eliminate the unexpected ruining your vacation. Research your destination thoroughly. What’s the 14-day weather outlook? It might be nice and sunny in Hawaii most of the time, but maybe there’s a tropical storm heading their way in about a week. With that information it would be wise to include some rainy weather gear, wouldn’t it?

Think about the unexpected. It seems every summer in the Southwest there’s someone who gets lost in the desert with dire consequences. You might want to invest in an inexpensive GPS unit to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. Spontaneously taking the road less traveled might seem spontaneous and fun, but getting lost on a desert road in the searing heat (or a mountain road in 4ft. snow) can be a real fun killer.

What are some other travel planning tips you might not think of?

Make sure your travel bags and luggage can stand up to the journey. The worst time to find out your carry-on is breaking apart at the seams is when you’re stuffing it into the overhead bin. Find that out ahead of time. Arriving at that expensive resort with a suitcase held together with rope is not a good look.

Make sure your health is protected while traveling to distant parts of the world, or, for that matter, your annual family trek to Disney World. Pack some travel vitamins. Yes, there are special vitamins made for travel. And, check out some good travel insurance while you’re at it. You never know when you’ll need it.

Again, whether it’s a trip around the world, or your family outing to the Great Smoky Mountains, make sure your travel guides are up to date. You might be building your trip around an attraction that is now closed certain parts of the year, or, worse, has been closed the past several years.

Plan a trip well, and you can have all the spontaneous fun you want.]]>

Whether you are planning your island wedding or honeymoon, or want the thrills of adventure sports, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands’ unparalleled beauty and island spirit will make your vacation here nothing short of a trip to paradise.

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico, holiday offers in US Virgin Islands St Johns range from stays at ritzy resorts and luxury cruise ships for the rich and famous to rental condos, apartments, guesthouses and villas for the mid-range as well as budget traveler.

Tourism is the prime industry on this island and everything from accommodation to restaurants to shopping and recreation is expensive here. Shops, restaurants, transport rental facilities, leisure facilities, luxury resorts, hotels, St Johns condo rentals and St Johns rental villas are dotted around the island to build in the best into your vacation package.

Getting to the US Virgin Islands St Johns by air is not difficult, and there are direct flights from several US destinations. Buses and taxis ferry you around to the islands’ towns and resorts. A weekend ferry plies between St John’s Cruz Bay and St Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie and Fajardo in Puerto Rico. Tons of cruise ships too dock in the US Virgin Islands.

There is plenty to do and plenty to see at US Virgin Islands St Johns. Trips to neighboring islands make magnificent excursions and yacht charter companies providing this opportunity are a dime a dozen. Attractions accessible from St Johns include Buck Island, Coki Bay, Estate Whim Plantation Museum, and trips to St Croix and St Thomas.

Based on the combination of amenities, location, activities, special programs and packages you desire, you can choose to stay at luxury hotels, top-notch resorts, St Johns condo rentals, St Johns rental villas, ‘Bed & Breakfast’ inns, eco-lodges, tents and small family-run hotels. The favorite accommodations for most visitors here are St Johns condo rentals and St Johns rental villas. From wonderful one bedroom “honeymoon cottages” to well-appointed bungalows, there are fine properties that offer the best value and amenities. St Johns condo rentals and St Johns rental villas float wonderful season and off-season schemes that offer rental facilities by the day, week or month for your comfort.]]>

When it comes to the Caribbean, several islands come to mind. Sandals St. Lucia is a couple’s only resort which caters to your every need, and the location is just perfect. Anse Chastnaet, St. Lucia is another wonderful property, ask for open hillside rooms and wake up with an unobstructed view of the Pitons.

Cayman Islands is known for it’s beautiful beaches, wonderful shopping and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Turks and Caicos offers 12 miles of uninterrupted beach, a laid back attitude and an abundance of underwater life.

In Mexico it’s Shangri-La, located on the Mexican sun coast. Where else can you relax in your hammock and listen to the sounds of the ocean. If you prefer the pacific side, may we suggest La Casa que Canta perched on a cliff surrounded by the sea of Zihuatanejo Bay, with a magnificent panoramic view.

Any Hawaiian island offers that exciting tropical flare, but when asked to pick the most romantic Kauai is the choice, it’s those secluded beaches and the beautiful scenery. The Hyatt Regency offers a wonderful, sophisticated setting on Poipu Beach.

It’s hard to top the ambiance of Paris, a stroll down the sidewalk, a romantic dinner at a cafי, the Eiffel Tower, the Louve. It’s the history, the love of art, the exquisite taste of the entire city that make it a city for lovers.

Lake Tahoe, where else can you enjoy all the outdoor adventure and still have great shows and entertainment. Enjoy a sunset over the lake as you relax with a drink in your hand.

The number one choice is the wonderful city of San Francisco it’s rolling hills, China town, Little Italy the Warf, great food and fun awaits all it’s visitors. With only 43 guest rooms, El Drisco is the perfect boutique hotel an exquisite setting, many of the rooms offer a spectacular view of either the San Francisco Skyline or the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Make some time for the wine country whether you choose Sonoma or Napa you can’t go wrong. Rent a convertible and cruise from winery to winery, stopping for lunch at quaint cafיs along the way. Settling down in a homey Bed and Breakfast at the end of romantic drive, it’s just the perfect weekend.

Well we hope we wet your appetite, whether it’s one above, one that we missed, or your own special hideaway let our consultants plan your romantic getaway.]]>

How about a getaway in your own hometown? I bet there are activities in your hometown that you haven’t taken advantage of. You know they are there; you often take them for granted. People from other areas come to visit the sites that you look past every day.

You take three days to take a breather from the hectic schedule you’ve been under and enjoy a three-day vacation right in your own hometown. If you have a little money to spend, why not get a hotel room in a hotel with an indoor pool, if you live in the part of the country that has snow and ice this time of year. Most hotels offer Continental breakfasts for their guests and you are already aware of the spots in town where you can eat for a reasonable price.

If you’re really stuck for money, stay at home. Let the answering machine take all messages, don’t turn on your computer and only carry your cell phone for emergency calls. You more than likely have voice messaging for that as well. You can relax in your own home and watch movies, eat popcorn and just enjoy the peace and quiet.

In my hometown, there is a place where you can take nature hikes through the woods and enjoy the beauty of the year. I also know that our area is rich in history because we are in the heart of Lincoln country. Some attractions in my area that highlight the early life of Abraham Lincoln I regret not taking the time to visit.

Do you pass a historical home every day on your way back and forth to work? The best day I ever had was when my youngest son picked me up and took me to one of the historic old homes in my own hometown. There are still homes and sites I would like to visit. I didn’t know for a long time that there is a very nice bed and breakfast. That would be wonderful for an overnight stay and there’s basically no travel involved.

Do you have museums in your area? There are sure to be some in your town or nearby and only need a little research to uncover them. Thinking of that, I can immediately bring to mind at least five museums within a 50-mile radius that I haven’t taken the opportunity to visit.

Have you taken the opportunity to explore all of your city’s parks? I found that one of our parks has a beautiful bike and walking trail. Take advantage of free events. Your local paper would be a good resource to find out what is happening in your area. My city has a Local Arts Council that has activities going on all the time. Have you checked out your local library? Why not take the kids for a visit there; it would be a good experience for them. Let them sit at a table and browse through the wonderful world of children’s literature. My library also has exhibits during certain times of the year that are both educational and entertaining.

Search your area for attractions that are within a set radius from your home. Day trips are an easy and fun way to get away from it all and spend quality time with your family. You don’t have to spend a lot of money; you can pack snacks and drinks in a cooler and just take off. Come home at night, sleep in your own bed, and go again the next day. The important thing to remember is that you are getting away from your regular routine. It should be fun and not stressful. Choose attractions that you know your family will enjoy and give everyone in your family an opinion about what they want to do or see.

Three-day vacations can be a relaxing and refreshing time for a family. You just need to use a little imagination to make it a great family time and memory.]]>

One of the most expensive parts of any trip is the hotel room. A good hotel will cost you hundreds a night, while a good motel will run you around $60 a night. For the best deal, try using a website like priceline.com. You can get some really great deals, which can make your trip more affordable. My last weekend getaway, we stayed in a 4 star hotel for under $50 dollars a night! What a great deal! You can also name your own price for a car rental or airline trip, so you can go almost anywhere your heart desires.

Once you have the room, you need to get the travel gear. You will need luggage, and of course a few new outfits. My favorite site for travel gear is couponchief.com. They are free to use and give you coupon codes for a huge assortment of websites. I was able to save almost 50% on my new luggage set, and got a few new outfits for a cheap price. A weekend trip away won’t require a lot of luggage; one or two small inexpensive pieces should do just fine. It took only minutes to find the items I wanted, and they even had it shipped free to my doorstep.

Dining may be another concern for the couple on a budget. Consider buying lunch meat and bread, or donuts for quick and easy meals on the go. You will have more energy during the day, and be able to save your money for dinner. So, go ahead and order that steak, you can afford it!

Weekend trips are a lot of fun. You will come back refreshed and ready to face the world again. With a little bit of planning you can get away for a few hundreds dollars, and make memories that will last a lifetime.]]>