A resource for independent travelers
Portland, Maine, still has a very vibrant and active working waterfront. Until the 1970′s, when local developers saw the neighborhood abutting the waterfront as a retail and entertainment goldmine, it was not a safe place even to take a walk. Now, this neighborhood — known as the Old Port or Old Port Exchange – is [...]
If you’re new to the low-budget travel game, there are some important things to consider. First, you’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you get everything into one bag. There are many times you’ll have all your belongings with you and less is more. Then, there are some surprising pieces of travel gear you [...]
Traveling in Europe doesn’t have to be cost prohibitive. If you’d like your destination to be Wales, for example, it can be done on a budget. It has much to offer travelers and can be seen affordably. Belgium is another country to consider as a financially manageable European destination. A visit to this culturally rich [...]
Even though it’s a popular travel destination, Florida can be enjoyed inexpensively. Sarasota, for example, has a lot to offer the frugal traveler. Even the exclusive Longboat Key, which is part of the Sarasota community, can be enjoyed on a budget. Daytona Beach also is full of interesting (and inexpensive) things above and beyond the [...]
If you’re thinking of becoming a low-budget travel enthusiast, the first thing you need to do is figure out how to finance the travel. Then, there are several travel skills you should acquire. Finally, refine your road warrior skills and the world is your oyster. Photo credit praziquantel
For many women, the toughest thing to manage while traveling is cosmetics and how to look good on the road. Where can I buy the best and most economical travel-sized beauty items is a frequent question, as is can I reduce the number of items I bring? Is there one thing that can do the [...]
Ecuador is a very interesting and inexpensive travel destination. Quito, the capital city, has much to offer to the frugal traveler. From Quito, a two-hour bus ride will get you to Otavalo, Ecuador, to experience the indigenous peoples from at least 70 surrounding villages at the not-t0-be-missed Otavalo Market. The coastal city of Guayaquil offers [...]
Virginia is a great vacation destination for domestic travelers. There are myriad opportunities for low-cost entertainment. Museums like the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, for example. Or any museum, for that matter! If camping is something you enjoy, the Shenandoah National Park would be a beautiful and affordable option and is conveniently within day-trip [...]
For folks planning on going to the 2012 London Olympics on a budget, beyond air travel and accommodations, the next important consideration is ground travel. First, check with the local vistor’s and convention bureau for London maps. Then get familiar with the options for public transportation. Finally, consider taxis or more costly ground travel options. [...]
If you want to have a familiar place to return to that doesn’t involve an inconvenient monthly commitment AND you want to be mobile, there are several housing options that help make it possible. The yurt is a lesson learned in the Middle East and Asia. There are several American yurt manufacturers who build them [...]
Who doesn’t bring a camera on vacation? A few travel photography tips can help make the most of taking vacation pictures. Whether you’re traveling to New England in autumn, or going to Peru to visit the spiritual heights of Machu Picchu, your pictures will provide best memories and souvenirs — for yourself and others — [...]
The smart budget traveler knows the advantages of hotel room meals. The reasons for staying in my vary, but the point is that not every meal needs to be a restaurant experience. The humble ramen noodle, for example, is not just for soup. Pretty delictable meals can start from a packet of ramen noodles. Or [...]
Ah, the life of the businessperson. Travel is inevitable, in some form or another. Keeping the business trip on budget is always a concern and never as cut and dried as one would thing. Even trade shows and conferences with rooms and meals included can offer budgetary challenges. The savvy traveler, however, can always rise [...]
Nothing says romance like Romeo and Juliet. A trip to Italy, specifically, Verona — home to star crossed lovers, would be an incredibly romantic choice. However, most of us would be more likely to take a little more affordable romantic getaway. And it’s not too difficult to decrease the cost while increasing the romance by [...]
An unexpectedly interesting and budget friendly travel destination is Southeast Asia. Cambodia is a wealth of ancient temples and statuary, and you can do an awful lot for a very little. Angkor Wat is the most notable destination, but there is much much more to see. Thailand is another country with a lot to offer [...]
The great thing about Olympic venues is that they are available to the public after the Olympics have gone. The upcoming 2012 London Olympics offers a fresh venue to England travelers. The home of the 1972 Olympics, Munich, Germany, is another great venue that can be included on your tour of that country. Domestically, the [...]
If your vacation takes you near a body of water, it’s almost mandatory to enjoy it in some way. Affordable beach travel is very available with a bit of planning. If something physical helps you appreciate your travel destination more, consider kayaking. It can be done on lakes or oceans and, even including some training, [...]
Have you ever considered a travel destination specifically for it’s historical value, but shied away because of cost? If history is your gig, you can get to historical destinations on a budget. That includes foreign and domestic destinations. Take a walking tour of Tarpon Springs, Florida, for example, to see some unexpected history right on [...]
Many, many people consider the availability of a nice golf course when planning a vacation. The trick is making a golf getaway affordable. It can be done, even if that get away is to Scotland. Domestically, Florida and Arizona are very popular golf destinations. A little further, but not so far as Scotland, Bermuda has [...]
Many people include hiking in their travel agendas when they come to New England. Because of a National Park, a National Forest, several state parks and other preserved land, there are a lot of hiking trails in the 5-state area. What people may not know is how many of those trails include waterfalls. Over 400 [...]
The White Mountain National Forest is wonderfully conducive to sight seeing. Cruising the Kancamagus Highway, specifically, is a repeatable trip. It just doesn’t get old. Two of my favorite spots are Lower Falls, where the pools and falls make for a great day of water play, and Bear Notch Rd., which is a byway that [...]
Photo credit: nealaus New England is a great place to visit year round, depending on whether the tourist is looking for beach, skiing, sightseeing, history, or whatever. Autumn, however, is the natural tour de force up here. We do it really well, in many ways, and not like anywhere else. FOLIAGE Viewing autumn foliage in [...]
My sister Regina and I always spend a day together for our birthdays. Since mine is in July, the options are better for play. Hers is in January, and the best options — those involving sun and warmth — also involve substantial planning and cost. So, this year, she decided she wanted just to go [...]
A trip to Boston, for me, necessarily includes a trip to the North End. It’s a flashback both to my childhood and my college years in Cleveland, Ohio. Listening to the residents interacting, walking through the close streets, smelling the amazing aromas that abound in the North End all bring me back to very happy [...]
Here’s the rub. The best thing about showshoeing is that, as long as there’s snow, you can shoe there. That being said, I do have some favorite spots. I put on my winter gear, grab my shoes and poles, and here’s where I go. The first spot, and the most used by me, is out [...]
Tahoe’s early snowfall has blanketed South Lake Tahoe with nearly 4 feet of snow at lake level, and 5-6 feet on the mountains. The winter season is looking good. Snow enthusiasts anxious to visit Tahoe and book their winter trips should take a look at Zephyr Cove Resort. Unlike the hectic and almost urban ski [...]
Olympic National Park and surroundings set the stage for a relaxing winter getaway. This year, that getaway is more affordable than ever. For November or December travel with the End 2010 with $20.10 Deal, visitors to the area can stay one night at Lake Quinault Lodge (pictured above) or Kalaloch Lodge for $99 and get [...]
There are several traditional Christmas events in Portland. I’ve been to all of them several times, but generally not all in the same year. They are all well done and worth the time to pursue.
I had never heard of this restaurant ’til a recent visit to Phoenix. I had been hearing from a friend about an amazing salmon dish included on their menu. He couldn’t use enough positive words to describe it. So, when I was in Phoenix, we included dinner at Charleston’s, and being a big fan of [...]
Portable Tripod Sometimes you just want to be in front of the camera, instead of never in a pic because you’re the one behind the camera. If only you had a tripod. A traditional tripod just is not practical for most people. It’s large, cumbersome, and not always convenient to have on hand. This is [...]
It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Phoenix. When it comes to food, first thoughts lean toward Tex-Mex or Mexican. Decisions are not easy. However, having a local help with the picking makes all the difference. My first meal in Phoenix was at Manuel’s on Cave Creek. Manuel’s is a mid-priced restaurant, has 7 locations [...]
When I’m out for a ride, sometimes I like to go to a destination and return the same route. Sometimes I like to ride a loop. From where I live, my favorite loop (which happens to go through the White Mountains) is through Evans Notch to Gorham, New Hampshire, and back through Pinkham Notch to [...]
Who would think that northeast Ohio is a grape haven? There are more wineries than you can shake a grapevine at. And the last weekend in September every year, in celebration of the grape harvest, is the Grape Jamboree in Geneva, Ohio. The festivities include a Miss Grapette pageant, a grape stomping contest, a pie [...]
I grew up in Ohio, which has a surprising number of summer amusements. My favorite, of course, was and is Cedar Point, home to some of the finest roller coasters in the world! As with most amusements, proximity is the best solution to money saving. There are options available that include or exclude parking, for [...]
This view was photographed from a castle wall near Bolzano, Italy. There are many castles in the area, as well as wineries, farm stays, ecological experiences and cultural performances. The area is also a popular destination for ski holidays in the winter.
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This Andean woman takes a break from selling her wares to socialize with tourists in Peru's Sacred Valley.
The ancient Nabatean city of Petra, Jordan provides a peek into ancient civilization and also into the local Bedouin culture, which values the social experience of drinking tea highly.
This stand of palm trees against a blue sky is located in Florida's Longboat Key, one of the islands of Sarasota. It's a popular getaway with tourists and Florida residents alike, when one wants a taste of forgotten Florida.
Exploring the world-famous archeological site of Machu Picchu takes some time. In order to make the most of your visit, it's best to arrive at Aguas Calientes an afternoon ahead of schedule and head up the mountain first thing the next morning.
This command module is part of the Saturn V rocket display at the Kennedy Space Center, which is a must-see exhibit if you only have one day at the KSC. The entire venue is right down the road from the Astronaut Hall of Fame, another fun family attraction on Florida's space coast.
This abandoned mosque in Israel lies along the shores of Lake Tiberius, otherwise known as the sea of Galilea. The view of the ancient stones and overgrown plants struck me as sort of an Indiana Jones image with a bit of Middle Eastern flair.
This resort cottage photograph was taken at the thermal hot springs resort of Papallacta, located in the mountains of Ecuador. The mist rising off of the thermal pools brings a bit of a mystical quality to the image.
