Food: Breakfast is one of the most affordable meals to enjoy while traveling. When possible, consider choosing an eco option. Locally-supplied restaurants offer travelers a chance to vote green with their pocketbooks while still experiencing a relaxing vacation. For example, Max’s Harvest in Delray Beach, Florida is a farm-to-forks venue offering surprisingly reasonable Sunday brunch selections. Sustainable snack options include hand-cut rosemary chips and gourmet deviled eggs, both available for $5.

Supplies: Cosmetics, sunscreen and other personal care products are available in reasonably-priced eco versions suitable for travel. HandSan, an organic spray-on hand cleaner from Bio Green Crystals is packaged for easily tucking into your messenger bag or day pack and rings in at roughly $6 per travel-sized bottle. Similarly, Badger, an all-natural body care company sells $3 tubes of USDA – certified organic lip balms in flavors such as Madagascar vanilla, highland mint and tangerine breeze.

Accommodations: Researching your chosen hotel’s green efforts in advance is a great way to stay informed. I try to pay particular attention to linen-laundering procedures and the venue’s selection of personal care products. Does the hotel encourage you to be more conscientious in your requests for fresh towels or drop off more than you would reasonably need? What types of soaps and shampoos are stocked in your room? On a recent visit to the Plantation at Crystal River along Florida’s nature coast, I enjoyed cruelty-free shower and hand soaps with sustainable packaging as well as paraben-free shampoo and conditioner.

Activities: The venue also offers legally-guided manatee snorkeling tours for less than $50 per person, along with low-impact kayaking tours, bird watching and a variety of other ecological activities. Interacting with nature is one of the most inexpensive ways a traveler can keep it green on the road. Parks, nature trails and more can be accessed for free around the world. For those who want to take it up a notch, volunteering is an affordable way to have a higher-end experience for less. Govoluntouring.com provides a variety of international eco packages, including marmot conservation in the French Alps, low-carbon desert living in southern Spain and lion encounters in Zambia.

Photo Credit: Pictures of Travel Places

Passes: It’s quite common for spa facilities to offer day passes to vacation or business travelers wishing to experience a few luxurious perks during daily downtime. Rates typically range from $25 – $30, making this an extremely affordable option for those who favor saunas and steam rooms to deep-tissue massage treatments.

Amenities: If you prefer both however, many spa venues offer complimentary day access to their non-treatment amenities, provided you have received a spa treatment. For example, at the Emerald Mist Spa in the St. Kitts Marriott, guests can access all of the additional amenities for free before and after their treatments. Perks include hot and cold plunge pools, dry sauna, spa water and snack selections. Similarly at Miami Beach’s Lapis spa, located at the Fontainebleu, wellness clients are granted full-day access to the spa’s unusual communal areas – including the rain tunnel and mineral immersion pool – when booking any treatment at any price.

Enhancements: At the NSpa in Delray Beach, Florida, $80 treatments such as reflexology experiences and hydrating facial masks are reduced in price to $45 when booked as a massage enhancement. With a savings of nearly 50 percent, this is likely your best budget bet, provided you were planning on getting a massage anyway. Similarly, the spa at the Rosewood Tucker’s Point hotel in Bermuda has an amazing 18-head Silver Tag shower experience that is typically only available as part of a more elaborate treatment regime. However, you are allowed to add it on to the spa service of your choice for just $45. Considering these showers cost roughly a hundred grand for private purchase and only about 7 spas in the world have them, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience worth considering.

Booking: How you book your spa getaway often makes a difference in your overall price point. For example, the Keystone Resort in Colorado provides a 10 percent discount on 50-minute custom massages when both the treatment and accommodations are booked through the hotel’s web site.

Photo Credit: Serenity by the Sea Spa at the Hilton Sendestin Resort

Savings: Because the sport doesn’t actually require a mountain, dishing out extra dough for the lift tickets typically required for a ski vacation is up to you. Depending on the style of snowshoe you purchase, it’s also possible to store your gear in the trunk of a small car, making the purchase of a roof rack or car carrier unnecessary. Moreover, after you’ve purchased your snowshoes and poles, you can pretty much get by with the regular winter clothing you already have. This is a huge money saver when it comes to exploring a new sport!

Simplicity: Vancouver marketing executive Rich Patterson enjoys complimentary access to his favorite trail at Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The best part, according to Patterson, is enjoying pristine snow trails less than 30 minutes after leaving his office. Since the trail head is at the edge of the parking lot, there are no lift lines to contend with. Patterson simply straps on his shoes and steps right into nature. Similarly, residents of Montreal can have an enjoyable snowshoe experience without ever leaving home. The city’s 200-hectare Mount Royal Park offers $15 – $20 tours by reservation, which include equipment and hot chocolate.

Scenery: At the Durango Mountain Resort in Colorado, $35 will get you a two-hour guided hike – complete with equipment and round-trip lift ride – in the San Juan National Forest to an area you’d never be able to see otherwise. Another unique snowshoeing option is the historic carriage trails of Acadia National Park. A gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., the 45 – mile circuit includes scenic vistas and up-close nature encounters. Internationally-minded travelers can experience scenic snowshoe tours as well. Exploreworldwide.com for example, offers affordable snowshoeing packages to Lebanon’s Shouf Cedar Reserve, Spain’s Picos de Europa National Park and the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria. In addition to the natural scenery on the Bulgaria tour, travelers also get to experience the world-famous Rila Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site. Those in the D.C. area have Shenandoah National Park at their disposal as well.

Photo Credit: Mt. Hood Territory

Camping: Pitching tents or parking recreational vehicles at affordable campgrounds near natural attractions keeps accommodation and entertainment costs low. Shenandoah National Park for example, offers hiking, fishing and bird watching with family camping rates as low as $15 per night. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia just west of Washington, D.C., the park is within a day’s drive for many Americans. Further details regarding camping rates and activities for Shenandoah and other national parks are available through the National Park Service.

Pavilions: Shaded pavilions with picnic tables, water and electricity are available at popular beaches and parks around the country. If your reunion guests are all able to drive to your destination within a couple of hours, consider reserving one for the day and eliminating overnight accommodation costs altogether. For less than the cost of a single hotel room, a large group of people can have a day’s access to sand, sun and waterfront fun in addition to any playgrounds, soccer fields and volleyball courts the park has to offer.

Activities: Looking for family reunion activities? Contests for the best digital photos and family pie recipes can be turned into free electronic scrapbooks and recipe compilations to be enjoyed later. Request that attendees each bring a plain white tee shirt and schedule a tie dye session to create affordable event souvenirs that will have younger family members hooked for next year’s event. Even dessert can be turned into a fun family activity by choosing a candy apple buffet where guests can choose caramel versus chocolate for their topping, along with a variety of additional items such as crushed peanuts, coconut or colored candy sprinkles. Use bulk-purchased craft sticks to hold and dip the apples, and bargain-priced paper coffee filters to contain the finished treats.

Food: The distances some guests need to travel often make pot luck an inconvenient choice for family reunions. If that’s the case for yours, consider affordable options such as a baked potato topping bar. Even multiple family-sized food orders from popular chain restaurants become affordable when gathering options like camping and pavilion rentals are used. Monies saved on accommodation costs can be partially redirected to low-fuss meal options for family members.

Photo Credit: iStock

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 New England — or ‘leaf peeping’, as it’s termed up here — is an event not to be missed. Yes, the leaves turn everywhere in the fall, but in New England, especially in October, it’s a new and breathtaking experience, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.  Driving along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, for example, one can get the entire experience.  The autumn pallette on the mountain sides, reflections of same off the river, maybe a moose or deer sighting, or if one is truly adventurous, a trip up the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and all from the comfort of a vehicle.

Foliage is such a big deal up here that the best viewing is organized in a website by Yankee magazine that is updated daily.

FARMER’S MARKETS

I like road trips. I like them best when there is no snow on the ground. From April through November, generally, wherever I happen to be, a drive to see what’s what is usually in order. One sight that will always draw my attention is a farmer’s market. They exist in cities as well as in country venues.

What’s fun about a farmer’s market is varied by season. In spring, there are seedlings and spring jams, as well as cold weather vegetables. Summer is rife with fresh produce from both small farms or large. The friendly pricing competition is always to the buyer’s benefit. Fall is no less fun than any other season. The farming season’s end provides things like squashes and pumpkins – to be expected – but also, one can pick up green tomatoes, corn stalks, pickles, fruit butters, and other yummy things that remind us it’s time to look toward winter.

I’ve also seen home baked goods (pies, breads, pastries) and hand crafted goods at farmers’ markets. One of my local weekly markets invites local musicians to perform, as well, which helps make the visit an event.

Here is a website which will be a handy resource for finding farms and farmer’s markets in the 48 continental United States. If you’ve never been, or if you already know the benefits of a farmer’s market, be sure to check here for locations you may not know.

Photo credit: Yodel Anecdotal

COUNTRY FAIRS

As summer winds down, we find ourselves heading into country fair season. No matter where you live, there will be fairs in the fall. Rides, skill games, animals, concerts, and food all waiting to be enjoyed.  If you happen to be traveling in September or October, you could include a fair in your agenda.

To find if a fair will be accommodating your travel schedule, or to plan a trip around a specific fair in a specific state, here is a site that shows an extensive list of fairs by state.

My two favorite Maine fairs are the Fryeburg Fair and the Common Ground fair.  These two fairs couldn’t be more different, and each deserves a notable mention.

The Fryeburg Fair is the biggest fair in the State of Maine. It is a 10-day affair that is a year or more in the making. Folks come from far and wide to attend the fair. Many people camp for the duration…right on the grounds! From Woodman’s Day the first Monday of the fair, to the incredible exhibition halls, to the rich celebration of agricultural life, to the Midway, to animals animals animals, and ohmygod, the food, the Fryeburg Fair is fair competition to any state fair.

Always beginning the first or second weekend of October, the fair is a destination on it’s own or combined with some good, solid New England leaf peeping.  It takes some time to take in the whole thing, so plan to spend the day; take a camera; take an appetite. It will be an unforgettable experience.

The Common Ground Fair is a celebration of rural living. The fair is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFGA) in Unity, Maine, and is always in September — usually the third or fourth week.  The nature of the fair is Green.  One can learn the latest about alternative energy, organic gardening (there are fruitful gardens right on site), Green causes, sheep dog training, and, oh, the food.  All the food must be grown or raised in Maine.  Healthy tastes pretty darned good, if I do say so. There is no midway and there are no barkers, but there is also no shortage of things to do and see. Kids have their own area and can participate, in costume, in the vegetable parade. It is rare I miss this fair, because I don’t know of another like it and am glad it’s here in Maine to enjoy.

The coolest thing about the Fryeburg and Common Ground fair is that the former comes right on the heels of the latter. One could plan a one-week vacation and manage to take in both fairs.

Photo credit: nightthree

CORN MAZES

Corn mazes are a great, inexpensive, out of the ordinary family thing to do.  I went for the first time last year.  It was big, big fun.  They’ve gained in popularity in the last few years, so that any state that grows corn has farms that extend the season by creating corn mazes.  The corn is usually feed corn for livestock, is very tall, and very dense. The mazes are huge fun. Seldom are any two alike, and they frequently are accompanied by fallish food and beverages…like cider donuts.

Additionally, the maze may not be the only attraction. Farm animals to feed, like a mini-petting zoo, a hay ride, pumpkin picking may all be included in the price of admission. A local corn maze here in Maine includes a ‘corn cannon’ with tin animal targets and a ‘corn box’, think sand box but with corn, along with three mazes of various complexity.

Some mazes also offer a spookier night version of maze fare by including witches, demons and other various and sundry distractions along the way.

A quick internet search turned up a nice listing of corn mazes and pumpkin patches in the U.S. Nearly every state has at least one listed.  What a nice way to celebrate autumn.

Photo credit: Wildcat Dunny

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 to the New England Aquarium in Boston. We could drive, take a bus or a train. Turns out the weather was going to be unpredictable…typical for New England winters…so we opted for the Concord Lines bus ride; staying home just wasn’t an option. The first thing I learned is that these drivers are pretty awesome. They tackled snow on the way down and freezing rain on the way back, as well as those notorious Boston drivers, with great aplomb and safety. I’ve ridden Concord many, many times, but never in these conditions. Two thumbs up, I say!

We planned on walking once we got to Boston but looked into taking the T anyway, thinking the ride might be a little longer, but we’d stay warm and dry. The second thing I learned is that T staff are very helpful. We got good advice from a T employee who could’ve just sold us tickets and sent us on our way. We’re walkers, and as I said, the snow was no big whoop, so we walked the 1/2 mile or so from South Station to the aquarium instead of using an hour of our day taking the T alternative. Boston is really quite lovely in the snow. The sidewalks were being cleared before us as we traveled, and it was really a good walk.

We arrived at the aquarium to learn that although the staff was present in force, the public wasn’t. The third thing I learned was that a snowy day is a great day to spend at the aquarium. Instead of using the low traffic as an excuse to slough off, the aquarium staff were twice as attentive to those of us who did come in. We saw a turtle get a kidney biopsy and had our own staff telling us the details; got one-on-one info on sea dragons; and heard a more detailed than usual discussion from the divers who maintain the huge central tank and its residents at the aquarium. Also, there was no fighting to see exhibits. It was just great. To be clear, it’s SNOWY days that are good at the aquarium. The staff told us that RAINY days are exactly the opposite.

We capped our day with dinner in the North End at a restaurant called G’Vanni’s. It’s a small dining room — maybe 50 seats. The fourth thing I learned is that, if you are the only guests in a restaurant in the North End, the service level is beyond description. We talked with the host (Gianni) and our waitress (Sherry) the whole time, with the exception of the time we were actually eating. It was a wonderful experience, and the food was wonderful. For those with gluten intolerance, G’Vanni’s has a gluten free pasta option available. Regina and I both had the gluten free linguini.  It was really quite good with the fra diavolo sauce we both chose.

By the time we left G’Vanni’s, it was dark and the weather had deteriorated to my least favorite of the winter options — freezing rain. We walked back to South Station with umbrellas daring the wind to invert them and all the crossing areas flooded with water. The last thing I learned about our day in snowy Boston is to be certain your footwear is waterPROOF and not just water RESISTANT!

In sum, folks in New England know from winter weather. Don’t let a little thing like wintery weather keep you from spending your day as you planned. I’m here to tell you it’s worth the effort to go ahead with it. Just plan your clothing and footwear appropriately and carry an umbrella…just in case.

Photo Credit: Rene S

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.

Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas is a local favorite. The program varies from year to year, frequently includes vocal as well as instrumental pieces, and is always well produced and enjoyable to hear. Even children are engaged by the PSOs Magic of Christmas performances.

Nutcracker, both traditional and Victorian versions, performed by the Maine State Ballet with an orchestra accompanying.  Held in the upgraded and acoustically sound City Hall auditorium, these are wonderful performances. It is an opportunity for dancers from the Ballet to practice their art, and it’s a delight for audiences. It’s a holiday tradition worth repeating.

Children’s Museum of Maine Gingerbread Houses workshops. Although all supplies and a little guidance on construction are provided, the actual structures are limited only by the builders’ imaginations.  You do want to call ahead to make reservations as this is a very popular program.

Victoria Mansion holiday events starting in November. Seeing the Victoria Mansion decked out for Christmas defies description.  The house itself is a glory.  With each room decorated for Christmas, it’s a visit worth making. Be sure to stop in the gift shop afterwards for Victorian Christmas cards and gifts.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum Santa Fest. Take a train ride on the Portland waterfront past a wonderful lights display. A train ride is fun, no matter what, but a train ride on the waterfront in a period train is something else altogether. Kids love it; parents love it.

Completely free are the tree-lighting ceremony and toy drive on Monument Square. Shopping in Portland?  Be sure to take advantage of the ongoing free sleigh rides through town. Another fun point of interest are the wonderful light sculptures that are all around the downtown and Old Port areas.

Photo credit: jgodsey

Hiking Mt. Washington is a popular thing to do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Mt. Washington Valley. Getting to that summit is an attainable goal and the view from the summit is an apt reward. If, however, you happen not to want to execute that climb to get those views, there is an alternative.

The Mt. Washington Auto Road near the  Pinkham Notch Visitor’s Center on Rt. 16 is a thrilling way to go.  You, your family and your vehicle can make this climb yourselves at your own rate and attain the summit and its rewards, including a ‘This car climbed Mt. Washington’ bumper sticker!

The weather on Mt. Washington is the most unpredictable in the world. No two trips to the summit are the same. The option to drive yourself isn’t available when the snow flies, but if you’re in the area in temperate weather, consider the drive. It’s amazing, memorable, and the story will be worthy of the retelling.

Photo credit: zappowbang

As a person who lives near the White Mountains, I frequently like to combine a trip to Conway/No. Conway with a ride on the Kancamagus Highway (aka “The Kanc”).  There are a few ways to do this for those ‘in the know’ without backtracking. My favorite is to connect from Rte. 302 in Bartlett to The Kanc via Bear Notch Rd.

Bear Notch Rd. is a 9-mile road that is only open from May to November for wheeled vehicle access.  Snowmobiles take over in the winter months.  It is very popular in the warm months with bikers, to mention one group. There are several scenic turn outs along the way, and foliage season viewing is exceptional on Bear Notch Rd.

To find Bear Notch Rd. from Conway/No. Conway, head west on Rte. 302 out of No. Conway.  In Bartlett, NH, turn west (left) onto Bear Notch Rd.   The road ends at The Kanc.

Photo Credit: walknboston

What a great way to finish a great day in Maine!  Because of the more rural nature of Maine, the skies are dark and the fireworks are brilliant as a result.  We love our fireworks up here, and there are many displays planned throughout the summer.

The State Fire Marshall has conveniently provided a listing of approved fireworks displays for 2010 on their website.  This is a great place to start your planning for including a fireworks display in your visit to Maine.  Weather in Maine is variable, to say the least. Always confirm locally that the fireworks will go off as scheduled.

Photo credit: Sabrina Fobes