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Save Money on Travelling by Finding Vacation Deals

January 28, 2014 by

Sure, that cruise you’ve been eyeing may seem within budget, but once you add in the cost of food, the flight to get there and the pesky fees, you’ll probably spend much more than anticipated. One of the best ways to save money on a vacation is by bundling things like car rental, flights, and hotel rooms together into one flat rate, and these travel sites can help you do so.

Hotwire
You may have gotten their catchy jingle stuck in your head a time or two, but Hotwire really does produce results. This helpful website allows you to group flights, cars, and hotels in any combination, and to enter your exact destination and dates to plan a trip tailored to your specific requests. The site also has partnerships with a number of hotels and airlines to get customers special deals you won’t find anywhere else.

Cheap Tickets
Cheap Tickets is another travel comparison site that allows you to compare prices on flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals, but it also offers money-saving travel packages as well. The website saves users up to $525 by bundling various travel plans into one package deal, and it also makes your itinerary much more manageable when you book everything through one site. In addition to flights and hotels, Cheap Tickets also offers exclusive discounts on fun activities that you can add to your package.

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Find National Historic Landmarks with This Online Tool

January 10, 2014 by

National Historic Landmarks are buildings, sites, structures, objects, or districts that epitomize something important about U.S. history or culture. There are currently over 2,500 National Historic Landmarks, and they each have their own fascinating stories and, oftentimes, beautiful architecture or natural scenery. If you'd like to find a few near BLVD l Loudoun Station to visit, the National Historic Landmarks Program’s search tool is a great browsing feature.

This search menu on the National Historic Landmarks website allows you to search the program’s database of landmarks broadly by city or state. If you’re searching for a specific landmark, the website also offers an advanced search with features like name, priority, year, resource type, themes, and type. This makes it easy to find — for example — Historic Landmarks related to agriculture nearby.

Even if you're not planning a trip soon, the Landmarks database is a great way to learn more about history online!

National Historic Landmarks Search [National Parks Service]

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Find Vacation Ideas With These Travel Sites

December 27, 2013 by

If you love to travel but haven’t been able to make time to take a trip lately, these informative and inspirational websites might help you make it a priority. Full of vacation ideas, each of these sites has everything you need to plan the perfect getaway:

Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor offers visitors a number of different ways to browse their trip ideas, starting by asking what you like to do and what continent you prefer. By clicking on beaches and sun in Europe, for example, your browser is instantly flooded with beautiful images of Southern France, ocean views in Greece, and exciting beaches in Spain. Trip Advisor also provides tools to book hotels, schedule a flight, and even reserve a dinner reservation once you’ve settled on the perfect location.

Travel & Leisure
The easy-to-navigate website for Travel & Leisure magazine is another useful resource for anyone looking for travel inspiration. The site’s Vacation Ideas section is full of every type of trip imaginable, with something for everyone from the relaxing beach goer to the adventurous mountain climber. Browse spa getaways, eco-travel trips, cruises, and family friendly vacations at some of the very best destinations around the world all on Travel & Leisure’s website.

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Five of the World’s Most Unusual Hotels

December 6, 2013 by

Make your vacation a little more interesting by staying in one of these five unusual and unique hotels. We bet you've never stayed in any hotel like these! 

La Balade des Gnomes
Relive your childhood by staying in a fairy tale-inspired hotel in Durbuy, Belgium. La Balade des Gnomes features ten rooms, each inspired by myths and fairy tales. Each room is a completely unique and different experience. Bunk with a troll in a cave-like room, or sleep in a Trojan Horse. In the morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast full of local specialties. 

Treehotel
Looking to connect with the great outdoors? Stay at the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden, in one of the five tree houses built in the middle of nature. You'll sleep among the tree tops and take in the serenity of nature. Each tree house is unique, with names like The Cabin, Bird's Nest, and UFO. 

Propeller Island City Lodge
Located in Berlin, Germany, this hotel has something different in store for every guest. Each of the 30 rooms is unique in its own way. One room may appear normal — if you were standing on your head! Another room features a king bed cut in half by a guillotine. There is even a room that uses coffins as beds.

Hotel de Glace
Do you love the cold? Stay in a hotel made entirely of ice just outside of Quebec City in Canada. Hotel de Glace is only open in the winter, when each room is constructed from ice. Even though the hotel may be cold, you'll still be warm with fireplaces and comfy blankets. You don't have to stay the night to enjoy the hotel, you can stop by the popular ice bar for a drink or even get married in the wedding chapel.

Featherbed Railroad
You don't need to travel outside of the United States to find an unusual hotel. On the shore of Clear Lake in Northern California, you will find this charming bed and breakfast. Each room is made out of an old railroad car. Each antique caboose has a different theme, like the Orient Express and Casablanca. 

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Trip Idea: Frankfort, Kentucky

October 25, 2013 by

If you are a history lover, take a trip to Frankfort, Kentucky. The capitol city of Kentucky was settled in 1786. Since then the city has been through a lot, leaving it filled with tons of historic sites. Make sure you check out these great attractions during your trip! 

Buffalo Trace Distillery
Visitors say Buffalo Trace makes fantastic bourbon. You can tour Buffalo Trace for free or just head over to the gift shop where they offer free tastings of the bourbons like Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and Eagle Rare. The tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. You'll learn about history as well as bourbon on these tours. 

Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
See beautifully preserved prairie land in Frankfort. This excellent center has several hiking trails, clean bathrooms, a pond, and a small nature center. Watch birds in the scenic bird blind room. For a scenic view and beautiful walking trail, the $4 admission is worth it. 

Rick's White Light Diner
Delicious Cajun cuisine is on the menu at Rick's. Stop in for a delicious lunch of New Orleans’s Muffaletta, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Crawfish Etouffee on a Bed of Grits, and Fried Catfish. Make sure you save room for a slice of fresh baked Bourbon Pie!  All the meals are made with high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Open Tuesday through Saturday. 

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Traveling? Avoid These 4 Travel ‘Don’ts’

October 22, 2013 by

Traveling can be a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life, but it can also cause its own set of problems. Avoid being stressed on vacation by following these great tips. 

1. Don't leave things to chance. Unexpected problems are bound to arise, even if you're heading to paradise! Factor how much time you'll need for each task, like driving to the airport, and then give yourself some extra time. This way, you won't be scrambling at the last minute. 

2. Don't over/under pack.
Don't pack too much or too little. Plan for inclement weather by bringing a rain jacket and an extra pair, and throw in a scarf. Some locations in other countries require certain dress, like shawls covering a woman's shoulders. 

3. Don't leave tasks to the last minute.
It will really ruin your vacation if you pull out your passport the day before you're set to leave and realize it's expired. Make sure all the documents you need, like a passport and travel insurance, are all ready to go well before you leave. Also, be sure to notify your bank if you'll be using credit and debit cards outside of the U.S.

4. Don't become a victim of low blood sugar. 
Unexpected delays and impromptu museum visits can cause meal times to be pushed back. Don't let yourself get cranky because you haven't eaten. Always travel with some water and a small snack you can pull out when you feel hunger taking over. 

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Trip Idea: Augusta, Maine

October 18, 2013 by

See moose, eat lobster, and explore lighthouses with a trip to Augusta, Maine. The capital of Maine is filled with culture, history, and nature. It has all the makings of a great vacation! Make sure you visit these top attractions during your visit.

Maine State Museum
Learn about the history of Maine from the ice age to the 1960s with four floors of exhibits highlighting the nature, history, and industry of Maine. Kids and adults with leave knowing just about anything you could want to know about Maine. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is just $2 for adults and $1 for children. 

Old Fort Western
This living history museum is also New England's oldest wooden fort, built in the 18th century. The many exhibits, both inside and outside, give you an idea of what life was like during the American Revolution. There's even a little store full of dry goods commonly used. Many of the exhibits are interactive so kids will have a great time learning some history about Maine. Hours are limited so check the website before you visit. 

Red Barn Drive-In
When visiting Maine you need to indulge in some authentic Maine seafood. The fish at Red Barn is as fresh as can be. Start with a bowl of Laura's Famous Seafood Stew before digging into your Fresh Maine Lobster Roll. Visitors say the lobster roll might be one of the best in the area.

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5 Attractions to See During Your Vacation to Italy

October 16, 2013 by

Pizza, pasta, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Rome, Venice, Florence… The list of things to see in Italy can go on and on. When planning a vacation to Italy, you'll want to travel to a least a couple of cities during your trip. Make sure you put these top five attractions on your itinerary.

Amalfi Coast
If you're looking for a place with beautiful scenery, go no further than Amalfi Coast. The 30-mile coastline is filled with resorts, small villas, cliffs, and lemon tree gardens. Head into one of the villages for restaurants, shops, and historic architecture. The coast is easily accessed by a ferry ride from Naples. 

Canals of Venice
Venice is called the "City of Water" for good reason. Travel via gondola along one of the 150 canals that connect the city together, and marvel at the beautiful architecture. It's the quintessential romantic experience. 

Statue of David
In Florence, you'll find this famous statue designed by Michelangelo. If you're a fan of art, make sure you take a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see this famous piece of art in person. 

Naples
Craving some authentic Italian food? There is no better place to indulge than in the home town pizza, spaghetti, and parmigiana. Made with classic recipes and fresh ingredients, you won't get Italian cuisine better than this. 

The Colosseum of Rome
History fans will love seeing all the ancient ruins in Rome, the most popular being the Colosseum. This huge theater was once the sight of gladiator fights seen by more than 50,000 people. Keep an eye out for actors walking around dressed like gladiators. 

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Trip Idea: Springfield, Illinois

October 3, 2013 by

No tour of state capitals would be complete without a visit to Springfield! Illinois's capital, as you might have guessed, features lots and lots on the life of Lincoln. But there's more to see and do! Here are some top destinations if you're planning a visit:

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Explore the life and legacy of the man who many call America's greatest president. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Holidays. Make sure you make a stop at Lincoln's Tomb located just a few miles away. 

Dana-Thomas House
Head over to the Dana-Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902. Take a tour through the house to see a bowling alley, wine cellar, string quartet band lofts, beautiful stained glass, and more. Explore the 35 room house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. 

D'arcy's Pint
Relax with an authentic Irish meal after a day of site seeing. The warm and cozy environment is perfect for enjoying a pint of beer and some traditional bar food. Make sure your try the "horseshoe," a Springfield classic made with Texas toast, your choice of protein (hamburger, chicken, bacon, turkey, etc.) then topped with fries and homemade cheese sauce. 

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Trip Idea: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

September 16, 2013 by

Need a vacation? You can enjoy more than 60 miles of sand, sun, and fun in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Family Kingdom
Take a break from the beach and check out this great, family friendly amusement park. More than 30 thrilling rides fill this amusement park like wooden coasters, steel coasters, log flumes, and a whole water park. 

Ripley's Aquarium
Don't go looking for sharks in the water, instead you'll find them at Ripley's Aquarium. When you need a break from the sun, or the weather has become rainy, spend an afternoon exploring the 85,000 square foot aquarium with a marine life petting zoo. 

The Beach
Don't forget the reason most people come: the beach! The beaches in South Carolina are free so all you need is a beach towel and a cool drink. Some areas have lifeguards on duty and beach chairs to rent. When you need something to eat just take a short walk to the boardwalk.

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