Cheap Travel Today

It’s not too late to plan a trip to the beach, especially if you’re getting ready for an early fall getaway and want to soak up some sun. Whether you’re planning a long weekend trip or an extended stay vacation on the coast, you can save a significant amount of money on the cost of accommodations by settling for a beach house rental property. Beach vacation homes and oceanfront condos can be a convenient alternative to a hotel or B&B, and can give you some more freedom to run things on your own schedule. Here are some useful tips on how to save money on a beach house rental this season:Create a Budget Outline a rental budget so that you have a set price range in mind when you are searching different properties. Remember that off-peak destinations might give you some more wiggle room with your budget, so consider the season when deciding on a budget amount.Set Up a Wish List What types of amenities and features are at the top of your priority list? Consider whether you want

A trip to Washington, D.C. is a perfect choice for a family vacation. Everyone knows that D.C. is the center of the U.S. government. Most know that the city is filled a great number of free attractions. In fact, from the Smithsonian museums to the National Mall, families can do more for less than anywhere in the country. Families that regularly visit D.C. may grow weary of visiting the same attractions. Others may simply wish to see or do something a bit off the beaten path. Luckily for everyone, there are plenty of unique D.C. attractions to complement those well known spots that are visited by millions of tourists each year.Unique D.C. Museums Tired of fighting the crowds at the Smithsonian museums? Head to the International Spy Museum to learn more about covert crime fighting techniques. Afterward, go to the Crime and Punishment Museum to see all sides of crime. For those who are less interested in criminal activities, the National Geographic Museum hosts constantly revolvi

It’s always a good idea to get your doctor’s clearance before air travel or cruise travel while pregnant. Once you have received the green light, there are several things you can do to make the trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Your health is always a top priority and you will need to make sure you are getting enough rest throughout the day. Eating healthy foods and taking the time to pack comfortable clothing for the trip are some other things you can do to enjoy a relaxing and memorable journey. Here are some essential tips for traveling while pregnant:Time Your Trip to Your Schedule Most pregnant women experience a significant amount of nausea, fatigue, stress, and discomfort whether they are traveling or not. If you are still in the early stages of pregnancy, you may still be adjusting to morning sickness and bouts of fatigue. Plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid flying in the very early mornings to make the trip a little more manageable. You will also w

No matter where your travels may take you this season, there are several things you can do and activities to add to your itinerary to ensure a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re visiting a new city or heading back to your favorite travel destination, get more out of your trip with a few tweaks to your schedule. Here are some useful tips for a better traveling experience: Downsize Your Itinerary Spending more time in fewer places will give you a chance to really take in the destination and learn more about the venue in-depth. Instead of jumping from city to city or even country to country during your trip, focus on just one region and spend more time exploring that area. You’ll get more out of the experience and have the opportunity to discover venues that are off the beaten path. Take a Class A great way to meet new people and learn about local culture is to take a cooking class, art class or other hands-on class. Look for some local instructors who can teach you a new

If you’ve set your heart on Europe for your summer travel getaway, don’t miss the chance to visit some of the cities, towns, and beaches that are off-the-beaten path and offer some fresh new experiences. While you can spend a good amount of time exploring some of Europe’s most well-known landmarks and tourist attractions, you’ll also find a handful of destinations beyond the tourist trail that are ripe for exploring. Many of these hotspots aren’t even on the typical tourist guidebook map but are frequented by locals during the long summer months. Here’s where you’ll find some unique and fun summer travel destinations in Europe:Smuggler’s Cove in Greece When you’re visiting the area of Zakynthos in Greece, don’t miss the private beaches in Smuggler’s Cove. This is located on the island but is easy to sail by on a typical trip. You’ll find a shipwreck in the middle of the beach and the beaches here are completely white with clear waters. Head here for a few hours of snorkeling a

There’s still time to plan that family getaway and make the most of those last few weeks of summer vacation. Heading off on a family vacation can be a great way to spend some time with family members that you may not always be around the rest of the year, and make some fun memories together. If family vacations are high on the priority list for you this season, make the experience as stress-free as possible with the a little planning. Choosing the right destination and accommodations will help to make the trip that much more enjoyable. Here are some tips for planning a stress-free family vacation: Plan the Trip Together Choosing a destination that appeals to everyone can be tricky, but you can encourage family members to pitch in with ideas and suggestions on where to go. Avoid arguments about where you are going to go and what you are going to do on that trip by encouraging everyone to brainstorm ideas and get together to make plans. Choose a family-friendly beach town, a pla

If you’re busy planning that last-minute trip or are looking for some great deals on travel packages, make sure you’re not the next victim of a travel scam. Scam artists are getting even better at conning prospective travelers into signing off on travel packages or sharing credit card information. If you do encounter a suspicious offer or a deal that simply sounds too good to be true, you may be dealing with a scam. Knowing how to spot these scams and taking steps to reduce your risk of identity theft can make that next trip a little less stressful. Here are some tips for avoiding travel scams this season:Beware of Travel Scams on Craigslist Craigslist can be a very valuable tool for finding vacation rentals and short-term stay apartments, but you may encounter many scam artists on this free classifieds site. Take the time to learn about any vacation rental company and find as much information as possible about the property before you make a deposit. Finding legitimate travel

When you’re planning an extended stay vacation or long weekend getaway this summer, don’t overlook the benefits of booking a vacation rental home instead of a hotel. Vacation rentals can be an affordable alternative to staying at a resort, hotel, or even at a bed and breakfast this season. You can enjoy life like a local when you stay in a vacation home that offers modern amenities and conveniences, and is located within easy reach of some of the area’s top attractions and sites. These homes are furnished and sometimes stocked with basic supplies to make sure your visit feels just like a home away from home. Here are some useful tips for booking a vacation rental home this summer:Read Reviews Look for unbiased reviews and star ratings about the venue on different travel sites and review sites. You’ll be surprised how many people will take the time to provide a review and share honest feedback about their experience. Reading reviews can help you make the best decision when

Are you planning a solo adventure this season? Travelling alone can be a great experience and a fun way to meet new people. Travelling solo gives you a chance to run things on your own schedule, put together your perfect itinerary, and even venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. As fun and exciting as this experience can be, you also need to be more cautious about where you go and how you might come across to locals. Here are some important tips for women travelling solo this season:Carry Emergency Information with You Your phone might die and you won’t have access to your emergency contact phone numbers. Or, you might lose your laptop and other key information you’ve stored digitally. Make sure you are carrying a few paper copies of emergency contacts and tucking them away in a safe place. You never know when you might need them and you may not have access to this information electronically.Look Confident Walk with a sense of purpose and confidence instead

If you just want to break away and enjoy a relaxing or adventurous trip on your own this season, consider heading off to a destination that caters to solo travelers. Several venues around the globe are perfect for singles or solo travelers looking for a journey through nature, a few days of rest and relaxation on the beach, or even a history lesson. You can plan a fun and exciting trip to really get away from it all and celebrate your freedom and independence. Here’s a closer look at some of the top destinations for solo travelers:United Kingdom With its myriad of small towns, villages, and bustling cities, solo travelers will find plenty to see and do in any given season. You will find it very easy to hop from town to town by bus or rail, and can even make a cross-country trip within a few hours. Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget and enjoying a backpacking adventure through Europe, or want to break away and enjoy the luxury lifestyle in the city, you’ll be in for an un

If you’re like the millions of travelers heading to the beach this summer, make sure your body and skin are beach-ready with the right self-care plan. Taking good care of your skin doesn’t have to wait until you head to the spa during your vacation. You can prep your skin and body with the right types of skincare products and also watch your diet so you can look and feel great on the beach. Wellness and skincare professionals around the globe use a number of techniques to help clients maintain that youthful glow and prepare for swimsuit season. Here are some tips for preparing for your beach vacation:Take a Hot and Cold Shower Hydrotherapy has become a popular body treatment at spas around the globe and can be an effective way to increase circulation and help your body detoxify naturally. Plan on alternating between hot and cold temperature the next time you take a shower. This process will open and close the pores to release toxins and help your skin breathe.Watch the Carbs E

The United States boasts more than 84 million acres of national parkland that offer a variety of opportunities for recreational activities, hiking, and nature walks. If you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventures and thrills, don’t miss the chance to visit some of the country’s most scenic natural attractions and venues that offer plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re interested in hiking, trail walking, nature photography, or want to see some native animals in their natural habitat, take your pick of several national parks scattered around the country. Here’s where you’ll find some of the best U.S. National Parks for adventure seekers:Everglades National Park, Florida Ready for a kayaking adventure you’ll never forget? Head to Everglades National Park in Florida to explore the mangroves, forests, and nature trails. This park encompasses 1.5 million acres of land and water, and is home to a variety of alligators, crocodiles, and endangered species. You can ta

If you’re ready for an exciting travel experience and don’t want to head to yet another resort or tourist trap for your getaway, plan an adventure trip you’ll never forget. Every once in a while it’s a good idea to go for the ‘wow’ factor with that excursion and do something that you’ve never been bold or daring enough to do. Whether you want to go on a cruise or just spend a few days trekking through the rainforest, there’s an adventure waiting for you. Here are some adventure trips to add to your summer travel itinerary: Ride the Curasub in the Caribbean Take yourself on an undersea adventure in the Caribbean on board the Curasub at Substation Curacaco. This five-person mini-submarine will take you 1,000 feet below the Caribbean Sea for an underwater experience you’ll never forget. It’s a great way to explore the beautiful waters without getting wet, and you’ll enjoy 90 minutes of exploring with visibility up to 60 feet. Trip to ToroVerde Adventure Park If you’ve eve

Driving south on Highway 75, a sign greets travelers, ‘Welcome to Stanley: Gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness.” Gazing up from the sign reveals a spread of mountains that would leave Ansell Adams spellbound behind his lens for weeks on end. The Sawtooth range rises from the green meadows of central Idaho, their craggy peaks mingling amongst the clouds of the western sky. The small western town is home to 100 year round residents though the population swells to more than 1,000 on busy summer days. Surrounded by wilderness and national forest, the Stanley basin serves as a hub for outdoor recreation. Mountain bikers and motorcyclists explore the vast network of trails in the White Cloud National forest to the south east of Stanley proper. To the southwest lie to majestic and craggy peaks of the Sawtooth wilderness, beckoning hikers to some of the most magnificent glacially sculpted landscapes in the Western United States. The Salmon River runs through town and several outfitters off

Collection of Japanese signs Were just back from a couple of very enjoyable weeks in Japan and Ill post several stories from our trip on here in the coming weeks. For now I thought Id quickly share some of the funny Japanese signs and strange English translations we encountered on our way around the country. I should stress that the fact that signs are in English at all is a great help, especially in a country with so few English speakers and still a largely domestic tourist market. And the translations, funny as they are, do ensure that the signs get more attention than they would otherwise receive. Perhaps its all part of a very clever plan Vigorously a good sign Cow cross a street this street in particular Nobody likes a crowed room I decided I probably shouldnt have been there No entry for big-footed people again, I decided I shouldnt have been there Logic you cant argue with The whole of northern Japan was a Play with Snow

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano: The High Priestess and the Bumbling Idiot Im never at my best first thing in the morning. Wed woken early at our temple lodgings in the Zenkoji temple complex in Nagano. The accommodation in the two-storey wooden house had been basic but the hospitality typically warm. Fearful that the winter nights in such an old place would be uncomfortably cold Id packed the warmest nightwear I could gather, only to find that as in the modern hotels in which wed stayed elsewhere in Japan, cold weather outside means extreme heat inside. On this night however, the night-time toilet run involved a journey along the wooden corridor, down the steep rickety staircase and through a communal washing area, all of which were closer to the temperatures in the snow-covered street outside. We shuffled in the morning gloom to the nearby temple for the 7am morning prayers, passing two monks carrying umbrellas along the way. Snow had been falling steadily for the last two days

A visit to the Japanese snow monkeys Everyone loves monkeys. Actually no, thats not strictly true. While many people coo at the sight of seeing our distant cousins pulling funny faces, most of us consider them a pest when they get up to their usual mischief and try to separate us from our snacks and loose camera gear. The macaques that come to bathe in the hot springs at Jigokudani (known to one and all as the Japanese snow monkeys) are uncharacteristically well-behaved. Its almost as if their Japanese environment has rubbed off on them. We spent an hour by the hot pool observing these curious creatures interact and there wasnt a single incidence of theft. In fact on several occasions the younger monkeys leapt within inches of their human visitors, generally acting as if we werent there as they brushed our legs before scuttling up the hillside. Leaving Sam to snap the pictures that Ive shared here, I was free to observe as youngsters squabbled noisily to the visible disapprov

Sea eagles, Owls and Cranes Japanese winter birds Stellers sea eagle looking mean Japan has several claims to fame as a travel destination, but relatively few people think of the country as a wildlife destination. Fewer still choose to brave the bone-chilling temperatures on the northern island of Hokkaido to see the birdlife which is drawn to this harsh winter climate. Yet there we were, certainly not self-confessed birdwatchers, standing in temperatures below -10C and gazing at a succession of flying giants. Perhaps Id be stretching the truth to say we were so impressed by the sight of these birds that we forgot about the chill. That said, when I think back to watching the sea eagles on the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk, my over-riding memory is of the majestic birds in flight and not of the many layers Id piled on to see them. So, heres a gallery of Japanese winter birds from our trip to Hokkaido in February. The Stellers Sea Eagles (the black and white birds with y