Let's go Citysurfing 2/19/22 Let's go Citysurfing 2/19/22

How to Plan an Affordable Disney Vacation

Disney vacations can be enormously expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of hotel rooms, tickets, food and extra expenses. If you know how to cut costs, however, you can still enjoy a fun-filled Disney vacation without breaking the bank.

Whether you are heading to Disneyland on the west coast or Walt Disney World on the east coast, here are several ways to plan an affordable vacation.

1. Book an Off-Site Hotel

While on-site hotels can enhance the “Disney experience,” they are usually much more expensive than off-site hotels. In order to maximize your budget for the trip, check several travel websites for the most budget-friendly off-site hotels in the area and plan accordingly.

In some cases, many off-site hotels also offer similar perks to hotels that are on park grounds, including shuttle access to the theme parks, advance ticket purchases and other amenities. Alternatively, many off-site hotels in the Disney area are often within walking distance, which will allow you to enjoy easy access to the parks without having to pay for parking.

2. Travel During Non-Peak Seasons

If you’re willing to forego the peak seasons, a Disney vacation can be much more affordable. When you travel during an off season, hotel rates and theme park tickets are much cheaper – plus, you won’t have to deal with as many crowds.

In order to boost attendance during these seasons, Disney parks will often offer special discounts or promotions to make your vacation even more affordable, so check out the theme park websites to find the best deals to help you save even more money.

3. Stick to Cash Only Purchases

Before you head to the parks, it’s a good idea to have a firm budget in mind – and pay in cash for everything you buy in the parks. Using credit cards can be convenient, but costs can quickly add up if you aren’t paying attention to how much you are spending.

By setting a budget and only carrying the amount of cash you can realistically afford to spend, you can minimize impulse purchases and enjoy your Disney vacation without going into debt.

4. Purchase Tickets in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes tourists make when heading to a Disney theme park is failing to purchase tickets in advance. If you wait until you arrive at the parks, you’ll likely pay a lot more for admission than you would if you buy your tickets in advance. Additionally, purchasing tickets through the Disney theme park websites may not always be your best bet.

Verified ticket outlets, grocery stores and other retail establishments often partner with Disney to offer more affordable tickets than the park itself, keeping your costs down. No matter where you choose to purchase tickets, however, make sure you are buying from an authorized seller. There are many companies that will attempt to sell discounted multi-day passes that are not legitimate, and will not allow you entrance to the theme parks.

5. Minimize Food Costs

You have to eat, but the price of food at Disney theme parks can be astronomical. To help minimize food costs, bring non-perishable snacks in a backpack and empty water bottles you can fill up for free at any water fountain.

Disney employees will not prevent you from bringing food or drinks into the park, provided you are carrying them in a backpack or purse and not in a cooler.

While snacks can help curb hunger throughout the day, you’ll also need to plan accordingly for when you need to sit down to a meal. Look around for the best deals, and make sure to only buy what you can reasonably be expected to eat – you won’t be taking any leftovers back to your hotel room!

A Disney vacation will be a memorable experience you and your family will treasure for a lifetime, but the cost of such a trip can be exorbitant. Luckily, sticking to a budget, minimizing costs and looking for the best deals can help you plan an affordable Disney vacation without breaking the bank.

Let's go Citysurfing 9/13/21 Let's go Citysurfing 9/13/21

10 Romantic Cities in the United States

Filled with vibrant energy and endless attractions, cities make great destinations for romantic getaways. If you're considering an urban adventure with that special someone, plan a trip to one of the following ten cities. Each of them offers a uniquely romantic atmosphere and plenty of date-worthy activities.

1. New Orleans

From the quaint, old-world ambiance of the French Quarter to the joyful festivities of Mardi Gras, New Orleans overflows with romantic joie de vivre. To begin your romantic getaway in the Big Easy, take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, or go on a carriage tour through the city's historic neighborhoods. When you're ready to refuel, dine on traditional New Orleans treats such as pralines and jambalaya. Finish the evening by unwinding at an intimate jazz club.

2. Las Vegas

If you favor the kitschy over the quaint, Las Vegas is the perfect romantic vacation destination. Vegas is justly famous for spur-of-the-moment weddings and budget honeymoons, but you don't have to be tying the knot there to partake of its romantic offerings. Not only are there hotels to fit every taste and budget, but there are also limitless entertainment options, from Elvis impersonators to world-famous performers, so you'll never have a boring date night. Some Las Vegas hotels are even casino-free, so you can still enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas without listening to clanging slot machines.

3. San Antonio

The Riverwalk, a verdant, 15-mile collection of pedestrian pathways winding along the San Antonio River through the heart of the city, seems tailor-made for romantic strolls. When you get hungry, stop for a meal at a sidewalk cafe, perhaps sampling the city's renowned Tex-Mex cuisine, or enjoy a mellow dinner on the water, on a riverboat tour.

Time your visit to San Antonio to take in one of the city's annual festivals, many of which celebrate the region's colorful Latino heritage. Soak up San Antonio's historic atmosphere at the Alamo or at the Missions National Historic Park, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

4. Charleston

With cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and a good helping of Southern charm, South Carolina's oldest city makes a romantic and genteel getaway. To best experience the romance of Charleston, stay at an inn located in one of the city's refurbished mansions and then dig into some rich and delectable Southern cuisine at an elegant restaurant or casual soul food cafe. Dive into the area's fascinating and often complicated history with a visit to an old plantation or Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began.

5. Boulder

If you and your partner can't decide on an outdoor adventure or an urban getaway, consider coming to Boulder, where you won't have to compromise. Laid-back Boulder is a gateway to outdoor activities, with easy access to hiking trails and ski slopes, but it also features urban delights such as restaurants to satisfy every palette, live-music venues, and a range of shopping options from funky to upscale. Strolling along the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder's pedestrian-only street is a pleasant way to pass a summer afternoon. As the home of the University of Colorado, Boulder enjoys a lively student population and many cultural events.

6. San Francisco

Spread out among steep hills between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the city of San Francisco blends a quirky counter-cultural sensibility with world-class attractions in a stunning setting. As an introduction to the city, catch a cable car ride past brightly painted Victorian townhouses. Take in the vibrant hustle of Chinatown, which makes a good stop for lunch, or eat a bowl of the city's famous clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf. Climb up to Coit Tower to enjoy sunset views of the city.

7. San Diego

Year-round pleasant weather and great beaches make San Diego the perfect destination for a romantic beach vacation. Plus, with 70 miles of coastline, San Diego offers a variety of beaches to suit your interests, from the lively party atmosphere of Pacific Beach to windswept San Onofre, which is popular with surfers. Stay in picturesque La Jolla, with its plethora of restaurants and boutique hotels, many of which are right on the ocean. Or, to experience a vintage piece of California history, check in at the stately Victorian-era Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark.

8. Providence

Rhode Island's capital is a small city, with a population of around 180,000, but it packs in a lot of culture, as the home of the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University. Providence is an excellent place to explore on foot, with historic architecture and distinct neighborhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere.

For a peaceful escape, visit Roger Williams Park, which contains picturesque bridges, lakes and a rose garden. Providence enjoys a rich mix of festivals, nightlife and performing arts events throughout the year, and it's also regularly ranked as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States.

9. Santa Fe

The adobe buildings in this high-desert city in New Mexico blend with the colors of the earth, giving the "City Different" a dreamy and organic feeling. The oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe offers plenty of attractions for history lovers, but its status as an art mecca is what draws many visitors.

Peruse the outdoor sculpture galleries of Canyon Road, or check out one of Santa Fe's top-notch museums. In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains outside of the city, nature lovers will find hiking and skiing opportunities. On chilly nights, curl up with your partner next to a traditional "kiva" fireplace, found in many of Santa Fe's lodgings.

10. New York City

The bustling energy of America's largest city can be exhilarating, as can the thrill of seeing many of the country's most iconic sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, up close. To experience a slice of New York life, immerse yourself in the chaos by joining the jostling masses on the sidewalk. Chill out with a walk through Central Park, where in the winter, the ice skating rink offers an affordable and scenic location for a date, surrounded by the soaring city skyline.

Enjoy the view from a penthouse restaurant, or hit the clubs to party until dawn in the so-called "city that never sleeps." From the nightlife of New York City to the laid-back beaches of San Diego, these cities offer many opportunities for fun and adventure. Book a weekend getaway to one of these cities, or visit a few of them on your next road trip.