How You Can Spot a Travel Scam

Unlike most products, travel services usually have to be paid for before they are delivered. This creates opportunities for disreputable individuals and companies. Some travel packages turn out to be very different from what was presented or what the consumer expected. Some don’t materialize at all!

How You Can Spot a Travel ScamWonder how you can spot a travel scam?

If you receive an offer by phone or mail for a free or extremely low-priced vacation trip to a popular destination (often Hawaii or Florida), there are a few things you should look for:

* Does the price seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is.

* Are you asked to give your credit card number over the phone?

* Are you pressured to make an immediate decision?

* Is the carrier simply identified as “a major airline,” or does the representative offer a collection of airlines without being able to say which one you will be on?

* Is the representative unable or unwilling to give you a street address for the company?

* Are you told you can’t leave for at least two months? (The deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days, and most scam artists know this.)

If you encounter any of these symptoms, proceed cautiously. Ask for written information to be sent to you; any legitimate travel company will be happy to oblige. If they don’t have a brochure, ask for a day or two to think it over; most bona fide deals that are good today will still be good two days from now. If they say no to both requests, this probably isn’t the trip for you.

Some other advice on how you can spot a travel scam:

* If you are told that you’ve won a free vacation, ask if you have to buy something else in order to get it. Some packages have promoted free air fare, as long as you buy expensive hotel arrangements. Others include a free hotel stay, but no air fare.

* If you are seriously considering the vacation offer and are confident you have established the full price you will pay, compare the offer to what you might obtain elsewhere. Frequently, the appeal of free air fare or free accommodations disguises the fact that the total price is still higher than that of a regular package tour.

* Get a confirmed departure date, in writing, before you pay anything. Eye skeptically any promises that an acceptable date will be arranged later. If the package involves standby or waitlist travel, or a reservation that can only be provided much later, ask if your payment is refundable if you want to cancel, and don’t pay any money you can’t afford to lose.

Check In Flight Travel Tips

The first part of every trip is checking in.  It is also one that is most dreaded.  Between long lines at ticket counters and going through security it’s easy to be stressed before your tip even begins.  Hopefully the check in flight travel tips will help relieve your frustration and get your trip off with little or no headaches.

Check In Flight Travel Tips

Check In Flight Travel Tips

The first thing that you can do, if you have booked online, is to also check in online.  You can usually check in 24 hours before your flight, get your boarding pass, and even pay for any luggage you have to check.  Anything you can do before you reach the airport will speed up the process.

For domestic flights, ensure that you check in 2 hours before your flight time. For international flights you should check in 3 hours early. For either type of flights, make sure that you have all your documentation readily available. You will need your ticket, proper identification, and for international flights, your passport and, if required, your visa.

Don’t check in at the last minute. Even if you make the flight, your bag may not. If you miss the airline’s check-in deadline, the carrier might not assume liability for your bag if it is delayed or lost. If you have a choice, select flights that minimize the potential for baggage disruption. The likelihood of a bag going astray increases from #1 to #4 below (i.e., #1 is safest): 1) nonstop flight 2) direct or ‘through’ flight (one or more stops, but no change of aircraft) 3) online connection (change of aircraft but not airlines) 4) interline connection (change of aircraft and airlines)

Check with the airline on luggage weight restrictions. Different airlines and different classes of travel have different rules. Be prepared to pay for excess weight. When you check in, remove straps and hooks from garment bags that you are sending as checked baggage. These can get caught in baggage processing machinery, causing damage to the bag. The airline will put baggage destination tags on your luggage and give you the stubs to use as claim checks.

Make sure you get a stub for every bag. Don’t throw them away until after you get your bags back and you check the contents. Not only will you need them if a claim is necessary, but you may need to show them to security upon leaving the baggage-claim area. Each tag has a three-letter code and flight number that show the baggage sorters on which plane and to which airport your luggage is supposed to go. Double-check the tag before your bags go down the conveyor belt. (The airline will be glad to tell you the code for your destination when you make reservations or buy your tickets.)

Your bags may only be checked to one of your intermediate stops rather than your destination city if you must clear Customs short of your final destination, or if you are taking a connection involving two airlines that don’t have an interline agreement. Be sure all of the tags from previous trips are removed from your bag, since they may confuse busy baggage handlers.

When you get off of the plane, check and see what conveyor belt your luggage will be circling on. Ensure you pay attention and get your own bags. Many bags look alike. You may want to put some sort of identifying ribbon, tape, or band on your bags to make it easy to spot upon arrival.

If you have to go through immigration/customs, ensure that you do not open your suitcases until directed. The immigration officer usually asks a few preliminary questions and determines if you get the “green line” or if you need further checking. Cooperate with the security officer and it should only take a few minutes unless you have something illegal. Be honest on the customs declaration form. Telling lies can get you in some very big trouble.

Once you locate you bags and clear customs, it is time to start enjoying your vacation.  I hope these Check In Flight Travel Tips have helped!

Traveling on a budget?  Check out our 5 Tips for Families on a Budget!

All Inclusive Vacation Caribbean Resorts

All Inclusive Vacation Caribbean ResortsIf you want the best all inclusive vacation Caribbean resorts, then you ought to look for more than just room with sun, sea, and sand. Hey, it’s not called all-inclusive for nothing you know.

You want your all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort to have, if not everything, then at least, something really close. A buzz on the beach by day, a dining room open to the night air, water sports and other activities to go crazy on, a lounge deck within earshot of the waves for a relaxing afternoon, and a comfortable to retreat to – all that is available if you choose your all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort well.

More and more people are pampering themselves at all inclusive vacation Caribbean resorts where everything they could ever want is right at their disposal. What’s more, lots of these all-inclusives – about 79% – of them are beachfront properties or sitting near lakes and other bodies of water where the views are spectacular. Whatever the price category, the best place to wind down is an all-inclusive travel Caribbean resort. You’re on vacation. You should let someone else take the strain, for once.

Below are our top choices when it comes to All Inclusive Vacation Caribbean Resorts:

Breezes Bahamas

Located on the eastern end of Cable Beach, Breezes Bahamas is the epitome of warm breezes wafting across an azure sea. One of the better all inclusive vacation Caribbean resorts, this resort was previously the venerable old Ambassador Beach Hotel. In 1995, the world-famous SuperClubs took over management and the resort underwent major renovations.

Breezes all inclusive vacation Caribbean resorts are truly all inclusive. At Breezes, almost everything you could ever want is included. Room accommodations, all meals, all snacks, unlimited wine or beer with lunch and dinner, as well as alcoholic drinks, mixed with premium brand liquors at each of the four bars, the list just goes on and on. Not only that, but this all inclusive vacation Caribbean resort also includes most of the water and land sports activities, as well as airport transfers, taxes, and gratuities – all in one upfront price.

Club Med Turkoise

Another of the island all inclusive vacation Caribbean resorts, Club Med Turkoise is located directly on the white sand beach of a desert island called Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos, Caribbean. Although the land is arid and flat, unlike what you may expect of a tropical island, Turks and Caicos do draw the card with its breathtaking beauty and the astounding view of the beach and sea surrounding it.

With miles of white sand and translucent turquoise water, Club Med Turkoise all inclusive vacation Caribbean resort is the ideal for sports lovers and scuba divers. There are a total of 298 rooms, all beautifully appointed with comfortable accommodations, 3 meals a day, including unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, most sports, and nightly entertainment.

Le Sport

“Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.” That’s the line Le Sport at St. Lucia uses on their clients. And indeed, this all inclusive vacation Caribbean resort does just that. With its quirky outlook on how the all inclusive travel Caribbean resorts should be, Le Sport has been helping the weary business traveler relax, suing a combination of holiday treats and intense pleasure of personalized rejuvenation.

Senior Trip Ideas

Peter Greenberg has compiled a roundup of some of the more interesting options for senior trip ideas, which run the gamut from safaris to small-ship cruises.

senior trip ideasELDERTREKS

One of the most adventuresome senior trip ideas, ElderTreks has been offering senior-oriented trips for almost two decades. With both land and sea vacations, ElderTreks features some pretty exotic destinations, including Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Antarctica. Most of the offerings tend toward the strenuous, but the Activity Level rank gives an idea of just how active a particular tour is.

A Level 3 (most physical) voyage in Ethiopia, for example, could include climbing down the base of the Blue Nile Falls, a three-hour hike in Lalibela, and camping in the Omo Valley after some serious off-roading. ElderTreks are not for the faint of heart or the physically unfit, and can range from about a week to a month or more. If you’re adventurous, and looking to meet someone else who is, too, consider joining up with ElderTreks.

SINGLES ADVENTURE CRUISES

While the “Adventure” moniker may be a bit misleading considering this company’s emphasis on large-ship cruising. Still, for seniors aged 55+, it could be a good way to meet others. Senior singles in need of a buddy or wingman might like the “Travel Mates” program, which can help to start friendships and meet up with a roommate to avoid a singles supplement charge. Do be careful when exploring Singles Adventure Cruises options, though — seniors should look for cruises specifically targeted to them. Otherwise, you could end up on a cruise full of single, hard-partying twenty-somethings. Their garishly-designed website doesn’t help, but seniors should look for cruises targeted at the “55+.”

They also offer “Ad-Lib Cruises” for folks who don’t like to be over-scheduled with group activities. These cruises allow you to be on a ship with significant numbers of singles and participate in group activities when you desire, yet still give you the freedom to pursue your own schedule, making this on of the best single senior trip ideas.

GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDES

Golden Travel Guides isn’t actually referring to the “golden years”; the company was started in 1997 by Rick Golden. But they do have plenty of options for senior travel, providing seniors with a search engine for exploring options on their own over the Internet. Alternately, they offer a toll-free number to allow you to speak with an actual “travel specialist” to help make your plans. Not all of their trips are singles-oriented; however, a significant percentage of their travelers on nearly every trip are, in fact, single.

ELDERHOSTEL

With more than 8,000 all-inclusive trips in all 50 states and more than 90 foreign countries, Elderhostel has a global reach. But a couple of things make Elderhostel a bit different from other senior-focused tour companies. First, as a non-profit, Elderhostel is dedicated not to making money, but to providing meaningful experiences that help and educate both travelers and their hosts. Second, Elderhostel maintains a strong commitment to community service with many of its tours.

For example, seniors learn about habitat restoration and biological research by helping scientists study endangered Giant Otters and Hyacinth Macaws in Brazil’s Pantanal. Finally, Elderhostel is committed to education as a goal for travel, with many of their trips having significant cultural components to show seniors a more meaningful side to the country than they might otherwise see. Elderhostel also offers inter-generational trips, for grandparents looking for service-oriented vacations for the whole family.

ALUMNI CLUBS

One final single senior trip ideas vacations…trips for college alumni. Many university alumni clubs will sponsor trips that can re-connect seniors to long-lost classmates and spark new relationships. The added bonus of these trips, aside from the fact that all the participants will have at least their college in common, is that it will often help the ol’ alma mater, too. Contact your former college for more information on joining an alumni club.

Tips for Traveling With Children

The Basic Tips for Traveling With Children

tips for traveling with childrenFor most people, the only time when the thought of traveling with children wasn’t frightening was before they actually had kids of their own! Those with children often cringe at the thought of traveling (in any fashion) with their kids in tow. If you are preparing for a trip and have kids, then you are probably experiencing a little anxiety about how you are actually going to manage the logistics of traveling with the kids…without killing anyone!

Tips for Traveling With Children
Don’t worry. It is possible to have an enjoyable trip while traveling with kids. While there’s no guarantee that your children will act like the angels they are for the entire trip, following a few bask rules can help everyone be on their best behavior.

1. Take Advantage of “Sleep” Hours. When traveling with young children, you will find it very beneficial to plan the bulk of your traveling during the hours your children normally sleep. For example, if you are traveling by car and your destination is 12 hours away, consider leaving at night, around your kids’ bedtime. You and your spouse/partner can drive in shifts to ensure traveling all night is possible. Then, when the kids wake up in the morning, most of your traveling will have already been done. For plane trips, look for early flights so the kids will rest on the plane ride.

2. Pack More Than You Think You Need. This is a very important rule to remember when traveling with children. Always pack more than you think you will need. This goes for all things, but especially toys. A toy that you think will keep your child entertained for 15-20 minutes, will probably only hold their attention for 5-10 minutes. Therefore, make sure you have plenty of things to keep your child busy. Many parents actually go and purchase a few new toys before a big trip and wait until they’re in the midst of traveling before pulling them out.

3. Allow Time for “Pit” Stops. There is no such thing as a non-stop trip with kids. It doesn’t matter how short of a trip you’re going on…kids aren’t able to sit for hours on end without stopping. It’s important that you give your kids a few opportunities to get out, use the restroom and stretch their legs a little when traveling. An easy way to incorporate “pit” stops in your travel plans is to stop at normal meal times. Stopping to eat usually gives kids at least 30 minutes outside of the vehicle, which will do wonders for them!

4. Plan a Few “Fun” Things. To ensure everyone in the family has a good time, make sure you plan a few activities that your kids will find fun. Having fun activities planned specifically for the kids will not only give them something to look forward to while traveling, but it also gives you some bargaining power as well. “Fun” things can be as simple as stopping for ice-cream or as time-consuming as visiting a popular amusement park. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something the kids will enjoy!

You can get even more FREE tips for budget traveling from Globe Cheap’s free report. Grab it and find ways to save while traveling!

It’s hard to imagine any parent getting excited about traveling with their kids (the actual traveling part, anyways), but if you follow these Tips for Traveling With Children, the thought and act of traveling with your children shouldn’t be as stressful. Just remember: kids are kids. They don’t have the patience or attention span of adults; therefore, traveling with them will require a little more thought and patience on your part.

6 Top Winter Cruise Destinations

A warm, sunny cruise sounds so good in the middle of a cold, damp winter! Finding the Top Winter Cruise Destinations will help you discover a wonderful escape that can provide all kinds of great memories. You’ll have a chance to shop, soak up sunshine, explore historic places, and view spectacular natural landscapes. Here are some of the top winter cruise destinations.

Presidents Day Savings!

6 Top Winter Cruise Destinations

1. Australia and New Zealand

It doesn’t get much more “south” than the sunny southern hemisphere, which is in the middle of summer during January. You can scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, tour the Sidney Opera House, and visit the historic area known as “The Rocks.” In New Zealand, there are lovely national parks like Tongariro National Park and Fiordland National Park. Expect a cruise to this part of the world to last about two weeks.

2. South America

A South American cruise offers sightseeing in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, and other destinations. You can see the Amazon River and the Galapagos Islands. When you choose a South American cruise, your choice is based on the sights you want to see, as there are many South American cruise routes.

3. Caribbean

On a Southern Caribbean cruise, you will get to see the islands that are dry and warm this time of year, such as Aruba and Barbados. This is a wonderful cruise for those interested in or fascinated by volcanoes. There are also dense rainforests on the islands of Grenada, Tobago, and St. Lucia.

Cruises to the Bahamas are included in Eastern Caribbean cruises, particularly those that set sail from Florida. The islands of St. John, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico are usually visited on these cruises.

If you choose a Western Caribbean cruise, you can visit Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and Cozumel.

4. Dubai

For an exotic cruise with a Middle Eastern flavor, Dubai is an excellent choice. There is also very good shopping in Dubai, and the beaches are said to be very beautiful.

5. Hong Kong

This teeming, vibrant city is a good cruise destination for the winter. Its impressive harbor, Victoria Harbor, provides a striking view. You can engage in dolphin-watching, or watch a “Symphony of Lights” at Victoria Harbor.

6. Hawaii

Another volcano-intensive cruise, a trip to Hawaii in the winter months is a tradition for some. The temperature in Hawaii remains pretty much constant, and the beautiful beaches and spectacular views make this a popular cruise in winter. You get all the exotic experience of an out-of-the-country cruise, but without worrying about changing currency or other headaches.

 

As you can see, winter is a perfect time to take a cruise with many exotic top winter cruise destinations awaiting you.

How To Camp In The Winter – Tips and Tricks to Stay Cozy and Warm

How To Camp In The WinterCamping is not just for spring, summer and fall. You need to know how to camp in the winter.  Camping in the winter can be beautiful and fun. Bears are hibernating, there are no itchy plants or insects, and the landscape can be dramatic whether there is snow or not. Winter is cold, however, so you’ll need to make some special preparations to stay warm. Here are some tips for keeping cozy as you learn how to camp in the winter.

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First, here is a list of some of the most important camping gear you’ll need for a winter camping trip:

  • Wool or fleece hats, gloves, scarves, and thick socks are essential. Socks lined or coated with waterproof fabric are even better.
  • Sleeping pads to put beneath your sleeping bags, made from foam or other insulating material
  • Sleeping bags that will provide insulation to zero degrees
  •  Waterproof, insulated boots
  • At least 2 tarps, one for the ground and one to make a shelter over your tent
  • Skewers or stakes, sometimes called snow flukes, specially made for use in the snow
  • Thermoses for hot drinks
  • Camping stove with fuel (gathering dry firewood can be impossible in wet, snowy weather)
  • Foods high in complex carbohydrates, fat, and protein – in that order

How To Camp In The Winter – Tips for the Trip

  1. Don’t try to cover as much distance or pack in as many activities as you would during a warmer weather camping trip. It gets dark a lot earlier, so you will be making camp much earlier than in the summer. Also, getting the campsite set up will take longer due to the extra cold weather gear. Getting dressed in the morning will also take everyone a bit longer for the same reason.
  2. There’s an old saying among winter campers – cotton kills. Cotton is wonderful fabric for summer camping, but it is a very poor insulator, especially when wet. Make sure that any cotton clothing is covered by wool and/or waterproof clothing.
  3. Dress in layers that can be easily removed and put back on. If you begin to sweat, you will want to be able to remove a layer or two because excessive sweating in cold weather makes your body more susceptible to chilling (hypothermia).
  4. Remember to eat foods rich in whole grains, healthy fats, and protein even when you don’t feel that hungry. This diet is vital for your body to keep warm.
  5. Pack foods that have a low water content to prevent ruination from freezing and so they will be lighter to carry.

With a little preparation, you can know how to camp in the winter and you can enjoy an invigorating, beautiful winter camping trip.

17 Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation

ways to save on your winter vacationAs cool fall weather sets in, our thoughts turn to winter vacation. Or at least, it should, if you want to find ways to save on your winter vacation and get great deals over the winter holidays.

(Side Note: Here’s a free report with even more cheap travel tips:

Globe Cheap’s free report

Grab it and see how much you can save from your next winter getaway.)

Whether you’re dreaming of a winter skiing destination, or would rather escape to a warm paradise, these tips will help you save big on your next winter vacation.

17 Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation

1. Make a vacation budget and stick to it

How much can you afford, exactly? Find out now, or else have a plan to have a specific amount saved up by the time winter rolls in.

2. Plan well in advance

When it comes to budget travel, time is one of your most important tools. You need time to make advance reservations and to research the best deals.

3. Shop around

Now is the time to go comparison shopping for travel options, accommodations, and major attractions.

4. Compare different modes of travel

Depending on where you’d like to go, various means of traveling will have different costs. Also consider how many people are traveling. If you’re a family, it’s usually cheaper to drive than to fly. If you’re traveling solo, you may have more options – including carpooling with friends or family.

5. Ask for discounts

Sometimes you just have to ask, to receive discounts. At the hotel or airline, for example, ask for free upgrades on your room or flight. Ask your credit card provider about travel options they offer to clients at reduced rates, such as travel insurance coverage, etc. Don’t forget to ask hotel/hostel owners and tour operators for discount coupons, such as to the nearest attractions.

6. Share a vacation rental

If you’re traveling in a group, or can find family and friends to vacation with, sharing a rental house for a flat fee can be very economical.

7. Try a hostel

Hostels go for as as low as $20/night, so they’re a budget option you should consider.

8. Cook your own meals

Eating out can be very expensive. Stay in hotels or rentals where you can cook your own meals. Or pack your meals in a cooler, if you’re traveling by car.

9. Get as many discounts as you can

If you’re a student or traveling with a student, make sure to bring student ID cards or International Student Cards. This free report from Globe Cheap lists other discounts you or a family member may be eligible for. Also explore discount passes when buying online or by certain dates.

Presidents Day Savings!

10. Borrow equipment

If you’re going skiing, bring your own or borrowed equipment rather than renting them at the resort. If you plan to go skiing often, it’s probably cheaper to buy our own equipment in the long run, instead of renting every time.

11. Explore discount packages

Hotels and travel agencies usually offer packages that include travel, accommodation, meals and entrance to various attractions. These usually cost less than if you paid for each one individually. They usually also offer discounts for early booking.

12. Travel off-season

The peak season for traveling in winter is around Christmas and New Year. If you don’t mind traveling around those dates, you’ll find everything cheaper. It’s also usually cheaper to travel on weekdays or midweek rather than on weekends.

13. Consider warm-weather destinations

Looking to escape from the cold? Consider places where the US dollar goes farther, such as small Caribbean islands, Mexico, and parts of Central America and Asia. Some destinations within the United States are also cheaper in the cold season.

14. Don’t touch the minibar

Bring everything you need so you won’t have to open the water bottle in the hotel, or get snacks from the minibar. You’ll pay ridiculous prices for these! Some hotels also charge extra if you request additional towels and toothbrushes. If you must, buy extra supplies at the nearest grocery store, not from the hotel. And don’t forget to pack those over-the-counter medications you usually use!

15. Stay out of the way

Consider staying a little farther from major attractions. You’ll save tons on accommodation – as long as you won’t pay through the nose for public transportation or parking.

16. Camp out

If you’re going to a warm destination, plan to go camping. It’s a very cheap traveling alternative. If you’re driving, find the cheapest places to get gas.

17. Look for free attractions

Entrance fees to tourist attractions can also add up very quickly. Do some research to find free attractions at your destination. These could include malls, national parks and historic streets or towns. Find out when museums are open to the public for free.

More Ways to Save on Your Winter Vacation

You can get even more FREE tips for budget traveling from  Globe Cheap’s free report.  Grab it and find more ways to save on your winter vacation.

 

How To Plan A Weekend Getaway

820x480xhorseback-riding-beach-820x480.jpg.pagespeed.ic_.8hPeS_cLiT8lChRKCgv6If you are seeking to get away and want to know how to plan a weekend getaway, you need to hone in on your destination and your desires. Do you want to be full of activity and run every minute that you are away? Or, do you want to rest and relax the entire time? Maybe you wish to do a little bit of both – rest and relax with a little excitement in between.

Once you know what you want to do, then it is time to get busy and seek out the best weekend getaway package that you can find. There are certain things you need to look for in your weekend getaway package in order to get the most out of your weekend experience.


Last-Minute Weekend Getaway Sale!

Price Point

When you are booking a weekend package, it is essential that you shop around. Do an extensive compare and contrast way before the scheduled weekend is to happen. In this way, you ensure that you have done enough research to get the most bang for your buck.

Look for packages that include many benefits such as:

  • Half price tickets to shows
  • Free bottle of wine
  • Discount coupon to local eateries
  • Group rates on sights such as museums and tourist spots
  • Something for free – whether it be free continental breakfast or a free haircut at the hotel salon

Don’t be afraid to point out to competitors what other packages are offering to see if they are willing to up the ante. Also, let travel agents know that this is your first time using their service and that you expect them to make you a repeat customer by giving you the best discounts and freebies.

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All-Inclusive

If you are going to get away for the weekend, look to see if your hotel or resort is all-inclusive. Sometimes an all-inclusive resort will offer you one set price for meals, drinks, and lodging.

On some occasions, these types of lodging can save you some money.

Reputation and Customer Service

If you are booking with a travel agency for the first time, make sure to ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have ever used this agency or service before so that they can offer input.

Also, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to of the customer service agents that work for the company putting together your potential package. Chances are that if your customer service questions are not met satisfactorily, you will not have a good travel experience either.

If you find a package deal from an airline, agency, or online business, make sure you see if they offer variety, discounts, customer service, and have a good reputation to back them up, too.

So don’t wait for your annual vacation to take a trip.  Once you know how to plan a weekend getaway try taking several weekend trips every year.  It’s a great affordable way to enjoy traveling.

Best Weekend Getaways In The US – Three Awesome Spots

If you are fortunate enough to live in or near the United States, then a weekend getaway is a wonderful idea. There are quite a few popular weekend destinations, as well as some lesser known choices. Off-the-beaten path weekend trips, as well as hustling bustling city trips await you in some of the best weekend getaways in the US.

You can find anything and everything from excitement to peace and quiet and any range in between when you travel throughout the US for a weekend escape.

Las Vegas, Nevada

BestofVegas. Best Shows. Best Hotels. Best Prices.

best weekend getaways in the us-venetianIf you are in the mood for the most excitement that you can handle, than a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada is the place for you. The excitement and adventure never ends here.

There is an exciting array of activities for you in Las Vegas. How about the Venetian Grand Casino and canal?

Besides being a casino, having the ultimate in nightlife and entertainment, the Venetian offers a taste of Italy right in Las Vegas. They offer gondola rides, high fashion, and shop-until-you-drop opportunities and a luxurious spa.

Staying in the Venetian for a weekend is more than enough to satisfy all of your needs. You can visit a museum, eat in a trendy restaurant, or enjoy the nightclub scene.

Miami Beach, Florida

best weekend getaways in the us-south-beachIf your scene is combining excitement with beautiful beaches, then Miami Beach in Florida is the place to go for you. There you can enjoy the many activities of nightlife and still hit up the sand for some rest and relaxation.

The beautiful thing about Miami Beach is that the beaches are sugar white and soft, making you feel like you are actually in another country than the USA.

Upscale spas, renowned shopping, swimming, surfing, kayaking, nightclubs, and entertainment are all part of what makes Miami exciting and relaxing at the same time.

Washington, DC

best weekend getaways in the us-washington-dcWashington, DC is a must-see destination for your weekend getaway in the USA. There is so much history steeped there, it may not be possible to see it all in just one weekend – but it is a great place to start.

There you can visit famous historic sites such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, the White House, Ford’s Theatre, and the National Air and Space Museum, just to name a mere few of the attractions that await you.

The Smithsonian Institute, the Washington Monument, the National Gallery of Art, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts do not even come close to an end of what there is to see and do over a weekend in Washington, DC.

These are just three of the best weekend getaways in the US.  You will find that there is plenty to enjoy right here in the good old USA.

Get Rejuvenated with a Weekend Getaway

There are so many pills, diets, and fads that claim to rejuvenate your mind, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned weekend getaway. A weekend getaway does not have to be expensive or far away; it can be something as simple as staying in an old refurbished barn and packing a picnic lunch or visiting a relative.

There are so many ways to take a weekend getaway.



Visiting Family

If you are fortunate enough to be able to go home and visit your family, then how about taking a weekend trip to do just that? Some individuals do not have the opportunity to go back home, so if you do, take advantage of that fact.Family homes where you grew up in are the most rejuvenating place you can go. The stories you can share with other family members and the old memories you can recreate are priceless. As well as that, you can create new memories on your family weekend getaway.

When you leave your family home, chances are you will feel refreshed and ready to face reality once again.

 

Spa Weekend Getaways

wellness-654422_1280You may visit a spa near your home and get a massage and even a facial with a manicure and pedicure; however, you return home to the same old scene.A spa weekend getaway is designed with just that in mind – the feeling of getting away from it all. When you enter the world of spa treatments, you can choose an array of treatments that suit your needs.

You may be in sore need of a good massage or a simple walk through nature, or both. Some time on the mat doing yoga may be just the thing the doctor ordered.

 

Benefits to Going Away for the Weekend
There are many benefits to going away for the weekend, wherever you do. Here are some examples:
  • Recharge
  • Rejuvenate
  •  Unwind
  • Relax
  • Refresh
  • Gain clarity
  • Attain health goals
  •  Learn a new skill
  • Go on an adventure
  • Meet new people
  • Try something new
Sometimes weekend getaways are not about relaxing at all. Sometimes they are about trying something adventurous such as white water rafting, surfing, skiing, or hiking. Hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and mountain biking along with rock climbing may be the very thing you need to recharge your batteries, your mind, and your body.

No matter how you look at it, getting away for the weekend is a wonderful tool to refresh, recharge, and rejuvenate your body, soul, and mind. Moreover, it does not really matter what you do while you are away. Weekend getaways are like medicine for the soul.

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