Where to View Magical Holiday Scenes

“Just 14 shopping days left until Christmas!” If I had a dime for every time I heard someone say that yesterday, I would have enough money to finish my Christmas shopping. It’s hard to escape the holiday hoopla now that we’re nearly halfway through December. The sales, the crowds, the craziness in the mall parking lot don’t do much to get me into the Christmas spirit. However, there are places you can visit to immerse yourself in the season, minus the commercial madness. For example: Wisconsin: The city of Green Bay is not only home to the world-famous Packers; it’s … Continue reading →

Fire and Ice

When it comes to winter travel, most people fall into one of two camps: fire or ice. The former is more attractive to those who prefer to escape Old Man Winter’s wrath and soak up the sun in a warm climate. The latter is more inviting to ski bunnies and other cold weather enthusiasts. Fortunately, there are ways you can save cash regardless of where you vacation this winter. By planning ahead and solidifying your travel arrangements now, you are more likely to land a money-saving deal, such as: CANADA For those who run to snow and ice rather than … Continue reading →

Affordable Winter Escapes

Don’t wait until after Christmas to jet out of town on a family getaway. If you are looking to score some serious travel bargains, now is the time to hit the road. You can take advantage of money-saving offerings in these popular vacation destinations from now until December 26th: New York City: Believe it or not, you can snag a bargain in the Big Apple in the weeks preceding Christmas. Take in the amazing holiday light displays, skate at Rockefeller Center, shop on Fifth Avenue and sled in Central Park while saving money on your hotel room. The Hotel Wolcott … Continue reading →

Can You Afford a Winter Getaway?

You certainly can if you hit the road in the next three weeks. From popular newspapers to morning news shows, travel experts are popping up just about everywhere today hammering home the latest and greatest industry catchphrase: “dead zone.” A travel “dead zone” is defined as the weekend after Thanksgiving until roughly the week prior to Christmas. It’s a time when most people have little incentive to travel far from home. Consequently, hotels, rental car companies, cruise operators and commercial airlines offer a slew of travel bargains in order to remain profitable between the two busiest holidays of the season. … Continue reading →

Affordable Holiday Adventures

Tis the season to be taking advantage of the assortment of holiday events being offered from coast-to-coast. Whether you want to travel near or far, there are a slew of winter wonderland-themed attractions just waiting to be enjoyed by your entire family. And the best part–you won’t have to drain your wallet to experience them: California: The Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine ushers in the holidays with the opening of the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California. If that doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit head to the San Diego North County community of Carlsbad for two … Continue reading →

Holiday Travel: Don’t Procrastinate

The big takeaway from travel experts this holiday season: Don’t procrastinate. This year, more than ever before, experts are advising to make a plan and act on it now, especially if you are looking to book a bargain. Christmas may still be more than a month away, but if you want to secure a spot on a plane, train or at a popular resort, now is the time to make your reservation. Most hotels have strict deadlines for their holiday specials, and the dates seem to get earlier and earlier each year. For example, this year, Beaver Creek Resort in … Continue reading →

Get Into the Holiday Spirit Without Breaking the Bank

Last Friday, a Christmas tree lot opened up across the street from our church. Who buys a Christmas tree a week before Thanksgiving? It was much easier to denounce the premature holiday madness in October when Wal-Mart and Target were selling Christmas wreaths next to the Halloween candy, but now that Thanksgiving is just a few days away, I suppose it’s time to make merry. One of the cheapest ways to get into the holiday spirit is to hit the road and soak in the spectacular Christmas light displays… that you didn’t have to erect. Some of the nation’s most … Continue reading →

Spend Less, See More

Thank goodness for my neighbor. Each year he decks his halls and the rest of his property with thousands of holiday lights. It’s a dazzling display that my family gets to enjoy viewing without having to travel far or pay the outrageously high electric bill. Massive holiday light displays are being erected around the world right now, and the best part is that you don’t have to break the bank in order to soak up the seasonal scenery. Some of the most popular include: California: Newport Beach is home to one of the most unique holiday light displays. The city’s … Continue reading →

Save on Seasonal Adventures

Who says you have to be surrounded by snow and cold in order to get into the holiday spirit? My idea of a dream winter getaway is a long stretch of white sand beach, a cobalt blue sky, warm sunshine and gentle trade winds. The only ice I want to see are the cubes in my tropical libation. Fortunately, there are a slew of winter escapes that offer a temperate climate without compromising on the holiday activities. One of the best places to take in spectacular seasonal sights and sounds is sunny San Diego. The popular Southern California city hosts … Continue reading →

Traveling on a Budget: Electrifying Holiday Light Displays

If you don’t have the cash to deck your halls like the Griswolds this Christmas, don’t fret. Fortunately, there are tons of places to view electrifying displays of holiday lights without having to travel far or zap your budget. The following cities are home to some of the nation’s most merry megawatt-lined miles and sparkling seasonal streets that won’t cost you a dime to view: New York City: It won’t take long for you to get into the holiday spirit when strolling along the streets of the Big Apple. The city’s massive window displays, blinged out trees and public parks, … Continue reading →