Savings.com Blog - ShoppinHolly

Canada Travel Offers an International Vacation at Domestic Prices

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:55:00 GMT

US travelers looking to take an international vacation have numerous choices north and south of the border. Canada in particular offers many easy-to-reach destinations on both the East and West Coasts.

For US residents who live along the border, trips to Canada may require no airfare at all. Even for those US residents who have to fly, there are domestic airports within a 1-4 hour drive of some of the most popular Canadian tourist spots. For travelers who like scenic drives and plan to rent a car anyway, destinations like the ones below can save $100 to $350 per traveler.

Here are a few examples of flights that can get travelers to Canada by way of US domestic flights (taken from Kayak.com for the week of February 15 to 22):

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Flying into a US airport to visit Niagara Falls in Canada saves both money and time. The Buffalo, New York airport is just 25 miles away or about a 30 minute drive to Niagara Falls. The next closest is the Toronto Airport which is 78 miles away. The domestic airfare vs. flying directly into Canada can save $122 per person for travelers coming from Chicago for example--and many US cities reflect similar savings on domestic vs. international airfares to Niagara Falls:

Savings per passenger: $122
Total driving time from US airport: 30 minutes

Price comparison:
Chicago to Buffalo, New York (0 stops)--$189
Chicago to Toronto, Canada (1 stop)--$311

Vancouver, British Columbia

US travelers can reach Vancouver by taking a 3-hour drive from Seattle. Vancouver is a beautiful city on the coast that offers everything: Beaches, parks and gardens, gambling and nightlife, dinner cruises, World's Fair site and more. To drive there, take Chuckanut Drive about 60 miles north of Seattle. It takes longer than the more direct route, but the views of Puget Sound and San Juan Islands travelers get on this route are truly awe-inspiring. Now, the drive is a little over three hours, but that extra time would save a couple flying from Washington DC about $700 on airfare. That kind of money makes the three hours seem a little less burdensome.

Savings per passenger: $349
Total driving time from US airport: 3 hours

Price comparison:
Washington DC to Vancouver, Canada (2 stops)--$543
Washington DC to Seattle, Washington (1 stop)--$194

Montreal, Quebec

US travelers can drive from Albany, New York to Montreal in four hours. Plus, the drive is said to be perfect for those who love lake views, mountain vistas and, above all, autumn foliage. Montreal is the most European cities outside of Europe--save maybe Quebec City, a close neighbor. Though it's just a short drive from New York state, this region feels like a different continent altogether. French is the predominant language, but this is only one aspect that gives the city its European charm. The architecture, museums, nightlife, and superb shopping make this city a great place to visit any time of year. The four hour drive would save travelers from San Francisco over $200 each.

Savings per passenger: $210
Total driving time from US airport: 4 hours

Price comparison:
San Francisco to Montreal, Canada (2 stops)--$583
San Francisco to Albany, New York (1 stop)--$379

A few words on driving rather than flying across the border:

First, this saves most for travelers already planning to rent a car! If you aren't planning to rent, it may just be less expensive to pay for the international airfare.

Next, be sure you have your documents in order. They will be checked carefully at border stops.

Finally, while shopping rental car companies, check with each on their policies for driving over the border.

Are you willing to drive a few hours to save on airfare? Why or why not?Add a Comment

Versatile Soup Recipe Using Cheap Ingredients You Probably Already Have

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:54:00 GMT

Quick dinners can be healthy and low-priced--it just requires stocking up on the right foods, and the right recipes, of course. Using spice packets (vs. teaspoons here and tablespoons there), canned goods, frozen foods, and a few fresh vegetables or meat or both can go a long way when you have to fix a cheap meal in under 20 minutes. Collect 5 to 10 recipes that taste different but utilize the same inexpensive ingredients, and you can stock up to save even more on cost.

One of my favorite versatile stews is this one--most of the ingredients cost under $1--except for the meat which is optional.

Southwestern Stew

1.5 lbs of ground beef (or ground turkey, or omit meat for a vegetarian dish)
1 onion, diced
1 stalk of celery, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 can of corn, undrained
1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can of tomato sauce
1 can of kidney beans, undrained
1 packet of taco seasoning

Instructions: Brown the meat, and then add the onion and pepper. Simmer for five to ten minutes. Then add the celery, canned ingredients, and spice packet. Add 1 to 3 cups of water (depending on whether you prefer soup or stew), bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes. Prefer to avoid preservatives? Use frozen vegetables instead of canned--and increase the amount of water added. Garnish with cilantro or cheese, and serve with tortilla chips.

What are your favorite dishes made with ingredients already on hand? Do you have certain ingredients you always keep for that one evening when you have to whip up a meal in no time? Share your tips with us in the comments below!Add a Comment

Top Ten Wacky and Wonderful US Tourist Attractions

ShoppinHolly — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:55:00 GMT

The best vacations are the ones that leave lasting impressions. Half the fun of taking a trip to a new place is learning the culture and history of a place through local museums, landmarks, and attractions. Fortunately for U.S. travelers, this country has tons of wild and zany attractions that travelers can stop by and visit when in town or just passing through.

Here are a few of America's wildest tourist attractions--for little to no cost:

Carhenge (Alliance, Nebraska)

Carhenge was built by Jim Reinders. This creation of 38 vintage automobiles is Reinder's now well-known replica of Stonehenge. While the idea is bizarre, the creation is actually surprisingly similar to the original. Cost: free.

The Beer Can House (Houston, Texas)

This lovely house made of beer cans was begun by John Milkovisch in 1968. He began by laying marble, rock and wood landscaping around his home. To pretty things up a little more, he decided to flatten countless cans of beer and use them as aluminum siding with which he covered his entire home. His project went on in various phases over 18 years putting to use over 50,000 beer cans. Admission: $2. Guided tour: $5.

Bishop's Castle (Pueblo, Colorado)

Jim Bishop has worked on this one-man construction project--a castle to be exact--for the last thirty years. The home now stands 130 feet tall. It is not yet finished, however, it does appear to hold the unofficial record as the tallest one-man construction in the United States. Cost: free

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)

Millionaire Stanley Marsh III and an architect trio from the Ant Farm group created this monument in 1974 as a temporary display. The fixture has been a tourist attraction since then, and how could it not be? Who wouldn't want to visit ten Cadillacs planted in the ground nose up at the same angle as the Great Pyramids? The site was moved in 1997 and now sits in a cow pasture near Route 66. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint to leave their own mark on the legacy of Cadillac Ranch. Cost: free.

The Real London Bridge (London, England to Lake Havasu City, Arizona)

The London Bridge was originally built in 1831 in across the Thames in London, England. London's traffic overwhelmed the structure in the mid 20th century, at which time it was auctioned. Purchased by a wealthy Arizona oil baron for $2,460,000, the bridge was dismantled and rebuilt (for an additional $7 million) in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This historic treasure spans 950 feet and comes complete with a Tudor backdrop. Cost: free.

Paper House (Rockport, MA)

In 1922, engineer Ellis F. Stenman began building a summer home. He initially intended to use newspaper in the home's foundation, but added little by little until he'd constructed almost the entire home from paper held together with glue and coated with numerous layers of thick varnish. (The framework and floor of the home are wood, and the roof is shingled--everything else is paper.) He eventually added paper furniture, including a piano, desk and chair, and more. Cost for admission: $1.50.

Gravity Hill (Bedford County, Pennsylvania)

Gravity Hill rests atop the type of beautiful, relaxing country roads that make for a great weekend drive. The difference in this hill and others--here, a car in neutral can roll uphill, rather than downhill. Pour water onto the road, and it will flow uphill. There is a Gravity Hill in Pasadena, California that exhibits similar phenomena--all explained by the superstitious as gravity warps, but by critics as optical illusions. Cost: free.

Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, California)

The Mystery Spot is surrounded by a slanted shed in which visitors--and lots of them--see oddities such as objects rolling up a plank rather than down, people who appear to be leaning at a 45-degree angle while claiming they are standing upright, and many other fun and unusual sights. Cost: $5 to visit and $5 to park.

Grotto of the Redemption (West Bend, Iowa)

Father Paul Dobberstein built his Grotto of the Redemption from precious gemstones and concrete as a shrine to the Virgin Mary for healing him from pneumonia. With a value of over $4 million, this shrine is not only visual stunning but also the world's largest collection of minerals and petrified material. The site took 50 years to build, spans the length of a football field, and hosts 100,000 visitors each year. It is believed that that this grotto inspired others like the Dickeyville Grotto in Wisconsin, visited by 50,000 annually. Cost: No specific amount, but donations are encouraged.

The World's Largest Ball of Twine (Cawker City, Kansas)

For travelers who like to see the best and the most, perhaps the world's largest ball of twine should be added to the list of to-see and to-do's on the next road trip. The creator, Frank Stoeber, began the project in the early 1950s and worked on it for ten years until he passed away. But the work didn't stop there. An annual town festival includes twine-winding each year to "keep the ball rolling" if you will. Cost: free.

What interesting landmarks have you seen while on a recent vacation? Any you'd recommend visiting? Please let us know in the comments below.Add a Comment

The Strangest--and Cheapest--Soup Recipe You'll Ever Love

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:55:00 GMT

A great old Spanish proverb goes, "Sopa y amor, lo primero lo major" which translates to "Of soup and love, the first is best." Well, that's not exactly true, now, is it? Many would likely agree, however, with the main point--soup is one awesome concoction! While the popular chicken noodle, beef, and vegetable soups are delicious, it can be fun to try something a little out of the ordinary.

One unusual, yet extremely tasty, ingredients for soup is yogurt. Made in various regions around the globe, particularly in the Middle East, yogurt soups are healthy and delicious--plus each recipe offers many variations. For the brave and curious chef, here is an example of yogurt soup that is quick, filling, and delicious bordering addictive--and the best part, it costs under $5 to make.

There are many variations of this soup that are popular in Middle East and the Caucus regions of Eastern Europe. The taste for some is absolutely addictive because of the smooth texture of the soup and the slightly (but pleasantly) bitter taste. Here is the recipe:

1 small onion, diced
1 Tbsp. of butter
5 sprigs of cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup white rice
1 32 oz. container of Plain Yogurt (NOT vanilla)
Salt to taste

In a standard or large sized soup pot, saute the onion in butter until it is soft--but do not let it begin to brown. Next, fill the pot with water. Bring the water to a boil. Spoon in half the container of yogurt, and the rice. Let the ingredients come to a boil once more, and then set them to simmer for 20 minutes. Finally, turn off the burner, and stir in the remainder of fresh yogurt. Toss in the cilantro and salt, and let it cool.

There are many variations of this soup, including replacing the cilantro with parsley or mint, adding cucumber, adding chicken broth, and even spooning an egg into the mix to boil it along with the rice--which turns out simply divine! But I personally think the simple version above is the tastiest, and the least costly.

So, does this soup sound like something you'd try? Or is it way too weird for you? And by all means, feel free to share some of your favorite strange and cheap recipes! We'd love to learn about them.Add a Comment

Score Great Travel Deals with These Domestic Island Getaways

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:53:00 GMT

Island vacations can be costly, particularly during prime travel season. Fortunately for island lovers, the long East and West Coasts are dotted with dozens of small island destinations. By choosing an island close to shore, travelers can save airline tickets by paying regular state to state fares. Check out these smaller islands with less crowding and unique claims to fame that travelers can't find at larger tourist hot spots:

Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island offers beach lovers soft white sand and crystal blue waters Florida is famous for. One of the highlights is this island's unusual abundance of seashells. Shell collectors should plan to bring a bucket--if not two! Visitors can also walk, kayak, or drive through the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, home to rare birds, mammals, and reptiles. Enjoy dining and shopping along Periwinkle Way, and the check out the local museum, lighthouse, and more. Hotels cost $125-150 a night.

Getting there: Fly into the Southwest Florida International Airport, drive 45 minutes, and take the toll bridge to cross the Sanibel Causeway onto the island at $6 per car.

Tangier Island, Virginia

Isolated in the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island is made up of several small islands connected by wooden bridges. For this reason, there are very few cars on the island, so residents and tourist get around on bicycles and golf carts. Nights are quiet, as no alcohol is sold on the island--though visitors are permitted to bring it--and restaurants close around 6 pm. The area's claim to fame is the abundance of huge, delicious softshell crab. Of interest to researchers is the English dialect spoken by settlers of the island in 1686--as well as contemporary residents. (See if you can understand this chat between locals with a Tangier Island accent.) Hotels cost $80-$120.

Getting there: Fly into Richmond, VA or Washington DC, and drive 2-2.5 hours to Reedville, Virginia. From there, take the ferry at $25-$30 each way.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Parts of this small beach town are so quiet and uncrowded, it feels more like an isolated mountain village than a beach town. This is a great vacation for anyone who loves uncrowded, clean sandy beaches and awesome seafood. Visitors will enjoy the Fort Screven historic district and Tybee Museum, the lighthouse at Tybee Island Light Station, a walk along the Pier and Pavilion and, of course, the short drive to Savannah, Georgia should the nightlife at Tybee seem a little too quiet. Seaside room $100-125.

Getting there: Fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Tybee Island is a 20 minute drive from Savannah, Georgia.

Catalina Island, California

While living on Catalina Island is costly due to limited housing, visiting for a vacation is very affordable considering the excellent selection of activities and upscale beauty of the surroundings. Favorite tourist activities include whale and dolphin watching excursions and glass bottom boat tours. Also popular are snorkeling and surfing, shopping, and island wildlife tours. The island also offers an 18-hole golf course, large mini golf course, camping and fishing. The cost of a hotel typically runs $115-150 nightly.

Getting there: Fly into Los Angeles or Long Beach, and take the ferry for about $65 round-trip. This cost varies by season.

Orcas Island, Washington

The quaint small towns and awe-inspiring natural beauty of Orcas Islands draws tourists to this rural, quiet island. Visitors can climb Mount Constitution for views from its 2,409-foot summit, and then visit Moran State park to see breathtaking waterfalls and several lakes. Plus, enjoy horseback riding, biplane rides, camping, fishing, hiking, or kayaking in the Puget Sound. Around the island, spot orca whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. In the center of things, Eastsound village offers small shops and excellent dining.

Getting there: Fly into Seattle, Washington, and travel about 1.5 hours to Washington State Ferries Anacortes Terminal in Anacortes, Washington. A round trip ferry to Orcas Island will run you about $35 with a vehicle (recommended as many sites are not accessible on foot).

Do you prefer the hottest tourist spots, or out of the way places? What is your favorite US island? Please let us know in the comments below.Add a Comment

Travel Deals: Low-cost Day Trips Near Los Angeles

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:56:00 GMT

For people who love exploring, California truly has it all! From snowy peaks to soaking in the sun, there is something fun and interesting to do no matter what part of the state you visit. The Los Angeles area, in particular, is full of new places to see--and many of them cost little to nothing.

The following destinations are excellent examples:

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located along the stunning beaches of Long Beach, California. Here, see colorful exhibits of ocean life from Southern California and Baja, the cold waters of the North Pacific, and reefs and sea life from the Tropical Pacific. Children and adults alike enjoy hand feeding lorikeet birds, plus the chance to touch safe marine life in the SharkLagoon--including sea anemones and many other species.

Make this day trip a true adventure by taking a Behind-the-Scenes tour, a Harbor Cruise, or watching the onsite film "Turtle Vison" with animation and 4D technology to give audiences an authentic account of life on land and sea for various wildlife species.

Cost: adult $24.95 and children (3-11): $12.95.

Catalina Island

The only problem with taking a day trip to Catalina Island is that you inevitably want to stay more than a day. Just 22 miles from the shoreline around Los Angeles, this island is a true escape--yet takes less than an hour to reach from the mainland. The round-trip price of a ferry to Catalina from Long Beach costs about $65 depending on the time of year you go.

Once on the island, individuals, couples, and families have plenty of activities to choose from like glass bottom boats tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, surfing the waves along Shark Harbor and Ben Weston Beach, or a visit to the Catalina Island Museum with over 100,000 cultural and historical items covering over 7,000 years of Native American history. Other activities include a 2,100 yard, 18-hole golf course, a well-known mini golf course, movies, kayaking, fishing and shopping.

Cost: $65 for the round-trip ferry and other costs vary with the activity you choose.

Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

For Los Angeles locals and visitors who love natural settings, there are few place of solace quieter or more beautiful than Descanso Gardens. This is a natural sanctuary where visitors can spend an entire day strolling and marvelling at the beauty of local flora and fauna, small ponds and intricate gardens.

The flora and fauna span acres and include a five-acre Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Nature's Table Garden with edibles like apples and squash, Oak Forest, the California Garden and others. Other attractions include the Tram tour at $4 a ride, the Full Moon Tea house, the Bird Observation Station and lake--and on weekends, tours of the Boddy House, home of founder E. Manchester Boddy.

Cost: $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12.

Eaton Falls
Canyon Park & Nature Center
1750 N Altadena Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91107

One of the best day-long trips from Los Angeles for nature lovers, a hike to Eaton Falls will challenge beginners but will be a pleasant visit for experienced hikers as well. The hike begins at the Eaton Canyon Park and Nature Center just twenty minutes outside of Los Angeles. At the end of the hike, visitors are rewarded by a waterfall that cascades into a natural pool about three feet at its deepest. Lucky hikers might see deer, lizards, rabbits, and other wildlife as they climb hills, cross creeks, and climb over the occasional boulder.

The hike takes thirty minutes to an hour there, and the same amount of time on the way back. Thrill seekers may want to take a detour along the way to a slightly larger set of falls that require a steeper climb (ask for details at the Nature Center).

Cost: Free.

Malibu

Malibu is another oasis natural beauty that borders Los Angeles, yet feels like it's hundreds of miles away. First hit the beach at Point Dume, Zuma or any other Malibu beach (since they're all pristine). Then, visit a historic site like the Adamson House at 23200 Pacific Highway, which was built in 1929 and transformed into a museum in 1983. Besides its historical significance, the home offers amazing views of Malibu Lagoon, along with the beach and pier. Be sure to save enough time for a visit to Malibu Creek State Park for hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding.

Cost: 17 years and older $5, ages 6-16 years $2, and 5 years and under: Free.
Beach cost: $5-10 for parking.

Finally, stop for inexpensive (and absolutely delicious) fresh seafood of all kinds--clams, shrimp, oysters, tuna, or whatever you like--at Malibu Seafood located at 25653 Pacific Coast Highway. Highlights include outside seating in coves and pleasant walking trails around the hills alongside the restaurant.

Cost: Lunch about $15.

Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead
www.bigbearmountainfun.com

With all the Los Angeles area has to offer, one thing it lacks is snow! Luckily for winter sports enthusiasts, one needs to drive only two hours outside of LA proper for skiing, snowboarding, and more in the Big Bear mountain area. The two area ski resorts are Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. This is a year-round resort area, so summers are also great fun around the lakes with water skiing, water slides, fishing, zoos and wildlife centers, camping and more.

A smaller area nearby, even closer to Los Angeles (just 1.5 hours drive) is Lake Arrowhead and Crestline, each with its own lovely lake, boating, and shops. There is also a ski resort in this area called Snow Valley Ski.

Cost: Big Bear ski resorts ski lifts full day $55 or holiday $75, while Snow Valley Ski is $55 on regular days and $65 for holidays.

Boat rides: $20-$60 depending on the location and length of time.

Have you taken any inexpensive day trips in and around Los Angeles? What are nearby places you enjoy visiting?Add a Comment

Ten Tips for Scoring Hotel Deals

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:58:00 GMT

When saving for vacation, one of the most important budget items is the hotel cost. Luckily, there are many ways to save on hotel rooms. Try these tips to find a room priced within your budget during your next trip:

Check price ranges. Even if you prefer to reserve your hotel room by phone, use a site like Kayak.com that shows lots of hotel rates in your destination to be sure the one you choose is a good value.

Use online coupon codes. Many hotels offer online promotions plus codes for 5% to 20% off. With a current Orbitz travel coupons, you can take an extra 10% off at checkout off rooms that are already marked down. How much does this save versus paying regular price? For a 5-night trip in a $100 room marked down from $125, you save a total of $175 ($125 by markdown + $50 by code.)

Factor taxes and fees into the rate. Taxes and fees on a 7-night stay can add $100 or more to your room rate. Plus, this doesn't include resort fees, hotel energy surcharges, parking fees, pet fees, and incidental charges that some hotels might include. Check on these fees to be sure the room rate you found is indeed as great as it sounds.

Request the lowest rate. Hotel pricing structure tends to include a standard rate, plus lower rates that aren't typically mentioned unless a customer inquires further. Asking for the lowest rate actually often results in a lower price by phone and in person.

Check room types. When quoted a room rate by phone, customers can often get that reduced just by asking if there is a room type that costs less. Typically, the least expensive room includes two double beds or one king-sized bed. The most expensive is the suite, followed by a room with two queen or king-sized beds.

Find grand openings. Hotel lines often feature new or soon-to-open hotels on websites. These hotels make excellent stays because the staff is new and management is eager to quickly establish full occupancy and an excellent reputation. Plus, promotions often mean prices are drastically lower at these locations than other hotels in the same line.

Focus on reviews not stars. When looking for hotels, relying on the star ratings can be deceiving. These days, it is often more informative to rely on ratings by customers who have stayed in the hotel. Sites like TripAdvisor.com compare hotel prices alongside reviews, so you know you're getting what you want for the price.

Check back. For a trip during peak travel times, call far in advance. However, if you don't, not all hope is lost. As dates approach, hotel prices fluctuate often. Calling in August for a room over Thanksgiving Weekend may get you an unaffordable rate, but trying again in October, you might find the rate has been reduced. When there are many unsold rooms for a particular date, hotels lower the rates.

Use group savings. Nearly every hotel offers a Triple AAA discount, and these discounts tend to be even better than other savings like Corporate Discounts and even AARP rates. Ask about all rates to be sure, of course. One example is a Westin coupon for 10% to 35% off instantly for AAA members.

Ask about special discounts. Hotels usually offer discounts for government and military, extended stays of 15 to 30 days or more, and a senior or AARP reduction. Sometimes a hotel manager may extend a discount for regular visitors (but be sure to inquire rather waiting for hotel staff to realize you visit every year!). Also, hotels near hospitals often offer special rates for individuals who are in town for treatment, again, particularly those who need to visit regularly. These discounts are not usually offered during online booking, so call to inquire.

We want to know your tips too! What's the best hotel discount you've gotten, and how did you get it? Do you think you get the best rates online or by phone? We're eager to learn any and all secrets about how you save money by securing the best hotel rates and discounts.Add a Comment

International Travel Priced Like Domestic Trips

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:55:00 GMT

Every country has its own treasures, but several factors can prohibit international travel. Crossing the border can be a hassle with passport and visa issues, long flights that cause jet lag and then of course, there's price. The following destinations are closer than Europe and Asia, but the travel cost is similar to a typical U.S. beach vacation. Plus, excursions and meals in these areas are affordable, and the exchange rate won't eat up all your travel budget:

(Note: These prices were collected using Kayak deals, Orbitz promotion codes, and JetBlue coupons for the dates of November 11 - 17.)

Dominican Republic

Round Trip Flight: $342 from NYC (New York City), $530 from L.A. (Los Angeles)

Top-rated hotel: $82 per night at 4-star Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino

Package: Jet Blue offering 3-night Punta Cana package flight + hotel for $309 per person.

This island isn't just gorgeous--it's also historically significant as the first permanent European settlement in the New World founded in 1496 by Bartholemew Columbus; yes, that would be the brother of Christopher. The local cuisine, numerous beautiful beaches, and lively merengue music make this a destination tourists love.

Puerto Rico

Round Trip Flight: $247 from NYC, $564 from L.A.

Top-rated hotel: $118 per night at 3-star Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino $118 near San Juan town center

Package: Jet Blue offering 3 nights hotel + flight from NYC for $329 per person

While technically an unincorporated U.S. territory, Puerto Rico feels much more like Spain than the States. Rich with history, these beautiful islands are also lush with tropical flora, fruit trees, and crops. Where else can you find thriving city centers, white sandy beaches, and a tropical rainforest all in the span of 3,500 square miles? It makes travel there even easier that the U.S. dollar is the form of currency. Both English and Spanish are official languages with Spanish as the primary language used.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Round Trip Flight to Buffalo, NY: $224 from Washington DC, $316 from L.A.

Top-rated Hotel: $79 per night Crowne Plaza Hotel Niagara Falls--Falls View

This trip allows U.S. travelers to take a domestic flight rather than an international one. Fly into Buffalo, New York, and then drive through an easy border crossing to the falls. This destination is romantic, fun, not too pricey and, for this reason, full of tourists year-round.

The above trips are priced like a typical US beach vacation at an average hotel. What about travelers who prefer more upscale hotels and restaurants? The international vacations below will be priced much like an upscale domestic getaway.

Ecuador

Round Trip Flight: $528 from NYC,$584 from L.A.

Top-rated hotel: $96 per night Star Sebastian Hotel near city center

Here, tour Colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest cities throughout North and South America. And definitely visit Galopagos Islands--a pristine national park and biological marine reserve spectacular enough to warrant a visit by Charles Darwin himself, after whom one of the islands is named. See fur seals, frigates, Marine iguanas, Swallow-tailed Gulls, sea lions, whales, marine turtles, and various species of tropical fish swimming in the blue ocean water along the shores.

Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean

Round Trip Flight: $555 from Miami, $760 from NYC, $820 from L.A.

Top-rated hotel: $112 at The Royal West Indies Resort

Package: 5 nights from $545 per person through Jet Blue from Boston or NYC less a code for $100 off, so $445 per person.

These stunning West Indies islands are British territory where the official language is English. Local culture is colorful and unique with traits like ripsaw music (which employs a common handsaw as the primary instrument) and the laid back pace of the islands. The cool blue waters and white sand entice Hollywood stars including Bruce Willis who own homes there. Plus, it's a popular spot for romance weddings: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker spent their honeymoon there in 2007 while Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner wed there in 2005.

Curacao Island, Caribbean

Round Trip Flight: $520 from NYC, $329 from Miami

Top-rated hotel: $128 a night at Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club

This is a stunning southern Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. This Dutch-owned paradise is one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), which tend to fall outside of the hurricane belt. Residents on this island enjoy a standard of living that is one of the highest in all of the Caribbean region, evidenced by the modern shops and colorful European style buildings that line the city centers and shores.

There are few getaways as fun as a trip across the border--no matter which direction you go! And even better when the price is right. Share your travel treasures with us. What are some international destinations you find low-priced? What's the best deal you've gotten on an international flight or hotel?Add a Comment

Cheap Vacations: Ten DVDs That'll Transport You Without Leaving Your Living Room

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:56:00 GMT

The only downside to the many wondrous places in the world is that one person can never possibly visit them all. Some of the most fascinating regions on earth are too geographically remote for a realistic vacation. Other places are too high-priced to afford airfare, hotel stays, and/or local dining and sightseeing. It is for places like these that Blockbuster and Netflix provide a quick cure: The DVD that takes viewers away to new places.

The following movies are excellent picks that take viewers away for under ten dollars in less than two hours:

The Blue Lagoon (1980): Viewers will never forget the tropical island where young Richard (Christopher Atkins) and Emmaline (Brooke Shields) were stranded after a shipwreck. The crystal blue waters, white beaches, and lush green jungle take viewers so far away that, like Emmaline, they might not want to return. Return from where, exactly? Most scenes were filmed on a privately-owned Fiji island called Nanuya Levu, and the lagoon scenes on Champagne Bay, Vanuatu.

The Last Emperor (1987): This film is the first in history granted filming in The Forbidden City in Beijing, China where its main character, Puyi grew up. Puyi suffered imprisonment by the Chinese Communist authorities and was eventually released as a "reformed citizen" in the 1960's. Through his life story, this movie takes viewers on a tour through Chinese culture, history, and one of its most precious landmarks from the early 1900's to the late 1960's.

French Kiss (1995): Kate (Meg Ryan) flies to Paris to win back the heart of Charlie (Timothy Hutton) who has left her for a lovely young French lady. On the way, she encounters Frenchman Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline). As Luc follows Kate through Paris, Valbonne and Cannes, we pass by the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Pyramid and the Arc de Triomphe. Top it off with the sweet kiss scene on the train, and you have a perfect romantic, cinematic tour of France.

Good Will Hunting (1997): An underachieving janitor, Will (Matt Damon) with an extraordinary ability in math unexpectedly connects with a Harvard girl named Skylar (Minnie Driver). Several university scenes are actually filmed in Toronto, but it's those set in locals like Woody's L Street Tavern, Boston Public Garden, Harvard Square that give the film its local flavor and charm as it takes viewers on a tour in and around Boston by way of the big screen.

Sideways (2000): College pals Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) go on a wine-tasting adventure before Jack's impending commitment--marriage. Along the way, viewers laugh, cringe, and hope that each man will somehow resolve his inner demons during the scenic travelogue through Central California's vineyards, quiet narrow streets, and unique towns like Solvang and nearby Buellton, each looking like a true to life Danish village.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003): Following a devastating divorce, Frances (Diane Lane) takes a tour of Italy where she purchases a rundown villa. As she endeavors to renovate it, her personal journey in life, love, and friendship is set against dramatic seaside cliffs, cobblestone streets, and lush, green gardens and vineyards of Florence, Rome and Cortano and Positano, leaving viewers with a taste of the rich beauty and vibrant culture of Italy.

Danny Deckchair (2003): A tired Australian truck driver in desperate need of a vacation, Danny (Rhys Ifans) attaches dozens of helium balloons to a deckchair and floats away to Clarence where he begins a new life. This lively story transports viewers to the Land Down Under through awesome aerial views, sunny landscapes, and nuances of small town culture in the fictional town of Clarence (also known as the actual town of Bellington, Australia).

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005): From the opening scene, viewers feel they've been transported to pre-World War II Japan as they watch Chiyo, the gray-eyed girl from a fishing village, become the top geisha in Gion, Kyoto. Rich visuals of Japanese shrines, enticing natural gardens, and impeccable costuming make it surprising that most scenes were filmed in California. This tidbit, however, in no way lessons the impact of this visual and cultural voyage.

Brokeback Mountain (2005): Stunning forests, rolling rivers, and rough cowboy culture paint the screen as the complex relationship evolves between ranch hand Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). Brokeback is a fictional place in Wyoming that was created with mountain footage shot in Alberta, Canada and residential scenes filmed in Calgary. This Oscar-winning film takes audiences on a journey with awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating characters we can never forget.

Eat Love Pray (2010): After her divorce, writer Elizabeth Gilbert (Julia Roberts) embarks on a year-long trip through Rome, Mumbai, and Bali to heal her mind and soul. The movie was actually filmed in these locations, taking viewers on a sensory world tour through visions of luscious Italian treats, a colorful Indian wedding, and the lush Bali countryside among other breathtaking sites and intriguing cultural discoveries.

There's no better--or more precisely, no other way--to visit a dozen different places in so little time for so little money. Movies about local or international destinations can be hilarious, action-packed, romantic, and memorable!

What are your favorite movies about a small town, big city, or different country? What do you like about the movie?Add a Comment

Guide for Saving Money on Flower Delivery

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:57:00 GMT

A fresh, colorful bouquet is always a welcome gift. Whether to or from colleagues, parents or significant others, a bouquet can always brighten a room and add warmth to holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. Choosing the right flowers and prices, however, can feel daunting because there are so many choices.

Use these pointers to get a bouquet at a price within your budget.

Use the Section for Occasions at Online Shops

Flower merchants realize that many buyers do not have a great deal of knowledge on what flowers and colors are best for every occasion. For this reason, sites include sections for those who shop by purpose, and they are labeled accordingly. Examples include Get Well, Birthday Bouquets, Anniversaries, Sympathy and others.

Each Flower is a Symbol

It is safe to leave the symbolism to the online floral shop and just choose from the bouquets in the section for your occasion. Nevertheless, if you're buying flowers for Mom, wouldn't she love to know that you got her irises because they symbolize hope and wisdom? Or, if you are sending a get well bouquet to a hospital, sunflowers are a symbol of warmth and adoration. What about romantic bouquets? While red roses are the symbol of never-ending love, mixed bouquets are also a great choice. A bouquet with roses, lilies (faith and devotion), and carnations (a symbol of love and fascination) would make a thoughtful, romantic gift for any occasion.

Compare Base Prices

Flower shops differ wildly on prices for the exact same bouquets. Start by finding one bouquet that you like--then compare the price of the same bouquet on a few competing online shops. You can easily find that identical bouquets differ by $10 or even more.

Use the Shop By Price Tabs

No matter what your purpose--whether for Mother's Day, parents of a newborn, or your new girlfriend, you can nearly always buy flowers by price. FTD offers a flowers under $35 page. 800flowers offers gifts under $30 page. Proflowers offers bouquets, including rose bouquets, for under $20, though there is no designated page limited to that price range.

Look for Sales

The window for sale and delivery of fresh flowers is short. When shops have an inventory that outnumbers potential buyers, they can offer gorgeous bouquets at remarkable discounts. A sale price can take the price of a premium bouquet from $60-$70 to the $40-50 range. Or, it can make a low-priced bouquet at $29.99 down to $25.99 or even $19.99.

Use Coupon Codes

Nearly every online flower shop offers codes that will save buyers totals such as $10 off, 15% off or, around holidays, even 25%. Survey FTD coupons for their ongoing 20% off link. 1-800flowers coupon codes include an ongoing 15% off and larger discounts occasionally. Be sure to do the math! A code for $10 off may seem smaller than the 25% off code; on a bouquet of $30, however, the $10 coupon will save you more money.

Free Delivery Often Saves the Most

Often an offer for free flower delivery saves customers more than a code for $10, 15%, or even 25% off depending on the price of the bouquet. Compare prices. On a $40 bouquet, a 15% code will save you $6. A free delivery code will save you about $15. A 25% code will save you $10. Free delivery will save $15 on average. To find free shipping, look for shops with ongoing offers like the Proflowers free shipping page or codes that are offered around holidays.

What are your favorite flowers? Do you have any tips that help you shop for bouquets quickly? If you do, please share them with us in the comments below.Add a Comment

Family Vacations: Saving Money and Sanity When Traveling with Kids

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:32:00 GMT

Family vacations are cherished memories in the making. Keeping children entertained on the road or during a flight, however, can be challenging. Planning ahead can alleviate anxiety by preparing parents ready to handle common issues that arise while traveling with babies and young children. The good news is that some of the best strategies cost little to nothing!

Here are several tips that may save you money and hassles when traveling with your little explorers:

Buy one or two new toys for the trip. Save by choosing just the right items to occupy your children to and from your destination, rather than dozens of toys they may not have time to use. Many activity books, pegboards or magnetic games cost under $10 at places like Family Travel Gear. If you have been planning to purchase a more expensive toy in the near future--like a hand-held game console--consider buying it before your trip rather than waiting until the next birthday or holiday. Save with Gamestop coupons or discounts at other popular stores.

Bring older items for back-up entertainment. Examples include mismatched crayons, half-used coloring books that need revisiting, and other toys the kids haven't played with in a while. Ideally, choose smaller items that could be lost or tossed without a great deal of panic.

Avoid giving children snacks that contain sugar and caffeine. Sweet treats keep them happy and quiet for five minutes, as it fills them with unusable energy that will turn into crankiness when the sugar wears off. Bring fun, small snacks like flavored baked chips, apple sauce, raisins, and granola bars--and top it off with a little protein like cheese sticks to keep the blood sugar levels nice and steady.

Bring plenty of plastic or paper bags. This is the perfect time to put those spare bags around the house to use. Store them in your purse or pocket, as well as in the car or rental car. This is a quick solution for garbage, diaper wrapping or, heaven forbid, motion sickness.

Free your hands by using a backpack when possible. Children who are old enough enjoy carrying backpacks and being in charge of the activities inside. This keeps them busy and earns the parent downtime by not being the "go-to" guy for all the toys during travel.

Avoid extra costs on bulk items you will need during the trip. When flying, purchase bulk items like diapers, formula, and wipes at your destination. In the past, it was convenient and free to check these items. Now, each checked luggage item costs $25 or more on average. When driving, do the opposite; take your bulk items to avoid extra trips to the store when you arrive--which can help you avoid impulse travel purchases.

Plan for diaper changes and related emergencies. When flying, changing diapers right before boarding the plane may help to avoid cumbersome onboard changing. If not, ask an attendant whether one of the restrooms has a changing table; many planes offer one. When on the road, bring portable potty trainers just in case the little ones have an emergency in the middle of nowhere.

Avoid paying inflated prices for bottled water. In airports and gas stations, drinks cost two to three times the regular price. Bring empty disposable drinking bottles; pour drinks in them to prevent spilling during travel. A few straws can be helpful as well.

Avoid unexpected charges for checked car seats. Inquire on airline policies and fees in advance. Checked luggage items now typically costs $25 or more. (JetBlue is an exception, allowing one free checked luggage item, while Southwest allows two.)

Bring a full change of clothing for each child. Keep these items within fairly easy reach. When a spill or mess happens, this will help parents avoid unexpected (and un-budgeted) clothing purchases.

Travel planning can help make family vacations what they are supposed to be: Fun! What are some of your favorite strategies for saving time and stress while traveling with children?Add a Comment

Take an Eastern European Tour via These Hearty, Low-cost Recipes

ShoppinHolly — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:31:00 GMT

Being from the Deep South, I must admit that "comfort foods" is a term that means a lot to my tastebuds. But I'm lucky--I find comfort in almost any food! It need not be, for example, Southern banana pudding or pork barbecue (even though writing those words is indeed making me very hungry...).

Some of my favorite foods are from places far away--especially Eastern European dishes. Not only are these foods delicious and hearty, but they are made from basic, inexpensive ingredients like flour, carrots, cabbage, eggs, and other low-cost items that I tend to already have on hand. And it's like taking a mini-vacation at dinnertime!

Here are some of my favorites:

Walnut Chicken Soup from Georgia: Georgian as in the republic south of Russia, not the state near Alabama. This incredible soup (called "satsivi" in Georgia) can be described as heaven in a bowl. It's made from ground walnuts and garlic, mixed with vinegar, coriander, and, my favorite part, ground marigold (yes, the flower--tastes similar to saffron...). Here's a pretty authentic satsivi recipe--except Georgians insist this dish does NOT contain onions. This is the most expensive dish on the list to prepare--and that's just due to the walnuts, which I buy on sale.

Russian Potato Salad: The Russian dish "olivei" is technically a salad, but add a piece of French bread and it's a whole meal. Warning: this dish may not look super exciting, but many people find it to be addictive. It's made with boiled vegetables, eggs and mayonnaise. No olives in this salad, despite that the name looks a lot like the word "olive" (it's pronounced ah-leev-yay). Here's a link to an olivei recipe (many people use peas rather than cucumber...).

Beet Soup from the Ukraine: This soup is made from beets, cabbage, beef and potatoes. While it originated in the Ukraine, Russians eat it constantly. They serve it with sour cream, which initially seemed like the grossest thing I could possibly add to warm soup until I tried it. Then, as with olivei salad, addiction sets in. Here's a borsch recipe, but add beef cube to make it real. It doesn't get much cheaper than cabbage, beets and potatoes.

Rice Pilaf from Ubekistan: This dish called "plov" is made of rice, meat, onion, and spices. This dish is actually Central Asian, but it was so popular throughout the former USSR that many Eastern European countries have their own variations (Middle Eastern countries fix a similar dish called plavi--each region uses slightly different ingredients and cooking methods). Here's a plov recipe with a photograph that makes me very hungry.

Dumplings: All of the Eastern European and Central Asian countries seem to have their own dumpling dish--all incredibly tasty and all slightly different. In Kyrgyzstan, the dish is called "manty." (Here's a recipe for Kyrgyz manty.) I don't think you can purchase these in the U.S., but you can buy Russian dumplings called "pelmeny" that have a similar taste. Get them at any Russian grocery store in Los Angeles for under $5 for a package. A family of four or five needs only two packages to feel really nice and full.

Meat-filled Potato Cakes from Lithuania: No matter how you cut it, these potato cakes (called "cepliani" in Lithuanian) do not look appetizing--but don't be deceived! Pretty clever to wrap the meat in potato instead of flour, don't you think? Then they top it with bacon and eat it with sour cream. That sounds about as unhealthy as Aussie cheese fries from The Outback, but they taste even better! Here's a Potato Cakes recipe, but the instructions scare me. I'll leave this one to experts like Foodie Daddy.

What are some of your favorite foods from "exotic" places? Or do you just like to stick to the foods you've already tested and tried?Add a Comment