Hey Guys,

Anytime I think about taking a vacation, I tell myself that it will be too expensive...especially given how expensive this whole process has been and continues to be for most of us.

I wanted to start a thread about Inexpensive but nice getaways that some of us may be able to take advantage of this summer or even during the fall and beyond.

Some of us have our SO's by our side now, and their are others who are expecting their SO's in the coming months and would like to do something special for them once they get here.

Because of the travel restrictions most of our SO's face, it would be cool to get suggestions for getaways in the US and its territories.

Please include price, amenities, and attractions, and contact info if you can. If not, I guess we can always google for more details

Thanks guys!!! Your suggestions are greatly appreciated

good idea I got a huge headache right now and can't think straight, also got to go to work for one hour.
I would like to contribute later.

There is always a weekend in the Poconos. I enjoy that from time to time. It's cooler there too and there is horseback riding, tennis, hiking, or just sitting by the pool. I think we paid something like $245 for a weekend cabin.

Thanks, mama....can't wait for you to get home!!!!!!

Invest in a tent and a couple of sleeping bags and a cooler. The take a look at reserveamerica.com

Campgrounds are usually less than 50 a night. You can also find ones with cabins for those not quite as into sleeping on the ground.

Some tips for getaways in Florida from the industry insider (me ):
- If you are not scared of the heat, visit in May-August and stay at a golf resort. Since it does get hot and there is limited number of ppl on the courses, room rates go down significantly. At my resort, $450/night room was sold for $129-$199 during those months. Grounds are gorgeous and limited number of ppl guarantee privacy.
- At the same time, skip the parks until September. Lines are outrageous and utterly unberable in the heat.
- Don't fall for timeshare gimmiks. They will drag you to sales pitches untill you buy just to get read from the annoying sales person

Now, my personal favourites are:
- Carnival Crusies. Go in Feb. and a three day voyage will cost you $250 a piece. AP is needed though
- Local wine tastings is a good gateway for a day. Many are free if you buy a bottle or two at the end
- Bed & Breakfast. I bet there are some inexpensive but unique options in your area.

Thanks Sylvia...

Zainab and your suggestion reminded me of another cool/adventurous trip in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania located in the Pocono Mountains.

There is plenty to do there:

Skirmish (paintball games)
Whitewater Rafting (My absolute favorite!)
Camping
Kyaking
Biking and more...

http://www.poconowhitewater.com/

They offer packages too. The most popular packages are a combo of paintball and whitewater rafting....I've done that a few times.

There are bed and breakfast places in the area, as well as lodges and the sort...If you call them at 1-800-WHITEWATER they will assist you with finding a place to stay as well as planning what you want to do while there.

The website is pretty informative too. Everything you need to know is there!

This trip is EXCELLENT as a group experience. Group leaders enjoy the activities for free.

Maybe we can plan a VJ trip

If you don't mind having an adventurous as well as extremely fun time, I highly recommend this place!

P.S. It's very children friendly...so don't worry, you can bring your kids!

Prices are reasonable!!!

Great topic and excellent suggestions.

Below are my thoughts:

• Consider the city of Washington, DC. Most of the historical attractions and museums are publicly funded. Therefore, no admission fee.
• When we traveled to Hawaii for our honeymoon we stayed in a condo. A week ago we went to Savannah, GA and rented a flat located in the historic downtown area. By choosing to lodge at these places (rather than a hotel), we are able to cook our own food, thus cutting back the expense of eating out. Of course, part of the highlight is checking out nice local resturants, but now it's an option and not an expensive must. Plus, my husband does not like to eat out a lot.
• I am a strong believer in financial independence. Nevertheless, I do support having one credit card. Here's why .... some credit card companies offer extra "perks" for using there card. Some of these perks included free hotel, airline, discounts for car rentals, etc., etc. We have a credit card issued by BofA and US Airways. When we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon we flew round trip for a cost of $25.00 together. You read correctly, $25.00 dollars!

Here is how:

1) Obviously you earn miles each time you travel using there airline.

2) For every dollar you spend, you earn one mile. For every purchase you make through US Airways, your miles double. So when we had our church wedding, each and every expense were placed on this card. When it was time to pay for our reception, I had the company to max out the card, I then paid off the balance in full. Then I had them to place the remaining amount due on the card. That way, we were earning mileage for every dollar we spent.

3) This company has many different 'partners', that offer extras to US Airways Credit Card holders. For example: Most of us have cell phones. Let's say your cellular company is Sprint. A while back, Sprint and US Airways had a special that all Sprint/US Airways card holders would receive triple miles for signing up there phone package with there US Airways credit card. So for us - we have to pay a cellular bill each month anyway, so why not receive some mileage points as well?

The catch?!?!? A $95.00 per year fee. BUT ... each and every year you will receive a voucher to purchase one flight for $250 (round trip), and up to two additional flights for $99.00. Where can you fly for $99.00 round trip? We are flying into Miami for a cruise next month. So we used our voucher, and used the additional two $99 tickets for my husband, and another passenger.

As for our monthly bills - we put everything on the card (utilities, gas, etc.) and pay the card off each month. We would have to pay these bills anyway, so why not pay them and earn a few extra miles. NOTE: If any of you have SO who are new to the concept of paying bills, I would not try this approach initially. IMO it builds a false thought of 'free money'.

Now - we are letting our miles accumulate so that when we go to Cameroon, hopefully we only have to purchase one ticket.

Of course, all of the suggestions I made apply to airlines other than US Airways. For us, they happen to have a Hub near where we live.

Happy Traveling!

Boaz

That's a wonderful idea! I pay my bills with my credit card too and then pay off the balance in full. It does wonders for your credit score!!!

I the fact that you are financially responsible, Boaz!!!! You go girl!!!!

I'm going to definitely look into your suggestions! Thanks, mama! I'm going to call Chase first thing Monday

GREAT IDEA!!! I LOVE CAMPING!!!
It's usually quite inexpensive. Also, there are RV rentals that aren't too bad (although gas is a bit expensive) and if you get a hardside camper, your neighbors won't hear things that they would be able to if you're in a tent

What kind of things, Queen Jenn?

Ahem. . . . . You oughta know, your man is here

Snoring. I an sure Jen meant snoring.

I remember being camping once and there was a man in another tent and his snoring was making the tent walls go whappita whappita .. in and out. Too bad this was prior to everyone owning cam corders It would have been a hit.

I own tents and a 5th wheel. I fact about a 3 months from now I have reservations at a campground a bit south of here. Hopefully it will be Josephs first camping trip.

With tents there is nothing like keeping each other warm in total darkness. If you are in fairly warm weather the sleeping bags that zip together are just the thing. And a weekend without TV, Phone is always good for a relationship.

....and it will definitely increase snoring

Asante, elevate your mind

Uno...you are no good

Check out hostels and college campuses. Years ago I got a wonderful room during the summer in northern California at 1/2 what a hotel would be. Had to bring my own towels and such but it was worth it.

If the Trailer is Rockin dont bother knockin......

http://www.allgetaways.com/

check out this site, hope it helps

Very cool site! Thanks, Uno

Thanks for all of the great tips and ideas! This is very helpful, especially with the economy being so unstable these days.