[{"content":"If you are taking any flights to, from, or within the United States, you should know about the new bill related to passenger rights for air travel and what it means for your wallet.\nThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill, signed into law by President Biden in May 2024, addresses many provisions related to airline operations in the U.S.\nThere is a special section dedicated to passenger rights, which encompasses common traveling issues such as flight cancellations and delays, refunds, and other types of compensation.\nHere is an overview of the key points.\nAutomatic Refunds for Disrupted Flights Airlines will be required to provide a full refund to passengers in case of:\nCanceled flights: This applies to any flight cancellation initiated by the airline, regardless of the reason.\nSignificantly delayed flights: The general rule is more than three hours delay for domestic flights and beyond six hours for international flights.\nSignificantly changed flights: Unexpected changes such as departures or arrivals from different airports, more connections, or downgrades.\nRefunds for cancellations or significant changes apply to scheduled flights to, from, or within the United States.\nPassengers can receive automatic refunds for cancelled or delayed flights.\nWhat it means for travelers As a passenger, you no longer need to spend time and effort arguing with the airline for a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed.\nThis empowers you to choose your preferred course of action, whether it\u0026rsquo;s getting a cash refund, vouchers, or credits. If the refund is in the form of airline credits or vouchers, you will have up to five years to use it.\nCons The act doesn\u0026rsquo;t specify if the airline is obligated to offer compensation beyond a full refund for the ticket (e.g., covering meals or accommodation due to delays).\nEven if you receive a full refund, it may not be the best solution in case of flight cancellation. If you bought your ticket on sale or at a great discount, it may not be available anymore, so you would be spending more out of pocket.\nRefunds can take up to seven business days for credit card payments, and 20 calendar days for other types of payments.\nAdditional Passenger Protections While the automatic refund is a major benefit, the FAA Reauthorization Act also emphasizes other passenger protections:\nIncreased Transparency: Airlines are required to clearly disclose extra fees (e.g., baggage fees, seat selection fees) at the beginning of the booking process to avoid surprise charges.\nFamily Seating: Families traveling with children won’t have to pay extra fees to sit together.\nAccessibility: Travelers with disabilities can request preferred seats to accommodate their needs.\nBaggage: Passengers dealing with delayed or lost baggage will be entitled to a cash refund. This generally applies to baggage delays of more than 12 hours for domestic flights or between 15 and 30 hours for international flights.\nExtra Amenities: Fees paid for extra amenities such as Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, or seat selection will be refunded if passengers do not receive the service.\nIllness: Consumers experiencing a serious communicable disease and who are medically advised not to travel are entitled to receive transferable vouchers or credits. This applies to passengers with non-refundable tickets.\nUpfront Fees: Airlines and ticket agents are required to disclose all fees and extra charges to consumers before selling tickets.\nThe new measures seek to improve the experience of air travelers.\nSome Changes Already Seen These measures aim to create a fairer and more transparent air travel experience for passengers in the United States. Hopefully, these measures will make air travel less stressful for passengers, as long as airlines comply.\nWe have already seen major changes in low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit, which have eliminated some of their fees in the most restricted economy class.\nAnother airline, JetBlue, recently announced that it will bring back the benefit of a free carry-on in economy light.\nDOT Customer Service Dashboard The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) also introduced the Airline Customer Service Dashboard, which displays information about the policies implemented by participating carriers to improve their service to passengers.\nSo far, there are 10 U.S.-based airlines included in the dashboard: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United.\nThe dashboard is very convenient for comparing airline policies regarding ticket refunds, vouchers, or services provided in the case of overnight cancellations. However, you should always check the airline’s website for up-to-date information.\nTravel Tip: If you have not received a refund to which you are entitled, you can fill out the complaint form on the DOT website.\nIn Summary The new FAA passenger rights bill introduces significant changes aimed at protecting air travelers in the United States.\nWith mandatory refunds for disrupted flights, increased transparency in fees, protections for families and disabled travelers, and other measures, the bill seeks to enhance the overall travel experience.\nAs these changes take effect, passengers can look forward to a more transparent and equitable air travel environment.\nAlways stay informed by checking the Airline Customer Service Dashboard and individual airline websites for the latest updates and policies.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/new-passenger-rights-bill-air-travel/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are taking any flights to, from, or within the United States, you should know about the new bill related to passenger rights for air travel and what it means for your wallet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/politics/joe-biden-signs-bipartisan-faa-reauthorization/index.html\"\u003eThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill\u003c/a\u003e, signed into law by President Biden in May 2024, addresses many provisions related to airline operations in the U.S.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a special section dedicated to \u003ca href=\"https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-announces-final-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airline\"\u003epassenger rights\u003c/a\u003e, which encompasses common traveling issues such as flight cancellations and delays, refunds, and other types of compensation.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"New Passenger Rights Bill: Key Changes Every Air Traveler Should Know"},{"content":"As overtourism continues to impact some of the world\u0026rsquo;s most popular travel destinations, many iconic spots are implementing new fees and regulations to manage the influx of visitors and preserve their unique environments and cultures.\nFactors such as the pandemic and the influence of social media have contributed to the rising number of tourists worldwide, particularly in the most \u0026ldquo;trendy\u0026rdquo; destinations.\nHere is a list of seven places that will cost more to visit this year.\nVenice, Italy The city of Venice has a new entry fee for day-trippers.\nVenice is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The architecture and canals, the quaint streets, the iconic gondolas\u0026hellip; all come together to create an enchanting atmosphere.\nHowever, the downside of all this charm is that Venice is overcrowded. From cruise ship passengers to day-trippers, the city has been dealing with overtourism for years.\nBut is this influx of tourists supposed to be good for the local economy? Not really, according to Venice\u0026rsquo;s residents. Hotels and local businesses complain of not benefiting from the hordes of tourists who visit Venice just for the day but don\u0026rsquo;t stay overnight.\nAs a result, local authorities have decided to introduce an entrance fee for visitors who don\u0026rsquo;t spend the night. Since April 2024, the city has imposed a 5 euro entry fee for day-trippers on certain dates, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.\nThis pilot program will run until July of this year.\nAmsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam wants fewer crowds on its streets. Photo by Leif Niemczik on Unsplash.\nFor decades, Amsterdam has had a reputation as a party city where anything is possible. Young visitors, especially, crowd the narrow streets, going bar hopping and continuing the night in the infamous Red Light District.\nAlthough Amsterdam is also known for world-class museums and historic sites such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, as well as its canals and green spaces, the backlash against overtourism primarily affects the wild-party crowds.\nHowever, local authorities are not distinguishing between \u0026ldquo;bad\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;good\u0026rdquo; visitors, hitting everyone with a hefty tourist tax of 12.5% -the highest in Europe- and implementing a series of measures to slow down mass tourism in the city.\nEven cruise ship passengers just stopping over will pay a \u0026ldquo;day-tripper tax\u0026rdquo; of 14 euros. The bottom line is that you will need to prepare your wallet if you want to spend even one day in the \u0026lsquo;city of tulips,\u0026rsquo; Amsterdam.\nBarcelona, Spain Beautiful overview of Barcelona. Photo by Arturo Martinez on Unsplash.\nResidents of Barcelona, home to one of the most visited religious buildings in the world, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, have been complaining about mass tourism for years.\nRecently, protests have increased, with locals closing access to attractionslike Gaudi’s Park Guell and Carmel’s bunkers—two of the most crowded sites due to their popularity on Instagram and TikTok.\nSo, what are the local authorities doing about this situation? Besides increasing police presence to tackle illegal parties, local authorities are hiking the tourist tax from 2.75 euros to 3.25 euros per night. Although the tax increase is not likely to deter visitors from coming to the Catalonian capital, the residents’ backlash against the presence of tourists in their city may impact your decision to stop by.\nOther Spanish destinations dealing with backlash against overtourism include the Canary and Balearic Islands, Malaga, and Santiago de Compostela. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism in Spain is celebrating a record number of visitors, with 85 million tourists coming to the Iberian country in 2023 and already reaching 16 million in the first quarter of 2024.\nBali, Indonesia Visitors must pay a new tax to enjoy the beauty of Bali. Photo by Alessio Roversi on Unsplash.\nParadisiacal beaches, stunning temples, scenic landscapes… and lots of tourists. Bali is feeling the consequences of being such an attractive and affordable destination.\nLocal authorities are concerned about the environmental and cultural impact that overtourism may have on the island’s quality of life.\nSo, starting in February 2024, there is a new Bali Tourism Tax of 150,000 rupiah that foreign visitors must pay either before arriving at the island or at the local airport and port.\nAccording to the Bali Provincial Government, the goal behind this new fee is “to preserve the integrity and balance of Bali’s nature, its people, and their culture.”\nWhether you agree or disagree with the purpose of the new policy, be prepared to spend a little more on your next Bali getaway.\nMt. Fuji, Japan Climbing to the top of Mt. Fuji has a new cost. © JNTO.\nIf climbing Mount Fuji is on your bucket list, get your wallet ready because there is now a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen to reach the top of this iconic Japanese landmark.\nThe Yamanashi Prefecture has approved an ordinance to address the issue of overtourism in the area, especially during the hiking season from July to September.\nA “toll gate” will be installed at the entrance of the Yoshida trail, the most popular with visitors, to not only collect the fee but also enforce the new daily limit of 4,000 hikers. So, be sure to get your online reservation before heading there.\nAdditionally, no more climbing to see the sunset from the summit—unless you are staying at a mountain hut—because the gate will close daily from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.\nFor those who like getting off the beaten track (literally), you can try to reach the top of Mt. Fuji via other alternative trails that are still free, for now. Shizuoka Prefecture has three trails:\nFujinomiya, best for beginners\nSubashiri and Gotemba, recommended for experienced climbers.\nGalapagos Islands, Ecuador Galapagos\u0026rsquo; giant tortoise. Photo by Christine Ellsay on Unsplash.\nHome to nearly 9,000 species and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique wildlife, including the giant tortoise and marine iguana.\nDue to its natural attractions, the Galapagos has become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations worldwide, which can be good for business but detrimental to the local ecosystem.\nVisitors to this amazing destination already have to pay an entry fee of up to $100 to support conservation initiatives. However, starting in August 2024, the tourist tax will be doubled in an effort to reduce the number of visitors to the islands.\nWith the new fees, tourists will pay up to $200 per stay. While this increase may seem drastic, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism stated that this is the first time since 1998 that the price is going up.\nParis, France Paris is gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Games.\nAnother travelers\u0026rsquo; favorite destination, Paris, is getting more expensive in 2024, just in time for the Olympic Games. Starting in January, the tourist tax on hotel rooms has increased by up to 200%, with fees varying depending on the type of accommodation.\nThe fees for hotels range from 2.60 euros (1 star) to 10.73 euros (5 stars) and 14.95 euros (palaces) per person, per night.\nTransport costs are also nearly doubling during the competition period (Olympics and Paralympics) from July 20 to September 8, 2024. Metro tickets will cost 4 euros for a single ride and 32 euros for a 10-ticket block.\nUnlike other destinations, these measures are not aimed at countering overtourism, but rather at helping fund the extra costs of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic competitions.\nIn Summary Many popular spots are implementing new fees and regulations to limit the number of visitors and fund conservation efforts.\nFrom Venice to the Galapagos Islands, tourists will have to pay more to experience these iconic locations.\nWhile these measures may seem like a financial burden, local authorities argue that they are crucial for sustaining the beauty and integrity of these destinations for future generations.\nSo, as you plan your travels for the year, be prepared for these additional costs.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/overtourism-destinations-more-expensive-in-2024/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eAs overtourism continues to impact some of the world\u0026rsquo;s most popular travel destinations, many iconic spots are implementing new fees and regulations to manage the influx of visitors and preserve their unique environments and cultures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactors such as the pandemic and the influence of social media have contributed to the rising number of tourists worldwide, particularly in the most \u0026ldquo;trendy\u0026rdquo; destinations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a list of seven places that will cost more to visit this year.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Overtourism: 7 Popular Destinations That Are Getting More Expensive in 2024"},{"content":"What can you do in Dublin in one day? A lot! Dublin is a very walkable city, which makes it a perfect destination for a quick visit.\nOf course, the bustling Irish capital has much more to offer visitors, but if you are short on time, the city center is a great place to spend the day.\nDublin has an undoubtedly bohemian vibe. Perhaps it\u0026rsquo;s the weather, the cobblestone alleys, or the medieval buildings that remain alive despite the inescapable modernity. It doesn\u0026rsquo;t take long to realize that the Irish city has many treasures to explore.\nHere is an overview of some of the best places to see, as well as handy tips to maximize your trip on a budget.\nGetting from Dublin Airport to the City Center Dublin\u0026rsquo;s buses are affordable and convenient. Photo by Nico Baum on Unsplash.\nDublin International Airport has two terminals, connected by an indoor walkway. After arriving at Terminal 1 and finding your way out, you’ll see many signs for bus services, especially Dublin Express.\nHowever, the cheapest option -and our favorite- is to take the city bus. It\u0026rsquo;s cheap, convenient, and also picturesque, as it resembles London\u0026rsquo;s iconic red double-decker buses, but in different colors.\nThe journey from the airport to the city center takes about 40 minutes since the commuter bus has frequent stops.\nHere are the details of the Dublin City Bus:\nLines 16 and 41 connect the airport to the city center.\nA single ticket costs €2.60 in cash or €2 with a Leap Card.\nYou can pay directly on board in cash, with a Leap Card, or using contactless payment.\nhttps://youtu.be/JCbALpWLVqA?si=EK8KVccwCYOxVokN Learn more about the Leap Card with this short video from Transport For Ireland (TFI).\nThe best way to save on transportation is with the Leap Card, which has a regular version and a special one for visitors. The Leap Visitor Card can be purchased online (see Travel Tip) and at some convenience stores at the airport: Wrights (T1), WH Smith (T1), and Spar Shop (T2).\nAs a heads-up, we looked for the card at the airport and after being sent from one terminal to the other, none of the stores had the card in stock.\nIf you can’t find it at the airport, the Leap Visitors Card is also available at select locations in the city center.\nA one-day (24 hours) pass costs €8.\nTravel Tip: You can buy the Leap Visitor Card online, but it has to be before your trip since the physical card will be delivered to your postal address. These are other bus companies available at Dublin Airport:\nAircoach\nLine 700 - Airport to Dublin City Centre \u0026amp; Leopardstown\nCost: From €7 one way and €9 round trip.\nDublin Express\nLines 782, 784\nCost: From €8 one way and €10 round trip.\nDublin Coach (Big Green Bus)\nLine 750 Saving Tip: Book bus tickets online to save more and choose the best departure times, as they fill up quickly during peak hours. Also, buying a round-trip ticket is cheaper than two one-way.\nWhere to Leave Your Luggage If you\u0026rsquo;re on a quick visit to Dublin, you might want to leave your luggage somewhere to explore the city more comfortably. A well-known website and app for luggage storage is Stasher.\nThere are locations at the airport and others near various tourist spots like Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, and O’Connell Street.\nWe haven\u0026rsquo;t used this service in Dublin, since we usually travel only with a backpack. Be sure to read the frequently asked questions and the comments by scrolling down on the Stasher\u0026rsquo;s website.\nWhat to See and Do for Free in Dublin If you only have one day to explore Dublin, you may not need to use public transport for sightseeing. The great thing about the city is that many popular attractions are within walking distance.\nWear comfortable shoes and take your time walking through its streets, especially the old cobblestone ones that retain that medieval air you can sense when visiting the city\u0026rsquo;s architectural gems.\nThe following tourist spots are free to visit, although some tours require a fee.\nDublin Castle The Bedford Tower, completed in 1761, is one of the main sections of Dublin Castle.\nDublin Castle has been at the city\u0026rsquo;s heart since the 13th century. Rebuilt after a fire in 1684, Dublin Castle is a medieval building that has witnessed many important events in the history of Ireland.\nToday, the castle is a governmental and cultural complex. Presidential inaugurations and other state events are held in the State Apartments.\nAccess to the inner courtyard and gardens is free, but tours of the State Apartments cost €8 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, and €4 for youth from 12-17. Children under 12 can enter for free.\nTours of the State Apartments, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Royal Chapel are sold at the castle\u0026rsquo;s ticket office.\nSt. Patrick\u0026rsquo;s Cathedral The beautiful gardens of St. Patrick\u0026rsquo;s Cathedral are a great place to relax in the center of Dublin.\nThis majestic Gothic cathedral is the largest in the country and the main seat of the Church of Ireland. It is dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of the Irish.\nBuilt between 1220 and 1260, St. Patrick\u0026rsquo;s Cathedral stands as a symbol of Dublin\u0026rsquo;s medieval past. The temple stands on the site of an ancient well believed to have been used by Saint Patrick to baptize new Christians.\nThe church is open to the public during religious service hours, but tours require a fee. Self-guided tours cost €10 for adults, €9 for students and seniors, and €4.50 for children 6-12. There are family packages for €28.\nThe beautiful gardens are also open to the public, and it is common to see tourists and locals sitting on the benches or on the grass to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.\nChrist Church Cathedral The stone plaza at Christ Church Cathedral is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.\nAnother medieval building that will catch your eye walking through the center of Dublin is Christ Church Cathedral. This Anglican institution has a Viking past, as it was a Viking church from its foundation in 1030 until its incorporation into the Church of Ireland in 1152.\nThe church gardens are a good option for a relaxing break while admiring the colorful wildflowers that contrast beautifully with the gray facade of the building.\nIn the stone plaza, on the east side, there is a prayer labyrinth through which you can walk and pray following the steps.\nThere are tours to explore the cathedral\u0026rsquo;s interior, which holds several Irish historical treasures. Tickets for the self-guided tours cost €11 for adults, €9.50 for seniors and students, and €3.50 for children under 12.\nTrinity College and the Book of Kells A walk through Trinity College is like a return to the 16th century. The university is the oldest in Ireland and one of the most prestigious in the world.\nIt is a special place for fans of great Irish authors like Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, who studied there.\nVisitors can explore the campus, although the main attraction is the historic Book of Kells, a masterpiece of Christian medieval art. The 1,200-year-old manuscript is on display in the beautiful Old Library.\nThe Old Library holds thousands of books, including the Book of Kells. Credit: ©James Bowden.\nIf you only have 24 hours or less in Dublin and want to see the Book of Kells, it would be ideal to start your tour of the city by going to Trinity College first.\nVisits to the Old Library and the Book of Kells are very popular and fill up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive as early as possible.\nThis historical book is kept in a glass case, from where you can see the pages that are on display. The pages are changed every 12 days.\nThe entrance schedule from April to September is from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the months of October to March, the hours are limited.\nTemple Bar District Known for its pubs, restaurants, galleries, and cultural activities, the Temple Bar district is one of Dublin\u0026rsquo;s most picturesque. It\u0026rsquo;s well worth taking the time to wander through its cobbled streets and admire the colorful facades that give it a bohemian and eclectic vibe.\nAlthough this area is almost always busy, it is at night when it reaches its peak. Expect a vibrant nightlife, but also long lines and higher prices.\nThe most popular pubs?\nThe Temple Bar, with its red facade and hanging flowers, is a tourists\u0026rsquo; favorite.\nKehoes is not as old as the others, since it is \u0026ldquo;only\u0026rdquo; 200 years old.\nMulligans is not only one of the oldest but also a traditional meeting place for Dublin writers.\nIn addition to hopping from one pub to another, the Temple Bar district offers free attractions such as the Photo Museum Ireland, Graphic Studio Gallery, Contemporary Music Centre, (the Irish Film Institute), and Icon Walk.\nThe General Post Office The GPO is one of Dublin\u0026rsquo;s most iconic buildings. Credit: Tourism Ireland.\nThis iconic building situated right on O\u0026rsquo;Connell Street is a symbol of the Irish uprising against the British. The high columns of the General Post Office (GPO) facade still bear the bullet holes from the rebellion.\nThose interested in learning more about the historic 1916 uprising can visit the award-winning GPO Museum. The ticket prices and schedules are detailed on the museum\u0026rsquo;s website.\nGrafton Street\nGrafton Street is a must-visit shopping area in Dublin.\nAlong this pedestrian street, you will find stores, shopping centers, lots of people strolling around, and a variety of street performers.\nIt\u0026rsquo;s easy to lose track of time looking at the storefronts and listening to the eclectic musical selection of the \u0026ldquo;buskers\u0026rdquo;.\nSome recommended spots in this shopping area include department stores like Brown Thomas and Marks \u0026amp; Spencer (M\u0026amp;S), the historic Bewley\u0026rsquo;s Café—a great option for coffee to go and delicious pastries—and the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.\nOther attractions are the statue of Molly Malone on Suffolk Street, the Jameson Distillery, and the Irish Whiskey Museum.\nSt. Stephen’s Green St. Stephen\u0026rsquo;s Green is a nature oasis in the middle of the city. Credit: Courtesy Gareth McCormack/Fáilte Ireland.\nIf you continue straight south down Grafton Street, you will end at St. Stephen’s Green, a Victorian-style park with large green spaces and beautiful gardens.\nThis natural landscape is an ideal place to relax and take a break after walking around Dublin\u0026rsquo;s center. It also has a lake with ducks, fountains from the 19th century, a children’s playground, a sensory garden, and cherry trees.\nIf your visit is during the summer, check if there\u0026rsquo;s a free open-air concert at lunchtime.\nJust like the columns of the General Post Office, the holes left by bullets during the Irish rebellion of 1916 can still be seen in Fusilier\u0026rsquo;s Arch, which adorns the park\u0026rsquo;s entrance at Grafton Street.\nMore Travel Tips for Dublin Credit: Courtesy Allen Kiely for Fáilte Ireland.\nDon\u0026rsquo;t forget to bring a coat—and an umbrella—since the weather in Dublin is unpredictable. It can be cold or chilly even in the middle of summer!\nThe M\u0026amp;S supermarket is a good place to buy ready-made food or ingredients for a sandwich, as well as bread and sweet pastries from the bakery.\nCoffee is relatively expensive in Dublin, even at convenience stores.\nYou can get cheap food and drinks at discount supermarkets like Lidl.\nIf your visit is on a Sunday, keep in mind that many places open around noon.\nThere are more than 700 pubs in Dublin, and according to locals, if you\u0026rsquo;re looking for the most authentic ones you have to venture outside the Temple Bar district. Two popular pubs are:\nThe Cobblestone, in Smithfield, which offers traditional Irish music shows daily.\nThe Brazen Head, established in 1198, is the oldest pub in Dublin. It was a meeting point for Norman mercenaries and Viking merchants. Located on Bridge Street.\nPubs don\u0026rsquo;t stay open very late at night. Generally, they close at midnight or around 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.\nThe average price of a \u0026ldquo;pint\u0026rdquo; of beer is from €4 to €6.50, while a glass ranges between €5 and €6.50.\nDublin has a night bus known as the Nitelink.\nIn Summary\nThere\u0026rsquo;s plenty to see in Dublin, even if you\u0026rsquo;re just there for a day. The Irish capital has tons to offer, but if you\u0026rsquo;re on a quick trip, you can still get a great feel for the city.\nDublin\u0026rsquo;s center is easy to get around on foot, which is perfect for saving on transport. Plus, many tourist attractions won\u0026rsquo;t cost you much, if anything at all.\nYou can stroll down the cobblestone streets, take in the charm of the medieval buildings, relax in the green spaces, do a bit of shopping, or enjoy some Irish tunes in one of the many lively pubs. Dublin has something for everyone.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/one-day-in-dublin-on-a-budget/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eWhat can you do in Dublin in one day? A lot! Dublin is a very walkable city, which makes it a perfect destination for a quick visit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, the bustling Irish capital has much more to offer visitors, but if you are short on time, the city center is a great place to spend the day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDublin has an undoubtedly bohemian vibe. Perhaps it\u0026rsquo;s the weather, the cobblestone alleys, or the medieval buildings that remain alive despite the inescapable modernity. It doesn\u0026rsquo;t take long to realize that the Irish city has many treasures to explore.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"One Day in Dublin: What to See and Do on a Budget"},{"content":"2024 is a great year to embark on new adventures, rich in natural and cultural attractions, yet easy on the wallet.\nFrom the traditional flavors of Central and South America to the historic charm of the Balkans, the exotic landscapes of India, the vibrant markets of Morocco, and the captivating allure of Southeast Asia, there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations waiting to be explored.\nWhen making your travel plans, keep in mind this list of cities and countries where your money can go a long way.\nVietnam Tradition and modernity come together in Ho Chi Minh City. Credit: Aaron Joel Santos.\nVietnam offers the budget traveler a range of affordable options, from inexpensive accommodations and cheap, delicious street food to many free attractions. This Southeast Asian country, once devastated by war, is now emerging as a premier destination, thanks to the warmth of its people and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether exploring the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, taking in the majestic views of Ha Long Bay, witnessing the Ban Gioc waterfalls, or marveling at the Hang Son Doong caves, there\u0026rsquo;s something to captivate every visitor. Average Costs: Hostels start at $10, with mid-range hotels from $50 per night. Street food ranges from $1 to $5. Enjoy a local beer (bia hoi) for as little as 30 cents a glass. Public transportation begins at a dollar for local buses.\nSightseeing: Don\u0026rsquo;t miss the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City; Hanoi, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.\nBest Time for Savings: Between April to June and September to November.\nTravel Tips: Try local delights such as pho soup and banh mi sandwiches for an authentic and frugal culinary experience.\nCambodia Wat Ounalom is one of the main attractions in Phnom Penh. Credit: tourismcambodia.com.\nVisiting Angkor Wat, one of the world\u0026rsquo;s most photographed temples, is surprisingly accessible, given Cambodia\u0026rsquo;s status as a budget-friendly destination.\nBeyond its ancient Khmer temples and idyllic rural villages, Cambodia boasts picturesque islands like Koh Rong and the bustling urban landscapes of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.\nIn 2023, the revered city of Koh Ker was honored with a place on UNESCO\u0026rsquo;s World Heritage list.\nThanks to many inexpensive hostels, homestays, and affordable transportation, Cambodia remains a haven for backpackers.\nAverage Costs: Hostels and homestays from just $5 a night, apartments from $20, and hotels from $20. Street food can cost less than $1, with local beers at $1. Public transportation is a bargain, starting at less than 50 cents.\nSightseeing: Angkor Wat, Koh Ker, the National Museum, Royal Palace, Killing Fields, and the Silver Pagoda. Best Time for Savings: The low season, from April to October.\nTravel Tips: Take overnight buses for lengthier journeys. For local travel, consider using ride-share apps like Grab or PassApp, and the ubiquitous tuk-tuks.\nLaos Amazing sunset in Luang Prabang. Photo by Giuliano Gabella on Unsplash.\nSoutheast Asia continues to enchant with Laos, an affordable gem waiting to be explored. Nestled amidst China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, Laos is the only landlocked country in the region.\nVisitors can enjoy its rugged mountains, tranquil towns along the Mekong River, and stunning Buddhist temples. In an effort to draw more tourists, the Laotian government has launched the \u0026ldquo;Visit Laos Year 2024\u0026rdquo; campaign, showcasing the nation\u0026rsquo;s historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Travelers will find Laos\u0026rsquo;s relaxed pace ideal for \u0026ldquo;slow tourism,\u0026rdquo; enjoying budget-friendly accommodations, transportation, food, and modest fees for a host of attractions.\nAverage Costs: Hostels from $5, hotels from $15, and private rooms at $20. Local buses start at 50 cents, intercity buses at $5, tuk-tuks from $1, street food from $1, and local beer from just 70 cents.\nSightseeing: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), the Plain of Jars, and the Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls. Best Time for Savings: The ideal period for visiting is from May to October.\nTravel Tips: Renting a motorbike at $5 a day is a great way to explore the countryside. Carrying a reusable water bottle with a filter will keep you hydrated without extra costs.\nSofia, Bulgaria https://youtu.be/avTr_g5hqso?si=QEBTBIjEhJpJaHxf Promotional video showcasing the beauty of the Bulgarian capital. Credit: Bulgaria Ministry of Tourism.\nAway from Europe\u0026rsquo;s prime destinations, Bulgaria offers an enchanting and affordable Balkan adventure. Sofia, the capital, is a treasure of historical, cultural, and culinary delights with Thracian, Byzantine, and Roman influences.\nIndulge in delectable Bulgarian specialties such as banitsa (pie) and shopska salad, and relax at the mineral springs in Pancharevo or Banya.\nAdventure enthusiasts and nature lovers will appreciate the well-kept green forests that surround the city.\nAverage Costs: Budget accommodations are priced around $20-$30, with meals in local eateries between $5-$10.\nSightseeing: The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Rotunda Church of St. George, Vitosha Mountain, Boyana Church, and Vitosha Boulevard.\nBest Time to Save: The best period for outdoor adventures is from May to September.\nTravel Tips: Navigate the city with Sofia’s metro system, and enjoy the local fare at bakeries and markets (Zhenski Pazar, Halite) for an authentic and budget-friendly experience.\nBudapest, Hungary Beautiful overview of Budapest by the Danube River. Photo by Keszthelyi Timi on Unsplash.\nBudapest\u0026rsquo;s appeal lies in its combination of affordability, cultural richness, impressive Art Nouveau architecture, and famous thermal baths.\nThe Hungarian capital has an efficient and budget-friendly public transportation network, with buses, metro, and iconic trams.\nVisitors can soak up the city\u0026rsquo;s cool ambiance in famous ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert, or stroll across the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest.\nKnown as the \u0026ldquo;City of Spas\u0026rdquo; since the 1930s, Budapest\u0026rsquo;s thermal baths are very popular, with dedicated websites for advance ticket purchases. Larger spas such as Széchenyi and Lukács host night parties featuring light shows and circus performances.\nAverage Costs: Affordable accommodations start at $20, with mid-range options around $50-$70. Dining out averages $5-$15.\nSightseeing: Not-to-be-missed sights include Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building, the St. Stephen\u0026rsquo;s Basilica, and the city\u0026rsquo;s numerous thermal baths.\nBest Time to Save: The most budget-friendly times to visit are November and January to March.\nTravel Tips: For savings, consider purchasing the Budapest Card, which offers free public transport and discounts on numerous attractions.\nJaipur, India The stunning facade of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India. Photo by Giuliano Gabella on Unsplash.\nIndia, a haven for budget travelers, dazzles with its vibrant culture and stunning scenery. As the world\u0026rsquo;s 7th largest country, it presents an endless itinerary of destinations and landmarks.\nJaipur, the \u0026ldquo;Pink City,\u0026rdquo; is beautiful and more affordable than many other tourist hotspots in India. To enjoy the best experience, avoid the intense heat of April through June.\nAs the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur features not only impressive forts and palaces from the 16th to 18th centuries, but also bustling markets, hectic streets, and monkeys!\nAverage Costs: Lodging is inexpensive, with hostels from $5, private rooms and hotels from $15, and daily tuk-tuk or tam-tam transport from $6. Enjoy samosas for as little as 18 cents.\nSightseeing: Attractions include Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, and the vibrant Johari and Bapu bazaars.\nBest Time to Save: The ideal visiting months are March, October, and November.\nTravel Tips: To save, buy a Tourist Composite ticket for a discounted price, granting two-day access to multiple attractions such as Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.\nLa Paz, Bolivia https://youtu.be/o1Z6VxZGyfo?si=KNusrtXTVASd__zH A quick visual tour of La Paz with a local guide. Credit: DW Travel.\nBrace yourself for both high altitudes and low prices in La Paz. The Bolivian city offers a wealth of rich culture, traditional cuisine, and unique markets that won\u0026rsquo;t break the bank.\nWander the cobblestone streets, immerse yourself in the museums, and admire the well-preserved colonial splendor of picturesque Calle Jaén, dating back to the 16th century.\nAscend the hills via the teleférico, which holds the title of the world\u0026rsquo;s longest and highest urban cable car system, for a breathtaking cityscape.\nDon\u0026rsquo;t miss out on local snacks like empanadas salteñas or tucumanas, savory pastries filled with meat and potatoes.\nFor those wishing to visit the mesmerizing Salar de Uyuni, the planet\u0026rsquo;s largest salt flats, a few budget overnight buses are available from La Paz.\nAverage Costs: Hostels start at $10, with local restaurant meals ranging from $3-$6.\nSightseeing: Highlights include the Witch Market, Moon Valley, Chacaltaya Mountain, and Mount Illimani.\nBest Time to Save: The optimal travel period is from May to October during the dry season.\nTravel Tips: Utilize public transportation and savor meals at local eateries and markets.\nEl Salvador El Salvador, the smallest nation in Central America, has recently made headlines for all the right reasons. Previously feared due to gang rule, the country\u0026rsquo;s image is transforming under the presidency of Nayib Bukele, who also introduced bitcoin as a legal tender alongside the US dollar.\nApart from its capital, San Salvador, which boasts a blend of colonial charm and modern architecture, El Salvador is celebrated for its unspoiled beaches, volcanoes, and Mayan archaeological treasures.\nSurf enthusiasts will find their paradise in Surf City with towering waves reaching up to 10 feet at beaches such as El Tunco (rapidly becoming a surfers\u0026rsquo; haven), El Zonte, and Punta Roca.\nAnd there\u0026rsquo;s more good news: visiting El Salvador is less expensive than its Central American counterparts like Costa Rica and Panama.\nAverage Costs: Hostels from $10, budget hotels from $40, street food such as the traditional Salvadoran pupusas from 50 cents to $1, and local buses from 25 cents.\nSightseeing: Must-visit sites include Tazumal, Suchitoto, El Boquerón National Park, Santa Ana Volcano, Coatepeque Lake, and Ruta de las Flores.\nBest Time to Save: The best time for a visit spans from May to November.\nTravel Tips: Look into day passes offered by many beach hotels and resorts. These typically include meals, beach and pool access for about $25 per person, providing an affordable vacation experience.\nAlbania The windows of Berat, a UNESCO Heritage Site in Albania. Photo by Sandeep Srinivas Dwaram on Unsplash.\nAlbania, a once-overlooked jewel in the Balkans, is now making a name for itself with its stunning beaches, mountains, and historical sites. Despite its rising popularity, it remains a surprisingly affordable destination.\nFrom hostels to guesthouses and boutique hotels, accommodation options cater to all budgets. Extensive bus services offer country-wide travel for under 15 euros.\nAlbania\u0026rsquo;s rich tapestry of Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman, Greek, and Astro-Hungarian influences is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and culture.\nBegin in the vibrant capital of Tirana, known for its trendy cafes and old bunkers, then travel to the historic town of Berat, known as the \u0026ldquo;City of one over one windows,\u0026rdquo; and unwind along the pristine Albanian Riviera.\nAverage Costs: Local bus fares start at 40 cents, interurban buses at $10, hostels at $12, private rooms at $24, and hotels at $35. Appetizers from $2 and coffee from $1.40.\nSightseeing: Points of interest include Gjirokaster, Butrint National Park, Berat, Shkodra, the beaches of Ksamil and Dhermi, the Valbona Valley, and the Llogara Pass.\nBest Time to Save: The best visiting times are May-June and September-October, though the lowest prices are found from November to March.\nTravel Tips: Explore Tirana and other pedestrian-friendly cities on foot. Shop at local markets like Tirana\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;New Bazaar\u0026rdquo; (Pazari i Ri) and Kruja\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;Old Bazaar\u0026rdquo; (Pazari i Vjeter) for unique finds and better deals.\nMorocco https://youtu.be/4CQ0irysD8s?si=J2lkJL_MqgrKvocg Video by Visit Morocco highlighting the unique beauty of the Chefchaouen, the \u0026ldquo;blue city\u0026rdquo;.\nFollowing the devastating earthquake in 2023, Morocco is revitalizing its tourism sector and eagerly welcoming visitors.\nThe allure of Morocco\u0026rsquo;s vibrant culture is irresistible, stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the Saharan desert and the Atlas Mountains.\nThis North African country offers an affordable escape with lively souks, zesty street food, adventurous desert camps, ancient villages, scenic cities, and more.\nWander through the historic medinas of Marrakesh, Fez, or Essaouira, exploring hidden alleys, haggling with vendors, appreciating traditional architecture, and immersing yourself in a myriad of cultural experiences without straining your wallet.\nAverage Costs: Hostels start at $10, riads at $30, apartments at $40, with bus and tram tickets as low as 50 cents. Coffee and tea are around $1, with a typical Moroccan breakfast at $3.\nSightseeing: Must-sees include the historic medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech, the traditional tanneries in Fez, the blue-hued Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, Casablanca, the Sahara Desert, the coastal town of Essaouira, and the Atlas Mountains.\nBest Time to Save: The best deals can be found in July and August, but prepare for the heat!\nTravel Tips: Stay in riads for authentic and cost-effective Moroccan hospitality. Also, take advantage of the new high-speed train, Al Boraq, which offers affordable travel options.\nIn Summary With inflation hitting us everywhere, making travel plans can be a challenge. Luckily, there are still places where you can find enriching experiences at affordable prices, compared to what it costs to visit the most popular tourist hubs. So, plan smart and start packing!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/budget-friendly-destinations-2024/","summary":"\u003cp\u003e2024 is a great year to embark on new adventures, rich in natural and cultural attractions, yet easy on the wallet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the traditional flavors of Central and South America to the historic charm of the Balkans, the exotic landscapes of India, the vibrant markets of Morocco, and the captivating allure of Southeast Asia, there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations waiting to be explored.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen making your travel plans, keep in mind this list of cities and countries where your money can go a long way.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Discover the Best Budget-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2024"},{"content":"You still have a few days to save on your next flight with Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals. This year, airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska, and Play are offering extended sales with incredible deals to worldwide destinations.\nWhether you\u0026rsquo;re planning a quick weekend escape or a long-awaited European adventure, now\u0026rsquo;s the time to lock in those low fares!\nJetBlue Fares From Just $49 Image: Jetblue.com.\nJetBlue is making waves this Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday with one-way fares starting at just $49. But hurry – you\u0026rsquo;ve got until Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to book these deals.\nPerfect for travelers who prefer mid-week journeys, these special fares are available for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January 9 to March 27, 2024. Explore a variety of destinations, including:\nNew York to Boston from $49\nNew York to Nashville from $49\nLos Angeles to Salt Lake City from $54\nNewark to Tampa from 64\nOrlando to Cancun from $119\nHow to Book: Find your perfect fare on JetBlue’s website and book directly.\nSouthwest\u0026rsquo;s Limited-Time 30% Off Image: Southwest.com.\nSouthwest isn\u0026rsquo;t left behind in the Cyber Monday/Travel Tuesday frenzy, offering a generous 30% off base fares.\nUse promo code CYBER30 by Thursday, November 30, 2023, for travel from January 9 through May 22, 2024. How to Book: Check out the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest’s website for the best deals and remember to use the CYBER30 code.\nBlackout Dates: Be mindful of certain dates, especially for international, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico trips.\nAlaska Airlines’ Tempting $39 Fares Image: Alaskaair.com.\nAlaska Airlines comes forward with fares from $39, but hurry – this Cyber Sale concludes on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Book at least 21 days prior to your departure day.\nCheck out great deals like:\nSan Francisco to Burbank from $39\nLos Angeles to Las Vegas from $39\nPortland to Oakland from $39\nHow to Book: Search and book directly on Alaska\u0026rsquo;s website.\nBlackout Dates: February 16-20 and February 23-24, 2024.\nPlay’s European Specials Image: Flyplay.com.\nFor those with Europe in mind, Play is extending its Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday sales with a 35% discount on round-trip flights.\nThis offer is good until Tuesday, November 28, 2023, and covers a wide range of European destinations like London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Athens, Dublin, and Iceland.\nThe travel period covers December 2023, and January through May 2024, but it varies by destination.\nHow to Book: Find the best fares on Play’s website and book your European adventure.\nBlackout Dates: These vary based on your chosen destination.\nOther Airline Deals Still Available Frontier GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass for $499.\nSpirit Travel Tuesday 85% off.\nAllegiant Cyber Monday 40% discount.\nHawaiian Airlines fares to Hawaii from $94.\nAs Cyber Monday transitions into Travel Tuesday, the opportunities for snagging great flight deals are piling up. Don\u0026rsquo;t miss out on these limited-time offers – start planning, book your flights, and get ready for new adventures in 2024!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/cyber-monday-travel-tuesday-flight-deals/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eYou still have a few days to save on your next flight with Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals. This year, airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska, and Play are offering extended sales with incredible deals to worldwide destinations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you\u0026rsquo;re planning a quick weekend escape or a long-awaited European adventure, now\u0026rsquo;s the time to lock in those low fares!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"jetblue-fares-from-just-49\"\u003eJetBlue Fares From Just $49\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/cyber-monday-travel-tuesday-flight-deals/Screen-Shot-2023-11-28-at-1.19.45-PM_edit_hu_46efd34c026685f1.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"509\"\n       alt=\"A JetBlue ad showing a man lying on a float in a swimming pool.\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eImage: Jetblue.com.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Save Big on Flights with Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday Deals!"},{"content":"Black Friday is a great time to snag deals on theme park tickets and annual passes. With the holiday season just around the corner, many of the most popular theme parks in the United States are running special promotions for the whole family.\nHere are some of the best deals around the country this Black Friday.\nSeaWorld Orlando\u0026rsquo;s Black Friday Extravaganza Image: Seaworld.com.\nSeaWorld Orlando is diving into the Black Friday spirit with splashing discounts on tickets, Fun Cards, and annual passes. Save big with these offers available until November 24, 2023:\n2024 Fun Card: Priced at just $99.99 plus tax, this card also gifts you the rest of 2023 at no extra charge. Also, you can grab the SeaWorld and Aquatica combo for $145 plus tax.\nSingle-Day Tickets: Snap up to 55% off - but remember to pick your visit date in advance. These tickets are exclusively valid for the date chosen and available to residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada.\nDine All Day: Add an extra $30 to your single-day ticket for unlimited dining throughout the park. The wristbands let you grab a bite every 90 minutes and other conditions apply.\nAnnual Passes: Catch up to $40 off and more Black Friday goodies including up to 30% off on select dining experiences and combo deals with Aquatica and Busch Gardens for $81.99 plus tax.\nLEGOLAND\u0026rsquo;s Blockbuster Black Friday Deals Image: Legoland.com.\nUntil November 26, 2023, LEGOLAND parks in Florida, California, and New York are slicing up to 50% off one-day tickets, slashing annual pass prices by 30 to 35%, and cutting up to half off hotel packages.\nLEGOLAND Florida Check out these Black Friday discounts to save on your next LEGOLAND Florida adventure:\nHalf-price single-day theme park tickets at $59.99 plus tax\nCombined theme park and water park passes starting at $79.99\nUp to 50% off on stay-and-play packages\nExclusive Florida resident annual pass offers\nDiscounted tickets are valid from January 4 through March 11, 2024.\nLEGOLAND California These are the Black Friday savings to visit LEGOLAND California:\nOver half-price single-day LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE ticket at $69.50 plus tax\nOver half-price 2-day LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE ticket at $84.50 plus tax\nUp to 50% off on hotel + ticket vacation packages\nUp to $100 off on annual passes\nDiscounted tickets are valid from January 4 through March 22, 2024.\nLEGOLAND New York LEGOLAND New York, located in the Hudson Valley area, is offering the following Black Friday deals:\nHalf-price single-day theme park ticket at $47 plus tax\nUp to 50% off on a hotel + ticket vacation package\nUp to $100 off annual and season passes\nDiscounted tickets are valid from March 3 through June 23, 2024.\nSix Flags\u0026rsquo; Season of Savings Image: Sixflags.com.\nGet ready for Six Flags\u0026rsquo; Black Friday bonanza with up to 55% off season pass add-ons and significant savings on new season passes if you act by November 24, 2023.\nThe 2024 Platinum Pass begins at $65 plus tax for access to your park of choice.\nThe 2024 Diamond Pass, at $140 plus tax, opens the gates to all Six Flags locations, including water parks!\nUniversal Orlando Resort Ticket Offers Save on your next visit to Universal Orlando. Image: ©2021 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.\nWhile not strictly a Black Friday sale, Universal Orlando Resort\u0026rsquo;s deal feels just as festive:\nPurchase a 2-park 3-day ticket and get 2 extra days free - that\u0026rsquo;s 5 days of fun for the price of 3! Choose between a base ticket for single-park admission per day or the park-to-park ticket for double the thrill. Splash more by adding Volcano Bay for $35.\nFlorida residents, there\u0026rsquo;s a bonus for you: Buy One Get One Free Day on a 2-park, 1-day park-to-park ticket, valid through March 6, 2024 (blackout period from December 21, 2023, to January 5, 2024.).\nDisney World Promotions Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom. Image: Mariah Wild/Disney Parks.\nDisney World may not have jumped on the Black Friday bandwagon, but that doesn\u0026rsquo;t mean there aren\u0026rsquo;t deals to be had.\nFlorida residents can enjoy the parks from Monday to Friday for as low as $59 per day. This special price applies when buying a 4-day Disney Weekday Magic ticket at $235 plus tax.\nMilitary deals for 2024 are also marching in, with multi-day park hopper tickets starting at $369 plus tax.\nAct Fast: These Deals Won’t Last! Most of these Black Friday deals are fleeting and offer some of the year\u0026rsquo;s best prices. Be sure to visit the theme parks\u0026rsquo; respective websites for further details and to snap up your tickets.\nAlso, don\u0026rsquo;t forget to check out other Black Friday deals to save on your next flight!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/black-friday-deals-theme-parks/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eBlack Friday is a great time to snag deals on theme park tickets and annual passes. With the holiday season just around the corner, many of the most popular theme parks in the United States are running special promotions for the whole family.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are some of the best deals around the country this Black Friday.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"seaworld-orlandos-black-friday-extravaganza\"\u003eSeaWorld Orlando\u0026rsquo;s Black Friday Extravaganza\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/black-friday-deals-theme-parks/Screen-Shot-2023-11-21-at-12.41.49-PM_edit_hu_17b6556ec2cc7719.webp\"\n       width=\"498\" height=\"388\"\n       alt=\"Screenshot of SeaWorld single-day ticket Black Friday deal.\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eImage: Seaworld.com.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Great Black Friday Deals to Save at Theme Parks"},{"content":"It\u0026rsquo;s that time of the year again when airlines across the globe roll out their much anticipated Black Friday deals. Get ready, budget travelers, because the season biggest savings are taking off!\nSeveral airlines have already launched their Black Friday sales, signaling a head start to snag those bargain fares.\nIn this post, we present a selection of great travel offers so you can start packing your bags!\nTAP Air Portugal Black Friday Discounts Image: Flytap.com.\nThe Portuguese carrier TAP Air is running a Black Friday sale with round-trip flights to Europe starting at $379. The discounted fares are available to book until November 24, 2023, for travel through May 31, 2024.\nThere are good deals on round-trip Economy fares like New York/Newark (EWR) to Paris (ORY) from $368 (lower than advertised), Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO) from $399, and Miami (MIA) to Madrid (MAD) from $409.\nFor traveling across Portugal, fares start at €49.\nThe advantage of flying with TAP is that even their Economy fares include a free carry-on and personal item. Also, the airline has a Portugal Stopover Program offering a free stopover of up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto.\nHow to Book: Search and book directly on TAP’s website or through travel agencies.\nBlackout dates: December 15, 2023, to January 10, 2024, and March 21 to April 8, 2024.\nQatar Airways Black Friday Promotion Image: Qatarairways.com.\nUntil November 24, 2023, Qatar Airways is offering up to $150 off round-trip flights in Economy Class and up to $350 off in Business Class as part of their Black Friday promotion. The travel period is from December 30, 2023, to October 31, 2024.\nSome details worth noting are that the discount applies to the base fare and is only valid on Qatar Airways-operated itineraries.\nHere are some sample fares:\nNew York (JFK) to Islamabad (ISB) from $887\nWashington, DC (IAD) to Amman (AMM) from $874\nMiami (MIA) to Dubai (DXB) from $782\nQatar has stopover packages that are not free, but offer great value for stays in 4 and 5-star hotels in Doha starting as low as $14 per night!\nHow to Book: Search and book directly on Qatar’s website or app.\nBlackout dates: May 15 to July 30, 2024 (outbound), and June 20 to September 15, 2024 (inbound).\nAir Canada Black Friday Deals Image: Aircanada.com.\nAnother airline that started an early Black Friday sale is Air Canada. Fares to Canada and other international destinations are on sale until November 26, 2023. The promotional travel period starts on November 27, 2023, and ends on June 30, 2024.\nSome sample one-way deals include Orlando (MCO) to Ottawa (YOW) from $69, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Toronto (YYZ) from $80, Miami (MIA) to Montreal (YUL) from $88, and New York (LGA) to Montreal (YUL) from $96\nThere are also round-trip transatlantic deals like San Francisco (SFO) to Rome (FCO) from $563, Los Angeles (LAX) to Paris (CDG) from $580, and Chicago (ORD) to Paris (CDG) from $530. Discounts are automatically applied to base fares and cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion.\nHow to Book: Search and book directly on Air Canada’s website.\nSave on Frontier\u0026rsquo;s GoWild Pass Image: Flyfrontier.com.\nAs an early Black Friday promotion, Frontier is offering the new GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly annual pass for $499, which comes with free Miles Silver Elite status valid throughout 2024.\nThe annual pass can be purchased at the promotional price until November 28, 2023, while supplies last. The pass will be valid from May 1, 2024, until April 30, 2025, and includes domestic and international destinations.\nEssentially, pass holders will pay only $0.01 in airfare plus taxes, fees, and other charges. Also, there are blackout dates and other restrictions, so be sure to read all the details on Frontier’s website.\nAer Lingus Black Friday Offers Image: Aerlingus.com.\nAer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, is also joining the holiday travel sale frenzy with early Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. The sale runs until November 29, 2023, for travel through March 31, 2024.\nFor North American-originating flights, there are discounts of $100 for round-trip fares in Economy and $200 in Business Class.\nFor travel originating from Ireland and within Europe, the sale goes until November 27, 2023, with discounts of €100 and €200 (Business Class) on round-trip flights from Ireland to North American destinations.\nAdditionally, there is a discount of up to 25% off on flights from Ireland to many European and UK routes. The promotional travel period extends from December 1, 2023, through March 14, 2024.\nHow to Book: Search and book directly on Aer Lingus’ website.\n\u0026ldquo;Black \u0026amp; Yellow Friday\u0026rdquo; Sales with Spirit Image: Spirit.com.\nThe low-cost carrier Spirit has a dedicated page for early access to their Black \u0026amp; Yellow Friday deals. Offers range from discounts on Free Spirit points, holiday shopping, cruise deals, MGM Resorts Las Vegas savings, Universal Orlando ticket upgrades, and more.\nWe\u0026rsquo;ll be adding more airline deals as they become available during the Black Friday promotion period, so check back daily to get the latest offers!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/black-friday-airline-deals/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s that time of the year again when airlines across the globe roll out their much anticipated Black Friday deals. Get ready, budget travelers, because the season biggest savings are taking off!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral airlines have already launched their Black Friday sales, signaling a head start to snag those bargain fares.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this post, we present a selection of great travel offers so you can start packing your bags!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"tap-air-portugal-black-friday-discounts\"\u003eTAP Air Portugal Black Friday Discounts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/black-friday-airline-deals/Screen-Shot-2023-11-17-at-4.54.19-PM_edit_hu_d645ed228cfeb4f3.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"432\"\n       alt=\"A screenshot of TAP Air Portugal email to promote its Black Friday sale.\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eImage: Flytap.com.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Black Friday Airline Deals: Great Offers to Save on Flights"},{"content":"If you’re looking for train travel deals, now is a great time to take advantage of fall and winter promotions. In the United States, both Amtrak and Brightline are offering discounts on many popular routes. Here is a list of the latest promotions to save on your next train ride.\nBrightline - “Bright Friday” Sale If you are waiting for a good deal to ride the new Orlando-South Florida Brightline service, this is your chance! The high-speed rail company is having a “Bright Friday” Sale offering discounted fares on this route.\nBrightline\u0026rsquo;s fares can be more affordable during the \u0026ldquo;Bright Friday\u0026rdquo; Sale. Image: Courtesy of Brightline.\nThere are three options to save on train travel: Orlando-South Florida: You can find one-way adult Smart fares from $59 (usually starting at $79), with children’s tickets at 50% off. The sale is available now until November 27, 2023 (Cyber Monday), for rides through February 2024. Saving Tip: If your travel dates are flexible, you can find Smart fares from $44.25 one way, which is lower than advertised.\nImage: Gobrightline.com.\nOrlando-West Palm Beach: 50% off on select Smart fares and discounted Premium fares until November 16, 2023. Thanksgiving Day Only: One-way Smart fares for traveling on Thursday, November 23, 2023, will be $39 for adults and $19 for kids. Seating is limited and blackout dates apply.\nBrightline offers 15 daily departures each from Orlando International Airport and MiamiCentral, connecting these two stations in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. How to Book: Enter your desired travel dates and purchase your tickets directly on Brightline’s website or app.\n[Expired] Amtrak - Winter Flash Sale As part of its nationwide Winter Flash Sale, Amtrak is offering one-way fares for as low as $3 on regional trains and starting at $14 on Acela Business.\nThis train travel sale runs until November 15, 2023, for travel between December 4, 2023, and March 15, 2024.\nImage: Amtrak.com.\nSome of the cheapest fares include travel between Washington, DC, and Baltimore, as well as Philadelphia to Baltimore and Boston to Providence, all starting at $3.\nYou can also find discounted tickets to go from Washington, DC, to Philadelphia ($8), Baltimore to New York ($12), Portland to Seattle (from $22), and Chicago to Minneapolis (from $34).\nFor traveling on Acela Business, prices start at $14 on routes such as Baltimore-Washington, DC, and Boston-Providence.\nAlthough this is a nationwide promotion, the following services are excluded: Ethan Allen, Vermonter, Hiawatha, San Joaquins, Pacific Surfliner, and 7000-8999 Thruway.\nOnce purchased, tickets cannot be changed. However, you can cancel your trip before departure, but you will be charged a 50% cancellation fee.\nWhen booking, look for the green “Sale” fares, but remember that seating is limited and deals may run out anytime.\nHow to Book: Look for the discounted fares and book directly on Amtrak’s website or app.\nIn Summary For travelers seeking great deals on train journeys this fall and winter, both Amtrak and Brighline are offering enticing discounts.\nBrighline’s “Bright Friday” Sale offers discounted fares on the new Orlando-South Florida service, including special deals for Thanksgiving Day.\n[Expired] Amtrak’s Winter Flash Sale, which runs until November 15, features one-way fares as low as $3 on regional trains and from $14 on Acela Business, with some exclusions.\nRemember, these promotions have limited seating, so it’s advisable to act fast to secure these discounted fares.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/train-travel-deals-amtrak-brightline/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for train travel deals, now is a great time to take advantage of fall and winter promotions. In the United States, both Amtrak and Brightline are offering discounts on many popular routes. Here is a list of the latest promotions to save on your next train ride.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"brightline---bright-friday-sale\"\u003eBrightline - “Bright Friday” Sale\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are waiting for a good deal to ride the new \u003ca href=\"https://savingadventures.com/orlando-miami-high-speed-train/\"\u003eOrlando-South Florida Brightline service\u003c/a\u003e, this is your chance! The high-speed rail company is having a \u003ca href=\"https://www.gobrightline.com/offers/bright-friday\"\u003e“Bright Friday” Sale\u003c/a\u003e offering discounted fares on this route.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Train Travel Deals: Save Big with Amtrak \u0026 Brightline Latest Sales"},{"content":"When looking for discounts and offers for your next hotel stay, it is worth checking out the promotions offered by major hotel chains.\nMany hotel promotions are aimed at members of their loyalty programs, but the good news is that signing up is usually free!\nHere is a roundup of the latest hotel deals and promotions in the United States and around the world.\nHilton Honors Hilton Honors is the loyalty program for Hilton Hotels and its partner brands. Members can earn points and access exclusive perks for stays at more than 7,000 properties worldwide. Joining the program is free.\nHilton Honors offers savings and perks at these select hotels. Image: stories.hilton.com.\nHilton Honors Promotions Multiply your Points: Earn 3x points in select cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Bangkok, Berlin, Barcelona, and more) and 2x points on all other stays. Registration is required. Valid for stays between September 6 and December 31, 2023.\nFree Bonus Points at New Hotels: Earn 1,000 bonus points per night or 5,000 bonus points per stay (3 or more nights) at new and renovated hotels from the Hilton Honors portfolio.\nPrice Match Guarantee: Get a 25% discount on your stay if you find a lower price on another site. Claims must be submitted either before making a reservation or within 24 hours after booking.\nMarriott Bonvoy Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty and reward program for Marriott International, which has a vast portfolio of hotel brands in 138 countries around the world. Members can earn points for stays and other eligible expenses, and redeem points for accommodation, experiences, and more.\nHotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy reward program. Image: marriott.com\nMarriott Bonvoy Promotions Go Your Way: Earn 1,500 bonus points for each eligible stay and an additional 3,000 bonus points for staying at three different Marriott Bonvoy hotel brands. Registration for this promotion is open until November 22, 2023. Stays must be completed by December 6, 2023. There are no limits to the amount of points you can earn during the promotional period.\n2K Everyday at Courtyard: Get 2,000 bonus points per night at participating Courtyard by Marriott hotels with promo code 53M. Valid for stays between September 20 and December 13, 2023.\nBook and Go!: Members can save 15% on weekend stays with promo code MRP. Valid from Thursday through Sunday (must include a Friday or Saturday night).\nFall Savings in the City: Save 10% on your downtown getaway in select cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Orlando, Seattle, Toronto, and more. Use promo code ADP. Valid from October 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024.\nStay Longer, Save More: Save up to 20% at select Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, or Westin Vacation Club resorts. A 10% discount applies to 3-night stays, 15% to 4-night stays, and 20% to a 5-night stay or longer. Use promo code D3Q. Valid from September 15, 2023, to June 21, 2024 (book by April 5, 2024).\nSave on 5+ Nights: This promotion doesn\u0026rsquo;t specify the amount of savings, but it\u0026rsquo;s available at participating properties in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. A minimum stay of 5 nights at hotels and 7 nights at resorts is required. Use promo code LTS. Valid from October 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024 (book by January 27, 2024).\nWorld of Hyatt World of Hyatt is the official loyalty program for Hyatt Hotels Group. Members can earn and redeem points for stays, upgrades, and other benefits at Hyatt properties globally.\nWorld of Hyatt has a broad portfolio of hotel brands. Image: world.hyatt.com.\nWord of Hyatt Promotions Bonus Journeys: Earn 3,000 bonus points for every three qualifying nights at more than 1,250 hotels worldwide. You must register by November 10, 2023, with your World of Hyatt membership number, and complete your qualifying nights between October 6 and November 30, 2023.\nSave up to 20% at Select Properties: Members can earn bonus points and discounts of up to 20% with the promo code STAYNOW when booking stays at participating hotels worldwide. This offer is valid for qualifying reservations made between November 2, 2023, and December 5, 2023, for stays completed between November 3, 2023, and April 30, 2024.\nWorld of \u0026lsquo;Jalin\u0026rsquo; Hyatt: Save 15% at participating properties using the promo codes GOJALIN15 or TOUCHDOWN. Valid for qualifying reservations made between September 6, 2023, and February 28, 2024. Stays must be completed by December 31, 2024.\nEarn Bonus Points with Mr \u0026amp; Mrs Smith Gift Cards: Members can earn 5 World of Hyatt base points per eligible dollar spent on Mr \u0026amp; Mrs Smith gift cards, and 1 Tier Qualifying Night credit for every $300 spent. Offer valid until March 31, 2024.\n500 Bonus Points at New Hyatt Hotels: Explore new hotels and earn 500 bonus points for qualifying nights at new Hyatt hotels around the world. Registration is not necessary. Offer dates vary by hotel.\nMembers Save More: Save up to 10% with Member Rate and 15% with Member Rate Advance Purchase (at least 7 days before your stay) on hyatt.com.\nBest Rate Guarantee: Get 20% off or 5,000 bonus points if you find a better rate for a participating Hyatt property on another site. You must submit the online claim form within 24 hours after booking on hyatt.com.\nIHG One Rewards IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program for InterContinental Hotel Group. Members can earn points for hotel stays and other activities, which can be redeemed for free nights, merchandise, flights, and other perks.\nThe IHG One Rewards program includes all these hotel brands. Image: ihg.com.\nIHG One Rewards Promotions 2K Points Every Two Nights: Register and earn 2,000 points every time you complete two nights at IHG properties. Nights don\u0026rsquo;t have to be consecutive. The promotion runs until December 31, 2023.\n500 Points for Downloading the IHG App: Register, download the IHG One Rewards app, and earn 500 points. Valid November 17, 2023.\nSave and Earn on Car Rentals: As a member of IHG One Rewards, you can earn 1,500+ points when renting a car with Hertz.\nStay and Earn Airline Miles: Members can miles from partner airlines when staying at IHG properties around the world.\nWyndham Rewards Wyndham Rewards is the loyalty program for Wyndham Hotels \u0026amp; Resorts, offering members points for stays at any Wyndham property. Members can redeem points for free nights, gift cards, merchandise, tours, and more.\nSome of the properties included in Wyndham Rewards. Image: wyndhamhotels.com.\nWyndham Rewards Promotions Earn 3X Points: Register and earn triple points for stays of two or more consecutive nights at participating Wyndham properties worldwide. Offer valid for bookings made by January 12, 2024. Stays must be completed by January 15, 2024.\n15% off for Military Members: Eligible military members can save up to 15% off on stays at participating Wyndham hotels in the United States and Canada. In addition, there is a limited-time promotion to earn 1,000 bonus points per qualified stay booked by December 8 and completed by December 11, 2023.\nSave 25% at Caesars Rewards Destinations: Wyndham members can save up to 25% and earn 2,500 bonus points at 35 participating Caesars Rewards destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Valid for bookings made by December 1, 2023, and completed before January 31, 2024.\nBest Western Rewards Best Western Rewards is the loyalty program for Best Western Hotels \u0026amp; Resorts. Members can access exclusive benefits and reward options. Points can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, and more.\nBest Western Rewards offers savings in a variety of hotels. Image: bestwestern.com\nBest Western Rewards Promotions Stay 2 Nights and Get 5,000 Bonus Points: Register and earn 5,000 bonus points after completing 2 eligible nights at any Best Western property between September 18 and November 20, 2023.\nEarly Web Special Rates: Save 15 to 30% at participating Best Western hotels across Europe when booking at least 21 days in advance.\nAccor Live Limitless Accor Live Limitless (ALL) is the loyalty program for the Accor Group, which has an extensive range of hotel brands worldwide. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and experiences at Accor properties and its partners.\nHotels participating in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) reward program. Image: all.accor.com.\nAccor Live Limitless Promotions Winter Sale: Save up to 20% with stays of at least two nights at select Pullman, Novotel, and Swissôtel in the U.S. and Canada. Book between October 18, 2023, and March 29, 2024. Stays must be completed by April 30, 2024.\nExperience Fairmont Moments: Save up to 25% at participating Fairmont hotels worldwide. ALL members can get an additional 10% discount. Valid for bookings made between October 12, 2023, and March 29, 2024, for stays by April 30, 2024.\nMember\u0026rsquo;s Rate: ALL members can save up to 10% at more than 3,000 Accor Group hotels around the world.\nBest Price Guaranteed: Get a discount of up to 25% if you find a cheaper price on another site after booking your stay. Requests must be submitted within 24 hours of booking.\nSave 25% in South America: Book at least five nights at Accor properties in South America and receive a discount of up to 25%.\nSaving Tip: Don\u0026rsquo;t forget to compare prices on other travel platforms to ensure you\u0026rsquo;re snagging the best deals available! Be sure to check out our posts for tips and travel sites to help you save on accommodations.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/hotel-deals-and-promotions/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eWhen looking for discounts and offers for your next hotel stay, it is worth checking out the promotions offered by major hotel chains.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany hotel promotions are aimed at members of their loyalty programs, but the good news is that signing up is usually free!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a roundup of the latest hotel deals and promotions in the United States and around the world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"hilton-honors\"\u003eHilton Honors\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/member-benefits/\"\u003eHilton Honors\u003c/a\u003e is the loyalty program for Hilton Hotels and its partner brands. Members can earn points and access exclusive perks for stays at more than 7,000 properties worldwide. Joining the program is free.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Roundup of Latest Hotel Deals and Promotions"},{"content":"The allure of ghost towns is undeniable. From miners chasing dreams of gold to settlers seeking a new start, ghost towns embody the fleeting nature of human endeavor.\nMany of the ghost towns in the United States were established during the Gold Rush era, in the mid-1800s. Wherever gold was found, cities full of excitement and hope popped up. As the gold ran out, people moved on, leaving behind empty buildings and silent streets.\nNow, these ghost towns serve as a window to a bygone era that was filled with adventure, hope, and change.\nLet\u0026rsquo;s embark on an expedition to 10 of the most enigmatic ghost towns in the United States, each echoing a time of splendor and decline.\n1. Bodie, California A panoramic view of the remaining buildings in Bodie, California. Image: Courtesy of California State Parks, 2019.\nOnce a thriving mining town with over 10,000 residents, Bodie now stands frozen in time. The preserved buildings and artifacts offer an authentic snapshot of life in the late 1800s. Bodie is considered one of the most famous ghost towns in the United States, drawing thousands of history enthusiasts and curious souls.\nLocated in California\u0026rsquo;s Eastern Sierra, Bodie was abandoned in the 1940s. Today, it\u0026rsquo;s a state historic park and the best-preserved ghost town from the California Gold Rush. The town has over 100 abandoned buildings, including hotels, saloons, and even a school. Visitors can explore the town on their own or take a guided tour.\nStory: Legend has it that the ghost of a little girl named Evelyn wanders the streets, mourning her untimely death due to a mining accident.\nGetting there: Bodie is accessible via SR 270, but the last 3 miles can be rough. A sturdy vehicle is recommended.\nAdmission fees: $8 per adult 18 years old and older, $5 per child (4-17). Guided tours are $6 per person (closed during the winter season).\n2. Garnet, Montana Garnet was once a booming mining town. Credit: Samantha Storms/Bureau of Land Management.\nNestled deep in the Garnet Mountains, this ghost town was once bustling with miners. Though the gold ran out, Garnet\u0026rsquo;s legacy remains in its over 30 well-preserved buildings, giving visitors an intimate look into the past.\nGarnet stands at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Established back in 1895, the town is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management alongside the Garnet Preservation Association.\nIn 1912, nearly half the town was engulfed in flames, and restoration efforts started in 1970 under the Garnet Preservation Project.\nThe town faced a decline in the 1950s, leading to the declaration of the Nancy Hank mine as unprofitable by the Montana School of Mines in 1960.\nGarnet welcomes visitors year-round, though access by wheeled vehicles is restricted from January 1 to April 30, during which the town transforms into a winter haven for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with cozy cabin rentals available. Story: On certain nights, you might hear faint piano tunes from Kelly\u0026rsquo;s Saloon, reminding visitors of the town\u0026rsquo;s lively past.\nGetting there: Garnet is reachable by Garnet Range Road, a well-maintained gravel road suitable for most vehicles.\nAdmission fee: $3 (free for visitors up to 16 years old).\n3. St. Elmo, Colorado Beautiful fall foliage scenery in St. Elmo, Colorado. Photo by Clint McKoy on Unsplash.\nA classic example of a Wild West town, St. Elmo was once home to miners and railroad workers. Now, its wooden boardwalks and silent streets give it an eerie, yet captivating charm.\nThe town traces its roots back to 1880. During its peak time, it was home to several establishments including a saloon, courthouse/jail, general store, and a schoolhouse.\nOver the years, however, the mining industry\u0026rsquo;s decline led to a population decrease, and St. Elmo became a ghost town around 1952. Today, St. Elmo is considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado, boasting 43 remaining structures. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, showcasing its historical significance.\nThe town -which is private property- is situated 20 miles southwest of Buena Vista, Colorado, and is accessible by road. Many tourists visit St. Elmo, especially during the summer when the General Store is open.\nStory: It\u0026rsquo;s said that Annabelle Stark, who lived in St. Elmo till her death, still protects her town. Beware if you take any artifacts!\nGetting there: Easily accessible by car via Chalk Creek Drive from Nathrop on US-285.\nAdmission: The is no admission fee, but note that most of the buildings are locked to the public.\n4. Goldfield, Arizona https://youtu.be/F3DnHGWIKao\nGoldfield’s story is one of riches and decline. It saw a gold rush, became a ghost town, and then revived as a tourist spot.\nThe reconstructed town, complete with its historic saloon, offers a unique blend of authenticity and entertainment.\nGoldfield thrived in the 1890s as a copper mining town in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. However, as the mining boom waned, the town started to decline.\nToday, visitors can explore the historic buildings and enjoy many attractions like the Superstition zipline, the Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Goldfield\u0026rsquo;s Historic Museum, mine tours, walking ghost tours, reptile exhibit, and old-west style gunfight shows by the Goldfield Gunfighters.\nStory: The Mammoth Saloon, known for its paranormal activities, often spooks visitors with ghostly apparitions.\nGetting there: It\u0026rsquo;s a short drive from Phoenix, located off Mammoth Mine Road, a few miles northeast of Apache Junction on Apache Trail (SR-88). Goldfield is just off the Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a short drive from Phoenix.\nAdmission: Entrance is free, but specific tours and attractions have different prices.\n5. Vulture City, Arizona https://youtu.be/XnTXplgWOcc\nVulture City is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. The remnants of the town and the mine tell a fascinating tale of wealth and woe.\nEstablished in 1863, this town was centered around Arizona\u0026rsquo;s most successful gold mine, with a population soaring to 5,000 residents at its peak.\nNow a partially restored ghost town, Vulture City allows visitors to tour original renovated buildings and explore the mining culture of its time. There are also paranormal events and flashlight ghost tours.\nStory: Henry Wickenburg, who discovered the Vulture Mine, is believed to haunt the area, ensuring his mine is protected.\nGetting there: Located at 36610 355th Ave, Wickenburg, AZ 85390. From Wickenburg, turn South onto Vulture Mine Road and travel 12 miles to the mine entrance.\nAdmission fees: Ticket prices range from $7 to $15.\n6. Ballarat, California Charles Manson\u0026rsquo;s old wagon is still parked in Ballarat. Photo by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash.\nNamed after Australia\u0026rsquo;s gold-rich town, Ballarat in the U.S. served the mines of the Ratcliff District. Its remote location and dilapidated buildings make it an eerily serene ghost town.\nFounded in 1896 as a supply point for nearby mines, Ballarat was a bustling trade hub until 1917. Today, it\u0026rsquo;s a virtual ghost town known more for its appearances in movies like Easy Rider and its visits from the Manson Family.\nThough not much is left, visitors can explore the remnants, including some old rusted cars, trucks, and vintage farm and mining machines. It\u0026rsquo;s a photogenic spot, especially during dawn or before sundown.\nStory: Ballarat\u0026rsquo;s graveyard hosts the infamous Charles Manson\u0026rsquo;s truck, a grim reminder of the town\u0026rsquo;s more recent history.\nGetting there: Ballarat is located outside of Death Valley National Park on the western slope of the Panamint Range. A drive from Trona on a dirt road gets you to this isolated town.\nAdmission: There is no admission fee.\n7. Elkmont, Tennessee \u0026ldquo;Adamless Eden\u0026rdquo; cabin in Elkmont. Credit: Warren Bielenberg/Great Smoky Mountains National Park.\nUnlike other ghost towns fueled by gold or silver, Elkmont was a logging town. The remnants of its houses and hotels amidst the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make for an ethereal sight.\nElkmont\u0026rsquo;s roots trace back to the 1840s. The town significantly evolved with the formation of the Little River Lumber Company in 1901, leading to its growth as a logging town.\nToday, Elkmont is home to a large campground, a ranger station, and a historical district managed by the park.\nOpen to the public all year round, Elkmont is a great place for hiking and exploring historical structures.\nDuring a certain period in June, witnessing the synchronous fireflies event is a major attraction.\nStory: Known as the \u0026lsquo;Daisy Town\u0026rsquo;, Elkmont was an elite retreat for the rich. It\u0026rsquo;s said you can still hear echoes of their grand parties.\nGetting there: Located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it\u0026rsquo;s about 8 miles from Gatlinburg.\nAdmission fee: There is no admission fee.\n8. Ashcroft, Colorado One of the buildings left to tell Ashcroft\u0026rsquo;s story. Credit: Denise Chambers/Colorado Tourism Office.\nAnother gem in the Rockies, Ashcroft was bustling in its heyday but quickly declined. Today, its scenic beauty combined with its historic ruins makes it a photographer\u0026rsquo;s dream.\nAshcroft\u0026rsquo;s story began in the 1880s as a prosperous silver mining camp in the Roaring Fork Valley. At its peak, the town had around 1,000 residents and a variety of commercial enterprises, reflecting a vibrant community life.\nToday, Ashcroft ghost town is a serene destination for various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and of course, photography.\nAshcroft is open for self-guided tours, operating on an honor system for admission with a payment dropbox located at the welcome sign.\nGetting there: A scenic drive on Castle Creek Road from Aspen will lead you to Ashcroft. It\u0026rsquo;s located at 11000 Castle Creek Road, Ashcroft, CO 81611, and is a dog-free area.\nAdmission fee: $5 for adults, free for children 18 and under (accompanied by an adult), and also free for active military personnel.\n9. Monte Cristo, Washington Surrounded by nature, Monte Cristo is a popular spot for hikers. Photo by Taylor Foss on Unsplash.\nHidden in the Cascades Mountains, Monte Cristo ghost town is a testament to the difficulty of mining in rugged terrains. Its remote location makes it a favorite among adventure-seekers.\nThe roots of Monte Cristo date back to the late 19th century when the area was recognized for its rich mineral deposits. The town quickly became a bustling mining community, with railways constructed to transport ore from the mines to other regions.\nThe harsh climate and challenging landscape made mining operations extremely difficult, leading to the town\u0026rsquo;s decline over the years.\nToday, Monte Cristo is a ghost town hidden within the wild beauty of the Cascades, mostly reclaimed by nature. The remnants of its mining past, like old building foundations and mining equipment, can still be found scattered across the town, offering a glimpse into its bustling days.\nGetting there: Accessible via Mountain Loop Highway, followed by a 4-mile hike. The trek to Monte Cristo is challenging yet rewarding, offering stunning scenic views along the way.\nAdmission fee: There\u0026rsquo;s no admission fee to visit the town, but getting there requires a good level of physical fitness due to the rough trails.\n10. Bayhorse, Idaho https://youtu.be/fZy_pK8VSA8?si=XA-hUvTci_NGyXss\nIts silver mines once glittered with promise, but when the silver era ended, Bayhorse faded into history. Today, it stands as a testament to the transitory nature of mining towns.\nBayhorse\u0026rsquo;s journey began in 1864 when prospectors discovered mineral deposits in the area. The town saw a rush in the mid-1870s, and mining peaked in 1888. However, a fire in 1889 along with declining silver and lead prices caused a slowdown, and mining eventually ceased in 1925.\nToday, Bayhorse stands as a ghost town within the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. While many buildings are in ruins, some structures like the \u0026ldquo;Wells Fargo\u0026rdquo; building and the stamp mill building are relatively intact.\nThe town\u0026rsquo;s remnants, including charcoal kilns and mining equipment, provide a nostalgic trip back to the mining era of the Old West.\nBayhorse is open to the public as part of the state park, offering a chance to explore the historical mining camp and learn about its past.\nGetting there: From Challis, take the scenic Yankee Fork Road to reach Bayhorse.\nAdmission fee: $7 per vehicle.\nIn Summary Exploring these ghost towns is like flipping through the pages of a captivating, rustic history book. So, the next time you\u0026rsquo;re seeking adventure, consider visiting one of these remnants from America\u0026rsquo;s mining era in the 1800s. However, as you plan your visit, always remember to tread lightly, respecting the history and spirits that might still call these towns home.\nNote to readers: Ghost towns are often in remote locations. Ensure you\u0026rsquo;re equipped with maps and supplies, and let someone know where you\u0026rsquo;re headed.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/ghost-towns-in-the-u-s/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eThe allure of ghost towns is undeniable. From miners chasing dreams of gold to settlers seeking a new start, ghost towns embody the fleeting nature of human endeavor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the ghost towns in the United States were established during the Gold Rush era, in the mid-1800s. Wherever gold was found, cities full of excitement and hope popped up. As the gold ran out, people moved on, leaving behind empty buildings and silent streets.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"10 Enigmatic Ghost Towns Worth Visiting in the U.S."},{"content":"Are you planning a trip to Europe and wondering, \u0026ldquo;What is ETIAS?\u0026rdquo; You\u0026rsquo;re not alone! ETIAS is a new requirement for travelers who generally don’t need a visa to enter most European countries.\nThe program is an initiative of the European Union and was set to begin in 2024, but it has been delayed several times. The latest delay was announced in September 2023, pushing the launch to May 2025.\nIn this post, we will explore everything you need to know about ETIAS, including the online application, cost, who needs one, and how the new requirement will change the experience of traveling to Europe.\nWhat is ETIAS? ETIAS is short for European Travel Information and Authorization System. While it’s not exactly a visa, ETIAS is a new travel requirement for travelers who don’t need a visa to enter the European Union territory. The purpose of the program is to enhance the security and border control of the 30 countries within the Schengen Area (see below). Source: travel-europe.europa.eu\nThe electronic authorization will be linked to your passport and be valid for up to three years. However, if your passport expires before this period, you’ll need to apply again for ETIAS after renewing your passport.\nWho Needs ETIAS? If you hail from one of the 60 countries that don’t require a visa for short stays in Europe, you\u0026rsquo;ll need an ETIAS. This list includes the United States, United Kingdom, Albania, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore, among others. See all the countries below.\nSource: travel-europe.europa.eu\nSo, if you’re planning a short trip to Europe -less than 90 days in a 180-day period-, whether for vacation, business, or just transit, you’ll need to get the ETIAS travel authorization.\nETIAS Application Process Once the system is operational, applying for an ETIAS should be a straightforward process. Simply fill out the application form using either the official ETIAS website or mobile application.\nThe application requires information such as:\nName, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents first names, email address, and phone number;\nPassport or travel document details;\nLevel of education and current occupation;\nIntended travel plans;\nDetails about any criminal convictions;\nAny past travels to war or conflict zones. The application process shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete. However, it could take longer if you need to add more information than the basic requirements.\nETIAS Cost The fee for the ETIAS visa is set at €7 for applicants aged 18 and over, while it is free for minors, making it more accessible for families. Once the program is in effect, you will be able to pay online via credit or debit card.\nAnd here\u0026rsquo;s some good news: travelers under 18 or above 70 years old don’t need to pay the application fee.\nETIAS Application Approval ETIAS aims to check travelers\u0026rsquo; backgrounds to enhance security. Image: © European Union, 2014.\nAfter you apply for an ETIAS visa, your application will be checked against different databases for security purposes. While most people will get approved in a few minutes, in some cases, it might take up to 96 hours. So, while many will enjoy a swift approval, it\u0026rsquo;s wise to apply well in advance of your travel dates to navigate any potential delays in the process.\nFor instance, you may need to provide more information or documents, and even an interview to be approved. All these extra steps could take up to 30 days.\nThe best approach would be to secure your ETIAS first, and then finalize your travel plans.\nBe Aware of Scams Although it is best to apply directly on the ETIAS website or app, you could use a travel agency or company to take care of your application. However, ensure that whatever company you hire charges you a reasonable fee for their service. The EU will have a specific page on its travel website to report any case of fraud. Also, make sure to check if ETIAS is open for applications before hiring any travel agency or commercial intermediary.\nHow ETIAS Will Change European Travel For travelers who are used to planning their European trip without thinking about any other requirement but their passport, ETIAS will add a new item to their checklist. The implementation of this new travel authorization by the European Union is a measure of security to have a better idea of who is coming and going through the Schengen territory. There will still be regular controls upon arrival, but with ETIAS, authorities will be able to deny entry to the EU even before someone embarks on a trip. The EES will collect travelers\u0026rsquo; biometric data. Image: © European Union, 2011.\nAnother novelty will be no more stamps on passports. Every time you enter and leave the EU, that information will be stored electronically on the EES system, which means “Entry Exit System.” The EES system will collect and record not only the information from your passport but also biometric data like your facial image and fingerprints.\nSo, yes, the process of entering the EU will be a bit more complicated, but visiting the beautiful cities and amazing natural and historic places throughout the European territory is certainly worth some extra steps.\nIn Summary ETIAS is a new travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of the 30 European countries in the Schengen Area.\nThe application process is simple and straightforward, and the cost of applying is €7. The system is designed to improve security and border control in Europe by pre-screening travelers before they arrive.\nIf you plan to travel to Europe in the future, it is important to be aware of the new ETIAS requirement and to apply for it, if necessary.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/europe-travel-etias-visa/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eAre you planning a trip to Europe and wondering, \u0026ldquo;What is ETIAS?\u0026rdquo; You\u0026rsquo;re not alone! \u003ca href=\"https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en\"\u003eETIAS\u003c/a\u003e is a new requirement for travelers who generally don’t need a visa to enter most European countries.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe program is an initiative of the European Union and was set to begin in 2024, but it has been delayed several times. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.travelmarketreport.com/News/articles/Reports-New-EU-Visa-Program-ETIAS-Wont-Start-Until-2025\"\u003elatest delay\u003c/a\u003e was announced in September 2023, pushing the launch to May 2025.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this post, we will explore everything you need to know about ETIAS, including the online application, cost, who needs one, and how the new requirement will change the experience of traveling to Europe.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Europe Travel: All You Need to Know about ETIAS"},{"content":"The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just launched a new Global Entry Mobile Application, aiming to facilitate the arrival process for the over 12 million members enrolled in the Global Entry program. This is great news for users since now they will get to bypass the kiosks and go directly to the immigration officer.\nTake a Selfie and Skip the Line Using the new app is very straightforward. Travelers coming or returning to the United States on an international flight will just need to take a selfie through the app. This picture will then get matched with a photo gallery using facial biometrics to confirm their identity.\nAfter submitting the picture, travelers will receive a receipt on the app, allowing them to skip the line at the Global Entry portals or kiosks and speed their entry into the U.S.\nFirst Airports To start, this app is making its debut at seven major airports: Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), Los Angeles International (LAX), Miami International (MIA), Orlando International (MCO), Washington Dulles International (IAD), Pittsburgh International (PIT), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).\nAfter this initial phase, CBP plans to roll out the program to more airports in the future.\nWhere to Get the Global Entry App? The Global Entry app is available to download for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Just remember that you have to be enrolled in the Global Entry program to use the app.\nAbout Global Entry Global Entry is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs. It’s like the VIP lane for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, who get to skip the regular lines upon arrival and get expedited entry at participating U.S. and international airports.\nMembers must pass rigorous and recurring background checks, as well as an in-person interview before being approved for enrollment.\nGlobal Entry members can skip the kiosks by using the app at selected airports. Photo: James Tourtellotte/CBP.\nThe program is not only for U.S. citizens and eligible residents, but it is also available to citizens of several countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Croatia, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.\nThe application is done through the CBP website with a fee of $100, which is non-refundable (even if you don’t get approved).\nIf you are a U.S. resident, you can save on the application fee if you have a travel credit card such as the Capital One Venture X, the American Express Platinum, or the Chase Sapphire Reserve.\nSo, for all the Global Entry members out there, be sure to check out the new app and see how it can make your travels even more hassle-free!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/global-entry-app/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just launched a new Global Entry Mobile Application, aiming to facilitate the arrival process for the over 12 million members enrolled in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry\"\u003eGlobal Entry\u003c/a\u003e program. This is great news for users since now they will get to bypass the kiosks and go directly to the immigration officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/global-entry-app/IMG_1362_edit-e1695686893342_hu_bd2297e28e5fe7b.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"1492\"\n       alt=\"Screenshot of the new Global Entry app.\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"take-a-selfie-and-skip-the-line\"\u003eTake a Selfie and Skip the Line\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the new app is very straightforward. Travelers coming or returning to the United States on an international flight will just need to take a selfie through the app. This picture will then get matched with a photo gallery using facial biometrics to confirm their identity.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Global Entry Now Has an App"},{"content":"The thrill of riding the Shinkansen, Japan\u0026rsquo;s iconic bullet train, is a unique experience that many travelers have on their bucket list. Speeding through the heart of Japan at an impressive 200 miles per hour, all while enjoying a bento box, has become a cherished tradition for countless visitors. The best part is that you can ride it as much as you want with the Japan Rail Pass.\nBut as with most good things, there comes a change in the wind, or in this case, the ticket pricing. From October 1, 2023, the pass will go up as much as 76%. So, if you’re gearing up for a Japanese adventure or just staying informed, here’s the latest on the Japan Rail Pass price hike.\nThe JR Pass Advantage Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about the pass that has been a game-changer for international travelers eager to experience the speedy bullet train. The Japan Rail Pass, commonly known as the JR Pass, offers unlimited rides on the Shinkansen and encompasses the entirety of the JR transportation network. This includes metro lines, the Narita Express, Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport, Haruka from Kansai International Airport, buses and even a ferry to Miyajima. Available in 7-, 14-, and 21-day options, it\u0026rsquo;s been a budget-friendly choice for many.\nThe Price Increase Due to inflation, the devaluation of the yen, and high costs of improvements and maintenance to its rail system, the Japan Railway Group has announced an increase to the JR Pass prices overall. Therefore, starting October 2023, if you’re looking to grab the JR Pass, expect a price surge of up to 76%. Although this price hike comes as a sticker shock for many, it is interesting to note that this is the company’s first price revision in years. In fact, back in 2012, the 7-day pass was priced at 28,300 yen, only 1,350 yen less than the cost in 2023 (before the price increase).\nHere\u0026rsquo;s what to expect: The 7-day pass will go from 29,650 yen ($200*) to 50,000 yen ($338*).\nThe 14-day pass will jump from 47,250 yen to 80,000 yen.\nThe 21-day pass will increase from 60,450 yen to 100,000 yen.\nGreen Car (first class): 7-day from 39,600 yen to 70,000 yen; 14-day from 64,120 yen to 110,000 yen; 21-day 83,390 yen to 140,000 yen.\nGo here to check the current exchange rate. Additionally, regional passes like the JR East Pass (for both Tohoku and Nagano/Niigata areas), JR Tokyo Wide Pass, and JR Hokkaido will also experience a price increase.\nhttps://youtu.be/EiElWohmEl4?si=LUAQofJKj8ue2n07 Watch the Shinkansen in action in this video from JR East.\nIs the JR Pass Still a Good Deal? With the new prices, the cost analysis is crucial. Given the updated figures, a 7-day pass will come down to roughly 7,142 yen per day, compared to the earlier 4,235 yen. To give a context, a single Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka can be around 13,800-14,900 yen while a regular train ticket costs about 8,910 yen. The difference? Time! Taking the bullet train can get you to Osaka in roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, compared to the regular train that would take 9 hours.\nHistorically, a round trip between Tokyo and Osaka on the Shinkansen almost equaled the entire 7-day pass cost (29,650 yen). Soon, travelers will need to plan more meticulously to consider if investing in a JR Pass is worth it. The website Japan-guide.com offers a nifty calculator to help determine whether using the pass offers better value.\nAdded Perks To counterbalance the price surge, JR Pass holders will now enjoy exclusive promotions and discounts at attractions, the JR Hotel Group, and numerous activities. Expect things like 10% off at the Osaka Castle Museum, deals at the Tottori Hanakairou Flower Park, coupons for the JR Tower in Hokkaido, and a 10% discount at the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch.\nJR Pass holder can save on popular attractions like the Osaka Castle Museum. Photo Credit: ©TRUE\nAct Now and Save! If Japan is on your horizon, consider purchasing the JR Pass before the prices rise. Travel platforms like Klook will retain the current pricing until September 30, 2023. Any passes bought will remain valid until December 28, 2023. Upon buying from Klook, you\u0026rsquo;ll receive a voucher which must be exchanged for the official pass at a JR office in Japan. Remember to activate your pass within 30 days of the exchange.\nIn our recent trip to Japan, we bought the 7-day passes from Klook. Their service was fast and convenient, with the added benefit of free shipping. (Tip: Save $5 using this referral link!)\nThe pass can also be purchased directly from the Japan Rail Pass website or through authorized overseas travel agencies. Buying from agencies outside of Japan used to be slightly cheaper, but with the new policies, prices will be the same across all platforms.\nIn Summary As the popular Japan Rail Pass prepares for a major price adjustment in October 2023, travelers should brace for an increase of up to 76%. Despite the impending hike, the JR Pass remains a valuable asset for international visitors, offering access to JR vast transportation network. However, to maximize the value of the JR Pass, it will be crucial to strategically plan your trips, compare costs with alternative transportation, or consider securing the current rates by purchasing the pass before September 30, 2023.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/japan-rail-pass-price-increase/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eThe thrill of riding the Shinkansen, Japan\u0026rsquo;s iconic bullet train, is a unique experience that many travelers have on their bucket list. Speeding through the heart of Japan at an impressive 200 miles per hour, all while enjoying a bento box, has become a cherished tradition for countless visitors. The best part is that you can ride it as much as you want with the Japan Rail Pass.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut as with most good things, there comes a change in the wind, or in this case, the ticket pricing. From October 1, 2023, the pass will go up as much as 76%. So, if you’re gearing up for a Japanese adventure or just staying informed, here’s the latest on the \u003ca href=\"https://japanrailpass.net/after231001/en/\"\u003eJapan Rail Pass\u003c/a\u003e price hike.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"The Japan Rail Pass Is About to Get More Expensive"},{"content":"If you\u0026rsquo;re dreaming of going to Paris in December, low-cost airline Frenchbee can make your dreams come true with cheap flights to the “city of lights.” The lowest fare available on its website is $172* one-way from New York-Newark to Paris-Orly, spanning available dates from October 2023 to March 2024. The cheapest dates in December are the 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8, while flying on the 9, 10, or 11 costs $10 more ($182).\nFares from other U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami are also on sale. Additionally, destinations in France like Lyon and Bordeaux are accessible through a partnership with SNCF (French Railways), offering a combination of air + train travel.\nFrom France to the U.S., the lowest one-way fare is between Paris and Miami, starting at $166.\nHow to Book? Visit Frenchbee\u0026rsquo;s website.\nBrowse for available fares that match your desired travel dates.\nCurrently, there\u0026rsquo;s no indication on the airline\u0026rsquo;s website as to when these promotional fares will end, so it might be best to book sooner rather than later.\nImage: us.frenchbee.com\nTo find the best offers, click on the departure date, and a calendar with the available fares will pop up. The lowest fares are highlighted in orange. You can also select your desired destination in the “best offers” section on the airline\u0026rsquo;s homepage to access the low fare calendar.\nHere\u0026rsquo;s what to expect The lowest Basic fare includes a small personal accessory and one hand baggage weighing up to 26 lbs (12 kg) in total, while fees for checked baggage start at $50.\nAdvanced seat selection comes with a fee of $25, or $30 for a window seat.\nFood and beverages are available for purchase onboard.\nFrenchbee offers in-flight entertainment, but if you need headphones, you can purchase a Travel Kit for $12. This kit not only provides headphones but also a blanket, socks, neck pillow, and eye mask.\nPromotional fares are limited and may sell out fast. ","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/cheap-flights-to-paris/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re dreaming of going to Paris in December, low-cost airline \u003ca href=\"https://us.frenchbee.com/en\"\u003eFrenchbee\u003c/a\u003e can make your dreams come true with cheap flights to the “city of lights.” The lowest fare available on its website is $172* one-way from New York-Newark to Paris-Orly, spanning available dates from October 2023 to March 2024. The cheapest dates in December are the 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8, while flying on the 9, 10, or 11 costs $10 more ($182).\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Frenchbee Sale: Cheap Flights to Paris!"},{"content":"Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the administrative center of the European Union, is a city that perfectly blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. This is evident when strolling through its eclectic neighborhoods and its historic center, crowned by the magnificent Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its role as a political hub and the home to some of the finest chocolatiers, Brussels can be budget-friendly if you know where to look. Getting from/to Brussels Airport Fortunately, Brussels Airport is well connected to the city center, making it a straightforward and cost-effective trip. The Airport Bus Line 12 is one of the best ways to reach the city on a budget, costing €7,50 one way if you buy a ticket at the GO vending machine or €7 onboard when paying with a contactless card.\nThe bus stop at Brussels Airport is just outside the Arrivals Hall. Image: Brusselsairport.be.\nAnother option is to take the train from the airport to Brussels Central Station and from there, connect to other parts of the city. The train offers different fares depending on the type of ticket and passenger.\nGetting around In Brussels, the public transport system is both efficient and cost-effective, making it a great choice for getting around the city. The STIB/MIVB network operates the metro, trams, and buses, and offers different ticket options.\nThe metro is an easy way to go around the city. Image: © visit.brussels/Jean-Paul Remy.\nFor instance, you can save by purchasing a BRUPASS multi-ride card for €16.80 and is valid for 10 journeys. A single fare costs €2.10, while a 1-day unlimited ticket costs €8.00 or €7.50 with contactless payment. Payment methods include contactless cards (both debit and credit), the MOBIB card, or a traditional paper ticket.\nSomething to consider is that public transportation in Brussels typically runs from 5:18 a.m. to midnight. So, remember to check the timetables found at stops or the STIB/MIVB website and app. There is a night bus called Noctis available on weekends from midnight until 3:00 a.m.\nSaving Tip: If you plan to explore extensively, look if a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour Brussels Card could save you any money. The card offers unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on museums and attractions. Prices start from €32.\nWhere to Stay Brussels offers a range of accommodation options catering to all budgets. Hostels start from as low as €26 per night and provide all the basic amenities. For those seeking privacy, there are studios or one-bedroom apartments starting around €65 a night. Hotels range from budget (€80+) to luxury (€500+) and everything in between.\nPrices fluctuate based on season and demand. So, be sure to check our guide and this list of travel sites to save on accommodation.\nThere are plenty of restaurantes and shops near the Grand-Place.\nFor first timers, the best area to stay in Brussels is around the Grand-Place, as it’s the ideal place for easy access to the major attractions. Other recommended neighborhoods nearby are:\nSaint-Gery, where there is no shortage of trendy bars and restaurants;\nSablon, a chic neighborhood with cobblestoned streets, museums, and beautiful gardens;\nSaint-Gilles, with a multicultural flair and Art Nouveau architecture;\nIxelles, with a local vibe, yet close to the city center;\nLouise shopping district, with high-end fashion but also popular brands;\nLes Marolles, known for its daily flea market and vintage shops; and\nSainte-Catherine, with its churches, trendy shops, and nightlife.\nDuring our recent visit to the Belgian capital, we opted to stay in an apartment located in the Louise area. Being surrounded by stores and with plenty of public transport options, it is a busy area, although it is quieter at night. Plus, it\u0026rsquo;s about a 15-minute walk from attractions like Manneken-Pis and Grand-Place.\nTravel Tip: Check accommodation amenities before booking, especially during hot summer days, since some places might not have air conditioning.\nWhere to Shop The Royal Gallery of Saint-Hubert opened its doors in 1847.\nWhen you get tired of window shopping in the elegant Royal Gallery of Saint-Hubert, head over to the Louise district to discover that it\u0026rsquo;s not just home to famous brands like Louis Vuitton or Hermès. On the other side of the Waterloo Boulevard, on the Toison d\u0026rsquo;Or Avenue, there are more affordable stores of all kinds, from clothing, sports, home goods, to variety stores like Hema and Flying Tiger Copenhagen.\nOn Saturdays, many locals can be seen shopping on Chaussee d\u0026rsquo;Ixelles, a very popular street with a variety of affordable shops. The drugstore Kruidvat and the discount store Action are always packed!\nMany vendors come every day to the Jeu de Balle flea market, a tradition in Brussels.\nIf you\u0026rsquo;re a shopper looking for vintage items, head to Le Marolles district, where you\u0026rsquo;ll find a an array of thrift shops (Foxhole, Think Twice, Le Petit Riens, Melting Pot Kilo) and the daily Jeu de Balle flea market. If you prefer the convenience of a mall, don\u0026rsquo;t miss City 2 and Docks Bruxsel.\nTravel Tip: Check the opening hours of supermarkets since many close early, between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Some are closed on Sundays or open only until noon. Delhaize Shop \u0026amp; Go is usually open until 10:30 p.m.\nChocolate, of course! If you\u0026rsquo;re a fan of chocolate, you\u0026rsquo;re in the right place! Belgium is globally recognized for the quality of its chocolates. Now, if you want to try the most renowned brands, prepare your wallet\u0026hellip; a 100-gram (3.5 oz) bag with mixed varieties costs around €6, while some shops sell individual pieces for €1 – though they\u0026rsquo;re so tiny you\u0026rsquo;ll crave more!\nBoxes of premium Neuhaus chocolates can cost over €40.\nIn Grand-Place and its surroundings, you\u0026rsquo;ll find the first shop of the famous Godiva chocolates, established in 1926, in addition to other prestigious brands like Neuhaus, Mary, and Pierre Marcolini. A brand considered not as high-end is Leonidas, but they are also very delicious.\nMary\u0026rsquo;s chocolates come in cute boxes that are great souvenirs.\nFortunately, in Brussels, chocolate is everywhere, and you can find a wide variety of more affordable products in supermarkets at a fraction of the cost in specialty stores. For instance, at Lidl, there are bars for less than €2, but the quality is reflected in the low prices.\nWhat to Eat Walking through the touristy areas, you might get the impression that, besides chocolate, Belgians only eat waffles and fries (and drink beer). There are plenty of shops displaying huge waffles topped with chocolate, cream, fruits, nuts, and more, made especially for the sweet-toothed tourists.\nBelgian waffles can be enjoyed anywhere!\nMeanwhile, fries are not just a side dish. It\u0026rsquo;s common to see queues of people waiting their turn to buy a cone of fries with their choice of sauce. Don\u0026rsquo;t even think about asking for ketchup!\nAnother local specialty highly recommended is the \u0026ldquo;mitraillette\u0026rdquo; sandwich from Fritland, which consists of half a baguette filled with a hamburger, cooked onions, salad, fries, and a sauce of your choice.\nFritland is a popular spot for Belgian fries and sandwiches.\nSaving Tip: If you want to save on calories and money, go to an express supermarket like Carrefour, Delhaize Proxy or Delhaize Shop \u0026amp; Go. To save even more, head to Lidl or Aldi.\nOf course, in Brussels, you can find the most popular fast-food chains, including McDonald\u0026rsquo;s, Burger King, and Five Guys; but if you want to try something local, there\u0026rsquo;s Quick. For vegans or vegetarians, the healthy food chain EXKi is a good option.\nFor those who prefer to sit down and enjoy a good meal, there are restaurants of all kinds of culinary specialties, with starters costing an average of €15 and up.\nWhen you see a sign with a pink elephant that says Delirium Café, don\u0026rsquo;t be fooled by the name! There, instead of coffee, you\u0026rsquo;ll find over 2,000 beers from around the world. This establishment is the current Guinness World Recordholder for the most beer flavors.\nFree Attractions The city is rich in attractions that can be experienced without spending a euro! So, here are some suggestions for those looking to save while experiencing the best the city has to offer.\nGrand-Place The Grand-Place is the pride of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. It\u0026rsquo;s an impressive medieval square lined with ornate Gothic-style buildings dating back to the 15th century.\nThe light shows give a dramatic look to the magnificent buildings at the Grand Place.\nThe buildings are illuminated at night, offering a stunning visual spectacle that is not to be missed! The square is open to the public; but the Town Hall tours cost about €15 (€6 for youth, students, and seniors).\nManneken-Pis Just a short walk from the Grand-Place, is the most famous statue in Brussels, the Manneken-Pis. It\u0026rsquo;s not only a representation of a boy urinating in a fountain, but also an emblem of the city\u0026rsquo;s irreverent sense of humor. This can be seen in the many souvenirs and edibles inspired by the statue, which often wears different outfits.\nManneken-Pis dressed in flowers to celebrate Brussels in Bloom, a traditional event in August.\nAlthough the original is kept in the Brussels City Museum, the replica has its own fame and is very popular among tourists. If you want to see more peeing statues around the city, look for the ones of a little girl, Jeanneke-Pis, and a dog, Zinneke-Pis.\nSaving Tip: The extensive wardrobe of the “peeing boy” is exhibited at the GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum, which is free to visit on the 1st Sunday of the month.\nEverard t\u0026rsquo;Serclaes Monument Also near Grand-Place, on the corner of rue Charles Buls, you\u0026rsquo;ll find a unique monument of a man lying horizontally. This is the relief sculpture of Everard t\u0026rsquo;Serclaes, known as the hero who liberated Brussels from the Flemish in 1356. A special tradition associated with this monument is the popular belief that rubbing the body of the bronze statue will bring you good luck and a return trip to Brussels.\nFree Museums The Belgian capital boasts over a hundred museums, from arts to history and medicine. There is something for everyone. The best part is that there are free museums and others that are free on a specific day of the month.\nThe Brussels City Museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. Credit: © visit.brussels/Jean-Paul Remy.\nVenues such as the Wiertz Museum, the House of European History, the Meunier Museum, Coudenberg Palace, the Parlamentarium, and the experience.brussels exhibition are always free.\nThe Magritte Museum, Fin-de-Siècle Museum, Oldmasters Museum, Natural Science Musem, Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, Boghossian Foundation, and Modern Museum are free on the 1st Wednesday (afternoon) of the month.\nSome of the museums that are free to visit on the 1st Sunday of the month are the Brussels City Museum/Maison du Roi, GardeRobe MannekenPis, Fashion \u0026amp; Lace, Halles Saint-Gery, Erasmus House, and the Museum of Medicinal Plants and Pharmacy.\nThe Atomium The Atomium was built in 1958 for the Brussels World\u0026rsquo;s Fair.\nWhile entering the Atomium itself requires a ticket, you can marvel at this unique structure from the outside absolutely for free. The Atomium represents an iron unit cell magnified 165 billion times!\nParc du Cinquantenaire There are many parks open to the public in Brussels, but the Parc du Cinquantenaire is one of the most beautiful. This large park, characterized by the imposing triumphal arch, has elegant French-style gardens and is perfect for taking a walk or enjoying a picnic on a nice day.\nSaving Tip: Check this schedule for free concerts and events happening in the city squares or parks, especially during the summer months.\nComic Murals A mural with Roba\u0026rsquo;s characters Boule et Bill in Le Marolles. Credit: © visit.brussels/Eric Danhier.\nComic fans will not be disappointed in Brussels, as it has numerous shops and museums of this genre. Perhaps the books aren\u0026rsquo;t free, but admiring the murals of the comic strip route, both in the center and in Laeken and Le Marolles, is completely free.\nTravel Tip: Keep an eye out for the street signs in Brussels, as many are written in French and Dutch, two of the official languages of Belgium (the third one is German).\nSunsets at Mont des Arts After touring the city, save any remaining energy to make your way up to the Mont des Arts, from where you\u0026rsquo;ll have a panoramic view of Brussels\u0026rsquo; architectural landscape in one of the best places to watch the sunset.\nBeautiful sunset from the Mont des Arts. Photo by Merve Sehirli Nasir on Unsplash.\nIn Summary As the capital of Belgium and the administrative heart of the European Union, Brussels perfectly combines historical charm with modern vitality. Visitors can easily navigate from the iconic Grand-Place to the bustling streets filled with chocolatiers, shops, and restaurants to suit all budgets. The city\u0026rsquo;s efficient public transport, diverse accommodation options, and a variety of free attractions make Brussels an enticing destination for all travelers.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/brussels-on-a-budget/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eBrussels, the capital of Belgium and the administrative center of the European Union, is a city that perfectly blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. This is evident when strolling through its eclectic neighborhoods and its historic center, crowned by the magnificent Grand-Place, a \u003ca href=\"https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/857/\"\u003eUNESCO\u003c/a\u003e World Heritage Site. Despite its role as a political hub and the home to some of the finest chocolatiers, Brussels can be budget-friendly if you know where to look.  \u003c/p\u003e","title":"Affordable Adventures: Exploring Brussels on a Budget"},{"content":"The long-awaited high-speed rail connection between Orlando and South Florida now has an official launch date.\nBrightline has announced that the service will begin on Friday, September 22, 2023, offering rides from Orlando International Airport to Miami (Terminal C), and vice versa, along with other stops highlighted on the Florida route map.\nTickets to/from Orlando are on sale now and start at $79 for adults and $39 for children for the one-way Smart fares.\nFor those opting for a more luxurious experience, one-way Premium fares cost $149.\nReservations can be made online or via the Brightline app.\nThere seems to be a flat rate for trips to South Florida, as all fares, even those to stations preceding Miami, have the same price.\nBoth Smart and Premium fares offer complimentary Wi-Fi and leather seats. However, the Premium fare comes with first-class amenities like priority boarding, lounge access, and complimentary snacks and beverages.\nThe new Orlando station is getting ready for its big debut. Image Credit: Brightline.\nBrightline\u0026rsquo;s new endeavor, linking Central and South Florida, will provide up to 16 daily round trips, with hourly departures.\nA journey from Orlando to West Palm Beach is estimated to take roughly 2 and a half hours, with an added hour for those heading to Miami.\nWhile this is a great way to travel in style between these two Florida cities, comfort comes with a stiff price. The company hints that the $79 adult fares are only available for a limited time, which could be an indication that tickets would eventually cost even more.\nWe\u0026rsquo;ll have to wait and see if this starting price will attract enough passengers to hop on the new high-speed train adventure.\nWays to Save Currently, the saving options available for the Orlando-South Florida journey are the following:\n25% discount for groups of 4+\n25% off for college students from selected universities.\nBoth promotions apply to the Smart fares only.\nThere are some additional ways to save in other routes in South Florida:\nGroups of 4 to 16 passengers can save 25% using the promo code ALLABOARD.\nThe Build Your Pass package with 10 rides (starting from $14 each) on the Friends \u0026amp; Family Pass or 40 rides (beginning at $6 each) on the Commuter Pass.\nExclusive Shuttle Services for Sports Fans Football enthusiasts opting for the End Zone Express train for Miami Dolphins matches can take a complimentary shuttle from Aventura station straight to the Hard Rock Stadium.\nSoccer aficionados heading to Inter Miami CF matches can reach the DRV PNK Stadium via the free shuttles departing from the Brightline Fort Lauderdale station.\nFor baseball fans, Brightline rolls out its Home Runner trains, paired with complimentary shuttle services from its MiamiCentral Station to the loanDepot park for the Miami Marlins matches.\nUnfortunately, there hasn\u0026rsquo;t been any shuttle service announced linking the Orlando station to the Orlando Exploria Stadium. Instead, there’s a ride partnership with Uber.\nBrightline services key locations like Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and soon, Orlando (starting Sep. 22, 2023). Expansion plans also include a connection to Tampa.\nOn the West coast front, the high-speed rail enterprise is planning a link between Las Vegas and Southern California.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/orlando-miami-high-speed-train/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eThe long-awaited high-speed rail connection between Orlando and South Florida now has an official launch date.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.gobrightline.com/\"\u003eBrightline\u003c/a\u003e has announced that the service will begin on Friday, September 22, 2023, offering rides from Orlando International Airport to Miami (Terminal C), and vice versa, along with other stops highlighted on the Florida route map.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTickets to/from Orlando are \u003ca href=\"https://www.gobrightline.com/train-stations/fl/orlando#bookNow\"\u003eon sale\u003c/a\u003e now and start at $79 for adults and $39 for children for the one-way Smart fares.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Tickets for the Orlando-Miami High-Speed Train Are on Sale Now!"},{"content":"There\u0026rsquo;s something simply magical about watching the leaves change color as fall begins to settle in the northern hemisphere. The stunning fall foliage landscape seems as if it\u0026rsquo;s been painted by forest fairies equipped with an unlimited palette of autumnal colors and shades.\nHowever, to enjoy this natural show, it is crucial to plan your trip knowing when and where to go to see leaf colors at their peak; otherwise, you can be too early or too late.\nThis seasonal show usually begins in September and lasts until November, although the periods vary depending on the area and weather conditions.\nFall Foliage Prediction Maps A very useful map that predicts fall foliage in the United States is published annually by SmokyMountains.com, which has been doing so for the last ten years.\nImage: SmokyMountains.com.\nThis visual guide shows the evolution of the colors in each area by moving the slider to the right, from one month to another. The predictions on the map are based on historical and forecast data.\nFor instance, the 2023 map predicts near-peak color starting to appear in some places by September 25.\nImage: SmokyMountains.com.\nBy October 9, parts of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, and Washington will be at peak fall foliage.\nHere are some places where peak fall foliage is expected:\nGrand Teton National Park: Early September to mid-October\nSmoky Mountains: Mid-October to early November\nVermont: October 9–13, but you may see beautiful colors in the southern part of the state through late October\nTennessee: October 23–27, but mid-November in lower elevations\nNote that you should use this map as a resource to predict the best time to see the leaf colors, but remember that it is not 100% accurate, as factors like seasonal weather conditions can affect the timing of this natural phenomenon.\nTo help keep the map as up-to-date as possible, the team responsible for the SmokyMountains.com fall foliage map offers users the possibility to report fall colors in their area.\nAnother useful resource for planning the best time to view the fall leaves is this animated map published by the Old Farmer\u0026rsquo;s Almanac based on reports from its readers.\nImage: Almanac.com.\nBest Places to See Fall Colors Here are some of the best places to see fall colors in the United States, according to the Almanac:\nAcadia National Park, Maine\nA palette of fall colors from Gorham Mountain, Acadia National Park. Image: NPS.\nAdirondack and Catskill Mountains, New York\nA beautiful autumn scenery in the Adirondacks Region, New York. Image: © NYSDED-Photo by Darren McGee\nThe Berkshires, Massachusetts\nFall scenery in the Berkshires. Image Credit: Ogden Gigli/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.\nBlue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina\nFall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Image: NPS/A. Armstrong.\nGatlinburg and Smoky Mountains, Tennessee\nA view of the Smoky Mountains from Heintooga Ridge Road. Image: NPS.\nJackson, Wyoming\nOxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Image: NPS.\nBlack Hills, South Dakota\nBlack Hills, South Dakota. Image: Ken Marchand, Black Hills National Forest/USDA Forest Service.\nLogan Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah\nColorful foliage along Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah. Credit: Steve Greenwood/Visit Utah.\nFall Foliage Webcams Do you want to know exactly what the colors of the leaves are like on a given day? A great way to track the progress of fall leaves is through webcams. Several national parks offer web cameras that allow you to get a virtual overview of the current conditions in different areas of the nature reserves. For instance, different webcams are available on the following national park websites:\nYosemite, California\nGreat Smoky Mountains, Tennessee\nGreat Smoky Mountains, North Carolina\nMount Rainier, Washington\nShenandoah, Virginia\nGlacier, Montana\nA screenshot of the amazing webcam view from the summit of Apgar Mountain, Glacier National Park. Source: NPS.gov.\nBesides national parks, several institutions, organizations, and nature enthusiasts stream live views of popular fall foliage spots, including Pocono Mountains, Stratton Mountain, Stowe Mountain, Blue Mountain Lake, Brown County, and Aspen Mountain.\nUsing these digital tools not only builds anticipation for your trip but ensures you\u0026rsquo;re heading to the best and brightest spots at the right time.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/fall-foliage-in-the-u-s/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026rsquo;s something simply magical about watching the leaves change color as fall begins to settle in the northern hemisphere. The stunning fall foliage landscape seems as if it\u0026rsquo;s been painted by forest fairies equipped with an unlimited palette of autumnal colors and shades.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, to enjoy this natural show, it is crucial to plan your trip knowing when and where to go to see leaf colors at their peak; otherwise, you can be too early or too late.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"When and Where to See Fall Foliage in the U.S."},{"content":"Just in time for the new NFL season kickoff, World of Hyatt is offering a 15% discount at participating properties when using the discount codes GOJALIN15 or TOUCHDOWN.\nThis promotion celebrates the partnership between World of Hyatt and New York Giants rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. The hotel chain and the American football player not only share a name but also a continuing collaboration that started in 2022, when Hyatt was still a college athlete.\nBe sure to follow World of Hyatt on social media for updates about other deal opportunities featuring the Giants player.\nThe discount codes are valid on standard room rates, excluding taxes and fees. To receive the 15% discount, simply enter one of the promo codes at the time of booking.\nThis promotion is valid until February 28, 2024, for stays completed by December 31, 2024.\nTo earn points and enjoy other perks on your stays, consider joining the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Membership is free!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/hyatt-nfl-promo/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJust in time for the new NFL season kickoff, \u003ca href=\"https://www.hyatt.com/\"\u003eWorld of Hyatt\u003c/a\u003e is offering a 15% discount at participating properties when using the discount codes \u003cstrong\u003eGOJALIN15\u003c/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eTOUCHDOWN\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis promotion celebrates the partnership between World of Hyatt and New York Giants rookie wide receiver \u003cstrong\u003eJalin Hyatt\u003c/strong\u003e. The hotel chain and the American football player not only share a name but also a continuing collaboration that started in 2022, when Hyatt was still a college athlete.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"World of Hyatt: Get 15% off during the NFL Season"},{"content":"Are you thinking of traveling to New York City and looking to book an Airbnb for a few days? Don\u0026rsquo;t be surprised if you come up empty-handed. The city\u0026rsquo;s authorities are taking strict measures against short-term apartment rentals in the metropolitan area. This means booking entire apartments for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days has become increasingly difficult. This enforcement has led to thousands of listings on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking being removed, resulting in significant losses for those who supplemented their income by offering their properties for short stays.\nThe New York City short-term rental regulations stipulate that while such listings aren\u0026rsquo;t entirely forbidden, there are strict criteria to be met. Hosts must register and obtain a city permit before listing their properties on booking platforms, which are prohibited from featuring unregistered properties. To offer short-term rentals, hosts must reside on the premises and be physically present during the guest\u0026rsquo;s stay. Also, they can\u0026rsquo;t accommodate more than two guests at a time. This rules out options for whole apartment rentals or family stays –given the two-person limitation.\nBoth hosts and platforms that don\u0026rsquo;t adhere to these regulations can face fines of up to $5,000 and $1,500, respectively.\nLess budget-friendly options New York City, known for its high costs, has always been a challenging place for tourists looking for budget-friendly accommodations. With hotel prices soaring, many travelers have turned to apartment rentals as a more affordable and cozy option. Having a kitchen can also significantly cut down on meal expenses.\nThe city argues that these short-term rentals, aside from impacting housing availability, pose a safety risk to both visitors and local residents. Moreover, officials maintain that these measures also protect the hotel industry, which has been trying to recover from the hits taken during the pandemic.\nFor its part, Airbnb views this as a de facto ban on short-term rentals given the tight constraints placed on hosts, many of whom rely on this activity as an additional source of income.\nA search for an entire apartment on Airbnb for a two-day stay in December 2023 already shows fewer options. Image: Airbnb.com.\nNew York City encompasses five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. This means the rental restrictions spans all these areas.\nExisting reservations for stays on or before December 1, 2023, will still stand. However, bookings made for December 2nd and beyond will be canceled and refunded.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/new-york-airbnb/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eAre you thinking of traveling to New York City and looking to book an Airbnb for a few days? Don\u0026rsquo;t be surprised if you come up empty-handed. The city\u0026rsquo;s authorities are taking \u003ca href=\"https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/about/about.page\"\u003estrict measures\u003c/a\u003e against short-term apartment rentals in the metropolitan area. This means booking entire apartments for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days has become increasingly difficult. This \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-now-enforcing-airbnb-and-short-term-rental-restrictions-what-it-means-for-customers/4651068/\"\u003eenforcement\u003c/a\u003e has led to thousands of listings on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking being removed, resulting in significant losses for those who supplemented their income by offering their properties for short stays.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"What to Know About NYC's New Airbnb Restrictions"},{"content":"How low can fares go? Frontier is having a crazy sale with one-way flights starting at just $19*—and that\u0026rsquo;s for everyone, not just Discount Den members! This deal is available for booking until Monday, September 11, and is good for flights through November 11, 2023. Note that these special fares apply to travel on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only.\nThere is great availability for the lowest fares, including routes such as Atlanta to Baltimore, Boston to Orlando, Chicago to Miami, Cincinnati to Tampa, Denver to Houston, New York (LGA) to Orlando, and more. A 7-day advance purchase is required.\nHow to Book? Visit Frontier’s website.\nBrowse for available routes that match your desired travel dates.\nBook your tickets before the sale ends on September 11, 2023, at 11:59 pm Eastern time\nHere’s what to expect: The lowest Economy class includes only a personal item; additional amenities, such as seat selection and carry-on bags, come with a fee. According to Frontier’s website, the size of the personal item will be checked during boarding. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard, but be aware there are no in-flight entertainment options or electrical outlets.\nPromotional fares are limited and may sell out fast. Be sure to read any additional restrictions, as they may vary by route. ","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/frontier-savings-never-end-sale-flights-from-19/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eHow low can fares go? \u003ca href=\"https://www.flyfrontier.com/\"\u003eFrontier\u003c/a\u003e is having a crazy \u003ca href=\"https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/sales/fare-sale?utm_source=p_promo\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_term=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;utm_content=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;utm_campaign=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;mi_ecmp=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;mi_u=62596779362\u0026amp;riid=62596779362\u0026amp;sha_hash=\"\u003esale\u003c/a\u003e with one-way flights starting at just $19*—and that\u0026rsquo;s for everyone, not just Discount Den members! This deal is available for booking until Monday, September 11, and is good for flights through November 11, 2023. Note that these special fares apply to travel on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is great \u003ca href=\"https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/sales/fare-sale?utm_source=p_promo\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_term=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;utm_content=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;utm_campaign=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;mi_ecmp=090523_FARESALE_LVC\u0026amp;mi_u=62596779362\u0026amp;riid=62596779362\u0026amp;sha_hash=\"\u003eavailability\u003c/a\u003e for the lowest fares, including routes such as Atlanta to Baltimore, Boston to Orlando, Chicago to Miami, Cincinnati to Tampa, Denver to Houston, New York (LGA) to Orlando, and more. A 7-day advance purchase is required.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Frontier Savings Never End Sale: Flights from $19!"},{"content":"If you\u0026rsquo;ve been waiting for a great deal to fly across the Atlantic, this is your chance! Norwegian low-cost carrier Norse has just launched a global sale, offering one-way fares for as low as $99*. This sale runs from September 4 to September 12, 2023, and the promotional fares are available on selected routes and travel dates, extending all the way to March 2024.\nImage: Flynorse.com\nThe lowest Economy fare of $99 is available for flights between Boston and London (Gatwick) during September and October 2023.\nFares from other U.S. airports such as New York, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington Dulles, and San Francisco are also on sale.\nBased in Oslo, Norway, Norse’s route map includes the U.S. cities/airports listed above, as well as other international destinations like Berlin, London, Rome, Paris, Barbados, and Bangkok.\nHere\u0026rsquo;s what to expect: The lowest Economy class includes only a personal item; anything else comes with a fee. Carry-ons and checked bags are cheaper if selected during the initial booking process, and get more expensive after booking and at the airport. Food and beverage are available for purchase onboard. Norse offers in-flight entertainment but does not provide complimentary headphones. Remember to bring your own headphones or be prepared to pay if you need one.\nPromotional fares are limited. Blackout dates apply. ","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/norse-worldwide-sale-flights-to-from-europe-starting-at-99/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;ve been waiting for a great deal to fly across the Atlantic, this is your chance! Norwegian low-cost carrier \u003ca href=\"https://flynorse.com/en-US\"\u003eNorse\u003c/a\u003e has just launched a global sale, offering one-way fares for as low as $99*. This sale runs from September 4 to September 12, 2023, and the \u003ca href=\"https://flynorse.com/en-US/promo/terms-and-conditions\"\u003epromotional fares\u003c/a\u003e are available on selected routes and travel dates, extending all the way to March 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/norse-worldwide-sale-flights-to-from-europe-starting-at-99/Screen-Shot-2023-09-04-at-12.43.26-PM_edit_hu_8da59092789dfcd2.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"592\"\n       alt=\"\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eImage: Flynorse.com\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lowest Economy fare of $99 is available for flights between Boston and London (Gatwick) during September and October 2023.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Norse Worldwide Sale: Flights to/from Europe starting at $99!"},{"content":"As budget travelers, we’re always on the hunt for the best deals on flights. One issue we commonly encounter is determining the cheapest time to buy tickets. Luckily, Google Flights has introduced a new feature that tells you whether you should book or wait for a better deal.\nThe advice is based on reliable data trends for specific flights. Currently, the insight indicator will only appear on certain search results. If you don’t see the little blue stars, don’t worry —Google has other resources like price history and price alerts to help you snag a deal. Plus, a few months back, Google launched its price guarantee pilot program, available for Spirit and Alaska Airlines as of now.\nThis is how it works If you search today for a one-way flight from New York to Orlando for Tuesday, October 10, 2023, two blue stars will show up to indicate whether it\u0026rsquo;s a good time to book. In this case, yes! $19 is as low as you can get for flights in the U.S.\nImage: Google Flights.\nHowever, when searching for a flight from Miami to Denver for November 16, 2023, the advice is different. According to Google Flights, it\u0026rsquo;s better to wait for a more favorable price.\nImage: Google Flights.\nIf Google Flights suggests waiting, you can enable price tracking to receive notifications for your chosen destination.\nSo, the next time you\u0026rsquo;re scouting for a flight and are unsure about the deal, remember to check the price history and look for the blue stars.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/cheapest-time-to-book-google-flights/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eAs budget travelers, we’re always on the hunt for the best deals on flights. One issue we commonly encounter is determining the cheapest time to buy tickets. Luckily, \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/travel/flights\"\u003eGoogle Flights\u003c/a\u003e has introduced a new feature that tells you whether you should book or wait for a better deal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe advice is based on reliable data trends for specific flights. Currently, the insight indicator will only appear on certain search results. If you don’t see the little blue stars, don’t worry —Google has other resources like price history and price alerts to help you snag a deal. Plus, a few months back, Google launched its \u003ca href=\"https://support.google.com/travel/answer/9430556?hl=en\"\u003eprice guarantee\u003c/a\u003e pilot program, available for Spirit and Alaska Airlines as of now.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"When is the cheapest time to book? Now Google Flights Will Tell You"},{"content":"Searching for the perfect place to stay can often feel overwhelming, especially when you\u0026rsquo;re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there\u0026rsquo;s no shortage of search platforms designed specifically to simplify this task for you. But with a sea of options available, how do you navigate the multitude of choices to find the most reliable one? In reality, the best site for you will depend on your personal preferences and travel goals.\nTo help you navigate this crowded landscape, we\u0026rsquo;ve compiled a list of 10 travel websites for comparing prices and booking your dream accommodations. But first an introduction…\nNot all sites are the same When you start your search for places to stay for your next getaway, you\u0026rsquo;ll find a plethora of travel sites available to simplify this often daunting task. However, it\u0026rsquo;s crucial to understand that not all these platforms function the same way. Specifically, there\u0026rsquo;s a key difference between price comparison or metasearch sites, commonly known as aggregators, and online travel agencies (OTAs).\nMetasearch sites or aggregators simply show you a list of accommodation options and prices from various sources, including OTAs and sometimes even directly from hotels. These platforms offer a panoramic view of your options, but they don\u0026rsquo;t actually handle the reservation process. Instead, once you\u0026rsquo;ve made your selection, you\u0026rsquo;ll typically be redirected to an OTA or hotel\u0026rsquo;s website to complete the booking.\nOTAs, on the other hand, act as full-service intermediaries between you and your chosen accommodation. Not only do they list properties, but they also facilitate the booking and payment process through their own platform. That\u0026rsquo;s why, if any issues arise during your stay—such as needing to cancel your reservation or request a refund—the hotel will direct you to handle the matter with the OTA, as they are responsible for your booking.\nAfter this brief intro, here is our list of the top 10 travel sites for finding great deals on accommodation, neatly categorized into two main types: travel search engines or aggregators and online travel agencies (OTAs).\nTravel Search Engines 1. Google Hotel Search Google offers plenty of filters to customize your search. Image Credit: Google.\nAs part of its travel services, Google not only lets you search for flights but also for hotels and vacation rentals. Similar to Google Flights\u0026rsquo; world map feature, which displays prices per destination, the hotel search function shows the location and prices of accommodations based on your preferences. Results can be customized using various filters such as price, property type, guest rating, amenities, and brands. Unfortunately, there is no option to select booking providers, so the lowest prices shown may sometimes come from sites you’ve never heard before. Accommodations cannot be booked directly on Google; instead, you will be redirected to the provider\u0026rsquo;s site when you click on an offer. Be sure to review the “View more options from…” section to explore all available offers, as the top results are often sponsored (paid ads).\n2. Kayak Kayak has a user-friendly interface with a slider to set your max price. Image Credit: Kayak.\nOne of the most well-known travel search engines, Kayak has numerous tools to assist budget travelers in finding a great deal on lodging. In addition to its website, Kayak offers special mobile rates available exclusively on their award-winning app. Results can be customized using various filters and a price slider, allowing you to define your budget. Other features include price alerts, member-only rates, and a travel itinerary organizer called Trips. Note that as a search engine, Kayak doesn\u0026rsquo;t handle bookings directly; it displays the best prices available across different platforms.\n3. HotelsCombined HotelsCombined will give you a refund if you find a better deal elsewhere. Credit: HotelsCombined.\nThis search site aggregates results from a variety of travel websites to present the best options based on your preferences. You can choose to view either the nightly price or the total stay price, which includes taxes and fees—a smarter choice to know your actual expenditure. HotelsCombined offers a “Best price guarantee,” pledging to refund the difference if you find a better deal elsewhere post-booking. Their interface is easy to use, with numerous filters for customizing your search. You can even select your preferred booking providers, filtering out less trustworthy or unfamiliar options.\n4. CozyCozy On CozyCozy you can find deals from providers like Airbnb and Vrbo. Image Credit: CozyCozy.\nThis accommodation search engine is a recent addition to the plethora of platforms promising the best deals on places to stay. What sets CozyCozy apart is its wide range of accommodation types, from traditional hotels and vacation rentals to unique options like tree houses and boats. The site’s interface is visually engaging, with each listing showing an image along with key details such as price, reviews, and location. This snapshot layout helps you quickly discern your preferred accommodation type without having to click through each listing, saving you time and effort.\n5. Tripadvisor Tripadvisor\u0026rsquo;s best properties feature the golden \u0026ldquo;Traveler\u0026rsquo;s Choice\u0026rdquo; seal. Image Credit: Tripadvisor.\nThis popular platform offers comprehensive information about various travel aspects, including user reviews on accommodations. When it comes to lodging, Tripadvisor operates as a metasearch engine, displaying a list of prices provided by its partner sites. Accommodations boasting consistently good reviews may display the \u0026ldquo;Travelers\u0026rsquo; Choice\u0026rdquo; seal, a badge of quality that comes in two types: the green seal for properties ranked in the top 10%, and the gold seal for those considered the “best of the best,” or ranked in the top 1%. To find places with good reviews and that fit your budget, try using the price slider and then sort the results by \u0026ldquo;traveler ranked.\u0026rdquo;\nOnline Travel Agencies (OTAs) 6. Booking.com Check your airline\u0026rsquo;s loyalty program before\nWith a very straightforward name, Booking.com has become the go-to site for many travelers. In addition to its low-price guarantee and its Genius Loyalty Program, Booking.com partners with various airlines to offer special rates and even the opportunity to earn bonus miles. Examples of airline partners include TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Aegean, among others. This OTA boasts an extensive portfolio of accommodation types, such as hotels, apartments, hostels, resorts, cabins, and more unconventional options like boats and farms. There are also special rates for extended stays, exceeding 30 days. The site provides a user-friendly interface complete with abundant pictures and reviews, as well as various filters to tailor your search. Features like free cancellation, price match, and no booking or credit card fees are additional perks. Always make sure to read the fine print to understand any additional charges, such as local taxes or cleaning fees.\n7. Agoda There is always some kind of sale on Agoda. Image Credit: Agoda.\nGaining traction for its consistently low prices and frequent discounts, Agoda often offers sales tailored to your search criteria. For instance, we once found an amazing \u0026ldquo;Night Owl Sale\u0026rdquo; deal for a room in Prague\u0026rsquo;s Old Town for just $35! Although it specializes in the Asia-Pacific region, Agoda has a global reach, as demonstrated by the Prague deal. The platform offers a \u0026ldquo;Spontaneous Savings\u0026rdquo; page filled with frequently updated coupons and deals. Becoming an AgodaVIP, the site’s loyalty program, entitles you to benefits such as a best-price guarantee and exclusive discounts.\n8. Expedia Earn virtual \u0026ldquo;cash\u0026rdquo; with Expedia\u0026rsquo;s new loyalty program. Credit: ©Expedia Group.\nOne of the industry giants, Expedia) has been operating since 1996. It is part of the Expedia Group, which also owns other notable travel platforms like Hotels.com, Travelocity, and Vrbo. Its new loyalty program, OneKey, allows members to earn virtual \u0026ldquo;cash\u0026rdquo; that can be used across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo platforms. To access all hotel deals, a free Expedia membership is required, offering additional savings like 10% off on hotels and up to 30% off when bundling a hotel with a flight. Please note that the prices shown initially do not include additional taxes and fees.\n9. Hotwire Hotwire offers \u0026ldquo;hot rates\u0026rdquo; on hotels, but with a catch. Image Credit: Hotwire.\nFor the adventurous traveler, Hotwire has what it calls \u0026ldquo;Hot Rates,\u0026rdquo; where you can book accommodations at 4-star hotels for the price of a 2-star establishment. The catch? You\u0026rsquo;ll only find out the exact details of your hotel after you\u0026rsquo;ve completed the booking. The site also offers standard hotel options and price alerts. Be advised that bookings made at \u0026ldquo;Hot Rates\u0026rdquo; are final; no refunds or changes are allowed.\n10. Hopper If you prefer to look for hotels on your phone, the Hopper app can be your friend. Image Credit: Hopper.\nExclusively available as a mobile app, Hopper utilizes a color-coded map to display price trends for accommodations: green for the cheapest days, orange for average prices, and red for the most expensive. Its unique price prediction feature analyzes historical data to advise whether it’s a good time to book or better to wait. There’s an option to \u0026ldquo;freeze the price\u0026rdquo; for a nominal fee if you’re undecided. Be cautious, as Hopper automatically adds a “tip” to the total cost, which you\u0026rsquo;ll need to manually remove if you prefer not to pay it.\nAdditional Tips for Booking Accommodations Online Choose Reputable Companies: Stick to OTAs with a solid track record of customer service. This ensures that you\u0026rsquo;ll have reliable help should anything go awry.\nRead the Fine Print: Always go through the terms and conditions meticulously, particularly when booking non-refundable stays. This will help you understand your rights and obligations related to the booking.\nPayment Details: Check when your credit card will be charged—either at the time of booking or upon arrival at the hotel. Make sure you know which payment methods are accepted and familiarize yourself with the site\u0026rsquo;s refund policies.\nCheck Reviews Across Multiple Platforms: While customer reviews are helpful, they can also be subjective. It\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to read reviews on multiple sites but use your own judgment when making the final decision to book.\nIdentify Safe and Convenient Areas: Make a list of areas that are both safe and suit your budget. Use a map to locate nearby amenities like public transport, dining options, supermarkets, and attractions.\nUse Advanced Mapping Features: For a closer look at potential areas to stay, input the exact address into Google Maps. Utilize the Street View feature by dropping the little figure onto the street to get a real-world view of the surroundings. This can offer additional insights into the locale\u0026rsquo;s overall vibe and amenities.\nIn Summary Effective use of travel search platforms and OTAs can not only save you money, but also give you peace of mind by ensuring that you choose the best accommodation based on your needs and preferences. Whether you\u0026rsquo;re a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway, we hope this guide will help make it easier for you to book your ideal accommodation at a great price.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/best-travel-sites-to-save-on-accommodation/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eSearching for the perfect place to stay can often feel overwhelming, especially when you\u0026rsquo;re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there\u0026rsquo;s no shortage of search platforms designed specifically to simplify this task for you. But with a sea of options available, how do you navigate the multitude of choices to find the most reliable one? In reality, the best site for you will depend on your personal preferences and travel goals.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Best Travel Sites to Save on Accommodation"},{"content":"Congratulations, you’ve found an amazing deal on your flight! Now comes the next big decision: where to stay. If you’re lucky enough to have family or friends at your destination, you’re set. Otherwise, you will have to start the daunting task of looking for that perfect -and hopefully cheap- “home away from home” for a night or more.\nThe challenge, for budget-minded travelers like us, is finding affordable options without compromising on quality and safety. So, where to start?\nYour initial instinct might be to look for the cheapest price and call it a day. However, that may not always be the wisest move. Aside from budget considerations, travelers should also weigh other crucial factors such as safety and convenience.\nLet’s say you find an affordable hotel near the airport. Sounds good, right? If it’s miles away from the city center or the attractions you’re eager to explore, however, you could end up spending a lot more on transportation costs alone. Add to that the time it would take you to go back and forth. This scenario is just an example of the many factors to consider when planning a trip. So, here are some useful tips to guide you.\nLocation is King! We all know the real estate motto: Location, location, location. Apply the same principle when looking for a place to stay. Opt for locations near the main attractions, convenient public transportation, or available parking if you’re driving.\nSome destinations are very walkable, which means that you may not even need to take any public transportation or drive to go around. Speaking from experience, staying in Madrid’s Las Letras neighborhood put us within walking distance of popular places such as the Plaza Mayor, Museo Nacional del Prado, and the bustling commercial street Gran Vía.\nLas Letras is a great area to stay in Madrid. Credit: Google Maps.\nSimilarly, during our trip to Prague, we opted for lodging in Old Town, the historical center of the Czech’s capital. This prime location gave us easy access to iconic sights like the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge.\nBeing close to the action is crucial when you’re on a short gateway because you won’t want to spend your precious vacation time commuting.\nWhat Type of Accommodation Suits You? When searching for affordable options, you may find that hostels offer some of the cheapest rates. Be sure to check the room type, whether it’s a 6-bed mixed dormitory or a private room. Also, remember that hostel beds are typically priced per person, while hotel rooms are priced per room.\nHostels are often the cheapest option in Amsterdam. Image Credit: Tripadvisor.\nIf you are not thrilled about staying in a hostel, do not despair! Price comparison websites can point you toward good alternatives such as hotels and apartments. Staying in an apartment often provides the benefit of more space and a kitchen, giving you the opportunity to save on meals.\nDon’t Forget to Compare Prices Prices vary among providers. Check all options! Image Credit: Google.\nWhat could be more frustrating for thrifty travelers than finding a lower rate after making a non-refundable booking? To avoid this, turn to reliable price comparison platforms like Google, CozyCozy, Kayak, HotelsCombined, and Tripadvisor. Also, check out our list of best travel sites to look for accommodations.\nTake Advantage of Loyalty Programs If you’re part of a hotel loyalty program, always check the associated properties for exclusive rates and perks. You can often earn promotional points, benefits, or elite status by booking directly.\nMarriott Bonvoy has a variety of hotel brands worldwide. Image Credit: Marriott.\nMajor programs include Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt.\nBook Directly with Hotels One of the benefits of booking directly with hotels is the ability to match prices found elsewhere. Hotels often are willing to offer competitive rates to avoid third-party commissions. For instance, chains like Choice Hotels don\u0026rsquo;t just promise to offer the lowest rates and match prices found on other websites —they\u0026rsquo;ll even throw in a free night or a gift card!\nChoice Hotels have a great lowest price guarantee. Image Credit: Choice Hotels.\nIn addition, direct bookings ensure that your reservation is confirmed.\nCheck Credit Card Perks Many credit cards offer travel-related benefits. For instance, Venture X from Capital One provides a $300 credit to cover travel expenses -including hotels- booked through its site. Similarly, Chase Sapphire Preferred provides a $50 credit for hotels booked on its portal, while premium cards like the American Express Platinum come with a $200 credit for select hotels and resorts.\nVenture X travel credit can be used toward hotel stays. Image Credit: Capital One.\nIf you\u0026rsquo;re earning points by paying your rent with Bilt Rewards, you could use those points to book hotels or transfer to hotel loyalty programs. Make sure you’re maximizing this perks to save on accommodations.\nLook for Flexibility When possible, opt for stays with flexible change or cancellation policies. This is particularly essential for bookings made well in advance, as you never know what might happen, or you may want to modify your itinerary. However, pay attention to the terms of the offer, since the period given to cancel or modify your stay may vary.\nDiscover New Destinations If you’re open to new experiences, consider destinations known for their affordability. Countries or cities with a lower cost of living tend to have more budget-friendly accommodations. Cities like Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Marrakech, Cape Town, Antalya, and Buenos Aires provide fantastic value for your money.\nYour dollars can go further in cities like Marrakech, Morocco. Image Credit: Tripadvisor.\nTake a look at our list of cheapest places to visit, or search online, on social media, as well as watch YouTube videos for inspiration and tips. So go ahead, think outside the box to unveil unexpected gems, and make your next trip unforgettable!\nIn Summary Finding the perfect accommodation is not just about getting the cheapest deal in sight. It\u0026rsquo;s a nuanced process that involves juggling various factors such as location, safety, and convenience. From taking advantage of loyalty programs and credit card benefits to becoming a savvy comparison shopper, there are plenty of ways to ensure quality accommodation that won\u0026rsquo;t break the bank.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/saving-on-accommodation/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eCongratulations, you’ve found an amazing deal on your flight! Now comes the next big decision: where to stay. If you’re lucky enough to have family or friends at your destination, you’re set. Otherwise, you will have to start the daunting task of looking for that perfect -and hopefully cheap- “home away from home” for a night or more.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe challenge, for budget-minded travelers like us, is finding affordable options without compromising on quality and safety. So, where to start?\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Our Essential Guide to Saving on Accommodation"},{"content":" Tokyo is a big city! Every corner is an adventure.\nWhat can be said about Tokyo that hasn\u0026rsquo;t been said before? It\u0026rsquo;s one of the largest and most populated metropolises in the world. And this is obvious when walking its streets and crowded subway stations, where during peak hours you can see swarms of people coming and going, with hurried steps, no time to lose. For the tourist not accustomed to this hustle and bustle, it\u0026rsquo;s quite an adventure trying to go with the flow while checking Google Maps to find your way, or which exit to take, as getting lost in the larger stations is quite likely.\nSince we are talking about the subway, we can start to focus on how to save on transportation, as being such a large city, attractions are a bit far from each other. As this article is extensive, feel free to use the Table of Contents to jump to different sections.\nGetting from/to Haneda Airport Luckily, transportation from Haneda International Airport to the city center, and vice versa, is not a rip-off in Tokyo. One of the most convenient and cheap ways is to take the monorail, which stops at all three terminals and goes to Hamamatsucho station. From there, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote line to go to popular stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo, or Shibuya; as well as the Keihin-Tohoku line. The fare to Hamamatsucho costs 500 yen ($3.42).\nThere\u0026rsquo;s also the Keikyu train line heading northeast to Shinagawa, which is on the JR Yamanote line, also known as \u0026ldquo;the loop\u0026rdquo;, from which you can access several of Tokyo\u0026rsquo;s main stations. This trip costs approximately 410 yen ($2.80). On the other hand, the southwest line towards Yokohama is priced at 450 yen ($3.07).\nHaneda Airport is well-connected to the city by public transportation. Photo: © TCVB.\nBoth the monorail and the Keikyu line can be taken at Terminal 3\u0026rsquo;s arrival gate. To pay for the monorail, you can use an IC card like Suica, or buy paper tickets from vending machines next to the monorail entrance. The trip on the Keiyu line from the airport to Shinagawa station costs about 300 yen ($2.05), and from there, you can transfer to the Yamanote line and others. The most convenient way to pay is with a Suica or Pasmo card (read in the section below about the current status of IC cards).\nTravel Tip: Keep in mind that the train and monorail lines only operate until midnight (11:48 p.m. and 11:44 p.m. respectively, to be precise).\nA good alternative for those traveling with luggage is the limousine buses: Airport Limousine Bus and Keikyu Limousine Bus), which go to various main stations and hotels around Tokyo.\nIn Terminal 3, there is a bus ticket counter next to the arrival gate, as well as vending machines to purchase the fares. You can pay with cash, credit card, or IC card.\nOne advantage of the Airport Limousine Bus is that tickets can be purchased online, making the departure process from the airport easier. Prices vary depending on the destination, but generally range between 700 and 1300 yen ($4.78-$8.89), with a 50% discount for children and disabled individuals.\nThe Airport Limousine Bus used to have late-night and early morning services, but they were suspended due to the pandemic, and it\u0026rsquo;s uncertain when they will resume. Read more here.\nThe Keikyu Bus goes to Yokohama, Kamakura, Shibuya, Omori, and other stations. Tickets cost between 1000 and 1400 yen ($6.83-$9.56) and can only be bought at the counter or from vending machines. This line offers late-night and early morning bus services. Check here for updated information.\nTransportation The most efficient way to get around the city and its surroundings is by subway, which is paid by distance, meaning the farther you go, the more you will pay. Therefore, it is recommended not to stay too far from the metropolitan area if you want to make the most of your days in the city and save money on transportation.\nThe transportation system in Tokyo is not centralized, that is, managed by a single entity. The huge network of subways, buses and trains is operated by various private companies, in addition to the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation.\nTo begin with, it is more convenient to pay for your subway trips with a Suica or Pasmo card. These cards correspond to the JR East and the Tokyo lines, respectively, and can be purchased at select stations, as well as at convenience stores (which can be found on almost every corner!). Another option is to add the Suica or Pasmo card to your Apple Wallet to pay with Apple Pay. We found this to be the most practical way because you don\u0026rsquo;t need to take out your card every time you use it at the station or recharge it at one of the machines; you can simply use your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay. Another advantage is that you can pay even if your phone runs out of battery! There is also an option to add the Suica or Pasmo card to Google Wallet, but only for Japanese Android devices. Read more here.\nIn addition, the Suica is a multipurpose card because you can also use it to pay in convenience stores, vending machines, coin lockers, and restaurants, not only in Tokyo but also in other cities such as Osaka and Kyoto.\nTravel Tip: Sales of the physical Suica and Pasmo physical cards are temporarily suspended due to a global semiconductor shortage.\nNow, if you want to save even more on your journey, you can buy a Tokyo Subway Ticket (exclusive for tourists), which is valid for unlimited travel for 24 (800 yen), 48 (1200 yen) or 72 (1500 yen) hours. The prices are half for children 6 to 11 years old. This pass allows unlimited subway rides on the Toei and Tokyo Metro lines, and can be purchased at Narita and Haneda airports, major subway stations, tourist and information centers, and stores like Bic Camera, Sofmap, and Laox.\nTokyo Subway passes bought online should be activated in one of this machines.\nYou can buy it online on Klook.com, but to activate it you must go to a station that has a machine capable of scanning barcodes. But beware, this pass is not valid for other lines such as the Odakyu or the JR. For example, when we went to the Shimokitazawa station and inserted the pass to exit, a red light came on and we had to go see an agent. That\u0026rsquo;s how we found out that the pass wasn\u0026rsquo;t valid for that line, and we had to pay the difference in cash (always carry some cash!). Interestingly, there was a flyer in the office indicating this situation, so we assumed it happens quite frequently. After paying, the agent gave us tickets that we inserted into the machine to exit.\nTravel Tip: If you have a JR pass, you can also use it for unlimited travel on JR train lines and buses.\nOn this trip, we didn\u0026rsquo;t take any buses in Tokyo, but we saw some very cute small buses in Shibuya (the Hachiko Bus) and Shinjuku (the WE Bus) that cost only 100 yen to ride. There are also some free bus lines that connect different areas of interest.\nTravel Tip: If you are planning to stay late night in Tokyo, be sure to check the subway operating hours because the system generally closes around midnight or 1 a.m.\nAkihabara Station has multiple exits. This is the main one.\nNavigating subway stations can be quite a challenge, especially the larger and busier ones, as in many cases it is necessary to transfer from one line to another, for which you must scan your card or your phone, walk a lot, go up or down stairs, and pay attention to which direction or exit to take. Fortunately, Google Maps works very well to guide you on where to go.\nAccommodation If you\u0026rsquo;ve seen the movie Lost in Translation, starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, you may dream of staying at the magnificent Park Hyatt in Tokyo, with spectacular city views. Unless you can afford a minimum of about $800 per night\u0026hellip; you\u0026rsquo;ll continue dreaming about staying there! Fortunately, Tokyo has accommodation options for all budgets.\nWhile the Japanese capital is known to be expensive, we were pleasantly surprised to be able to find quite affordable hotels and apartments in the metropolitan area, not too far from the busiest tourist hubs. To give you an idea, an apartment in Ota City, an area near Haneda Airport, can be found starting from $65 per night. The key factor is to find a place that is close to a subway station, as this is the most convenient way to get around.\nAs for hotels, besides the global brands, consider Japanese chains, since they offer very good service at affordable prices. For example, during our recent trip to Japan we stayed at the Tavinos Hamamatsucho, the “manga” hotel; and Henn na Tokyo Nishikasai, the “dinosaur” hotel.\nThe first one is located in Minato City, a beautiful area of Tokyo, with easy access to the subway line and amazing views of the Takeshiba Pier and Sumida River. While the rooms are small, at least they are private and with their own bathroom, at an average price of $35 per night! (in May). We call it the \u0026ldquo;manga\u0026rdquo; hotel due to its decoration and the availability of books and magazines of this genre in the lobby for guests to use. Likewise, in the lobby, they had a self-serve area with coffee, tea, and water dispensers, as well as microwaves and toaster ovens to heat up food, which can be bought from the FamilyMart next door.\nA view of the Sumida River from the Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho.\nThe second one we call the \u0026ldquo;dinosaur\u0026rdquo; hotel because check-in is performed by two robot dinosaurs that, in addition to welcoming guests, guide them through the hotel check-in and check-out processes. As for the rooms of this peculiar accommodation, they were a bit larger than those at the \u0026ldquo;manga\u0026rdquo; hotel, although they did not have space for suitcases (at the \u0026ldquo;manga\u0026rdquo; hotel they could be stored under the bed). However, the bathroom was more spacious, and the room had a minibar, electric kettle, and even an LG Styler! In the lobby, in addition to the friendly “dinosaurs,” they had vending machines for hot and cold drinks, a water dispenser, and a laundry room. This hotel, located in the Edogawa neighborhood, also offers a free shuttle bus to the Maihama station for guests going to Tokyo Disney Resort.\nA friendly robot dinosaur welcomes guests at the Henn na Tokyo Nishikasai.\nAs usual, the best advice for saving money when looking for accommodation in Tokyo is to do so in advance. Local hotel chains are generally smaller and, therefore, availability is limited. The same happens with apartments, although it is possible to find last-minute opportunities in case of cancellations.\nTravel Tip: If possible, try to book reservations that can be canceled without penalties, so as not to lose your hard-saved money if any setbacks arise in your plans.\nAgoda, Booking.com, and Rakuten Travel have great offers for accommodation in Japan. You can also look for deals in other Japanese travel sites such as Japanican.com, Jalan.net, and Travelko.com.\nFree attractions The Japanese capital is a haven for travelers, boasting a myriad of free and affordable attractions. From parks and temples to observatories offering panoramic views of the sprawling city, Tokyo has plenty to explore and admire without breaking the bank.\nWhile some of the most famous observatories, such as Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, or Skytree, might be a bit pricey, there are other spots where you can feast your eyes on the urban jungle without spending a dime. One popular choice is the observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, located in the bustling Shinjuku district. In fact, there are two observatories—one to the north and another to the south—with separate entrances.\nThe Tokyo Metropolitan Building has two observatories with free entrance. Photo: ©JNTO.\nTravel Tip: When planning a visit to the Government building, it\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to check the opening hours (typically from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and closing days, and be prepared for potentially long wait times.\nAnother option is the Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., it offers a splendid view of the illuminated Tokyo Skytree at night. For sunset and evening views, Toyosu Gururi Park is a treat, as well as Odaiba Maritime Park, with vast open grassy areas for leisurely strolls, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, and the Rainbow Bridge in the background.\nTo take a break after shopping, or just to visit a free terrace, the Shibuya Parco building -where the Nintendo and Pokémon stores are located- is a great idea. Similar alternatives are the Takashimaya Shinjuku department store building, with three floors of gardens and restaurants, especially the White Garden on the 13th floor; and the modern building of the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya shopping center, in Yurakucho, with large windows and a terrace with magnificent views of Hibiya Park.\nOne of the charms of Tokyo is the prevalence of temples scattered throughout the city. The most popular among tourists is the Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa area, which can be visited entirely for free. Similarly, the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya, the Zojoji Temple in the Minato district, the Kanda Myojin Shrine in Akihabara, the Suitengo Shrine in the Nihonbashi area, and many more welcome visitors without charging any entrance fees.\nSensoji Temple is popular among Japanese and foreign tourists.\nThe East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are open to the public generally from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., except Mondays and Fridays, depending on the time of the year. In addition, admission is free. There are also free tours to some of the areas adjacent to the palace, with prior reservation. These tours have limited spots and take place at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.\nThe East Gardens of the Imperial Palace can be visited for free. Photo: ©JNTO.\nShopping Tokyo is a shopping paradise. With a variety of malls, department stores, specialty shops, all kinds of businesses, and even second-hand and recycling stores, the options are varied in both style and price.\nAmong the whole range of stores we saw, the ones that caught our attention the most were the \u0026ldquo;megastores,\u0026rdquo; premises extending upwards and occupying several floors, offering everything imaginable.\nSome of the most popular megastores are the discount store chain Don Quijote, and the electronics stores Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera, especially those located in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara.\nThere are many \u0026ldquo;mega\u0026rdquo; Don Quijotes around Tokyo\u0026rsquo;s busiest neighborhoods.\nDon Quijote is not a bookstore and has nothing to do with the Spanish \u0026ldquo;knight of the sad figure.\u0026rdquo; Its logo is a penguin and its product offering is as random as its name. And that\u0026rsquo;s because there you can find a floor of groceries, drinks, and souvenirs, another floor of beauty and home items, as well as other floors of appliances, sports items, camping, fishing, famous brands and designers, varied clothing, shoes, stationery, children\u0026rsquo;s and even adult toys (18+), as well as the inevitable manga merchandise and other characters from Japanese popular culture. The striking thing is that everything is overloaded, that is, there is so much to see that one cannot help but leave the place feeling dizzy.\nBoth Yodobashi and Bic Camera have a style similar to that of Don Quijote, but focus more on electronic items and, of course, cameras of all kinds.\nBic Camera is an electronics shopping paradise.\nSaving Tip: These and other stores offer tax-free purchases for tourists starting at 5000 yen. You just have to look for the cash registers set up for this and present your passport.\nAlthough Don Quijote is famous for offering low prices, this is not always the case. For example, KitKat packs can sometimes be found cheaper in supermarkets like Seiyu and even in pharmacies or beauty stores (in Japan you never know what you can find in a store!). We also found KitKat for sale at a convenience store near the entrance of Haneda Airport. However, the advantage of Don Quijote is the variety of KitKat it has, including flavors inspired by Japanese specialties such as \u0026ldquo;royal milk tea\u0026rdquo;, matcha green tea, and the traditional sake.\nOrange-flavored KitKat are delicious!\nSaving Tip: Look for the containers of products with big discounts in Don Quijote. For example, in Osaka, we found a variety of Japan souvenirs on clearance for just 10 yen!\nKnown for its cheap prices, Daiso is a popular shopping choice in Japan. This chain resembles American dollar stores, which are becoming rare in the U.S; even Dollar Tree now sells products from $1.25. Daiso\u0026rsquo;s business model is to offer a variety of items starting at just 100 yen, which would be approximately 75 cents, depending on the current exchange rate. In its aisles, which extend over several floors in the largest premises, you can find accessories, jewelry, beauty products, household cleaning products, kitchen items, decorations, footwear, groceries, stationery, useful umbrellas for the frequent rain in Japan, and even novel or quite particular products such as disposable underwear! Some of the largest stores, and therefore with the most variety, are those in Shibuya, Harajuku, and Kinshicho.\nThe good news is that Daiso has an online store and stores in some U.S. states like New York, California, Texas, and Washington. The bad news is that the prices are not as low as in Japan.\nFor those interested in manga books, comics, and video games, a store that cannot be missed is BookOff. Most of these stores have an extensive collection of books (mostly in Japanese), CDs, DVDs, and pre-owned video consoles and games, at reduced prices. However, this is not a donated items store with charitable purposes like \u0026ldquo;thrift shops,\u0026rdquo; but rather a place where people can get some money in exchange for their items. Both in the larger neighborhoods and in the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Tokyo (and other Japanese cities), you can find different BookOff stores, such as BookOff Plus and BookOff Super Bazaar. The latter is larger and has a variety of items such as clothing, shoes, bags, appliances, musical instruments and even designer brands.\nBookOff is a treasure hunt for manga and anime fans.\nSaving Tip: Stores located outside the more touristic areas, like Akihabara and Shinjuku, generally have more items and better prices.\nWhen looking for souvenirs to remember your precious trip to \u0026ldquo;Nippon\u0026rdquo;, the options range from street stalls to stores specializing in delicate Japanese crafts. In addition to the already mentioned Don Quijote and Daiso, other good alternatives are stores such as Can-Do (where almost everything costs 100 yen), Hands (with a variety of stickers or decals, stationery and household items), Loft (also with a fantastic selection of stationery and accessories), Akomeya Tokyo (not so cheap, but with an excellent variety of Japanese food, household and gift items) and Nakano Broadway (for those interested in anime and manga products).\nSaving Tip: Look for clearance tags in Loft. For example, we found umbrellas with Japanese designs at a 75% discount on a rainy day!\nIn the vicinity of the Sensoji temple, in Asakusa, is the Nakamise shopping street, where you can find not only all kinds of food but also typical Tokyo souvenirs. However, with so many vendors, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the range of prices, so it is recommended to compare the different options.\nMuseum shops, like the one at the Meiji Jingu, sell a variety of souvenirs ranging from small keychains to fine handcrafted pieces. Although the prices are not as cheap as in some of the previously mentioned places, the items are very beautiful and of high quality. Food There is no shortage of eating choices in Tokyo! Of course, Japanese food prevails, unsurprisingly, but American fast-food chains are dotted across the city as well. So, if you don\u0026rsquo;t like the local options, you can visit McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Starbucks, etc.\nInternational and local fast-food chains are everywhere in Tokyo.\nThere are also Japanese fast-food chains like Mos Burger and Sukiya, with good menu options at affordable prices. At Mos Burger, we tried the burger topped with delicious Hokkaido cheese. The burger was tasty, but there can be differences from one location to another. For example, the one we ate in Osaka was much better than the one we had in Shibuya (although it could be that the Shibuya location was closing when we ordered our burgers, so perhaps they were prepared in a rush).\nAs for Sukiya, we visited the one in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo’s “bohemian” neighborhood which seemed more affordable for eating than for buying vintage clothes. In that location, we tried gyudon, a bowl of rice topped with sliced beef and other options (we chose the three-cheese topping). It was very good both in taste and value, as the serving size is generous.\nA nice bowl of three-cheese topped gyudon and miso soup at Sukiya.\nSaving Tip: Take advantage of the free water and green tea at Sukiya locations.\nRamen at Ichiran is a must!\nOther cheap eats in Tokyo include Ichiran (ramen!), Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (Japanese-style curry; also available in the U.S.), GoGo Curry (a curry franchise with some locations in the U.S.), Gindaco (takoyaki), Matsuya (Japanese fast-food chain), Sushiro (100 yen sushi), Kura Sushi (another 100 yen sushi), Wakaba and Naruto Taiyaki(fish-shaped pastry).\nGenerally, one of the best ways to save on food is to purchase ingredients at a supermarket and prepare your meals. This strategy, however, depends on the type of accommodation chosen and whether you have access to a kitchen. Let\u0026rsquo;s be real: after a day of wandering around Tokyo—up and down countless stairs, enduring packed subway rides, and navigating the city on sore feet—the last thing anyone wants to do is cook. A practical solution? Opt for pre-made meals that only require a quick heating in the microwave. Many hotels, including the budget ones we stayed at, provide microwaves in the lobby for guests.\nSaving Tip: Some supermarkets slash prices on takeaway meals before closing time. We snagged deals with discounts as steep as 50% on everything from sandwiches to bento boxes!\nNow, honestly, our go-to-places, especially during late-night hunger attacks, were convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson. They really live up to their name. Unlike 7-Elevens elsewhere, their Japanese counterparts offer a great assortment of food, both ready-to-eat and those that require some prep. You’ll discover sandwiches of all kinds -including quirky varieties like whipped cream or whipped cream and fruit (yes, sweet sandwiches!). There is also an array of pastries, soups, drinks, desserts, and so on, all reasonably priced. Family Mart and Lawson offer a similar options.\nYou can have a feast with the variety of sandwiches from 7-Eleven.\nWe can’t fail to mention the iconic Don Quijote (don, don, don, Donki!). This store is a treasure trove of snacks and drinks, all at affordable prices. Its popularity is undeniable, especially in bustling areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Navigating the store’s cramped aisles, packed with merchandise and shoppers, requires a bit of patience. If you’ve loaded your basket with unique-to-Japan Kit Kat flavors, and your bill is likely to exceed 5000 yen, remember to request the tax-free benefit. A heads-up: Tokyo’s sales tax stands at 10%.\nForgot to buy a drink? Fear not. Tokyo, and Japan in general, is packed with vending machines. Some streets even have multiple vending machines! They not only accept coins, but some are also set up for credit card and IC card (such as Suica) payments. From cold beverages (including alcohol) to hot coffee, tea, and chocolate, the selection is vast. What is truly amazing? Their prices! Unlike vending machines in the U.S., where prices are often high, those in Japan offer items at low cost -a real win for thrifty travelers.\nTokyo\u0026rsquo;s streets are dotted with vending machines. Photo by ayumi kubo on Unsplash.\nFor the food aficionados with deeper pockets, Tokyo is a culinary paradise. Japan\u0026rsquo;s capital boasts more Michelin-starred establishments than any other city in the world. However, as we here at Saving Adventures are focused on frugal travel, fancy restaurants as well as Tokyo\u0026rsquo;s great rooftop bars are way beyond our budget! Maybe with a discount coupon?\nIn Summary The bustling city can be surprisingly budget-friendly.\nTokyo is a destination that may seem expensive, but it doesn\u0026rsquo;t have to be that way. With a variety of affordable accommodations, great public transportation, cheap eats, discount shopping, and free attractions, Japan\u0026rsquo;s capital has something special for every budget.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/tokyo-on-a-budget/","summary":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/tokyo-on-a-budget/IMG_0912-Copy-EDIT_edit-1_hu_c9de07ef00d15245.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"732\"\n       alt=\"\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTokyo is a big city! Every corner is an adventure.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat can be said about Tokyo that hasn\u0026rsquo;t been said before? It\u0026rsquo;s one of the largest and most populated metropolises in the world. And this is obvious when walking its streets and crowded subway stations, where during peak hours you can see swarms of people coming and going, with hurried steps, no time to lose. For the tourist not accustomed to this hustle and bustle, it\u0026rsquo;s quite an adventure trying to go with the flow while checking Google Maps to find your way, or which exit to take, as getting lost in the larger stations is quite likely.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Affordable Adventures: Exploring Tokyo on a Budget"},{"content":"When it comes to saving, any kind of discount is welcome! Of course, this philosophy also applies to the world of travel.\nDid you know that many airlines offer special discounts for groups like children, students, senior citizens, and military personnel?\nHere is a list of airlines that provide these special rates. Keep this information handy when you are booking flights, especially if someone in your party qualifies for these discounts.\nDomestic Airlines Offering Discounts American Airlines American Airlines offers military benefits not only on fares but also on vacations, bags, and priority boarding.\nDelta Active-duty U.S. military members can get free checked bags and special discounts on pet travel and Delta Vacations. They also offer an option to save on medical emergency flights for war-injured immediate family members or domestic partners.\nUnited 5% discount on the base fare for students 18 to 23 years old (available until December 31, 2023, only through the United app), and 5% for veterans and military personnel (all fares except Basic Economy).\nUnited offers senior discounts on some flights, which can be found when booking tickets and selecting “Senior 65+”\nSouthwest Special U.S. active-duty military and government fares (not available on Southwest.com), priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.\nJetBlue Discount of 5% on the base fare for active-duty and retired military personnel, veterans, National Guard and Reserve, and their families through the Veterans Advantage program.\nJetBlue U.K. Student discount of up to 20% on Core (economy) and Mint (Business) fares, as well as additional checked baggage allowance.\nMust be booked through the following JetBlue’s preferred travel agencies: Trailfinders, Student Universe, and Southall Travel.\nAlaska Airlines Special discounts on the base fare for U.S. military personnel and their families. Other benefits include complimentary day passes for U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on an Alaska flight, 15% discounts on in-flight snacks, up to 5 free checked bags, priority boarding, and free travel for trained service animals.\nMembers of the Veterans Advantage rewards program can save 5% off base fares and receive extra discounts from over 350 merchants.\nHawaiian Airlines Veterans Advantage rewards members can receive 5% off the base fare when flying round trip from the U.S. Mainland to the Hawaiian islands, as well as on flights between an international city and Hawaii.\nInternational Airlines Offering Discounts Air Canada Students in Canada can save with the airline’s Student Flight Pass. Special child fares for travelers under 12 on international flights.\nMembers of the U.S. and Canadian military can get up to 3 checked bags (32 kg/70 lb each).\nBritish Airways AARP members can save $65 off in economy Standard and premium economy fares, and $200 off in business class. Offer valid until January 31, 2024.\nAir France Students receive promotional fares on selected destinations, plus up to 2 free checked bags (23 kg/50.7 lb.). Proof of student status is required.\nLufthansa Veterans Advantage members can save up to a 5% discount on base fare on Lufthansa-operated flights purchased on the airline’s website.\nStudents get special discounts on flights (student status verification required) and other benefits like one free checked bag as well as options to rebook and refund.\nKLM Children between 2 and 11 years old automatically get a reduced ticket price. According to KLM’s Canadian site, students can get special discounts on fares, flexibility to cancel or request a refund (minus a EUR 200 fee), and an extra checked bag.\nEmirates Students can save 10% on the base fare in Economy class and 5% in Business Class on selected fare categories. Student status verification is required.\nInfants and children up to 11 years old receive discounted fares.\nQatar Airways Students can get exclusive discounts and benefits by joining the airline’s Student Club. Besides savings on fares, students can have complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, companion passes, additional baggage allowance, and flexibility to change flights.\nThe airline offers special fares for infants and children up to 5 years old.\nTurkish Airlines By joining the airline’s Miles\u0026amp;Smiles program, students have access not only to discounts on flights (up to 20% off) but also to extra baggage allowance, a one-time free ticket change, welcome miles, and 25% more miles earned on flights.\nChildren 2-12 get discounts on domestic (10%) and international flights (15% depending on fare rules) and extra benefits, such as 2,000 welcome miles, as members of the airline’s High Five Club.\nIberia Students and young people under 30 years old can join the Iberia Joven program to access exclusive discounts on flights and other benefits.\nChildren between 2 and 11 years old can get discounts depending on the fare and destination.\nTAP Portugal Special fares for infants and children up to 11 years old.\nCopa Airlines Special discounts for students and senior citizens are available by contacting their Call Center or visiting one of their sales offices.\nAvianca Special discounts for infants and children up to 11 years old. The percentage varies depending on the destination, but in general, there is a 25% discount in Economy class for infants and children with assigned seats and a 90% discount for infants without an assigned seat.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/airlines-student-children-military-senior-discounts/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to saving, any kind of discount is welcome! Of course, this philosophy also applies to the world of travel.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid you know that many airlines offer special discounts for groups like children, students, senior citizens, and military personnel?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a list of airlines that provide these special rates. Keep this information handy when you are booking flights, especially if someone in your party qualifies for these discounts.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Airlines Offering Student, Children, Senior, or Military discounts"},{"content":"With rent prices soaring, the beginning of every month can be a real pain when it\u0026rsquo;s time to pay up. That\u0026rsquo;s where the Bilt Rewards* program steps in, a financial service that\u0026rsquo;s gaining traction thanks to its awesome first-of-the-month deals and other perks. By paying rent through Bilt Rewards, you can stack up points that you be transferred to several airlines and hotels, putting them toward flights or stays.\nThere are two basic ways to earn points on your rent. One, by living in a property linked to the Bilt Rewards Alliance, meaning you pay via Bilt\u0026rsquo;s platform. The other option is using the Bilt Mastercard to pay your rent. This is great for those living in places accepting credit cards as forms of payment. Usually, credit card payments charge an extra 2-3%, increasing your already hefty rent. But here is the deal: Bilt Mastercard refunds that fee, so you can save some cash. Therefore, instead of paying from your bank account or with cash, check, or any other no-fee method, you can use the Bilt card, pay the same amount, and gather points simultaneously.\nImagine this: if you are spending around $1,500 monthly, you would have 18,000 points accumulated in a year. And with Bilt\u0026rsquo;s frequent promotions, those points might even get a boost when transferring to partner companies. Recently, Bilt’s Rent Day promotion gave a whopping 100% bonus for points transferred to the Flying Blue program of Air France and KLM. That means your points are worth double! For hotel enthusiasts, both IHG and Hyatt are part of the points transfer program.\nCredit: Wells Fargo\nFor those who have the Bilt Mastercard, Rent Day promotions offer even more benefits. Think 6x points on dining, 4x on travel, and 2x on anything else other than rent. For example, if you wait until the first day of the month to make a purchase on one of the featured categories with your Bilt card, your points will multiply. For instance, a $200 shopping spree would get you 400 points, while a $100 fancy dinner racks up 600 points. Each month brings different promos, and they are typically announced on both Bilt\u0026rsquo;s website and mobile app beforehand.\nLet\u0026rsquo;s break down the perks:\nUse your earned points to book flights and stays via Bilt\u0026rsquo;s travel portal, giving you access to over 100 airlines and hotels.\nYou can also use those points to pay your rent or even save for a down payment.\nApart from travel and housing, you can cash in your points for fitness classes, specially curated art catalog items, decor, and clothing.\nPayments get reported to credit monitoring agencies, which can boost your credit score.\nThe Bilt Mastercard has no annual fee and lets you earn points on rent, double points on travel, and triple points on dining. All other categories get 1 point per dollar, except during promotional periods like Rent Day when points may increase.\nSo, if you have to pay rent anyway, why not take advantage of Bilt Rewards, rack up those points, and make that dream trip a reality?\n*The Bilt Rewards program is offered only to legal residents of the United States.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/pay-rent-and-travel-bilt/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eWith rent prices soaring, the beginning of every month can be a real pain when it\u0026rsquo;s time to pay up. That\u0026rsquo;s where the Bilt Rewards* program steps in, a financial service that\u0026rsquo;s gaining traction thanks to its awesome first-of-the-month deals and other perks. By paying rent through \u003ca href=\"https://www.biltrewards.com/\"\u003eBilt Rewards\u003c/a\u003e, you can stack up points that you be transferred to several airlines and hotels, putting them toward flights or stays.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/pay-rent-and-travel-bilt/IMG_1051_edit-e1691443399492_hu_f5bf0f29ffbae50d.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"1483\"\n       alt=\"\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two basic ways to earn points on your rent. One, by living in a property linked to the Bilt Rewards Alliance, meaning you pay via Bilt\u0026rsquo;s platform. The other option is using the \u003ca href=\"https://bilt.page/r/O3LS-9MIR\"\u003eBilt Mastercard\u003c/a\u003e to pay your rent. This is great for those living in places accepting credit cards as forms of payment. Usually, credit card payments charge an extra 2-3%, increasing your already hefty rent. But here is the deal: \u003ca href=\"https://bilt.page/r/O3LS-9MIR\"\u003eBilt Mastercard\u003c/a\u003e refunds that fee, so you can save some cash. Therefore, instead of paying from your bank account or with cash, check, or any other no-fee method, you can use the Bilt card, pay the same amount, and gather points simultaneously.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Travel by paying your rent with Bilt Rewards"},{"content":"If you are daydreaming about that long-awaited European getaway, but don\u0026rsquo;t have the cash to turn it into reality, one option that can help you get there is a credit card with a good welcome bonus.\nSo, how do you start traveling with miles and points? Every journey starts somewhere, and the journey to saving on travel using miles and points starts by getting those miles and points.\nWell, the fastest way to earn a significant amount of miles and points at once is by signing up for credit cards, which offer generous welcome bonuses to earn your business.\nThis is how I timidly began to accumulate points with my first card, the Capital One VentureOne card. Even though I now realize that the welcome offer wasn\u0026rsquo;t the best, since it only offered 20,000 points at that time, which is equivalent to $200.\nWhat I didn\u0026rsquo;t know back then was that the points could be better utilized by transferring them to airlines’ frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs.\nPlus, credit cards periodically offer promotions with bonuses to stretch the value of your points even more. For example, a 30% bonus when transferring points to the FlyingBlue program of AirFrance and KLM. In this case, instead of a 1:1 ratio, points transfer at a 1:3 value, so 10,000 points would become 13,000 points.\nThe FlyingBlue program has various promotional destinations each month, reducing the percentage of points needed for each ticket purchased with points.\nThe idea here is that by accumulating points obtained with credit card welcome offers, you can access a plethora of travel options around the world almost for free.\nFlights or hotel stays aren\u0026rsquo;t entirely free simply because taxes and additional fees are not included. Even so, there\u0026rsquo;s a huge difference between paying 800 dollars for a round trip to Tokyo, Japan, and 70,000 points on Delta with only $56 in taxes!\nWhere to start Capital One Capital One credit cards are good options for beginners since you can check if you would be approved before filling out the application. This is good because the inquiry will not affect your credit score.\nHowever, if you decide to go ahead and apply, Capital One will check your credit just like any other credit card application.\nThe Capital One VentureOne doesn\u0026rsquo;t charge an annual fee and offers 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase.\nFor more benefits, you can upgrade to the Capital One Venture X, which has an annual fee of $395 but offers a $300 travel credit, which can be used for flight or hotel expenses booked through the card\u0026rsquo;s portal.\nOther benefits that justify the annual fee include a $100 credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application, and unlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges at various airports worldwide.\nCheck out all the benefits and the current welcome offer for the Capital One Venture X here.\nChase Another bank offering good credit cards with travel perks is Chase. In fact, many points and miles websites recommend starting with a Chase card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.\nThe reason is the bank\u0026rsquo;s 5/24 rule, which limits the number of credit cards an individual can have to be approved for a Chase card. This means if someone has obtained more than five credit cards in the past 2 years, from any bank, they won\u0026rsquo;t be approved for a Chase card.\nThis limit could be an inconvenience because Chase has an attractive portfolio of credit cards for accumulating travel points, including airline cards like United and Southwest and hotel chains like Marriott.\nThe Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good beginner credit card since it has a low annual fee ($95), good welcome bonuses, great airline and hotel partners, and other perks such as a $50 hotel credit every anniversary.\nCheck out all the benefits and the current welcome offer of Chase credit cards here.\nAmerican Express Having an American Express card in your wallet opens up a lot of possibilities for accumulating travel points.\nThis multinational financial company offers a variety of credit cards, from the simplest with no annual fee to the most prestigious like the Platinum with a $695 annual fee.\nTo justify its high annual fee, the Platinum offers a long list of benefits, including:\n$200 credit for a chosen airline\n$100 credit for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases\n$240 credit for subscription services (The New York Times, Disney Plus, Walmart Plus, etc.)\n$25 monthly credit on Uber\n$100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry\nunlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges and others\naccess to the American Express Centurion Lounge\nThe best time to make the most of this card is to wait for the highest bonus, which is advertised from time to time. Currently, the welcome bonus is 80,000 points with the condition of spending 6,000 dollars in the first six months.\nDepending on everyone\u0026rsquo;s budget, spending that amount in that time might be challenging. The good thing is payments like phone bills, energy, water, car insurance, college tuition, and even rent can be made with the card and count towards earning the welcome points.\nContinuing with the American Express family, a more economical option is the Green Card ($150 annual fee), which currently offers 60,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months of account opening, as well as 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during the first 6 months.\nAnother one is the Gold, ($250 annual fee), which comes with 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.\nIt was precisely thanks to the points from the American Express cards that we could travel to Japan and South Korea! (And we still had points left for other trips).\nCheck out all the benefits of the American Express credit cards here.\nUnited Airlines If you\u0026rsquo;re looking for a credit card to easily earn airline miles, plus benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding, virtually all airlines offer credit cards.\nFor example, United Airlines, in partnership with Chase, has cards that range from the simplest, with no annual fee, to the most luxurious, with a high annual fee, but with more benefits.\nBest of all, each card comes with bonus miles that you can use to book flights on United\u0026rsquo;s extensive global network. Learn more here.\nDo you pay rent? Check out the Bilt Rewards program to earn points and travel!\nTake care of your credit When using travel rewards credit cards, it\u0026rsquo;s essential to prioritize financial responsibility. It\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to always pay your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges and maintain a good credit history.\nLikewise, it is essential to stay within your budget to avoid taking on unnecessary debt. Another important point is to be strategic when applying for new cards, since multiple applications in a short time could impact your credit score.\nIn Summary The good: Credit cards with welcome promotions are a great option to accumulate points quickly and use them for trips. Some cards don\u0026rsquo;t require an annual fee, or the fee is reasonable, and offer introductory periods of 0% APR.\nTravel-focused cards have benefits like a $100 credit for services such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, as well as airport lounge memberships, including Priority Pass.\nThe bad: Most cards that offer welcome promotions require a specific amount to be spent in a set time (e.g., $3,000 in the first 3 months of account opening) to obtain the bonus points or miles.\nA good to excellent credit score is necessary for approval since companies or banks check credit history when applying. Interest rates are generally quite high, so paying the full balance every month is advisable to avoid extra charges.\nWith a good card management plan, you could be jet-setting in no time without breaking the bank!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/starting-with-travel-credit-cards/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are daydreaming about that long-awaited European getaway, but don\u0026rsquo;t have the cash to turn it into reality, one option that can help you get there is a credit card with a good welcome bonus.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, how do you start traveling with miles and points? Every journey starts somewhere, and the journey to saving on travel using miles and points starts by getting those miles and points.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell, the fastest way to earn a significant amount of miles and points at once is by signing up for credit cards, which offer generous welcome bonuses to earn your business.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Starting with Travel Credit Cards"},{"content":"","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/contact-us/","summary":"","title":"Contact Us"},{"content":"To cover the costs of running this Website, we may participate in third-party affiliate programs. Therefore, we may receive a small commission when you use one of our links, at no extra cost to you.\nThe Website may also contain different forms of advertising and sponsorship. However, the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of their respective authors.\nAny product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.\nIf you any any questions about this Disclosure Policy, please contact us here.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/disclosure-policy/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eTo cover the costs of running this Website, we may participate in third-party affiliate programs. Therefore, we may receive a small commission when you use one of our links, at no extra cost to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Website may also contain different forms of advertising and sponsorship. However, the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of their respective authors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Disclosure Policy"},{"content":"Effective Date: July 29, 2023\nAcceptance of Terms\nBy accessing and using www.savingadventures.com (\u0026ldquo;Website\u0026rdquo;), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use (\u0026ldquo;Terms\u0026rdquo;), all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not wish to agree with any of these Terms, you may not access or use this site.\nContent\nAll content provided on this Website is for informational or entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, or legal or tax professional. 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It is your responsibility to check our Website periodically for changes.\nContact\nIf you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us through this form.\nWebsite: savingadventures.com\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/terms-of-use/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eEffective Date: July 29, 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcceptance of Terms\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy accessing and using \u003ca href=\"https://www.savingadventures.com\"\u003ewww.savingadventures.com\u003c/a\u003e (\u0026ldquo;Website\u0026rdquo;), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use (\u0026ldquo;Terms\u0026rdquo;), all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not wish to agree with any of these Terms, you may not access or use this site.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContent\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll content provided on this Website is for informational or entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, or legal or tax professional. Articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Terms of Use"},{"content":"Have you ever wondered why the price of that airfare, train ticket, or hotel room keeps changing every time you search online? Well, it is most likely because of dynamic pricing, a price adjustment strategy used by the travel industry -and other businesses- to maximize profits.\nMore and more companies are switching to dynamic pricing, which can be good or bad for our wallets depending on low or high demand. From concerts (remember Taylor Swift’s Ticketmaster fiasco?) to Uber rides and even movie theaters, this ever-changing pricing strategy is expanding like the plague to eat out our budgets.\nWe can’t control the algorithms, but we can become savvy consumers by learning how to avoid paying those highest prices if we don’t have to.\nWhat is dynamic pricing? Dynamic pricing, also known as demand-based or time-based pricing, is a strategy used by many businesses with the purpose of getting as much money as possible from a product or service based on factors such as supply and demand. Basically, the more popular or sought-after a product or service is, the more it will cost you.\nUnfortunately, this system makes it harder to predict prices, which in turn makes it more difficult to set up a fixed budget for our dream vacation. Sure, you can have a set budget, but with dynamic pricing, you may have to take some things off your list if the prices exceed your initial calculations.\nAirlines have been using dynamic pricing for a long time, and hotels have been getting on board. Although you can still find hotels that publish a list of fixed prices per night, more and more chains have been switching their methods of advertising their rooms and services in order to obtain greater profits.\nThis can also be seen on high-speed trains in Europe, where ticket prices are not fixed and can fluctuate from day to day and even from hour to hour, depending on demand. To guarantee paying the lowest price, travelers should try to grab those tickets as soon as they become available in the booking system.\nUber explains that its dynamic pricing system can cause a temporary increase of your trip cost since the rates will go up based on variables such as distance, traffic, and “rider-to-driver” demand. That means, if there are more riders and drivers, the competition to get a ride will drive prices up. The “hot” hours, according to Uber, are usually on the weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights; rush hour (after a typical workday), and during big events and festivals. So, the best way to save on an Uber ride is by avoiding these “peak” hours.\nIt pays to be popular Businesses see an opportunity to profit if their service or product is in high demand. They can charge premium prices for their best sellers, and as long as this method keeps raking up profits, there is no slowing in sight. From a business point of view, this makes perfect sense because businesses need to make money to stay in business, right? And the travel industry is no exception.\nSo, what are some factors that influence the dynamic change in prices? The number one is demand. The more popular a destination (including flights, hotels, car rentals, and other services), the higher the demand, which translates to a price hike. However, on the flip side, when demand is low, consumer wallets can also take a break.\nOther variables are time of booking, seasonality, competition, customer segmentation, and event calendars.\nBooking way in advance versus last-minute can have a significant difference in price. There is always advisable to book your trip with weeks or even months of anticipation; although, in some cases, great deals can show up closer to your travel departure. For instance, we book two tickets from Orlando to Minneapolis for $159 each on Southwest more than a month before our departure date. However, my cheap self kept checking prices almost every day until I found that the fare went down to $129 for the exact same flight. Luckily, one of the great things about Southwest is that it allows changes without a penalty; therefore, I ended up saving $60 in total on those tickets.\nIt is not surprising that the travel industry is highly seasonal. Holidays, school breaks, and peak seasons will cost more due to increased demand. Holidays, school breaks, and peak seasons will -obviously- cost more due to increased demand. Common sense tells us that, in order to save we should avoid traveling during these times, unless we don’t mind (or can’t avoid) paying higher prices. However, we should not lose faith as it is possible to find a bargain if our plans are flexible. For example, I was able to find great deals by traveling on Thanksgiving Day, July 4th, and New Year’s Eve, since prices can go down if demand is low.\nCompetition is good if that helps bring prices down. Companies constantly monitor their competitors’ prices, which can influence how they determine what they can charge. So, it is not a coincidence that Frontier and Spirit prices are almost always similar.\nDynamic pricing allows businesses attract and retain customers by offering personalized pricing based on customer segmentation. Members of loyalty programs or user of company credit cards may receive targeted incentives and promotions. You can start by signing up for airlines, hotels, or car rental membership programs, which are usually free to join.\nIt is expected that large events such as sport tournaments, conferences, or festivals will attract large crowds, which can increase demand for travel services in a given destination. For example, avoid traveling to a city that is hosting the NFL Super Bowl that week, if you don’t want to pay 5-star-hotel prices for even a cheap motel next to a highway (or in the suburbs?).\nUsing the system in our favor Okay. Now that we have a basic understanding of what dynamic pricing is and some factors that help drive prices up or down, it is time to focus on tips to use the system to our favor and maximize our savings.\nBook early: We constantly hear and read about the benefits of booking your travel as early as possible, which will result in more savings overall -in most cases. Since dynamic pricing is based on demand, prices can drop closer to departure date if there is still a good number of unsold seats. In this situation, the best strategy would be to book your flight with a price drop protection guarantee program, which will pay you the difference, or price freeze service that will do exactly that, freeze the fare price (usually for a fee) to keep that option available for some time if you are not yet ready to commit to buying it.\nBook last minute: Sometimes the best deals are for those who wait. However, it is implied that this is not always the best strategy if your travel plans are not flexible. Thanks to dynamic pricing, those unsold seats can mean huge savings for you. So, don’t lose hope and keep refreshing your flight search!\nUse fare alerts: Also thanks to dynamic pricing, airfares can fluctuate daily and even by the hour, which makes it difficult to keep up with all the changes on that ticket you want to book. A better and more efficient way to stay informed about price changes is by setting up fare alerts offered by travel sites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Airfarewatchdog, and apps like Hopper. If you have a Capital One credit card that offers access to its travel portal, there you can also set fare alerts to be notified about when is a good time to book that ticket.\nAfter you enter your travel info, including desired routes, dates, preferred departure airport, etc., the fare alert tool will notify you (usually via email) when prices drop for flights you are interested in. Keep in mind that, due to dynamic pricing, those lower fares might not be available for a long time, so you should book it as soon as you can if you find that it is a great deal.\nCompare prices: Even if you are a big fan of Google Flights or Skyscanner, you should be curious about what prices are showing up on other platforms, including airline official websites. For example, Southwest fares are only available on its site; therefore, you could miss a great deal if you are looking exclusively on travel search engines.\nIn Summary The bottom line is that the dynamic pricing system is expanding not only in the travel industry but also in other sectors such as entertainment and sporting events. The fluctuation in prices makes it hard for consumers to keep up with the constant changes and set up a budget beforehand. However, as prices go up, they can also go down, and this is where we can take advantage of the system to save big time, armed with the right tools and a bit of persistence.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/dynamic-pricing/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eHave you ever wondered why the price of that airfare, train ticket, or hotel room keeps changing every time you search online? Well, it is most likely because of dynamic pricing, a price adjustment strategy used by the travel industry -and other businesses- to maximize profits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore and more companies are switching to dynamic pricing, which can be good or bad for our wallets depending on low or high demand. From concerts (remember \u003ca href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/19/tickets-transparency-taylor-swift-bill-massachusetts\"\u003eTaylor Swift’s Ticketmaster fiasco\u003c/a\u003e?) to Uber rides and even movie theaters, this ever-changing pricing strategy is expanding like the plague to eat out our budgets.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Uncontrollable prices? Blame dynamic pricing!"},{"content":"When it comes to scoring the best deals on airfare, flexibility can make all the difference. By being flexible on your travel plans, you open up a world of opportunities to find lower fares to your favorite destinations, or maybe discover new ones that you may have never thought of before.\nHere are 9 simple ways to save money when looking for your next flight.\nBook in Advance Plan your travel in advance and book your flights early. Prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches; therefore, buying your tickets several weeks or even months in advance can help you get the lower fares.\nGenerally, domestic flights tend to be cheaper 3 to 4 weeks before departure, while for international destinations it is recommended to book between 3 to 6 months in advance.\nHowever, this does not mean that you would not be able to find any good deals outside these time periods.\nAirfare has become very unpredictable with the introduction of dynamicpricing, where ticket prices can fluctuate based on different factors such as low/high demand, peak/off-peak season, holiday weeks or weekends, vacation time, or number of saver fares made available by airlines.\nGoogle Flights\u0026rsquo; price history is a handy tool to plan your trip.\nSometimes, it is possible to find amazing last-minute deals, but this is more the exception than the rule. So, how to know what is a good price for a specific destination? Travel search engines such as Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner can show a price history for a specific flight from point A to point B. This useful resource can give you an idea of how prices can fluctuate, many times without any logic.\nSaving Tip: Some travel search engines such as Google Flights and Capital One Travel offer price-drop guarantee or protection. If the fare drops after booking based on their recommendation, they will refund you the difference.\nFlexible Travel Dates There is a general consensus that the cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, leaving weekends and even Mondays as more expensive days.\nOther factors that play a role in finding lower fares include traveling during off-peak or shoulder seasons, and flying early morning or late night, which tend to be more economical (although sometimes inconvenient).\nSaving Tip: Consider flying on a holiday such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year\u0026rsquo;s Eve (we saved a lot by returning to the U.S. from Brazil on December 31). Since most people would want to travel before or after these days, airlines may lower the fares instead of having empty seats.\nCompare prices Luckily, there is a wide variety of fare comparison websites or apps these days. Some of the most popular ones are:\nGoogle Flights Google Flights is by far the most popular flight search engine. It offers a variety of options to find the cheapest prices both for a specific date or flexible dates (per month or the next six months). The results can be filtered by airline alliances, price, stops, etc.\nImage: Google Flights.\nA handy tool is the price history, which allows you to see the fluctuation in the cost of a particular ticket. This can serve as a reference to know if the available offer is good or could be lower.\nGoogle recently introduced a price guarantee program, still limited, offering to pay the difference if the price of an eligible ticket drops further after it is purchased.\nSkyscanner Another favorite of thrifty travelers. Skyscanner is known for its clean and simple interface to find cheap flights from a specific city to “Everywhere” in the world.\nImage: skyscanner.com.\nIt has options to create flight alerts to track prices as well as to filter results by departure times and airlines. The latter can be very handy when looking for fares on specific airlines, unlike Google Flights, which only offers the option of choosing between airline alliances.\nMomondo As part of Booking Holdings Inc., Momondo comes with multiple features to look for the best prices not only on flights but also on hotels, trains and buses, rental cars, and vacation packages.\nImage: Momondo\u0026rsquo;s low fare chart.\nIt has an attractive and colorful interface as well as multiple filter tools to customize your search. For example, when clicking to choose a date, a calendar with different colors pops up, where green indicates the lowest prices, yellow mid-prices, and red high prices.\nAnother great feature is the \u0026ldquo;Flight Insights,\u0026rdquo; (available for some routes) with tips on cheapest times to fly and best booking options, among other interesting information.\nKayak It\u0026rsquo;s no coincidence that Kayak and Momondo have a similar interface, as both travel search engines are owned by Booking Holdings. However, Kayak comes with additional features, such as the option to book some flights directly on the site.\nImage: kayak.com.\nAnother handy feature is the “Flight Hacker Guide,” with suggestions on how to save on multi-city flights by combining different airlines.\nA very useful filter is that of \u0026ldquo;Booking Sites,\u0026rdquo; which allows you to select results from a specific airline or travel site.\nHopper For those who prefer to search for travel deals on their phone, Hopper is a mobile application that predicts, analyzes, and recommends airfare and accommodation prices. In fact, this app claims that it can predict future flight and hotel prices with 95% accuracy up to a year in advance.\nImage: hopper.com.\nUnlike other travel search engines, Hopper offers direct booking through the app, with a “price freeze” option for a small fee.\nHow Fare Comparison Websites Work Most fare comparison websites work in a similar way. You can search for one-way, roundtrip, or multi-city flights from one destination to another, or simply from one destination to \u0026ldquo;everywhere\u0026rdquo; or even a specific zone (\u0026ldquo;Europe,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;Southeast Asia,\u0026rdquo; etc.) with set or flexible dates.\nThe results are populated from airline websites, OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), or other aggregators. The advantage is that you can compare fares from multiple airlines at once, except Southwest, which doesn\u0026rsquo;t share its flight information with any third-party travel booking platforms.\nOne caveat with these types of sites is that the lowest price shown could be from a third-party travel site or OTA and not directly from the airline. In general, it is better to buy tickets directly from the airline as they will be in charge of your reservation and can provide assistance if necessary.\nSet Fare Alerts Some of the travel websites mentioned above offer fare alerts for your preferred destinations. For example, if you are looking for a great deal from your home airport to Paris, France, you can set fare alerts to get notifications when prices drop for that specific route.\nGenerally, you will need to provide your email address to receive alerts, and when you see a price that you like, you should act fast because airfares can change significantly from one day to another or even within a single day. Also, think how many other travelers may be waiting for the same alerts!\nConsider Budget Airlines Low-cost airlines may not be glamorous and have all the thrills we hope for, but\u0026hellip; they are cheap! If all we care about is to make it to our destination somehow, then we wouldn\u0026rsquo;t mind opting out of drinks and snacks, seat selection, or anything besides the bare minimum.\nWith budget airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant, and Sun Country in the U.S., and Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, or Pegasus in Europe, only a personal item is included in the fare, and the sizes allowed vary from airline to airline, which can be frustrating for budget travelers.\nTake Advantage of Sales and Promotions This is obvious! Airlines often offer sales or promotional fares, but where to look for them? Well, keep an eye on social media, newsletters, emails, and airline websites to stay informed about these deals.\nAlso, don\u0026rsquo;t forget to sign up for airline frequent flyer programs (usually free) to get notified about the latest promos.\nSaving Tip: Keep an eye out for new airlines or airlines offering sales on new routes. For example, the Canadian airline Lynx launched its new route Toronto-Orlando with one-way tickets for as low as $22 after a promo code!\nLook for Special Discounts Many airlines offer discounts for students, military personnel, or senior citizens. If you are looking to save in one of these categories, expect discounts between 5% to 10% on base fares. Check here for a list of airlines offering these promotions.\nSave with Miles and Points Accumulating credit card and/or airline miles and points to redeem them for award tickets is one of the best ways to save on airfare. Generally, you will only pay taxes and fees, an amount that will vary depending on the airline.\nUnited, for example, has round-trip award fares from the U.S. to Europe for around 50k miles plus $5.60 in fees. On the other hand, airlines such as ANA may charge between $300 and $600 in fees for an award redemption.\nSaving with miles and points is a whole world and there are entire websites, forums, YouTube channels, and social media accounts dedicated to this travel strategy. You can start by reading our basic guide to saving with travel credit cards.\nSaving Tip: Be on the lookout for credit cards with big sign-up bonuses.\nTest Your Luck with Travel \u0026ldquo;Hacks\u0026rdquo; There are many popular travel “hacks” such as searching for flights in \u0026ldquo;incognito mode,\u0026rdquo; clearing up your cookies while searching (because airlines supposedly ‘know’ that you are looking and may raise the price every time you look for a specific destination), or using a VPN to search from a different city or country.\nHowever, airfare algorithms have become so sophisticated and unpredictable that “hacks” like these might not work anymore (if they ever did…). You can try just for fun and -who knows- you may soon be on your way to Paris. ✈️\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/saving-on-flights/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to scoring the best deals on airfare, flexibility can make all the difference. By being flexible on your travel plans, you open up a world of opportunities to find lower fares to your favorite destinations, or maybe discover new ones that you may have never thought of before.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are 9 simple ways to save money when looking for your next flight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"book-in-advance\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook in Advance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlan your travel in advance and book your flights early. Prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches; therefore, buying your tickets several weeks or even months in advance can help you get the lower fares.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"9 Simple Ways to Save Money on Flights"},{"content":"\nOne of the best strategies to save on travel is to plan your trip during off-peak seasons when there are fewer tourists and better prices.\nAlthough many times those months can be very cold, rainy, or hot, it is possible to find a “sweet spot” where you can both spend less money and enjoy the experience.\nHere is a basic list of cheaper months to travel to different destinations around the world.\nEurope Typically, the cheapest months to travel to a specific destination are during the low season or shoulder season. In the case of the European continent, these periods can vary by region or country, but in general, you can save some money by traveling during the colder months: November through March, excluding the Christmas and New Year holiday period.\nWinter months are generally low season, but not everywhere. For example, popular ski resorts and winter sports destinations such as St. Moritz and Zermatt in Switzerland, or Chamonix in France can be expensive during these months.\nAlthough visiting Europe in winter can save you money with lower fares and accommodation rates, the downside is that the weather may be less favorable for outdoor activities, and some tourist attractions may be closed or have limited hours.\nApril and May (spring), as well as September and October (autumn/fall) are generally considered shoulder seasons. Traveling during these months can be more affordable and convenient, considering milder weather conditions, fewer tourists, and lower prices.\nAs in any season, there are always exceptions where certain holidays or popular celebrations can drive prices high. For instance, Oktoberfest - a celebration of Bavarian culture and beer- in Munich, Germany, is held annually from late September to early October and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.\nAsia Asia is a vast and diverse continent with different climates and peak travel seasons. In general, the cheapest months to travel to Asia are the low and shoulder season months.\nThe low season usually corresponds with periods of less favorable weather, such as monsoon or typhoon seasons, which can vary from zone to zone.\nFor many Southeast Asian countries, like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, the low season typically falls between June and October. In contrast, the low season in India often spans from May to September. These months can have lower airfares and accommodation rates, but travelers should be prepared for potentially challenging weather conditions.\nThe ideal time to travel to Asia is typically during the shoulder season, as not only the weather is better but also fewer tourists means more affordable prices.\nIn Southeast Asia, the shoulder season falls between March to May and September to November, with the cheapest months typically being September and October.\nIn South Asia (e.g., India, Nepal, the Maldives), the shoulder season typically falls between February to May and August to November, with September and October as the more affordable months to visit.\nShoulder season in Japan starts in late May and goes until early June as well as mid-September to early October.\nThe best times to visit South Korea -due to milder weather and fewer crowds- are typically during April and early September.\nUnited States Broadly speaking, the low season for tourism in the United States is during the winter months of January and February.\nHowever, the US is such a big country that there are high and low seasons depending on the area. For example, warm places such as Florida can be more expensive in winter than in the summer months, when it is very hot and humid. Also, the generally mild winter in the \u0026lsquo;Sunshine State\u0026rsquo; attracts visitors wishing to escape the coldest days of the year.\nA great time to find more affordable travel options is during shoulder season, which usually includes the months of April and May as well as September and October.\nSomething to keep in mind, though, is that the period called “spring break” (when students in schools and colleges are off for about a week between March and April) can drive prices high, especially in warmer destinations like California and Florida.\nAlso, September and October are part of hurricane season in the southeastern United States, which includes states such as Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.\nIf you are not interested in winter sports and activities, you can save on traveling to Colorado during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).\nA visit to Las Vegas can be cheaper during the summer months, however, keep in mind that the “neon” city is in the middle of the Nevada desert, which means it is hot, hot, hot!\nA popular tourist spot outside mainland U.S., Hawaii experiences its shoulder season between April-May and September-November, when it is more likely to find budget-friendly accommodations in this usually expensive destination.\nSouth America When winter reigns in the northern hemisphere, summer is in full swing in the southern hemisphere. Therefore, the low season in South America generally includes the winter time from June to August.\nHowever, some weeks in July can be expensive as schools are closed for winter break and families have the opportunity to travel around.\nThe cheapest months to visit South America can be different depending on the country and region. For example, Brazil\u0026rsquo;s low season is from February (after Carnival) to May and September to November, while Argentina\u0026rsquo;s low season is from May to August, except for ski resort areas such as Bariloche.\nIn Peru, the low season is from December to March (rainy season), while the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu experience peak tourist numbers during the dry season (May to August).\nCentral America and the Caribbean The best times to save for traveling to Central America and the Caribbean come with a caveat… they generally coincide with rainy, hot, and/or hurricane seasons.\nMany Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Belize have lower prices during the rainy season, which generally extends from May to November.\nLikewise, some destinations in the Caribbean are more affordable during their off-peak season, which aligns with the months more likely to experience hurricanes.\nIn Puerto Rico and Aruba, hurricane season falls between late April and mid-December, while in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, this period extends from August through October.\nAnother popular Caribbean destination, Cuba, can be cheaper in May and June as well as in late November.\nDue to their location in the Caribbean Sea, Curaçao and Barbados are less likely to experience severe weather conditions, so the rainier months of May to November are good options to visit these islands with great savings.\nThe Middle East Visiting Dubai during the shoulder season can be cheaper and less hot. Dubai Tourism.\nThis vast region located between Europe and East Asia includes destinations such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), and Qatar.\nTraveling to the Middle East during the summer months presents a dilemma between lower costs and higher temperatures. Prices for flights and accommodation can be lower from June to August, but the heat can be intense!\nOther times such as the shoulder seasons (generally from March to May and September through November) offer a combination of milder weather and reasonable prices. However, destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be more expensive and crowded between October and May.\nAlthough geographically in both Europe and Asia, Turkey is a territory often associated with the Middle East. However, its climate is not as extreme as in other countries around the area.\nTypically, the shoulder season in Turkey runs from April to June and September to October, but the most affordable time to visit is usually during the winter, from November to March.\nAustralia and New Zealand New Zealand\u0026rsquo;s South Island looks stunning in autumn. Credit: Miles Holden.\nLocated also in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand will be cheaper to visit between May to September, which are generally the coldest months.\nThere are slight differences between the two countries when it comes to high and low seasons within both countries. For example, the low season in Northern Australia generally occurs between the months of November and April, when regions such as Queensland get more rain and tropical storms.\nIf you are planning to visit some of the most popular ski destinations, then be prepared to pay. Winter is a high season for regions such as New South Wales and Victoria in Australia, while Queenstown, the South Island, and the North Island in New Zealand attract visitors from around the world looking for ski and snowboarding adventures.\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/cheapest-months-to-travel/","summary":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"/posts/cheapest-months-to-travel/IMG_0457-Copy-EDIT_hu_fc7dbbc9f6c169a0.webp\"\n       width=\"720\" height=\"540\"\n       alt=\"\"\n       loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best strategies to save on travel is to plan your trip during off-peak seasons when there are fewer tourists and better prices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough many times those months can be very cold, rainy, or hot, it is possible to find a “sweet spot” where you can both spend less money and enjoy the experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a basic list of cheaper months to travel to different destinations around the world.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Cheapest Months to Travel by Region: Your Simple Guide"},{"content":"If you don\u0026rsquo;t mind traveling with less perks and tightly seated with your fellow passenger neighbors, then booking a flight with a low-cost airline can save you some money while still getting you from point A to point B or more. In general, the business model of budget airline companies is to include only the basics and offer the rest as a-la-carte menu. The key to saving more is to pack smart and look out for special promotions.\nUnited States Frontier – when it comes to cheap flights in the US, Frontier is one of the first airlines than comes to mind. However, it is also one of the airlines one tries to avoid when there is a need to travel with more than a personal item. Frontier charges extra fees for almost everything else, including seat selection, carry-on and checked luggage, food and drinks, or even for check in through their website (on their app is free). On the positive side, Frontier offers cheap flights to over 100 destinations across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean and Latin America. The cheapest fares are available for members of its Discount Den, which requires the payment of an annual membership.\nPhoto: Courtesy of Frontier Airlines.\nSpirit – with its characteristic yellow planes, Spirit is another low-cost airline competing with Frontier for the budget travelers. Its basic economy fares come with the same restrictions such as only one personal item allowed and fees for anything extra. With fewer destinations than Frontier, Spirit covers more than 60 destinations throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. Members of the Spirit Savers Club can save a small percentage on base fares as well as on luggage fees.\nPhoto: Courtesy of Spirit Airlines.\nAllegiant – based in Las Vegas, Allegiant is an option to reach smaller U.S. cities and airports, although it also offers limited flights to leisure destinations in Florida, California, Arizona, or New York. This low-cost airline often runs promotions with greatly discounted fares. However, it could be challenging to book a round trip flight -which sometimes is required to get the discount- because it doesn’t operate daily.\nSun Country Airlines – for flights to/from Minneapolis, Sun Country can be a good choice if traveling with only one personal item. This low-cost airline is expanding its lists of destinations beyond the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, and the Caribbean. Membership to Sun Country Rewards is free and it offers the opportunity to earn points and redeem them to pay for future flights.\nJetBlue: a budget airline, but not really a low-cost carrier, JetBlue used to be a great choice when traveling with a carry-on bag, as it was included at no extra cost. However, that is not the case anymore since it joined the personal-item-only airlines. Besides this unfortunate change, JetBlue’s low fares are still a good overall value with free in-flight entertainment and snacks. Its route map includes over 100 domestic and international destinations, including Canada, Central America and the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, and Europe (London and Paris). JetBlue has a free frequent flyer program called TrueBlue. Members can earn points for every dollar spend on JetBlue flights, services, or products, as well as by shopping with TrueBlue partners.\nPhoto: Courtesy of JetBlue.\nSouthwest: also not a ultra-low-cost airline, Southwest distinguishes itself from the crowd by offering two checked bags and no change fees even with its low “wanna get away” fares. Another difference between Southwest and other airlines is that the Dallas-based carrier has a unique open seating model where passengers can choose their own seats when boarding, which is done in groups. Passengers can buy early check-in access or check-in as soon as it opens to be in one of the first groups. Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program can be joined for free with different ways to earn points redeemable for flights, hotels, gift cards, and more.\nAvelo Airlines is a newer low-cost carrier that focuses on point-to-point flights between smaller airports in more than 40 destinations in the U.S (except for MCO, Orlando International Airport). Although Avelo offers “everyday surprisingly low fares,” travelers should be mindful of extra fees such as “customer support processing charge” and “electronic carrier usage charge,” on top of more common fees like seat selection, bags (other than a small personal item), and priority boarding.\nBreeze Airways is a new low-cost carrier that started with direct flights to less popular routes across the U.S. However, Breeze destination map is rapidly expanding to more popular tourist hubs such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. They promise to make it easier for passengers to book and manage flights through their app, even offering 500 BreezePoints just for downloading it. Beware of fees for bags (other than a small personal item), seat assignment, boarding pass printed at the airport, guest assistance at the airport, and even a “technology development charge” for booking online or through a team member. On the positive side, the airline allows changes or cancellations without penalties and offer refunds in the form of reusable BreezePoints.\nCanada Air Canada Rouge - This airline is basically the low-cost version of Air Canada. As such, it offers generally lower fares and a la carte services, including seat selection, meals, checked bags, and Wi-Fi. It also has a Premium option with priority check-in and boarding, upgraded seats, meals, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges. Although it has its own website, booking is done on Air Canada’s main site.\nFlair - It describes itself as “Canada’s leading low-fare airline and its greenest airline.” Serving over 35 cities not only in Canada, but also in the U.S., Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, Flair one-way fares start from as low as CAD $13 (USD $10). As expected, there are optional fees and charges such as $29-$59 for a carry-on bag, or $15-$25 to select a standard seat. Members of the Flair Fliers Club can get exclusive deals every Tuesday, entries to monthly drawings, and extra savings.\nPhoto: Courtesy of Flair Airlines.\nLynx - Launched in 2022, Lynx flights from/to many Canadian cities and sunny destinations in the U.S. such as Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Since it is a new airline, Lynx promotes itself by offering offers and discounts on several of its routes. Make sure to follow the airline on social media, because there is where they periodically post discount codes. Like other budget airlines, their cheaper fares only allow one personal item, while all other add-ons are available for a fee.\nMexico \u0026amp; South America Mexico: Volaris, Viva Aerobus\nSouth America: Sky Airline (Chile), JetSmart (Chile), Easyfly (Colombia), Gol (Brazil), Flybondi (Argentina)\nEurope Ryanair – Ireland based “ultra-low-cost” airline with an ever-growing list of destinations in over 40 countries. As most low-cost airlines, with Ryanair you get what you paid for, so the only thing included is a personal item (very small personal item!) and everything else has a price, including an airport check-in fee of up to €55 or €30 for flights from Spain (so always check-in online! – also print your boarding pass or even better download their app). However, their fees for taking a carry on and even a checked bag are not outrageous (like Frontier or Spirit!), so it could be worth it to flight this airline to save some big bucks! But the cost is cheaper when you pay in advanced when booking online, not at the airport. If you are not sure if your personal item will fit their requirement, or if you just want to take more luggage, then it would make sense to pay for the option “Priority \u0026amp; 2 cabin bags” when booking.\nHowever, you should do your research first to know at what airport you will be landing and the cost of transportation from that airport to the city (or to where you will be staying) to evaluate the overall cost of your flight. Sometimes, the distance between smaller airports and the city compared to the main airport is not a deal breaker. For example, we took Ryanair from Copenhagen to Milan Bergamo, and the cost of transportation from there to Milan Central Station was almost similar to taking the Malpensa Express (train that goes to/from the center of Milan to Malpensa Airport). However, this is not the case in London, where arriving at Gatwick, Luton, or Heathrow can make a difference in time and money.\nPhoto: Courtesy of Ryanair.\neasyJet – It is easy to spot these airplanes at the airport thanks to their bright orange-colored designs. And you can find them in many major and small airports across Europe, as easyJet keeps expanding its network from their home base in London.\nOne of the most common complains against low-cost carriers is that many times they flight from/to smaller airports that are far from the city, which can add to the cost of the fare overall. However, easyJet can take you to major airports such as Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Prague, Copenhagen, etc., for a significant lower fare. The catch is that, as with many low-cost airlines, anything beyond a personal bag has a cost, as well as seat selection, priority boarding, drinks and snacks.\nWe took easyJet on many occasions, from Rome to Paris Orly, from Milan Malpensa to Prague, from Berlin to Copenhagen, without any issues and with great deals!\nWizz Air – this low-cost airline is based in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Wizz flights to over 190 destinations in over 50 countries, and they pride themselves as being “the most environmentally sustainable airline globally.”\nThey also partner with Booking.com offering 5% cash back when you book your lodging through their website, or by entering your 10-digit Wizz account number when booking your stay. The credit goes to your Wizz account and expires within 6 months after being issued (The promotion ends on December 31, 2023). The same with rentalcars.com, where you can get 5% Wizz credit back or 10% if using GreenMotion. They also have their Wizz Discount Club and if you join you can save on booking and baggage as well as have access to other special offers.\nPhoto: Courtesy of Wizz Air.\nLast summer, we bought tickets from London to Vienna, but unfortunately, we could not experience what Wizz Air had to offer because we missed our flight to London!\nPegasus – Turkish low-cost airline offering flights to many destinations in Turkey as well as 47 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. To find cheap flights, they suggest keeping your travel dates flexible, book your tickets as early as possible, avoid traveling on weekends and public holidays as well as peak season. Look for Pegasus special promos and seasonal introductory offers. Their frequent flyer program is called Pegasus BolBol, and as a member (signing up is free) you can earn points that can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other benefits. The company says that by downloading their app, you can have early access to sales or promotional campaigns.\nIberia Express – founded in 2012, this low-cost airline is a subsidiary of the main Spanish carrier Iberia. Based in Madrid, this budget airline flights to over 40 destinations in Europe, including the Canary and the Balearic Islands, many cities in mainland Spain, France, and the U.K, as well as select destinations in Italy, Germany, Greece, and all the way to Reykjavik. Iberia Express also offers a variety of discounts and promotions for members of its Club Express, which you can join for free. As mentioned earlier, last summer we missed our flight to London, which was scheduled with Iberia Express departing from Madrid. Thanks to the low cost of $36 for a one-way direct flight, our loss was not that much, but the nonrefundable fare means finding another transportation option after being stranded at Barajas airport. Buying a last-minute ticket would have cost at least three times more than what we originally paid for the promotional fare.\nVueling – another Spanish budget airline; however, this one is based in Barcelona, from where it flights to over 100 destinations covering not only Spain and other European countries but also North Africa and the Middle East. On its website, Vueling has an Outlet section offering deeply discounted fares from specific cities, such as Barcelona to Bordeaux (France) from 11.99 euros. As most low-cost airlines, the cheapest fares include only one small personal item that fits under the seat. One way to maximize your savings is by joining the Vueling Club, which offers many benefits such as collecting Avios points when booking flights, shopping on its eStore, or making purchases with the Vueling Visa credit card.\nAsia AirAsia - this Malaysia-based airline has been chosen multiple times as the \u0026ldquo;World Best Low Cost Airline\u0026rdquo; by the organization Skytrax, which releases a list of awards in the airline industry every year. As the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, it covers over 140 destinations, including not only Southeast Asia, but also China, Japan, India, and Australia with is long-haul subsidiary AirAsia X. The company has a Superapp where travelers can book flights, hotels, transportation, shop online, and get rewards.\nPhoto: Courtesy of AirAsia.\nThe list of budget airlines that operate to/from Asia include: IndiGo (India), Jeju Air (South Korea), JetStar, Lion Air(Indonesia), Scoot (subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), SpiceJet (India), TigerAir (Taiwan), Peach (Japan), Cebu Pacific (Philippines), Nok Air (Thailand), and VietJet (Vietnam).\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/posts/budget-airlines-cheap-flights/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eIf you don\u0026rsquo;t mind traveling with less perks and tightly seated with your fellow passenger neighbors, then booking a flight with a low-cost airline can save you some money while still getting you from point A to point B or more. In general, the business model of budget airline companies is to include only the basics and offer the rest as a-la-carte menu. The key to saving more is to pack smart and look out for special promotions.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Budget Airlines: How To Fly Cheap"},{"content":"Welcome to Saving Adventures! If you are passionate about traveling and exploring new destinations but don\u0026rsquo;t want -or can\u0026rsquo;t- spend a fortune, you have come to the right place.\nWe are Nathalie, Sam, and Árri, a team of travel enthusiasts, and our goal is to see the world spending the least amount of money\u0026hellip; while still having a great time!\nWe believe that traveling doesn\u0026rsquo;t have to be expensive, and that it is possible to find a plan for every budget. From cheap flights and accommodations to money-saving tips and tricks, we will share our experiences to help you spend less and enjoy more.\nJoin us, and let\u0026rsquo;s embark on saving adventures and money together!\nIt\u0026rsquo;s always a beautiful day in Venice!\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/about/","summary":"\u003ch2 id=\"welcome-to-saving-adventures\"\u003eWelcome to Saving Adventures!\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are passionate about traveling and exploring new destinations but don\u0026rsquo;t want -or can\u0026rsquo;t- spend a fortune, you have come to the right place.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are Nathalie, Sam, and Árri, a team of travel enthusiasts, and our goal is to see the world spending the least amount of money\u0026hellip; while still having a great time!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe believe that traveling doesn\u0026rsquo;t have to be expensive, and that it is possible to find a plan for every budget. From cheap flights and accommodations to money-saving tips and tricks, we will share our experiences to help you spend less and enjoy more.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"About"},{"content":"Saving Adventures Privacy Policy Last updated: 07/29/2023\nWelcome to Saving Adventures, a travel blog dedicated to helping our readers discover new places and plan their next big adventure on a budget. Your privacy is important to us, and this Privacy Policy sets forth the practices for handling and securing your personal information.\nThis Privacy Policy describes how Saving Adventures (the \u0026ldquo;Site\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;we\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;us\u0026rdquo;, or \u0026ldquo;our\u0026rdquo;) collects, uses, and discloses your personal information when you visit savingadventures.com (the \u0026ldquo;Site\u0026rdquo;) or otherwise communicate with us (collectively, the \u0026ldquo;Services\u0026rdquo;). For purposes of this Privacy Policy, \u0026ldquo;you\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;your\u0026rdquo; means you as the user of the Services, whether you are a website visitor, or another individual whose information we have collected pursuant to this Privacy Policy.\nPlease read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using and accessing any of the Services, you agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this Privacy Policy, please do not use or access any of the Services.\nPersonal Information\nWe may collect personal information from you, such as your name, email address, and location, when you:\nSubscribe to our newsletter.\nPost comments or questions on our blog.\nContact us via our online forms.\nThis means that we do not collect any personal information from you unless voluntarily provide it to us.\nIn addition to the specific uses set out above, we may use information we collect about you to communicate with you, provide the Services, comply with any applicable legal obligations, enforce any applicable terms of service, and to protect or defend the Services, our rights, and the rights of our users or others.\nNon-Personal Information\nWe may also collect non-personal information such as:\nBrowser and device information.\nIP address.\nInformation about your visit, including the pages you view, the links you click, and other actions taken in connection with Saving Adventures.\nHow We Use Your Information\nWe use the information we collect to:\nProvide you with our services and respond to your inquiries.\nSend you periodic newsletters if you opt-in.\nMonitor and analyze site usage and trends.\nImprove the functionality and content of our site.\nSharing Your Information\nWe do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers as required to deliver our services to you.\nCookies\nSaving Adventures uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyze site usage. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.\nSecurity\nWe employ reasonable security measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.\nThird-Party Links\nOur site may contain links to other websites, products, or services. These third-party sites have their own privacy policies. Therefore, we have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these third-party sites. We encourage our visitors to read the privacy and security policies of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.\nOur inclusion of such links does not, by itself, imply any endorsement of the content on such platforms or of their owners or operators, except as disclosed on the Services.\nGoogle\nGoogle’s advertising requirements can be summed up by Google’s Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users.\nWe use Google AdSense Advertising on our website.\nGoogle, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on our site. Google’s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on previous visits to our site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google Ad and Content Network privacy policy.\nWe have implemented the following:\nGoogle Display Network Impression Reporting Demographics and Interests Reporting We, along with third-party vendors such as Google, use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookies) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to compile data regarding user interactions with ad impressions and other ad service functions as they relate to our website.\nOpting Out\nUsers can set preferences for how Google advertises to you using the Google Ad Settings page. Alternatively, you can opt out by visiting the Network Advertising initiative opt out page or permanently using the Google Analytics Opt Out Browser add-on.\nCalifornia Online Privacy Protection Act\nCalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law’s reach stretches well beyond California to require a person or company in the United States (and conceivably the world) that operates websites collecting personally identifiable information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals with whom it is being shared, and to comply with this policy. – See more at: http://consumercal.org/california-online-privacy-protection-act-caloppa/#sthash.0FdRbT51.dpuf\nAccording to CalOPPA we agree to the following:\nUsers can visit our site anonymously. Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page or as a minimum on the first significant page after entering our website. Our Privacy Policy link includes the word ‘Privacy’ and can be easily found on the page specified above. Users will be notified of any privacy policy changes on our Privacy Policy Page. **How does our site handle do not track signals? **We honor do not track signals and do not track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.\n**Does our site allow third-party behavioral tracking? **It’s also important to note that we allow third-party behavioral tracking.\nCOPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)\nWhen it comes to the collection of personal information from children under 13, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children’s privacy and safety online.\nWe do not specifically market to children under 13.\nChildren\u0026rsquo;s Data\nThe Services are not intended to be used by children, and we do not knowingly collect any personal information about children. If you are the parent or guardian of a child who has provided us with their personal information, you may contact us at savingadventurestravel@gmail.com, to request that it be deleted.\nAs of the Effective Date of this Privacy Policy, we do not have actual knowledge that we \u0026ldquo;share\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;sell\u0026rdquo; (as those terms are defined in applicable law) personal information of individuals under 13 years of age.\nFair Information Practices\nThe Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law in the United States and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.\nTo be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:\nWe will notify the users via in-site notification within 7 business days. We also agree to the Individual Redress Principle, which requires that individuals have a right to pursue legally enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or government agencies to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.\nGDPR Rights If you are within the European Union, you are entitled to certain information and have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation. Those rights include:\nWe will retain any information you choose to provide to us until the earlier of: (a) you ask us to delete the information, (b) our decision to cease using our existing data providers, or (c) the Site decides that the value in retaining the data is outweighed by the costs of retaining it.\nYou have the right to request access your data that the Site stores and the right to either rectify or erase your personal data.\nYou have the right to seek restrictions on the processing of your data.\nYou have the right to object to the processing of your data and the right to the portability of your data.\nTo the extent that you provided consent to the Site’s processing of your personal data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing based upon consent that occurred prior to your withdrawal of consent.\nYou have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority that has jurisdiction over issues related to the General Data Protection Regulation.\nWe require only the information that is reasonably required to enter into a contract with you. We will not require you to provide consent for any unnecessary processing as a condition of entering into a contract with us.\nShould you wish to have your information deleted, please email us here and submit a request.\nYour Rights\nYou may unsubscribe from our newsletters at any time by following the instructions in the email. You may also request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us here.\nChanges to This Policy\nWe reserve the right to update or change this Privacy Policy at any time, including to reflect changes to our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will post the revised Privacy Policy on the Site, update the \u0026ldquo;Last updated\u0026rdquo; date, and take any other steps required by applicable law. We encourage you to review it periodically.\nContact Us\nIf you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us through this form.\nWebsite: savingadventures.com\n","permalink":"https://savingadventures.com/privacy-policy/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eSaving Adventures Privacy Policy\nLast updated: 07/29/2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelcome to Saving Adventures, a travel blog dedicated to helping our readers discover new places and plan their next big adventure on a budget. Your privacy is important to us, and this Privacy Policy sets forth the practices for handling and securing your personal information.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Privacy Policy describes how Saving Adventures (the \u0026ldquo;Site\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;we\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;us\u0026rdquo;, or \u0026ldquo;our\u0026rdquo;) collects, uses, and discloses your personal information when you visit savingadventures.com (the \u0026ldquo;Site\u0026rdquo;) or otherwise communicate with us (collectively, the \u0026ldquo;Services\u0026rdquo;). For purposes of this Privacy Policy, \u0026ldquo;you\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;your\u0026rdquo; means you as the user of the Services, whether you are a website visitor, or another individual whose information we have collected pursuant to this Privacy Policy.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Privacy Policy"}]