There are many vacation packages to D.C. that include the cost of airfare and rental car, etc. But there’s so much to take in while on vacation in the nation’s capital that it might be a better deal to simply find good airfare on its own.  Packages that focus on getting you and your family the best exposure to the history, culture, and allure of the city will make the trip meaningful and entertaining.

Prices on Washington D.C. vacations can be astonishingly low, and surprisingly, the rates can be low any time of year if you know which packages offer the most. Many packages offer the cost of hotel and food as well as trips to various landmarks and seasonal events.

There are many things to do and see, so before you start researching the costs associated with tours and sightseeing, look into all there is and make a prioritized list of what you simply must see before you go. To get your gears going, here is a range of vacation packages to D.C. that will give you an idea of what you might want to put on your capital city bucket list.

For a quick weekend getaway for the traveler or couple on a budget, The Washington DC Weekend Vacation from Vacations Made Easy starts at just $170 per adult and includes a full guided tour of the area as well as a trip to the Johnson IMAX.

Looking for something a little more in-depth? The U.S. East Coast Tours offers a five-day trip beginning in D.C. complete with accommodations for less than $500. The package includes a tour of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the National Air and Space Museum, both the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, and other major attractions. The tour heads to Hersey, Pennsylvania, Boston, Massachusetts, and then to New York City for a trip to Ground Zero. A tremendous value for all these East Coast sites!

And for the diehard who wants all things D.C. and in-depth coverage of it all, there’s the The Voices of Freedom package from Vacations Made Easy. This bundle gives you plenty of time to leave no stone unturned. Stay in the nation’s capital for 10 days and see it all in style. The price of the package includes hotel accommodation, transportation to and from anywhere, every meal you’ll eat while in D.C., pre-paid admission to any event or tour, 24/7 guides and escorts, and so much more. Those who take advantage of the Voices of Freedom deal get to see every inch of D.C. Just a few of the stop-offs include Capitol Hill, Arlington Cemetery, the Kennedy Center, all of the war memorials, Old Town Alexandria, the Capitol Building, Ford’s Theatre, The White House, Mount Vernon, and the Berkley and Shirley Plantations. The price for the ten-day jaunt is about $2500 per adult.

There is a huge range in prices for vacation packages to D.C., so there’s really something for everyone no matter what the budget looks like. For the history buff it may be wise to save up for the big ball of wax, while for those just looking for an historic getaway, a taste of D.C. can be mustered up for just several hundred dollars!

Photo via Intiaz Rahim

Unlike the days of vacationing past—where, generally speaking, you had to use a travel agent to book any vacations that you wanted to go on—such is not the case during the present day and age in which we live. It is quite the contrary, in fact, and for all extents and purposes here. One can easily dabble and meander around the internet these days, and rather effortlessly net themselves a smoking bargain on a wide variety of different cheap vacations. For the budget-minded traveler, which most tend to be these days, cheap vacations being easily uncovered online are nearly a superlative to that dreamy, tropical escape that you have been drooling over with giddy anticipation. Thanks to the World Wide Web, getting your hands on a really sweet cheap vacation these days has been made to be so simple that you can just point and click your way to awesome online savings. This equates to you getting the best deal to be had on that vacation you want, and knowing that you took the time to wisely shop around for the greatest value.

Top Four Reasons Why the Internet Makes Cheap Vacations Easy-as-Pie!

1. Online cheap vacation comparison search engines. You read right, there are now so many different travel sites on the web that it has spawned a new industry in and of itself. There are now great cheap vacation comparison search engines that actually search all of the travel sites for you, in order to bring you back the best deals and allow for you to compare them, side-by-side.
2. No more costly travel agent fees. Long gone are the days where you had to rely upon a travel agent to get you a cheap vacation. Generally speaking, travel agents never really had a good deal to offer, and their fees were a bit high as well. But the web has made this a non-issue. Now normal folks are plugged into great rates, thanks to online cheap vacation packages.
3. The ease of shopping online for cheap vacation deals. It does not get any easier than it is today, when you are shopping online for a vacation deal. This is because one can easily compare features and amenities—and even look at pictures of the hotel rooms, the resort, read online reviews and so much more!
4. Getting the best bang for you buck. Hands down, the web will almost always net you the very best bargains on cheap vacations that can be had. There is really no better, or easier, way to find a great deal on that vacation getaway than by shopping online for it.

Photo via Stefan

Our cheap vacation tour crosses half of the country this week as we move from Arizona to Arkansas. Another state with a huge variety of natural terrain Arkansas features the mountainous Ozarks as well as lowlands along the banks of the Mississippi. Without further ado let us see what kind of cheap vacation spots are on offer in the Natural State.

Find a fishing hole

Arkansas is a state with over 9,000 miles of water so as you can imagine there is bound to be some good fishing if you find the right spots. Luckily for outdoor sports enthusiasts there are plenty of spots in Arkansas where you can find fishing that is on a par with any in the United States. Whether river fishing or lake fishing is your thing the Arkansas waterways are full of trout, bass, and catfish to name just a few species. The White River and Lake Ouachita are two of the prime locations in the state, but in Arkansas there are literally fishing opportunities around every corner.

Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park is a trip back in time to the 19^th Century. It is a working historic village that is so highly thought of it is has been classed as a National Historic Landmark. The park is made up of thirty carefully restored abodes from public buildings to private houses. The signature reason to visit the village may be the Texarkana College/Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing. This school continues the tradition of James Black who was the man credited with forging the first Bowie knife. It is the only school in the world dedicated to the art of making knives and swords. Just strolling around the village will take you back to a more peaceful era making it a fantastic spot for a cheap vacation.

Blanchard Springs Caverns

Blanchard Springs is one of the most spectacular cave systems in the USA, yet it remains little known outside of the Arkansas area. The formations within the cavern system will make visitors wide eyed, and the knowledgeable tour guides will really add to your experience. With different tour levels these caves are a great starting point for families with youngsters who are interested in learning more about these hidden treasures. The majestic nature of the caves are brought to life by a lighting system that was installed by a man who is renowned for his work in some of the world’s top opera houses making this cavern system truly one of a kind.

Diamond Bear Brewery Tour

It has been said that to truly know a place you have to sample their beer, and if this axiom is correct then no visit to the Natural State is complete without a visit to Diamond Bear Brewery. Tours take place at the weekend and you will get to see step by step how their microbrews are made. In addition to this you will be able to enjoy samples of their product, if you are of age, and find out why Diamond Bear has a growing reputation in the industry.

Photo via Jim-AR

Boise? If you think it’s bland you’re going to be surprised when you get there. So before you blow off the very idea that golfing vacations to Boise aren’t worth much, let us tell you why this is an ideal vacation on the cheap.

Most people don’t know it, but Boise is one of the best spots in the entire United States to golf. So if you like the green, get your irons together and get ready for Boise. There are many great spots to enjoy, and you won’t likely be able to visit them all, but here’s a snapshot of some of Boise’s best golf courses.

Hillcrest is a beauty and one of Boise’s points of pride. Opened in 1940 and boasting nearly 6800 yards of room to play, this is the course for the serious golfer. Given that it is a private course, you’ll want to call ahead to let them know you’re on your way. Hillcrest can be reached at (208) 343-1769.

Boise Ranch is nothing to sneeze at either; this 6700 yard golf course is situated beautifully on Cloverdale Road. It is open to the public and makes a great game for both novice and near-pro. It’s an 18-hole course but there’s nothing “par for the course” about it.

Quail Hollow is another golfer’s dream. The beauty here is that it’s considered both public and private, so you can enjoy the placidity of  a private course while also getting in with ease. Quail Hollow gets an approximate 30,000 rounds of golf played upon its green each year, so you know its got a decent fan base, even for the locals.

Crane Creek has been open since 1962 in Boise, and is 100 percent open to the public. It’s well-played and enjoyed by natives and visitors alike. So whether you’re in Boise on vacation or you have some time on a business trip to squeeze in a few rounds, Crane Creek may just be the perfect course for you. Naturally an 18-hole course, Crane Creek is an obvious choice for golfers of any level.

Plantation Golf Course is among the oldest courses still in operation in Boise. Having opened in 1920, Plantation is now a private course, so you will want to call ahead at (208) 853-4721. This is also an 18-hole course, and is approximately 6340 yards in size. It’s right on State Street, so it’s a great location for the business traveler looking for some nearby down time.

There’s many more golf courses than these in America’s best kept secret city of Boise. Golfing vacations are often taken in some very obvious parts of the country, including Arizona, Florida, and California, just to name a few. But if you’re ready for a serene trip where you can enjoy your game and the time between rounds, you should absolutely look into Boise for golfing vacations.

Little-known Boise is also a great spot for other well-kept secrets — great food, great nightlife, and some amazing outdoor activity. You simply can’t be let down in America’s best kept secret!

Photo via Jason Abbott

Monterey California is one of the dream vacation spots in the country.  But it doesn’t have to be affordably out of your reach.  There is a lot to do in Monterey and many of these activities don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.  If you want to enjoy a cheap vacation, don’t rule out the beauty and serenity of Monterey, California.

So, do I need to even mention the view?  Okay, I will.  The location could not be more dream-like.  This is the stuff movies are made of.  Situated on the gorgeous coast, you can have a grand old time walking the beach and taking spectacular photographs.  Some of the most amazing photographs I’ve ever seen were taking on that California coastline.  And the good news is: it’s free.  Talk about a cheap vacation!  More beach-type activities to do while enjoying the California sun include kayaking, scuba diving and surfing of course.  Golfing is also a popular activity up in Monterey.  If that’s your game, you can buy a bucket of balls and swing away.  Have yourself a grand old time.

I cannot talk about Monterey without mentioning the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. According to their website, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the aquarium and seeing all that there is to see.  There are regularly scheduled events, tours and activities for kids, teens and the entire family. Daily events taking place at the aquarium include some of the following:

• “Whales to Windmills” A 15 minute program that explains how undersea life inspires modern-day creations.
• “Project White Shark” A 15 minute overview of the habits and history of these ocean predators
• “You Otter Know” A 15 minute program that helps the audience get to know those fun-loving sea otters, and how you can help protect their habitat.

Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, Walking Tours and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are some of the many other activities visitors can encounter on their trip to Monterey.  There are abundance of low-priced motels and hotels up and down the coast, so this truly could be the cheap vacation you never thought you could take.

The restaurants, the shops, and the overall experience of coast-living are not to be missed. So consider visiting Monterey, California for your next out-of-town excursion.  It won’t break the bank!

Photo via PatrickSmithPhotography

Whether you like to hike, fish, or just hang out in the wilderness, there’s a cheap vacation waiting for you to enjoy all or any of the above recreational activities. Get your fishing gear and your flannel shirts ready for a Vail, Colorado cheap vacation where you can unwind and enjoy yourself.

The Manor Vail Lodge & Resort

This recently revamped hotel is close to slopes, as well as the Ford Amphitheater, Betty Ford Gardens, Ford Park, and the covered bridge is also nearby. Enjoy breathtaking views of Vail Mountain and Gore Creek from the lodge restaurant and lounge. Outside, stroll through heated pathways, new pool areas, and an underground parking structure. The Manor Vail Lodge & Resort has also decided to reduce its carbon footprint with responsible practices and partners that align with their commitment to the natural landscape. Rooms are either deluxe, studio suites, or one- and two- bedroom condominiums. Each unit is individually owned and decorated to by its owner. As for the hotel, rooms have Cable television, private bath and one king or two double beds. Studio suites feature a double Murphy bed and two twin beds, a fully-equipped kitchen, private bath, Cable television, comfortable living area, fireplace, and balcony or patio with a grill (a room divider can be closed for privacy between the living and sleeping areas to create two separate sleeping areas). Rooms from $104.00 after September 19.

The Lodge at Vail

About 30 miles from Eagle County Airport, The Lodge at Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain, close to the village’s main ski lift. Enjoy such amenities as concierge, valet laundry, currency exchange, Internet access, free local calls, room service, daily maid service, business center, babysitting, ski storage and rental, heated swimming pool, four hot tubs, sauna, exercise room, meeting space, and the nearly 10,000-square-foot RockResorts Spa. The Lodge offers hotel rooms with one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. Most have private balconies, mini-refrigerators, DVD players, stereos, hairdryers, and heated towel racks. Suites, each with a fireplace and full kitchen with dishes and utensils, are individually owned and decorated. Rollaways and cribs are available.
Rooms from $119.00 after September 26.

Vail Cascade

The beautiful Vail Cascade is reflective of what a real mountain retreat should be complete with glowing fireplaces. This cozy mountain lodge is the type of place where you can definitely kick back and relax. Kids12 and under eat free in Atwater on Gore Creek, with the purchase of an adult entrée. The hotel surrounds beautiful mountains that are visible regardless of what time of year it may be. When falls rolls around, enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and strolling through the Villages or soak up sun poolside.

Room from $109.00 after October 24.

Spending autumn in scenic Vail is a perfect way to enjoy the season as well as enjoy a cheap vacation. Bring the entire family and enjoy all of what the great state of Colorado has to offer visitors.

Photo via Scott Ingram Photography

Everyone deserves a vacation from time to time but unfortunately, with the way the economy is going these days, many deserving people are not able to take those yearly vacations anymore because they think they cannot afford it.  Hopefully reading this article will change many of their minds so that they will have the knowledge they need to see that it is still possible to go on cheap vacations while on a tight budget if you know the tried and true ways to cut costs and cut corners before, during and after the trip.  In this article, I will focus on some things you can do to cut costs before you even leave home.

A lot of work goes into planning a vacation if you want things to go as you want them to and without a hitch and even more goes into planning cheap vacation.  In order to save as much money as possible while, at the same time, enjoying your trip, you will need to do a lot of research, talk to a lot of people and cut a lot of corners.  I know it sounds tedious and like more work than you want to put into it but trust me, it is not as hard as it sounds and, in the end, your hard work will pay off after you have had a great vacation and with money left over!  Here is a rundown of some things you can do to save money before you set off on that much anticipated and much deserved vacation:

1) Clip coupons.  Do a search of your destination on the internet with the word “coupons” in the search.  There are many websites that offer travel coupons for different destinations and the city websites of some places offer deals and discounts to entice travelers to go to their city or town.

2) Order brochures for the destination you are traveling to.  Often times, these brochures have coupons in them. Sometimes these brochures also tell you about deals taking places at certain restaurants and hotels and may even display menus for some restaurants so you can get an idea of where the cheapest places to eat are.

3) Join online forums where you may be able to talk to others who know of deals you can take advantage of.

4) Sign up for travel newsletters about your destination or about travel in general.  Most times, people who sign up for these newsletters are the first to know about exclusive deals such as discount hotel rooms and airfare and cheap vacation packages.

5) Never go on a trip without insurance but don’t pay an arm and a leg for it!  Check to see what kind of insurance is offered with any major credit cards you own and shop around to many places before settling on the one that has the best price and best policy for your travel needs.

6)  When trying to figure out an approximate cost of your entire trip, do not forget to incorporate everything including tips, insurance, ground transportation, souvenirs and taxes.  Having a budget and having an idea what you are going to spend before you go will make you less likely to overspend.

7) Make sure to read the fine print on any travel documents such as your insurance policy and travel itinerary so you know exactly how much you will be spending.

Make sure you know your rights and what your insurance will cover in the event of cancelled flights.  Natural disasters, sickness delays occur all the time and if you are not properly covered, you could end up spending a lot more than you anticipated.

9)  If possible, be flexible with your travel dates.  Being flexible with dates means that you can travel on the cheapest dates and take advantage of things such as flying standby in order to get the cheapest flights.

10) When preparing and booking for your trip, do not be afraid to straight out ask for a deal.  You would be surprised how often people are able to get a deal just by asking.  The worst that can happen is you do not get the deal so it doesn’t hurt to at least ask.

11) Pack lightly.  The more you pack, the more you will have to pay to check your luggage.

12) Be careful when using credit cards while traveling because interest will accumulate on the overall cost of your trip.  If possible, use travelers checks, debit and cash as much as possible to avoid that extra cost.

With plenty of planning and researching beforehand, it is easy to embark on cheap vacations.  Remember that the more money you save on this vacation, the more money you will have to spend on your next one!

Photo via tomas_fitnesscoach

Labor Day unofficially marks the end of summer, the beginning of fall and back- to-school for kids. But before you put away your bathing suit and get the kids new lunch boxes, why not take a cheap vacation before it all ends? There are a number of cheap vacations being offered around the country for those who want to take one last stab at summer before the final sunset. From a stay in the Windy City to the beaches of Jamaica, here are some great cheap vacation packages to whet your appetite.

Jamaica: Breezes Resorts & Spas

End summer and start fall with savings of up to 55 percent at the Breezes Resorts & Spas in Trelawny, Jamaica when booking by Aug. 31. Prices are good through Dec. 24 with a few black-out dates and restrictions. Enjoy good food, and plenty to do at the hotel where everything is included in one simple, upfront price with no tipping allowed. Rock climbing and flying trapeze clinics are among the many activities included for $84.00 per person, per night at the Breezes Trelawny Resort & Spa in Jamaica. Other things included in the one price is all meals, snacks and unlimited drinks, windsurfing, snorkeling and kayaking, Circus school with juggling and trampoline classes, prepaid taxes and gratuities and transfers to and from the Montego Bay Airport. In addition, the Breezes has four pools, 124-foot water slide, a supervised children’s club with lots of things to keep them busy while you are enjoying yourself on the 3-mile long beach. You must stay at least three nights for the savings of about 55 percent.

Chicago: Hyatt Regency Chicago

Why not take a trip to the Windy City, Chicago, and save at least $100.00 on a stay at the Chicago Hyatt Regency Hotel. The AAA 4-Diamond accommodation is offering rooms at $127.00 per night with free valet parking (a $50 value) for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-6. Located along the Chicago River in the heart of downtown Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago’s location is convenient to shopping on Michigan Avenue or State Street, and to exploring such destinations as Navy Pier, the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. If you book by Aug. 20 while visiting, you might want to check out the Chicago Jazz Festival from Sept 2.-5 on the lakefront.

Beantown: Sheraton Commander

Discover the charm of Boston while staying at the Sheraton Commander in the historic Harvard Square over the Labor Day weekend. This cheap vacation starts at $119.00 per night at this landmark hotel that is close to downtown Boston. The AAA 3-Diamond Sheraton Commander is offering this cheap vacation package for 60 percent off its regular rates from Sept. 3-6. Built in 1927, the elegant hotel reflects classic yesteryear, but a 2009 renovation updated it with such amenities as free Internet in the lobby, a fitness center and two restaurants. Walk along the quaint streets of Harvard Square that are aligned with all kinds of restaurants, retailers and museums. Or take a 10-minute train ride from Harvard Station to downtown Boston to explore the city sights.

Regardless of where you decide to take off to this Labor Day weekend, you’re sure to have a good time and you will also be saving thanks to these cheap vacation deals being offered across the country.

Photo via Beverly & Pack

Welcome to the sprawling and burgeoning Valley of the Sun: Phoenix, Arizona. If you have decided to embark upon a vacation to Phoenix, then you are surely in for some great times, as there is much that this wonderful metropolis has to offer to the countless visitors that pass through our dusty, desert landscape annually. Among what I am sure comprises a wide variety of things that you may have planned to do on your vacation in Phoenix itinerary, after being a happy resident of this city for many years, there are some places—little-known hole-in-the-wall eateries that I have had the pleasure of dining at in the past (and that you will quite often find me at presently whenever hunger rears its head)—that are just tucked away, look awkward and entirely non-presentable from the exterior. But they are also places that will take you on a delicious taste bud vacation when in this fine city that is named after the mythological predatory bird: The Phoenician; which also happens to be the same name of one of the finest resorts in the city as well, The Phoenician Resort. So without further ado’, I bring to you these three must-eat-at-bistros. Don’t let their outsides fool you, as sometimes you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Sake Bomber: Fine, Affordable Sushi & Cocktails to Augment your AZ Vacation

Head to the east side of Phoenix and you will find tons of great places to dine while enjoying your vacation in AZ. When it comes to sushi, make sure that you look this place up. While the exterior is haggard, the inside is refined and decadent. The service is impressive, the presentation is delectable and the sashimi is first-rate!

Ted’s Hotdogs: Charbroiled New York Hotdogs When on Vacation in Phoenix

Who says that you can’t go ‘Coney Island’ when on a vacation in Arizona? Well if you stop by Ted’s Hotdogs that is exactly what you will get: Famous New York hotdogs that are grilled right before your eyes over charcoal. They are the best hotdogs I have ever had in my life! And they have locations in NY and in NJ—where the place was originally founded, more than five decades ago!

Long Wong’s: Best Chicken Wings in Phoenix; Great Live Music, Too!

If you are craving chicken wings, and you desire the best-of-the-best, don’t let the outside of this place fool you one bit: They are rated—and have been consistently—rated as the best chicken wings in the entire state. There are several locations, and the ones that are in Tempe (just outside of Phoenix) offer live music on the weekends to please your ears, while you stuff your tummy and enjoy a wondrous vacation in Phoenix!

Photo via Hey Paul

When people are looking for cheap vacations to New York, the last place they think they’ll be able to afford to stay is in Manhattan. For those who want a taste of the best the city has to offer, staying in or near Manhattan is the only way to go – but how can you afford it?

One great area of New York City to consider is the Flatiron District. While you won’t find loads of extremely  cheap places to stay, there are a few, and there are certainly plenty of places to eat, shop, and simply enjoy what the Flatiron has to offer.

Aside from its phenomenal closeness to all that a traveler wants out of a New York visit, the Flatiron boasts close proximity to Union Square, Gramercy Park, Lexington Avenue, and of course, the historic Flatiron Building for which the area is named.

Getting to New York can be the most costly part of the entire venture, but your best bets for unbelievable roundtrip fares are going to be through AirTran, Frontier, and US Airways most of the time. If you can book just two weeks in advance, current rates are as low as just under $200 while others are in the neighborhood of $250 to $300. Any way you slice it, these are unreal rates from anywhere in the country.

So where will you stay in the Flatiron that will stretch your buck? The Flatiron District offers some of the city’s cheaper accommodations. The Wyndham at 37 West 24th Street and the Holiday Inn on 125 West 26th Street both offer reasonable rates year-round, with nightly rates around 149.00 or lower depending on the season.

What will you do in New York City? Of course, you have to make the mandatory trips to landmarks like Ground Zero, MoMA, the Guggenheim, and perhaps a jaunt to the Statue of Liberty. But if you’re a smart traveler and a foodie, the best thing to do in New York is eat!

If you opt to stay in the Flatiron for your cheap vacation to New York, good food abounds. The Union Square Cafe serves Italian lunches and dinners and for fans of good wine, this is more than a pit stop. In the mood for some unbelievable Ceviche, empanadas or some of the freshest market fish the city has to offer? Then you’ll want to visit Nuela. If you’re looking for some of the finest in the world of desserts among other great menu offerings, visit the Grammercy Tavern where wine and cheese tastings will have the mouth watering right at the front door.

You can even check online for menus and subway directions at New York Magazine. Now you have no excuse to miss out on fantastic food while you’re in the Flatiron.

Most who want a cheap vacation to New York stay the main road and opt for the obvious choices. If you want the best of Manhattan but also like a good food and a step away from the beaten path, the Flatiron District is just what you’ve been looking for.