Orlando, Florida is and has always been one of the most popular US destinations for foreign as well as local tourists. It is home to some of the most unique and entertaining attractions anywhere in the world, which is why it is frequented by millions of tourists yearly. Holidays to Orlando, Florida must be planned carefully in order get the most fun out of the vacation without necessarily spending too much money.

Places to Go and Things to Do

Disney World Resort

If you are after family-oriented fun, the Disney World Resort should definitely be on top of your list of places to visit. This enormous resort has anything and everything that kids would ever want when on vacations, not the least of which are large pool slides, water rides, wave pools, pool-side magic shows, and many others. Parents who take their children to Disney World Resort will definitely score points with their youngsters since it is just about the most fun place in Orlando and perhaps in the country.

Kennedy Space Center

This tourist spot, which also happens to be one of the most important government installations, is very popular among children as well as teenagers, especially those with keen interest in Space Exploration and Cosmology. Some of the most impressive advancements and discoveries in Astronomy has been made here by dedicated men and women of science. Children as well as adults will certainly have a great time touring this place, not to mention discovering little known trivia regarding the origins and progression of astronomical studies in the United States.

While this is technically not located in Orlando, it is just a short trip away. In fact, there are shuttles that pick up tourists from Orlando straight to Cape Canaveral (Merritt Island, Florida) where the Kennedy Space Station is located.

Orlando Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

For those who harbored dreams of being able to fly and see the world from up high, a hot air balloon ride is just the thing to do when visiting Orlando. This particular tourist activity is quite popular because it can be enjoyed not only by children, but adults as well. The view from the top is simply breathtaking and the memories would certainly last a lifetime.

Where to Stay

The choice of accommodations vary depending on your budget and the size of your group. While hotels remain very popular among tourists, some people (families mostly) are becoming more partial to short term apartment rentals since they tend to be much cheaper. Holidays to Florida can be very economical if you can find cheap but comfortable accommodations. Comparing prevailing rates from various hotels and other types of accommodations would allow you to save money while on vacation.

Transportation

Shuttle service is available to all tourists who prefer to experience Orlando the right way. In addition, this will allow you to save money on car rental, which can be expensive especially for extended vacations. It is always ideal to book a vacation package that includes transportation arrangements to and from your chosen destinations.

CC Nasa Marshall

The post A Quick Guide for a Memorable Vacation in Florida appeared first on Budget Travel Intentions.

San Francisco is well known for being such a great place to spend a vacation. For some people, when spending a vacation at a wonderful place like San Francisco you will need to spend lots of money. This however is completely untrue, because as long as you know exactly what and what not to do and where to visit, you will be able to have a great vacation even if you’re on a budget. Learning about what you can do to save money when traveling to San Francisco will allow you to enjoy your stay to this city even if you’re trying to save money. So lay back, send your luggage to the hotel ahead of time via rapid parcel for convenience (ever try lugging bags around the Bart Station? It’s a nightmare!), and head over to San Francisco ASAP!

How To Save Money When Visiting San Francisco - Take The Subway

When traveling around San Francisco it is important that you take the subway as supposed to taking the taxi. Riding the taxi can be very expensive, as since you don’t know where to go, you can’t control how high the meter will go. The subway is cheap, convenient, and safe, plus it will allow you to experience how the local San Franciscans get around places. You can really go around the entire San Francisco by riding the subway.

How To Save Money When Visiting San Francisco - Stay At The Motel 6

When on a budget, most people think that they can’t find a nice place to stay for a very cost effective price. One of the best places to spend the night in San Francisco without spending too much money is by staying at the Motel 6. Most people perceive motels to be really dirty and unsafe, but the Motel 6 happens to be quite safe and clean. Unlike most of the regular motels out there, the Motel 6 is quite clean and is very safe to stay at. The best part is that the price to stay there is very affordable, so regardless of your budget, you will afford to stay there.

How To Save Money When Visiting San Francisco - Visit The Gellert Park

The Gellert park is highly popular in San Francisco, as it is completely free to visit. At this park, you can enjoy a nice picnic with your friends and family, play basketball, baseball, and tennis, or even enjoy the nice sunset. You will really have a wonderful time at this place even if you don’t spend any money whatsoever. Even the people with the tightest budgets still enjoy their stay in San Francisco, as you don’t necessarily need to spend much money to enjoy the city.

How To Save Money When Visiting San Francisco - Visit The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is probably one of the main places that every tourist needs to visit when in San Francisco. The reason to this is that the view from up there is simply breathtaking. The best part about this place is that you won’t have to pay anything just to visit go there.

If you are on quite a tight budget yet you still want to enjoy your stay in San Francisco, then you must implement the tips above into your life. You will definitely have such a great time in San Francisco when you visit the places above and see the entire city cheaply through taking the subway.

CC Kevin Cole

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Kids right across the world know Orlando, Florida, and many could probably find it on a map. After the North Pole, it’s probably the most desired location of every child in the world. The original attraction was the lure of those fabulous cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who stood around on the streets at Disneyworld, chatting to little boys and girls. But today Orlando Florida hosts not just one but a universe of attractions, ranging from Disney to dolphins to lego.

Tourists who plan to buy more than one Orlando Park tickets should look at Orlando ticket deals which can save money, especially for families who can buy family tickets.

Here, we look at the main attractions which every year draw millions to this entertainment capital of the world:

Walt Disney World Resort: The famous theme park started with just one park – The Magic Kingdom – but now encompasses four parks as well as a host of other attractions. Sprawled across thousands of acres, the site expands and changes to feature new and revived attractions, including acts based on the latest Walt Disney storylines. The centrepiece of The Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s Castle, one of the most visited attractions in Disney World. Guess everybody wants to see those glass slippers for real and check out just how ugly the Ugly Sisters really were.

Another major lure for children and tourists generally is the Universal Orlando Resort, which contains two exciting theme parks: Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure. Inside, there are rollercoaster rides, live concerts and heart-racing attractions. The resort also contains Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment complex filled with great restaurants and top-notch nightclubs. This is the holiday for parents who are eager to enjoy some of their own RnR after bringing their children to visit Disney World.

Both children and adults adore SeaWorld Orlando, a theme park and marine-life based zoological park which ranks among the most visited amusement parks in the US. Unlike most other theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando is not divided into themed lands or sections but features different attractions. These include Key West at SeaWorld, an area designed to mimic the appearance of the city of Key West, southern Florida with architecture and landscaping reminiscent of the area and Shamu’s Happy Harbour, a children’s area hosted by Shamu, the park’s killer whale mascot. The area is located beside Shamu Stadium and features six family rides, a net climbing structure and a water play area.

Not far from Orlando in Winter Haven is the Legoland theme park which opened towards the end of 2011. At over 145 acres, it is the world’s largest Legoland park and features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The Jungle Coaster ride from Legoland Windsor was transferred and relocated to the park and renamed Test Track. The historic gardens which the site, Cypress Gardens, was known for are maintained as part of the park. The park also features an Island in the Sky ride which is a 150-foot rotating platform ride that provides a 360 view of the park. Kids and adults alike will love this unique theme park.

CC Richard Step

The post More Than One Attraction On the Map in Orlando appeared first on Budget Travel Intentions.

Exploring New York City in the winter can be a fun and joyous experience. As the winter holidays approach, the city turns from a dark and slick urban world to a winter wonderland. Many of the attractions are made for people with a little extra cash to burn, but that shouldn’t keep a person from seeing the sites. Below are a few low-cost ways to help explore New York City in the winter.

Best Bargains Things To Do in New York This Winter - Grand Central Station Kaleidoscope Light Show

From December 1st to January 1st, the wizards at Grand Central Station put on a laser light show. Running from 11am to 9pm daily, the show is repeated every half how. It is free to the public so all a person has to do is show up. There are restaurants and shops around the area, but a snack can be purchased for cheap.

Best Bargains Things To Do in New York This Winter - Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot

During the winter, the Brooklyn Bridge isn’t as busy as during warmer weather. This shouldn’t deter anyone from walking across the bridge and seeing the sites. Since there are fewer people, the walk can be at a much slower pace. The Statue of Liberty can be seen from the bridge, as well as many famous local landmarks. This is free and just takes muscle power.

Best Bargains Things To Do in New York This Winter - Viewing the Tree at Rockefeller Center

From November 28th to January 7th, the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be on display. Dressed up in Holiday cheer and greeting all comers, the tree has been on display for 80 years. Viewing the tree is free, but it does cost money to dine at restaurants around the area. Ice-skating also costs money. Skate rentals are $8 while admission is between $10 and $14.

Best Bargains Things To Do in New York This Winter - Holiday Window Shopping

New York during the holiday season is like looking at a festive, wonderful city. Strangers become ever so much nicer, the roads are filled with bright snow, and stores dress up their windows for all to see. Walk around Central Park to see many of the famous stores in their Holiday garb. Times Square is even lit up with Christmas spirit, so don’t forget to check that timeless place out. Looking is free, though money spent on desired items will cost.

Best Bargains Things To Do in New York This Winter - Go on a walking tour

Several walking tours of New York City are available for all to join. These tours are often free and focus on the cultural and historical impact that New York City has had on the country. One example is a free walking tour of Times Square that starts every Friday at 12 pm. This is found at the Times Square Visitor Center on 7th Avenue between 46th and 47th streets.

Best Bargains Things To Do in New York This Winter - Watching the Ball drop in Times Square

After the bulk of the winter festivities are over, the New Year always comes around. A fun and free activity is going to Times Square to watch the ball drop. Ring in the New Year with a romantic partner or with friends and family. This is free for all comers.

Bio – this article was written by Ross who is a freelance travel blogger and writes at blog.netflights.comand loves NYC!

CC Shawn Hoke

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Travelling through California might not be anyone’s idea of a cheap vacation, but in the San Diego area, there are many attractions that everyone will love that don’t require you to break the bank to have fun and see exciting new places. San Diego is full of attractions and no matter what age you are, you’re guaranteed to find some activity that appeals to you; in fact, you can even buy a San Diego Go Card, that will give you a big discount to pretty much go anywhere you want to go in San Diego, whether it’s stopping by the LegoLand amusement park, Balboa Park, USS Midway or if you want to relax on the beach.

Budget Travel in San Diego – LegoLand

LegoLand is an exciting amusement park that is great for everyone but it’s especially perfect for anyone that is travelling as a family with young kids. LegoLand currently has over sixty rides that are dressed up as many kids’ favorite building blocks. Dino Island inside the park is heaven for all little kids where they can search and dip up fossils, view replicas of many dinosaurs or take a ride on the Coastersaurus. Fun Town, Pirate Shores, Land of Adventure and Castle Hill are just a few more of the exciting areas located throughout the entire park to enjoy. Each area has its own theme and everything is created to look as if it was a Lego piece including the rides, cars, animals and people strategically placed to set the scene up.

Budget Travel in San Diego - Balboa Park

Balboa Park is an amazing attraction simply because there are many activities to do there depending on what your budget allows as well as what interests you. Balboa Park is located on 1,200 acres and includes museums, the San Diego Zoo, art centers, gardens, play areas, restaurants and many more budget things to do in San Diego. Many people love to stop by the zoo and see all of the animals but if you’d prefer to walk through the park and see all the sites and grab a bite to eat at the plethora of restaurants along the way, you’ll still be left with a memorable experience during your stay in San Diego.

Budget Travel in San Diego - USS Midway

During the Vietnam War, the USS Midway played a vital role in the transportation of aircrafts. It was the longest serving carrier in American history until it retired in 1991. In 2004, the USS Midway was officially opened up to the public as a museum giving all its visitors a taste of what life as sea during the war was like. There are over sixty exhibits to explore including the sleeping quarters, engine room, jail, post office and many other rooms that were important for the 225,000 sailors to be successful in serving for America. Flight simulators are also available for anyone who is looking to get a feel of what it would be like to be an aviator on the USS Midway.

Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to sit back in the hotel all day and not be able to enjoy the attractions that make San Diego a popular destination. LegoLand, Balboa Park and the USS Midway are the most well-known attractions and are excellent for anyone on a budget but if all else fails; exploring the culture of the area and paying a visit to the beach will also be a relaxing and fun experience.

CC Michael Seljos

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In today’s economic climate it is difficult to plan a vacation that fits within one’s budget. Being able to take a trip to a world class destination such as Orlando, and surprise your family with a bundle of Disney World tickets is unimaginable (as awesome as that may be). However, you may be surprised to learn there are an array of activities available to you and your family in this magical city that will not break the bank.

Allow me to take you on a tour of just some these low budget attractions now.

Touring Orlando, Recession Style at Ripley’s Believe It or Not

For more than 40 years, Robert Ripley traveled the globe collected bizarre objects and relics. Even before entering this museum you will stop find yourself staringat the structure itself. It was built to appear as if it is slipping into a Florida sinkhole. The building has aptly been named the “odditorium. The flloor space equals 10,000 square feet, with 16 different galleries for your inspection.

Some of the newer items added to the collection are a 7 legged sheep, a mural of Jimi Hendrix consisting of 8,500 playing cards measuring 25 feet in length and, in keeping with the Florida theme, why not an 8 foot long fish. These join perennial favorites like a replication of the “Wall-E” robot made entirely from auto parts, the sculpture of a dog made from clothes pins, and an authentic shrunken human head! There are new optical illusions to view as well, along with the ever present word puzzles and brain teasers to solve. Ripleys is open 365 days a year and tickets can be purchased online for as little as $10.99 for children under 12 and $16.99 for adults.

Touring Orlando, Recession Style at Titanic: The Experience

This is one of the newer exhibits in Orlando and one of the most interesting too. With input from James Cameron, who directed the epic film of this ship’s final voyage, it is replete with interesting facts involving this maritime tragedy. It is as much a show as it is an exhibition, given the costumed performers who tell the ships tale dressed in clothing from the time period. Rooms identical to those present on the vessel have been reconstructed for you to visit. And – absolutely bizarrely enough – try not to miss the ghost tour conducted every Thursday, which involves actual encounters with the hereafter experienced by the shows staff.

There are over 400 historic pieces recovered from the boat on display. Children age 3-11 are $12.95, under 3 are free. Adults tickets cost $21.95 with seniors, 65+ being $19.75. Tickets for the ghost tour must be purchased seperately.

Touring Orlando, Recession Style at Gatorland

This description will be a short one, since I think the name of this Orlando favorite says it all. Lets just say it’s a 110 acre park filled with you-know-whats and crocodiles, too. Believe it or not (and I don’t mean Ripley’s), there is a petting zoo for the little ones and shows that include gator wrestling, jumping and (oh my!) “close encounters.” Enough said? Adult admission is $21.99 and children 3-11 are $13.99.

Touring Orlando, Recession Style at Universal Studios

I have saved the best and perhaps most surprising location on our Orlando budget tour for last. The world famous Universal Studios cannot be missed during a visit to this city. The rides and attractions are too numerous to attempt to cover in this short article, but I must make mention of the special Halloween Horror Nights 22, running now through the end of October, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter being one of the newer rides. Universal Studios Orlando tickets may be purchased online for less than $60 for an entire day of fun and adventures. Even better, this offer includes a coupon book worth $150 of savings while in the park.

You will never forget the memories made at any of these locations and, best of all, you will return home with money still in your pocket, having toured Orlando recession-style.

CC fabfotophotography

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