Budget Beach Getaways

Sure, you can save a bundle by driving a small car to the coast and spending your entire winter vacation living out of tent that you’ve pitched on the beach.  However, there are a slew of other ways you can score a budget-friendly beach getaway without having to go to extremes.   Beach packages are readily available to a host of sunny destinations, including Hawaii, Mexico, California and the Caribbean.  The trick to saving more than a few pennies on these tropical getaways is to have social media platforms work for you.  By signing up for alerts from airlines, hotels … Continue reading

Affordable Winter Weekend Getaways

Are you looking for a way to chase away the winter blues? Maybe you just need an escape to cure a severe case of cabin fever. Regardless of the reason, the winter season can have you itching to jet-off to the sun, sand and surf. Unfortunately, if you are short on time and money a tropical getaway may not be possible. The good news is that there are a slew of other options available for those who only have the weekend to relax and unwind, including: Camping: There are nearly 400 National Parks in the United States, many of which … Continue reading

Tropical Getaways

There is a fallacy that traveling to the tropics in the middle of summer can put a real strain on your wallet. However, if you plan carefully there are a number of ways you can stretch your vacation dollar while having fun in the sun. For example, destination is everything. Places, such as Puerto Rico offer deep discounts to travelers looking to explore the diverse island during the summer months. While temperatures may be uncomfortably hot during the day, there are many places to cool off in Puerto Rico. The island boasts 272 miles of coastline which makes tanning, swimming … Continue reading

Tropical Spring Getaways

If you watched any part of “Survivor 9 Vanuatu: Islands of Fire” then you might have found yourself dreaming of a tropical island getaway in the South Pacific. But getting to and staying at a beach resort on the island hideaway made famous by the popular CBS reality show might be a bit daunting for the average traveler… at least until now. Several tropical resorts are trying to fill rooms during the pre-summer months by offering great deals at their properties. Take a look at some of these affordable travel deals that allow you to escape the winter blues in … Continue reading

Ways to Escape Old Man Winter

More than 54 inches of snow has fallen on our city so far this winter. Add that to the dozen or so days when the windchill readings were 20 to 50 degrees below zero (forcing schools and businesses to close), countless winter storm watches, and a blizzard warning, and you’ve got a weather pattern that has made even the heartiest Wisconsinite wish Old Man Winter would take a hike. Personally, I can’t wait to escape these bone-chilling temperatures and spend some quality time with my family in Hawaii. And I can’t tell you how many people have begged me to … Continue reading

Tropical Winter Getaways

BRRRRRR!!!!! I am FREEZING! And I know I am not alone. It’s snowing in Mississippi and Georgia, there is ice falling from the sky in Louisiana and here in the upper Midwest a windchill advisory has been issued because the current temperature is 5 BELOW zero and the windchill (what it actually feels like outside) has plummeted to 35 BELOW zero. To say that I wish I were at my parents home in Hawaii right now is… well… wishful thinking. And I know I am not the only one dreaming of a tropical getaway right now. The good news is … Continue reading

More Tropical Island Getaways

The weather outside may not be frightful just yet, but give it a few weeks and I’m sure you’ll be dreaming of trading in your snow shovel and frozen windshield wipers for a sandy beach and frozen tropical libation. Naturally, I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend Hawaii as the ultimate sunny locale; however, I will admit this time of year the “Aloha State” can get a bit congested. As I mentioned in my previous blog there are a number of lesser-known exotic islands that have far fewer tourists soaking up the sun on their crescent shaped beaches. So, … Continue reading

Tropical Island Getaways

With winter fast approaching now is the time you should be finalizing your escape plan from your upcoming snow shoveling duties. After all, who wants to spend an entire winter dealing with ice and snow when you could be frolicking on a sugar sand beach, plunging yourself in cobalt blue waters, and soaking up the sun’s tropical rays at an exotic locale? I’ve spent dozens of blogs detailing the many fine attributes of the Hawaiian Islands, but if you are looking for a sunny destination that offers more privacy you might consider traveling to the following tropical isles: Huahine Located … Continue reading

Budgeting for Spring Break

Right now, millions of Americans are looking to trade in the snow and cold for sun, sand and surf.  Unfortunately, tropical escapes don’t usually come cheap.  If you are seriously considering jetting off on a beach vacation this spring, consider the following money-saving tips: Travel with others:  Group deals are ideal for families or friends looking to save cash on travel while enjoying each others’ company.  Typically, group rates are offered to parties of six or more people; however, a number of travel companies offer deeper discounts to larger groups.  For example, if you can gather a slew of extended … Continue reading

Unique New Year’s Eve Travel Destinations

If you are not into the pomp, and the “BOOM! BANG! POW!” associated with rowdy New Year’s Eve blow outs; consider ushering in 2012 at the following locales: Death Valley The Eastern California landmark is located in the Mojave Desert and features some of the driest and hottest parcels of land in North America. Despite its popularity with travelers during the holidays, you won’t be kept awake with firework shows on New Year’s Eve. You also won’t have to contend with noisy neighbors partying until dawn. Rather, you can soak up the silence under the stars in the park’s three … Continue reading