Day Trips to Boston

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Making a day trip to Boston? Whether you’re more in the mood to mix and match, or you’re the ambitious traveler who wants to see them all, here are the top attractions in Boston: Museum of Fine Arts & Fenway Park Start your day off with two of Boston’s biggest attractions: The Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park. They’re only separated by a 15 minute walk, so it’s easy to visit both in the morning before continuing on with your sightseeing in the city. The Museum of Fine Arts almost needs no introduction. Over one million visitors come into the museum each year; they see over 450,000 works of art, and are able to take advantage of special exhibits, films, and over 4 different dining experiences, just to name a few. When you visit, make sure to walk around the newly renovated Art of the Americas Wing and the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art. Once you make your … [Read more...]

Visiting Boston: 7 Fun Things to Do in the Winter

go boston

Though it may be a bit chilly, winter is a wonderful time to visit the historic and quaint city of Boston. You can embrace the joy of the season in Boston with these fun things to do in the winter. Not a fan of the cold? That's okay! Many of these activities are indoors, so you can stay toasty and warm even when the weather outside is frightful. So let it snow!       Climb the Bunker Hill Monument Get the best of history and scenery when you climb this 221-foot tall monument built in 1842 and located right on the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. You're bound to keep warm as you climb the 294 steps to the top, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking the city and the harbor. Best of all, admission to the Bunker Hill Monument is free year round.   Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery While in Boston, you'll … [Read more...]

Top 15 Places to Visit in NYC if You’re a College Student

wax bieber

As the biggest city in the nation and one of the world's most important centers for everything from finance to fashion, New York City is a hot spot for tourists from around the globe. Bustling with diverse cultural life and a vibrant youth scene, The Big Apple is one of the most exciting destinations for college students. Not to mention, NYC's vibrant night life is almost unparalleled (they don't call it The City that Never Sleeps for nothing!). Contrary to what you may have heard, New York can be enjoyed on a college budget. Check out our list of the top 15 places to visit for college students, and remember that more than half of the attractions can be found on our New York Explorer Pass for a discounted price.       Madame Tussauds Wax Museum This contemporary attraction is one of the most popular sites for students visiting New York. The wax statues of … [Read more...]

Top 5 Money-Saving Travel Tips for Family Vacations

save on travel

Just because the economy is stuck in a rut doesn't mean you have to be. Traveling and enjoying a vacation with your family once in a while is a leisure you shouldn't have to give up. The benefits of travel and the bonds formed on family vacations are invaluable. However, to cut the costs of your vacation, you may need to switch up your travel routine a bit. Being creative and planning ahead can go a long way when it comes to affordable vacations. These five money-saving travel tips can really help keep your vacation in your budget—without sacrificing any of the fun.   If you can, travel by bus or train. It's no secret, air fare isn't usually cheap. However, there are cheap alternatives to traveling by plane. One of the best and least expensive options is traveling by bus. Bus service between major east coast cities has become so popular that occasionally rates can be … [Read more...]

7 Romantic Things to Do in Chicago

Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

With fall on the way, now is the time to plan a romantic getaway with your sweetheart—the weather will be perfect for evening cuddling in soft sweaters or walking hand in hand in the crisp autumn air. Believe it or not, Chicago is a surprisingly romantic place for lovebirds, despite the hustle and bustle of the Windy City. It's full of luxurious hotels and charming bed & breakfasts, as well as intimate restaurants to share an elegant meal. Plus, you'll make unforgettable memories while experiencing the multitude of attractions Chicago offers. Picture yourself cozying up to your mate as you take in the spectacular Chicago skyline while the sun sets. If that's not romantic, what is? Need some help thinking of romantic things to do in Chicago? Here are 7 suggestions for you and your loved one to enjoy. 1. Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier This 15-story Ferris wheel is located at one … [Read more...]

5 Chocolate Tasting Tours in the United States

Take a Savor Seattle Chocolate Tasting Tour

Whether you're a local or a tourist, there's really no better way to experience a city than a chocolate tasting tour. When you combine sightseeing with decadent gourmet chocolate, you really just can't go wrong. As part of the current food tour phenomenon, chocolate tasting tours can be found all over the United States in major cities. From the mountains to the prairies, Americans appreciate their chocolate. Another great thing about these tours is that they're all done on foot, so you'll get a feel for the city you're in and walk off the excess chocolate calories. SEATTLE Chocolate Indulgence Tour by Savor Seattle This 2-hour walking tour in the beautiful city of Seattle includes over 15 chocolate tastings. You'll learn about Seattle's chocolate history and its 50+ chocolatiers, and get tips on how to best savor this decadent dessert. This tour doesn't include just any old … [Read more...]

9 Ways to Save Money for Your Next Vacation

Save Money for Vacation

So, you know about discount attraction sites like Smart Destinations, and you even know how to get the best deals on transportation and accommodations—that's awesome. But let's face it, you're still going to have to dish out some money for your vacation. If you've recently had a lot of expenses or vacations just don't easily fit into your budget, there's still hope for your vacation aspirations. Whether you're in need of a little extra spending money or trying to cover the entire cost of a trip, you can use these easy and creative tips to cut back on everyday expenses and put that saved money toward your vacation. But FIRST, you need to start a vacation fund! This part is easy and assures that the money you save actually goes toward your vacation—just designate a place to save aside some money. This can be an actual savings account at your bank or, better yet, a sock drawer, piggy … [Read more...]

5 Family-Friendly Evening Activities for Vacations

...just don't get locked in over night.

Drinking and dancing the night away are perfectly fine evening activities for when you’re out with adults. But when you’re on a family vacation, you’ll need to find stuff to do in the evening that your kids can also participate in and enjoy. Tourist destinations are usually brimming with daytime attractions and activities, but in the nighttime, your choices can seem pretty limited to bars, pubs, and clubs. If you’re with your family—or if bars and clubs just aren’t your scene—you may find yourself struggling to fill the evenings on your vacation. However, don’t throw in the towel yet. Although the options aren’t as advertised as the daytime activities, in most cities there are several things to do in the evening that don’t involve drink or dance. If you get a little creative, you’ll discover there are lots of evening activities that will keep your whole family … [Read more...]

September Attractions at the California Academy of Sciences

Welcome to the California Academy of Sciences

Wondering what the Academy of Sciences is all about? Well, this tribute to the wonders of the universe is part aquarium, part all-digital planetarium (the largest in the world), part natural history museum, and part 4-story rainforest. The Academy’s recently opened facility in Golden Gate Park has quickly become the number one ticketed attraction in San Francisco, so don’t miss out! If you haven’t already been to the California Academy of Sciences, this September is the perfect time to visit because there are a bunch of exciting events lined up. There’s something for everyone, young and old, and you don’t even have to be a science-lover to love this month of amusement. Here are some of the highlights, with a special section for younger visitors. Special Events: Life: A Cosmic Story Daily How did life on Earth begin? This tantalizing question forms the basis of … [Read more...]

Top 6 Kid Friendly Restaurants in New York City

Prime Burger is a Kid Friendly Restaurant in New York City

One problem you may encounter while traveling with kids is trying to find restaurants that they’ll enjoy. You’ll need to find somewhere that serves food they’ll eat, while also being informal enough for your kids to spill without causing a scene. But if you’re traveling to the Big Apple, you’re in luck. Not only are there tons of things to do in New York but there are also many child friendly restaurants in New York City; many of them fun and affordable. Here’s a list of the top 6 kid-approved restaurants in NYC: Prime Burger Most people assume (and rightly so) that restaurants in New York are all overpriced. Prime Burger fights this stereotype with extremely low prices and a wide range of kid-friendly options. For breakfast, enjoy bagels, donuts, croissants, muffins and toast all for under $2. Eggs and omelettes fall around the $5 mark, along with pancakes and French … [Read more...]