Destinations

  • A family of Grizzly Bear stroll down a main road in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

    20 Free Adventures at National Parks

    Budget-conscious travelers love national parks, but many don’t realize how many free, unique activities they offer — beyond brief ranger-led talks or walks. These 20 enticing adventures give a taste of what’s possible at no cost during your next national…

  • Rearview shot of a young couple arriving hand in hand at their wedding reception

    15 Best U.S. Cities for a Destination Wedding on a Budget

    A destination wedding needn’t cost a fortune or involve a flight halfway around the globe. Plenty of U.S. cities provide memorable, budget-friendly wedding settings, from beaches to historic mansions. To come up with 15 top choices, we scoured multiple lists…

  • traditional diya lamp lit on colorful rangoli

    20 Famous and Unforgettable Festivals to See in India

    India dates back five millennia and is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, so of course it plays host to some unparalleled religious festivals — opportunities to see the country’s culture at its most vibrant. With input from…

  • Humpback whale "Big Mama" with calf in Juan de Fuca strait

    14 Budget-Friendly Places for Whale Watching on the West Coast

    For many communities on the West Coast, whale-watching season is a big deal. It’s celebrated with festivals, lectures, and, of course, countless whale-watching cruises. While some of the cruises can be pricey, many of the season’s activities are affordably priced…

  • Beach Front Condo in Panama City Beach, Florida

    15 Spring Break Rentals to Save You Money on a Hotel

    Spring break conjures visions of 24/7 booze-filled partying in warm, sandy climes. But the cost! Flights and hotels can eat up a poor student’s budget. On the other hand, renting an apartment or condo with friends can save a bundle,…

  • 15 Alluring Cheese Shops Where You Can Get Free Samples

    It’s hard to tire of cheese, since each type in this beloved category of dairy products is unique. In the culinary world, a diverse cheese board is hard to beat, but many grocery chains are sorely lacking in the complex…

  • Welcome To Florida Sign

    The Best of Florida on a Budget

    Florida is a popular destination for sunny weather and the magic of Disney, but it has far more to offer frugal travelers than beaches and theme parks. From the Panhandle…

  • happy family in autumn park

    Skip the Turkey: 10 Great Getaways for Thanksgiving Weekend

    With a bitter presidential race dividing friends and families, celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones may not be the fun-filled occasion of years past. Or perhaps it’s never been a favorite…

  • smiling couple with heart-rate watch running over city highway bridge

    11 Trips That Will Obliterate Your Fitbit Step Goals

    Staying fit and healthy while traveling can be a challenge. Travelers in a hurry to get from one place to another tend to grab fast, unhealthy food wherever they can,…

  • woman taking photo with camera of building

    16 Public Buildings You Have to See Inside

    The mental images conjured by the words “government building” likely involve tedious obligations such as jury duty, traffic court, and paying property taxes. Here’s a list designed to turn that…

  • colorful hot air balloons against blue sky

    Get High: 12 Spectacular Balloon Festivals From Coast to Coast

    The oldest and most basic flight mechanism in human history, hot-air balloons first appeared as toys in China in the third century. Nearly 1,500 years later, in September 1783, brothers…

  • colorful ski glasses with skier on snow

    20 Money-Saving Ski Passes for More Fun at More Places

    Skiing and snowboarding are notoriously expensive pastimes. Last season, the average price of an adult weekend lift ticket at the nation’s resorts was $109. Frequent skiers and riders, however, can…

  • little excited kid enjoying time at pumpkin patch sitting in the huge pile of pumpkins

    Frugal Fall Fun: 50 Free and Cheap Festivals That Celebrate Autumn

    The end of summer means a new world of agricultural delights and gorgeous autumnal scenery, plus a whole lot of events honoring the new season. There’s a rich variety of…

  • fall leaves on bench

    14 Under-the-Radar Places With Amazing Fall Foliage

    New England comes first to mind for taking in fall’s brilliant hues of yellow, red, orange, and green, but there are gorgeous locations around the country with fall colors that…

  • swimsuits on the beach

    13 Great Places to Go Skinny-Dipping

    If you haven’t gone skinny dipping — felt the one-of-a-kind sensation of submerging naked in a natural body of water — it’s something to put on your bucket list. For…

  • ferry

    18 Scenic Ferry Rides

    When traveling, sometimes the best way to get the lay of the land is to get away from the land itself. Dinner cruises and whale watches promise unique experiences, but…

  • runners running in marathon

    11 of the Coolest Races for Runners This Summer

    Running alone outside or in the gym is satisfying for some, but many runners crave a bit of competition, motivation to train, or just some good old-fashioned fun. That’s where…

  • aerial view of rome

    25 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Rome

    Rome wasn’t built in a day, but travelers can get plenty of sightseeing done in a few days while visiting the capital of Italy. Tourists keen to see major attractions…