Tag: budget travel

8 Cheap Things to do in Vegas

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post is originally published on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog by Todd Herschberg on March 29, 2017.

1. Get a Cheap Hotel Room

Sure, you can live like a king and spend your life’s savings on a deluxe high-roller suite–but you don’t have to. Depending on when you go and where you stay, you can usually get a cheap hotel room in Las Vegas. After all, it’s Sin City. How much time do you actually plan on spending in the room?

2. Have a Low-priced Drink (or 12)

If you hang out at the slots and/or gaming tables long enough (and gamble), eventually they’ll bring you free drinks. You’ll still want to tip at least a buck or two per drink, though (Pro advice: If you tip more, you’ll find that your drinks come a bit more often). Not a gambler? Check out some of the Downtown bars near the Golden Gate Hotel–you’ll find they’re a bit cheaper.

3. Check Out Some Free Circus Acts

Gotten your drink on and feel like being a kid again? Head on over to Circus Circus for their free show every half hour from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.  The show only runs about 10 minutes, but hey, it’s free!

4. Shape the Future of Television

Seriously, though: wander over to the MGM Grand and check out the CBS Television Research Center. You’ll get the opportunity to be part of a focus group for new TV shows. What’s really cool? Being part of the focus group and then seeing the same episode on TV a few months later–but with changes based on the feedback that you provided.

5. Fill Up at a Budget Buffet

Gone are the days when you could gorge yourself on all-you-can-eat shrimp for under a buck; however, there are still a few buffets around for less than $10. Check out the Feast Buffet over at Palace Station–it’s only $8.99 for an all-you-can-eat meal of a fairly decent quality.

6. Get a Massage for $20

Las Vegas is more than just the Strip. Head over to Chinatown (on and around Spring Mountain Road) and you’ll find a huge number of foot massage places where you can get a reflexology massage for about $20 an hour. After spending a day walking all over Vegas, you’ll be glad you did!

7. Check Out the Free, Secret Light Show

OK, so it won’t be a secret much longer. Inside City Center, there is a shopping center. Inside that shopping center, there is a Louis Vuitton store. Inside the Louis Vuitton store, there is a fourth floor. On the fourth floor, there is a back room. In the back room, there is a permanent art installation by James Turrell called “Akhob”–an amazing light show. Absolutely free-of-charge, it’s effectively a private show: they only allow four people at a time. The tricky part? They require reservations about a month in advance and are only open 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Call Louis Vuitton for a reservation.

8. People-watch

One great spot to people-watch is the EastSide Lounge at the Encore at Wynn. If you stick around late enough, you’ll get to see all of the young, amazingly-drunk folks spilling out of the nightclub at closing–always good for an entertaining hour or so. Otherwise, plunk yourself down just about anywhere in Vegas on any given night, sit back, and watch the show.

4 Historical Must-See Sites During Your Visit to Nashville

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

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Image via Trover.com by Jim Nix

Nashville is not your typical Southern town. Located in the heart of Tennessee, this vibrant city became the subject of a major network television show. Full of beautiful settings and interesting characters, Nashville is more than what you see on the show. It’s full of historical and cultural significance that date back to the original settlements of America. Whether you stay downtown or in Bellevue or Old Hickory, you’re sure to find a convenient and relaxing family-friendly IHG hotel close to the many historic sites of Nashville.

The Parthenon

Who knew you could find a bit of ancient Greece in Tennessee? One of the most popular historic sites in Nashville is The Parthenon, which attests to the city’s nickname, the “Athens of the South.” Located west of the downtown area in Centennial Park, the life-size replica of the ancient Greek structure is a fitting tribute to the town’s moniker. Celebrating ancient Greek architecture, the site includes a 42-foot statue of the Greek goddess Athena and houses a permanent art collection.

The Grand Ole Opry

In 1925, The Grand Ole Opry broadcast its first show, “The WSB Barn Dance.” Ninety years later, the weekly show continues to air from the most sought after venue in country music. Over the years, country music’s newest and notorious, from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood, have performed on the famed stage.

Located on the banks of the Cumberland River, the history of country music is woven into the fabric of The Grand Ole Opry. Take a tour of the famous building during the day and come back at night and catch a show. You never know who will show up on the Opry stage.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery

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Image via Trover.com by Ronald Mason

Tennessee isn’t only a music mecca; it’s the whiskey capital of the world, too. No distillery is more famous than the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Created in 1865, the history of the birth of this American staple is both fascinating and tragic.

Located 90 minutes from Nashville in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the site is worth the day trip. Book a guided tour and partake in a tasting. You can absorb the history of alcohol in America while listening to the tale of how Jack Daniel and eight other master distillers created the whiskey so many enjoy today.

Belle Meade Plantation

Built in 1820, the Belle Meade Plantation is a historic walk through the human condition. A short drive east of downtown Nashville, the former Indian hunting ground became the model for plantation life in the South. Even in the 1890s, tourist and dignitaries alike paid a visit to Belle Meade to see how a proper plantation should be run. With its immaculate grounds and perfectly restored buildings, you get an idea of life in the Old South. The Belle Meade is available for weddings and other events. During the summer, the plantation offers educational summer camps for kids.

Nashville has a rich and complex history — one you must see. Book a few nights at one of the city’s fabulous hotels and spend a few days visiting these historic sites that shaped our country’s history.

Experience New Orleans

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

I love New Orleans. It was my first high school Spring Break trip, my first college experience. It didn’t last long, but that’s another story. I visit New Orleans at least once per year and it never gets old. Whether you stay out near the airport or in the heart of party city, no two trips to New Orleans will ever be the same.

Airport Stay

Images provided by Mike from Mandeville via Trover.com.

New Orleans is an easy city to get to and once you land, you are inundated with the feel of the landscape. Near the airport, check in to the Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Airport. It’s about 15 minutes from downtown. Lake Pontchartrain is in your backyard. If you like bridges, water, or Guinness Book of World Records stuff, take a drive on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the 23.83-mile road over the lake.

Real World

If New Orleans is fantasy land, Metairie is the real world. Located 8 minutes outside of New Orleans, the Sheraton Metairie – New Orleans Hotel is a beautiful modern property and a great base to experience all the region has to offer. When the weather is good, check out the hotel’s rooftop pool. It’s close to shopping and dining and if you are a gambler, the casino is not far away.

Conventions and Meetings

Every year, hundreds of companies converge onto New Orleans under the guise of a convention or annual sales meeting. To further legitimize the company-wide “meeting,” they stay at hotels such as the Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center. It even has it in the name. The hotel is reasonably priced for its location. It’s close to the St. Charles Street Car Line, the Aquarium and the famous River Walk with its views of the Mississippi River.

The Party

Images provided by JP Thompson via Trover.com.

If you show no qualms about getting your party on, book a stay in the French Quarter. The Hyatt French Quarter on Iberville Avenue is a block off Bourbon Street and close to jazz clubs, lounges, and restaurants, including my favorite, the Quarter, Acme Oyster Bar. The unique location pulses with the energy of the French Quarter and offers easy access to downtown and the Garden District. The historic hotel offers a modern and elegant decor. The courtyard is a beautiful space to hold an elegant wedding or host a cool party.

The Heart

Image provided by Francis Petitclerc via Trover.com.

If southern Louisiana is a body, then the famous Bourbon Street is the heart. You haven’t partied unless you’ve partied on Bourbon Street. Bourbon Orleans Hotel is in the center of the action. The hotel looks and feels like New Orleans. If you’re lucky enough to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, make sure and get a room with a balcony. You can watch the craziness at a safe distance.

New Orleans remains one of my favorite places in the world. Each visit offers a new experience.

 

Have you been to New Orleans? What’s your favorite part of town? 

Budget Trip to New Jersey

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

I hope I don’t insult anyone, but let’s face it, ever since The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, New Jersey has gotten a bad wrap. It’s not all mobsters and seedy casinos. I found a few cool spots to stay and iconic sites to see all on a budget. Historic or modern, nature or city, boardwalk or beach, New Jersey has it all.

Image provided by Andy Sawieljew via Trover.com.

Historical Jersey

Step into history and book a stay at the Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey. I’ve traveled in Europe and in Asia and never stayed in a 200-year-old hotel. Built in 1816, the Congress Hall Hotel has recently been restored, but stepping through the doors takes you back in time. With comfortable, spacious rooms and all the amenities of any modern hotel, Congress Hall combines the best of the present. Take paddle board lessons as the beach is just steps away or stroll down to the historical society and learn about the origin of America.

Natural New Jersey

Don’t let the fancy name fool you. The Wilshire Grand Hotel is a beautiful but approachable hotel near the famed Verona Park. The hotel is locally owned and a sense of pride for West Orange, New Jersey. It’s a pet-friendly hotel, so bring your dog to explore the walking or jogging trails in the nearby park. If you like water, canoe and kayak in Verona Lake. The park offers educational walks for adult and kids, so it’s a great sport for families. When the weather is good, the park offers outdoor concerts and programs in the gazebo.

Budget New Jersey

Image provided by Jackie Grenier via Trover.com.
Located minutes away from the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk sits the quaint Royal Lodge. Since your going to lose all your money in the casino anyway, the hotel offers rooms of varying sizes all at a low rate. Choose the number of beds you need, and each comes equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. With just 25 rooms to concentrate on, the staff goes out of their way to make sure the guests enjoy their stay. The rooms are clean, and the hotel is quiet. It’s near to the beach, and the excitement of Atlantic City makes this a great hotel option for the budget minded traveler.

Nightlife New Jersey

Image provided by Joe Vickiana via Trover.com.
You can’t beat the Atlantic City/Absecon area for options for a budget conscious traveler. The Superlodge Atlantic City/Absecon is a small, clean and convenient place for your stay. What makes this hotel different is the staff’s knowledge of Jersey nightlife and evening attractions. They brag on the website how they create the perfect vacation stay for any traveler. They know the best places to eat and the best places to dance, lounge or just people watch.
It may be New York’s ugly cousin, but it has some amazing places to play and to stay. Sometimes Jersey gets a bad wrap, but to me, it’s just another cool city to explore on the east coast. What do you think of New Jersey? 

Unique Destination in California

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

California is an anomaly, expensive and a little pretentious, but the amazing weather, the unique destinations, and the cultural attractions make for a pleasant place to visit.

The Gold Rush

 

Image provided by Rick Barlupi via Trover.com.

Casinos have come a long way, and the Gold Country Casino & Hotel has the right mix of old and new. The hotel offers spacious rooms with soaking tubs, a comfortable size for long-term stays. The Casino includes four on-site restaurants, gaming, and meeting rooms. Don’t spend all your time in the hotel. Get out and explore Oroville. The Chinese Temple, built in 1863, is a museum and worship center that celebrates the 10,000 Chinese immigrants that came to Oroville in search of gold. Let’s hope I’m half as lucky in hitting the jackpot.

Beautiful Desert

Image provided by Paige Spee vial Trover.com.

South of Los Angeles, in the middle of the desert, is the wealthy retreat of Palm Springs. Luxury Hotels with high-price rooms pepper the landscape. If like me you’re on a budget, check out the Caliente Tropics Hotel. Besides having a cool name, it boasts a fresh, rustic, beachy, vacation vibe. Enjoy a tropical drink in your own private cabana. Cool down in the resort pools and make time to explore the city center of Palm Springs, a short stroll from the hotel.

Luxury Desert

If you have a little more in the bank, check into the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. The Hard Rock is a mini version of a Las Vegas casino, with all the same amenities. Their signature restaurant, Simon Kitchen + Bar, focuses on local cuisine. Book some time at the renowned Rock Spa, which combines the music theme with desert rich treatments. The casino is a venue for local and international musical acts throughout the year. Hard Rock is minutes away from the Aerial Tram that offers sky-high views of beautiful Palm Springs.

Relaxing Oasis

On my bucket list is the Coachella music festival, now a stay at this hip hotel brings my dream even closer. A few nights at the V Palm Springs is the perfect pre- or post-festival retreat. A comfortable, yet modern hotel it features calming desert inspired decor and sleek dark wood accents. The sophisticated vibe isn’t fussy or pretentious. With two outdoor pools and the Elixir Restaurant, where non-hotel guests are seeking reservations, the V is a destination.

Beach Retreat

Image provided by Adventure Never Ends via Trover.com.

You can’t go to California and not spend time at the beach. A little out of the way on the 101, sits Pismo Beach. In the middle of Dinosaur Caves Park is Pismo Lighthouse Suites. This hotel is an experience. With its nautical theme and location, you get caught up in the beauty and tranquility of the water. It’s an all-suite hotel, perfect for large families and extended stays. Within walking distance is the Price Historic Park, the perfect place to absorb Pismo history. Most rooms offer a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, and the white sand beach is only a few steps away.

What’s on your California trip list? 

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