More Summer Cash Savers

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but you can certainly save some cash this summer by taking advantage of Mother Nature’s goodness. Don’t let soaring food prices put a damper on your seasonal fun; rather, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables in order to preserve your family’s household budget. You might be surprised by how a little farming can yield big savings for the average American family. According to the Wall Street Journal, for every $1 you spend on green bean seeds, you have the ability to grow an average of $75 worth of produce. In addition, for every $1 … Continue reading

Summer Cash Savers

Don’t let the calendar fool you—summer is officially here, at least in my neck of the woods. We have been sizzling in 90-degree (plus) heat for more than a week. Despite the crazy hot temperatures, my daughter and I saw a man cutting his lawn with a push mower at 11 a.m. yesterday when the mercury had to be pushing 89 degrees. Come to find out, the guy is not as nutty as I thought. In fact, he’s probably smarter and richer than most of us who use a power mower to cut our grass. According to the Environmental Protection … Continue reading

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading

Are Travel Clubs Really Money Savers?

With the price of airfare skyrocketing to new highs it’s no wonder travel clubs are attracting more interest than ever before. Commercials and print ads for travel clubs offering, “super deals and deep discounts” are virtually everywhere. The advertisements promise huge savings on everything from airfare and cruises to rental cars and hotel accommodations. If you are a cash strapped traveler who has always dreamed of taking a Caribbean cruise or a fantasy flight to Paris, then one of these flashy ads or mailings (typically in the form of a postcard) may have caught your attention—-especially the ones that promise … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Travel Deals to Florida

Florida is sizzling hot this summer with affordable travel deals to some of the state’s most popular cities. Take a look: MIAMI Attention pet lovers! Forget about leaving your four-legged furballs at home while you jet off for some fun in the sun. Miami’s Aqua Hotel is offering you the chance to bring your furry friend along for the ride. The hotel’s “Pets Are People Too” package includes a welcome basket with gourmet dog food, a chew bone, and bottled water for your pooch and complimentary breakfast for you, all for just $135 per room per night. HOLLYWOOD Reconnect with … Continue reading

Summer Travel Savings: Beach Bargains in Belize

If you are looking to jet off to a tropical locale this summer, but can’t afford to miss a mortgage payment to fund your vacation then consider the following deals to Central America. The country known for its lush rainforests and exotic beaches is in its off-season right now, which means travel there is extra affordable. Take a look at these low priced travel packages that will get you to the beach for a bargain: BELIZE This breezy Central American destination is famous for its first-rate snorkeling and scuba diving. Right now you can save big on a beach getaway … Continue reading

Summer Travel—-Culinary Tours and Fourth of July Savings

Some of Seattle’s most popular chefs are heading up a unique tour this summer designed to get foodies to hit the road for a taste of the Northwest. The top-rated chefs are teaming up with Gray Line of Seattle bus company this summer for eight new culinary tours. Each tour features a visit with a chef from a popular Seattle restaurant. Participating eateries include Crush, Troiani Ristorante Italiano, El Gaucho, Sky City at the Space Needle, Chandlers Crabhouse on Lake Union, Daniel’s Broiler at Lake Union, Waterfront Grill and Palisade. During the tour individual chefs will greet participants at the … Continue reading

More Affordable Fourth of July Family Getaways

Flags, parades, picnics, and of course, fireworks–you can’t celebrate the Fourth of July without them regardless of where you are spending the long holiday weekend. Right now lodgings around the country are trying to woo families with specials and discounted packages to party on their turf. If you are still deciding where to celebrate our nation’s 232nd birthday consider the following options: MASSACHUSETTS Boston hosts one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the entire country. This year (as they do each year) the Boston Pops will be performing a rousing patriotic concert on the banks of the Charles River … Continue reading

Summer Travel—What’s New in D.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta

WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Mall is sporting a new look these days. A real temple has been constructed at the popular tourist site as part of the 42nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which this year includes a celebration of the culture of the little-known Kingdom of Bhutan. Event organizers say carpenters from the Himalayan kingdom traveled to Washington to help build the authentic Bhutanese lhakhang, or temple, along with other examples of Bhutanese architecture. Once it is complete the temple will be one of the largest traditional buildings ever erected on the Mall. The exhibit, “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder … Continue reading

Snow Skiing in the Middle of Summer and Where to Get Bugged Out in the Big Easy

It may be sweltering hot in your neck of the woods, but somewhere in the world people are packing on layers of Lycra under their parkas and getting ready to cut into fresh power on snowy slopes. If would rather glide down a mountain on snow skis than navigate wakes on water skis then consider heading to the Southern Hemisphere this summer to tear down the slopes of Argentina and Chile. Some of South America’s most popular ski resorts, such as Bariloche, Argentina, Portillo, Chile, Valle Nevado, Chile, and Termas de Chillan, Chile (where a new casino and volcano-heated spa … Continue reading