Friday, April 29, 2022

Couples Vacations That Will Make You Fall in Love All Over Again

 Travel Whether you are planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip or a much-needed getaway, couples' vacations should be special. They give you the chance to reconnect and be in your own little world—even if it's only for the weekend—so don't settle. Here are nine of the world's most romantic places—from bucket list destinations like Bora Bora to quaint, low-key cities like Savannah, Georgia. (Your honey is allowed to be forwarded.)

couple vacations bora bora

Four Seasons Bora Bora

1. Bora Bora

The most extraordinary of the French Polynesian islands, Bora Bora is exotic, extravagant and drop-dead gorgeous thanks to extensive beaches, lush forests, and blue lagoons. The entire island is only six miles long, but it is home to two volcanic craters, a sandy-bottomed turquoise lagoon, and Matira Beach, one of the brightest stretches of sand in the world. This travel is a luxurious one, but it's also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for good reason: Most of the island's luxury hotels have thatched-roof, glass-bottom bungalows built over the crystal-blue sea. But even if you're not staying at a five-star resort, the natural wonder is priceless.

romantic couple vacation ideas paris

tripadvisor

2. Paris, France

They call it the City of Light, but as far as we are concerned, it is the City of Love. You'd be hard-pressed not to find smooching couples under the Eiffel Tower or along the Seine, and there's no shortage of gorgeous high-end restaurants to celebrate a special evening over a bottle (or four) of wine. Even if you're not down for the cliche PDA experience of gay angels, it's a great city to explore as a couple (as opposed to as a group or family). For example, you can take a stool to the bar of a busy restaurant where it is impossible to get a table; You can go to the Louvre...and leave whenever you want (wild!); And you can move slowly and aimlessly in your spare time with pastries in hand. While hotels in Paris can be on the expensive side, there are plenty of options for a couples' vacation, ranging from luxury hotels ideal for rentals perfect for two people.

romantic couple vacation ideas santorini

tripadvisor

3. Santorini, Greece

You can't visit the most beautiful of the Greek islands and not fall in love over and over again. Enjoy a shack or a candlelight dinner in one of the many private villas with ocean views while watching the sky turn fiery orange and red. We highly recommend the hill town of Oia, Santorini's most famous (and most Instagrammed) spot, covered with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. There, in addition to eating all the feta cheese before you leave, you should hike the famous route from Oia to Fira, a route that takes hikers along the caldera, that is, a moon-shaped volcanic crater filled with the Aegean Sea, on the coast of Santorini. .

couple vacations savannah

Marriott/Perry Lane Hotel

4. Savannah, Georgia

With its adorable bed and breakfasts, oak-lined streets, and Victorian architecture, it's hard to imagine a quaint city better than Savannah. Walk hand-in-hand through Paris-inspired and Spanish moss-draped Forsyth Park, then stop at the beautiful beach town of Tybee Island, just 30 minutes from downtown. With one of the best dining scenes in the South—Bowerbird for coffee, Collins Quarter for brunch and Husk for dinner—Savannah is really giving Charleston a run for its money when it comes to romantic weekend getaways. Comes.

couple holidays venice

TripAdvisor / Gritty Palace

5. Venice, Italy

Between old-world charm, quaint canals and open-air cafes, Venice was originally built for lovers. Yes, the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco are striking architectural monuments, but a lot of Venice's romance is found in its back alleys. Get lost in the cobbled streets of the floating city, sip the Aperol spirit, visit the opera. And don't dare to go without riding the gondola.

couple holidays bordeaux

TripAdvisor/Chateau Grand Barrel Hotel

6. Bordeaux

If you're looking for wine and food, there really is no better place in the world. Many restaurants in the French Wine Country are set in 18th-century chateaus, featuring Michelin stars, expansive wine lists and rich regional dishes such as steak in bordelaise sauce and fresh oysters with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. But there is much more to Bordeaux than just food. Cycle through the city's vineyards and charming streets with a guided bike tour, stroll along the edge of the beautiful waterfront and visit Europe's highest sand dune, the Dune of Pilate, after which, of course, you can eat And can go back to drinking wine.

couple vacations quebec city

Grandriver/Getty Images

7. Quebec City, Canada

If you're looking for a European experience without crossing the Atlantic, look no further than the most French place in Canada. It is one of the oldest settlements in North America and is a great option for the history-loving couple. But don't worry, there are plenty of things to do at the historic sites, including the wild and fun Quebec Winter Carnival, an annual festival with parades, fireworks, and concerts, which runs through most of February. When you walk through the stone buildings and narrow cobblestone streets of the old city, you will feel as if you are in Paris. Go for cozy moonlit carriage rides and the aforementioned carnival in winter, or go for a picnic on the Terrace Dufferin in summer, overlooking the fortified Chateau Frontenac. best parts? It is quite worth living in this gorgeous city.

couple holidays bvi

TripAdvisor/Anegada Beach Club

8. British Virgin Islands

If you want a serene and tropical beach getaway without traveling all over the world, BVI is one of the best destinations for couples vacation. Hotels are small and included, and the beaches are all bad. Take a private boat to jump around the chain of small islands, treat yourself to dinner on the beach or just relax and take in the Caribbean sunshine.

romantic couple vacation ideas zanzibar

9. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Take away the love of your life on a once in a lifetime travel to the gorgeous Zanzibar. Located in the Indian Ocean 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, the island offers clear, turquoise-blue waters, shallow sandbars, and several small, practically uninhabited islands, so you'll feel like the only people in both worlds. Explore historic Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with cooking classes and spice tours (which can come in handy later) or visit Cheetah Rock and rub elbows with some majestic jungle cats.

15 Cheap Vacation Ideas for Your Family

Travel Ideas - Every season has its share of money temptations, but summer can be the worst. The kids are out of school, the beach is calling your name, and every spare hour seems like a good opportunity to drop everything and go on vacation. Blame it on the sun!

But how can you go on a fun trip when you're on a budget?

15 Inexpensive Vacation Ideas

Here are 15 cheap vacation ideas that will blow you away Without it break the bank! So, wear The Beach Boys, bust out the colors, and start making your holiday list right now.

1. Take a tour of your city.

And that doesn't mean "tour" your home projects and work on your yard. We're talking about getting out there and being a tourist in your own city.

Explore local art galleries, historic sites, that new restaurant you want to visit, or even a half-price museum day. You can really be as frugal as you want with it.

2. Go camping.

family camp

Okay, so you can go the traditional "let's sleep outside" route, or you can rent a cabin. Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!

If you want the complete RV/camper experience but don't want to actually drive the thing, Airbnb has you covered for as little as $39 a night.1 Their hosts offer ornate campers that make your stay comfortable and indoors while you're at it. Young calls it "the dazzling"—you know, experiencing the great outdoors without having to deal with that whole lot.

3. Go to a less popular beach.

family on the beach

some beaches are going to be more popular And pricier than others (looking at you, Key West and Laguna Beach). But if you know where to look, you can save a penny and still watch the tide come in.

Coastal beaches are going to be more expensive than beaches along the bay. Sure, the water might look a little different, but when you're coming from a landlocked area, a beach is a beach. Staying in a two-bedroom beachfront condo in Miami can cost you $100 more per night Compared to the same type of housing in Galveston, Texas. Plus, the beaches of the Gulf will also have less expensive hotels, food, and activities.

4. Book travel packages using Warehouse Stores.

We promise it's not as weird as it sounds. Club stores like Costco actually offer great deals on vacation packages. If you're planning a more elaborate vacation, you'll want to consider what they have to offer.

For example, we found that a Costco deal includes five days' accommodation for two adults at a Sheraton Vistana Resort villa, Walt Disney World tickets, and a car rental for about $1,900.2 But if you paid for your hotel stay, Disney Pass and car rental separately, it would set you back about $2,200. Being smart about who you book with can save you over $300.

We know that these types of travel packages change very quickly, so you might not get this exact deal. The point is this: If you're looking for a deal, you should be able to find one if you know where to look!

5. Be with friends or family.

It's not glamorous—and some people might not even consider it a Truth Vacation - But staying with friends or family is an easy cheap vacation idea. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to spend time with the people you love!

Most likely, you won't have to pay for a stay or some food. This means you only need to pay the bill to reach your destination. This should cut down on your travel costs drastically.

But make sure you're a great guest while you're there. Don't be stupid! Pay for groceries or cook some meals to show your gratitude. Maybe even treat your loved ones to dinner or dessert when you're in town! You want to score an invite back, don't you?

6. Travel during the off-season.

Mother and child traveling in empty train

Everyone loves to take a summer break, but pushing it outside is just a Some More months can save you a bundle. Traveling during fall break (or any time after Labor Day weekend) can be a great cheap vacation idea.

Remember, though: peak-season and off-season will change depending on where you plan to go. A good rule of thumb is to avoid traveling during the summer months, winter break and holidays. Do your research before you book!

7. Go on a weekend trip.

If you need to get away, leaving town for the weekend may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Is it as comfortable as a 10-day trip? No. But it's not nearly that expensive. Budget for a quick weekend getaway, and you might be pleasantly surprised by how cheap it can be.

8. Take a break on weekdays.

OK, this is the exact opposite of the previous idea, but hear us out. Most of the time, booking a hotel or Airbnb for the weekend is more expensive than staying there during the week. So, if you could use some vacation time at work, try to book a quick, mid-week vacation.

9. Visit a National Park.

Father with child on shoulder while walking in a park

The great thing about nature is that it is usually quite free to enjoy. Oh, and it's pretty—additional bonus! Don't sweat it if you don't live anywhere near Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. Did you know that there are actually 61 national parks across the United States? Find one near you and explore! Know the Bus Parks might There is a small entry fee to be paid per vehicle or person.

10. Stay at a nearby bed and breakfast.

Certainly, some B&Bs are known to be above and beyond the budget's price range. But many bed and breakfasts can actually be budget-friendly if they include meals and activities in the price of the night's stay.

A bed and breakfast in Nashville typically runs from about $100 to $250 per night.3 But given that you'll get homemade breakfast at least (hence the name) and other meals throughout your stay, it's really not a bad deal.

Many B&Bs also throw extras like coffee and cookies or wine and cheese in the lobby area. Depending on your location, some bed and breakfasts offer kayaks, bikes, or canoes for you to get around for free.

11. Get insider tips.

Well, let's say you already know you're going to be massive and planning a vacation to Disney World, but You still want to be smart and do Disney on a budget. You need to collect all the insider tips for your part time job. Scour the Internet, ask friends and family, and do your research across the board to learn everything you need to know before this Travel booking.

Just because it's the "most magical place on earth" doesn't mean you can't do it cheap!

12. Explore your area.

father catching fish by the lake and taking picture of daughters smiling

On the other hand, taking a vacation doesn't mean you have to go to Disneyland. , , Or Paris. , , Or take a Caribbean cruise. If you want cheap vacation ideas, look no further than your area.

Decide to go somewhere just an hour or two away from home. You'll be out of town while (hopefully) avoiding the sticker shock of busy vacation areas. And you'll save money by not dealing with flights or long drives!

13. Book in advance.

One of the best cheap vacation ideas is booking your trip well in advance. We're not saying you have to plan for it for years, but your chances of getting a good price are much higher if you don't wait months before leaving.

Online travel hubs like Groupon and Expedia take pride in offering great, last-minute vacation deals. And if you're trying to find a last-minute hotel in a pinch, look into Hotel Tonight.

14. Book a rental car with your Debit Card.

Trying to book a rental car with your debit card used to be a huge pain. Sure, some places will let you do that, but they basically wanted you to pass a background check, leave your firstborn as collateral, and pat your head while rubbing your belly. In other words, there were a very To jump through hoops. But more and more, there are companies out there willing to make it a little easier.

And how does using your debit card save you money? Easy. It's not collecting interest in the months after your vacation ends (like a credit card does) - just like that.

15. Stop.

family laughing in swimming pool

Take those vacation days and get ready to stay at home! There are plenty of ways to be creative (and frugal) without losing the fun factor. Plan which nights of the week you want to take your family out for dinner or for a walk around town. And don't forget the meal plan for dinner that you'll eat at home too. Try sprucing up your backyard and tossing some burgers on the grill!

How to save for your cheap vacation

We hate to break it to you, but your cheap vacation money won't magically appear in your bank account. That's why having a budget is such a big deal!

Once you figure out when you want to go on vacation, budget what is an appropriate amount to save for your family. The amount you can set aside will affect where you go and how long you can stay. You may need to sell things and make temporary lifestyle sacrifices. But don't worry! There are many ways in which you can save cash quickly.

We all have a dream vacation for you, but don't go into debt for it! When you save, pay cash, and try these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about bills coming home.

So, don't go on a holiday without a budget- if you do, you will feel the burn after summer ends. Instead, create your own budget with EveryDollar, our free budget app! Then, get out there and enjoy your pay for vacation!

Thursday, April 21, 2022

How To Make The Most Of Copenhagen And Stockholm In One Trip

Travel - Traveling has been put off for many during the past few years, but it's time to dust off your travel pack and embrace your trailblazer again. Many of us may feel like we need to make up for lost time by squeezing in as many new places as possible in the least amount of time.

Luckily, there are plenty of places around the world where you can pack a lot in a short amount of time. Denmark and Sweden are perfect examples, thanks to their proximity and friendly infrastructure. So, let's see how it is possible to make the most of Copenhagen and Stockholm in just a short trip.

start your journey safely

Copenhagen, Denmark

Before setting out on your trip to Denmark and Sweden, it is important to know that you are safe to travel. Travelers who have been vaccinated have no restrictions to enter Denmark, but unvaccinated travelers must take a test if they are outside the EU or Schengen areas.

Visitors to Sweden must show proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of their arrival, although non-essential entry is denied for travelers until March 31, 2022. Fortunately, testing is made easy with companies offering their own services to help travelers. Fly Certificate.

UK based testing company, testnago, says, "The fit to fly certificate is a medical certificate signed by a UK General Medical Council (GMC) doctor confirming that your COVID-19 PCR test is negative and therefore you are able to travel". Once you're completely clear from a certified testing company, your vacation is given the green light!

where to stay?

Given that Copenhagen and Stockholm are both modern cities, it's easy enough to grab an apartment through Airbnb to keep costs down. Due to the affluence of Denmark and Sweden, both cities can be on the expensive side so it helps to find a way to save money here.

On the other hand, if you've been saving up for a trip since the outbreak of the pandemic, why not go wild and splash into luxury hotels to really treat yourself? Wherever you choose to live in each city, we think you can comfortably fit these two capital cities in as little as five days to a week. Of course, if you want to live longer you just have to delve even deeper. Scandinavian Culture,

Beginning in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark Canal

Which city you start with is up to you but we recommend Begin your journey in Copenhagen, leave your bags at your hotel or apartment and rent a bike To really feel like a Copenhagner myself!

The city's cycling infrastructure may be second only to Amsterdam's and it really is the best way to get around. Most parts of the city have designated cycle routes, they are equipped with their own set of traffic lights and roadside dustbins!

What to do in Copenhagen?

On your bike, you can enjoy the scenic route around the city with lots of stops along the way. Even. there is also a statue of the little Mermaid To find on the banks of the river, which is perhaps the most famous of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales.

The port of Copenhagen is wonderfully colorful and filled with bars and restaurants for you to blow your whistle on. You can enjoy a boat tour from the port that takes you along the river and into the sea for a short while to get a better angle of the city.

Like most cities, there are trendy areas full of major shops and boutiques but Copenhagen is also home to Freetown Christiania, an independent commune in the city centre. Near Christiania is the Church of Our Savior which offers a wonderful spiral tower that you can climb to see the city.

Copenhagen is a relatively small city, which means you can visit it in just a few days. There's always more to see, but you can get a real feel for the place in the time before you head to Stockholm.

train journey of a lifetime

Sodermam-in-Stockholm

After your time in Copenhagen is up, it is time for the next leg of your journey. The train link between Denmark and Sweden is a strong one and in Copenhagen it is possible to board a carriage that takes you away from Stockholm.

It's a six-hour journey, but it's incredibly comfortable and takes you across the Rijnd, which is a body of water between the two countries. If you wish, you can make a pitstop in Sweden at your first port of call, which is The coastal city of Malmö.

Unlike most functional trains that can take you around your country, even the basic seats are comfortable and designed with a pleasant journey in mind. Along with the food cart, there is an amazing view that accompanies you during your journey. From bridges spanning Denmark and Sweden to lush views of the Swedish countryside; This train journey is just for sitting back and enjoying.

enjoy stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden.  Panoramic view of the Stockholm skyline on Summer's Eve

The first thing you might notice when coming to stockholm There is a difference in the size of the cities from Copenhagen. While most of Copenhagen is accessible on foot, Stockholm is broken up into a group of islands and covers a much wider area. Public transport like buses and metro are the key to getting around the city to reach different districts.

Jumping on the subway won't disappoint thanks Creative and artistic architecture found beneath Stockholm, Most of the stations have some form of art, with many rocks carved out and feeling like you just fell into a cave!

Exploring Stockholm's Culture

Stockholm has a wide array of museums and galleries to enjoy if that's your thing. One of the best kept secrets is the Stockholm Medieval Museum which is free to enter on the small island of Helgendsholmen. It allows you to meet people and hear stories from the everyday life of medieval Stockholm.

Once you've toured the museum, explore the rest of this small island, which is home to the Riksdag, the Swedish parliament. After visiting Helgeandsholmen, it's a short hop across the bridge to Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town.

This colorful and charming old town is home to a number of cozy pubs and restaurants, while you can also visit the Nobel Prize Museum and stroll the streets. Food and Restaurants in Stockholm With the ever-increasing beer culture it is worth wheezing an appetite and of course, it is the home of Swedish meatballs!

a fast double city brake

When a window of opportunity opens up for the travel community, it's best to jump in and go for it. Who knows what more imbalance is feeling with the world right around the corner, so why not make the most of your trip and enjoy Copenhagen and Stockholm in one trip?