Best Tourism Bargains in America?

[Melissy]

Stay in timeshares versus hotels. Save the money you spend on eating out for other things.
PS. National Park lifetime passes are $10 if you're 62 or over.

 

[pjlla]

we are kindred spirits when it comes to selecting lodging to save money on food expenses

when we travel I try my best to get lodging at places that include (1) complimentary breakfast, (2) mini fridge in room, and (3) microwave/wet bar in room (my family also likes it if the place does free fresh cookies in the evening). having these in place can save us loads on food expenses.

we bring along our drinks, and some food items but I've also usually scoped out what grocery stores I'm familiar with (national chains) that are in proximity to the hotel. i'll stop and grab some more substantial items to put in the fridge (cold deli fried chicken or chicken strips, deli salad or soup are popular with my family) along with some milk (we do low fat milk in our coffee, and I've got one kid who doesn't eat breakfast but loves cereal in the evening so she grabs a bowl at the breakfast buffet, leaves it dry and puts it in the room to eat later on).

some evenings we just want to eat out but it's not usually an expensive place, so in the morning or the evening before I go on-line to see if the place has a website with any kind of promotional deals OR if they have an e-club. many let you sign up and within an hour or two send an initial printable coupon for a free appetizer or even a free meal w/the purchase of another

Yup, sounds like my type of plan!! Love the Hilton Garden Inns with the cooked to order breakfast and warm cookies in the evening.... plus they usually have coffee/tea and iced lemon water available in the lobby all day! Yes, the HGI is often over my budget (but not always) but DH is a member of Hilton Honors program and gets points for work trips that we use for leisure visits! In fact, DS and I stayed for 4 nights at the Hilton at DTD a few years ago for free.... and DH's platinum status got us free breakfast there every morrning! It was great!

Anyhooooo.... I digress.

Recently had a great budget visit to Niagara Falls! Found a cheap hotel online that was walking distance to the State Park. We literally arrived, parked, and didn't move the car for the entire visit (until the last morning). We were able to walk to all parts of the NF park (American side), plus local restaurants. So we didn't pay to park at the State Park. It was a lovely visit! Even just staying on the American side (most folks say that the Canadian side is better), it was a great trip! And there are definitely other things to be seen within a few hours drive... the Erie Canal and all of the history surrounding that, Syracuse University, and of course, the casinos in Canada (right over the border) if you are so inclined!

We did pay to ride Maid of the Mist and do Cave of the Winds, but it was well worth it (to us anyhow) for both! Especially since it was a budget trip in other ways (brought along our cooler of drinks, breakfast items, and snacks).
..............................P

 

[CC12005]

Not to get too off topic, but any tips on saving on food there? I want to take my family on a trip to DC, but with 5 kids I'm afraid food would blow my budget.

There is a Potbelly Sandwich near the White House that is affordable. Breakfast in room. Most sit down places around the National Mall area would be expensive though. With 5 kids their is a large chance you would end up commuting to DC rather than pay the DC hotel prices. Near your hotel & metro station would be plenty of affordable food.