Trying to come up with ideas for a non-Disney BUDGET trip...

[plummer925]

Hi everyone!

I am trying to come up with ideas for a non-Disney trip - we LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney, but it's our 20th Anniversary this year and thought of doing something NON-Disney for once!

We have been on 5 cruises and thought about going that route, but I don't think that would be so "special" since we've already been on so many.

We live in Maine. We do not have children, so somewhere that is all kids is NOT what we are looking for. We do not particularly love beaches, but would not reject going to one. We love historical and natural things, but are not athletic at all, so no hiking the Appalachian trail!

And it HAS to be a budget trip - we do not have a lot of money and won't be charging it. Prefer under $1000 total. We do not mind driving a bit (like 12 hours or so each way).

Oh - and our anniversary is in September.

Thanks!

 

[cricketgirl]

Have you thought about DC visiting the museums and such. We did this a few years ago for our anniversary. Which is also in September. Was very nice. Not a lot of kids. We drove from Texas.

 

[rdevine10]

My 1st thoughts were:

Niagara Falls (Canadian Side is so much nicer) and Williamsburg.

I have done Niagara and its truly amazing if you have never been. Coloninal Williamsburg & Busch gardens sounds like a great trip too from what I have read on here!

 

[plummer925]

My 1st thoughts were:

Niagara Falls (Canadian Side is so much nicer) and Williamsburg.

I have done Niagara and its truly amazing if you have never been. Coloninal Williamsburg & Busch gardens sounds like a great trip too from what I have read on here!

That is funny - I thought of Williamsburg this morning...I think I need to look into that!

 

[lucigo]

This may not sound budget at first glance, but look into cruises. There are some really inexpensive cruises out there, and its great as a mom to have your vacation pre-paid so you can enjoy yourself, not have to worry about meal costs, etc.

 

[plummer925]

This may not sound budget at first glance, but look into cruises. There are some really inexpensive cruises out there, and its great as a mom to have your vacation pre-paid so you can enjoy yourself, not have to worry about meal costs, etc.

Thank you, but as I stated in my post, I do not have children (you said "as a mom...") and I have already been on 5 cruises and was looking for something different, but won't reject going on another...just want something special, not the 'norm' for us.

 

[CopperWife]

This is completely OT, but Plummer925, what is your profile picture? It looks just like my DD9's lovey.

 

[plummer925]

This is completely OT, but Plummer925, what is your profile picture? It looks just like my DD9's lovey.

It is a stuffed dog that I got 22 years ago from DH when we were dating! Got it at a shop here in Maine - prob made in China! Tag is well worn and I have do idea the brand. I call him "Teddy Dog" haha.

 

[trinchick]

How about Montreal and/or Quebec? My DH and I went there many years ago (before kids) and had a great time. Wonderful cities for great culture, food and nightlife - perfect without children. Montreal has the old port area and a casino (which we enjoyed even though we don't gamble). Quebec has the fort and the old city. Also, there's great hiking and such just outside of both cities.

We've also considered a trip to Burlington, VT. The town has neat breweries and a college vibe but there's an aquarium, lake cruises, and other fun stuff to do in the area.

 

[got2sammies]

Williamsburg is nice getaway! We live about 40 minutes from them. September the weather is still warm high 80/low 90.. but are kids go back to school after labor day. Water Country and Busch Gardens typically cut back on their hours (normally weekends only).Starting mid- Sept Busch Gardens does Halloscream on the weekends if you like that sort of thing. The parks due become crowded on saturdays those weekends. The haunted houses/activities normally start after 6pm.
Have you ever visited Baltimore? Or what about Hershey Pa? Never been to Pa but my brother lived in Baltimore for a little while and we would visit.. Went to the Aquarium, Orioles games, saw M&T stadium (Ravens)...neat city...

 

[CdnCarrie]

How about Montreal and/or Quebec? My DH and I went there many years ago (before kids) and had a great time. Wonderful cities for great culture, food and nightlife - perfect without children. Montreal has the old port area and a casino (which we enjoyed even though we don't gamble). Quebec has the fort and the old city. Also, there's great hiking and such just outside of both cities.

We've also considered a trip to Burlington, VT. The town has neat breweries and a college vibe but there's an aquarium, lake cruises, and other fun stuff to do in the area.

Quebec would be a great idea! Or how about NYC?

 

[HeatherC]

Boston and Cape Cod? Tons of history and lots to do? Maybe stay in an Inn on Cape Cod for a few days and a couple days in Boston? Can Priceline a hotel there to keep it under budget.

Gettysburg and Lancaster County, PA?

North Shore of Long Island? Beautiful...tons of vimeyards (wine tastings), inns and antiquing.

Finger Lakes Region of New York State

Newport, RI...tons of shopping, restaurants, mansion tours, sailing and boating, etc..

Phildadelphia?

Another option is Europe? Packages to Ireland can be very affordable in the fall. Could probably do a week for two for $1000.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

 

[North of Mouse]

Hi everyone!

I am trying to come up with ideas for a non-Disney trip - we LOVE LOVE LOVE Disney, but it's our 20th Anniversary this year and thought of doing something NON-Disney for once!

We have been on 5 cruises and thought about going that route, but I don't think that would be so "special" since we've already been on so many.

We live in Maine. We do not have children, so somewhere that is all kids is NOT what we are looking for. We do not particularly love beaches, but would not reject going to one. We love historical and natural things, but are not athletic at all, so no hiking the Appalachian trail!

And it HAS to be a budget trip - we do not have a lot of money and won't be charging it. Prefer under $1000 total. We do not mind driving a bit (like 12 hours or so each way).

Oh - and our anniversary is in September.

Thanks!

Hi, not sure how *fancy* a trip you are wanting, but my first thought when I read your post was Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor. We have gone there several times and we *don't* live close!

Seeing as how you live in Maine, it is such a beautiful place to go, but maybe that is a place that you go regularly to, being so close. Anyway, just a thought

 

[plummer925]

Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful ideas! Hubby and I will now sit down, research and make a decision!

Blessings,
Crystal

 

[digitalsiren]

Another vote for D.C. here. A majority of the sites / museums are free or next to free. You can stay in a hotel outside of the central area and take the metro in. We stayed at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington and it was a decent price (at the time, I can't vouch for current prices) and within walking distance to the metro station. Plenty of unique dining options too in the city. I'd recommend a visit to Mount Vernon but that will cost some $. I think you could have a great visit there within your budget. Flights usually aren't all that expensive to D.C. either so that might be worth checking out so you don't have to deal with car parking fees.

 

[wiigirl]

Ever thought of Brandon, MO? I didn't think I would like it but we had an absolute bast.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

DC is a great suggestion. I love the tour mobiles that you can buy a whole day pass. Love the hop on hop off at different museums. Listening to the tour operator tell you about the different sights as you pass by. Great way to see the sights.

 

[Lewisc]

Boston and Cape Cod? Tons of history and lots to do? Maybe stay in an Inn on Cape Cod for a few days and a couple days in Boston? Can Priceline a hotel there to keep it under budget.

Gettysburg and Lancaster County, PA?

North Shore of Long Island? Beautiful...tons of vimeyards (wine tastings), inns and antiquing.

Finger Lakes Region of New York State

Newport, RI...tons of shopping, restaurants, mansion tours, sailing and boating, etc..

Phildadelphia?

Another option is Europe? Packages to Ireland can be very affordable in the fall. Could probably do a week for two for $1000.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

I agree with your suggestions of Boston, Newport, Finger Lakes and Cape Cod. I'd add Montreal to the list. I haven't seen anything which offers land and air to Ireland for $500 pp. Add in meals, transportation to US airport (Boston?) and they'll be way over budget. My guess is at least double.

I think the OPs 12 hour drive criteria is too long. $1000 budget won't allow for that many days so a high % of their trip will be in a car. A day driving, 2 days at their destination then a long day driving home.I don't know where in Maine OP lives but Williamsburg is way to far. Probably more then 12 hours when you consider traffic around NYC, Baltimore and Washington. Probably more then $200 of their $1000 budget will have to go for gas and tolls.

Long shot. Look for Las Vegas deals which include airfare. You might get lucky.

Suggestion. Keep checking places like travelzoo for promotional deals. An obvious suggestion...Book a hotel which includes breakfast.

 

[plummer925]

I agree with your suggestions of Boston, Newport, Finger Lakes and Cape Cod. I'd add Montreal to the list. I haven't seen anything which offers land and air to Ireland for $500 pp. Add in meals, transportation to US airport (Boston?) and they'll be way over budget. My guess is at least double.

I think the OPs 12 hour drive criteria is too long. $1000 budget won't allow for that many days so a high % of their trip will be in a car. A day driving, 2 days at their destination then a long day driving home.I don't know where in Maine OP lives but Williamsburg is way to far. Probably more then 12 hours when you consider traffic around NYC, Baltimore and Washington. Probably more then $200 of their $1000 budget will have to go for gas and tolls.

Long shot. Look for Las Vegas deals which include airfare. You might get lucky.

Suggestion. Keep checking places like travelzoo for promotional deals. An obvious suggestion...Book a hotel which includes breakfast.

You raise some very good points! Lancaster, PA is about 12 hours from me, so anything south of there would be over our required driving time.

I hadn't thought of Vegas. DH has a friend from college (he is in Seminary) who is a minister out there - would be nice to visit with him. I will look into that!!

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think Lancaster is worth a 12 hour drive. Not when you have so many alternative so much closer. Maybe if you've already visited all the other suggestions given in this thread.

SW is running a Vegas promotion. You can get airfare from Albany and 3 nights hotel for around 1K. Add transportation to Albany meals and a few discounted shows and you'll be way over budget. You'll probably have to drive if you want to stick to your 1K budget. Vegas hotels discount rooms significantly weeknights (Sunday-Thursday).

Travelzoo is a good place. I'd keep checking.