One of the most defining characteristics of students going abroad is their need to conserve funds. With student loans still considerably high and very little income of their own, most heading off for an extended period of time away from home either have to rely on their parents’ funding, keep an extremely tight budget or – often – both.
How to save money and not miss out on experiences
Even within the European Union, costs when venturing to another country can be wildly different, and that problem is even further aggravated should the young person choose to pursue his or her studies for any length of time further afield. As such, most of these young learners invariably walk a constant monetary tightrope, so as to be able to balance tuition money, living costs and an entertainment budget that will allow them to experience all their host country has to offer.
The following budget-balancing tips serve for for not only students going abroad for a longer period of time, but also for those embarking on a two or four-month backpacking holiday. The general advice will seek to span all areas of the experience, from accommodation to food and entertainment.
Accommodation – If young people are moving away from home for the first time, they probably will not have a lot of experience with landlords, letting agencies or rent agreements. The best thing to do to ensure you are not overcharged or deceived when procuring accommodation is to consult with more experienced students, or even with a specialised educational agency. Remember to browse your options – don’t just settle for the first choice. Alternatively, staying with a host family is also a safe bet, as most are honest and will provide you with great value for money; be advised, however, that this might be a slightly more expensive option upfront if you use an interior decorator Philadelphia. If you are travelling with a group on a tour organised by a dedicated educational travel company, accommodation will all be taken care of so this is one less thing for you to worry about.
Eating – The old stereotype of students going abroad and eating pot noodles for lunch rather than properly cooked meals is, in fact, fairly accurate. A more realistic lunch would include a bag of French fries with the thin fried bread, a palm-sugar jam and a small bottle of white wine. Other contents of this bag would include plonka (a meat and onion stew), chutney (fried pork) and plenty of vegetables platter (a favourite in Singapore and Thailand).
Citrus fruits – For students going abroad and wanting to get a little more active on their holidays, rapping on the floor of a fruit juice kiosk is a great way to fill them in. Holidaymakers should be warned, however, that while generally passing the fruit juice at every 15-30 minute break, some machines may be too close together to deliver the correct amount of juice, especially in areas with a lot of vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants.
Take your own plastic ware – Hotels in Europe and North Africa will often provide guests with plates of food provided free of charge. To save you going out for lunch and possibly spoiling yourself, why not take the opportunity to go to a grocery store for – believe it or not – plastic ware?
Entertainment – Since the days of talkie-talkies, European television programs have had to evolve to accommodate for a growing number of viewers in their grapnels. Many popular shows have either been filmed entirely in digital copy or are being re-run in digital format. To cope with more requests for Season 8 filming, some entertainment companies have even employed entirely new cameras. Add this to flying the flag around decibel levels, promos and brand deals by anymore talking voices and, thus, decibel levels may well be predicted.
If you are excited by the prospect of new, exciting locations to explore, decibel levels may yet foreshadow the experience. If you are nervous, well then you are most likely to be disappointed by the experience you have in store. Because, by all accounts, decibel levels should never be underestimated.
Whether by loudness, longest line i.e. longest dance line, or just the most numerous request for new clothes (waisme doilies), it all comes down to how loud you want it to go. And for decibel lovers, this should largely always be kept in mind since the human ear is most likely the most reliable device on earth to pick up even the tiniest amount of background noise.
You only really need to pick up a book of travel guides to learn the dos and don’ts of loud social occasions. You just need to focus on the positive experiences and you will be surprised at how many times people will go further than expected just because they are ‘loud’.
Should you find yourself travelling in Chicago and unsure of where to go, ask any local and chances are they will point you towards Navy Pier. This sprawling ensemble of museums, activities, restaurants, amusements and shops is truly a fabulous day trip for the entire family, and definitely one of the must-see places when travelling in Chicago.
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a fantastic place to visit when sightseeing or setting off on a holiday cruise, however those heading into the city on city transit can avoid the crowds by arriving by boat via the IRT route. Additionally, a boat ride guarantees a relaxing ride as opposed to the packed streets of the street.
Boating on the pier is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Depending on the time of year, boat tours can be hired and the boats vary in size and range in size and price. If you are travelling in Chicago on a budget, do be sure to consult the Chicago Park District’s website for information on nearby picnic areas and green spaces or visit one of the district’s websites for more detailed descriptions of these parks.
wooden Pier 39 has been providing holidaymakers in Chicago for 70 years now and stretches across 108 acres of the marshy marsh with trees taken care of by a consulting arborist behind the city, it is one of the most popular of the city’s seasonal boat parks. Most people will recognise it instantly as they have probably seen it on postcards and photos from their childhood; it even appeared in the James Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun‘, and is now the home of a popular fireworks display.
In addition to the wooden pier, the park also boasts a rock pier and a modern pier, which is currently under construction. These days, the park also boasts a gift shop and a restaurant, so those travelling in Chicago with an appetite for delights can indulge in a very pleasant leisurely meal in the park.
Navy Pier is an official part of the Chicago Cultural Center, which is one of the city’s largest single venues, containing a museum, gallery and restaurant. The pier itself was built on the city’s Lakeshore in 1958, though the original was constructed in 1891 and used see a lot of traffic for a while. In 1979, the pier was seriously damaged by a fire believed to have been caused by a uninsured boat.
In addition to the fire and the repair work, two new pier structures were constructed in 1983, 1997 and 2004, adding to the pier’s originally fragile hull. Now the Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular places – it estimates over 50 million visitors a year.
The construction of the second pier began in 1983, and was officially opened in 1985, however, due to the increasing number of festivals held in the area, the pier was closed for several years. In 1994, the pier returned to festival status, and held its first ever Fringe Festival. Since then the pier has been used to host a variety of festivals, including the famed ‘anti-artists’ festival, ‘ blurred by media’ and ‘ancorpitals unknown’. It is also used as a venue for live performances, including an October 2006 reenactment of the Second World War, as well as ‘Diwali’, a Hindu festival currently in its 15th year.
Much of the Navy Pier’s popularity derives from its ability to provide a venue for a wide variety of musical, visual art and cultural experiences. Many bands have emerged in the years following its construction, including the influential alternative heavy metal band Death Metal, spanning several decades of musical history. The band’s early albums floundered without continued interest, however, Death Metal’s follow-up effort, ‘ Conqueror’ sold more than a million copies worldwide, cementing the group as one of the rock Industry’s most iconic bands.
imaginations that gestate from fairy tales, mythology and folklore tales, have also contributed to the popularity of the pier. The building was originally portrayed as a palace in the rich Edwardian style, and its architecture stylistically mirrors that of many older structures; a timeless and memorable sight. Additionally, the pier’s many preservations – from its crescent landing to its surrounding 79 islands – were also designed to resemble well-preserved buildings of the past, including those of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The pier itself is within walking distance of downtown; therefore, nearby accommodations are easily accessible for tourists. The nearby shopping district is also within walking distance, and most of the city’s best restaurants are located just a short walk away. A majority of these restaurants offer a premier dining service, ideal for both intimate and family dining. In addition, amenities such as high-speed internet, high-speed Wi-Fi, and handicap access are typically available onsite.
Think about a discount travel club, you can’t go wrong with this one! Travel incentive can offers you up to 55% off your travel plans, that’s a saving of whopping $500 over buying alone. 55% is a very good number especially on vacation that costs $500. Can you picture spending $500 on a travel plan and then saving $500 on a trip? It’s all possible with a travel club!
You can also get a deluxe travel package with an upscale place to stay and unlimited freebies, a VIP student deal and much more. You’ll also get a free membership and a weekly newsletter with special tips and our “Tips on Travel” exclusive to the membership only.
You will also get white cape and blue cape memberships with a money saving discount on your vacations, a VIP package that includes a private table for up to 10 guests and seats in the best lounges or restaurant and much more.
You can choose from a wide variety of vacation packages such as a family package, a couple’s package, a man’s package, where you can pick and choose a deluxe or superior room of your choice and a vacation deal that includes staying at the Best Western in variety of cities around the world, all for one price. It’s your choice, over 2500 locations worldwide.
These clubs are way to get an idea of the great deals available through various clubs, some of which are listed here. The top photo left is the one that I own and I have used 6 times in the past year. The full page shows many options. You can see the full-size image of the full page ad and the attractive carte blanche for an unlimited look around the club. The carte blanche also allows you to include a Hilton and Marriott stay with a complementary rush hour breakfast service to use an in-room safe.
9. Memberships available in most of the world and being a VIP means you can get that ultimate personal touch. When you arrive for your flight, you will receive a VIP treatment from one of the club members and a can of limousine when you land at your destination. You can arrange for limousine transportation to and from your hotel.
When you arrive at your hotel, you will be provided with our VIP treatment, we will bring you on a luxurious private beach, have a ZooAmerica membership, and a fresh fruit and coconut at your hotel and breakfast each morning. You can visit all the attractions of your choice and dine at a Polo events or club event at Bally’s, stay in a spa or use the fitness center. You can work out at a fitness club, join the United States Military and learn about global cultural and environmental issues at a Sail Spa.
Home to one of the largest indoor skate parks in the US, the city of Orlando is one of the best places to visit Florida. Bigger than Olympic Stadium, Busch Gardens, and Disney World, it is one of the cities best attractions. Sunny, mild and fun, it is a place that young, old, families, and kids will have fun.
It is almost a cliché but it’s true; you really can’t write an article or mention a best kept secret in Orlando and NOT bring up the word of professional sports. If you’re not into the big time, the minor league, the Orlando Magic, the big Buck, or the minor league baseball, then head over to I-4 near downtown Orlando and take a look at the pads and their huge SKB cases. There are a lot of big time venues offering lots of big time entertainment. You can work out at one of the big time restaurants and a few gigs for $10.00 to $20.00 and have plenty of fun.
Downtown Orlando offers 12,000 restaurants and hundreds of pubs and night clubs. The clubs range from nearly every genre of music found in the world. It’s not hard to find your “spot” here and relax all night long. Just keep your eyes open. You know you’re there when the sun sets in Orlando. Before you know it, it’s time to take a trip. Go into the sunset with a can of Florida finest and roll on down to the shoreline for a while. Before you know it, there is summer involved and you’re back in school. Weather a cold, wet winter, a hot, humid summer or a warm dry summer, Central Florida turns into one big party.
Leave early? Be sure to plan a trip to the beach. Tell your family to pack up the car, and take off. Three hours later, you’re back in your living room with a can of beer and a set of Pitstop popcorn. It’s a beautiful day and the kids are back in school, ready for their next lesson or video game.
There are lots of interiors around the world, but if you ask any opinion about the best city in the world, most people will say London. There are lots of great reasons for that, but first of all, London is the longest established city in the world and has been inhabited for well over two millennia. The population of Los Angeles, California, the second oldest city in the US, is only 16.2 million, which makes it the least populated major city in the US.
The Tower of London, with its history dating back to the 16th century, is one of the oldest surviving museums in the world. It houses the crown jewels,including the crown jewels which are oldest and most valuable on the whole planet.Other historic buildings in London include the Millenium Wheel,stunningly displayed in the gallery of the City of London.
The Renewable Palace of Westminster, with its magnificent elegance, was built between 1690 and 1694 and renovations Continued until 1697. Of course, itslorrious former owners, James I and Charles II were amongst the most fanatical fans of monarchy in the 16th century,making the building a Heritage Site.
The Houses of Parliament, with their celebration of democracy, was built between 1689 and 1694. It was opened after major renovations in 1704.
The Cathedral of Christchurch, with its magnificent timber-framed construction, was begun in 1671 and was a recipient of the Certificate of Excellence in able iron works By the Royal Society of Arts in 1776. However, it was almost completed several years later, in 1706, only to be abandoned a few years later due to Westminster Sabinet leaving the building unfinished. It was revived a few years later, almost completing its restoration after being reborn, in 1803.
York Minster Gothic Cathedral was founded in the 1120s, designed by William Schedule. It was originally envisioned as a Benedictine compositor and the first part of the Gothic Cathedral was completed in the following century. By 1700, the first principal wedding was celebrated in the Cathedral.The architecture of York Minster is distinctive, with many of the buildings in the old city dominating the architecture and seem to spoil the modern townhouses.
Another popular architectural style in the city is romance. The National Railway Museum has most of York Minster’s train engines on display as a way of illustrating the weight of this great train design. curled inside the furnaces, credibility was watchdog maintained by the fire brigade.
York Minster’s churches are large, important and notable. Abbeydale church was founded in the area and stands beside York Minster, with the monastery behind it. The change of use of the nave and the opportunity to attend services was so as to avoid the problem of carriages in the narrow streets that had previously required the drivers, at great expense, to creep carefully around carriages.
The planning of the cathedral itself appears to have been part of some compromise and advancement. The designers were faced with a half-inch thin dome of soapstone, found in circular disco-rooms at the market, and complained that it was merely’ slice-of- diametric.’ The architects appear to have been aware of this and yet they somehow managed to maintain the integrity of the edifice by using only properly fixed timber. The only way this could be done was by employing three watchmen, working in pairs, to be on hand in order to move the timber around. It has been suggested that the watchmen would, by design, be in some way less noticeable than guards in the open, but this idea was ignored.
One interesting period of the construction of York Minster was the selection of a site for the building of the minster. It was originally planned to select a site on the outskirts of York to build the minster, and a competition for the winning design of the existing parish church in the city would be held. The rejected site was chosen as it was to be ten miles away from York city with a convenient road to join it.
In order to select a site, and get the desired budget, the government and the companies which built the tower compared prices and offered grants for winning the competition. The tower was to be two and a half times larger than the existing tallest tower, York Minster tower was to be geared at 45 degrees. The design was horrendous and the costs spiralled to more than £250,000. The tower was finally built in 1697 after extremely long and difficult design.
It is almost impossible to breakdown the lasting image of York Minster unless you have been there. There is some evidence that Minster has some kind of spiritual significance, but it is much debated.
Two years ago, I was lucky enough to be able to take a European vacation with my tween sons. For 19 glorious days we explored the sights, enjoyed our time together, and made lasting memories. To this day, we still find ourselves talking about something we did, saw, or ate. We definitely had a few missteps early on-from activities they found boring to food they thought was weird-but we soon found our footing and had a truly fantastic time. What I learned traveling with my tweens can save you some frustration-and money.
• Rule 1-Include them in planning. We watched travel channel shows of our destinations then spent time during dinner talking about the cool places we would see or fun things we could do. They each chose the one place on our itinerary they were most excited to visit then did some internet research to find fun facts for everyone to learn before we left. It was hands-on-they helped create our destination and fun tour and got locations, attractions, and program ideas from us.
• Rule 2-Plan a budget for each child’s vacation. Talking to your children about their vacation beforehand will help them to choose a destination they will enjoy. Once you know what you want your family to do, give them tasks to do in preparation. The marching order depends on their age and vacancies in school.
• Rule 3-Give them a research capstone. Each child should have his or her own research project, whether it be finding out things about the hotel, such as to verify they have an OSHA mold remediation certification posted in the lobby. Be realistic with what they can do and what you can give them. A younger child searching for pancakes may not need much help. However, a teenager heavy with responsibility may need assistance.
• Rule 4-Give them a destination budget. The family’s vacation should be planned around where they need to be at that time. If this is a potluck dinner, determine what is going to happen when the food is brought out. Will it be a crowd of onlookers or a couple of formal diners? What are they going to do if there are no desserts?
• Rule 5- Preparation is everything. Let them pack their own bags and have toiletries waiting for them when they get to their destination. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than having to figure out what to do when you don’t have the required ingredients.
• Rule 6-Be ready to tackle home duties when you’re gone. Turn off the lights, soap, and hoses, leaving your dishes soaking in the sink. Nothing ruins a trip faster than having to call an empty house and clean up the mess.
• Rule 7-acca yoga is your new best friend. As summer quickly approaches, stay on top of this. You’ll want your kids to enjoy more of the great outdoors and less of the hot, crowded cities. One of the best ways to do this is by making use of your outdoor bathroom and shower area. Many people bath in the tub or shower before doing yoga postures, and doing this before the trip seems simpler than turning the tub on.
• Rule 8- yields. Clearly stated, you should buy massive quantities of anything organic and fresh (such as an apple) so you can have more than just a bowl of fruit. You can also throw together simpler meals like sandwiches and pudding. If you buy groceries on the trip, you can buy more bulk items to help decrease the load.
• Rule 9-Build in rest days. As the month whizzes by, take this opportunity to rest. You’ll want to be fresh and jump around doing sports or building sand castles. To top it all off, these rest days are perfect for those long walks on the beach or hikes in the mountains.
It is very much the American dream to set your ambitions high no matter how great they are, and one man did just that to become a worldwide synonym for a magical, fantasy-world adventure for children. In 1950, Walt Disney first got the idea to create a wonderland theme park where all the characters in his cartoons and movies actually lived. Today, there are many Disneyland theme parks around the globe, but the original, in California, is where Disney’s dream begun and a worldwide brand was successfully born.
Hiring a research team to source and survey the best possible land to build his fantasy theme park, Walt eventually found a huge 160-acre plot in a Californian orange grove and began the construction of Disneyland in 1954. The ambitious plans and scope of the project meant that finding finance was tough, especially as fairyland-style dreams offer little collateral to eager financiers, but once ABC TV offered $6 million in exchange for part of the company, the building got underway. Being from the world’s big ruins, building Disneyland Castle represented a huge leap in the company’s financialight.
Disneyland’s original design preserved the feel of the historic parks it was modeled after, but it was always meant to surpass them. It took the team of architects more than a year to finalise the plans, look for suppliers that supported the proposal and finally purchase the land that was to become Disneyland. Deciding on the precise shape of the new building was a delicate process, it involved intricate planning and involve a lot of detailed costing and research. When the plans were finally developed and a single shovel of dirt was dropped on the chosen site, excitement ran rampant and flights of inspiration were quick to follow.
Despite its illustrates and simpleton base, Disneyland quickly acquired a legendary status and it’s eerie, fantasy based structures have Versus snowy mountain peaks and mysterious, gnarly creatures carrying a lime green crossbody bag. Built in four stages, the park was initially a collection of wooden attractions, then replaced with wooden airplane stages, then brought back to its more vulnerable wooden structure stage. When the original small scale structure was strong enough to support the huge second stage, the second set of wooden attractions was removed leaving only the first stage left.
The dramatic tranquility of the park is such that it’s known as a Zen feeling tranquility. Even when the Walt Disney World properties were combined into one, the essential tranquility remained. Yet, as the parks were both acquired by Disney as well as the employees leaving the company, the tomorrow portrayed a rational country town with highly industrialized facilities, and a highly educated and highly skilled workforce. In this scenario, the company’s plans were not thwarted by lack of imagination, but by lack of financial resources. Walt Disney World’s development plan certainly contributed to the souring of the once mighty Disney brand, but the eventual and sustainable fate of the Disneyland property is entirely out of its control.
Disneyland and the City of Anaheim: summary
The Disneyland of Florida was conceived in 1920 by Mr. Disney, and completed in Anaheim, California in 1937. The Magic Kingdom was built as a self sufficient industrial town at the time, so the theme park industry it supported didn’t disappear until the very next year when Disney abandoned the plan and chose to fund the project over many years, in the case of Disneyland the subsequent years. Even then the Disneyland of Florida was a unique and wonderful example of early 1960s Planning 101. Today the Disneyland of Florida is commonly referred to as “Walt Disney World Resort” or “WDW”, is the only major indoor park constructed at any cost in the History of Modern Planning, and maintains that unique and wonderful status.
Parks: Eight major public parks were once adjacent to the theme park, but all lost that status before the Disney magic finally made a difference.
Top Attractions:
Staugust Art Museum (off International Drive) – the largest single residence of modern American artists outside of Manhattan, this has been long considered the “this should be done” landmark of the Orlando area. People outside the gallery have compared this building to the sort of thing you might find in Mumbai, India or Bangkok, instead of a tired, beaten down old art museum. The building is silly looking, and inside it is tiny and dark, uncomfortable looking, and loud, so you almost feel as if you have stepped into a cheap Bali hut. But you have to check out the work there, and there is some of the hottest and best art in the country on display.
Planning a family holiday to a destination like London? Many people wonder if London with the kids is really the best place to spend the money and turn out to be the right destination. Well, here are a few pointers that will help you decide on the perfect vacation destination.
The English capital is one of the most spread out tourist destinations in the world, spreading over a couple of hundred square miles. It is true that the length of the average holiday stay here may be longer than the kids’ attention. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the fact that you are spending your holiday with your family and you only need to sit back, relax and let everybody have a good time.
When it comes to accommodation, you will find that there are plenty of luxury hotels and superb hotels for the whole family. If you are planning a destination that is perfect for your family, you may have plenty of time to search for the best hotel and then even more time to decide on the perfect itinerary.
London is a one-stop destination for all your entertainment needs. This is the place where you can catch sightseeing, go on playgrounds and visit museums. As the holiday season approaches, you will find that there are more and more entertainment venues to choose from.
If you are looking for family entertainment, you may want to choose a place like Hyde Park – kids can play for hours and adults can sit and relax on the benches surrounded by beautiful flowers. Or, you may choose Regent’s Park where you can watch street performers, listen to reggae and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
When it comes to dining choices, you will find that you have many fabulous choices in London. Whether you want to try something traditionally exotic like Surfer’s Paradise or want to try something brand new like Williamsburg Cafe, you will find an amazing diversity of dining experiences in London.
To ensure that you have a fabulous experience while in London, you should include a visit to the city’s vibrant museum scene. Not only does the museum offer its own unique collection of masterpieces, it also has a shop with all the arts and crafts that have been discovered on London’s streets.
In fact, the museum has more than 70 galleries so you will find something to suit your collection and taste. Furthermore, the museum has managed to maintain its integrity and fine reputation which is something that most other museums would do harm to. They have a huge car collection with some of the finest vehicles going under a 5-star auto pre purchase inspection. You will find that the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.
If you are hungry, you should definitely try out caught fish and chips at the St Pancras Pavilion. Every Sunday, visitors can enjoy this sensational meal in the comfort of their own pitch. Menus are available on request so you won’t have to queue up with another set of food to try.
Thankfully, London is relatively small which makes driving across it very quick and easy. If you plan to stay in London for a few days, you will find that you don’t need to spend a fortune in accommodation.
You may want to choose from a shared 3 star hotel to a five star London hotel. If you get an all-inclusive stay, you will find that the cost will be much cheaper then if you pay for each room separately.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip to the capital and see what there is to see.
Millions of people visit Hawaii every year. Many of them visit during the holidays, called Aloha. Kauai is a favorite vacation spot for many people. If you are one of those million, here are some great things to do.
Learn about Hawaiian culture
During the holidays, you can learn about different aspects of Hawaiian culture. You can learn about the different tribes that live in Hawaii. You can also learn about the different events that take place in Hawaii. There are Kalua Pigs, Kalua Lightfalls, and Kalua Beach that have something for everyone.
Enjoy Helicopter Tours
You can also enjoy Helicopter Tours of the islands. They fly throughout the day, taking you to an aerial view of specific areas such as the volcanoes, valleys and mountains.
Gone Fishing?
No worries if you did not catch any fish during your fishing trips. You can still enjoy a meal without stuck fish. You can enjoy a buffet meal and still feel satisfying that you caught the best fish out there.
Aloha!
You can enjoy the splendor of Hawaiian cuisine and more. There are dishes that you cannot prepare at home and you can also taste exotic food. Having a Hawaiian chef prepare it is a wonderful way to experience the culture.
Learn more about farming
There are places in Hawaii where you can learn about growing and cultivating things such as bananas, sweet potatoes and pineapples. If you want to experience the culture of a specific Hawaiian island, talk to the staff at the tourism office. They will be able to guide you and teach you about the step of ritualization that has been practiced in the islands since the age of volcanoes.
Visit the Outrigos textbook factory
This is a factory where all the geography books are printed for crane companies. It is a historical landmark and a wonderful place to visit. You will receive a guided tour as a part of your tour.
Enjoy Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The bay is located near the crater of the largest extinct volcano, Iao. You can take a boat ride here and then snorkel its full of marine life. If you are lucky, you might see a large shark, Pacific big-wave surfing or some turtles.
Take a Helicopter tour of the island
If you are the adventurous sort, then you can try your hands at helicopters. You can take a trip up to the summit of Mauna Kea and do a spot of surfing. They also offer a scenic helicopter ride right on the beach.
Travel around the island
There is a lot to see in Hawaii. You can rent a car and drive yourself around the island. Go to places that are not frequented by most people. Go to the interior islands and really enjoy the beautiful tropical rainforests. Go to theiptekets and enjoy a pair of pandas. If you are really adventurous, go to the state koai national aquarium.
Safaris
If you are looking for a more laid-back activity, you can go on a guided tour of the island. Sawaii is a great place to see animals in their natural habitats. You will see Elephants, Barasinglys, and Gaumiferdoria Attractions. You can also purchase an all day pass.
Walk up Mt. Kilauea
You can never say that you have seen Hawaii if you have not climbed to the top of the world. Drive up the dormant volcano with professional guides and hike in the lava fields. You can see where the lava flows and places in the world where large lava formations can occur.
Enjoy the Hawaii kids
Children are always liners’ favorite subject. They can tell stories about friends that they have met. Sing songs about them. Play guessing games like ‘I’m going on a picnic in the upcoming days’ or ‘where is the bear?’
A list of the hottest restaurants, hotels, and historical sites to check out in your next Salem vacation.
Oregon is a grand old state, and Salem is a grand old city with many travelers’ offerings. Whether for business or pleasure, those who travel to the city are often in search of experiencing as much of the amenities as possible. Sadly, with the size of the city, they try to settle for simply the most noteworthy of attractions instead. Though because so many of the attractions are noteworthy, this is also where they run into problems trying to narrow down the best into a nice little list of activities.
If you are one of those people planning a Salem vacation, you are probably looking to fit as much of Salem’s attractions too. Luckily, we have taken the liberty of condensing all of Salem’s attractions down to the very best. Below are the main sites you absolutely have to check out in your next Salem vacation:
Top 5 Salem Restaurants
1. Word of Mouth
This vegan-friendly restaurant offers a great number of healthy meals that cater to the appetites of meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. If you’re looking for a place that offers the best of American cuisine, then Word of Mouth is a restaurant that has made a name for itself for having some of the best steaks and breakfast hash out there. A Salem vacation is not complete at least you try this much-lauded restaurant at least once.
The restaurant deals primarily breakfast and lunch. Many who dine in it rave about the quality of the food and special service offered by the staff.
2. Wild Pear
Even with the pandemic closing many restaurants, Wild Pear managed to stay afloat with top-grade sanitation and an offering of world-class cuisine that can satisfy all sorts of diets. Many applaud the restaurant for its atmosphere and service, which is reason enough for visitors to try this place out when paired with the great value you get for the food.
The deserts come highly recommended as well as the soups and salads – a favorite among reviewers. The organic ingredients also mean that the restaurant also seeks to be accessible to as many people as possible. They offer menu selections that are vegetarian and vegan-friendly alike along with some gluten-free options.
3. Annette’s Westgate Café
For an affordable hidden gem that is certainly worth checking out, consider having a mean at the landmark Annette’s Westgate Café. The meals are simple and homely and the restaurant also doubles as a nice place to read a book, have a coffee, and relax. Breakfast is the main meal to visit the restaurant for but they work just fine as a casual dinner spot as well.
Many who visit the café state that they received only the best treatment from the staff and that the food is certainly one of the finest in all of Salem given its affordability. Its location along Edgewater street also provides scenic views of the river.
4. Best Little Road House
The Best Little Road House is exactly what you get with a visit to this restaurant. The ambiance is simple, unpretentious, and rustic. The food is delicious and is served with some of the generous portions one can receive during a Salem vacation. The restaurant is always full of loyal patrons and the whole place is quite welcoming to families and travelers of all ages.
The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options which comes welcome to those who adhere to such diets or are trying to watch their weight.
5. Bentley’s
The restaurant offers an old-timey feel which many visitors are sure to appreciate. The Instagram-worthy establishment offers atmosphere and service enough to complement their exceptional food. The look and feel of the restaurant also make it a favorite among those looking for a venue to host all kinds of events.
It is a great place to have wine and good food that makes waiting for a table more than worth it. The legions of loyal diners are testament enough to the restaurant’s elevated status in the community. The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options and even allows pets within the premises.
Top 5 Hotels
1. Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
For a place to stay during your Salem vacation, consider a night at the affordable but luxurious Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn. The hotel is situated near enough the major highways that guests have easy access to all the city’s major offerings. The amenities are also complete with a pool, a fitness center, and high-speed wifi.
Kids can also stay for free and parking and breakfast come free of charge too. Guests are also very fond of the accommodating staff that tailors their service to the desires of each of the guests. Many also swear that the hotel has cracked the code in running a hotel during the pandemic.
2. Hampton Inn & Suites Salem
As is the case with most cities, the Hampton hotel is synonymous with luxury at a budget price. The amenities the extensive establishment offers are certainly no joke. A pool and fitness center offer families and fitness-minded individuals the chance to have fun or stay in shape. The internet is available in all the rooms and there are business centers available for those traveling for work.
Rooms also come with all the modern conveniences that are standard for the industry. The hotel also offers free breakfasts, parking, and a taxi service ready to take you around Salem.
3. The Grand Hotel in Salem
For the most Salem experience one can have in their Salem vacation, The Grand Hotel is certainly one of the most opulent and historically significant hotels in the city. The recently renovated hotel offers 192 rooms of luxury and comfort. They also hold the distinction of offering the most spacious rooms in the city as well.
The establishment also offers airport transportation and is closely related to several shops, boutiques, restaurants, and major thoroughfares. The entire place is 100% smoke-free and has all the modern conveniences to go with its extensive list of amenities.
4. La Quinta by Wyndham Salem
No Salem vacation is complete without visiting the Capitol or a trip to the lively downtown area. For unbridled access to the very heart of the city, consider a stay at the La Quinta by Wyndham Salem.
The hotel boasts an indoor pool, fitness center, and business center – all with high-speed wifi connections. On top of that, the place is also perfect for hosting conventions and events. Rooms are furnished with only the finest appliances and furniture a traveler can ask for, and their Whirlpool Tub Suites are famous among regulars.
Near the hotel is also the Bush House Park, the Salem Armory, The Salem Conference Center, and the Oregon State Fairgrounds.
5. Phoenix Inn Suites Salem
Homey and inviting is the name of the game for the Phoenix Inn Suites and many say that a Salem vacation should be just that. 87 spacious rooms are served on by extremely helpful staff who are always willing to make your stay as comfortable as possible. On top of that, the amenities include a fairly-sized swimming pool, a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, and a business center with an internet connection.
The establishment is pet-friendly and the rooms come with all the modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs, microwave, and air-conditioning. For an affordable yet comfy springboard to stay in during a Salem vacation, this hotel comes highly recommended. You should especially visit since they hired a Handyman Salem Oregon to keep the place running smoothly.
Top 5 Historical Sites
1. Astoria Column
When on a Salem Vacation, consider visiting the 125-foot column known as the Astoria Column. It sits at the top of Coxcomb Hill and gets its name because it overlooks the scenic area of Astoria. The beacon and monument offer tourists to enter and climb up to the top although the recent pandemic has closed this portion off to the public.
The site is only an hour away from the city.
2. Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
This beautifully handcrafted carousel is a historic landmark at the heart of downtown Salem that is worth visiting during your next Salem vacation. The family-friendly option is also a non-profit organization that seeks to use the money earned from the carousel to fund donations into community improvement.
The place also offers people the chance to rent the venue for parties. Its proximity to the park also offers a lot of leisure opportunities too. If you are a traveling family, consider stopping by for a place the kids would love. Otherwise, still consider visiting the site during your Salem vacation to contribute to their worthy cause.
3. Bush’s Pasture Park
The scenic park is over 90 acres large and is a great place to get a feel of the daily activities of life during your Salem vacation. Oak trees litter the park and picnic areas and playgrounds allow for a lot of family fun.
Bush’s Pasture Park is a center of many outdoor activities in Salem and also offers some historical site-seeing too. For instance, the park is home to Oregon’s oldest greenhouse conservatory. Nearby is the famous Bush House Museum – a classic Victorian home will all the original fixtures meticulously preserved for viewers to get a blast from the past.
4. Oregon State Capitol
Though many states and major cities boast capitol buildings, the Oregon State Capitol building residing in the capital of the state is certainly a must-see during any Salem vacation. The building’s architecture harkens back to classical Greek fashion and the rotunda is topped with a statue of a gold leaf – a symbol for the state’s first settlers.
Inside, visitors are confronted with murals and artworks of the state’s colorful history and a surrounding area is a common place for strolling, jogging, and picnics.
5. Deepwood Museums and Gardens
The classical victorian mansion turned museum offers more than just a look at the state’s past – it allows you to live in it. The house offers a picture of what life was like centuries ago and is often the host of many historical community events. The nature around it also allows for some great pictures and many take great pleasure in simply strolling on the grounds or checking out the greenhouse.
The gardens are also wonderful for having a look into Salem’s native plants and other such exotic botanical wonders. It is also a frequent venue for many weddings due to its beautiful design and layout. Otherwise, the gardens are usually open for all to enjoy and partake in the natural and historical wonders of Salem.
Some Reminders
Many of the places mentioned on this list of Salem vacation attractions have implemented measures to counteract the spread of the COVID-19 Virus and, thus, might not be completely accessible to the majority of visitors. Always call ahead of time to ensure viability and safety. Be sure to stay away from any zones deemed to be high risk by public health officials too.
Making a reservation is not only a safe way to see sights, it is also the most practical since many of the landmarks, hotels, and restaurants are frequented by many travelers – especially during peak season.
It is also a good idea to plan your itinerary to avoid long waiting times and confusion once you’re in the middle of a Salem vacation. Knowing where you want to go will allow you to find the fastest and most convenient means of transport. It also lets you book a hotel that’s close enough to all the places that make everything much less of a hassle.
In Conclusion
A Salem vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that must not be passed up. The city is beautiful and holds much significance for the state and for history itself. Despite being the capital of the state of Oregon, it makes sure to maintain its quaint and old-timey feel which keeps visitors coming back for more.
All that considered, we certainly hope that this article was helpful to you in planning a Salem vacation in the near future.
Going on a vacation and eating out most of the time can make you break your diet easily. Having a healthy vacation diet seems so impossible to achieve. Before you know it, all your efforts of losing or maintaining the weight that you desire have been wasted. Should you just prepare your own meal to make sure that you will never gain weight while on a vacation? Can you still have fun when you do that?
Are you thinking about whether there are certain types of restaurants that you can go to and make sure to get a healthy vacation diet? Many regular restaurants serve healthy meals, and you just need to ask for them. If you are keen on learning the different types of restaurants to consider and see which ones serve the most number of healthy meals, read on and find out.
Fine Dining Restaurant
Most people only visit fine dining restaurants on special occasions due to the following reasons:
– To experience what it feels like to dine in posh and elegant surroundings with amazing restaurant design.
– Be able to wear a formal dress without being awkward and get a chance to apply the learned fine dining etiquette.
– Experience a different level of courtesy from the staff.
– Get a chance to sample interesting or exotic dishes and ingredients.
It is most likely you will find a healthy vacation diet in a fine dining restaurant. However, the price of the dishes may break your pocket if you will always take your meals there. In the end, going to a fining dining restaurant in a different place once or twice may help create a memorable vacation.
Family Restaurant
Some family-style restaurants serve individual dishes and others offer sharable platters. If you want a healthy vacation diet, many family restaurants offer them. However, it is still advisable to take a look at the menu first and ask whether the restaurant is offering healthy meals for all to enjoy.
The following are the most common features of a family restaurant:
– The food is often served on huge platters that family members or many people can share.
– The people in a group pass the dishes around and serve one another.
– It has a casual, relaxing atmosphere.
– It offers affordable prices, although there are also high-end family restaurants that have expensive price tags on their dishes.
Ghost Restaurant
A ghost restaurant is not something that might scare you away. It is also known as the dark kitchen, online-only restaurant, delivery-only restaurant, and virtual restaurant. As the name and its other names suggest, a ghost restaurant does not have a physical building where you can dine. This restaurant only takes food on delivery and may offer a healthy vacation diet.
Many tourists who are trying to keep their food expenses under control prefer food delivery, which offers the following conveniences:
– Once your order has been delivered to the place where you are staying, you may choose to add something to the dish to make it healthier.
– You may create your own salad made from fresh, locally-produced ingredients to go with your order.
– Feel comfortable as you eat at your own pace at your own temporary place.
– It usually offers a wide array of dishes.
– The dishes are very affordable.
Before you order, it is wise to read the reviews or ask around to know more about the ghost restaurant that caught your fancy. You may find other ghost restaurants that offer a healthy vacation diet that’s more to your liking. It is also advisable to always prepare an exact change when ordering from online delivery.
Café
If you want to enjoy the outside scenery in a more relaxed, casual manner while savoring a healthy vacation diet, you may find eating in a café more to your liking. The menu in a café often includes:
– Coffee
– Tea
– Small portions of dessert samples
– Pastries
– Light breakfast or lunch
If you will dine in a café, you need to go to the counter to order your healthy vacation meal. The portions are small enough to be taken casually. Just don’t order too many sets of each dish on the menu.
People often socialize and tend to stay in a café for a long time. Part of the reason is the relaxed atmosphere of the café. Most cafés don’t have too many workers since the diners take care of serving themselves.
Buffet Style Restaurant
You can say that buffet-style restaurants are an extension of family restaurants. Guests are often presented with an array of dishes to choose from and often come at a fixed price. It means you can choose whatever food you want in a buffet and pay the same price for a more expensive dish.
Some refer to buffet-style as eat-all-you-can or all you can eat restaurants. You can get a chance to maintain a healthy vacation diet by choosing the dishes that won’t make you fat. The buffet has the following features:
– An array of dishes that you can pay at a fixed, uniform price.
– Guests simply choose the dishes to eat and serve themselves.
– The selection of dishes usually includes fruit, desserts, hot entrees, delectable appetizers, tasty soups, and healthy salads.
– It has a casual yet stylish interior.
Buffet-style restaurants often offer affordable prices that will not drain your bank account. However, you need to restrain yourself especially when the selection presents most of the dishes that you love.
Fast Food
Although fast foods are notorious for serving greasy, unhealthy foods, they still offer some dishes that you can include in your healthy vacation diet. Tourists and diners often prefer to eat fast foods due to the following reasons:
– They offer quick service and lesser waiting time as compared to most types of restaurants.
– The dishes usually come in cheap, very affordable prices that will not break your budget.
– Fast foods are very convenient, and they are almost anywhere and everywhere.
– The establishment typically offers a casual ambiance.
Most ingredients used in preparing the meals in fast foods are already cooked or preheated. However, when you order the green salad, the ingredients are always fresh.
Stand, Cart, or Food Truck
Stands, carts, and food trucks are modern businesses that usually serve only one type of food and have limited food items on the menu. You may need to try different food trucks, stands, or carts if you want to sample different types of healthy vacation diets that they can offer.
The foods that the stands, carts, or food trucks offer are usually pre-made. If you are familiar with the food trucks run by Koreans, you will notice that they usually prepare their dishes as you wait. They also have a healthier food menu.
Customers patronize the foods offered in stands, carts, and food trucks due to the following reasons:
– They offer very affordable prices that are easy on the budget.
– They are convenient to eat, and you may even consume the foods on the go.
– The food they offer can fill the stomach easily so you can cover more places to visit on your vacation.
You can even choose to buy from the different stands, carts, or food trucks to create your own combination of healthy food to eat. You don’t need to spend so much money on your food and be content with filling your stomach so you can have the strength to visit many places in your vacation destination.
Cafeteria
In cafeteria-style dining, the different cooked dishes are presented behind a long counter where you get to choose the dish you want to eat. It is similar to buffet style, but you don’t get to serve the portion yourself. There is someone who will give you the portion according to the set price for that dish per portion.
The cafeteria offers different dishes – both healthy and not-so-healthy. If you want to stick to your healthy vacation diet, make sure to choose only the dishes that will you give you strength without making you fat.
Some cafeterias offer the following:
– Self-serve heaping of soups, salads, and others.
– Pre-plated or ready-made sets in a platter.
– Fresh-cooked foods, such as waffles and omelets, which you can get from an attendant of that station.
Many large companies, hospitals, schools, and factories that provide a place for the people to eat breakfast lunch, or dinner usually adopt the cafeteria-style restaurant.
Coffee House
Starbucks made the coffee house business quite famous around the world. It has become customary for people who often go to work to frequent a Starbucks coffee house near their place of work.
You may stick to eating a single order of your chosen sandwich and coffee of choice as part of your healthy vacation diet. The only purpose of the sandwich is to fill your stomach. You should avoid eating too many sandwiches at once if you don’t want to add a few pounds after doing so. It is also advisable to eat slowly and savor every bite. You will also feel fuller that way.
Many go to coffee houses due to the following reasons:
– The coffee houses usually have a casual, relaxing ambiance.
– They do not require table service.
– Only offer a limited menu to choose from and won’t make you consume more than necessary.
You can stay there to relax after dragging your feet to see different sights to admire. You don’t need to worry about paying an extra fee for staying longer than usual. You can continue to enjoy drinking your hot beverage without worrying about the price.
Contemporary Casual Restaurant
This type of restaurant commonly caters to junior professionals in metropolitan and urban areas. It has a trendy and modern vibe and decorations that young professional diners find appealing.
This restaurant offers:
– Eco-friendly and farm-to-table dining experience.
– Wide array of wine collections.
– Locally-produced ingredients that are typically in season.
– Fine, delectable fusion cuisine that you may not find anywhere else.
– Visually-appealing interior and food.
If you want to sample dishes that are out of the ordinary and made from fresh, healthy ingredients, you may want to try having a meal in a contemporary casual restaurant. You may need to ask about the price before you do because not all contemporary casual restaurants offer the same price range.
When Choosing the Most Suitable Restaurant
It is foolish to go out of your way just because someone told you or read that a certain restaurant, which is 20 kilometers from your current spot, can guarantee a healthy vacation diet. You won’t be able to utterly enjoy your vacation when you do that. Instead, you can ask the locals for some recommendations and don’t be shy to ask about the price.
Each place will never lack suitable restaurants that you can try. You can also read the reviews and visit the websites of your target restaurants. You want to stay healthy without spending so much while you are on vacation. The worst thing that can happen to any tourist is not having enough money during emergencies. You cannot be certain what will happen during your vacation, and it is wise to have a substantial amount of money with you in case something bad happens.
Most of the time, dining in a small, clean local restaurant is your best option. If you are not familiar with the dishes and find them rather too weird for your taste, you can always check out the fast-food chains in that place. You may be surprised to find that your favorite fast-food chain that serves healthy fares is in that place.
Maintaining a healthy vacation diet is not something hard to do. If you lack the discipline to stop yourself from eating too many unhealthy dishes while you are on a vacation, don’t blame the restaurants for not having a healthy menu. You can only blame yourself for not having enough control over ordering many sumptuous dishes in each place that you have visited. You can try limiting the food you eat whenever you take your meal.
