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Since the continent of the Unites States is so huge in its size, it is impossible to see all of it in any one trip. The best way to enjoy the United States without emptying your bank account is to focus on one region or city, and make sure you enjoy it thoroughly. You can choose to experience the city life in New York, or the beauty of Connecticut, or even take a tour of the Great Lakes.

Las Vegas is another one of the options available to you if you want to experience a cheap vacation in the United States. While you may think that Las Vegas is all about the casinos, this is actually not true. The city and its surrounding areas have a lot more to offer than just quick marriages and gambling.

To start, there are a number of amusement parks, including the Stratosphere and the Excalibur, where the rides are spectacular. The number of museums in the city will also keep you entertained for days. There is a laser sky show in the old city that you can also enjoy without costing too much. The best thing is that you can see twenty of the city’s attractions on the Las Vegas Power Pass, which makes it much cheaper to enjoy this holiday.

The Flamingo is a great place to go if you want to see a wildlife habitat. If the lions there have recently had cubs, you can even hold them and get your picture taken with these little ones. The Imperial Palace with its collection of old cars from different decades is another great place to visit, along with the aquarium and fountain show at Caesars Palace, Silverton, and the Bellagio. MGM Grand is another spot to visit, and if you are lucky enough you might even get to see the famous MGM Grand lions and their cubs.

Of course, you can also choose to do the traditional Las Vegas thing and go into a casino, but in order for you to keep this a cheap vacation remember to keep an eye on your budget. If you are lucky enough, you might even spot a celebrity or two, and you might even see some high rollers in action.

All of this is on ‘the strip’, but if you venture off the strip you can see over seven different museums, the Botanical Park, the ice arena, and even a chocolate factory. The chocolate factory provides you immense enjoyment and you will truly relish this experience. There is also a rock climbing centre if you are an adventure lover.

For more excitement, you can venture out of Las Vegas and see the sights close by. For example, Hoover Dam is a national monument and provides beautiful sights and scenery. You can also go over to the Death Valley National Park or Bonnie Springs by Old Nevada. You could call into the Grapevine Canyon and experience the stunning vistas. Another popular spot to head to is Lake Mead which will provide you with a means to cool down in the heat.

While you may think that the only things to do in Las Vegas are inside a casino, you should by now know that this city has a lot more than that to offer its visitors. With proper planning, you can get cheap accommodations and a great package deal, and thus make this a wonderful vacation for you and your family this summer.

[Source: Summer Destinations - Cheap Holidays in USA]

There is no denying that the economy is bad, and that the current situation is taking its toll on many Americans. But does this mean your life has to stop? Does this mean you have to stay inside all day and save your money? Of course not. You can still have fun even if the economy is going through a rough patch. Believe it or not, vacationing on a budget is more than possible.

Some people don’t know the concept of a cheap vacation. They think the only way to have fun is to pay the first price they see, and spend, spend, spend when they reach their destination. Fortunately, this is far from the truth.

The following tips can make vacationing on a budget tons of fun:

1. Use the internet to search for deals. Sites such as Expedia.com, Kayak.com, and Tripadvisor.com are great for finding the best deals on airfare, lodging, and car rentals. To go along with this, many of these sites also offer vacation packages that are sure to save you some money. For instance, Expedia is in the process of pushing their “Winter Sale” packages which offer hotel and flight to many popular destinations for $278 per person.

2. Before you ever start planning your vacation you should first set your budget. Do you know how much money you can comfortably spend? Your budget should be set from the beginning so you don’t get in over your head. If possible, begin to plan and budget for your trip a couple months in advance. This will help to ensure an accurate and efficient process.

3. Meals can be expensive. Have you ever thought about packing food to take with you on vacation? This is an idea you don’t want to overlook. If you are driving this is a particularly good idea. To go along with this, once you reach your destination you should head for the grocery store instead of a five star restaurant. You may spend a lot of money on groceries, but the fact of the matter is that they can last you a long time.

4. Travel with others. Have you ever thought about asking another family to join you on vacation? By doing this you will cut your costs in half from the word go. Does it get any easier than that? When you vacation with another family you can save on everything from gas to lodging.

5. Don’t be married to one destination. Remember, not every vacation destination is as expensive as the next. For instance, if you live on the east coast of the United States it will be much less expensive to vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina than Los Angeles, California. Not only is it closer to your home base, but once you arrive you will be able to save money as well. Even though you may be interested in taking your dream vacation now may not be the best time to do so. Instead, opt for destinations that are known to be more budget friendly.

6. Drive don’t fly. For many, the cost of airfare is the expense that breaks their budget. Why let this happen to you? There are bound to be many top notch vacation destinations within driving distance. And with gas prices lower than they have been in a while you can surely save a lot of money. For more information on gas prices and planning your trip visit GasBuddy.com.

7. Hotels can be expensive. If you really want to save money on lodging you should consider camping out. No matter where you are traveling, as long as the weather is warm you can opt for camping as opposed to spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on lodging. If you have your own equipment all you have to do is pay for the site which can be as little as a few bucks per night. For more information on campgrounds in the United States visit KOA.com.

8. When you arrive at your destination don’t feel obligated to spend money like most tourists. Instead, opt for free or cheap entertainment. There is nothing wrong with sitting on the beach or at the pool. Not only is this fun, but it will not cost you a dime. Of course, you may get the urge to scour the area and there is nothing wrong with this. Just make sure you opt for activities that fit your budget.

Now do you believe that vacationing on a budget is possible? The above tips and links are all you need to plan a vacation even when the economy is on a downswing and the so-called experts are telling you to tighten your belt.

[Source: Vacationing on a Budget]

Recreational activities

Tucked away in the Northwest corner of New Jersey lie two little known gems – Mountain Creek Resort & Crystal Springs Golf Resort (affiliated with the Minerals Resort). Far and away the top ski and snowboard destination in New Jersey, Mountain Creek offers not only fabulous skiing and snowboarding, but a top notch water park for those hot summer months. Being at elevation in quaint Vernon, NJ not only serves the skiers well but helps to keep the temperature an average of ten degrees warmer in summer.

The snow resort is home to classic beginner-through-expert terrain on Vernon and Granite Peaks. First-timers, families and all leisure skiers and snowboarders spend their time playing then choose where to relax for a break. Discount lift tickets are available for much less than the retail price. There are myriad places in nearby Vernon, Warwick NY, and other small towns which offer a tremendous selection of activities for both singles and families. More about this below.

Mountain Creek – formerly known as Vernon Valley or Great Gorge – has long been a fixture in the NJ Skylands region. In the 70’s Action Park was the summer attraction. It has long since been revamped and modernized and is now called the Mountain Creek Water Park, a truly unique park carved into the natural mountainside, and featuring over 26 rides and attractions.

When mountain biking became popular in the 80’s the designers sculpted out an internationally renowned mountain bike course. Diablo Freeride Park has risen to the top of every thrill-seeking mountain biker’s must ride list. Playing host to the U.S. Open of Mountain Biking, Diablo features challenging terrain serviced by the open air gondola used by skiers and snowboarders in winter.

If golf is your game, you can experience world class golfing just minutes from Mountain Creek. Choose from six award-winning golf courses, each with its own set of characteristics and challenges. From beginners to experts, the courses offer something for everyone. There are 6 distinct and challenging courses to choose from:
- Crystal Spring Golf Club in Hardyston, NJ
- Wild Turkey Golf Club – Hardyston, NJ
- Great Gorge Country Club – McAfee, NJ
- Minerals Golf Club – Vernon, NJ
- Ballyowen Golf Club – Hamburg, NJ (rated #1 public golf course in NJ)
- Black Bear Golf Club – Franklin, NJ

Real Estate
As urban and suburban areas get more and more congested, people are increasingly moving further and further from NYC and the more congested areas of NJ.

The Village at Crystal Springs is an exclusive, northern New Jersey real estate community in a comfortable resort setting. Nestled in the scenic Kittatinny Mountains, the collection of luxurious New Jersey homes are situated in the Northeast’s premier four-season residential resort.

This choice selection of prime real estate in New Jersey is complemented by Crystal Springs Resort’s 7 award-winning golf courses, 2 luxury spas, world-class dining and wine-cellar – and is just 47 miles from Manhattan.

Whether you’re looking to buy a primary residence, vacation getaway spot or investment property, you’ll find a variety of home styles and floor plans to meet every taste.

Spas

Elements Spa

The Elements Spa is located at Crystal Springs Resort (often called Minerals Resort) is ranked in the top 20 spas in America and #1 in NJ. This Northern New Jersey luxury spa was designed in such a way that the healing powers of the earth have been incorporated into breathtaking design and rejuvenating services.

Reflections Spa
The brand-new Reflections Spa is certain to challenge Elements for the honor of being the # 1 ranked spa in NJ Reflections’ Service Menu includes many themes and elements of the resort and local environment, such as “The Wine Cellar” featuring treatments using wine and grape seed extracts.

Other local attractions and activities in the NJ Skylands region:

There are a plethora of things to do year round in this area. Pumpkin and apple picking, hayrides, wineries, vineyards, and distillers. Experience how wine is made and life on the orchard.

Explore the Appalachian trail through the Kitatinny range in Northern, NJ. You’ll find amazing scenery and you only need a day to hike a portion of beautiful New Jersey.

They are located just over the border in Harriman, NY.

Warwick, New York

Located fifty-five miles from New York City, The Town of Warwick has a distinctly rural character with rolling hills and farmland dotted with red barns and gracious old farmhouses. The Town of Warwick spans 104 square miles and includes three villages (Florida, Greenwood Lake, and Warwick) and five hamlets (Amity, Bellvale, Edenville, New Milford and Pine Island). Warwick’s natural beauty extends beyond its farmland to mountains, streams and lakes. Greenwood Lake, the closest lake to New York City large enough to accommodate water sports, has long been a popular summer resort of such famous entertainment and sports figures as Babe Ruth. The ten-mile-long lake straddles the New York / New Jersey border.

[Source: Mountain Creek & Crystal Springs - New Jersey's Burgeoning Vacation and Real Estate Destination]

Over the past 10 years, both Whistler Blackcomb and Mont Tremblant have experienced significant growth. Lodging options have expanded and there is now more variety than ever. From ski-in/ski-out condos located in and around the pedestrian villages, to 5+ bedroom private chalets that spread across hectares of open forest; every guest will feel at home.

Winter Lodging – Mont Tremblant vs. Whistler Blackcomb

During the wintertime, both resorts offer a plethora of lodging options. Mont Tremblant has three main lodging areas: the Pedestrian Village, Domaine de la Foret and Domaine du Geant. These three lodging regions can be compared respectively to Whistler Blackcomb’s: Whistler Village, Blackcomb Benchlands, and Creekside area.

Comparing Lodging Areas in Mont Tremblant & Whistler Blackcomb:

Mont Tremblant Pedestrian Village & Whistler Village: Both areas are very central in location and have the most selection when it comes to shops & restaurants. Lodging here is ideal for those who like to dine out and enjoy the nightlife.

Domaine de la Foret (Tremblant) & Blackcomb Benchlands (Whistler): Many of the properties in these locations are larger in size and offer ski-in/ski-out access. Not quite walking distance to the village, hopping on the shuttle bus service to and from the mountain hubs is a breeze.

Domaine du Geant (Tremblant) & Creekside (Whistler): Lodging in these areas is much more secluded and further away from the hustle & bustle of the villages. Guests who appreciate the ambience of nature will feel very comfortable in these areas.

Summer Lodging – Mont Tremblant vs. Whistler Blackcomb

Aside from skiing, both mountains feature an array of activities for guests. Both Mont Tremblant and Whistler Blackcomb feature world class golf courses, lakes, and mountain biking/hiking trails.

Passionate golfers will be glad to know that the two public courses on Mont Tremblant were voted no.1 in all of Quebec.

Whistler Blackcomb on the other hand, has 4 prestigious golf courses which earned it the distinction of being ranked Canada’s no.1 golf destination by Golf Digest. Golfers looking into Whistler will be impressed with the selection of vacation homes that are situated right on Nicklaus North and the Chateau Whistler golf courses.

Mont Tremblant’s Lac Tremblant is a great place to escape the summer heat. Lodging options that surround the lake are usually larger-sized private chalets, many with their own private stretch of beach.

Whistler Blackcomb’s Lost Lake is also a great place to take a dip. Set apart from all civilization, Lost Lake is a simple walk along the Nature Valley Trail.

[Source: East Vs West Lodging - Mont Tremblant Or Whistler Blackcomb?]

Nosara, Costa Rica has long been considered a top surfing destination among surfing enthusiasts. The beaches are extremely clean and almost never crowded which adds to the ideal surfing climate, along with the great waves, of course. In fact, the breaks here; from point breaks to lefts, rights and peaks are unparalleled in all the world. It is really a kind of surfer’s paradise in the middle of paradise, itself. The relaxed lifestyle, stable economy and low cost of living are enticing many people to make Nosara, Costa Rica their home.

Where to Surf?

Playa Guiones is probably the ideal surfing destination in Nosara, Costa Rica. You may get even better waves at Playa Ostional, but the sharp rock formations, heavy shark population due to the large numbers of turtles that nest there and blistering hot black sand beaches make it less than hospitable for surfers. Guiones is ideal with its pink sandy beaches and multiple peaks both left and right and ideal beach breaks. Travelling to the hottest surfing locations in Nosara is no easy feat since there are very few paved roads, but according to surfing aficionados, it is well worth it even if you have to walk a certain distance to get there.

When to Surf?

Nosara, Costa Rica has an exceptionally long surf season from October to May with the most ideal surfing happening between December and April each year. This allows for a great deal of flexibility if you are looking to plan the ideal surfing vacation. The best time of day to surf in Nosara, Costa Rica is just like in California-in the morning. If you are serious about your surfing, you will want to forego overdoing the wild nightlife and get to bed at a decent hour so you can get up early enough to catch the early morning waves at Guiones.

Planning a Trip to Nosara

You will need to check with the airlines about getting to Costa Rica. Be sure to check with the airlines regarding their policies for carrying your board. From there you will have to rent a car to drive to Nosara. Keep in mind that few roads are paved and it will be a rough ride. Make sure you bring your own soft racks and straps because rental cars in Costa Rica aren’t usually equipped with them. Surfing in Nosara, Costa Rica is the trip of a lifetime for anyone who is serious about surfing.

Where can you and your significant other go for a weekend getaway when one of you loves sports and the other one loves shopping? Patriot Place, Boston’s newest entertainment complex, sports venue, and shopping mall all rolled into one, is the solution.

What Will You Find Here?

In addition to including Gillette Stadium, home to the 3-time Super Bowl champions New England Patriots and the New England Revolution soccer team, Patriot Place is also a huge outdoor shopping mall specializing in entertainment retailing. Most shopping malls include “anchor” stores – typically one or more large department stores that attract large numbers of shoppers who then visit the smaller shops and boutiques elsewhere in the mall.

Here, however, the “anchor” formula is unique: in addition to the stadium, you’ll find the only Bass Pro Shops in New England anchoring one end of the mall and at the other end an equally weighty anchor, an enormous Showcase Cinema de Lux movie theater flanked by Showcase Live, an entertainment space for musical performances, children’s theater, and comedy. In between these three anchors, you’ll find smaller stores, shops, restaurants, and pubs. You’ll even find “The Hall,” a museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving the accomplishments of the Patriots and New England football.

If you love hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor life, you could easily spend a whole day in the enormous Bass Pro Shops alone. If you get bored with shopping for all of the gear that you could possibly need, no problem–stop by the in-store shooting gallery or settle down by the huge hunting lodge-like fireplace in the store’s bar and relax with a drink and some snacks. For a taste of nature, head up to the observation deck and use one of the telescopes to look for wildlife in the complex’s adjacent wetlands and woodlands.

Other shopping options include lots of athletic and weekend clothing stores such as Eastern Mountain Sports, Puma, and Old Navy. You’ll also find a Bed Bath and Beyond, a Christmas Tree Shop, and, if you want your clothing to communicate your loyalty to the team, a Patriots Pro Shop.

If you have tickets to a game, you can stop off at the stadium as you progress through the mall. Otherwise, you might catch a blockbuster movie in the theater or head for dinner at Skipjack’s, Tastings Bar and Bistro, or try some fabulous Northern Italian cuisine at Davio’s.

Why Combine a Stadium with a Mall? And What’s Next?

By this point, you may be wondering: are you in a stadium that happens to be surrounded by some stores, or are you in a mall that happens to contain a stadium?

The answer is: this didn’t just happen! After Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots since 1994, tried first to get funding to build a new stadium in South Boston and when that didn’t happen, even entertained an offer to move the team to Connecticut, he decided to use his own money to build the sports and entertainment center of his dreams. And what you see today is just the beginning.

Patriot Place opened in 2008, and much more is planned for 2009: a luxurious Renaissance Hotel and Spa, and a new outpatient health care facility run by two of Boston’s best hospitals, Brigham and Women’s and Mass General.

Where is Patriot Place Located?

You’ll find this sports and entertainment complex on Route 1A in Foxborough, Massachusetts, about 22 miles south of Boston and about 25 miles north of Providence, RI.

[Source - Boston's Hottest Entertainment Destination For Sports, Shopping, and Dining]