With the economy floundering and discretionary income shrinking, many Americans are giving up on the notion of taking their annual family vacation. Fortunately, if you’re a wine connoisseur, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy a vacation à la Sideways, complete with fine dining, winery hopping, and wine tasting. Argentina is an up-and-coming wine lover’s destination that feels like Napa Valley did 30 years ago. The dollar goes a long way in Argentina, so you can plan an action-packed vacation in Argentine wine country on a budget.

Tips for Planning a Trip to Mendoza, the Cradle of Argentina’s Wine Industry

Mendoza is a charming, historical town with the towering, snow-capped Andes as its backdrop. The run-off from the peaks of the Andes irrigates the arid landscape.

Mendoza is only a quick one and a half hour plane ride away from Buenos Aires. The province of Mendoza is ideal for growing wine because of its soil, altitude, and geography. Mendoza is said to produce the best Malbec in the world. Malbec grapes, which were brought to Argentina from France, thrive in Mendoza’s climate.

Whether you’re a budget traveler who’s accustomed to traveling on a shoestring or a well-fed wine aficionado with a taste for five-star lodgings, you’ll find accommodations to suit your needs and tastes in Mendoza. Some popular hostels for budget travelers include Break Point, Itaka House, and Damajuana Hostel. To stay in the lap of luxury during your Mendoza getaway, book a room at the Cavas Wine Lodge, Club Tapiz Hotel, or Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel, Casino, and Spa.

To get around Mendoza, you can rent a car, use the city buses, or custom design your own wine tour with a company like Uncorking Argentina. When you design a custom wine tour, you can mesh winery touring with other activities of interest, like golf or hiking.

If you plan on visiting wineries independently, grab the “Camino de las Bodegas” map for 30 pesos at any wine store in Mendoza. Tours at Mendoza’s wineries typically last from one hour to one and a half hours, so you’ll probably manage to visit three to four wineries in one day. Although many wineries do not require you to reserve in advance, some do, so plan ahead by calling and reserving a spot. A wine tasting room where you can get a good introduction to Mendoza wine is the Vines of Mendoza tasting room, where you can savor the best wines from all over the region.

Mendoza boasts full-bodied red wines that go particularly well with fatty cuts of meat. Some gourmet restaurants in Mendoza that you don’t want to miss include the 743 Bistro, Almacen Del Sur, 1884 Francis Mallman, and the Grill Q Parrilla Argentina at the Park Hyatt.

Taste Torrontes Wines and Bike through Desert Landscapes in Cafayate

Cafayate is a rising star in the Argentine wine scene. Located southwest of Salta city in Salta province, northwestern Argentina, Cafayate is a favorite of adventure travelers and wine aficionados alike.

The route from Salta city to Cafayate is breathtaking, as it takes you through the Quebrada de Cafayate, which boasts desert scenery reminiscent of Utah or New Mexico. In the tranquil, picturesque town of Cafayate, you can enjoy leisurely afternoon strolls or rent a bike and cycle to various wineries in the area.

Cafayate is famed for its Torrontes grapes, which are white grapes that produce a spectacular Chardonnay. Torrontes grapes do particularly well in Cafayate because of its sunny climate, cool evening temperatures, and high altitude. White wines made with Torrontes grapes are known for their intense notes of tropical fruit and flowers.

A magnificent hotel in Cafayate is the Patios de Cafayate Hotel and Spa, which has been rated as one of the top 10 wine spas worldwide. A former colonial estate, Patios de Cafayate is on the same grounds as the El Esteco winery. Treatments at the hotel’s spa incorporate ingredients like wine, carob, quinoa, and cactus.

And no visitor to Cafayate should leave without tasting wine ice cream! Cafayate’s wine ice cream, a distinctly Argentine treat, comes in robust flavors, like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

New York City which is commonly referred to as ‘the Big Apple’ is one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world. Known for its unmatched allure this sprawling metropolis which is made up of five boroughs (districts) attracted nearly 48 million international and domestic tourists in 2009.   Accordingly New York City is geared to cater to the needs of its many visitors as it offers them a wide array of sight-seeing, entertainment, and dining options in the form of world famous landmarks, great theater and other cultural performances and numerous diverse restaurants which serve up a smorgasbord of cuisines.

New York City is served by three major airports namely the John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) which is located in the borough of Queens, the LaGuardia Airport which is located in the New York county of Long Island and the Newark Liberty Airport which is located in the neighboring state of New Jersey. These three airports play host to a plethora of  international and domestic carriers. In fact JFK airport is a major hub for American Airlines, Delta and the New York City based low cost carrier, Jet Blue Airways, while LaGuardia is an important base for various other low cost carriers like AirTran and American Eagle airways. Similarly Newark Liberty Airport functions as key hub for Continental Airlines which also operates several subsidiary airlines and recently merged with another major US carrier, United Airlines to form one of the largest airlines in terms of revenue passenger miles. These three main New York City airports are served by a plethora of trains, subway lines, taxis, shuttle buses and coaches and they all afford relatively easy access to the ‘city’ as the New York  City borough of Manhattan is commonly called.

New York City is located on eastern seaboard of North America and it accordingly experiences warm, humid summers which last from May to September and cold, extremely frigid winters which extend for the remaining six months of the year. Most tourists tend to visit New York City during the summer months when the city hosts  a wide array  of events and festivals including the summer street fairs which are generally held over weekends all over the city. Tourists who don’t enjoy the hot, humid New York summers  try and visit  the city in the fall (mid- September to late October) when the weather in  is cool and crisp, with day temperatures hovering around 70̊ F or 21̊ C or thereabouts and night temperatures falling to the low 60s and high 50s though some folks also enjoy a  visit in the early spring when the city emerges from its long, cold, dark winters and is awash with flowering blooms.

New York City is the only city in the US which has an extensive and heavily used Mass Transit system; New Yorkers are in fact perceived to be great walkers who tend to traverse their city mainly on foot . If you plan to  experience the city like a true  New Yorker , then it is imperative that you pack a good pair of walking shoes in your luggage for the hard, concrete pavements of New York City can be brutal on your feet. Moreover if your planned visit to the Big Apple is during the summer months then you might want to pack cool, cotton clothes for the weather is generally  steamy with temperatures in the high 70’s and mid-80s so much so it is often said that true New Yorkers flee the city in August and the city is almost entirely taken over by visiting tourists. If you choose to however visit New York City later on in the year then a light jacket is de rigueur for the fall months ,while a heavy overcoat, sweaters, hat, gloves, scarf and boots are  almost essential for a visit to New York City during the grueling, bone chilling winter months when snow fall is a common occurrence.

New York City offers a wide range of attractions which are guaranteed to please all types of visitors. There are some attractions like the Empire State Building, the U.N. compound, the Statue of Liberty which are especially well known and thus attract hordes of tourists all year round. Needless to add many of these attractions are also expensive to access as they have hefty admission fees. If you wish to take in as many New York attractions as you can on your New York City visit then you would do well as to invest a package called the New York  Pass which gives to access to multiple New York City attractions for one low price. The New York Pass can be purchased online even before you arrive in New York City.

However aside from the attractions offered by the New York Pass, there are several  other New York City attractions which should  figure in your must-do list for New York like visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met). This grand museum which is housed in an imposing building located on 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue is perhaps New York’s premier attraction which has enchanting permanent exhibits as well as frequently changing temporary exhibits that attracts hordes of visitors, both locals and tourists all throughout the year. Yet another beloved attraction of New York City, is its iconic patch of green, Central Park which is filled with numerous landmarks like Strawberry Fields,  an enclave in the park that pays tribute to the late, John Lennon, singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who used to reside in building called Dakota which  lies adjacent to and overlooks the Park. Central Park is a constant hub of activity which hosts festivals like the Central Park Summer Stage and Shakespeare in the Park during the summers and ice skating on the Wollman rink during the winters. Apart from Central Park, the city also has various other worth visiting green spaces like Washington Square Park, Bryant Park and the New York Botanical Gardens which are located in the Bronx.

New York City is known for its multicultural character as this city has historically been associated with various waves of immigration; the best place to learn about this immigrant heritage of New York City is at the Tenement Museum which is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and provides a valuable insight into the lives of the early immigrants who came to New York City. In recent times yet another historical site has come to be firmly entrenched on any visit New York City itinerary, Ground Zero which is the site of  the horrific terrorists attacks of 9/11 that killed more than 3000 residents of the city ,many of whom worked in its iconic World Trade Center Towers, the main target of the attacks.

In addition to sight-seeing, tourists who visit New York City also like to taken its many cultural offerings for  the city is well known for its theater district , ‘Broadway’ and several other cultural bastions like  the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Brooklyn Academy of Music which offer a wide variety of music, dance and film events that enthrall and delight the masses all throughout the year.

Aside from its reputation as a tourist magnet and a cultural and entertainment epicenter, New York City is also known for its varied  culinary landscape. New York City is  home to nearly 19000 eating establishments that range from high end restaurants like Per Se, Locanda Verde and Le Bernadin  to small hole in the wall establishments that serve a wide range of global eats.  However New York is also known for some foods which are considered to be ‘quintessentially New York’, like New York City bagels which are reputed to be ‘ the best in the world’ and can be purchased from the city’s many  street vendors as well as specialty bagel stores like H&H Bagels, Ess a Bagel and  Tal Bagels. Similarly renowned is New York Citys Pizza which can be enjoyed at  authentic pizza joints like Lombardi’s, Grimaldi’s, Patsy’s Pizzeria and Totonno’s in New York City.

No trip to New York City can be complete without a shopping expedition and New York City which plays hosts to America’s most famous Fashion weeks has several enclaves which are known  essentially as shopping districts like the stretches of  Fifth and Madison Avenues that are lined with high end designer stores  and the cluster of middle range stores that are located along 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan.

Yet another shopping haunt for tourists to New York City is Canal Street which is located in the heart of  Manhattan’s Chinatown and is the Mecca for designer knock-offs, cheap t-shirts and other knick-knacks. Located close to Chinatown is Soho which is yet another heavily tourist trafficked  shopping area that is populated with one of a kind designer boutiques, outposts of department stores like Bloomingdale’s and chic foreign imports like Topshop and Uniglo , Muji and  Mango in addition to a sleek Apple Store. Soho in fact also has within its boundaries the design store of the Museum of Modern Art which offers cleverly designed products that capture the edgy style of New York City and make for perfect souvenirs from this unique and utterly captivating city.

Next time you visit America’s Second City, leave your wallet at home! Well, that might be drastic, but Chicago has loads of entertainment options designed for budget travelers! With this list, you can walk through Grant Park, observe fine art and architecture, and even learn about surgical sciences without spending a thing.

1. Grant Park

Chicago’s 319-acre Grant Park is filled with cultural and historic landmarks. Marvel at the iconic Buckingham Fountain: a stunning fountain display which represents Lake Michigan. Walk through the sculptures at Agora: a display of 106 headless and armless iron sculptures designed by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. Or appreciate the architecture at Millennium Park. Known as Chicago’s Front Door, due to its location in the city, Grant park is a must see for anyone who wants to experience Chicago!

2. Art Institute of Chicago

In addition to being Chicago’s largest art museum, the Art Institute of Chicago is the second largest art museum in America! Its comprehensive collection of fine art includes painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles from around the world. The museum’s holdings include one of the largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. Admission is free on Thursdays, from 5 to 8 PM.

3. Museum of Contemporary Photography

Come visit the only photography museum in the Midwest! Its permanent collection holds over 9,000 photos and photography-related exhibits from around the world. Check the museum’s current exhibit, which showcases the photographic work of Chicago’s youth.

4. Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

Smith Museum is America’s first museum dedicated exclusively to stained glass windows. The museum’s 800 ft.-long series of galleries displays 150 beautiful pieces of stained glass art, both religious and secular. Discover this beautiful, underappreciated medium of art at this free museum!

5. International Museum of Surgical Sciences

This unique museum deals with the history and science of surgery. Its four floors are filled with artifacts, paintings and sculptures covering subjects such as nursing, Japanese surgeons, orthopedics, polio, and Latin American medicine. Admission is free every Tuesday.

6. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a center for art, music, and architectural design. The 24.5-acre park contains works of architectural wonder by Frank Gehry and Jaume Plensa. Come Mondays at noon to enjoy a free concert, or anytime to take in the beautiful environment and architecture.

7. Chicago Children’s Museum

Let the kids have some fun at this educational museum! Adults and children alike will love the dinosaur exhibit, children’s art gallery and water playground. Admission in free on the first Sunday of the month for children under 15.

8. Spertus Institute

The Spertus Museum of Jewish studies is Chicago’s foremost center of Jewish culture. The gallery includes images and sculptures related to Jewish life. The Institute’s new building is a beautiful, environmentally friendly design made of 726 different-shaped glass pieces. Admission is free through the month of June.

9. Archicenter

Interested in architecture? This unique museum chronicles the past and present of Chicago’s architecture and neighborhoods. Archicenter is owned and operated by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The center also gives tours and hosts various lectures and educational programs.

The vivacious Spanish city of Barcelona which was immortalized forever in Woody Allen’s 2008, hit oeuvre Vicky Christina Barcelona is a truly magnificent destination that is a year round tourist magnet.  In fact Barcelona which is located in the autonomous Spanish community of Catalonia is largely regarded as a gateway to the famed Spanish coastal region of Costa Brava.
Blessed with a year round Mediterranean climate Barcelona which is home to a proud Catalan population is usually inundated with tourists in the blazing hot summer months of July and August.  However if you want to avoid long queues at Barcelona’s many museums and other attractions, you should try and visit this port city before the crowds arrive in late May or early June or towards mid- September when the city celebrates its most popular festival, the Festes de la Mercè which features the immensely popular parade of the Gegants (giants) and the fire runs or Correfocs along with much other revelry.

In fact Barcelona like so many other Spanish cities has a  yearlong event calendar that is a chock a block with feasts and festivals and in order to experience the true character of this vibrant  city, you should try and coincide your visit to  with a major Barcelona festival like the  Dia de Sant Joan which is an annual festival celebrated in honor of Saint John in mid- June ,  the Fira de Santa Llucia which is the annual Christmas fair of  Barcelona or La Diada de Sant Jordi(St George’s Day), which is celebrated with much fanfare every year in mid-April.

Barcelona is served by its El Prat de Llobregat Airport (BCN) which is located seven miles(12km) to the southwest of the city center. The Barcelona airport plays host to most of the global major carriers as well as several low cost airlines. US Airlines such as Continental, Delta, United and American Airlines offer direct nonstop connections to Barcelona from New York City.  However you can also choose access Barcelona by flying into various other European cities from the US and  then buying a separate ticket on one of the many European low cost carriers like Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Air Berlin etc all of which provide cheap connections to the Barcelona International Airport. Barcelona is also connected by long distance train services to other European cities like Paris, Milan and Zurich.

If your visit to Barcelona is scheduled for the summer months your luggage must include cool, cotton clothing and comfortable footwear as this city which is also a perennial favorite with cruise liners is best explored on foot and public transport. However if you choose to visit Barcelona in the fall or early spring, you will probably need to exchange your summer clothes for light woolens and a jacket for although  Barcelona enjoys a year round Mediterranean climate, the nights and evenings  can get decidedly cool when temperatures hover around the low 60’s .

Barcelona like several other European cities has a well developed and efficient public transport system which is made up of metro, buses, trains, funiculars and cable cars and the best way for you to navigate Barcelona’s public transport is by investing  in a Barcelona City Card that offers free travel on public transport as well as discounts on various popular Barcelona attractions. The price of the Barcelona City card varies according to the number of days you intend to use it for. This card can be bought online on the official website of tourism department of Barcelona even before arrive in the reigning queen of Catalonia .

Barcelona is almost always associated with the world renowned outlandish creations of its native son, the world famous architect Antoni  Gaudi.  Several weird and wonderful Gaudi creations dot Barcelona’s cityscape however some of   the most popular Gaudi attractions in Barcelona include  the Parc Guell which is located on Camel Hill and is filled with Gaudi’s fanciful works like  flights of stairs, columns, colorful mosaics, a plaza that affords great views of the city and a pink colored house, la Torre Rosa which was once occupied by Gaudi and his niece and which is today a museum which houses Gaudi-designed furniture and other arte-facts.

Yet another not to missed Gaudi attraction in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia which is thought to be Barcelona’s biggest attraction. This Church of the Holy Family was begun by Gaudi in 1882 and it displays his characteristic Art Nouveau styling though it is an incomplete work which is still in progress. Aside from these Gaudi centric attractions,  Barcelona is also renowned for its famous tree lined avenue known as Las Ramblas which extends from within the Barcelona port at Placa Catalunya to Port Vell and is filled with lively but rather touristy restaurants, bars and shops. Las  Ramblas traverses through the old Gothic quarter of  Barcelona which is known as Barri Gòtic. The Barri Gòtic was once a fortified Roman settlement which today is a maze of narrow streets that has within its boundaries several attractions like the magnificent Cathedral le Seu.

To get a bird’s eye view of the city you may also want to head out to the two hills that overlook it namely Montjuic which overlooks the city center and Tibidabo which is located four miles to the northwest of the city. Both these elevations are filled with an assortment of attractions like the Joan Miro museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia which are located on Montjuic and the Parc D’Attraccions (an amusement park) and the Torre de Collserola( a telecommunications tower with an observation deck) which are located on Tibidabo, accessible by funicular.

For those tourists who enjoy visiting museums, the city of Barcelona has much to offer in the form of its Museu d’Història de la Ciutat which has displays of the subterranean Roman settlement of Barcino, the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) housed in  a  Richard Meier designed building that has displays of numerous magnificent 20th century contemporary works, the Museo Picasso which has exhibits of the artist’s early works and the FC Barcelona Museum and Stadium which catalogs the history and achievements of one of Europe’s most beloved soccer clubs, FC Barcelona which is affectionately referred to by legions of its fans as ‘Barca’.

The soul of a city is most  often revealed  at its markets and in order to discover the soul of Barcelona you should head to the city’s main market called the Mercat de La Boqueria or simply ‘La Boqueria’ which is located near the Las Ramblas and is populated by over a thousand stalls whose vendors sell all sorts of products like fresh fish and seafood, meats, poultry, game, fruits and vegetables, herbs, breads and pastries, frozen items, artisan products, charcuterie(Spain’s famous cured hams), wine and much more. There are several cafes are located within the market which  offer shoppers and tourists a spot to rest and relax as they grab a bite while  taking the  wondrous sights and sounds  of this great food market.  Aside from the animated and colorful La Boqueria, Barcelona is also home to a fascinating flea market which is held on the Plaça de les Glories  on several days of the week. This market which is called Els Encants or the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire is populated with various kinds of vendors who offer a wide array of goods like antique furniture, jewelry, books, apparel, trinkets, second hand electronics as well as  food and beverages.

Barcelona is a proud Catalan city which  has its own unique language( the Catalan dialect) and cuisine and you must make it a point to sample  some of its characteristic  native fare in the form of dishes like the Pa amb tomàquet which is a traditional Catalan breakfast food that consists of a toasted bread with tomato, seasoned with olive oil and salt  and  the Crema Catalana which a rich custard that is often served with caramelized sugar for desert or used as filling for pastries amongst others.  The city’s many excellent tapas restaurants also offer a wide range of unique finger foods like patatas bravas (fried cubed potatoes), bocarones (vinegar or oil cured anchovies), calamares (fried squid) and  chorizo which are definitely worth sampling as well .

If you wish to take home a genuine piece of Barcelona with you then do try and avoid shopping for mementos and gifts at the many touristy souvenir shops that litter La Ramblas for they merely sell ‘Made in China’ trinkets rather than authentic souvenirs. A better et would be to shop at indigenous Catalan stores like Ici et La which is a clever design store located on Barcelona’s Plaça Santa Maria   that  sells decorative pieces designed by local artists or  Custo Barcelona which is located on Calle Ferran and is the flagship store of the world famous homegrown in Barcelona label that is known for its unique one of a kind colorful t-shirts. Better still you could also take home gifts of some excellent but still relatively unknown  Barcelona artisan chocolate  that is produced by local Barcelona artisan chocolatiers  like Cacao Sampaka , Oriol Balaguer and Escribá which is bound to be a hit with your friends and family back home.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s beautiful resort city, draws millions of tourists with its beauty and climate. Though not known as a destination for budget travelers, the city boasts a number of activities that can be enjoyed at no cost! Visit the beach, hear live music, learn about history, and even visit an alligator park without spending a dime!

1 – Free Beaches

Swim, sunbathe, and explore Myrtle Beach’s beautiful namesake beaches! There are a number of spots to visit which are free of charge. Bring the whole family to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s natural beauty!

2- Summer Concert Series in McLean Park

On the third Friday of every month, visit McLean Park for a free evening concert! Performers of various genres perform from 7 to 9 PM. Bring a picnic and make the most out of your Friday night!

3 – Alligator Adventure

Visit Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing and check out this unique wilderness reserve! Alligator Adventure houses 800 alligators, ranging in length from 8 inches to 13 feet. Watch the feeding shows and presentations, or just idle through the park at your own pace.

4 – South Carolina Hall of Fame

This museum honors the many individuals who have contributed to the unique culture and history of the Palmetto State. Learn about figures as disperse as Andrew Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Strom Thurmond.

5 – Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

One of the finest art museums in the Carolinas, this museum has a small but diverse collection and many changing exhibitions. Explore the world of Southern painting, 17th century cartography, and quilt artwork.

6 – Vareen Memorial Park and Gardens

This well-hidden park traverses a number of salt marshes and islands. Walk along the wooden pathways and enjoy the beautiful views of this unique environment.

7 – Thomas Kinkade Gallery

The famous American painter Thomas Kinkade is known for his beautiful, idyllic settings and stunning use of light. His work is the displayed at this outdoor gallery.

8 – Warbird Park

Visit this park and honor the men and women from Myrtle Beach who have served in the nation’s air force. Several military craft and a runway are on display. The park also has paved bike paths, so get some exercise and learn about the city’s history at the same time!

Bastille Day is the French national holiday, celebrated July 14th each year. It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789.

New York City might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to subsist on hot dogs, cheese pizza slices, and pretzels for your entire stay. There are plenty of quality eateries in New York where you can get a scrumptious meal for less than $10 a piece.

If you’re traveling on a budget, you’re probably going to have very little left in your pocket after paying for a hotel, attractions, and transportation. But fear not. Take note of these 8 cheap eats before your next trip to New York and you’re sure to keep your daily dining costs in the double digits.

1. Chennai Garden – 129 East 27th St between Park and Lexington Aves – (212) 689-1999

Who can go wrong with an el cheapo South Indian buffet lunch complete with appetizers and fresh, baked bread? The Chennai Garden restaurant in Gramercy serves up a delightful kosher/vegetarian lunch buffet for only $6.99. That’s right. For the cost of a humongous latte, you can get lunch – and a darn good one, too.

2. Baoguette – 37 St. Marks PI between Second and Third Aves – (212) 380-1487

Baoguette, an increasingly popular joint that currently has two outposts in the city, serves classic Vietnamese dishes. Their sloppy bao, spicy beef pho, and banh mi are each a steal at less than $10.

3. Calexico Carne Asada – 122 Union St between Columbia and Hicks Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn – (718) 488-8226

You’ll feel as if you’re sampling authentic street food at a scenic street stall in Mexico City as you savor the luscious pulled-pork tortas and carne asada tacos at Calexico. Calexico is a California-style taquería founded by the Vendley Brothers of none other than Calexico, California. Even if you’re anti-animal flesh, you’ll find plenty of dishes on the Calexico menu that will tickle your vegetarian fancy, such as tofu tacos and burritos.

4. Great NY Noodletown – 28 ½ Bowery (Bayard St), Chinatown – (212) 349-0923

Enjoy roast duck on rice, vegetables in oyster sauce, and other delectable Cantonese delights at this Chinatown favorite. The restaurant itself isn’t exactly a sight for overworked eyes, but the food is excellent and the locale’s open until the wee hours.

5. Corner Bistro – 331 West Fourth St (Jane St) – (212) 242-9502

One thing you’ll almost always see at the Corner Bistro in Greenwich Village is a long line… because a beef patty on buns has rarely ever been this good – and this cheap! There’s no better way to fill up after a long day touring the city than with a classic burger, crispy fries, and an ice cold brew at the Corner Bistro.

6. Arepa Arepa – 160 Havemayer St between South 2nd and 3rd Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn – (718) 388-5797

Get your fill of the savory, grilled Venezuelan corn cakes known as arepas at the redundantly-titled Arepa Arepa, a Brooklyn staple. Sink your teeth into hot, crispy arepas with a variety of unique fillings, including tilapia, shrimp, chorizo sausage, and mushrooms.

7. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza & Brewery – 328 E 14th St between 2nd Ave and 1st Ave, East Village – (212) 228-2004

For $4, you can get a ginormous slice of pizza made with fresh, quality ingredients at Artichoke Basille’s. The shining star of their menu is the – you guessed it – artichoke and spinach pizza, which is topped with tender artichokes, aromatic spinach, and healthy doses of cheese and creamy white sauce. Other scrumptious varieties of pizza available at Artichoke Basille’s include margarita, crab, and Sicilian.

8. Vanessa’s Dumplings – 118 Eldridge St between Grand St & Broome St, Lower East Side – (212) 625-8008

Whether you want to start your meal with 4 delicious dumplings for $1 or a Peking duck sandwich for a mere $2.25, a $10 bill will take you very far at Vanessa’s Dumplings. It’s a no-brainer that this dumpling joint is always packed; it’s cheap and thoroughly agreeable to the taste buds.

When it comes to planning a family vacation on a budget, there’s nothing like piling into a car with your loved ones and taking a road trip. Even when you factor in tolls and gas, traveling by car is cheaper than buying airfare.

But from the kids screaming, “Are we there yet?” as you pull out of the driveway to you pulling over on the highway to break up the backseat fights, taking a family road trip isn’t always soothing. To help you take a family road trip without losing your mind, we’ve compiled these sanity-preserving tips.

Planning Your Trip

• Hit the road early in the morning to beat traffic. If you leave by 5am or thereabouts, the kids will probably be so pooped that they’ll sleep for a good portion of the trip and give the adults some quiet time.
• Don’t leave after having a meal because if you do, your kids will need to go to the bathroom shortly after. Instead, pack the meal and eat it in the car.
• Pack a backpack for the kids that includes their favorite healthy snacks inside. You can pass the backpacks onto your kids when they are hungry, so they have something to munch on.
• Pack a cooler with food and drinks for everyone. Sure, you can find food at a rest stop, but most of it will be greasy and deep-fried. After a couple of meals on the road, you’ll be craving some carrot sticks and wheat crackers.
• Bring along small garbage bags to stay on top of clutter and keep your vehicle tidy. A garbage bag can also come in handy if one of the passengers starts to feel queasy.
• Take high-tech and low-tech entertainment along for the ride. High-tech toys like a portable DVD player, iPod, audio books, and MP3s of children’s stories can make the time pass quickly. Low-tech toys like coloring books, puzzles, road trip bingo, wipe-clean board books, and good, old-fashioned books are also great to have.
• Pack sunglasses and sunscreen to prevent sunburns on a long drive.
• Take out the maps, guide books, laptop, and highlighter to plan your trip together as a family, so everyone gets a say in where you will go.

During the Trip

• Play classic road trip games like I spy and license plate bingo to pass the time and keep the kids entertained. You can also give your kids brochures about the places you’re going to visit beforehand so you can quiz them on the road trip.
• Make pit stops often to stretch, go to the bathroom, and take a break from being in the car. Your kids will get grumpy if they stay cooped up in the car for too long.
• Keep the liquids to a minimum so your kids don’t have to go to the bathroom so frequently.
• To avoid being stranded on the road in the middle of the night, don’t wait until you are on E to get gas. When you hit the quarter tank mark, start looking for a gas station.

To avoid common pitfalls on your family road trip, plan your journey from start to finish. But remember that no matter how much you plan, nothing is guaranteed to run smoothly. Just don’t forget that the main purpose of your family road trip is to have fun! So, take it easy, smile, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

When one thinks of a trip to Orlando, they probably conjure up images of incredible theme parks, expensive dining, and luxurious lodgings. Orlando, has other faces, however; it’s home to a number of art galleries and museums, public nature reserves, and miscellaneous sites. This list covers just a few of the many free things to do in this great city. Whether you’re going on a budget or just want a way to break up your Universal/Disney trip without adding to the bill, Orlando has options for you!

1. Kelly Park

With a $1 entrance fee, seeing the rock springs at Kelly Park may not technically be free, but, given the beautiful sights which lay in this park, it’s an incredible bargain! This reserve offers swimming and tubing in a scenic, wooded area, packed with flora and fauna. Surrounding the springs is a boardwalk and picnic area for drying off and eating.

2. Big Tree Park

Witness astonishing cypress tree and this wilderness preserve. Among its many trees is “The Senator”, a 38 meter-high cypress estimated at 3,500 years old. The park is also full of picnic tables, so bring a lunch and make an afternoon of your visit!

3. Fleaworld and Funworld

Just North of Orlando are two of the largest flea markets in the country. Come and shop through bargain items from thousands of vendors while enjoying free entertainment, including acrobatics, circus performers, and live animals. Both are open during the weekends.

4. Zulu Exclusive Gallery

This unique gallery displays contemporary and ancient art Africa, including Zulu and Shona pieces. Learn about the distinct and underappreciated art from the continent of Africa!

5. Albin Polasek Sculpture Garden

Head to Winter Park and explore the works of famed sculptor Albin Polasek! The adjoining museum is closed for the summer, but you can the sculpture garden all year round free of charge!

6. Harry P. Leu Gardens

In addition to holding the largest rose garden in the state of Florida, this beautiful park contains a tropical steam garden, a butterfly garden, and palm, bamboo and cycad gardens. In addition to these diverse landscapes the grounds contains a museum and often functions as an art venue. Admission is free on the first Monday of each month, so get outside and visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens on your next trip.

7. Grand Bohemian Art Gallery

Even if you can’t afford the luxurious Grand Bohemian Hotel, you can check out their art holdings free of charge. The hotel has a diverse collection of paintings, jewelry, and art glass.

8. Peabody Ducks

The sumptuous Peabody hotel is home to a one-of-a-kind occurrence: every morning, a group of ducks, hens, and drakes descend from their suite in a special elevator and waddle to the hotel’s fountain. In the evening, the procession is reversed. Bring the kids to witness this unique, adorable spectacle.

9. Keila Glassworks Gallery

Award winning glassblower Charles Keila has a free gallery and public studio in the Dr. Phillips building. Check out this unique artist and learn about the art of glassblowing!

10. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Students and children get in free at this fine arts museum, which houses works from around the world, dating from antiquity to the present day. Discover Native American artwork, Middle Eastern artifacts, bronze sculptures, and Renaissance pieces such as Rosselli’s Madonna and Child Enthrone.

11. Disney’s Boardwalk

Regardless of whether you came to visit Orlando’s famous parks, any visitor can check out Disney’s Boardwalk for free. If its many restaurants and nightclubs are out of your price range, you can still appreciate the street performers, ranging from musicians to magicians.

12. Spook Hill

An old Seminole legend has it that their chief Cufcowellax killed a gator which had been terrorizing their village. Their legendary struggle led to the creation of a small lake, Ticowa, which was sacred to the tribe. Since white settlers repopulated the land people have noticed that the forces seem to draw them the nearby hill, rather than down. Put your car in neutral on this mysterious hill and see if the legend of Spook Hill is true!

When the temperatures heat up in the Southwestern US during the summer, so do the region’s tourist attractions.  Though the heat might be enough to make some people shy away from traditional vacation activities like golf and desert excursions, there are still plenty of reasons to visit this diverse and exciting region.

Why head to the Southwest in the summer?  It has some of the world’s best health and wellness spas, plenty of mountain adventures, including biking and whitewater rafting, and some of the country’s best artists and musicians, not to mention hundreds (even thousands) of years of history.

Here are five of the best summertime destinations in the Southwestern US.

1. Boulder, Colorado is a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts year-round.  It draws mountaineers, bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen and sports climbers during the warmer months .  Boulder is also a center for alternative culture and mainstream education.  The city offers attractions both urban and natural.  Shopping, dining and nightlife can be found on Pearl Street, where street performers ply their trade during the summer.  A short distance away, Chautauqua Park, home of the famous rock formations known as the Boulder Flatirons, hosts hikers, climbers and picnickers during the days and concerts by the Boulder Symphony on summer evenings.

A lengthy trail runs through the greenbelt that surrounds the city and plenty of outfitters lead climbing and rafting trips to the nearby Rockies.  Of course, the true attraction of Boulder is that you can have an adventure in the mountains or on the water during the day and be back in town in time to experience some world-class cuisine and party at a nightclub or hit the pubs to knock back a few quality micro-brews before calling it a day.

2. Santa Fe is the cultural and historic heart of New Mexico.  For some visitors, there is no place more exotic in the United States.  A 400-year-old city, its culture and history have been influenced by Spain, Mexico, the United States and the local native tribes who have lived in the area for more than 1,000 years.  This colorful past is on full display at the many missions, museums and historic buildings throughout the city.

Santa Fe’s arts scene is well known, with galleries along Canyon Road and in Santa Fe Plaza displaying and selling high quality work.  During the summer, there are numerous festivals that celebrate the city’s culture.  The Santa Fe Arts and Crafts Festival takes place throughout the summer in the central plaza.  A jazz festival, wine tasting events, folk art markets, a rodeo and a classical music festival fill out the summer calendar and assure visitors that something will be going on when they arrive.  Golf, horseback riding and treks to the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains mean that adventure can be as much a part of the trip as culture.

3. Moab, Utah is mainly known for its lunar-like landscapes and deep canyons.  Yes, for sightseers looking for a glimpse of the Southwest, this is one of the best places to take postcard-esque pictures.  Several outfitters in the area provide jeeps for half-day and day-long tours of the canyons and desert lands near Moab.

The best summertime activity – one that virtually assures a dip in the cool waters of the Colorado River – is river rafting.  There are numerous outfitters in the area, offering challenging river runs or more gentle, family-oriented paddles.  Some companies, like Colorado River and Trail Expeditions, offer tours that include both rafting and hiking.

4. The Southern Colorado Rockies have always been a wintertime destination.  Recently, many of the region’s ski resorts have been developing summertime activities that can allow them to remain open during the warmer months of the year.  Mountain biking trails, alpine slides, hiking and spa services, as well as rafting trips and climbing expeditions, make them good summertime destinations for casual adventurers who want to combine their outdoor activities with a comfortable resort vacation.  Famous ski names like Breckenridge, Park City, Loveland and Keystone have a full menu of summertime options.

5. Las Vegas is a year-round destination mostly known for its casinos.  But there is a surprising amount of alternative attractions in Sin City, especially during the summer.  Family-friendly sites, like the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Casino Resort and the Lion Habitat the the MGM Grand, are examples of this new side of Vegas, while old classics like the Bellagio Fountains and the Flamingo Garden are still worthwhile places to visit.  M&Ms World and the newly-built CityCenter are other alternatives to the blackjack tables.

Summer vacation in Las Vegas?  With so many non-gaming attractions in one place, it might not be a bad idea if you want convenience, diversity and excitement.

Photographer: Robert Holmes

July 18th marks the 55th anniversary of Disneyland Park, located in Anaheim, California. With close to 600 million guests since July 18, 1955, Disney Land is one of the most visited parks in the world.

In reality, the airplanes you fly on won’t be overrun by poisonous snakes or any other type of menacing creature.  But, depending on which airline you fly, you might see some pretty ugly things.  No, finding crumbs or stickiness in your seat or using an unclean lavatory is not as bad a receiving a lethal snakebite, but it can make you question your choice of airline.

So which airlines are the most likely to fail the white glove test?

Last fall, an extensive survey by SmarterTravel.com revealed surprisingly (embarrassingly?) low scores for legacy carriers in the US.  Over 20% of fliers surveyed thought that US Airways had the dirtiest cabins, with American, Delta and United each taking a 15% share of the uncleanliness.  With only 5% of the vote, Continental was the cleanest of the big boys.  Low cost carriers like Midwest, AirTran and Virgin America earned high marks for their well-manicured seats and lavatories.

There have been rumors from the offices of both Spirit Air and Ryanair that they would introduce some sort of coin-operated pay-to-pee lavatories.  Spirit has since opted for advertisements in its bathrooms as a money maker rather than forcing people who didn’t bring correct change to hold it (or worse).

Baggage does not require the same level of sanitation as passengers, but there have been stories of bags being contaminated.  This past winter, Delta passengers traveling from Puerto Rico to Denver claimed that their bags were soaked with jet fuel when they picked them up from baggage claim.

Of course there is some good with all the negative.  After extensive polling, All Nippon Airways (ANA) decided to designate an all women lavatory on each of its aircraft.

Airlines have also become cognizant of the fact that passengers might be to blame for some of the in-cabin unpleasantness.  Earlier this year, a man was booted of a flight operated by Canada’s Jazz Airline for being too smelly.  The offender was allowed to fly the following day, after he showed up at the airport with an improved odor.

On a more serious note, major airlines finally seem to be coming to their senses about cabin cleanliness.  United, which previously only gave their planes a thorough cleaning twice yearly, is seeking to get back to fundamentals by upping the number of scrubs each fleet-member gets.   Other legacy carriers seem to be following suit.

Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring the United States independence from Great Britain.

Los Angeles has plenty of options for budget travelers! Visit museums, listen to music, glimpse into outer space, and visit cultural attractions without even opening your wallet! Whatever you’re looking for, the Entertainment Capital of the World has something for you!

1. Fowler Museum at UCLA

The Fowler Museum holds 150,000 artistic and 600,000 archaeological pieces from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Latin and pre-Columbian America. Explore the arts, clothing, and lifestyles of diverse groups from around the world!

2. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Over 2,000 artists from film, theatre, television and music have been immortalized with a brass, terrazzo star on Hollywood Boulevard. Walk along the Walk of Fame and pay homage to the many stars who’ve defined the culture of LA and America.

3. Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles’ famous Griffith observatory is one of the country’s foremost public observatories. Check out the astronomy museum and look through the Zeiss telescope to see deep into outer space, all for free! Sitting 1,134 feet above sea level, Griffith is visible from most of the city.

4. La Brea Tar Pits

Explore one of the country’s most famous fossil sites at the La Brea Tar Pits. This site saw the discovery of thousands of fossilized bones from 400 species of animals, including giant sloths and wooly mammoths.

5. California Science Center

Los Angeles’ science museum immerses visitors in scientific subjects such as space travel, ecosystems, and basic life processes. The whole family will find something to suit their interest at this diverse collection of science exhibits! The Center also houses a seven-story IMAX theatre, though there is an admission cost for screenings.

6. Farmer’s Market

Not only is LA’s original farmers market a great place to shop for local foods, but through the summer it doubles as a music venue! Come Thursdays and Fridays to enjoy some the city’s best jazz, swing, and Latin music.

7. Hollywood Sign

This immortal sign is the most recognizable symbol of Los Angeles. Though the site itself is closed to the public, there are several great viewing areas, including Beachwood Canyon and Gower Boulevard. No trip to LA is complete without a good look at this national landmark.

8. Banning Museum

This museum, a beautiful Greek revival building, is former home of Phineas Banning, father of the Los Angeles harbor. It currently houses a wide range of American art and artifacts, from dolls and fans to furniture and carriages.

9. Griffith Park

With over 4,000 acres, LA’s Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Go hiking, biking or running through wooded trails, or check out the park’s golf courses, horse rides, and train rides.

Though it is easiest to blame an airline for a flight delay or cancellation, the circumstances are sometimes beyond their control.  Storms, erupting volcanoes or security alerts can cause mass cancellations.  Of course, more often than airlines would care to admit, their own scheduling decisions are to blame.

Delays and cancellations at the airport are only part of the story.  What about that overbooked flight where passengers get bumped off the plane through no fault of their own?  Or worse, what about those horror stories of planes idling on the tarmac for hours with passengers trapped in the cabin with overflowing toilets and crying infants?

Passengers’ journeys can even be delayed after landing.  Even if you haven’t been a victim yourself, you’ve often seen the unfortunates with frowns on their faces waiting at the lost baggage counter as you wheel away from baggage claim.

So which airlines are the most dangerous to fly if you want to arrive on time?  Let’s do the numbers:

The current king of lateness is American Airlines affiliate American Eagle.  Their somewhat respectable 82% on time rating for Spring 2010  makes them the US industry’s worst when it comes to sticking to the schedule.   The good news? The industry average (85%) is currently more than six percentage points better than it was last year (79.1%).  Even lowly American Eagle sits above 2009’s woeful benchmark.

American Eagle also struggled when it came to baggage handling.  They averaged 7.78 mishandled suitcases for every 1,000 pieces of luggage.  The industry average is just over 3 bags-per-one-thousand.  Other regional carriers affiliated with major airlines also fared poorly, with names like American Southeast and Comair near American Eagle in terms of mishandled baggage.

The recently published Airline Quality Ratings (full .pdf version here), a respected airline industry report, ranks Delta (15 of 18 domestic carriers) as the lowest on-time airline amongst legacy carriers.  United was ranked two spots above them.

So readers are not left with a completely bad taste in their mouth, here are some of the best schedule stickers.  Hawaiian, with its few routes covering ever-sunny skies, topped the list, as its has done for much of the decade, with an above-93% on time rating.  AirTran and Jet Blue also scored quite highly (a change from  woeful performances earlier in the past decade).  Jet Blue, which has improved massively since its PR nightmare where passengers were stranded on the tarmac for over 10 hours during a stretch of bad weather a few years ago, has a high on-time rate and has the distinction of being one of the few airlines that never bump passengers from flights.

In Europe, British Airways, as it has for the past few years, topped the continent’s lost luggage list.  Low-cost-carriers Virgin and Ryanair also performed poorly when it came to making sure suitcases and passengers arrived at the airport simultaneously.

A new law aimed at reducing tarmac delays by fining airlines whose planes sit on the runway for over three hours seems to have had a positive effect.  Only 4 three-hour delays have taken place since late March, when the rule became law.  US Airways made the largest improvement to its delay record of any major airline in the country.

We crossed paths with this elephant herd in northern Namibia, the smaller of the two babies is approximately six weeks old and the larger baby is aprox six months old. We’ve seen more elephants than people in Namibia.

The most common question fliers are asked after arriving at the airport: “how was your flight?”  You could answer with complaints about food, seatmates, flight attendants with attitude or turbulence.  But that is all relative.  The bottom line when it comes to judging an airline: they were able to get you to the destination safely.

If you look at the percentages, air travel is much, much safer than braving the highway in a car.  Airplane accidents, though they get a lot of media coverage, are extremely rare.  Most fliers go their entire lives experiencing no more than turbulence and the occasional bumpy landing.

But accidents do happen.  Choosing an airline based on its safety record is reasonable, but does not necessarily  guarantee safety.  Dustin Hoffman’s classic character in Rain Man famously claimed he would not fly any airline besides Qantas because it was the only one that had not had a fatal crash.  A few years ago, a series of incidents turned the Rain Man scene from advertisement into irony.

The Daily Beast recently ranked airlines based on their safety.  For domestic fliers in the US, these statistics should be taken in context.  Every commercial airline in the US has an enviable safety records when compared to lesser known airlines around the world.  Over the past year, Continental saw the most in-flight incidents.  Delta and United were not far behind.  No US carrier has been involved in a major crash since 2001.

Not all airlines put the same premium on safety.  Last year, an Aeroflot plane headed to New York from Moscow was halted when passengers noticed the pilot stumbling and slurring his speech prior to takeoff.  According to a reporter who was on-board, when passengers raised concerns, an Aeroflot employee announced: “It’s not such a big deal if the pilot is drunk.  Really, all he has to do is press a button and the plane flies itself. The worst that could happen is he’ll trip over something in the cockpit.”

Finally, passengers demands for a new crew were accepted.

That was not the worst Aeroflot incident.  Earlier in the  year, a domestic flight crashed, killing 88 people.  Alcohol was found in the pilot’s body.  Another fatal crash occurred in 1994, when a pilot let his 15 year old son take over the controls.  The boy sent the plane into a nose-dive, killing all on board.

But Russia is not the most dangerous place to fly.  According to the EU, Africa has that distinction.  The EU has banned numerous airlines from Congo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea and Angola.

Another major international airline with a bad reputation in Garuda, Indonesia’s national carrier.  A series of accidents, most of them involving domestic flights, caused the airline to be banned from EU airspace.  The ban was recently lifted after the carrier cleaned up its act.

The bottom line: if you stick to major commercial carriers, you chances of dying in an airplane crash are akin to hitting the winning lottery numbers.

To admire monumental fireworks, participate in fun-filled activities, and indulge in the excitement that only a big city can offer, take advantage of these 7 city hotel deals this Fourth of July weekend.

1. Save Almost 30% on Deluxe Accommodations at the Park Hyatt, Washington DC

With its fascinating historical sites and famed fireworks display, Washington DC is an ideal destination for enjoying a lively Fourth of July weekend. The Park Hyatt is offering “An American Holiday” package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to a Premier Park Deluxe Room, breakfast table for two, daily 50% credit towards valet parking, and a seasonal red, white, and blue amenity. Rates start at $249 plus tax, saving you almost 30%. Visit www.parkhyattwashington.com or call 1-800-778-7477 to make a reservation.

2. Save 20% on a Two-Night Stay and 30% on a Three-Night Stay at Hotel Felix in Chicago

Hotel Felix is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly boutique hotel in Chicago that recently earned the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging-Silver certification. If you want to save 20% to 30%, book a two to three-night stay through July 4th. You can place your reservation by visiting www.hotelfelixchicago.com or calling toll-free at 800-848-4040.

3. July 4th Family Fun Package Starting at $89 at the Hampton Inn in Seattle

Guests arriving on the 4th can book a July 4th Family Fun Package at the Hampton Inn in Seattle for a rate of between $89 and $129. This package includes accommodations for up to four guests, a complimentary shuttle to Fort Dent Park for the day, a hot continental breakfast, and an extended checkout of 3pm. Call 800-774-1500 and request the plan code PFK to place your reservation.

4. Stay 3 Nights and Save 25% Each Night at the Langham, Boston from July 1-6

If you’re participating in Boston’s Fourth of July festivities from July 1-6, don’t miss this offer. When you stay a minimum of 3 nights at the Langham in Boston during the Fourth of July celebrations, you receive 25% off each night. The Langham is an ideal jumping off point for your stay in Boston, as it’s only steps away from some of Boston’s greatest attractions, including the Freedom Trail and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Nightly rates start at $191. For more information about this deal, visit http://boston.langhamhotels.com.

5. Enjoy an Outdoor 4th of July Feast and a Two-Night Stay at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina

The Wentworth Mansion, the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Charleston, is hosting an outdoor 4th of July feast called the Sizzling Southern Celebration at 7pm on their lawn. Classic southern fare will be served at the event, and dinner will be accompanied by live music. After the celebration, guests will watch the fireworks and drink champagne at the Wentworth Mansion’s cupola. This package includes a two-night stay and costs $975 per couple. To place a reservation, call 843-853-7828.

6. Stay Two Nights and Get the Third Free at the Rittenhouse 1715 Hotel in Philadelphia

The Rittenhouse 1715 Hotel is a boutique hotel in the historic city of Philadelphia. If you stay at the Rittenhouse this 4th of July weekend, you can take advantage of their “Buy 2, Stay 3” deal on all rooms. Nightly rates start at $269 and include complimentary wine reception and breakfast each day. Visit www.rittenhouse1715 for more information about this time-sensitive offer.

7. Save up to 25% at the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco

The sky-high Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco boasts legendary service, stunning views, and elegant guest rooms. On 4th of July weekend, rates at the Mandarin Oriental will start at just $295 for a Superior King room, representing a savings of 15% to 25%. Mandarin Oriental’s Silks Restaurant earned a top spot in the Zagat Survey 2008 and has a Mobil Four Star rating. The hotel itself has won numerous awards, including the Conde Nast Traveler 2009 Gold List and Travel + Leisure 2009 World’s Best Hotels. For reservations or additional information, please call (415) 276-9888 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco.

Feeling lucky? Luxury Link and Family Getaway, two travel auction sites will be running 8 mystery vacation auctions for the next 3 months, with bids starting as low as $1. Most of the details will be kept secret including the resort and destination but hints will be given out through their online forums. Once a month one winner will be chosen at random and will receive a vacation package for just $1.  They are currently auctioning off a mystery package to Greece and to the US both with $1 starting bids.

San Francisco is a haven for budget travelers! The city’s free museums, parks, and other public activities can make anyone’s stay as affordable as it is unforgettable! Below are the best of San Francisco’s many free options.

1. San Francisco Center for the Book

Ever wondered what goes into making a book? The San Francisco Center for the Book promotes knowledge of book arts, in both their basic and experimental forms. The Center hosts 30 free events per year, in subjects such as printing, binding, engraving, and restoration. It additionally houses a gallery of local book artwork. Be sure to stop in and learn more about this fascinating underappreciated art form!

2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

This museum holds over 26,000 pieces of modern art, including photography, paintings, sculpture, and media arts. Works by Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Marcel Duchamp, Ansel Adams, and many other famous artists sit alongside those by regional artists. This year celebrate the museum’s 75th birthday with their special anniversary exhibition! Admission is free the first Tuesday of every month.

3. Critical Mass San Francisco

If your visit falls on the last Friday of the month, be sure to participate in San Francisco’s Critical Mass bike ride! Bicyclists of all ages take to the streets and ride as a single mass through the evening. Critical Mass, an event celebrated in hundreds of cities around the world, has its roots in San Francisco, so there’s no better place to have your first ride!

4. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

With 17,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of art history, San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum contains one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. The gallery includes pottery from Goryeo-dynasty Korea, Tibetan Buddhist scrolls, the largest collection of Japanese bamboo baskets outside Japan, and an overview of the 21st century Asian art world. Admission is free the first Sunday of every month.

5. Movies at Dolores Park

Want to get outside and enjoy a great movie? Dolores Park hosts free movie nights the second Tuesday of every month. Films tend to be locally themed and have previously included Starsky & Hutch and Back to the Future.

6. Tai Chi in the Park

Want to learn self-defense, or just discover a relaxing activity? The city of San Francisco funds Tai Chi lessons, free of charge! The lessons are held outdoors, at several parks throughout San Francisco. No registration; just show up and get ready to learn a great skill!

7. Grace Cathedral

This beautiful cathedral is both a San Franciscan landmark and the center of a thriving Episcopal community. Admire the architecture, explore the interior, and learn about the city’s Episcopal community in this stunning church.

8. Wells Fargo History Museum

Sitting where Wells Fargo was first founded, this museum covers the history of San Francisco from the Gold Rush to the present, with a focus on the role played by the famous company. Exhibits cover subjects such as the stagecoach robber Black Bart to the 1906 earthquake.

9. Cable Car Museum

This museum stands as a testament to San Francisco’s one-booming cable car industry. In addition to housing three antique cable cars, the museum contains old tools, tracks, breaks, and photographs. Learn about this fascinating slice of the city’s history!

10. San Francisco Fire Department Museum

Explore the history of San Francisco’s Fire Department at this unique museum! The museum features trucks, engines and other apparatuses from 1810 to the present.

11. Randall Museum

This natural history museum contains various educational exhibits and classes intended to promote a better relationship between humans and animals. Exhibits cover subjects such as California’s earthquake history and coexistence with urban animals. In addition, it houses over 100 species of live animals. Bring the whole family and learn about the San Francisco’s natural heritage!

12. De Young Museum

San Francisco’s de Young Museum houses pieces of fine art from around the world. In addition to its collection of American paintings, which is among the largest in the country, the museum has collections of Oceanic, African, and pre-Columbian American artwork of all styles. Current exhibitions focus on print-making, Amish quilts, and post-impressionism, the later exhibit featuring work by Van Gogh and Cezanne. Admission is free the first Tuesday of the month.

13. Boudin Bakery

Just upstairs from the Boudin Bakery lies a museum dedicated to the history of San Francisco, sourdough bread, and the bakery. Stop by for a loaf, check out this free museum, and learn about this fun slice of San Franciscan history!