I don't know about anyone else, but this chilly weather, and not to mention the storm that has battered the north-eastern part of our country, has already got me thinking of a beach getaway; and because a vacation is not in the cards for me anytime soon I figured I could at least imagine a nice getaway to a tropical destination! Miami, Florida sounds about right and as I browse the web in search of visual stimulation for my imaginary travel I'll share a few friendly suggestions for things to do in Miami, money saving travel tips and any coupons that are available for Miami attractions, activities and dining. Whether you want to follow the birds south this winter, are already beginning to plan your spring vacation or just want to daydream from the office for a bit, enjoy these travel tips for Miami!

The best way to begin planning your Miami vacation is to browse online for the latest travel deals and special offers. Flight and hotel can often be the largest chunk of your travel budget so saving money in these two areas can leave a great deal of spending cash in your pocket. To book your flight and hotel together do a quick search on a travel site such as Expedia where you can find great travel deals any time of the year. Or if you prefer to book your flight and/or hotel separately check out CheapOair.com and CheapOstay.com where you will find great deals on hotels and flights as well as extra discounts with online coupons. These are perfect options, say, if you plan on driving to Miami, or if you will be staying with friends or relatives.


Also be sure to check out VisitFlorida.com/Miami where you can find answers to any initial questions you may have, as well as a list of the best attractions and things to do so you can begin to plan your itinerary. You can even find coupons for Miami attractions!

Things to do in Miami

Outdoor Recreation is a very popular activity among Miami residents and travelers alike thanks to the area's year-round favorable weather. Being right on the Atlantic Ocean, Miami has a number of marinas, rivers, bays, and canals so fishing, sailing, and boat tours are always on the list of things to do in Miami. Biscayne Bay features a variety of coral reefs and marine life so snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular activities as well.

The area also boasts nearly 100 parks and gardens where travelers can take in wildlife and enjoy all the natural elements that Miami has to offer. Located near the Bayside Marketplace and the American Airlines Arena are the two largest and most popular parks in Miami- Bayfront Park and Bicentennial Park. These parks are located in the heart of downtown Miami so after a long day of enjoying all that the city has to offer, travelers can enjoy a peaceful afternoon with an amazing view! Other popular Miami parks include the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Tropical Park, Peacock Park, Morningside Park, Virginia Key, and Watson Island.

Traveling with kids? Great! Miami has a number of family friendly attractions that are both exciting and educational. Jungle Island is located just east of downtown Miami in Watson Island, and this interactive zoological park is perfect for kids of all ages! The theme park provides a variety of activities and attractions including The Jungle Theater where children can interact with wildlife from all over the world, the Parrot Bowl, the Serpentarium and the Everglades Habitat. Admission rates are set at $33 for adults and $25 for kids 3-10 (children under 3 get in free!), but be sure to check online at JungleIsland.com for any Jungle Island coupons.

The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, or more commonly referred to as Zoo Miami, is another popular Miami attraction for families, and it is the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. Here kids and parents can explore a variety of wildlife in a fun, safe and exciting environment. Be sure to have a look at MiamiMetroZoo.com for the latest exhibits and events, as well as any available coupons for the Miami Zoo. Families may also want to check out the Miami Seaquarium which houses marine mammals, various fish, sharks, sea turtles, birds and reptiles. This oceanarium features eight different marine animal shows and presentations per day. Purchase your tickets online for discounted admission and Miami Seaquarium coupons.

Now of course no travel guide for Miami would be complete without mentioning the main reason most vacationers choose to visit the area- South Beach! This area is a popular travel destination for both American and international tourists and South Beach boasts a number of nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and hotels. No trip to Miami would be complete without a visit to South Beach!

Coupons - Coupons for Miami attractions and dining are always available, you just have to be willing to find them. Visit the attraction websites or do a quick search online for the latest Miami attraction promotions and deals. You can also inquire at the visitor's center or at the hotel in which you will be staying. Many companies, restaurants and tour guides will leave special deals and dining coupons at local tourist stops to entice your business.

Posted by Ryan on November 01, 2011     Tags: Travel Savings , City Savers Guides

Well, Summer is in full swing and if you haven't traveled already I'm sure many of you are impatiently awaiting your upcoming vacation. Or maybe not. The obviously unfavorable economic situation our country is currently caught up in has had a negative impact on just about everyone; especially when it comes to our budget. What's even worse is that travel options aren't getting any cheaper. The latest Travel Price Index (TPI), which is calculated based on the seasonally unadjusted inflation rate of the cost of travel away from home in the U.S., shows an overall increase of 7.3% (April 2010-April 2011).

Unless you've been living on the moon you've inevitably noticed the ridiculous fluctuations and spikes in gas prices which, as of April 2011 increased 33% since April 2010, according to the United States Travel Association. This has a huge affect on travel among Americans because car is the most common form of transportation for family vacations. Statistics show that airline fares and accommodation prices increased over the past year as well; fortunately not nearly as much as motor fuel prices, though. So what are we to do? As consumers all we can really do is roll with the punches and hope for a brighter, and cheaper future. The unfortunate fact may remain that a vacation is just not in the cards this year, but there are plenty of ways to save if you're determined to get away for a little R&R. Start out by reviewing these helpful tips as previously posted by Sok, our discount travel expert: Coupon Tips for Summer Vacations. The next piece of advice I would recommend would be to simply research, compare and research some more to find the best travel options for yourself (family) and your budget. Here are our favorite travel booking sites that offer regular travel deals and coupon code discounts:

1. Southwest Airlines Vacations - Online at Southwest Vacations you'll find some great travel booking options with outstanding customer service. They are dedicated to providing you with the most unique and hassle free vacation experience from booking to your return home. With easy customization options they give you the ability to plan a trip that meets your needs and your budget. By partnering with quality travel suppliers and ensuring that all vacation options are screened to meet quality Customer Service standards, Southwest only offers the best options for you and your family. But that's not all. Southwest is there for you during your vacation as well with convenient access to their 24-hour traveler assistance that's just a phone call away. What's even better is that Southwest Airlines Vacations offers exclusive travel deals and promotion code discounts that can save you a bundle during booking!
2. Funjet Vacations - Funjet offers great deals and regular promo codes on a wide variety of vacations to destinations all over the world. Here you'll find affordable vacation packages for travel to the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe. You'll even find great deals on family travel packages as well as exciting activity options that are available at your destination. Check out their Last Minute Deals for savings of up to 60% off on vacation packages.
3. Now, if you'd like to book your flight or hotel separately with coupon code discounts, I would recommend CheapOair or CheapOstay where you'll find great deals on air travel and hotel stays. Either of these would be a great option for families traveling by car or going to visit relatives for a short period of time. Each of these travel booking sites also offers vacation packages as well as affordable deals on car rentals

Posted by Ryan on July 26, 2011     Tags: Travel Savings

For many of us, summer vacation plans had to be scaled back this year or even scrapped all-together. I know I am one of them. We may do some day trips here and there but definitely no big trip this summer. For those who are still going on vacation... have a little fun for us! Here are some tips to help you save a little extra money while planning your summer vacation.

1. If you have some flexibility in your travel plans, book your flight first. Flying over the weekend tends to be cheaper than flying during the weekday. Find out what airlines fly out of your home or regional airport and check prices on each airlines' website. Often they'll offer cheaper fares than what you'll find from the travel discount websites like Travelocity or Expedia.
2. When booking your hotel room, make sure you check to see if they offer any additional discounts such as military, AAA, AARP, etc.
3. Also, check to see if the hotel offers any packages that include activities like admission to zoos, museums, aquariums, shows, etc. Or, if they offer discounts if you book the activities through them.
4. See if you can use any discount cards or coupon books such as City Pass, Smart Destinations, the Entertainment Book, etc.
5. Check to see if there are any local coupons available. You can search by city or zip code on CouponShack Local. Just local businesses are listed here.
6. Once there, check to see if there are any local coupon books or brochures. You'll find them in the hotel lobby, gas stations, grocery stores, etc.
7. When checking in, see if the hotel or resort has a loyalty program. If they do, go ahead and sign up. It's free and you never know when it might come in handy.

Posted by Sok on June 02, 2011     Tags: Travel Savings

Written by Julie & Adele from CouponCentsSisters.com

So the holidays are officially HERE!! It can be such a great time to spend with family and friends…that is, if you can get to them! Travel can be one of the biggest expenses that a lot of us will face this holiday season!

We have compiled a few travel tips for you in hopes that it will help you save a little money and even some unnecessary frustration! Please note that most of these tips are geared towards driving!

Try to have a good attitude if you get stuck in traffic!
I am not so good at this one! You can not change the situation, so our advice is to make the most of it! Try playing some games; whether it is cards, mini travel games, or “the ABC game” as we like to call it! Make up your own rules and just have fun with it! A good attitude will go a long way, not only for you, but for those around you too. Plus you will be making memories with the ones you love.

Plan out your gas ahead of time
If you have internet on your phone, or before you leave, you can go to GasBuddy.com which will help you locate the cheapest gas stations along your route! Also try FuelEconomy.gov. Both of these websites will help you to make the most of your traveling budget on fuel. If you are a member of AAA, you can also use FuelCostCalculator.com to help estimate the cost of your trip!

Do a thorough check of your car
You do not want any “surprises” on your trip that were easily avoidable! Especially when those “surprises” tend to be expensive ones. Here are some examples:

1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. This will help with the gas mileage! If they are over inflated or under inflated it will make the car less efficient. Remember too that a lot of gas stations offer FREE air for your tires. Even if the machine says you need to insert money, we have found that most of the places we stop, all you have to do is go in to the cashier and ask them to turn it on for you!
2. If you don't need those luggage racks on top of your car, remove them. They too will gradually eat away on your gas mileage! By making your vehicle more streamline it will help to make it more efficient.
3. Get a Tune-Up/Oil Change. This too will help with the efficiency of your car.

Pack your own snacks, drinks, and meals
Rest stops and gas stations right off of the highway are known for hiking up the prices of food and beverages because they know you need it! Pack your own snacks. We realize that this does take some planning, but it is well worth it if you are looking to slash your travel budget.

Pack your own magazines/activitie/entertainment
My sister and I save up all of our freebie magazine subscriptions for car rides! That way we can enjoy what we read for Free! If you have a new book or DVD (with a DVD player) you can read or play this for the family as well!

Travel at Night
Not everyone is able to do this, but if you can there is usually less traffic which means less frustration! You can keep your vehicle going at a steady speed which will also save your gas mileage! Getting stuck in traffic is one of the worst things for your gas! This tip can also help when flying or taking other modes of transportation. A lot of the “off” hours/days will provide better deals and cheaper prices. If at all possible, it is best to travel when everyone else isn’t.

Pack a First aid/Travel kit
We did a video on this one! The last thing that you want to do is make a pit-stop for some Advil or a band-aid. You know that when you do stop, (because you will) it will be way more expensive too! Often times we use free samples that we get in the mail, or items that we purchased on sale to stock our little travel kit. This has helped us out big time in the past. You may also want to have a Car Safety kit in your trunk, just in case you get stuck. This is a must do! Our motto is "be prepared, it’s cheaper"!

Kayak.com
If you need to stay overnight somewhere, use Kayak.com to find a hotel. We absolutely love this site! They always have so many great deals and you can even read all of the reviews about a particular hotel. They also offer travel packages as well as car rentals and flights. You can snag a lot of great deals through this site.

Have enough cash on you
If you have cash on you, you tend to not spend as much than if you were to use a Credit Card. For some reason when you use cash, you tend to see how much more money you are spending. You also do not want to have to be driving around looking for an ATM. When you are in an unfamiliar place, you never know when you will need to pay with CASH ONLY! A lot of times the ATM fees are outrageous! If you are traveling on Toll Roads, you must pay with cash too! If you are a member of AAA they will map your trip out for you with all of the tolls. If you are not a member, we recommend looking up the particular highways that you will be traveling on. You can get more information HERE

Remember to always plan ahead! That is the best tip that we can give you. If you are organized and your trip is planned out, chances are you will spend less money. Now there is always an occasional “pop-up” expense that cannot be avoided, but for the most part being prepared is cheaper! We hope that these tips help to keep you organized and save you money in your travels to see loved ones this holiday season!!


About the Author: Julie and Adele are two savvy sisters on a mission to save you money! Follow Julie and Adele on Twitter @CouponCentsSis.

Posted by Ryan on December 02, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings

There are thousands of sites out there which will promise you the most inexpensive way to give your family an incredible Disney World Vacation, and of course, some of them may have great discount. Where you will find the most valuable information not only for saving money, but for planning your trip in general and getting the most out of it, you will want to check out Disboards.com.

Message boards can be a wealth of information especially if it is an active community. When you visit Disboards.com, you will find there are many different “boards” within the site. You don’t have to jump in and interact if you aren’t comfortable, you will learn plenty from just lerking and browsing. Then when you get a bit more comfortable, jump in and ask away. You will be amazed at how helpful the folks on this board are. They are true Disney lovers and experts. If you are planning your vacation and interested in which dining plan works best for your family, or which character breakfast features your favorite characters, then you will want to check out Disney Restaurants on the Dis. For those of us planning a trip with our families, they have the Disney for Families on the Dis. Here you will find all things family oriented in Disney. Are you a camper? Then there is Camping at Disney World on the Dis. There are forums for just about anything you can think of including a Budget Board which will help with tips on saving for and at Disney World. You will also find boards for Disney Cruise Line as well. Each of the boards offer tremendous informaotin that can be invaluable for planning and enjoying your trip….and for the least amount of money possible.

You will find there are many activites that you can enjoy for little to NO money while visiting the mouse. To help in planning your trip I’m going to give you a listing of those activites for different areas of the resort/parks. The below activities were gathered from Mouse Savers.

Disney's Boardwalk

Disney's Boardwalk is built around a lake and is beautifully themed to be reminiscent of Cape May or Coney Island in the 1940s. It's fun just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere! If you are staying on Disney property, you can use Disney transportation to get to the Boardwalk. If you drive to the Boardwalk, you can get a FREE 3-hour parking permit from the lot attendant. While some of the restaurants are open at lunchtime, the best time to visit the Boardwalk is after sunset. It's beautifully lit up.

Some of the FREE and inexpensive things you can do at Disney's Boardwalk:

1. Often there are street performers (jugglers, comedians, fire-eaters, jazz ensembles, etc.) -- stroll around and watch them!
2. There are lots of vendors selling inexpensive food treats.
3. You can try your luck at a carnival-style game (small cost).
4. Sit and watch the Friendship Boats come and go.
5. For a small cover charge you can visit Jellyroll's (a dueling piano bar featuring sing-a-longs to your favorite pop tunes).
6. Check out Atlantic Dance Hall, which has dancing to DJ-spun Top 40, usually with no cover charge.

Downtown Disney

If you like to shop (or window shop), you'll enjoy this attractive shopping and restaurant zone, which also offers some great FREE entertainment. If you are staying on Disney property, you can use Disney transportation to get to Downtown Disney. If you are staying at a Downtown Disney hotel, you can take the bus or walk. Otherwise you'll probably need to drive or take a taxi. Parking is FREE.

Some of the FREE and inexpensive things you can do at Downtown Disney:

1. Check out the wonderful interactive fountains where children (and adults who have the guts) may enjoy playing and getting wet.
2. The Lego Imagination Center has a FREE 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area filled with thousands of LEGO blocks, plus some absolutely amazing and huge Lego sculptures for you to admire!
3. Check out the FREE magic demonstrations at the Magic Masters shop -- learn a card trick!
4. Most of the restaurants are quite expensive, but you can get a meal (sandwich, side and drink) at Earl of Sandwich for under $10 per person.
5. Visit the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop and enjoy a sundae (about $6.25) or shake (about $3.95).

Disney's Resort Hotels

Every one of the Disney hotels is themed and some of them are literally breathtaking. All of the Moderate and Deluxe resorts, especially, have extraordinary theming and are well worth a visit. You can take Disney transportation from any of the four theme parks to any of the resort hotels. If you drive to one of the resorts, you can get a FREE 3-hour parking permit from the gate attendant.

1. The pools are amazing: at Coronado Springs the pool looks like a Mayan ruin; the Stormalong Bay pool at the Yacht/Beach Club includes a huge "shipwreck" that contains a slide; the pool at the Wilderness Lodge starts as a "spring" in the lobby, passes under a bridge, then cascades down a waterfall into the pool and ends in a geyser that goes off once an hour! (Note that use of the pools is for the hotel's guests only, but you can certainly walk around and "ooh and ahh" for a few minutes.)
2. The Deluxe resort lobbies also have amazing elements and displays that fit with the theme, and a few (including the Grand Floridian) sometimes have a pianist performing.
3. If you're looking for a fun photo opportunity, consider visiting the All Star resorts or Pop Century. These hotels feature enormous "pop culture" icons. Take a family photo in front of a 35-foot Buzz Lightyear!
4. Several of the resorts, including Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, and Yacht Club, offer FREE tours that are open to any Disney resort guest (whether you are staying at that particular hotel or not). Some of the tours require a reservation, so inquire in advance.
5. Fort Wilderness is Disney’s Camping resort. This is where you will want to find yourself one evening during your stay….taking FREE Disney trasportration to get there is easy from any other resort or park. Once you get there you will be treated to Chip and Dale greeting guest and enjoy smores while watching a movie outdoors. This is just another example of Disney fun that doesn’t cost a fortune!

Ride the Monorail

Take the "inner" Monorail that circles the three Monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian). This is a great way to orient yourself and get a look at the resorts and an overview of the Magic Kingdom. You can get off and explore each resort, or just enjoy the ride and the view. Cost to ride the Monorail: FREE.

Take a Boat Ride

This is enjoyable any time of day, but particularly beautiful and romantic at night.

1. Cruise the loop around Crescent Lake, which visits Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin, and Disney's Hollywood Studios without going into the parks.
2. Take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, or the boat that visits the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom (and you can get off at the Magic Kingdom and wander along the lake outside the gates, or hop on the monorail).
3. Cruise from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney and back, along the Sassagoula River.
4. Cost for any of the above: FREE.
   
   Take an Evening Carriage Ride

You can take a 25-minute carriage ride at certain resorts for $35. The rides are offered nightly between 6:00 and 9:30 pm. Carriages can accommodate up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 children (9 and under). Call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529) to reserve. Resorts offering the carriage rides:

1. Port Orleans Riverside (departs in front of Boatwright's Dining Hall)
2. Fort Wilderness (departs in front of Crockett's Tavern at Pioneer Hall)
3. Saratoga Springs Resort

Take an Evening Wagon Ride

You can take a 45-minute wagon ride around Fort Wilderness Campground certain resorts for $8/adult, $5/child (ages 3-9). The rides are offered nightly at 7:00 and 9:30 pm and depart from in front of Pioneer Hall. No reservations taken -- just show up and pay cash.

Food and Drink

Eat at an inexpensive but well-themed restaurant. At many of the Disney World resort hotels it's possible to have a light meal or snack for about $10 per person (plus tax & tip at the sit-down locations) while soaking up the atmosphere. (Don't forget, most of the bars and lounges also serve snacks.) Here are the dining locations where you get the most theming or entertainment for the lowest cost:

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Mara
2. Boardwalk Inn - Boardwalk Bakery, Seashore Sweets, Spoodles (tapas, flatbreads), Spoodles Pizza Window, Big River Grille & Brewing Works (appetizers, light entrees)
3. Contemporary - Food and Fun Center (best arcade games)
4. Coronado Springs - Pepper Market, Rix Lounge, Siesta's Pool Bar & Grill (pool bar open to guests of the resort only)
5. Dolphin - Dolphin Fountain and Snack Shop (live 50s entertainment)
6. Grand Floridian - Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea (order a pot of tea and one or two items a la carte)
7. Old Key West - Olivia's Cafe (lunch only)
8. Polynesian - Kona Cafe (lunch only), Captain Cook's Snack & Ice Cream Company
9. Port Orleans French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (try the beignets and/or the gumbo!)
10. Port Orleans Riverside - Riverside Mill
11. Wilderness Lodge - Whispering Canyon Cafe (light lunch only)
12. Yacht & Beach Club - Crews Cup, Beaches and Cream, Hurricane Hanna's Grill (at Stormalong Bay pool - open to guests of the resort only)

Have a drink at one of the wonderful themed bars and lounges in the Moderate and Deluxe resort hotels.

• Most of the bars and lounges also serve snacks or light meals, some of which are excellent quality for the money. For instance, the snacks at the Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge come out of the Artist Point kitchen, while Crews Cup at Yacht Club serves an inexpensive but substantial menu including burgers. The River Roost at Port Orleans Riverside has appetizers and steak sandwiches, not to mention an excellent sing-along pianist performing several nights a week.

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Victoria Falls
2. Boardwalk Inn - Belle Vue Room
3. Contemporary - California Grill Lounge (great place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks)
4. Coronado Springs - Francisco's
5. Dolphin - Lobby Lounge (live pianist in the evenings)
6. Ft. Wilderness - Crockett's Tavern
7. Grand Floridian - Mizner's Lounge, Summerhouse
8. Old Key West - The Gurgling Suitcase
9. Polynesian - Tambu Lounge
10. Port Orleans French Quarter - Scat Cat's Club
11. Port Orleans Riverside - River Roost (live sing-along pianist some evenings)
12. Swan - Kimono's Sushi Bar (karaoke in the evenings)
13. Wilderness Lodge - Territory Lounge
14. Yacht & Beach Club - Crews Cup Lounge, Martha's Vineyard
    
    Disney is an incredible vacation and one that can be done on a budget. If you have any additional tips or great resources, I would love to hear about them. In the meantime, happy planning!

Posted by Kelly on October 20, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings

Mickey, Minnie, Tinkerbelle, Teacups and Castles…..these may be a few of the things that come to mind when somebody mentions a vacation at Disney World. As a single mom to one Disney loving little girl, the mere thought of planning a Disney vacation would give me hives. I simply thought it was so overwhelming to plan a trip not to mention I also knew it would be more than I would be willing to spend. Guess what though? I was TOTALLY wrong! I now have 5 Disney trips under my belt and have helped many of my friends plan their own BUDGET FRIENDLY dream Disney trips…and yes, we’ve done the cruise too so get ready to take notes and pack your bags!

My first tip is the time of year that you go. You have probably heard of how horrible the crowds can be in the summer or during the holidays at Disney World, and those horror stories are true. Lines in the Orlando heat with millions of children just simply isn’t my idea of a dream vacation so I always suggest to travel during the off months. Of course that isn’t always possible, but if you can do it, I highly suggest it not just for your wallet, but for your nerves as well. September and May are the times of year I most often suggest. They are milder in temperatures….although September is still warm…you can back that up to October which is also just as nice, just not Halloween, again, think crowds. These times of the year are not only less crowded (I’ve never experienced wait times for rides in these months), but they are also less expensive.

My second tip for planning this incredible vacation, which I assure that you will adore as much as the kiddo’s will, is to stay On Site with Disney Resorts. You will save by doing this in many ways, especially when you go during the off season. When you stay on-site you will have access to all of Disney’s transportation to and from each resort, each park, each water park, and Downtown Disney. This is a huge savings in itself when you calculate the money saved on parking fees alone. Add to the savings the time that you will save by using the monorail system, busses, and even boats throughout the parks. Instead of spending time in traffic burning your own gas you will be you’re your family enjoying the time together and taking in the sights. Your kids will LOVE it, especially the monorail. When you book your stay ask about Disney Dining deals! This is so important because throughout the year they offer various discounts, at times even offering FREE DINING which I highly suggest taking advantage of for sure! There are several dining plans to look into, but what you want to look for is the time that they are offering the Standard Plus Dining Plan for FREE! What does this mean? This dining plan includes 1 counter-service meal credit, 1 table-service meal credit, and 1 snack credit per person, per night of stay. Receiving this dining plan free of charge saves a family of four about $107 per night of stay, based on the regular cost of this dining plan. This is a huge savings over a week’s vacation. You can upgrade to the Deluxe dining plan and just pay the difference between the standard and the deluxe plans. When you look at the various restaurants that Disney offers, please look beyond the counter service meals which really do leave much to be desired and look at the character meals, dinner shows, dining events, and fine/signature dining. Being a lover of travel I can honestly tell you that two of my favorite restaurants are in Disney hands down. To get a better idea of the dining plan and its details, check out Disney Dining Plan’s details. Be sure to look at the wide variety of restaurants as well. For a breakdown of all the restaurants in all FOUR parks, check out All Ears for a detailed listing and menu’s. This list is invaluable when planning your meals which you will do ahead of time (about 90 days out) for the many of the restaurants require reservations.

There are also MANY websites out there which are geared toward helping you make the most of Disney World and doing it for the least amount of money. If you simply start searching it will get overwhelming very quickly. There are a few which are hands down the best and sites that I never plan a trip without consulting. I also have a huge listing of FREE activities at Walt Disney World. Free isn’t a word you will find often when visiting Disney so these are things you will want to know about ahead of time and take full advantage of for sure. My blog on Monday, September 27th will outline these websites and message boards along with a detailed listing of FREE activites to enjoy during your trip of a lifetime for less!

Posted by Kelly on October 20, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings

For many states the clock is steadily ticking down to where our youth will have to return back to school, and since the summer heat is making it miserable for many throughout our the Northern states now may be a great time to pack up the family and head off on a short summer getaway in Orlando. As we’ve mentioned several times in the past, there are so many desperate businesses within the tourism industry right now that going on vacation has not been this affordable in decades, and Coupon Shack searches around the clock to bring you the best of the best when it comes to discounted travel. Here are eight last minute Orlando vacation ideas that the family will love, and for a limited time they can all be grouped together into one package deal that could be considered a literal steal.

1. Disney World
   There are few places left on Earth that can be referred to as “magical” and Disney World is definitely one of them. If you have never been to the Magic Kingdom or you’re ready for another wonderful adventure, Travelocity is offering steep package discounts to Disney World that include flight, rental car, admission tickets, and hotel rooms all combined into one drastically low price. While staying inside the park is great because it gives you access to the monorail that travels to and from each of the parks, almost every hotel within the local area offers free shuttle service. The area restaurants are also struggling during this weakened economy, so it is also entirely possible to eat out nightly for what you’d spend on cooking. There is literally a month’s worth of entertainment once inside the Magic Kingdom, so take your time while experiencing the world’s greatest theme park.
2. Epcot
   While many would think that Epcot is more of an adult’s type of park, there is actually enough variety to keep the entire family not wanting to leave with a host of different activities. From fast roller coasters and interactive adventures to authentic food from around the world, there is something for everyone and every visit is unique. Although most of the attractions are centered around educational experiences, Epcot is a favorite Orlando destination because of the sheer size of the park and the cultural diversity found within it. The best news is that your weekly Disney pass gains you admission to each of their attractions, so there is absolutely no additional cost for visiting this massive theme park.
3. Downtown Disney
   This is an area of local storefronts and restaurants that simply wouldn’t fit into the Magic Kingdom, and it turned out to be a fantastic idea because no admission is required for any of the festivities. It is the perfect extension of Disney World because the bright lights and colors are a fantastic experience at night, and the area includes many of the top national chain restaurants for your dining pleasure. The kids will love it because of the magical atmosphere, and it is also a popular place for adults to relax once the little ones go to bed. Although you may not book your vacation to attend Downtown Disney, there is absolutely no reason not to check it out once in Orlando.
4. Medieval Times
   While this is only one of two non-Disney attractions on the list, this famous destination may be one of the most fantastic overall experiences available in the Orlando area. Once you step inside this dinner and a show type event, you will almost instantly be swept back to the times of Camelot with hundreds of employees dressed to fit the role and well versed in medieval speech. The main attraction is a full jousting tournament similar to what knights would partake in hundreds of years ago, and don’t be surprised to be caught up in all of the excitement while you cheer on your favorite knight while he partakes in mounted battle. Medieval Times is one of the busiest destinations in North America, so be sure to phone ahead and make reservations since they can often be booked up to a year in advance (1-888-WE-JOUST). If you are fortunate enough to attend, you’re in for a surprise of a lifetime.
5. Disney’s Hollywood Studios
   Have you ever wondered what actually goes into making a hit television series? Well, at Hollywood Studios you’ll be able to find that out and possibly run into one of your children’s favorite Disney stars since several of them are taped there in front of a live studio audience. There are also roller coasters, interactive events like The American Idol experience and the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy, and an insight into some of the Hollywood magic with the Journey into Narnia and the Indiana Jones stunt spectacular. Since this is included with your Disney pass, it is definitely worth exploring for an afternoon or two.
6. Disney’s Blizzard Beach/ Typhoon Lagoon
   While these are actually two separate water parks, both of them are an excellent way to beat the Florida heat and they are included in your weekly Disney pass. Some of the more popular attractions within these areas are one of the world’s fastest waterslides, relaxing wade pools, white water rafting experiences, and a whole lot more. While each of these destinations are often overlooked while visiting the Orlando area, many locals with season passes will hit the Magic Kingdom early, rest up during a quick lunch, then hit the water during the hotter afternoon periods of the day. It would be impossible to create such diversity at any other vacation spot in America, which is one reason why Disney is so popular.
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
   If you’ve always wanted to make it to Africa to witness some of the most impressive modern animals in the world on their own terrain, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom will save you the trip while delivering your wish. This park was essentially created as a massive game reserve where you can travel via safari throughout the area on guided tours, and there are well over 250 species spread across five hundred acres. There are also parades and other attractions similar to what you’d find within the Magic Kingdom, so your children will be thoroughly entertained with amazement throughout this adventure.
8. Daytona Beach
   While this technically does not belong in a post talking about Orlando, legendary Daytona Beach is less than forty-five minutes away from Walt Disney World and it would be a shame for your family not to experience it. It is one of the few places in the world where you can drive your vehicle right along the shoreline, and there is always something going on if you get tired of the gorgeous surf. Since Daytona has one of the most popular beaches in the world, I promise that your family will appreciate the short drive once they truly experience it.

On top of the other combination packages Travelocity offers, this link will allow families to save an additional $50 on any hotel booked through their website as long as your stay is three days or more. It can be used on top of almost any other offer, so make sure you apply the promo code at checkout to take advantage of this additional savings. Have a great time in Orlando and make sure you come back to Coupon Shack to tell us about it once you return!

Posted by Keith on October 20, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings

written by: Amy Edmiston

It happens every year. It cannot be stopped. Its time to go back to school! Could it be the kids or the parents who are more excited? Its not long now until we all start thinking again about going to bed early, making those school lunches and back-to-school shopping. Its right around the corner and buying those school supplies can get pricey with all the lists and required items needed for class these days.

There are ways to lighten the load on your back-to-school wallet with these simple tips:

1. See what you have. Check out what your child might have left over from last year before rushing out to buy a new one. Even reusing things like pencil boxes or binders can help to save a little money.
2. Start early. This is probably one of the best and less hectic tactic for buying school supplies. The closer that you get to the school year beginning, the more likely you will be to knocking elbows with the last minute procrastinator who can't decided between a blue and a green calculator.
3. Come prepared with a list preferably. Most schools will provide you with a list of supplies needed, but if they don't make your own. Walking in knowing what you need will cut down on distractions and temptations and in the end will save you money.
4. Watch sale ads and circulars. Do your homework! Stores like Walmart and Target will lower their prices starting early in the summer and they will get even lower by the beginning of the school year. Yet, with so many office supply stores nowadays, they all compete for back-to-school sales and lower their prices drastically to get you in their doors. The downfall to office supply stores is they tend to run out of stock for items that are very low-priced and sell quickly. Your best bet is to watch all their sale ads and get there early.
5. Shop during a Tax Free Weekend. A lot of states are now offering an annual Tax Free Weekend. This is a great time to rack up extra savings on your school supplies. You'll not only save on the tax of your purchases, but many stores will have major sales to get you to buy from them. You can find out if your state offers a Tax Free Weekend here.

Before they start brushing up on homework-help skills or setting those bedtimes, many families will hit the road for a last summer road trip or getaway before its back to school. We all know that vacations can be costly, but once again there are small things you can do to save your family some money by planning.

1. Budget, budget, budget. This is my #1 tip for saving money on and during a vacation. Know how much you are going to spend before you spend it. This will keep your money in check while you are off in paradise. Allocate amounts for different activities like dining, entertainment, souveniers, etc.
2. Once again, research and do your homework on the area that you are visiting. If its a big city, find out if there are hotels on the outskirts and stay there. Hotels inside the city are always higher in price while a hotel even just a few miles down the road might save you up to $50 a night. Cabins, condos or houses can be cheaper to rent by the week, so see if these might be available in the area. Check online for free activities in the area like state parks or museums. Places like these will not only save you money, but will provide entertainment while being educational at the same time.
3. Cook your own meals if at all possible. If where you stay has a kitchen, you can save loads of money by cooking your own meals, even if just one meal a day. Eating out can become very expensive, especially with larger families and a short trip to the local grocery store can help you save on food throughout the whole vacation. If you do go out to eat, order water with your meals. Sodas cost a lot these days and only add to your restaurant bill.
4. Say no to touristy traps. Many big cities or vacation spots know that travelers come their way and can try to lure you in with big advertisements. Be sure to think again before jumping into a tourist trap which are sometimes not what they are cracked up to be and can be a waste of money as well.

About the Author:

Amy Edmiston writes on her blog Saving with Amy, where she shares her passion of saving money with other moms (and dads) through coupons, fabulous deals and steals, freebies and more.

Posted by Sok on October 20, 2010     Tags: Back to School , Travel Savings

While the summer months may seem like they’re flying by for the kids enjoying their annual vacation, the airline and travel industries are seeing things from quite a different perspective. With the amount of domestic airfare purchases down for the third straight year many of the top travel companies are becoming desperate to cash in on the last few weeks of summer and their rates are dropping to all-time lows. Some destinations are so ridiculously inexpensive right now that it would be hard to many consumers to pass on the opportunity, and that is why Coupon Shack is focusing on the hottest discount vacations this week.

Disney World

While many would believe that Mickey Mouse and Pluto would be above any type of recession, Walt Disney World is struggling with attendance numbers as small as 50% of what they saw last year during the month of July. This doesn’t only affect the park itself though, because thousands of local businesses were formed within the community to leech off of Disney’s success. Not only is the airlines, hotels, and local area restaurants desperate for business but the area outlet malls are practically giving their products away in order to get shoppers to make purchases. Southwest Airlines is currently offering seven nights in the Magic Kingdom with hotel and airfare included for $99 per person/per night; which is right around the normal cost of an admission ticket to one of the three parks. To entice the offer even further, if there is three or more in your party they will feed you for the week absolutely free.

Last Minute Travel

Because the travel industry has stalled across the nation, Hotwire reports seeing more opportunities for last minute getaways than ever before. There are so many to choose from, in fact, that discounts of 60% or more is now considered an average savings for vacations all over the United States. If you are booking flight and hotel through Hotwire, also make sure to add a rental vehicle through them as well because they have agreements in place that eliminate all of the common fees that usually accompany the rental contracts.

The Southern Coast

While the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina may finally be past most of New Orleans and the surrounding states, the Gulf oil spill has destroyed tourism in areas where merchants and business owners were already a shoestring away from bankruptcy. Travelocity has recently has so many requests from these desperate vacation destinations that only a fraction of the deals actually make it onto their website. Hotels within the Southern states are making offers that if any oil washes ashore and spoils your beach getaway, they will refund 100% of your money plus give you a free stay in the future to make up it. For those who love coastal communities but not necessarily the ocean itself, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to hundreds of great locations almost completely free.

Cruise Lines

Tourism always has a ripple effect; when any one type of industry begins to struggle (automotive, retail, real estate, etc) they always see less travel during peak seasons. The cruise lines have always been one of the best values in the world for inexpensive getaways, and their all-inclusive itineraries are impossible to beat when it comes to savings. This summer Orbitz has witnessed some of the lowest prices on Caribbean cruises ever and many experts are predicting that by next year these ridiculously low prices will be gone forever. By using the link above, Coupon Shack members can receive an additional 34% off any cruise booked during the month of July, which makes the total price almost too embarrassing to mention.

Rely on Other Consumers

Some of the best lodging available in the United States is privately owned, and there is nothing more appealing than staying somewhere that has all of the comforts of home right at your fingertips. HomeAway specializes in matching up consumers that have properties available for rent on a weekly or seasonal basis, and unlike the larger companies most of these people can not afford to have a vacancy for even a single week during peak travel seasons. Prices right now on HomeAway are ridiculously low because these homeowners have no other choice but to try and recoup as much money as possible from the recession, so it is always a good place to check once you have a final destination in mind.

Staying at Home

a) National Parks

While this may not sound like too much fun at first, you’d be amazed by how many awesome things there are within a few hours of your home that you’ve never even known about in the past. The National Park Service has witnessed a huge surge in visitors this year due to the inexpensive nature of getting outdoors and having fun, and most of their locations are either completely free to enter or a few dollars for the entire family.

b) Amusement Parks

Your local amusement parks aren’t faring anywhere near as well though, so be sure to check your local newspapers, online, and in retail stores for discount promotions that will make them affordable to visit. Many national attractions are currently offering “buy one, get one free” on admission prices, while others are pushing a set discount for everyone attending. Another popular way to save money at amusement parks is to attend later in the afternoon or during rainy days, because the admission prices are slashed even further on top of your discount coupons.

c) Other Area Attractions

The same philosophy can be applied to local pool halls, restaurants, arcades, movie theaters, concert halls, and other area attractions; they are all desperate for your hard earned dollar this summer and they are willing to offer generous discounts to those that show their patronage. Before attending any such establishment, make sure you Google their name online to see what types of specials they have running for that particular week.

Posted by Keith on October 20, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings

Since the vacation I had booked in January was recently ruined by the Gulf oil spill, my family was in need of some quick alternate plans in order to salvage at least some of our summer getaway time. Since most of us know that contacting an airline directly within a few days of a departure is just asking to pay ridiculous prices, but after doing a little bit of research I discovered that this is not always the case. The tourism industry is just like any other business that requires a massive flow of customers to keep the profits coming in, and if you think about it from that perspective there is absolutely no reason to allow a single flight to take off with empty seats lining the aisles. The fuel is being used regardless and the exact same employees will be tending to the customers, so in a way by allowing passengers in on some last minute savings it can be looked at as pure profit. Coupon Shack prides itself on scouring the internet for the absolute best deals on everything, and this week’s article will focus on last minute travel savings.

The main key to last minute travel savings is simple as long as you know where to look, and believe it or not it is sometimes as simple as signing up for daily newsletters from the major airlines and tourism websites. Just like the farmer’s market that will discount produce when it is about to expire, there are literally thousands of flights, cruises, and hotels out there every day that are priced ridiculously cheap in order to get consumers to jump at the chance of a spontaneous bargain. The problem is that most of these deals are booked to capacity within hours or even minutes, so if you’re truly considering a last minute getaway it’s a good idea to have your credit or debit card handy and be prepared to take action when the right offer comes available.

Of course, the other half of that equation is to actually monitor each of your local airline’s daily specials, and this can be achieved by setting up a special “travel” folder within your email client so each of these advertisements will be routed there. Once that is out of the way, go to each travel website and airline to sign up to receive solicitations, and then place the welcome email in the folder you recently created. Any further correspondence should automatically route to that area, which will make finding those internet steals much more convenient. Below are a few of the more prominent last minute travel websites you should visit and register with-

Travelocity

One of our favorite business partners is Travelocity and not only because of the funny wandering gnome commercials either. Their vast networking capabilities allow them to check with each airline and hotel chain throughout the day, and when a steal is found the savings are passed directly along to their customers. The problem with such a powerful search engine is that once their last minute specials are posted they can and will disappear literally within seconds, so consumers need to watch their emails and be prepared to act quickly. Travelocity also offers exclusive discounts to Coupon Shack readers, and these specials also change frequently due to the nature of the business. Use the above link to check often.

HomeAway

This is another great website for planning a last minute getaway because it is entirely based on supply and demand. The vast majority of the properties listed on this website are owned by individuals, meaning if the property goes un-booked during the peak seasons then they are taking a chance of not paying their mortgages on time. While this is generally not a problem when the price is right, last minute cancellations create a unique opportunity more often than you would expect. Since the property owner usually has already taken a non-refundable security or booking deposit, they will be willing to let their condo or townhouse rent for a mere fraction of the actual value. Search for property bookings beginning tomorrow, and you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Expedia

The great thing about this website is their ability to negotiate on the consumer’s behalf, and often the packages available on Expedia will include all kinds of different perks and last minute specials. For example, if you decide to head down south to Disney World tomorrow they can book you a room at the Palms Resort for $59 per night; their villas are easily among the nicest in the Orlando area and normally run well over four times that amount. Like some of the other popular travel websites Expedia updates their databases continually and their virtual tours of popular destinations are reason alone to visit before booking a hotel room anywhere.

Orbitz

Orbitz is also a leading website for last minute travel, and not only do they have exclusive contracts worked out for the remaining rooms at many area destinations but they also seem to find ways to get around many of the industry fees that usually remain hidden until after you’ve committed or signed a contract. It is a very pleasant feeling to book a vacation without wondering if you’re going to be bombarded with excess charges and headaches to worry about later, so for that reason alone Orbitz should be one of your first places to look for last minute travel.

Priceline

No matter how good of a bargain you happen to locate elsewhere, Priceline should always be used as a price comparison before making the actual booking. As William Shatner clearly points out in the commercials, this website is not a place to be modest. If the best deal found elsewhere is $79 per night, place a bid for $45 and expect to be surprised when the offer is accepted. Like we mentioned earlier, any business within the tourism industry would rather give a steep discount that risk having the room or seat totally vacant, and Priceline capitalizes on this very effectively. Of course, side by side comparisons are impossible with this type of service so it should always be the final place you check for last minute travel deals; and only after you’ve already found something worth booking.

Posted by Keith on October 20, 2010     Tags: Travel Savings