Money is tight these days and your dream vacation may have to wait. But there are great destinations that offer true bargains for savvy travelers who are on a budget. Take a look at these great vacation sites and see if one of them is just right for you.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, called The City of the Explorers, is Portugal’s westernmost and sunniest city. It is Europe’s second-oldest capital city. Built on a series of hills, it boasts a natural harbor that attracted ancient cultures including the Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. The architecture and culture reflects these older civilizations. Lisbon boasts great museums, has a wonderful aquarium and a tram system. You’ll enjoy medieval-like village neighborhoods. It’s a step back in time.
Quebec City, Canada
If you want the charm of Europe, but can’t afford to fly there, you might enjoy the sights and beauty of Quebec City, Quebec. You’ll enjoy the flair of the French-speaking culture and old-time architecture. The Old City boasts over one hundred restaurants including many bistros and cafes. La Citadelle, a major fortress that was built over a thirty year period has a lovely changing of the guard ceremony. Quebec City is second in population only to Montreal.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Located on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi offers multicultural history mixed with music and spicy Cajun food. From the original American Indians to the African slaves, French and Spanish settlers, and later Croatian and Vietnamese fishing families, Biloxi is a true melting pot of culture. There are many museums tracing the area’s local history. Southern blues music, Cajun and country music are all available for your entertainment. Lodging is a mixture of hotels, bed and breakfasts and more recently casino lodging.
Yellowstone National Park
If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy Yellowstone. The one-time fee you pay for seven days of fun, make it affordable. Opened in 1872, Yellowstone covers part of three states: Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Yellowstone has its usual attractions such as Old Faithful Geyser and one of the few remaining log lodges, the Old Faithful Inn. Wildlife to observe includes wolves, elk, bison and grizzly bears. For a more in-depth experience you’ll want to leave the main roads and either camp or hike into the more remote parts of the park. Boating is available on Yellowstone Lake and there is fishing in both the lake and the two rivers. Bike trails are an added family attraction.
All of Ireland
The trick here is to visit Ireland in the fall or the winter. In the fall the weather will most probably be mild and daylight will last until about 9:00 p.m. You’ll avoid the usual crowds in pubs and hotels and restaurants and enjoy off-season rates everywhere you go. Winter is a bit trickier as you may have rainy or windy weather, but there is virtually no snow to contend with and, once again you’ll enjoy low rates and small groups at all attractions. One more caution in winter: some of the attractions may have shorter visiting hours.
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