.

As has been noted by our readers, the sale rate is typically found for Sundays through Thursday nights, with Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday usually cheapest. Prices vary by date so you need to scroll through the calendar to see what prices are available on what dates.

Do note, that regardless of what room you book, there is a $34.99 (plus tax) daily resort fee. (We hate those, but major resorts still impose them on guests for “included extras”.)

The water park is, of course, the main attraction. Rides such as the Howlin’ Tornado — an enclosed water slide that shoots you through a six-story funnel — and a zero-depth-entry wave pool with 3-foot swells surround the park’s iconic hub: a four-story treehouse with a huge tipping bucket.

Younger kids will have a blast on the water slides and gentle spray features of Whooping Hollow and Cub Paw Pool.

Hands-on crafts and activities such as face painting and balloon twisting during the Lunch Time Lineup can entertain young children when they want a break from the water park action.

The water park, which hovers around 84 degrees all year long, isn’t the resort’s only family-friendly activity. You’ll also find mini bowling at Ten Paw Alley, Howl in One miniature golf, Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall and much more.

As a bonus: You can enter the water park at 1 p.m. on the day you check in and stay until close on the day you check out — so essentially you get two days of water park admission. And, because there are no day passes for outside visitors, resort guests have exclusive access and don’t get stuck in long lines.

You can .

Here are more details from the fine print:

• Dates cannot be changed through Groupon once booked; valid only for night(s) purchased
• 9-day cancellation notice required prior to check-in or reservation is non-refundable; reservations made within cancellation window are non-refundable
• No-shows will be charged total Groupon rate
• No refunds will be processed by Groupon after check-in
• Traveler name must match ID at time of check-in
• Must have one individual 21+ staying in each room
• Credit card required at check-in
• Must provide email address at checkout, which will be provided to Great Wolf Lodge
• Water park wristbands are non-transferable; cannot be sold
• $34.99 daily resort fee plus tax added at purchase.

The post Save Up To 54% at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs – Dates Added Through June appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Before you pack your bags, you definitely want to review all of the “fine print” to be sure it’s a good fit for you, your budget and travel plans.

The Annual Pass is valid May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2027.

There is also a Monthly Pass available. 

The GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass includes the following benefits:

An unlimited number of flights

Access to Frontier’s domestic and international destinations

Get confirmed bookings the day before flight departure for domestic travel and starting 10 days before flight departure for international travel

Plan ahead & book select flights early, simply search & choose GoWild! when available. (A GoWild! Early Booking charge may apply.) 

Earn ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈËs on all GoWild! eligible purchases. Plus, use your Elite Status for FREE bags and seats.

Here’s how it works:

Buy the GoWild! Annual Pass.

Login to your Frontier ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈËs account at FlyFrontier.com — not the Frontier app.

Search & book on FlyFrontier.com the day before flight departure for domestic travel and starting 10 days before flight departure for international travel. Your pass will be valid for the period described for that specific type of GoWild! Pass.

For each flight, you’ll pay 1Âą in airfare plus applicable taxes, fees, and charges at the time of booking. When you book, you can also purchase options like bags, seats, and other ancillary products for each flight to customize your travel.

Take your trip!

Repeat and book an unlimited number of flights for as long as your pass is valid.

Things You Should Know:

Flights must be booked at flyfrontier.com

Flights are subject to blackout periods.

Flights do not include any add-on products (like bags or seats).

Taxes, fees, and charges apply at the time of booking.

A fare of 1Âą will be charged for each segment booked.

Flights and seats are subject to availability. Last seat availability is not guaranteed

Travel qualifies as activity and will extend your FRONTIER ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈËs expiration

The GoWild! Pass is non-transferable. 

Your Annual Pass / Seasonal Pass will automatically renew for successive one-year / seasonal pass period unless you cancel.

You must be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident to purchase the GoWild! Pass. 

For complete terms and conditions of the offer, .

The post Frontier Airlines Offers GoWild 2026-27! All-You-Can-Fly Pass For $299, Plus Start Using It Now appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Source: Depositphotos

Here’s what’s new

The U.S. Department of Transportation now requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds.

The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds, when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

Previously, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund.

As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline. That made it difficult, if not impossible, for passengers to know or assert their refund rights.

You are entitled to a refund for:

Canceled or Significantly Changed Flights

Passengers will be entitled to a refund, if their flight is canceled or significantly changed and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered.

For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.”

Significant changes to a flight include:

• Departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally.
• Departures or arrivals from a different airport.
• Increases in the number of connections.
• Instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service.
• Connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.

Significantly Delayed Baggage Return

Passengers who file a mishandled (meaning “lost”) baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee, if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate or 15 to 30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.

Extra Services Not Provided

Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as inflight Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide the service.

The final rule requires refunds to be:

Automatic

Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to request them or jump through hoops. 

Prompt

Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within 7 business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.

Cash or Original Form of Payment

Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles.

Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.  

Full Amount

Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used.

The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

When New Rules Take Effect

These new refund rules won’t happen overnight, but they will be fully in place by next year.

There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from 6 months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease.

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The post Traveling This Summer? What You Need to Know About New Airline Refund Rules appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Loveland is easy to get to: it’s a sixty-minute drive straight north on Interstate 25. I recently spent a weekend there visiting my college bestie, who lives there and was able to show me her favorite local haunts.

This isn’t a comprehensive list by any means (I’m sure Loveland locals will want to chime in and add their favorite places in the comments), but here are a few of the things we enjoyed on our budget Loveland getaway.

Things to Do in Loveland

Devil’s Backbone

Sunrise at Devil’s Backbone Park. Image: Visit Loveland

1725 Hidden Valley Dr., Loveland 80538

This 2,200-acre open space area is home to unusual rock formations that (you guessed it) resemble a backbone.

There’s a on-leash dog friendly 4.3 mile easy hiking trail that’s also accessible for mountain bikers and horseback riders. A 12-mile trail also connects Rimrock and Horsetooth Mountain.

It’s common to see wildlife such as elk, deer, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, prairie dogs, a variety of birds (and even the occasional black bear or mountain lion) while hiking, and the eagle eyed visitor will notice fossils — mammoth tusks were once excavated by paleontologists there.

Boyd Lake State Park

Boyd Lake State Park. Image: Visit Loveland

3720 North County Road 11-C, Loveland, 80538

Loveland’s largest lake is and the area around it is a state park encompassing 1,700 acres.

The huge body of water welcomes all kinds of watercraft, including jet skis, fishing boats, waverunners, canoes, SUPs, sailboats, kayaks, and more. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one at the marina.

There’s also a swim beach, picnic areas, showers and restrooms, fishing piers, and hiking and biking trails that meander throughout the park.

If you’re not a state parks pass holder, the day pass costs $10.

Fairgrounds Park

Fairgrounds Park. Image: Visit Loveland

700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland, 80537

The Big Thompson River runs through Loveland, fed by snowmelt from the mountains, and has several access points, one of which is at .

While there is fishing access, it’s also ideal for wading and splashing on hot summer days. The park also boasts a splash pad for more water fun.

The park also has a dog park, two playgrounds, basketball courts, a fitness area, a skate park, batting cages and baseball fields, and restroom facilities.

Fairgrounds Park is also the site of the Loveland Farmers Market. A restored historic home, the Milner-Schwarz House, sits adjacent to the park and offers free tours.

Chapungu Sculpture Park

Chapungu Sculpture Park. Image: Visit Loveland

5995 Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, 80538

While The Promenade Shops at Centerra are geared toward commerce, the area is a haven for art lovers, too.

features 82 huge stone sculptures from Zimbabwe scattered around 26 acres of landscaped and natural garden space.

The paths are stroller and wheelchair-friendly and meander along the Greeley and Loveland Irrigation Canal.

There’s lots of open space and in the area of the park called The Children, there’s a hill kids can climb.

Benson Sculpture Garden

Benson Sculpture Park. Image: Visit Loveland

1125 W. 29th St., Loveland, 80528

Right next to picturesque Lake Loveland, the Benson Sculpture Garden features 182 unique sculptures.

The park itself spans 10 acres–once part of the Benson homestead, it was gifted to the city in the 1960s and in the 1980s, a group of local artists rallied to turn a portion of the park (which includes a wetlands ecosystem and bird sanctuary) into a sculpture park.

The artistic styles range from representational to abstract, materials might be metal or stone, and some sculptures are serious while others are whimsical.

There’s a paved pathway through the park and sculpture garden, as well as a restroom facility, benches, and picnic areas. Benson Sculpture Garden is open year-round. Admission is free.

North Lake Park and the Buckhorn Northern Railroad

North Lake Park Train. Image: Visit Loveland

and the
2750 N. Taft Ave. Loveland, 80528

Close to the Benson Sculpture Garden, has fishing access and a swim beach, sports courts and fields, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a playground.

The play structure features slides, monkey bars, a tunnel, and climbing elements. There are fields for baseball/softball and soccer and courts for basketball and tennis, plus space for horseshoes/rings.

A highlight of the park is the , a pint-sized replica of a real steam train that shuttles riders along a 1,588-foot route with a small train depot, and tunnel, and a water tower.

The train runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day (closed Mondays) and only costs $1 per passenger.

Another unique feature of North Lake Park is the , an historic one room school house where the Loveland Museum offers affordable summer day camps that teach kids about pioneer life.

Dairy Delite

A juicy burger at Dairy Delite. Image: Rebecca Treon

Dairy Delite
3080 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland 80537

A Loveland classic, Dairy Delite has been owned and operated by the Embke family since it opened in 1978, serving American classics, carhop style.

On the menu, you’ll find flame-grilled burgers ($4.89 and up), Chicago-style hot dogs ($4.29 and up), and ice cream treats.

A soft serve cone will set you back $2.45, a root beer float $3.45, and a snow devil (their version of a blizzard) only $4.45.

You’ll have to time your visit to Dairy Delite though–it’s only open eight or nine months out of the year and closes its doors during the chillier months.

NoCo Cat Cafe

NoCo Cat Cafe. Image: Rebecca Treon

121 E 5th St., Loveland, 80537

Spacious and open, lets you sip locally roasted coffee while you pet, play with, and cuddle their current pride of adoptable kitties.

The main play area is dotted with cat hammocks, cozy chairs to curl up in, and a variety of cat castles for felines to run on and play in. There are also a number of cat toys available to help them get their zoomies out.

Partnered with the Colorado Kitty Coalition, NoCo Cat Cafe has facilitated the placement of hundreds of cats into their forever homes.

Admission is $12, plus the cost of drinks and snacks, but it’s right near several local, independent restaurants if you want something heartier. Reservations are recommended.

Flipside Arcade

Flipside Arcade. Image: Rebecca Treon

104 E. 4th St. Loveland, 80537

At the , kids will have a blast playing classic arcade games–but so will their parents!

There are numerous vintage pinball machines, skee-ball, air hockey, Pac Man, Superbikes, Pong, and more.

The decor is reminiscent of a grown-up lounge, with velvet wallpaper, mood lighting, and plenty of seating, including at the spacious bar, which has a menu of classic cocktails and some NA options for the kids, too.

While it’s easy to run through a bucket of quarters playing games, on Monday nights, they offer a play all you want for just $15 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m..

The post A Day in Loveland: Best Free & Cheap Things To Do appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Disney paused many promotions and discounts because of the pandemic. Fortunately, the deals are starting to return for families on a budget. Now’s the time to start planning for your summer 2024 vacation.

Source: DepositPhotos

The number of rooms allocated for each offer is limited. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room. 

Disney Resort Hotels Discount — January 9 to February 22

Disney guests can save up to 20% for most stays Sunday to Thursday nights at select Disney Resort Hotels — from January 9 to February 22, 2024. Participating hotels vary by the discount.

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Disney Resort Hotels Discount — February 25 to March 24

Disney fans can save up to 25% for most stays at select Disney Resort Hotels — from February 25 to March 24, 2024. Participating hotels vary by the discount. 

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Disney Resort Hotels Discount — July 8 to October 3

Families can save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when they stay five (5) consecutive nights or longer — or save up to 30% on shorter stays. The offer is valid for most stays from July 8 to October 3, 2024. Participating hotels vary by the discount.

Other savings may be available for stays from March 25 to July 7, 2024.

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Disney+ Deal on Dining Plans

Disney+ subscribers enjoy a FREE dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted four (4)-night, four (4)-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option. The deal is for most stays from July 1 to September 30, 2024.

Packages may be available for longer lengths of stay.

Review the details of the offer here. 

How do you save money on a Disney vacation? Share your tips and tricks with other readers by leaving a comment below. 

The post How To Save on Disney World Vacation This Spring & Summer appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

RTD‘s A Line to provides travelers with an increasingly popular option getting to and from DIA from Union Station and intermediary stops.

When deciding on which option is best for you and your party, think not only money, but also time. Calculate how many of you will be traveling. And remember that you won’t just be going to the airport but returning from it.

Unless you choose to drive, you can mix and match. Here are the current ground transportation and parking options (please let us know at info@milehighonthecheap.com if you find any changes is services or rates).

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

. BEST DEAL. This commuter train between Union Station and Denver International Airport runs every 15 minutes most of the day. Ride time: 37 minutes. Six intermediary stations offer parking. Fare is $10.50 for a 3-Hour Pass (which replaces the old one-way transfer). Half-price for 65+ Medicare recipients. Youth 6 to 19 cost $3.20 each way. Children ages 5 and younger ride FREE with a fare-paying adult. Your ticket includes transfers to/from other routes.

It costs $2 daily to park at most RTD Park-n-Ride facilities, with the first 24 hours FREE, but the parking lot at at the RTD A Line station (61st and Peña) costs $4/day. The old SkyRide routes AB, AF, AS and AD, and some local and regional bus routes as well as stations were affected when the A Line went into service last year. for details. RTD airport service fares actually were lowered from $13 with the opening of the A Line.

. Currently, door-to-door private car, van or SUV shuttle. Approximately $35 from downtown Denver, $45 from Golden.

Flat rates to/from downtown Downtown Denver, $55.57; Denver Tech Center, $61.57; Broomfield and Louisville area, $70.57 (Yellow Cab only) Boulder, $88.57. Other destinations are on the meter.

and Ride-Sharing Services. $31 to $41. Download their apps on your smartphone to use.

. Longmont: Hourly service for the introductory fare of $20 plus $12 for each additional passenger on the same booking. Parking is FREE and limitless. Also, residential pick-up service from zip codes 80501, 80503 and 80504.  Service is from/to the new Longmont HUB, 206 S. Main St. For more information, call 303-997-0238. Fort Collins, Harmony Transportation Center (no overnight parking) or Loveland-Fort Collins Airport (FREE parking at airport), $29 ($24 senior). Wellington or Cheyenne, WY. $55 ($49 senior). Boulder, Meadows Shopping Center, $38 ($35 senior). Door-to-door and hotel service available. Second passenger, $20. Kids, $10. 970-226-5533.

PARKING

Garages connected to the DIA main terminals, $24 per day. Economy lot within walking distance though shuttles also operate to the terminal, $13 per day. Shuttle lots (including Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert), $9 per day.

The newest service is the FREE bag drop service at the Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert shuttle parking lots. Passengers can now check bags and print  boarding passes prior to parking the car and boarding a shuttle to the terminal.

Off-airport options

All off-airport commercial lots offer FREE shuttle service to/from the terminal. For extra savings, look for AAA, AARP or military discounts. Check websites for printable discount coupons that can knock a few bucks off your rate.

Depending on the operation, you’ll find self-park outdoors, covered parking and valet parking options. Many will also let you reserve a spot in advance assuring that you won’t be driving around looking for an available space. Taxes are usually additional.

. Rates start at $6 per day for outdoor self parking with a Their indoor parking lot is truly indoors (meaning it is totally enclosed not merely “covered” with open sides). With one of the closest locations to the airport, you’ll find the shuttles arrive every 5 to 7 minutes, so minimal waits. FINE sometimes promotes FREE roses, FREE coffee and hot cocoa and FREE popcorn. The company also has a loyalty program and downloadable app through which you can earn free stays and services.

provides outdoor, indoor and valet spaces for 7,500 vehicles currently starting at $4.48 per day for outdoor spaces. Their rates, like some other off-airport facilities, do fluctuate. Ticketless parking with to track shuttles, reserve and pay for parking, record your space and more. Complimentary coffee, water and WiFi in the lounges. Electric car charging stations.

, $7.95 daily uncovered, including FREE bottled water and FREE USA Today (Monday-Friday, while supplies last). Note that all parking is uncovered and it is among the lots farthest from the terminal.

, $10 daily uncovered, $16 daily covered. ExpressToll users can sign-up for a Rewards program and get 25% off rates.

$10 daily uncovered, $15 daily covered. New for 2018: for two coupons, one good for 40% off ($6 a day) for uncovered parking or $2 0ff covered of uncovered parking, both valid through July 31, 2018.

$13.95 daily self-park; $17.95 daily valet uncovered.

And if you don’t mind not knowing the exact location of your airport lot until you have reserved and paid in advance, check out . Their “Cheap Park” deal promotes off-site DIA parking starting at $3.99 per day.

The post Denver Airport Transportation & Parking Options appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Add to this the perfect climate, clean mountain air and views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and you had a major draw for Easterners looking for a better life.

Today, it offers more than 55 area attractions, including extraordinary parks, museums, entertainment venues and a world-class zoo, that lure visitors from all over the world. Attractions range from the hokey to the magnificent – take your pick.

Garden of the Gods / Rick DuVal photo

Free stuff

is a city park worthy of national recognition. Its stunning red sandstone eruptions, spires and hogbacks make a scenic setting for a leisurely (or not) stroll. Check at the visitors’ center for advice on hikes, rock climbing, wildlife encounters and free programs.

Don’t be surprised to be passed by a group of Olympic cyclists on their daily workout. The park is forever free and open to the public, and a registered National Natural Landmark.

, the youngest of the military service academies, resides on 18,500 acres, flanked by breathtaking mountain panoramas of the Front Range. It features signature mid-century modern architecture. Here, 4,000 cadets from across the United States get their education before becoming officers.

Casual visitors may drive through the grounds, visit the architecturally remarkable interdenominational chapel and stop at the museum to take a short nature hike. The academy is usually open to visitors, but that can change for various reasons, .

U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel / Photo courtesy Visit Colorado Springs

is housed in the beautifully preserved 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, where it displays both a permanent local history collection and fascinating rotating exhibits, plus monthly family activities.

But the real amazing museum piece is the building itself. This city landmark reflects a fascinating history against a backdrop of French and German renaissance architecture, complete with a bell tower. 

, formerly the El Pomar Carriage House Museum, is located in The Broadmoor hotel complex. This under-visited attraction was started in 1941 by the hotel’s founder, Spencer Penrose.

It includes carriages and vintage cars that once carried local dignitaries and a few U.S. presidents, all dating from the early 20th century. A grand and permanent Pikes Peak Hill Climb exhibit is included in the 4,000-square-foot space. 

in downtown Colorado Springs is home to more than 60 original and restored vintage and antique Indian, Harley-Davidson, Excelsior and other classic motorcycles.

Check out the authentic period photographs and a wide display of motorcycle memorabilia. Admission is free and you can get guided tours by appointment.   

Celebrations! You might want to time your visit around one of the city’s long-standing free festivals, such as , held in Old Colorado City on Memorial Day weekend, a wide array of fireworks displays on July 4th, or the world-famous hot air balloon festival.

The  has been ranked one of the top balloon festivals in the world by U.S. News & World Report magazine.

Also, every summer, there are the , which draw thousands of athletes from all over the state to compete in everything from badminton to volleyball and a few strange sports in between.

Pikes Peak as seen from America The Beautiful Park in Downtown Colorado Springs. / Rick DuVal photo

Cheap things to do

For advice on to Colorado Springs, there’s a video supplied by the city’s visitors center. Check it out.

offers a look at farm life in the 19th century. This living history museum on 230 acres on the south edge of Garden of the Gods has interpreters in period clothing giving tours, demonstrations and hands-on learning activities for visitors.

A working blacksmith shop is a highlight, along with live farm animals. It celebrates many special events throughout the year, including a fall harvest festival.  Tickets are $4 to $8 depending on age, for the 2Âœ-hour “full ranch experience.”

, a castle and now conference center tucked into the foothills just north of the Garden of the Gods, was built by the city’s founder, Gen. William Jackson Palmer, as a home for his wife, Queen, and three daughters.

Now it offers 80-minute Castle tours (requires walking and navigating stairs) for $10 per person. For an additional fee, you also can book a tea.

The Scottish-style castle is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and the entrance to a canyon hike that is somewhat challenging. The history of this place is romantic, tragic and ultimately fascinating. 

in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic programs. More than 15 member organizations, as well as two international sports federations and the Olympic committee headquarters are also located here.

The center provides housing, dining, training facilities, recreational facilities and other services for more than 500 athletes and coaches at one time on the complex.

Tours offered daily on the hour except Sundays, and admission $11 to $15, depending on age. Don’t be surprised to walk by your favorite athlete while on the tour.

brings Colorado’s mining history to life. The “Museum that Works” features more than 4,000 artifacts and machines in the 12,200-square-foot exhibit hall. Guided tours are included in your admission and depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

Highlights include fully operational steam engines, a working hoist, and a “widow maker” pneumatic drill. Admission is $6 to 12 depending on age, and include a free tour and gold panning experience (and you get to take home whatever you find).

, educates the public about the sport of rodeo, its history and impact on Western American culture, and provides recognition to rodeo notables of the past and present.

It features selected art, a sculpture garden, and sometimes livestock.  Admission is $5 to $10 depending on age.

The unusual is marked by a giant bug sculpture at its entrance. If that doesn’t scare you off, the museum’s contents might! The venue houses 7,000 insects from lush butterflies to gigantic spiders to evil-looking vampire bats. It houses the world’s largest private collection of tropical bugs. Admission $9 to $11.

in Old Colorado City, is tucked away in the back of the late artist’s retail shop. Magic Town a 1/6 scale miniature city, complete with dozens of different scenes, hundreds of characters, and magical elements – like holograms, rooms that transform right before your eyes, and much more. The setting and characters are gritty and realistic, evocative of the 1930s. Admission $4 to $7.50.

The will let you explore the history of figure skating from ancient to modern times. It recognizes the sport’s most celebrated personalities and recreates skating’s most magical moments through films and photos. Also enjoy its incomparable collection of skating costumes. Admission is $3 to $5

Worth the price

No visit to Colorado Springs would be complete without ascending , one way or another. You can drive up, bike up, , You can even walk (or run) up, as some do!

This 14,115-foot giant looms large over the landscape and can be seen throughout the region from almost any vantage point.  The views from here inspired “America the Beautiful” and they may inspire you, too. Be sure to visit the spacious new , get one of their famous doughnuts, and stop by the little museum inside.

If you drive, the safe and scenic Pikes Peak Highway provides the opportunity to enjoy 19 miles of mountain terrain, with frequent pull-offs to get out and take photos. There are breathtaking views, four different Colorado life zones and unique animal sightings, like the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep or yellow-bellied marmots.

On clear days, they say you can see five states (Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Kansas) and even the curvature of the earth fading into the distance. Admission is $5 to $15 per person, depending on age, or $50 per carload (up to 7 passengers) and reservations are required in advance.

Racing fans won’t want to miss the  , also known as the Race to the Clouds. This invitational automobile race to the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. – is held on the last Sunday of June.

It is the second oldest automobile race in the world and considered to be the greatest challenge in motorsports for both man and machine with its 12-plus miles featuring 156 turns. It was founded in 1916 by entrepreneur Spencer Penrose, who built The Broadmoor hotel, and has grown into an international event attracting the best drivers and riders — and millions of viewers — from around the world.

To see it in person, you can get a camping permit for the night before.  Race Day tickets start at $80 per person.

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum / Jason O’Rear photo

is one of the newest and maybe best attractions in Colorado Springs. It is dedicated to “capturing and sharing the history of Team USA in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the hopes and dreams of future generations.”

It includes displays, interactive activities and unique exhibits.  Special events draw former Olympians, who seem to like chatting with guests. Tickets are $19.95 to $24.95, with kids under 5 free. Check for special discount days.

is the highest zoo in America.  Ranked as one of the top zoos in the country by USA Today and 10 Best by TripAdvisor, it has many newly renovated and award-winning exhibits. It’s home to more than 30 species of endangered animals and has one of the most successful giraffe breeding programs anywhere (and you can hand-feed them).

The elaborate elephant exhibit is a must-see.  The Mountaineer Sky Ride lets you oversee popular animal exhibits and offers expansive views of the city below.

Tickets are $10.75 to $24.75 depending on age and when you go. (The Sky Ride is extra.) Check their calendar for “value days” and you need to get tickets in advance for timed entry. Military discounts are available.

Dining and Lodging

Some local favorites include Panino’s, a pizza place with a unique folded pizza sandwich, the Mason Jar for homemade grub with a Southern flair, and a variety of Mexican eateries, from taquerias to sit-down ful-service restaurants.

Also try the Ivywild School, with its unique food stands, or Ute and Yeti, healthy grub served inside the City Rock climbing facility downtown. All are family-friendly and affordable.

Although the town offers most national fast-food chains and mid-priced chains, it also has a number of uniquely .

If you want to splurge, try Marigold Café near Garden of the Gods for Broadmoor-quality food at much more reasonable prices. Other upscale restaurants include Caspian Café for Mediterranean fare, or the innovative cuisine of The Warehouse downtown.

Want to try some locally brews or distilled spirits.? The city boasts lots of brewpubs. Be sure to get your . It’ll get you some buy-one-get-one -free drinks and other perks at local pubs.

ranges from tourist motels to high-end hotels to The Broadmoor, a world-class award-winning hotel, if you have the moolah.

Much more affordable digs include Kinship Landing downtown, a a hostel-style boutique hotel with bunk rooms and even camping options on the deck  — yes, really.

The Hilton Garden Inn downtown is probably the most reasonable of the other downtown hotels.  Springhill Suites are also downtown and somewhat affordable. Nearby Manitou Springs offers RV camping and budget motels.

There’s a wide array of lodging available. MHOTC has a partnership with that allows you to on hotel rooms.

Then, type in your location (in this case Colorado Springs, Colorado), along with check-in and check-out dates.

Getting there: From Denver, take Interstate 25 south approximately 72 miles. The is downtown has free parking.  As to parking elsewhere downtown, there are several reasonable priced parking garages and once you are parked, you can ride a free shuttle up and down centrally located Tejon Street.

For more information about visiting Colorado Springs, including additional free attractions, discount coupons and more, go online to .

“48 Hours” is a series of easy getaways within driving distance from Denver. Linda DuVal is an award-winning travel writer and former travel editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The post MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours in Colorado Springs: Olympic City, USA appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

If you’ve been considering an RV glamping trip but have been deterred by high gas prices, your dream vacation doesn’t have to be put on hold. This is 2022, and everything can be delivered  — even an RV.

That means your RV comes without you needing to drive it, fill it up or figure out how to set it up, thanks to delivery option.

How to go glamping with an RV delivery

Photo: RVshare

Just go the ,  enter your destination, select your RV, and the home-away-from home will be delivered to the site and all set up for you.  After all, glamping is all about relaxation!

With RV delivery, you can:

• Explore all the sites near your home that you’ve been promising yourself you’d get to one day.
• Visit out-of-town family and friends while having your accommodations delivered to you. 
• Add an RV glamping experience to a trip you already have planned.

Is it expensive to rent an RV?

Having an RV delivered saves on gas prices, but what’s the rental cost for the RV itself? Since you’re having the RV delivered, a “fifth wheel” type of RV (the kind that’s towed behind another vehicle) probably makes the most sense because you’re not going to be driving it.

According to RVshare, this type of RV runs $60 to $150 per night for vehicles 10 or more years old and $150-$300 per night for newer RVs.

Also, delivery fees are extra and can vary widely, but they’re clearly stated on the RVshare site. Most providers offer delivery for a flat fee within a certain radius. The most common distance seemed to be about 50 miles round-trip.

To save even more, use these tips when searching for a rental:

Here are some tips from RVshare about how to get the best RV rental deals:

• Be flexible with dates
• Compare delivery fees to find the best overall price; it may not be the rental with the cheapest per-night rate
• Avoid holidays and peak seasons
• Negotiate with owners on rates
• Rent longer for cheaper nightly rates
• Don’t get a bigger RV than you need

Ideas for glamping trips in popular spots

The has suggestions for glamping in all 50 states. Here are a few highlights for popular summer vacation destinations:

Florida

Photo: Depositphotos

Fort Wilderness fun at Disney: There’s another kind of magic to the Magic Kingdom when you have an RV delivered to Disney’s resort. Just and zip-a-dee-doo-dah, your rented RV will be delivered and you’ll be ready to enjoy woodland trails, refreshing pool areas and family entertainment at this glamping retreat.

The best of both worlds: At , nature lovers can  enjoy shaded walks, spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets and fabulous fishing. When you’re ready for excitement, you’re about 30 minutes away from the adventure and activities of downtown St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island and Tampa. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Photo: Depositphotos

Sixty miles of sun and fun: On South Carolina’s Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is known for beaches (of course), but also its golf courses, restaurants and entertainment — including the famous SkyWheel.

Just a mile from the beach, the on the Intracoastal Waterway offers a  quiet getaway. Secluded doesn’t mean sleepy, however. A highlight is the oversized Olympic swimming pool with cool deck and lounges overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

Outdoor activities include an 18-hole miniature golf course, shuffleboard, basketball court and a youth playground. 

Colorado

Garden of the Gods, Colorado. Image: Depositphotos

Peak vacationing near Pikes Peak: Colorado Springs is a peak vacation destination for glampers. And if you don’t mind being woken by reveille being played at nearby Fort Carson in the morning, is a highly rated choice for an RV stay.

As Allen T. wrote in a TripAdvisor review, “It is practically a part of Colorado Springs. This means that you may hear light traffic noise, but you will also be within a few minutes of a grocery store.”

There are no lakes or rivers, but other reviewers note that the 28 miles of trails make for fabulous hiking and biking.

There are also designated trails for horses and dogs. As with most state parks, there are also plenty of educational and recreational programs such as guided wildflower walks, family mystery hikes, animal education, and campfire talks; geo-caching opportunities; weekly yoga; and more.

Other reasons to choose RV delivery

Besides glamping, here are some reasons people commonly cite for having a vehicle delivered, according to RVshare:

• They’re nervous about driving one and would rather have it brought to them.
• They’re testing “living small.” 
• They need to find lodging for people during a large event such as a festival or a reunion.
• They need temporary housing, perhaps while a home is under construction.
• They don’t have a truck with which to tow a trailer.

Own an RV? Put it to work in the off-season and boost your income.
Don’t let your RV sit idle in storage this season! List it on RVshare and help ensure that families, medical professionals and others have a home away from home this season — all while earning some money for you.

Photo: RVshare

 

The post Glamping On A Budget? It’s Easy By Renting An RV appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Today’s Pueblo has abundant theater, dance and public art, one of the best children’s museums in the nation, a symphony, a thriving local history museum and much more. And it’s eminently affordable. Isn’t it time you paid it another visit?

Free stuff

For starters, there’s a free self-guided walking tour of dozens of historic buildings clustered in the downtown area, including the imposing and historic Union Station. Pick up a copy at the Welcome Center on the Riverwalk.

Pike’s marker at Fort Pueblo / Rick DuVal photo

itself is worth some time. Stroll through the state’s early history (with markers) along the beautifully landscaped pathways lined with flowers, sculptures and interesting local businesses. See the spot where Zeb Pike first spotted the peak named for him. There are often free outdoor concerts going on here when the weather is good.

offers an expansive place to play, with mature trees providing lots of shade, a pond and several perfect spots for a picnic. There’s also a free skateboard park and the trailhead for the Arkansas River Trail. Its top-rated Disc Golf Course is the third oldest such course in the country and is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There is no fee to play.  

Everywhere you look, there’s outdoor art, from a wall abutting the Interstate to one of the longest murals in the world along the Arkansas River which bisects the city. Downtown galleries are free to visit and feature some amazing local artists, and everyone is welcome at the First Friday Art Walks, which also feature free live music at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center.

The is an oasis within Pueblo, nestled beside the mighty Arkansas River. Here, you can hike, cast your line, bike the smoothly paved American Bicycle Trail System, or meet resident birds of prey at the . Open year-round, the River Campus is a great spot for a picnic; the garden and botanic displays are beautiful.

If you’re the adventurous type, and own your own kayak, the is located in downtown Pueblo. It is within walking distance of the Historic Downtown District. The park has eight drops and is approximately 1/2 mile long. Warning: This is a real river and not an amusement play park and it’s free but you tackle it at your own risk.

Less adventurous, but curious, folks might prefer shopping for antiques in the Union Avenue district. It’s free to browse and the goods are sometimes fascinating.  Also check out the farm stands on t he south end of town – they may not look like much on the outside, but inside they are packed with goodies. The only risk here is to your wallet.

Finally, check out the which is free and features antique fire-fighting equipment. Kids dig it.

Cheap things to do

The third week in September Pueblo draws throngs of chile lovers to its annual . Besides fresh roasted and raw chilies, it features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and more. Held downtown along Union Avenue, the festival draws Pueblo residents as well as people from across the state and around the nation. $5 gate admission.

Explore Pueblo’s Riverwalk / Rick DuVal photo

Back to the Riverwalk. consider taking one of the Riverwalk boat tours, a 25-minute cruise through downtown history. Cost is $7 to 8, depending on your age. Dinner cruises, booze cruises and private parties also are   available.  Or rent a pedal boat shaped like a duck or swan and cruise the lake — $10 for 30 minutes and they hold up to 4 people.

History buffs should visit which showcases the region’s many cultural and ethnic groups through innovative exhibits and includes a replica 1840s adobe trading post and plaza, as well as the archaeological excavation site of the original 1842 El Pueblo trading post. Admission is $4 to $5 and kids 18 and younger are free.

Really explore Pueblo’s history at the , which features exhibits showing how CF&I and related industries impacted the development of the American West. CF&I was a strong force in the history of Pueblo and Southern Colorado and was, at one time, the largest private landowner and employer in Colorado, with ownership of mines and mining towns throughout the West, Admission is $4 to $8 depending on age.

Anther historical site, the , is a real gem. Built in 1893, this 37-room mansion was home to the John A. and Margaret Thatcher family for 75 years. Almost all of the furnishings, decorative items, paintings, dishes and woodwork are original. Admission is $5 to $8 depending on age. Call for tour times or reservations: (719) 545-5290.

The beautifully contemporary includes five exhibit galleries, an award-winning children’s museum, a school of dance, a school of arts and a 500-seat theater for performances. Its outstanding Buell Children’s Museum is one of the top-rated children’s museums in the country. Admission to the center is $8 to 10 depending on age and status and also includes the children’s museum.

Wiesbrod Museum / Rick DuVal photo

Love airplanes? You’ll get your fill at three hangars plus outdoor space at the . Located out a the Pueblo Airport, it has everything from antique planes to World War II bombers to Blackhawk helicopters. Admission $8 to $10 depending on age, but free for children younger than 7 or for  active military.

The — located in City Park — is a charming, accessible venue with good views of the animals and flat walking paths that are kid- and senior-friendly. And it has a great petting zoo.  Admission 47 to $14 depending on age, including some military discounts.  Just outside the zoo proper is an antique carousel that is open only limited hours — if you’re lucky, you’ll catch it running. It’s a true childhood fantasy.

City Park also has the , a small amusement park. Mainly geared too kids, most rides are just 25 cents apiece. A few rides, like their carousel and the roller coaster, might take two tickets.

Lake Pueblo State Park / Colorado Parks & Wildlife photo

Just outside of town, is a mecca for beach-goers, and is considered a fishing hot spot, with more than 4,600 surface acres of water, 60 miles of shoreline​​ on 10,000 acres of land. It boasts frequent sunny days and a mild year-round climate.

Full-service marinas and multiple campsites encourage guests to stay awhile. Water recreation includes swimming, sailing, motor-boating, water skiing, river tubing and prime fishing. Boaters may choose from two full-service marinas and boat ramps.

Other recreation includes hiking, biking, picnicking and exploring nature. ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈËs of trails let you discover the beauty of the shady Arkansas River below the dam or the resident 200-year-old Juniper trees.  A daily pass is $10 per vehicle.

Speaking of wildlife, the has been rescuing injured raptors since 1981 and rehabilitates them, when possible, for release back into the wild. You might see anything from a tiny burrowing owl to a great golden eagle.  They only do guided tours two weekends a month and admission is $3 to $5 depending on age.

Speaking of wildlife, the has been rehabilitating ill and injured birds of prey since 1981, and when possible, releasing them back into the wild. The Raptor Center is located at the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center River Campus. You can book a to get up close and personal and learn about the raptors’ hunting habits, lifestyle, and lifespan. You might see anything from a tiny burrowing owl to a great golden eagle. Price for a guided raptor tour is free to $5, depending on age.

Wouldn’t you know it? Pueblo still has an outdoor drive-in, , which just re-opened.  It even has two screens. Get two movies  (a double feature!) for your visit at $11 for adults and $1 for kids 4 to 12.

Worth the price

The , a 10-day affair which starts in late August and ends on Labor Day, has been going strong for 150 years.   The price depends on what you want to do. General admission is $7 for kids 5-12, $14 for adults. General admission includes free shows, such a s a juggler or hypnotist, trick dogs and a petting zoo, plus art, food and livestock exhibits.

Carnival rides, the rodeo and concerts are all extra. The fun fair food is a bit pricey, too. It can all add up, but there’s nothing else quite like a day at the state fair. Don’t’ forget the sunscreen. For information, visit their website or call 719-561-8484 or 800-876-4567.

Dining and Lodging

And though it’s famous statewide for its excellent and distinctive Mexican food and family-friendly Italian eateries, also has an upscale side.

Old local favorites include the Sunset Inn and Coors Tavern for their “sloppers,” a Pueblo staple that involves a burger topped with green chile.  Pass Key has several locations and serves up grinders and other Italian specialties – tasty and budget-friendly.

Families on a budget might also try Dee Tacko for a wide variety and sometimes wild tacos. Bingo Burger makes good use of Pueblo chilies.  ±·Č賊łóŽÇ’s serves authentic Pueblo-style Mexican food and it’s right downtown. Some nights, they even offer live mariachi music.

The city’s first brewpub, The Shamrock Brewing Company, not only serves some of the most mouth-melting corned beef and fish and chips you ever ate, but also a popular Sunday brunch.. The award-winning hand-crafted beers aren’t bad, either. Prices are moderate.

If you want to spend a little more, La Forchetta di Massi offers upscale Italian food near the Riverwalk.

For expensive but fine evening dining, there’s Twenty-One Steak. It’s like a New York City bistro transplanted into the West. Think glossy black dĂ©co, trendy lighting and a menu you might expect in a major metropolitan dining establishment .

And if you want coffee, there’s no shortage of great coffee bars in Pueblo, Starbuck’s aside. One is the Fifth & Main Espresso Bar. The coffee is great – but the building is the real attraction here. It’s in an elegant old Post Office, with worn marble floors and amazing interior architecture.

Cheap lodging varies from basic motels to tent camping. Pueblo has added some name-brand hotels in recent years, and they’re not always budget-busting.  Word has it, the downtown Marriott is very affordable at certain times of the year, the two Hampton Inns (north and south) also can offer good rates.

MHOTC has a partnership with that allows you to on hotel rooms.

Then, type in your location (in this case Pueblo, Colorado), along with check-in and check-out dates.

For something more unusual there’ a north of town that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but is one of the top-rated ones in the country. Looks can be deceiving. There’s also ls lots of camping available at Lake Pueblo.

Getting there: From Denver, take I-25 south through Colorado Springs and to Pueblo, about 115 miles.

For more information: or call 719-542-1704

“48 Hours” is a series of easy getaways within driving distance from Denver. Linda DuVal is an award-winning travel writer and former travel editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The post MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours in Pueblo: The Steel City appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Breckenridge has long since recovered from the ravages of the mining years to become one of the prettiest towns in the West, with lovingly restored buildings in bright Victorian colors and a riot of overflowing window boxes and flower beds loaded with blossoms each summer.

The fall colors here and on nearby Hoosier Pass are pretty spectacular, too.

The Blue River runs through it, and alongside it is the city’s terrific Riverwalk events center, where music reigns year -round.

It’s really a town for all seasons, with annual events that celebrate everything from films to wine to beer to ice sculptures. 

Free stuff

Breckenridge in bloom / RickDuVal photo

Start at the Welcome Center on Main Street. There’s a small museum orienting you to the town’s history and it’s free (or you can make a $5 donation if you like.).

For a free self-guided public art tour, use your mobile devise to listen to the + Arts District Audio Tour by visiting .

The town also hosts occasional bike-in movie nights, which are free and held in the Breck art district. (Dates vary, but they’ll know at the Welcome center when one is scheduled.) And OK, if you don’t have a bike, you can walk in.

Summer Saturdays, once a month, are also free, with activities and entertainment for all ages and especially great for kids. Sunday Market happens in the summer and early fall with more than 45 vendors at Main Street Station. 

History and civil rights buffs may want to visit the , home to Colorado’s first African-American legislator. Born a slave in Virginia, he eventually immigrated to Colorado where, with his wife, he opened a successful cafĂ© and eventually got into politics. It’s free, but a $5 donation is suggested. It’s only open in summer months.

shows the work of an early “conservationist” who intended to preserve the Rocky Mountain wildlife through taxidermy. Kids love to see the incarnations of these animals, it seems. It’s free (again, a $5 donation is suggested).

For another peek at the town’s past check out the , and take a free self-guided tour any time (depending on weather).

In summer the will take you up the mountain side for free to take a hike across the front of the famous peaks where there would normally be skiers in winter. Check out the gorgeous wildflowers. 

This town is always celebrating something, it seems. Its include a historically themed and slightly crazy (December) and the (late January), a must-see event that requires you bring a camera or a phone that takes great pictures. Festivities continue through and  an international   in August with lots of free programming.

And getting around once you’re there is easy, because the town buses are also free.

Of course, the town is nestled in the heart of the great Rocky Mountains, so there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and backpacking.

With more than 100 miles of trails in and around town, dozens of mountain streams and rivers, there are the whole family will love. And be sure to check out the FREE , too.

Get a complete guide to online.

Cheap things to do

The Father Dyer Church is part of a Breckenridge walking tour / Rick DuVal photo

If you’re really a history buff, take offered by the Welcome Center and a volunteer, dressed in authentic Victorian garb, will tell you of the town’s past, about the gold that was discovered here, and the bust that followed, and later about the “white gold,” — fine powder skiing — that resurrected this village, as it did many others in Colorado.

The guide also talks about how the town got its name — its origins are still speculated upon today, and how it went through several spellings before it adopted its current one. At one point, the town was omitted from maps all together.

On the tour, it becomes obvious that the town’s miners lived very differently than the mine owners and others who profited from the boom.

You’ll also pass by a small white church and hear the story of Father Dyer, the “itinerant preacher” who traversed the area on snowshoes, bringing religion to the miners and helping them in practical ways, too. The small non-denominational chapel fills up every Sunday morning.

The guided tours cost $20/adult (ages 13+), $10/child (ages 4-12)​​ and reservations and payment are required 2 hours prior to the tour.  If you’d rather go it alone, you can get a self-guided tour brochure at the center for just $5.

Worth the price

If you love live music, the offers a spectacular lineup at its annual summer festival. Its lineup includes world-class artists of various musical genres in a beautiful, intimate venue. It’s pricey, but a unique experience.

If you go in winter, the town offers , too. You’ll pay for those beautifully groomed runs and many options for all skill levels. Ski buffs don’t seem to be deterred by the cost, though – still less than the priciest resorts in the state.

In summer, the ski area turns into a playpark. If you’re willing to shuck out the bucks, consider riding the , the or the , with all sorts of obstacles for you to overcome. None are cheap, but all are a helluva lot of fun and will satisfy the thrill-seeker in you.   

Of course, there are all sorts of outfitters who will take you on rafting, kayak or biking tours , but they tend to be pricey and while fun, not unique to this area.

Dining and Lodging

Downtown Breckenridge / Rick DuVal photo

There are plenty of , from cute little bed-and-breakfast inns to lofty mountain-side lodges. None are cheap, but for the budget-conscious, try the Bivvi Hostel or the Lodge, a renovated motel with an outdoor theme. And families might try Beaver Run, somewhat affordable and close to town.

There’s a wide array of lodging available. MHOTC has a partnership with that allows you to on hotel rooms.

Then, type in your location (in this case Breckenridge, Colorado), along with check-in and check-out dates.

Dining has always been one of the town’s strong suits, from a long-time favorite, the upscale and pricey (everything from lobster ravioli to Alaskan black cod) and homey favorites like (great pizza). The choices range from Thai to Mexican food.

Locals love restaurant, or Above the Blue, a food stand on the south end of town, with gyros, mac and cheese and other family favorites.  Also try the popular food trucks, Gyros Deli or Trolley’s Crepes. Also, for breakfast, try for good prices to start your day.

For a full list of dining, drinking and shopping options, visit the site.

Getting to Breckenridge

From Denver, take I-70 West to Colorado Highway 9 and go south, a total of about 80 miles.

For more information, check out or call 877-864-0868. Once there you may find parking difficult on the town streets, but there are large parking lots adjacent to the most popular areas. There is an online to help you.

“48 Hours” is a series of easy getaways within driving distance from Denver. Linda DuVal is an award-winning travel writer and former travel editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The post MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Breckenridge: Vintage Victorian appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

You can’t tell the story of Leadville without telling the story of Horace Tabor and the Matchless Mine.  Tabor purchased the mine in 1879 and at first it produced little silver.

Then he hit pay-dirt and it became one of the richest silver mines of the era, estimated to have produced $7.5 million worth of the precious mineral. In those days, that made Tabor fabulously wealthy.

But Tabor, though married to Augusta, a highly respected businesswoman in her own right, began an open affair with Elizabeth McCourt Doe, known as “Baby Doe,” which became a major scandal. Tabor left Augusta and married his mistress, with whom he spent the rest of his life until he died of appendicitis in 1899.

By then, the mine was failing and Baby Doe died in poverty, alone and frozen in her cabin. An opera has been written about it, “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” a staple of the Central City Opera.

If you want to know how an 1800s mining town looked, just visit Leadville. There’s plenty to fill a weekend or more. 

Free stuff

Leadville Boom Day Burro Race / Diana Lange photo

It’s all around you. Colorado’s two highest mountains, Mount Elbert (14,433 feet) and Mount Massive (14,421 feet) rise on the west and the Mosquito Range to the east, crowned by another Fourteener, Mount Sherman (14,036 feet).

Surrounded by more than a million acres of national forests and public lands, it’s paradise for hikers, backpackers, campers, mountain bikers and those who lust to climb Colorado’s Fourteeners.

This mining mecca on the National Register of Historic Places features 70 square blocks of homes and businesses that have weathered the test of time – an ambitious walking tour, if you decide to take it.  Free walking tour brochures are available at the Visitors Center office (809 Harrison Ave.)  downtown.

Be sure to stop in at the . This is not your Daddy’s Ace. It’s a unique blend of hardware store and antiques shop, a two-story wonderland of everything from 78 rpm records to the pages from mining operation logs. And it’s all for sale, some of it pretty cheap. But it’s free to browse – and delightful, too.

For a real kick in the ..um, pans, check out Leadville’s , the first weekend in August, the highlight of which is the annual . Spectators love this event and it’s free to watch.  Their motto: We’ve Been Hauling Ass for 70 Years!

If you plan to visit in winter, don’t miss the annual event, held the first weekend in March. For those who don’t’ know, ski-joring is “a competition where a horse and rider pull a skier at a fast pace through a course that has gates, jumps and rings.” It’s pretty wild and really fun to watch and that’s FREE.

Cheap things to do

Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States. / Rick DuVal photo

If you go in winter, and you like to ski, nearby  is a family-friendly resort with short or non-existent lift lines. Prices, compared to some of the state’s other ski areas, are quite reasonable. And it even has ski school for beginners. (Hint:  It’s even cheaper if you purchase lift tickets 48 hours in advance online.)

There’s also cross-country skiing at the  and it costs even less than downhill skiing, especially if you have your own cross-country skis.

Leadville is one of the best-preserved mining towns in the state and brags that it “has more original turn-of-the-century buildings and houses than any other mountain community” as well as “more museums and historical sites per capita than nearly any other city in Colorado.”

include: Healy House and Dexter Cabin, the Heritage Museum, the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum and Matchless Mine, the House with the Eye, Temple Israel, Tabor Home and the Tabor Opera House. A Museum Passport, also available at the Visitors Center, will give you information on all of them. Most are quite within a family’s budget.

Worth the price

Source: Leadville Mining Hall of Fame & Museum

All of Leadville’s museums are interesting, but our favorite it the , which is, even if you’re not all that interested in mining, pretty fascinating! You’ll see everything from gold dust to large chunks of the coveted mineral; you will learn about the minerals you eat every day; you’ll see a life-sized replica of a typical hard-rock mine; and much more.

The museum is open all year, but the famous Matchless Mine, which it now owns and for which it offers tours, is only accessible in the summer months.

Not convinced? Don’t take our word for it. The place was a Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice Winner, meaning they think it is in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide.

Admission for the Hall of Fame is $14 for adults, $12 for students, AAA members and retired military, and FREE for children younger than 6. Active military get in FREE during the summer.

The mine tour is $8 per person for the self-guided tour, $14 per adult for the guided tour, $12 for students, AAA members and retired military. Combination tickets are also available.

Call 719-486-1229 in advance for guided mine tour reservations. They book up fast.

If you’ve never ridden an old mining-era train, it’s worth the experience, but if you’ve done more ambitious routes in Colorado, the  train might not stack up to some others. However, it is a shorter ride, which is great for kids who get impatient on some of those longer routes.

Dining and Lodging

Hotel Delaware / Rick DuVal photo

Leadville has ample lodging, including some well-known chain motels outside the historic district, but also some tiny houses and private rooms for budget-conscious visitors (under $100 per night) and many are dog-friendly.  And if you’re really on a budget, there are many in the area.

If you want to splurge, consider staying at the . It’s a historic property that makes you feel like you should be unpacking your bloomers and mustache wax. This grand Victorian hotel is a remnant of the town’s glory days and is currently undergoing major renovations to make it even more comfortable while retaining its historic flair.

There’s a wide array of lodging available. MHOTC has a partnership with that allows you to on hotel rooms.

Then, type in your location (in this case Leadville, Colorado), along with check-in and check-out dates.

When it comes to dining, you won’t find a McDonald’s here due to the historic district designation, but locals love , a Cuban-style breakfast and lunch spot with a patio, with wildly creative pizzas, or the , an all plant-based foods eatery.  They reportedly have some great pastries.

Want to go a bit upscale? Try the with such offerings as local lamb, roasted salmon and whatever is fresh seasonally. Check out the rooftop dining for amazing views.

Getting to Leadville

From Denver: Take I-70 West to Colorado Highway 91 and go west. It’s about 100 miles and just shy of 2 hours diving time in normal traffic.

For more information, check out

“48 Hours” is a series of easy getaways within driving distance from Denver. Linda DuVal is an award-winning travel writer and former travel editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The post MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Leadville: A Mining Mecca appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Free stuff

Pawnee Buttes / Rick DuVal photo

Outdoorsy types must hike or bike the Poudre River Trail, or spend half a day (or more) driving and hiking in the nearby Pawnee National Grasslands, where the prairie meets the sky and mountains are just a suggestion to the west.

It’s here that James Michener’s book, “Centennial” begins his history of Colorado, set among the buttes and rattlesnakes. The Pawnee Buttes are stunning geological features. If you hike there, watch out for rattlesnakes!

Because of the University of Northern Colorado calling Greeley home, there’s no shortage of arts and culture within the city. Check out the many art galleries and musical performances, including its own philharmonic in season.

For Greeley Philharmonic season events and tickets, . The aforementioned art galleries make a few fun hours of browsing – no purchase necessary.

Love music? Don’t miss the Friday Fest Concert series in downtown Greeley every Friday night in the summer (now through September 16). The final one will be a full-blown celebration of Mexican Independence Day.

If you’re in town on August 20, join the Monster Day celebration downtown, featuring all kinds of live entertainment, food and yes, you can dress up for it. A Greeley company called Distortions makes “monsters” for movie sets, thus the inspiration for the free event. They do demonstrations that will entertain the whole family.  

Greeley also hosts 10 dog shows per year, all with free admission. For an events calendar, .

Cheap things to do

In summer, check out the huge Greeley Farmer’s Market — a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy. The produce is fresh and very affordable.

Families, and especially kids, come from miles around to play at the city’s , which includes an elaborate indoor water park with water slides and a flowing “river,” basketball courts, inline skating track, running track, full gym, 18-hole putt-putt golf course and a video game center. It’s located within the Twin Rivers Community Park. Admission is generally $5.

Centennial Village / Rick DuVal photo

The town also is home to a variety of museums, the most elaborate of which is the . This re-creation of a Plains town is gorgeously landscaped and includes some 60 structures, from granaries to Victorian homes, adobe houses to a church, representing the city’s settlement from 1860 to 1920.

A lot of people think the village was named for James Michener’s novel, but it wasn’t. It actually got its name because it was a bicentennial project, in 1976, that turned into a town treasure. Admission is affordable at $8 (adult), $6 (seniors 60+) and $5 (youth 3 to 17).

Colorado Model Railroad Museum / Rick DuVal photo

The will delight railroad buffs and just about anyone who appreciates its artistic setting.  It calls itself “the most scenic, one-of-a-kind model railroad” and includes the opportunity to walk through a real caboose and “stroll along the mountain vistas and peek into a miniature world of wonder” of HO scale models that run along thousands of feet of tracks.

Admission is $12 (adults), $6 (12 and younger), $10 (seniors 65+) and free for kids 3 and younger. There’s an added $1 off for military.

Worth the price

If you love the spills and thrills of live rodeo, don’t miss the , a nationally ranked two-week affair that celebrates its centennial this year, June 24 to July 4. It includes PRCA Rodeo events and big-name concerts (this year starring Brad Paisley). For rodeo and concert prices and times of events, .

Dining and Lodging

Sunflowers abound in Greeley / Rick DuVal photo

Restaurants range from brewpubs to ice cream shops. There are loads of mom-and-pop Mexican restaurants, but Alberto’s has long been known for its sweat-inducing green chile.

Kenny’s Steakhouse is locally popular for its good food and fair prices. Other ethnic cuisines also are represented, but the all-American steak rules on Greeley menus.

There’s a wide array of lodging available. MHOTC has a partnership with that allows you to on hotel rooms.

Then, type in your location (in this case Greeley, Colorado), along with check-in and check-out dates.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider camping. Camping is available at Island Grove Regional Park with 300 spaces, ranging from dry camping to full hook-ups, on its 145 spacious acres.

Getting to Greeley

From Denver: From I-25 north, take U.S. 85 north to Greeley. It’s about 60 miles.

For more information, check out

“48 Hours” is a series of easy getaways within driving distance from Denver. Linda DuVal is an award-winning travel writer and former editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The post MHOTC Travel – 48 Hours In Greeley: Hub of the Plains appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Felling lucky? Bet on saving big bucks with deals only our on-the-scene insider knows at .

Headed south to Colorado Springs for the day or a weekend? Check out .

Some other popular (and helpful) sites are , , , , , and .

Even if you aren’t headed to one of these destinations, feel free to recommend them to friends who either live there or are planning to visit. Cheapskates don’t let cheapskates overspend.

Bonus: If you are looking for deals on hotel rooms, look no further. We have a special partnership with a booking engine that finds you the best deals on lodging, tickets to attractions and packages. Check it out.

The post Traveling? Check Out Other ‘On The Cheap’ Sites and Some Great Hotel Deals appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Source: RVshare

Bring your own (pet-friendly) hotel

Accommodations at popular spring holiday destinations are expensive. Instead of spending hours searching online for affordable lodging, you can reserve an RV, take the whole family on a cross-country trip and bring your “hotel” with you. And if your family includes four-legged members, you can choose to bring them along and save hundreds on pet sitting or kennel fees. (Just remember that reservations are a good idea at popular RV campgrounds just like at hotels.)

Living the RV life is a great way to put a little distance between you and the world and still travel safely.

Pull up at a campsite in a national park, and tuck into comfy beds for the night.

Park at the beach and cook dinner in your own kitchen.

Drive across the country without ever stopping to use public restrooms.

Is it expensive to rent an RV?

The average price of an RVshare rental is $150/night. Older motorhome rental prices start at $100 a night, and travel trailers are as low as $50 a night. (Newer RVs start at $200/night for motorhomes and $125 for trailers.)

Compare that to the cost of plane tickets plus hotel accommodations. Think about the money you’ll save cooking in your camper rather than dining out. The benefit to your bank account is obvious.

By renting an RV, you eliminate the expenses of airfare, hotel rooms and eating out (though you can still choose to visit all the local “diners and dives” you find along the way). The views and freedom to set your own schedule each day? Priceless.

To save even more, use these tips when searching for a rental:

• Be flexible with dates
• Avoid holidays and peak seasons
• Find an RV with unlimited mileage and generator use
• Negotiate with owners on rates
• Rent longer for cheaper nightly rates
• Don’t get a bigger RV than you need

What if I have never driven an RV before?

Photo credit: RVshare

If you’re an RV novice, the experts at RVshare recommend looking for a class C or class B motorhome. For someone who has driven a traditional vehicle for years, these are much more natural to drive than the more bus-like class A RVs. They’re also far easier than towing most travel trailers.

What if I want to use an RV for lodging but not drive it?

You can take your hotel with you, or you can have your hotel come to you!

According to RVshare, It’s not uncommon for people to request RV deliveries.  RV delivery is convenient whether you’re:

• Nervous about driving one and would rather have it brought to you
• Testing out “living small” 
• Are staying at a campsite and want shelter
• Planning a large event and need places for people to stay
• Are looking for temporary housing, perhaps while your home is under construction
• Want to stay in a trailer but don’t have a truck with which to tow it
• Having a backyard camping week with the kids
• Are attending a festival and need affordable lodgings for a group

Peer-to-peer rentals like RVshare have plenty of options for RV delivery; you just have to do a little extra digging. The process is very similar to renting an RV that you plan to drive, except you don’t have to get behind the wheel. The owner will bring the RV right to the location for you. Once there, they’ll set it up and show you how all the systems work. They’ll hand over the keys, and the RV is your new home for the time being.

Should you buy an RV or rent one?

One of the best reasons to rent an RV is that it’s an affordable vacation choice, with a range of options and price points to fit your budget and travel style.

Let’s face it, buying an RV is expensive, especially if you go for the high-end luxury types that really allow you to travel in comfort. A travel trailer or motor home will cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $300,000, and then you have to maintain it once you own it.

A much smarter option for the casual vacationer is to rent an RV. If you later decide you do want to own one, you’ll have a much better idea of what to look for.

Choosing an RV is like booking a vacation home 

In many ways, booking an RVshare RV rental is just like organizing a stay in a regular vacation home.

Plug in your dates, price range and location, then filter results by the type of RV (drivable motorhomes vs. towable travel trailers and popups) or the amenities you need (number of beds, pet-friendly, specific kitchen amenities, etc.). The owner will make sure the RV is neat and clean before your stay.

Benefits of RV travel

Source: RVshare

RV travel has always been a convenient way to roll your vacation transportation and lodging into one. With more people able to work remotely, traveling without having to use up vacation days makes spur-of-the-moment road trips much easier.

No need to bother with flight delays and lost luggage at the airport.

No sweating over fiddly tent setups and primitive cooking conditions at a campground.

You can skip the uncomfortable or noisy motels, bad or overpriced road food, and emergency bathroom breaks at dodgy gas stations in the middle of nowhere.

The benefits are magnified for travelers who still aren’t comfortable in crowds and want to maintain social distancing practices. Because of this, RV travel has been steadily rising in popularity since 2020. 

With an RV rental, you have your own self-contained unit for traveling, sleeping, eating and using the bathroom. That means you can avoid crowded rest stops on your road trips.

You won’t need to wear a mask when you travel or worry about washing your hands all the time.

You can bypass the hotels with their communal elevators and facilities, and pass up unmasked indoor restaurant dining for cooking with groceries you brought from home. (Or do takeout at your comfortable dinette.)

Planning for your RV getaway

Source: RVshare

Once you have chosen your , now you need to reserve your camping spot.

Before you leave on your RV road trip, visit campground reservations sites such at , which has many state parks and private campgrounds, or , which is exclusively for booking at the many wonderful Corps of Engineers campgrounds around the U.S.

You’ll want to reserve in advance because camping is still a hot trend for vacations this year. 

Full hookup sites (those including electric, water, and sewer) often sell out first at many campgrounds. 

When booking a spot, you’ll need to know the length of your rental camper and what types of hookups it has. For example, if you’re renting a high-end RV, you might need a 50 amp electrical service and room for a 30-foot camper with slide-outs.

Map out acceptable overnight parking places before you go. (Did you know that Walmarts, truck stops and casinos are among the places that welcome RVs?) Consider making your overnight campground reservations in advance too, in case some are limiting campers or selling out from high demand.

Where can you travel in an RV?

Source: RVshare

You can take your RV anywhere you’re willing to drive to from your home, so the options, both near and far, are abundant.

You can choose to tow or drive your rental, or look for delivery and setup rental options near the campground or RV park of your choice.

National parks: National parks and other nature-based destinations are extremely popular year-round. Families want a 360-degree view and space to roam and explore. The areas near national and state parks are typically flush with campgrounds that welcome RVs.

RVshare reports that the top national park destinations for RVers are Yellowstone, Arches, Grand Canyon, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains and Glacier national parks.

Special events: Plan your trip around a sporting or cultural event. Some events that are popular among RVers include concerts, rodeos and horse shows at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., a tourist attraction with horse shows, a museum, and year-round activities at the Equine Theme Park. 

Beaches: The beach is always a top summer vacation destination, whether it’s on an ocean or a lake, but you might actually enjoy southern beaches just as much (or more) during the cooler weather of spring. You can find some RV-friendly campgrounds at or near the beach. RVshare maintains a list of some of the , or you can search for sites with hookups near your favorite beach town.

Family visits: If haven’t seen your family since last year, a visit to your relatives might be in the cards this summer. Bring your RV lodging with you so you can socialize outdoors and not have to crowd into spare bedrooms and sleep on floors. Just be sure to check rules about acceptable places to park an RV in your relatives’ hometown. Some cities have restrictions on RV parking.

Long road trip: Got lots of time? Plan an epic coast-to-coast road trip around the United States in a recreational vehicle from RVshare. Visit iconic attractions across the country or crazy ones, like the Biggest Ball of Twine or Carhenge.

Video: Own an RV? Put it to work in the off-season and boost your income.
Don’t let your RV sit idle in storage this season! List it on RVshare and help ensure that families, medical professionals and others have a home away from home this season — all while earning some money for you.

The post Want To Get Away For Spring Break? Rent An RV appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

In Colorado — and in many other parts of the country — fall is the perfect time to go camping. Campgrounds are less crowded, lakes are surrounded by trees sporting gorgeous fall color, and the temperatures are perfect for campfires.

And many folks are still trying to find that involve flying and staying in hotels (or squeezing all the uncles and aunts and nephews and nieces into a relative’s house for the holidays).

Rather than flying south for the winter, take the family on a cross-country trip and bring your ‘hotel’ with you.

Source: RVshare

Living the RV life is a great way to put a little distance between you and the world, and travel safely.

Pull up at a campsite in a national park, and tuck into comfy beds for the night.

Park at the beach and cook dinner in your own kitchen.

Drive across the country without ever stopping to use public restrooms.

Is it expensive to rent an RV?

The average price of an RVshare rental is $150/night. Older motorhome rental prices start at $100 a night, travel trailers as low as $50 a night. (Newer RVs start at $200/night for motorhomes and $125 for trailers.)

Compare that to the cost of plane tickets plus hotel accommodations. Think about the money you’ll save cooking in your camper rather than dining out. The benefit to your bank account is obvious.

By renting an RV, you eliminate the expenses of airfare, hotel rooms, and eating out. But your view will be awesome. 

Should you buy an RV or should you rent one?

One of the best reasons (in our opinion) to rent an RV is that it’s an affordable vacation choice, with a range of options and price points to fit your budget and travel style.

Let’s face it, buying an RV is expensive – especially if you go for the high-end luxury types that really allow you to travel in comfort. A travel trailer or motorhome will cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $300,000 – and then you have to maintain it once you own it.

A much smarter option for the casual vacationer is to rent an RV. If you later decide you do want to own one, you’ll have a much better idea of what to look for.

RV rentals through RVshare

Online services like RVshare make it easy to find rental RVs. Like the Airbnb of recreational vehicles, RVshare allows you to search for available vehicles and rent them directly from the owner.

You can even get the RV delivered right to your door.

is the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. Founded in 2013, the company has more than 100,000 vehicles available – everything from affordable travel trailers to luxury motorhomes that can accommodate any adventure in comfort and style. You might technically be camping, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it.

Vacation home or RV rental?

In many ways, booking an RVshare RV rental is just like organizing a stay in a regular vacation home.

Plug in your dates, price range and location, then filter results by the type of RV (drivable motorhomes vs. towable travel trailers and popups) or the amenities you need (number of beds, pet-friendly, specific kitchen amenities, etc.). The owner will make sure the RV is neat and clean before your stay.

Benefits of RV travel

RVs can be used for housing guests, home offices, and even as a second kitchen during the holidays.

RV travel has always been a convenient way to roll your vacation transportation and lodging into one.

No need to bother with flight delays and lost luggage at the airport.

No sweating over fiddly tent setups and primitive cooking conditions at a campground.

You can skip the uncomfortable or noisy motels, bad or over-priced road food, and emergency bathroom breaks at dodgy gas stations in the middle of nowhere.

The benefits are magnified for travelers who still aren’t comfortable in crowds and want to maintain social distancing practices – especially if they haven’t been vaccinated. Because of this, RV travel has been steadily rising in popularity since 2020. In fact, almost of 80% of renters in 2020 were platform.

With an RV rental, you have your own self-contained unit for traveling, sleeping, eating and using the bathroom. That means you can avoid crowded rest stops on your road trips.

You won’t need to wear a mask when you travel or worry about washing your hands all the time.

You can bypass the hotels with their communal elevators and facilities, and pass up unmasked indoor restaurant dining for cooking with groceries you brought from home. (Or takeout at your comfortable dinette.)

Planning for your RV getaway

Once you have chosen your , now you need to reserve your camping spot.

Before you leave on your RV road trip, visit campground reservations sites such at , which has many state parks and private campgrounds, or , which is exclusively for booking at the many awesome Corps of Engineers campgrounds around the U.S.

You’ll want to reserve in advance because camping is still a hot trend for vacations this year. 

Full hookup sites – those including electric, water, and sewer – often sell out first at many campgrounds. 

When booking a spot, you’ll need to know the length of your rental camper and what types of hookups it has. For example, if you’re renting a high-end RV, you might need a 50 amp electrical service and room for a 30-foot camper with slide-outs.

Map out acceptable overnight parking places before you go. (Did you know that Walmarts, truck stops and casinos are among the places that welcome RVs?) Consider making your overnight campground reservations in advance too, in case some are limiting campers or selling out from high demand.

Where can you travel in an RV?

You can take your RV anywhere you’re willing to drive to from your home, so the options, both near and far, are abundant.

You can choose to tow or drive your rental, or look for delivery and setup rental options near the campground or RV park of your choice.

National parks: National parks and other nature-based destinations are extremely popular year-round. Families want a 360-degree view and space to roam and explore. The great outdoors is the perfect place to social distance. The areas near national and state parks are typically flush with campgrounds that welcome RVs.

RVshare reports that the top national park destinations for RVers are Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains and Sequoia National Parks.

Beach: The beach is always a top summer vacation destination, whether it’s on an ocean or a lake, but you might actually enjoy southern beaches just as much (or more) during the cooler weather of fall. You can find some RV-friendly campgrounds at or near the beach. RVshare maintains a list of some of the , or you can search for sites with hookups near your favorite beach town.

Family visits: If haven’t seen your family since last year, a visit to your relatives might be in the cards this summer. Bring your RV lodging with you so you can socialize outdoors and not have to crowd into spare bedrooms and sleep on floors. Just be sure to check rules about acceptable places to park an RV in your relatives’ hometown. Some cities have restrictions on RV parking.

Road trip: Got lots of time? Plan an epic coast-to-coast road trip around the United States in a recreational vehicle from RVshare. Visit iconic attractions across the country or crazy ones, like the Biggest Ball of Twine or Carhenge.

Video: Own an RV? Put it to work in the off-season and boost your income.
Don’t let your RV sit idle in storage this season! List it on RVshare and help ensure that families, medical professionals, and others have a home away from home this season – all while earning some money for you.

The post Want To Get Away This Fall? Rent An RV appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Whether you are envisioning a relaxing trip to the beach, a thrilling amusement park visit or exploring one of our great National Parks, there are ways to make a vacation fit your budget. With careful planning and great resources, you can enjoy travel on the cheap.

Already know where you want to go?

Don’t know where to start? Plan ahead and start saving! While we love travel, you shouldn’t go into debt for a vacation. Once you have a trip in mind, add up the potential expenses so you know how much you’ll need to save before you can book your trip.

Throw extra earnings into savings, sell unwanted items, and avoid making unnecessary purchase to help grow your vacation fund.

Planning travel on the cheap

When you’re planning a vacation, think of the 5 W’s+H:

Who: Who’s going on the trip? Just your family? A group of friends? Multiple families (grandparents, siblings’ families, friends with their kids, etc).

What: What type of vacation do you want to take? Beach, adventure, theme park, city, international? What’s your budget?

Where: Do you have a specific destination in mind or are you open to options?

When: When do you want to go? Do you have specific dates or flexibility?

Why: What do you want to get out of your trip? Relaxation, education, adventure, family bonding, or a combination?

How: How will you get there and how will you pay for it?

Once you’ve decided on a trip, see if the destination has a . Follow along with the local website for insider info about attractions, dining out, fun events, and more!

Split the costs with a group trip

One way to save money is to share the costs with another group or family. If you are traveling with a group of friends, or with other families or your parents/grandparents, booking a rental with multiple bedrooms may be less expensive than each family booking hotel rooms. If you are driving, you may be able to ride together and split the costs of fuel and snacks as well.

If you are traveling with kids, take turns staying with the young ‘uns while the other parents take a break or make it a date night. You can also split up into separate groups. Some can go to the beach or pool, while others go shopping, take an excursions or snooze.

Just make sure you have similar vacationing styles of your fellow travelers to avoid conflict and differing expectations — especially if you are sharing accommodations or vehicles.

Time your trip to save money

If your schedule is flexible, try to plan your trip slightly off-season. Holidays, spring break, and Memorial Day through Labor Day are the most expensive times to travel.

While you may not want to visit a beach when the temperature will be 50 degrees, if you can travel a week or two before peak season, you’ll enjoy good weather, fewer crowds and will save on accommodations.

For those with school-aged kids, flexible scheduling may be more difficult. If you are okay with them missing a few days of school, you can save money and avoid crowds at popular attractions.

When should you book?

Planning ahead can get you the best accommodations before supply and demand increases the prices. Try to book a vacation rental or house 6 to 12 months in advance — or more, especially if you are traveling during peak time.

You can also save money by booking last minute as well! Hotels and rental property owners would rather give a big discount than have a room or property sit empty for a week.

Getting to your destination

Driving may seem like an obvious money-saver, but you have to account for gas expense, wear and tear on your vehicle, and the extra time it will take to get to and from your destination. If you can find flights for a reasonable price, flying may be your best option.

Driving will usually be cheaper, but for travel over 10 to 12 hours, you may want to weigh the benefits vs. the cost, especially if you are taking young kids.

Whether you choose to drive or fly will depend on distance, access to a dependable vehicle, and cost.

Driving to your destination

Driving allows you to bring more of the things you may need, without having to meet airline luggage restrictions. Shop before you depart at home and pack your favorite snacks, beach towels or other essential gear, plus toys and gear for the kids, and anything else you can fit in your vehicle.

For destinations more than a 12-hour drive, plan on multiple stops to eat, stretch your legs, or rest. You may need break up the drive into two days, requiring a hotel stay along your route.

Flying to your destination

By flying, you’ll get there faster, and you won’t have the hassle of traffic and multiple stops. However, by flying, you’ll have luggage restrictions, and may need a rental car or other transportation once you get to your destination.

You will also have to pay for airport parking (unless a friend can drive you), and are at the mercy of delayed flights. Here’s info on Denver International Airport transportation and parking options.

For destinations with public transportation, a resort-style vacation, or walkable cities, you may not need a rental car. Check for shuttle options from the airport, public transportation, or use ride-sharing options like Lyft and Uber to get to your hotel or rental property, and then walk or rent bikes to get around town.

Flying with kids

Flying with young children requires some advance planning. Most airlines offer early boarding for families with young kids. Strollers and car seats can be gate checked or checked with luggage for free.

You can also use car seats on the flight, but you’ll have to make sure they will fit seat dimensions and are FAA compliant. Taking car seats on a flight is a great option for infants and infant seats, but can be a hassle for toddlers who don’t like to be strapped in their full-sized car seats.

Pack treats and toys, plus snacks. And then pack more snacks (they will eat them all!). It’s okay to be a little relaxed on your electronics usage or types of snacks consumed when you are on a flight for the sake of your sanity.

Don’t book a red-eye flight expecting your child to sleep on the flight. It doesn’t always work out that way, and then you are stuck entertaining your sleep-deprived child while others around you try to sleep.

And remember, kids under age 2 fly free on almost all airlines as a lap child! If there’s an empty seat next to you, they will allow your lap child to use it.

While cars seats aren’t required on all types of public transportation (such as subways, buses, and trolleys), you need to bring your own car seats or boosters if you plan to ride in other vehicles. But remember – car seats are free to baggage check or gate check on flights. I prefer to gate check the seats as gate checked items are taken directly from the jet bridge to the airplane, which gives them less chance of being thrown around or piled under other heavy bags.

I recommend a travel bag like the  to protect your car seat in flight and make it easier to carry. The bags are padded and will protect the seat better if the luggage handlers aren’t careful with them. As an added bonus, you can usually get away with sticking extra items in the car seat bag, such as diapers, beach towels, toys, or extra shoes/hats.

Don’t stash anything of importance in case the bag rips or the airline prohibits it, but my family has done this for multiple trips without issue. If you don’t wish to carry the car seat on your back, you can get an to attach the car seat to your luggage for transport, or use a cart at the airport.

Check out budget airlines!

Budget airlines can make flights cheaper than driving in some cases. We’ve flown Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant Air on multiple occasions, and as along as you understand the restrictions, you can save a lot of money. These airlines offer an inexpensive base fare, but any extras add additional fees. Nothing is free.

Budget flights are a great option for those who pack light, otherwise, baggage fees will add up. Budget airlines allow for one small personal bag per person for free (such as a backpack, purse, or other small bag), that must fit under the seat in front of you. Larger carry-ons that fit in the luggage bin above the seats, and checked bags require additional fees.

You may be able to pay for 1 large checked bag to share with your family, and each take a personal bag – just be careful with the dimensions of your personal bag. fits the dimensions for the personal limits for Spirit (18-by-14-8 inches), Allegiant (7-by-15-by-16 inches) and Frontier (14-by-18-by-8 inches).

will also fit under the seat for Spirit and Frontier. The top part will have to be zipped down to board the flight and fit under the seat, but the expandable top makes it easy to carry your jacket and/or snacks through the airport.

Diaper bags do not count against your personal bag allowance if you have young kids, so you can bring a personal bag for each adult and child (excluding lap children), and an additional diaper bag.

Since there are no free refreshments on budget flights, you should plan to bring your own snacks and drinks. A separate bag containing food or drink that you plan to consume on the flight, and/or reading material, do not count against your personal baggage allotment. A small reusable cloth bag is good for this, or you can even just use a plastic grocery bag.

You can bring a coat or jacket on the flight without having to fit it in your bag. You will pay to pick seats, but if you are OK with the whole family not sitting together, they won’t make your kids sit without a parent. A family of four may be assigned one adult with both children and the other adult separate, or one adult with each child.

Budget flights aren’t for everyone. They only fly to and from select airports, and typically have fewer route options per week (as an example, they may only fly to and from a select destination on Sundays and Thursday). There IS less leg room, and the seats don’t recline, but we have priced out a $200+ difference (each way) between budget flights and the other airlines multiple times in the past.

Accommodations and Dining

The two main options you’ll have when booking a vacation are hotel accommodations, or a vacation rental (house, apartment, condo, cabin, etc). 

Hotels

Hotels are easy and convenient. You can stay one night, or as long as you need. Staff is on site to address any issues, and may be able to give tips and suggestions about the area. You aren’t responsible for cleaning at the end of your trip (besides picking up after yourself out of respect).

Hotels may offer more amenities such as a pool, fitness area, on-site food and snack options, discounts for area attractions, shuttles, and more.

Hotels are perfect if you want to be closer to attractions, and don’t need a lot of room to spread out. Families larger than 5 may need to book an additional room or a suite depending on occupancy restrictions. Suites are especially nice for families, and allow young kids to have an earlier bedtime than the adults.

If you stay in a hotel you will have to dine out for most of your meals, unless you book a room with a kitchenette. Hotel rooms typically offer a small fridge to keep some food in your room for snacks, drinks, quick meals (like sandwich ingredients for lunch), and leftovers.

Many hotels offer a continental breakfast of fruit and coffee, while others provide a free full breakfast buffet for guests. If you are able to eat breakfast at your hotel, you could save $20 to $60 per day (or more) for a family of five compared to getting fast food or dining at a restaurant. 

Check for parking charges before you book if you have a vehicle with you. Some hotels charge $20 to $50 and up PER NIGHT in cities and destinations where parking is limited, and may charge for in/out privileges. That can add to costs significantly.

MHOTC Tip: If you want to make sure you are saving the most money, call aRes Travel at  1-888-330-9972. Travel counselors can often find you a better hotel deal than what appears online.

Vacation rentals

If you are traveling with a group or have a large family, the cost of booking multiple hotel rooms can add up quickly. With vacation rentals, such as houses, condos, cabins, and apartments, you can fit multiple families or a group of friends, and divide the costs. You’ll have more personal space to spread out in a rental.

Parents can take turns watching all of the kids while others go out or spend some time alone. In addition, if you have young kids that go to sleep earlier, they can go to sleep in bedrooms while older kids and adults stay awake longer to socialize or watch TV in the common areas. Rentals typically have minimum stays of 4 to 7 nights, which may vary between peak and off-peak season.

Most vacation rentals offer a full kitchen, 1 to 10+ bedrooms, plus living room space, laundry facilities, and parking for your vehicle. They also may include extras such as beach towels, umbrellas, beach toys, bikes, games, books, and more. Some rentals offer pack-n-plays, highchairs, or other gear for young children if requested and available.

While rentals may be less expensive than booking hotel rooms, they can come with additional responsibilities. Some rental properties have a long list of rules and restrictions, and may require you to vacuum, start laundry, and clean before you leave. It’s very important to communicate with the rental owner before you arrive so you understand all of the policies and/or amenities.

While they are cleaned in between guests, the range of cleanliness when you arrive can vary between rentals, and cleaners aren’t on site if you’re unsatisfied. Property management may not be on site for individual homes, so issues may take longer to be resolved. Rentals usually have more decorative items, and if these are accidentally broken, you may lose out on your security deposit.

It’s important to research the location of the rental so you can ensure it’s a safe area consistent with your expectations. Owners can portray their properties however they choose, so reading reviews can be very important and helpful.

If you have kids staying with you, we suggest taking photos of the rental when you arrive, and then moving/adjusting anything breakable or not child safe during your stay. The photos can help you return the items to where they belong when its time to leave.

If you see anything damaged when you arrive, make sure the owner is notified immediately so you won’t be held responsible. Many use property management and cleaning companies, so the owners don’t always see the units in between rentals.

Dining options

Whether you stay in a hotel or rental, you should always bring snacks from home (if you drive), or find a grocery store to purchase snacks and meal options upon arrival. Convenience stores and tourist shops will always be more expensive, so you if you go a little further away from the tourist traps to a major grocery store or big box store, prices should be lower.

Don’t go overboard with buying food. It’s better to have to buy more later, than to throw away unopened food when you leave.

Try to be realistic about how much you plan to dine out. If you don’t like cooking, you probably won’t do much of that while you’re on vacation — even if you have a full kitchen. Make sure your budget includes room for unplanned dining excursions.

Try to have one meal per day as grab and go from snacks or easily prepared food, like fruit/donuts/cereal bars for breakfast, or sandwiches, fruit, and chips for lunch.

If you can time your meal during happy hour, you may be able to enjoy drinks and appetizers for much less. Many young kids won’t eat a full restaurant meal, so you may be able to split your meal with them, or have them share a meal with an additional side item. Check to see if there are any local “kids eat free” promotions during your stay.

Package Deals

Sometimes it just makes sense to bundle your costs. If you are visiting national attractions, resorts, or large amusement parks, you may be able to bundle your hotel, admission tickets, meal plans, and local transportation for one price with significant savings. Hotels near amusement parks may even offer packages with FREE admission tickets and shuttles with your stay.

You can find great package deals including hotel and admission, or ticket bundles for multiple attractions with (a partner with this website).

They offer tons of ticket packages and combo deals that will help you save on hotels, dining, attractions in places like Orlando and Disney World Theme Parks, Southern California, Williamsburg, Nashville, San Antonio, and more.

For example, package deals for Disney World or Universal Orlando may include an on-site property with transportation to and from the park (saving you time and $$ for parking), early admission, meal deals, admission tickets, park hopper passes, and more for less than booking each element separately.

You don’t want to overbook your vacation with excursions and attractions, but purchasing your tickets in advance and bundled with others parts of your trip can save you money.

All-inclusive resorts and cruises may seem like they are expensive up front, but you can find great deals such as kids stay free promotions, free additional nights, free excursions, and your meals and drinks are all included!

You’ll need to bring money for tips, shopping, and extra excursions, but you won’t have to worry about the cost of each meal, drink, and experience you enjoy while on vacation.

Enjoy your trip!

Researching, saving for, and booking family travel can be intimidating and stressful, but you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. Involving your family in the planning and budgeting process can teach kids about the value of money, and the importance of making good financial choices.

When kids are asking for a toy while you’re shopping, you can ask them if they’d rather go to “fill-in-the-blank” or buy the toy.

It may take some discussion for them to understand delayed gratification, or why they can’t have both, but these talks can set them up for a successful financial future. Spending money on travel and experiences are almost always more valuable than possessions and buying “stuff”.

No one ever grew older and said they wished they would have taken less vacations, but many will say they wish they would have bought less “stuff” so they could have traveled more.

More articles about traveling on the cheap

• How to rent a RV or camper
• Denver International Airport parking & transportation options
• Colorado Field Guide Took-Kit makes it easy to tour the state
• Colorado’s Historic Hot Springs Loop

Val McCauley is the mother of two and publisher of .

The post Tips For Traveling With Family & Friends On A Budget appeared first on ĂÛÌÒÁ”ÈË.

Are you dreaming of a getaway, but have only a few days? Looking for art galleries or hiking trails? Trying to avoid the usual hot spots and discover something new? The homepage has a handy search criteria, so travelers can check out different itinerary ideas based on journey time or direction of travel.

Each itinerary comes with recommended lodging and dining suggestions and is packed with daily activities. Search the full breadth of diverse activities for inspiration or pair unheard-of activities in a destination: stargazing to golf, wine tasting to hunting, mine tours to zip lining.

Photo courtesy Colorado Tourism Office

The Colorado Field Guide is the best place to dig for new destinations and regional road trips. Never heard of Sterling? It just so happens to be home to Parts and Labor, the only brewery east of the 1-25 corridor.

Despite being a small mom and pop brewery, the brews are already getting wide recognition, having been featured in Food & Wine Magazine as one of the top 25 breweries in the state. Parts & Labor is known for their wheat beers, which are produced from wheat grown just 5 miles from the brewery.

Want to know more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary:  itinerary.

Or try a new region: Northwest Colorado’s Grand Mesa is one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, and its landscape sets it apart from much of the rest of Colorado — that so many lakes can be found so close together is a bit of an anomaly in this high-altitude state.

Alexander Lake Lodge in Cedaredge is the perfect home base for activities and exploration of the area. Check out the Field Guide itinerary: .

Photo courtesy Colorado Tourism Office

If a destination is new to you, no worries, the Colorado Field Guide includes the best dining, where to stay, and the highlights of outdoor recreation or culture, plus events visitors won’t want to miss.

Fruita is well-known for as one of Colorado’s leading mountain biking destinations, but the Field Guide offers a broader insight of activities to check out, including local parks and public lands worth hiking, or local farms such as Moon Farms that offers tours of its petting zoo, plus the important scoop on where to get the best tacos in town. Check out the Field Guide itinerary: .

Photo courtesy Colorado Tourism Office

It’s the locals who are in the know, and the Field Guide has tapped its sources to get the low-down so travelers can bag a unique view or exciting activity. A must-see road trip in Southwest Colorado takes visitors via the canyon-clinging stretch of spectacular roadway between Silverton, Durango and Ouray called “The Million Dollar Highway” either because it cost so much to build, the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill or the figurative price for those amazing San Juan Mountain views.

The insider tip recommends lunch in the trees at Soaring Treetop Adventures, where visitors can enjoy a four-course gourmet lunch on a suspended platform overlooking the beautiful Animas River. Check out the Field Guide itinerary: .

Nestled in western Colorado’s North Fork Valley, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Paonia offer access to some of the state’s greatest natural treasures and activities. Explore landmarks like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, partake in quintessential pastimes like fly-fishing, hiking, and wine tasting, and enjoy Rocky Mountain hospitality at its finest.

Cozy up on a porch swing at The Stone House Inn for some primo stargazing, or take a drive up to the Needle Rock trailhead—where artificial light is nonexistent—another incredible stargazing locale. Check out the Field Guide itinerary: .

Photo courtesy Colorado Tourism Office

You’ll even find new ways to road trip. A novel way to look at Colorado’s mountain towns is through the lens of creative arts and culture. Colorado’s new Creative Corridor runs through a handful of the state’s Certified Creative Districts, including Carbondale, the North Fork Valley, Crested Butte, Ridgway and Salida — not to mention stunning landscapes, restaurants serving locally sourced menus and the spirit of the arts around every corner. You can check out the Field Guide itinerary: .

There’s even a section on voluntourism opportunities. The Colorado Field Guide has partnered with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado to connect travelers with ways to care for the state’s natural resources.

A downloadable app features a calendar of volunteering events taking place in local towns and regions, such as river clean-ups and trail building, as well as task lists and inspiration for giving back. You can collect points to earn badges via the app.

Want to learn even more about traveling the Centennial State? Now get the FREE (paper) guide to Colorado summer vacations, which comes with a map, super-cool sticker pack and more. .

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The ultimate hot springs itinerary is a 720-mile route called the along several roads designated as Colorado Scenic Byways. Starting from any of the five resort towns, take a week to 10 days to really experience these special places.

From Denver, begin the trip in Chaffee County, the communities of Buena Vista, Nathrop, and Salida, along the Top of the Rockies and Collegiate Peaks byways. Then travel 140 mountainous miles south to Pagosa Springs.

After weaving through the San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway, in 130 miles Ouray and Ridgway are the next stops.

The West Elk Loop goes 175 miles through wine country, fruit stands, orchards, and organic farms on the way to Glenwood Springs. Finally, 114 miles of canyons and ranchlands to Steamboat Springs completes the journey.

All of these communities offer affordable places to eat, sleep and, of course, soak away your cares. Here’s what you’ll discover:

Mount Elbert, the highest point in Colorado at 14,433 feet, towers over Chaffee County. Fifteen “14ers” (14,000-foot peaks) dominate this area along the Continental Divide creating prime terrain for the eruption of hot water from the earth. The same topography formed the Arkansas, the state’s most popular whitewater rafting river.

Outside of Buena Vista, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is a full-service retreat with five geothermal pools, a spa and club, 30 log cabins, and 40+ hotel rooms. Wade into Chalk Creek to access the natural hot pots.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop

According to Guinness World Records, the Great Pagosa Hot Springs is officially the World’s Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring. This mother spring not only supplies the resorts but is also a heating source for downtown sidewalks and several businesses, including a brewery.

Terraced along the bank of the San Juan River are the 23 mineral pools of The Springs Resort & Spa. Each spot is a different size and temperature. The Lobster Pot sizzles at 110°F. Mineral deposits have built up for centuries creating huge iron-colored formations.

The rope bridge over the pond allows close inspection. Hotel guests can take a dip any time with 24-hour access.

Pagosa Springs

Ouray is a Switzerland look-alike. Brightly painted Victorian buildings line Main Street. Lodges resemble chalets. Ouray has earned the title of Jeeping Capitol of the World. And the Ouray Ice Park offers the best ice climbing in Colorado.

Odorless sulfur-free thermal waters bubble up everywhere. The iconic Ouray Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center provides family fun. This 90-year old facility just completed a major renovation.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

At two blocks long, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is considered to be the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. The source, Yampah Spring flows at 3.5 million gallons of water daily. The award-winning spa and 107-room lodge are geothermally heated.

Doc Holliday came for the healing vapors to treat his tuberculosis. Fans pay homage to the dentist/gunslinger by making the trek to his memorial in Linwood Cemetery or by sipping a beer under the Doc Holliday Saloon neon gun sign.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

There is a true Western vibe here so channel your inner-cowboy. For a rustic wilderness setting, soak at the creekside Strawberry Park Hot Springs built using unique stone masonry. Stay in a secluded cabin or campsite right on the property.

Float downstream on an inner-tube along the refreshing Yampa River. Festivals celebrate hot air balloons, rodeos, eats, libations, and tunes. Wintertime brings famous champagne powder to Ski Town, USA. Howelsen Hill is the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America and Colorado’s oldest ski area in continuous use for over 100 years.

Steamboat Old Town Hot Springs

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