green living, smart spending
Food is becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience. New data shows restaurants are influencing where travelers go, where they stay and how they plan, with 61% of Americans having chosen a destination because of its food or restaurant scene. And I would add the craft beer scene and wineries and wine tours.
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Now that my hometown is back on top of the must visit destination list, here’s how to enjoy NYC on the cheap. Summer is a great time to be in NYC, for FREE FIFA World Cup events, NYC Restaurant Week meal deals, FREE outdoor food and crafts festivals, FREE Shakespeare in NYC parks, FREE outdoor
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There are hundreds of FREE watch parties, including for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and winner-take-all World Championship game on July 19, plus restaurant dining deals and more. Here’s your ultimate guide to FIFA in New York City, to watch your favorite team and be part of the energy, and avoid paying tens of thousands of dollars
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Some of the best reasons to visit national parks are the chance to spot wildlife, including bison, elk, bear, moose, wolves, eagles, trumpeter swans and more. Plus, of course, hundreds of species of birds. With more than 400 national parks and preserves in the National Parks System, there’s plenty of opportunity.
July 4th 2026 is the 250th birthday of the United States, and New York City is celebrating in a big way, with multiple FREE events including fireworks, a parade of tall-masted sailing ships, special Times Square ball drops, concerts, museum admission and more. Here is your complete guide to FREE Independence Day and 250th America
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One of the best things to do on a warm spring or summer day is a picnic in the park. Here are the best picnic spots in NYC’s Central Park, whether you bring your own food or purchase take-out at one of the local cafes, and the rules and restrictions for barbecuing or grilling.
Valle Nevado, South America’s premier ski destination in the Andes Mountains of Chile, opens to skiers and snowboarders for the 2026 winter season beginning June 19, through October. The big news is the new link to neighboring La Parva Ski Resort, to ski both on a single lift ticket or season pass, totaling 4,000 acres
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Reminder that the National Park Service has changed the days for free admission in 2026, dropping Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth and adding President Trump’s birthday. Other traditional free admission days remain, including Presidents Day (Monday, Feb. 16) , Memorial Day, Independence Day, Constitution Day, Veterans Day, President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27)
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Travel insurance is as essential as auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance. Political unrest, severe weather and software glitches mean cancelled and delayed flights, missing a cruise or a wedding, not just your luggage. Simply, never leave home without it. The choice is what kind of coverage you want to buy, and whether it is a per-trip policy or annual coverage.
Take the train and avoid long airport check-in lines, flight delays and cancellations and high gas prices for road trips. These are the best scenic train trips in the USA, ranging from a few hours to a few days, including on vintage steam trains.