Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

Brooklyn: NYC’s Hottest Neighborhood

Brooklyn: NYC's Hottest Neighborhood

Brooklyn has long been New York City’s most populous borough, and in recent years, it has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in the city. With its close proximity to Manhattan, world-famous attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island, and thriving food and nightlife scene, it’s no wonder that Brooklyn is becoming increasingly popular with visitors worldwide. Here are just five of the many reasons why Brooklyn is NYC’s best neighborhood to visit.

Reason #1: The Sights

Brooklyn is home to some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. The Brooklyn Bridge, which spans the East River and connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, is one of the most recognizable symbols of New York City. For breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, head to Brooklyn Heights Promenade or One World Observatory at One World Trade Center. And don’t forget about world-renowned Coney Island, home of the Cyclone roller coaster, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and the annual Mermaid Parade.

Reason #2: The Food

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven in Brooklyn. From trendy restaurants in Williamsburg to hole-in-the-wall pizza shops in Bushwick, there’s something for everyone. And with so many ethnic enclaves like Little Italy and Chinatown, you can find authentic cuisine from all over the world without ever having to leave Brooklyn.

Reason #3: The Nightlife

Brooklyn is becoming known as the borough with the best nightlife scene in NYC. Whether you’re looking for laid-back bars or thumping clubs, you’ll find it all in Brooklyn. Williamsburg is especially popular with young professionals, while Bushwick has become a hotspot for hipsters and artists. Then there’s Downtown Brooklyn, where you’ll find some of the city’s best concert venues and theaters.

Reason #4: The Shopping

Whether you’re looking for vintage finds or designer labels, you’ll be able to find it all in Brooklyn. Check out thrift shops like Beacon’s Closet or L Train Vintage in Williamsburg, or browse upscale boutiques like Oscar de la Renta or Rebecca Taylor in Cobble Hill. For a more unique shopping experience, head to one of Brooklyn’s many flea markets such as Fort Greene Flea Market or Park Slope Flea Market. There’s something for every budget in Brooklyn.

Reason #5: The Art Scene

Brooklyn is home to a thriving art scene with countless galleries and museums to explore. Whether you are interested in contemporary art or want to check out exhibitions from established masters, you’ll find it all in Brooklyn. Visit Thanatos gallery in Bushwick or MoMA PS1 in Long Island City for some truly cutting-edge art.

There are endless reasons to visit and stay in Brooklyn. It’s more affordable than Manhattan, while still boasting all the culture, hustle and bustle, and sights you could want from the Big Apple. From iconic sights and attractions to delicious food and a thriving nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone in this borough. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

5 Secret Tips to Skip Lines and See Everything at Disney World Parks

5 Secret Tips to Skip Lines and See Everything at Disney World Parks

Walt Disney World vacations aren’t cheap these days; the food is expensive, the cost of souvenirs has increased, and even a budget resort will set you back a couple hundred per night.  To make matters worse, as the parks become more and more popular, lines get longer, too, making it harder to fit everything you want to see into one day.  But with a bit of strategy — and a little extra money, of course — it’s possible to get everything done in one trip.

Here are five tips to see more at Disney World:

Plan Your Trip During Slow Season

One of the best ways to see more at Disney World is to avoid crowds, and the easiest way to do that is to go during slower times.  The slowest times are generally at the end of January and after kids go back to school in August and September.  The busiest times are usually the holidays and spring break.  Late spring and summer tend to be right in between.  Disney World uses tiered pricing, which results in admission prices being higher on busier days.  A good way to know that you’re going on a slower day is if your ticket price is $109, as that’s currently the lowest price for a day at any of the four main parks.

Stay at a Disney Resort

There are a number of perks to staying at a Disney Resort.  One is that you can start making reservations for restaurants 60 days in advance, as opposed to 30 days in advance if you stay off-site.  Some of the newer eateries at Disney World (like the Space 220 restaurant) are reservation-only, and others are so massively popular that wait times are over an hour just to be seated. The biggest perk of being a hotel guest is the ability to get into the parks 30 minutes before opening.  This means you’ll be able to avoid lines at the front gate, access the park at rope drop, and avoid the hordes of guests staying off-site. For some of the more popular rides, this can be the difference between a 15-minute and 45-minute wait.

Use the Skyliner

5 Secret Tips to Skip Lines and See Everything at Disney World Parks

Disney’s Skyliner is a gondola lift system that transports guests from select Disneyworld hotels to select parks. Guests who stay at the Art of Animation, Riviera, Caribbean Beach, and Pop Century resorts can get into Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios faster because they’re connected by the Skyliner, which is similar to a ski-lift. Although Disney offers bus services between all its resorts and parks, Skyliner is more efficient because it runs continuously and tends to have shorter lines, especially in the mornings.  Transportation time generally takes between 10 and 25 minutes.

Research Dining and Make Reservations

If there are specific restaurants you want to try at Disney World, or if you want to make sure you try the best and most interesting foods, you’ll likely want to make reservations ahead of time.  All of the restaurants (except quickserve counters) at the Disney parks and hotels accept reservations.  Of course, a reservation isn’t needed at all of them, but it definitely is necessary at some of the more popular restaurants.  Some restaurants, including Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom, are booked out as far as 180 days ahead of time.  And others have wait times that could have been better spent riding a ride or seeing a show. The more popular eateries at Disney World include Ohana at Polynesian Resort, Topolinos at the Riviera Resort, Oga’s Cantina in Hollywood Studios, and the previously mentioned restaurants.  To make a reservation, you’ll need to go to the “Reserve Dining” tab under the My Disney Experience section of the Walt Disney World website (it can also be done in the My Disney Experience app).  From there, you can choose the restaurant and select a time frame, and the site will show you what’s available. Keep in mind that it’s extremely difficult to make reservations for most of the restaurants mentioned.  Most people who successfully nab a reservation at these hot spots do so in one of three ways:

  • They make the reservation on the app or online at exactly at 7 a.m. EST, exactly 60 days prior (this option is only open to hotel guests).
  • They’re able to grab a canceled reservation two days prior. Since Disney charges $10 for all missed reservations, and reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in return, many guests book spots ahead of time and then cancel them at the last minute. They sign up for a paid alert system like Mouskepros, Mouse Dining, Mouse Watcher, or Mouse Seats.  These third-party services charge $6 or $7 per month to text you when a reservation becomes available for the restaurants of your choice.
  • They incessantly check and refresh the My Disney Experience app.

Use Genie+ to Schedule Most Rides

The old fast pass system has been replaced with Disney Genie and Genie+, which can be found in the My Disney Experience App.  This app is an AI that keeps guests alerted as to how long wait times are for rides and attractions around the parks.  Disney Genie is free, but if you upgrade to Genie+, you can schedule a specific time to ride a ride.  When it’s your time, you’ll have an hour to check in and join the queue in the special lightning lanes.  There are only a limited number of reservations allowed during each window, so Lightning lanes are significantly shorter than the regular lines; on average, expect to wait 5-10 minutes in these lines, but it can occasionally be longer if the ride has a shutdown, for example. Some of the more popular rides have paid lightning lanes, which means you pay between $7 and $15 per person just to skip the line for that one specific line.  A few of the rides that offer this are Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy Rewind at Epcot, and Avatar Flights of Passage at Animal Kingdom.

Best Plan of Action

  • Wake up before 7 in the morning so you’re set to enter one of the parks.  Make sure you’ve already purchased Genie+ for the day because as soon as 7 a.m. hits, reservation times will already start going quickly.
  • At 7 a.m., try to make a reservation for one of the most popular rides at the park.
  • If available, purchase an individual lightning lane pass.  These are usually only available for one ride per park.  This step can also be done later on in the day, but don’t wait too late, as these passes will eventually sell out.
  • Make sure you’re at the park for rope drop.  This also means you’ll be in the park 30 minutes before it officially opens to the public. At this point, you’ll want to make a mad dash to ride with the longest wait time.   Ideally, your max wait time will be under 30 minutes.
  • Once you’re done with your first ride of the day, it should be about time to check in to the lightning lane for the reservation you made this morning (keep in mind that you can check in five minutes early).  Once you’ve scanned your lightning lane pass twice in line, start booking a reservation for your next ride while you’re still in line.  It’s best to choose another popular ride, something that has a wait time of around 30-45 minutes or longer at this point in the day.
  • Check out another one of the less popular attractions or shows while waiting for upcoming ride reservations. Depending on the park you’re in and the day of the week it is, it’s not uncommon to find attractions that have 5-25 minute waits for the first few hours after opening.
  • Lather, rinse and repeat this process throughout the rest of the day.
  • If you need a rest or want to see a show, midday is generally the best time to do either, as this is when crowds tend to be highest.

Conclusion

Although Walt Disney World is referred to as the happiest place on earth, it can sometimes be the most rushed as well.  Although these tips take a lot of planning and require plenty of time staring at your phone, it can definitely be worth it to get more done while at the park.  Make sure to take some great photos and make some amazing memories while doing so.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

Traveling to Colombia: What You Need to Know to Get In and Out of the Country

Traveling to Colombia

Nothing could be more embarrassing than showing up for your long-planned trip to Colombia, only to be denied entry at the last minute. Yet, if you do not research the visa and other entry requirements, you could find yourself in just such a situation. In the blink of an eye, your travel plans would be ruined, and you would be on another plane — this one an expensive trip back home.

All of that is easily avoided with a little homework, and there is no reason to put your amazing travel plans at risk. Once you have the required travel documents, you will be able to visit the bustling cities of Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena, the amazing rainforest, and the lovely small towns that make Colombia such a special place to be. Here are some key things you need to know about traveling to Colombia.

Visa Information

Citizens traveling from certain parts of the world will require a valid tourist visa to visit Colombia, and if that requirement applies to you, it’s important to get that documentation in place well before your trip. You can check with your travel agent or local embassy to see if you need a valid tourist visa to visit Colombia.

It’s also important to remember that people visit Colombia for all kinds of reasons. While many head to this South American hotspot for fun and to see the sights, others may travel for business and other reasons.

If you are not traveling to Colombia as a tourist, you will need to check the relevant visa requirements. The country of Colombia issues a number of different types of visas, including student visas and visas for those engaged in certain types of commerce. Each of these visas comes with its own set of requirements, rules, and regulations, and it’s essential to do your homework and complete the applicable forms.

In addition to any visa requirements, you will also be required to have a valid passport, so check the expiration date on this vital document long before your planned departure date. If your passport is about to expire, be sure to get it renewed — you do not want to arrive in Colombia and face unexpected surprises.

Documentation

Upon entry to Colombia, you will be asked to present your documentation, including any required visa and your valid passport. The immigration control personnel will check those documents, and they may ask questions about where you are traveling and the purpose of your trip.

You will want to keep your passport and any required visas with you at all times while in Colombia. It is also a good idea to make copies of these documents, carry a copy with you, pack an extra copy in your luggage, and even leave a copy with a trusted friend back home. You will also want to record phone numbers you can use in case of emergency, including those for your embassy or consulate.

Travel documents are vitally important for vacationers, international students, and anyone else planning to visit Colombia. Knowing what to expect and what you need ahead of time will make your life easier — and your trip a lot more fun.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

Fun Vacation Ideas For One Income Families

Fun Vacation Ideas For One Income Families

Whether you are a one income family by choice or necessity, one thing remains the same. The budget doesn’t necessarily allow for those expensive family vacations. But family vacations don’t have to be expensive to be fun, exciting and fill of memories. Here are some ideas for one income families.

Local and State Vacations

Never underestimate the power of state and local vacations. These can be extreme money savers. But they can still be fun. Some state travel agencies offer specials and discounts. Be sure to check these out before you book and plan the family outing.

There are so many things that can be done at the local and state levels that it would be hard to name them all. But here are a few ideas to get you started.

Local Parks

Don’t underestimate local parks. Family picnics are great cheap fun for families all year round. Some parks have events and activities especially during the summer months so be sure to contact your local parks to see if they have a list of events planned.

Some local parks have walking and hiking trails. This can be fun, entertaining and educational all in one. It is economical as well. It’s great exercise for the whole family. Have a hike or walk, then a picnic, then finish it off with some time at the playground.

State Parks

State parks are a great resource for learning and for a little family fun. Most state parks have great walking and hiking trails and have many places for picnics and family outings. It would be a great place to hold a family reunion too.

Call your state parks office to see if they have summer and fall events scheduled and if you can get a copy of these events sent to you.

Other Events

1.)  Most cities have summer activities even small towns and villages. Make sure you contact your local chamber of commerce for any events planned that you might attend with your family. Most cities especially smaller cities cater to families on tight budgets so there is bound to be something for cheap fun for a family.
2.) Why not see about your state fair? Most states hold a state fair and would probably be well within the budget to attend.
3.) Local county fairs are another idea for cheap family fun. Ask your local agricultural department for more information.
4.) Local conservatories or arboretums are a good place to have a family picnic, outing or other family fun event.

Local Historical Sites

Many historical sites are cheap or even free. They are great places to get together with your family for fun. Many have picnic areas. Some historical sites have educational programs. They also may have entertainment like reenactments of battles and historical time periods. From civil war encampments to covered bridges, there is something that might interest any family member.

Camping

Camping needn’t be expensive. A good tent can be had for under a few hundred dollars. Some basic camping supplies could be sleeping bags, extra blankets, a first aid kit, a camp light and possibly a camp stove. Having a camp stove can significantly reduce costs of food.

Some campgrounds have teepees that can be rented for an even more fun camping experience. The teepees are usually affordable only costing slightly more than a regular camp site.

Call ahead especially in mid summer when the peak hours of camping are in effect. This way, you can be sure to get the best rates.

Camping Basics: Bare Necessities

When you go camping with the family and you are on a strict budget, it can be hard to decide what you will bring. But keep in mind the absolute necessities for camping.

Tent

A good tent is a camping necessity even if you plan to rent a teepee. Having one just in case is a good back up plan. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on a good one. A couple hundred bucks should do. Sometimes even less.

Maybe you could borrow a tent from a friend who goes camping. Look around. Some people have to upgrade their tents due to increasing numbers in the household or for other reasons. You might find someone willing to bargain with you on the price of the tent.

Although you might want to consider a separate tent for the kids, think about whether that is absolutely necessary.

Light Source

A cheap light source could be as simple as a battery operated flash light. Just be sure to bring extra batteries.

Entertainment

Books and writing utensils (pen, pencil, crayons and a notebook) are a good thing to bring along with you on the family camp out. Decide whether you will be roughing it or just having a relaxing time. Roughing it would mean most technological items are left at home. That includes mp3 players, CD players, Laptop Computers and the like.

A lot of camp sites won’t have electric access so some of these things would be pointless to bring. You also might be so busy with hiking and building bonfires that you won’t have time to use these items.

Sleeping Bags, Pillows and Blankets

Tents (and teepees) aren’t usually equipped with built-in sleeping bags so sleeping materials such as sleeping bags, blankets and pillows are necessities. There is no need to buy any new fancy ones. Just bring the sleeping material you already own. That saves a lot of money.

Cooking Equipment

Decide whether you want to spend extra money eating at restaurants or investing in some cooking equipment that will save you a bundle of money. The money you save could be used for more family activities.

You should buy a good propane cooker with the basic utensils such as a frying pan, pot, spatula and spoon. Make sure you can find a local store to buy canned goods or other foods. You could bring your own from home to save money. Non-perishables such as cereal, crackers and canned goods are great items to bring with you. Don’t forget the can opener!

Finding the Best Hotel for the Cheapest Rates

If camping isn’t your family’s idea of a relaxing time (too many bugs, too much wilderness) then consider a hotel in the area you want to travel.

Finding the best hotel rates is considered by some an art or science. But it doesn’t have to be hard to find the best rates. Just keep these tips in mind when shopping around for a hotel.

1.) Travel Agency: Use a travel agency to get the best rates. Or use a motorist plan such as AAA.
2.) Use travel coupons. When you visit a new state, they usually have a rest stop that has brochures, maps and other events that may be happening in that area. They also may have travel coupon books that can help you save money on hotels and other lodging.
3.) Shop around early. Many hotel rates go up at the last minutes. If you book early, you may also book the early rates (and possibly cheaper) also.

Just the Fun, Mom!

Sometimes just a local event will do. Other times you may want to travel a few hours. A one day outing with the family can turn out to the best day you’ve ever had and it doesn’t have to be expensive either.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

Learn to Pack Like a Pro

Learn to Pack Like a Pro

In an era of constantly increasing add-on charges and baggage fees associated with air travel, learning to pack like a pro has become mandatory.  There was a time when only business and other frequent flyers needed to rely on carry-on luggage, but nowadays the need to travel light confronts most flyers looking to avoid exorbitant fees for extra bags and excess weight.  The failure to pay attention to height, weight, and restrictions on the number of bags allowed can quickly bloat the real cost of an Economy or Supersaver fare exponentially.  Here are a few tips for keeping down travel costs and expediting your journey at the same time:

Packing Lists

Start by making a list.  Give your list a thorough review, cross off everything that is not necessary, and then stick to it.  For clothing, focus on multi-purpose outfits that can carry you through the day and evening.  When possible, stick to lightweight, wrinkle-free materials in neutral color schemes so you do not have to worry about matching.  Before you leave, stop at your local pharmacy or dollar store and purchase TSA-approved travel-size toiletries.  Most hotels and vacation rental homes supply hair dryers, irons, etc.  Fancy hotels often supply robes.  Check in advance and leave it home if you do not need it.

Packing Cubes

Invest in a few quality packing cubes to help organize and consolidate the contents of your luggage and save space, time, and money.  Your clothing and personal items will stay organized and tidy.

Roll It – Don’t Fold It

Learn to Pack Like a Pro

Unless you are a very experienced packer with retail experience and yards of tissue paper and plastic, you are better off rolling your clothes instead of folding them.  Rolled clothes take up less space and have fewer wrinkles.

Outerwear

Unless it’s a tuxedo jacket, plan on wearing your coat or jacket on the plane.  Even if you are departing from a hot climate, take your outerwear onboard to save a huge amount of space in your luggage.  Airports are often chilly anyway.

Airline Credit Cards

Even non-frequent flyers can access perks normally reserved for “elite” travelers by applying for and using an airline credit card and enjoying privileges that often include free carry-on and checked baggage for the cardholder and travel companions.  Look for a card that does not come with an annual fee, but bear in mind that even one flight with free baggage can end up paying for the cost of the card.

Learning to pack like a pro will save you travel dollars that can be invested in more rewarding pursuits. Lighten your load and you will be able to move from cars to airport terminals to rental waiting lines with far greater speed while saving money at the same time. Your bank account and your aching back will both thank you.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

A Guide to Museums in Annapolis, Maryland

A Guide to Museums in Annapolis

The city of Annapolis, Maryland, is rich in history and culture. Tourists can learn about the city’s history and culture from its museums. This guide explains what makes each of these museums enlightening and informative.

1.) Annapolis Maritime Museum

Annapolis Maritime Museum

Located at 723 Second St., this museum focuses on the city’s nautical history and Chesapeake Bay’s ecology. Its exhibits consist of three thematic segments: Bay Health, Oyster Economy, and Annapolis Waters. Visitors can enjoy such educational demonstrations as a realistic hologram of a Bay waterman they can interact with and a boat they can board to experience a virtual reality setting of the Bay itself. There’s also a beautiful gallery displaying rotating artworks that pertain to Annapolis’s maritime heritage and Chesapeake Bay.

2.) Banneker-Douglass Museum

Banneker-Douglass Museum

Formerly known as Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Banneker-Douglass Museum at 84 Franklin St. is Maryland’s official state museum of African-American heritage. The museum is named for two notable African Americans who lived in Maryland — Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806), a mathematician and astronomer who, among other accomplishments, assisted in the initial surveying of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., and Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), a runaway slave who crusaded against slavery and for racial equality.

The Banneker-Douglass Museum houses a permanent exhibit on Maryland’s Black history with fascinating attractions. For instance, there’s an advertisement for the slave auction where Kunta Kinte, Alex Haley’s abducted West African ancestor and the subject of his celebrated book “Roots,” was sold. Another interesting relic is a reward poster for Harriet Tubman, a runaway slave who helped other slaves escape to freedom in the north through the Underground Railroad.

The museum also has rotating exhibits. One interesting past temporary exhibit was dedicated to Walter S, Mills, an educator who campaigned for black teachers and principals to receive equal pay in Annapolis’s county of Anne Arundel County. Another past exhibit celebrated the accomplishments of African-American athletes in Maryland’s colleges and universities.

3.) Charles Carroll House

This house at 107 Duke of Gloucester St. was the birthplace of Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737-1832), the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence and the last signer to pass away. His father Charles Carroll of Annapolis had the original building erected in the 1720s.

The family inhabited the place until 1852 when a Roman Catholic congregation of priests and brothers, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), acquired it and made it a novitiate, a school for training men for the priesthood. The edifice was also utilized as a center for missionary activity in the Eastern United States and Canada. The congregation still owns the house today, which is now a tourist attraction undergoing historical restoration. The house is part of a vast garden, which also contains three terraces and falls, a seawall, and large boxwood allees.

4.) Hammond-Harwood House

This edifice at 19 Maryland Ave. has an intriguing history. It was constructed in 1774 for a tobacco planter named Matthias Hammond (1740-1786). He never inhabited the house but he rented the north wing to jurist Jeremiah Townley Chase in 1779 to use as a law office. After Matthias’s demise, his family continued to own the house (although they didn’t live in it) until 1810. That year, Ninian Pinkney, who served as clerk of the council of Annapolis, purchased it. The following year Pinkney sold the house to Jeremiah Chase.

Chase’s daughter Frances and her husband Richard Loockerman took up residence here. Their descendants continued to stay in the house until 1924. Because the last family member to live here, Hester Ann Harwood, did not leave a will, the building went up for auction

In 1926, St. John’s College obtained the house to use it as a classroom for students taking up decorative arts. The owners experienced financial difficulties during the Great Depression of the 1930s and St. John’s sold the building in 1938 to the newly established Hammond-Harwood Association. This organization converted it into a museum, and it remains so today. Among the fascinating artifacts visitors can study in the Hammond-Harwood House are paintings by the noted artist Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827) and furniture pieces by the distinguished Annapolis cabinetmaker John Shaw (1745-1829).

5.) Hogshead

Hogsheads

This building at 43 Pinkney St. is an extant example of a humble middle-class dwelling in 18th century Annapolis, with its wood-frame structure and gamberel roof. It was probably used as barracks for military recruits during the American Revolution. Today, people can make appointments for group tours where guides in colonial attire display both authentic and reproduced artifacts. Through these tours, visitors learn about how people lived in Annapolis during the early American period.

6.) Museum of Historic Annapolis

As the name indicates, this historic 18th century building at 99 Main St. explores the history of Annapolis, particularly the Civil Rights movement. Visitors can look at the various displayed artifacts such as a colonial printing press, buttons from an American Revolution uniform, and ceramics from a prosperous black family’s home in the post-Civil War South.

7.) U.S. Naval Academy Museum

US Naval Academy Museum

Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy. It makes sense that the city should have a museum dedicated to this national maritime institute of higher learning. Visitors to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum at 118 Maryland Ave. can not only learn about the history of the Academy but of the U.S. Navy as well. It has an immense collection of 17th and 18th century ship models.

What else is there to see here? People can study an impressive collection of prints depicting famous ships and naval scenes throughout history. And there are many other attractions, such as Oliver Hazard Perry’s noted “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag from the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and a fragment of the USS Monitor, an ironclad warship utilized by the Union Navy during the Civil War.

8.) William Paca House and Garden

William Paca (1740-1799) was, like Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also the third governor of Maryland. Paca had what is now the William Paca House and Garden constructed in the 1760s. He sold it in 1780, and it remained a family home until 1801. For much of the 19th century, this Georgian mansion functioned as a rental property.

In 1901, tennis player William Larned purchased the place and converted it into a hotel called Carvel Hall. Tourists flocked to the hotel until 1965. When it closed down that year, the State of Maryland purchased the property. In the following years, its 18th century trappings were restored, and now it’s a historical site. Located at 186 Prince George St., the William Paca House and Garden is a lovely and impressive example of colonial architecture.

As these attractions reveal, there is a lot to absorb about Annapolis. Visitors can find out about the city’s significant role in American historical events such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and they can learn about Annapolis’s remarkable citizens such as William Paca. Anyone visiting Annapolis will be entrhalled by its beauty and captivated by its landmarks that make American history come alive.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

Seven Renowned Celebrities Associated with Key West

Seven Renowned Celebrities Associated with Key West

If you love being in the island city of Key West, you are not alone. It seems not even celebrities can resist the seafood, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sublime coral reefs, glorious weather, white sandy beaches, and great nightlife on offer there. Here is a list of seven famous American celebrities that are strongly associated with Florida’s southernmost city:

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was a famous American novelist in the mid-twentieth century. Hemingway was known for his subdued, reasonable writing style. Hemmingway’s most notable works of fiction include The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and The Old Man and the Sea. Hemingway won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1953.

Earnest Hemingway adored Key West. He lived on the island for eight years between 1931 and 1939. He shared a house on Whitehead Street with his wife while living in the city. Anyone can visit Hemingway’s home in Key West. The Hemingway Home and Museum is open to visitors daily between nine in the morning and five in the afternoon.

Harry Truman

Harry Truman

The thirty-third president of the United States was Harry S. Truman. Truman served as president from 1945 to 1953 and played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. He desegregated the military and banned racial discrimination in the civil service. He spoke out about civil rights issues publicly.

Truman had a winter vacation home in Key West. He affectionately named it Little White House. Truman conducted national government business from this Key West vacation home. The house is on Front Street and was once a home for navy officers. Today, the Little White House is a museum. If you like political history, consider scheduling a visit there the next time you are in Key West.

Wallace Stevens

Wallace Stevens

Wallace Stevens was one of America’s most esteemed poets during the twentieth century. Born in Pennsylvania in 1879, Stevens was famous for his unique style and impressive vocabulary. However, he did not gain recognition until late in life when he won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in the 1950s. Stevens worked as a lawyer to earn a living.

Wallace Stevens vacationed at Key West for two or three weeks each winter between 1922 and 1940. He stayed at a luxury hotel called the Casa Marina Resort. In 1934, Stevens wrote a poem entitled The Idea of Order at Key West. This six-stanza poem is about hearing a female singer singing a beautiful song on the island of Key West.

If you are interested in staying where Wallace Stevens stayed when vacationing in Key West, the Casa Marina Resort is still open today. Lavish Casa Marina Resort is on a private beach. Amenities at this luxury hotel include a fitness center, water sports, a life-size chess board, bocce ball, fine dining, and a sparkling pool.

Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams

American screenwriter and playwrite Tennessee Williams wrote a lot of well-known American dramas during the twentieth century. Some of his work is still relevant. For example, you may have heard of A Streetcar Named Desire or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Williams wrote thirty-eight poems during his life.

Tennessee Williams was a huge fan of Key West during his lifetime. He visited and lived in the island city between 1941 and 1983. Williams allegedly penned many of his greatest works in Key West, including A Streetcar Named Desire.

Today there is a Tennessee Williams Museum in Key West. The museum is on Truman Avenue. It is a three-minute walk away from Ernest Hemmingway House. The Tennessee Williams Museum is open from Thursday to Sunday each week. It is devoted to the heritage of the celebrated playwrite.

Judy Blume

Judy Blume

Judy Blume is a celebrated American novelist. She writes literature for children and adolescents. She has published more than twenty-five novels during her long career as a young person’s novelist. Blume is best known for the books Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

These days, Blume lives in a walled residence in Key West with her second husband, fellow novelist George Cooper. Judy Blume is one of the co-founders of a non-profit independent Key West bookstore named Books & Books. The Books & Books bookstore is a communal hub for writers and bookworms on the island.

Jimmy Buffet

Jimmy Buffet

Jimmy Buffet is an American singer and businessman. He is renowned for his famous 1970s song about the Florida Keys entitled Margaritaville. Many of Buffet’s songs are associated with vacations and island fantasies. During the nineteen seventies, Buffet lived on Waddel Street in Key West.

Today, Buffet is a highly successful businessman. His business ventures include gift shops, an international franchise chain of Margaritaville Cafes, alcoholic drinks, frozen food, and footwear.

Do you want to visit one of Buffet’s Margaritaville Cafes while you are in Key West? There is a Margaritaville on Duval Street. It serves Key West fast food favorites such as burgers, fish and chips, and coconut shrimp.

Bronson Arroyo

Bronson Arroyo

 

Are you familiar with former baseball pitcher and musician Bronson Arroyo? Arroyo has played baseball for some legendary teams over the years. These include the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Boston Red Sox, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cincinnati Reds.

Bronson Arroyo is also a singer. He has covered songs by alternative rock bands such as Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters. He was born in Key West in February 1977

Art and Culture

Key West is a city full of art and culture. Many famous artists and celebrities have called the place their home. Tourists appreciate the effort to preserve the culture of Key West. If you are a fan of the arts, it is well worth absorbing the culture of Key West by visiting its famous museums, resorts, and restaurants.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

As the world starts to open up again, many people will be searching for ways to take the holidays they’ve dreamed about for the past couple of years. However, with such a surge in demand for flights, hotels, and tourist attractions, some travelers might be a little put off by the costs. Fortunately, there are cheaper ways around all these things and it’s completely possible to travel on a budget and still have the trip of a lifetime.

Sometimes reducing the costs of your holiday is as simple as choosing the right destination, or even veering away from the typical tourist traps and allocating your money wisely. Certain websites, apps, and other resources can also help you make huge savings when it comes to things like flights and hotels. Plus, with a few wise travel tips, you can often cut out a lot of the extra costs you’re usually faced with. Here are five of the best tips for how to travel on a budget in 2022.

Travel Tips in 2022

1.) Look For Affordable Locations

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

Sometimes traveling on a budget is all about picking the right destination. Some of the most world-famous travel spots come with notoriously high prices, meaning you may be wasting money by picking the same destination as anyone else. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have the holiday you want. In many cases, you can still visit your dream destination without going over budget.

For example – let’s say you wanted to visit Paris. While staying in the center of Paris will likely cost you a huge chunk of money, you could always check out some of the cheaper suburbs for affordable hotels and AirBNB’s. That way, you can still use public transport and hit all of the city’s famed locations without having to pay extra simply to stay there.

Alternatively, you could look for nearby locations that offer even cheaper costs. Instead of staying in Paris for a week, you could stay in nearby Lille. Not only will you be an affordable 1-hour train ride away from Paris, but you’ll also be right next to Belgium, meaning you can visit an extra country while you’re on your trip. This can make your holiday more diverse and exciting while also lowering your costs in the process.

2.) Check Different Travel Routes

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

Airfare is often one of the most expensive costs when it comes to traveling. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to buy the first flight you see. Sometimes tweaking your travel route can result in you saving hundreds of dollars instantly while still allowing you to make it to your destination efficiently.

For example, let’s say you wanted to fly from Ottawa to Lisbon. Considering that this flight route is usually expensive and involves layovers, you might find it easier to take a bus to Toronto or Montreal before flying to Lisbon. You could also check if there are cheaper flights to Porto, which is only a cheap train ride away from Lisbon.

This method doesn’t just work for flights. Many people cut their train travel costs by using “split ticketing”, which involves using websites to split their tickets to make the journey more affordable. You can also lower your transport costs by comparing different train and bus companies. Websites like Busbud and Rome2Rio can help with this.

3.) Change Your Travel Dates

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

Flexibility is one of the best attributes to have if you’re looking to cut your travel costs. While you might have a fixed date in mind for your trip, you might find that the costs of flights and hotels for your chosen dates are more expensive – especially if you choose to take a holiday during peak travel times. However, you can make huge savings by traveling at a different time.

For instance, if you wanted to visit Spain during July or August, you’ll likely find that hotels and flights are more expensive due to high demand. However, if you choose to travel in September or October instead, you can still enjoy the beautiful weather but with lower costs and fewer crowds, leading to a much better holiday.

Sometimes even changing your dates by a day or two can result in huge savings. For instance, some cheap flight routes only operate on certain days so it helps to be flexible. You might also find a cheaper hotel or Airbnb simply by tweaking your dates, so try altering your travel plans and you could end up with extra spending money in your pockets.

4.) Eat And Get Around Like A Local

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

Two of the biggest costs to consider while you’re traveling is food and local transport. Both of these will impact your budget daily, and while you’ll find plenty of fancy restaurants and taxis looking to prey on tourists, you can often cut your costs by eating and getting around the same way a local would.

For example, let’s say you’re traveling to the tourist haven of Bangkok. While you’ll find tons of taxis and tuk-tuk drivers trying to take you for a ride, they’re also likely to overcharge you. In contrast, you can get around for incredibly cheap by using apps like Bolt and Grab and utilizing the affordable public transport system of buses, trains, and subways.

When it comes to food, avoid touristy spots and download a local food delivery app like Foodpanda to find the cheapest deals in your area. You could also stray away from the tourist hubs and visit residential areas which often have excellent food at cheaper prices. You could also ask locals where they like to eat and how they get around the city – you’ll get some of the best recommendations this way.

5.) Avoid Pricey Tourist Attractions

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

One of the biggest costs that often catches travelers out is overpriced tourist attractions. These are often advertised as the greatest things to see and do in the area, but they also come with much higher costs – especially as they’re targeted at travelers with spending money to blow. As such, you might want to avoid overpriced attractions altogether.

Let’s say you’re traveling to New York City and want to get some good views of the city. Heading to the top of the World Trade Center seems like a good option, but it’ll also cost you a huge chunk of money. Getting a drink at a rooftop bar might be a better option, but you could also take in the views from the Highline or Bethesda Terrace for free.

The same applies to all kinds of tourist activities. Instead of paying for a guided tour, you can often find free walking tours provided by passionate locals. Instead of paying for an expensive food tour, you could ask locals for recommendations and have an impromptu food tour yourself. Visiting parks, hiking trails, and local neighborhoods can also make for some of the cheapest yet most memorable holiday activities.

Conclusion

5 Best Tips To Travel On A Budget in 2022

You don’t need to blow a hole in your wallet to have an unforgettable holiday. Anyone can travel on a budget with the right know-how. These five exciting tips can help you reduce costs on everything from your flight to your transport to your food while still having the time of your life.

It’s totally up to you what you choose to save and what you choose to splash on, but even using one or two of these tips can help you save your money for the things that matter to you. Remember to bookmark this page so you can keep these money-saving tips handy for all of your future trips.

About the Author: Jennifer Wallace

My name is Jennifer and my two passions in life are traveling and blogging. I have a large Instagram follow that I use to document my adventures around the city, country, and the world!