Living well while spending less in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area
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There are celebrations happening in Disneyland from November 12, 2021 through January 9, 2022, plus many more to come.
YES YOU CAN!
But not only that, but Disneyland JUST announced that they’re increasing their gate prices, BUT you can lock in 2021 prices for 2022 for a limited time – NOW through November 3, 2021!
There are celebrations happening in Disneyland from November 12, 2021 through January 9, 2022, plus many more to come.
About Disneyland
Disneyland is located in California.
If you’ve been to The Happiest Place on Earth, you’ve probably soared through the sky on Dumbo the Flying Elephant and met Cinderella and the other princesses at Royal Hall. And you’ve hugged Mickey, the most famous mouse in, well, ever. Right?
But if you haven’t visited in a while, there’s always more magic to explore. Like Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure® Park, where you can meet some of your favorite Pixar Characters while you eat, drink, shop and ride everything Pixar. With so many attractions to explore, even if you’ve Been Here, you certainly Haven’t Done That!
Steady your nerves and summon your resolve as you find yourself in the middle of blasts, rumbles, and thrills of a climactic Star Wars™ battle. This is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. With multiple ride systems carrying you through multiple scenes, jaw-dropping effects and an incredible drop from space, it’s one of the most advanced and immersive Disney Parks attraction experiences ever. Now open in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland® Resort
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In the United States, between 40 to 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and if you are currently going through this process, it’s likely that you may want some time away to focus on yourself. However, divorce itself can be expensive, which can make taking a trip during this time more difficult. Thankfully, there are some wallet-friendly ways to take a trip during the divorce process that can help you make the most of your time without worrying about breaking the bank.
Depending on where you are going and what your budget is, you may consider heading to your destination during the off-season if possible. If you’ve been saving up your stimulus checks from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which was created to help assist people and businesses during the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis, you may have leeway to spend a bit more, although saving is always preferable. By traveling during the off-season, you can often save on flights and accommodations since they aren’t in high demand from other travelers. This can help you save a lot more than you otherwise would while traveling during peak time.
If you are unable to travel during the off-season, this doesn’t mean you should postpone your trip. Instead, you can look for other ways to save on travel or consider another destination that may not be as in-demand. You could also consider visiting with family or friends in another location to cut down on costs, as opposed to heading to a destination that will require more expensive accommodation.
Booking hotels can quickly eat away at your budget and end up costing you a lot depending on how long you are planning on staying. When planning a trip during your divorce, consider staying away from expensive hotels and instead look for alternatives such as Airbnbs. It also may be worth checking multiple websites to compare prices on accommodations. Across the globe, there are around 1.8 billion websites all operating at the same time, and out of these, there are plenty of travel websites that you can consider. However, you don’t want to settle for the first deal that you see. Shop around and research all of your options before making a decision so that you can save as much as possible. Preferably, you should consider staying with a friend or relative if you are traveling to an area near someone that you know, as this can save you the most overall.
Eating while on a trip can also be one of the most expensive things that you’ll need to watch out for. Eating out every night adds up quickly, and this means that you may need to think smarter about how you get your food. A great way to save on meals is to make your own by buying cheaper ingredients from a local store or market and then preparing the meals where you’re staying, provided you have the resources to do so. If you’re lacking a stove or other way to prepare food, buying premade meals at a local store will still save you more overall than dining out, so it’s worth scouting out the local markets during your trip so that you can save as much as possible.
Taking a trip while going through a divorce can be a great way to take time for yourself and step back from the stressful process. If you’re considering taking a trip, keep these three budget-saving tips in mind so that you can enjoy yourself without worrying about breaking the bank.
Family road trips are great ways to bond with your family while having fun on the road. Before you pile up in the car and hit the road, though, there are some important things you need to do so you’re sure that you will all be safe. Have a look at five of these things below.
The very first thing you need to do is to have your car inspected. Some things to pay extra attention to are the tires, fluids, belts, battery, air conditioner, and windshield. Note that if you have a crack in your windshield that’s more than 12 inches long, you will need to replace the whole glass. Schedule an appointment with your mechanic to have these things looked at and changed if necessary. This way, when you drive out, you will be confident in your car’s ability to get you to your family’s destination.
To avoid getting fatigued, take breaks while driving. If your spouse is accompanying you and they can drive, it’s advisable to switch with them every few miles or so. This will give each person a break and enable them to drive safely when they’re refreshed. If this is not an option, have a stop after every number of miles to get some snacks and stretch your legs, something that the whole family will enjoy.
This tip can never be overstated, as getting distracted from the road can have terrible consequences. Set your phone on silent or turn it off to avoid the distracting notification sounds which may tempt you to have a quick glimpse at the phone. Let everyone in the car know that they should avoid sudden loud noises which may distract you at a crucial moment as well.
Finally, avoid being blinded by bright headlights from oncoming traffic at night by looking towards the road’s lower right shoulder, relying on your peripheral vision to stay on the road. Take these measures to avoid getting in a car accident, which is a major cause of traumatic brain injuries.
To make sure that your children don’t get bored and start to be disruptive, pack some hand-held activities for them. These could be anything from electronic devices to crochet or macrame crafting kits, whatever your child is most interested in. Ask your children what they would like so you can pack it, or look around online for ideas. Keeping your children occupied during the trip will help avoid disruptions and also entertain them so they don’t get bored, giving everyone a great overall experience.
To avoid having to stand by the road for hours waiting for assistance in case you experience an emergency, pack your own emergency kit. This kit should include a flashlight, water, jumper cables, warm blankets, flares, tools to change a tire, a first aid kit, and a portable cell phone charger. Don’t forget to check with your insurance so you know who to call in case of an emergency, and you can drive off with peace of mind. With about 64% of small businesses struggling financially, source your supplies from a small business so you do your part in supporting them!
A road trip has the potential to create some amazing memories for the whole family, so if you have the opportunity to go on one, take it. Follow these safety tips to make sure you start off on the right foot, and you can sing happily as a family throughout your road trip!
Are you planning on taking a big family trip to the Northeast and want to make sure that you save money? There are many money saving tips that you can consider to help you out here. Understand that this area of the country is still fairly expensive to visit and follow these steps to minimize your costs. And be willing to take other steps beyond these to make your trips even less expensive.
You need to make sure that your car is in great shape before you leave. As a result, it is usually a good idea to do some simple repairs on your car before you leave. For example, most windshield cracks start out quite small and, if smaller than 12 inches, can usually be repaired. However, an impact will worsen the crack and make it more of a problem. Get it fixed now to avoid this repair cost.
Some of the coolest places in the Northeast are small towns. They often have inexpensive places to stay, quirky local interests, tasty food, and much more. Try to find some great clam chowder or another Northeastern favorite when visiting these destinations and save your money on inexpensive lodging options.
Of all our money saving tips, this might seem the most confusing. How does keeping your HVAC operational help you save money on a trip? Well, your home’s system will be on while you’re away. And if you have an inefficient system, you’ll spend more money overall. After all, the average family in the country will spend at least $2,000 every year on energy bills, with many costs occurring in the summer and winter months. In order to keep costs down, make sure to keep your AC higher or your heating lower.
Even if you don’t plan on staying in Boston during your trip, flying in here is often a great idea. This city is one of the most centrally located in the area and allows you to get just about anywhere. And even if you plan on driving, you can stay in Boston and check out many unique areas after you drive there. This centralized location cuts back on costs by making your travel easier to execute. So, fly to Boston then you can begin your road trip around the Northeast.
The Northeast of the country has some of the oldest and most historic roads in the world. It can be a great opportunity to drive on these roads to witness all of the changing leaf colors. Unfortunately, roads can be often dangerous and cause millions of injuries on US roads every year. By understanding the layout of the roads where you visit, and eliminating distractions, you can minimize injury costs and keep your family safe.
A majority of your money is going to go into paying for a room or a place to stay while you’re in the Northeast. Thankfully, you can find an Airbnb to invest in that will save you a surprising amount of money. By paying attention to these different options, you should make it easier to save yourself money and find a surprisingly comfortable place for yourself and your family to stay at the same time.
Want to save a little more? Consider camping! The cool air will keep away bugs and this give your family a chance to bond over a campfire.
Try out these money saving tips, and you’ll find yourself having a lot of fun when you’re in the Northeast. Reinvest any money that you’ve saved into things like souvenirs or gifts for your friends back home. And don’t forget to take photos: there are few areas of the country with as much pure beauty and natural splendor as the Northeast. You may even be able to see photos if you’re clever!
Road trips are a great way to enjoy and appreciate life. However, every road trip has its own set of risks, and you may be anxious about traveling with your children or family. However, there are techniques to mitigate some of the dangers and ultimately relieve some of the stress that you may be having. You’ll find some safety tips below to help you get through any road trip.
Getting your vehicle checked thoroughly before any long road trip can spare you trouble on the road. You should do a car inspection to check essential components like the battery, engine, brakes, and fluid levels. If it’s something you are not familiar with, most repair shops will perform an examination for free during routine repairs like oil changes or tire rotations, or you can pay a small amount for an inspection that may be waived if any work is required. If you would like to do the inspection of the vehicle yourself, do take the necessary steps and ensure all of your vehicle’s fluids are up to date and check your windshield wiper blades to determine if they need to be replaced.
A stress-free road journey requires having certain travel basics on hand. It’s always important to carry a car charger, flashlight with additional power sources, jumper cables, a basic toolkit, reflective triangles, a first aid kit, as well as water in your emergency kit. Additionally, please ensure you have roadside assistance in the event your car breaks down because even a car that passes its inspection with high marks might have issues on the road. As with any other road trip or vacation, make sure you have your medical insurance cards, any necessary prescriptions, and emergency contact phone numbers with you. The best way to handle a potential emergency is to prepare ahead of time.
If you own an electric car you’ll need to charge your car before hitting the road. When planning a road trip, make sure to organize your itinerary around public charging stations located near roads, expressways, and other points of interest. There was an estimated 20,178 public and private electric vehicle (EV) charging points (sites) in the United States as of December 31, 2017, with 17,526 (86.9%) of them open to the public. Unfortunately, the range of an electric car is variable. When you accelerate quickly, go up hills, or utilize climate control, you’ll use more batteries. When going for chargers, keep at least a 10% buffer in mind. This means that if your vehicle has a 100-mile range, you should plan to charge no more than 90 miles apart.
What’s a great road trip is some tasty treats. So pack your own food and snacks if your road trip is likely to be seven hours short, so you don’t have to stop. However, if you don’t want to do that or your trip is longer than that, it is better to order from a drive-thru rather than a restaurant. Remember it’s important to wear a mask or fabric facial covering when talking with someone at the drive-thru window. If you have to walk into a restaurant to obtain food, better wear a mask and use a barrier to avoid touching high-touch items like door handles. There are a lot of individuals coming in and out of these facilities. That’s why you have to be so careful not to touch every surface.
Traveling to a place where there are a lot of Covid-19 cases is not a good idea. If you want a safe road trip, choose regions where there aren’t a lot of recorded cases. The CDC’s Covid-19 data tracker provides a state-by-state breakdown of Covid-19 cases. Look on the website of the local health department of the place you want to go and see what their standards are. Are masks required? What type of dining is available? Will you have to be quarantined for 14 days when you arrive? Are hotels open for booking and is parking space available? Don’t end up like most drivers in the United States that squander an average of 17 hours per year looking for parking spots. That equates to $345 in wasted time, fuel, and emissions per motorist. Doing your research will not only make your road trip safe but might also save you from a headache.
As time passes and you become more comfortable behind the wheel, it’s easy to become lax about following all safety rules. Before you drive anywhere, it goes without saying that all passengers should be buckled into their seats. Seat belts are one of the most effective strategies to decrease injuries in automobile accidents, but millions of individuals forget to wear them every time they get in a car. Also, remember to watch out for other road users, especially heavy vehicles that can cause a big impact. The number of people killed by heavy vehicles increased by 9% from 2016 to 2017, totaling 4,761 deaths in 2017. Staying focused and respecting other road users can keep you and your family safe.
You might travel with your family during the pandemic, even if you don’t have a trip scheduled right now. If this occurs, driving responsibly and adhering to public health recommendations to lower your COVID-19 risk and you will guarantee that your family has the greatest and safest road trip ever.
Taking a second honeymoon is a great way to get away with your significant other. You can step aside from your other family members to spark your relationship. However, it’s important for many people to take this trip on a budget. After all, between expenses and raising a family, you may not have a ton of disposable income for this trip. So, make sure to pay attention to your budget while still having a great time on a second honeymoon.
It can be tempting to go on your second honeymoon during the busy season. After all, this season is busy for a reason. It’s typically more convenient and has better weather for your trip. However, the cost of travel and staying at a hotel drop by a wide margin during the off-season. Considering there are 1,580 U.S. resorts as of 2019, this should give you plenty of options to choose from.
So, consider taking a trip to a tropical part of the United States, like Hawaii or South Florida in the off-season. It’ll be a great way to take a beach vacation at a resort. The same can be done in reverse at a ski resort in Vermont or Colorado when people aren’t there to ski but to simply enjoy the mountains and beautiful landscape.
A lot of people find their dream trip with a reasonable cost for hotels and food until they look at the price of transportation and decide they can’t afford the trip anymore. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re taking the cheapest form of transportation to get somewhere. Whether it’s taking a plane, train, car, or boat, finding the cheapest option will allow you to better afford your trip. You will even save money to use on something special during the trip, like purchasing jewelry or other tokens of love.
It can be easy to look at food as an expense to cut down on within your budget, and in many ways, this is a great place to save money. After all, going out to eat can get very expensive very quickly. However, a romantic or adventurous meal is a great way to spend time on your trip. Just remember that, if you choose to enjoy wine, it’s one of the top four drinks that are known to stain teeth, so be sure to bring your whitening strips! Essentially, use your budget on great meals, and look for other meals that will be incredible without breaking the bank.
A couple’s massage is one of the best ways to relax on any vacation, but especially a second honeymoon when you’re getting away from the stressors of daily life. However, massages can be very expensive. So, to combat this, look around at all your options for the best package possible. Remember that there are often discounts available depending on where you stay and what coupons are offered.
Many couples don’t take trips because it means obtaining childcare for their children. However, by finding an appropriate camp for your kids, you can know that they are safe and having fun while you go out and enjoy your trip. Oftentimes, your child’s private school, of which there are 32,461 in the United States, may offer the camp themselves, which means your child will be with their friends all week long!
Don’t let the price of taking a second honeymoon scare you off from making the trip. Pay attention to the financial details and get the experience that you want and need!
Stillwater, Minnesota. It’s one of our favorite places to “get away” without really getting away.
For years, our family has visited Stillwater throughout the year for day trips, afternoon trips, evening adventures.
It’s a beautiful, quaint city along the St. Croix river, right at the easternmost border of Minnesota. It’s only about 30 minutes from the Twin Cities so that makes it an easy, quick trip.
One thing I really like about Stillwater is how it’s perfect for any kind of visit…romantic getaways, family fun, girlfriend outings.
And it reminds me of my hometown – Duluth, Minnesota – in so many ways. Walking along the river, the tour boats, the lift bridge…the many restaurants and hotels with river views…the gift shops galore…it both feels like home and like a vacation at the same time!
But after many years of day visits, my kids and I decided to visit for an overnight to get the full vacation experience!
We started our Stillwater staycation at Kari’s Create & Paint Studio which is downtown. Here you can walk in or make an appointment to paint canvas or pottery.
And no you don’t have to know how to do any of it!
It was a beautiful, spring-like weekend, and I was already up north for a visit, so I took a “grown-ups only” trip up to Ely, Minnesota just for a few hours this past Saturday. No kids for this getaway but after visiting, I can’t wait to bring them sometime soon!
There is SO much to do!!!!!
I hadn’t been to Ely since I was a kid, even though I grew up in Duluth. But I was up north for a visit and decided to hit Ely just to check it out!
Where is Ely?
Ely is located about 2 hours (100 miles) north of Duluth, and 1 hour north of Virginia, Minnesota. It’s part of the Vermilion Range, which is one of three Iron Ranges of northern Minnesota. (The other two are the Mesabi and Cuyuna Ranges.)
Ely is located right by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so many people stop or stay here as part of their outdoor vacation to explore some of the most beautiful, unspoiled land here in Minnesota.
But you don’t have to even be an outdoor enthusiast to enjoy the area.
There are many attractions in the area including:
The Ely Arts and Heritage Center manages Ely’s historic Pioneer Mine buildings which are located by Miners Lake and across from the Grand Ely Lodge.
Spring break is right around the corner, but because of the pandemic, your family’s vacation may look a little different this year. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to plan a safe getaway the whole family will enjoy. Instead of the normal long-distance travel, cruises, or resort stays, a great option is to head out into the great outdoors. America’s national parks have seen record-setting attendance numbers this year. Not only are these parks beautiful, but they’re a safe place to visit because it’s easy to socially distance.
There are over 300 bills waiting for Senate action, but one they’ve recently passed is the Great American Outdoors Act. This act funds delayed maintenance in our national parks, with 70% of the fund’s contents going to the National Parks Service. Upgrades to our national parks mean they’ll be an even better option for your next family vacation. Here are some of the most family-friendly parks.
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is full of activities the whole family can enjoy. There are many areas to explore, with expansive breathtaking views everywhere you look. Whether you drive along the rim, take a short hike, or ride a mule down to the bottom, kids and adults alike are sure to have a great time. Kids can become Junior Rangers to learn more about the area’s culture and natural history, and get involved in fun programs led by park rangers.
Studies show that unplugging and spending time in nature is one of the best ways to de-stress and boost your mood. Many older adults are now working longer, with 24% of men and 16% of women over the age of 65 still in the labor force in 2018. This means that grandparents and parents alike can benefit from a relaxing family vacation in one of our national parks.
The family-friendly activities at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are virtually endless. For a budget-friendly option, families can camp in one of the parks many campgrounds. There are also more than 300 miles of hiking trails to explore, ranging from short walks around shimmering lakes to more strenuous climbs up high mountains. Other activities include horseback riding, canoeing, and fishing.
There’s no better time to experience our national parks, as it is estimated that in the next five decades, at least 17 million acres of forest land will be lost permanently to urbanization and development. The whole family will love marveling at Yellowstone National Park’s iconic features, like geysers, hot springs, and thermal basins. Be sure the keep an eye out for all of the park’s various wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, and bison. If you’re up for a thrill, try white water rafting or ziplining in the park.
When you think of a Florida vacation, you probably think of the massive theme parks, resorts, and beaches. But the Everglades is also a great place for a family vacation in The Sunshine State. One of the best ways to explore the park is on an airboat ride through the swampland, where you can see alligators, colorful birds, turtles, and other native creatures. The park also offers hiking trails for various skill levels, kayaking, biking, and more.
Make your next family vacation one that you’ll never forget and explore America’s many national parks!
Also, if you have a 4th grader, be sure to sign up for the Every Kid in a Park program so your family can get free park admission!
