(Family Features) If you’re looking to get away, fall is a perfect time to plan an escape. With smaller crowds at many popular destinations and more comfortable weather, scenic autumn landscapes and cozy hideaways await.

Planning Your Fall Vacation

To get your planning started, consider these tips to enjoy a spectacular fall vacation without breaking the bank.

Choose a Destination with Beautiful Scenery
When planning a fall vacation, research the cost of living for potential destinations. Some places may have lower costs for accommodations, dining and attractions, allowing you to stretch your budget further. Considering destinations known for their stunning fall foliage, such as New England, can allow you to take advantage of budget-friendly activities, like nature walks or sightseeing, that capitalize on the beauty and charm of the season.

Time Your Trip to Take Advantage of Deals
Timing is key when it comes to finding the best deals. Consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period just before or after peak tourist seasons. During this time, prices for accommodations and attractions are often lower and there are fewer crowds. If you have the freedom to choose when to go on vacation, look for off-peak days or midweek travel. Prices tend to be lower during these times compared to weekends or popular travel holidays.

Pack Essentials to Save on Unnecessary Purchases
Packing strategically can help you save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. Consider packing these essentials:

• Layered clothing: Instead of bulky sweaters or coats, opt for lightweight layers that can be easily combined to keep you warm.
• Reusable water bottles: Bringing a reusable water bottle helps you avoid buying bottled water and reduces waste.
• Snacks: Packing snacks like granola bars or dried fruit can help you reduce food costs while you’re out and about.
• Travel-size toiletries: Transfer your favorite products into smaller containers or purchase travel-size bottles instead of buying pre-packaged versions.

Pick Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Popular destinations often offer a wide range of budget-friendly activities and attractions. Consider these ideas that won’t break the bank:

• Hiking and nature walks: Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage by exploring hiking trails and nature reserves. Many of these outdoor activities are free or have minimal entrance fees.
• Local festivals and events: Research local festivals and events happening during your trip to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the area.
• Local markets: Explore farmers markets or craft markets to discover unique products and support local businesses. Often free to enter, these markets offer opportunities to sample local food and purchase souvenirs.
• Museums and galleries: Look for museums and galleries that offer free or discounted admission during certain days or times to explore local art and history without spending a fortune.

Save on Accommodations
Finding affordable accommodations during the peak of fall can be challenging, but with these tips, you can save money while still enjoying a comfortable stay:

• Book in advance: Plan your vacation early and take advantage of early bird discounts or promotional offers.
• Consider alternative accommodations: Instead of traditional hotels, explore options like vacation rentals, hostels or bed and breakfasts, which can be more budget-friendly and provide a unique and personalized experience.
• Stay outside the city center: Accommodations located outside main tourist areas are generally more affordable. Consider staying in nearby suburbs or towns and utilize public transportation to explore the city.
• Use price comparison tools: Take advantage of price comparison websites to compare rates across different accommodations to find the best deals and save money on your stay.

Find more tips and tricks to save on fall travel at eLivingtoday.com.

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SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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(Family Features) After all the planning and stress of a wedding, many newlyweds look forward to celebrating their union by taking the trip of a lifetime. With the honeymoon destination options nearly unlimited, however, choosing where to go on your post-wedding getaway can be more stressful than proposing or choosing the right venue to say “I do.”

Top Honeymoon Destinations

To help newlyweds make the most of their first trip as a married couple, consider this guide to some of the most lavish honeymoon destinations across the globe.

Explore the Romance of the Maldives
Known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and luxurious resorts, the Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean. A perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic, lavish honeymoon experience, the Maldives offers a range of romantic activities for couples including sunset cruises, candlelit dinners on the beach, spa treatments and luxurious accommodations in private villas built on stilts above the ocean with direct access to breathtaking views, snorkeling and diving.

Adventure and Opulence in South Africa
From thrilling safaris to world-class vineyards, South Africa offers a variety of experiences for couples looking for a unique honeymoon experience. On safari, you can spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos in their natural habitats and witness the beauty of African wildlife up close and personal. After an exhilarating adventure, you can unwind at one of the luxurious lodges or tented camps before visiting the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands, where you can enjoy some of the finest wines and gourmet dining in the world.

Cultural Riches and Exquisite Comforts in Italy
Rich in culture, history and exquisite comforts, Italy is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples who want to combine luxury and exploration. From the rolling hills of Tuscany – where you can indulge in wine tasting, visit medieval towns or take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes – to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its colorful cliffside villages, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. Plus, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Grand Canal allows couples to immerse themselves in the rich history and art of the charming cities of Rome, Florence and Venice.

Indulge in French Polynesia
A tropical paradise made up of 118 islands and atolls, French Polynesia is known for its overwater bungalows and azure waters. These luxurious accommodations are built on stilts above the lagoon, offering direct access to the crystal-clear waters. With the South Pacific’s vibrant marine life and coral reefs, you can go on a snorkeling or diving adventure to explore the underwater world or take a boat or kayak tour to discover hidden lagoons and remote islands.

Private Island Seclusion in the Caribbean
If you seek ultimate seclusion and relaxation, the pristine beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts of the Caribbean make for a romantic and intimate honeymoon experience.  One of the highlights of the Caribbean is the privacy and exclusivity of staying on a private island. In addition to the private accommodations, couples can go snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs, take a sunset cruise or indulge in delicious Caribbean cuisine.

Find more guidance to make your honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience at eLivingtoday.com.

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SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

PHOENIX /PRNewswire/ — The Arizona Outdoor Hospitality Association (AZOHA), formerly known as Arizona Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, has named Encore Paradise RV Resort the 2024 Mega Park of the Year award winner. This marks Paradise RV Resort’s first time winning this prestigious award. Overall, this is the tenth RV resort within the network of Encore RV resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds that has been recognized by the Arizona association. In 2022, Thousand Trails Verde Valley won the Arizona ARVC Large Park of the Year award.

Encore Paradise RV Resort

The Mega Park of the Year Award, for parks with 501 or more sites, was presented to the manager of Paradise RV Resort, Scott Mathews, by members of the Arizona Outdoor Hospitality Association. The annual AZOHA Park of the Year Awards recognize RV resorts that deliver extraordinary guest experiences as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement for more than 20 years.

“Paradise RV offers something for everyone who stays with us, but mostly it’s the friendly culture, convenient location and all the amenities that bring guests back every year,” said Scott Mathews. “To be recognized by Arizona Outdoor Hospitality Association makes our whole Encore team very proud. The Mega Park award recognizes the tremendous efforts that our Paradise RV Resort staff put into ensuring our guests have a wonderfully relaxing experience.”  

Located in Sun City, Arizona, on the northwest side of Phoenix, the 950-site resort offers many onsite activities and amenities. Guests enjoy the beautiful seasonal climate, the comfortable community atmosphere and the regularly arranged social events and scheduled activities. Guests frequently hit the popular pickleball courts, cool off in the stunning swimming pool or relax in the steaming hot tub during their stay.

About Encore and Thousand Trails
Encore RV resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds are part of a network of more than 220 RV resorts and campgrounds across North America comprising over 90,000 sites. Encore, Thousand Trails, and their affiliates offer RV and outdoor recreation enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in top vacation destinations, complemented with resort-style amenities. For more information, visit ThousandTrails.com.

SOURCE Encore RV Resorts

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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