http://www.smartertravel.com/all/?content_type=column&column_type=escapes_under_500&source=rss_anne Anne Banas: Escapes Under $500 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:39:44 -0500 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:39:44 -0500 Find thinner crowds and bigger deals in cities this summer. This year, the savings potential is even greater as properties slash rates to recoup bookings from the lull in tourism. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/summer-deals-in-the-city.html?id=3232051&source=rss_anne anne Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Don't let your dreams of a beach vacation go out with the tide this summer. Here are six affordable beach getaways around the U.S., all for under $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/budget-friendly-beach-getaways-for-summer.html?id=2893804&source=rss_anne anne Mon, 04 May 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Summer getaway deals are hot right now. And while the sunny season might still be few months away, planning ahead can net you big savings at some great destinations. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/early-bird-savings-on-summer-getaways.html?id=2872979&source=rss_anne anne Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0400 Amazing deals to to Aruba, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, plus a four-night cruise. And, depending on your departure city, each deal starts at less than $500! http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/six-caribbean-getaways-you-can-afford.html?id=2843740&source=rss_anne anne Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0500 Even columnist Anne Banas can't believe these island deals. Anyone can save, but West Coasters can head to Hawaii while East Coasters experience Bermuda's 400th for under $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/unbelievable-deals-to-hawaii-and-bermuda.html?id=2790263&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0500 If you've ever thought mountain resorts are reserved for the fur-trimmed, jet-set crowd, think again. Due to a lagging economy, U.S. ski resorts are publicizing discounts galore. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/an-avalanche-of-winter-mountain-deals.html?id=2780595&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0500 Many Florida destinations like Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, and Orlando have slashed prices for early winter travel. Escape the cold with trips totaling between $250 and $400. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/snowbirds-flock-to-hot-deals-in-florida.html?id=2768875&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0500 While potentially an expensive destination, this college town can support a strict budget, even one as small as $500. Best of all, you won't have to go dorm-style. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/neighborhood-luxury-on-budget-in-boston.html?id=2750893&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Because of high demand, Columbus Day getaways tend to be more expensive than those for any other fall weekend, but you can find deals in destinations across the U.S. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/where-to-look-for-columbus-day-deals.html?id=2673699&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0400 While not every destination is affordable from every U.S. departure city, a little clever fare searching on your part can send you somewhere south of the border for under $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/three-mexican-escapes-on-budget.html?id=2665669&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400 Forget about "staycations" and the same old, same old. Instead, get out and take in all the vibrant hues via train, plane, automobile, or even kayak, gondola, or schooner. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/five-unique-fall-foliage-getaways-for.html?id=2657082&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0400 While it seems summer is winding down, don't assume all the fun is over just yet. Consider a getaway to Baltimore, which is keeping its seasonal deal offerings alive. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/endless-summer-savings-in-baltimore.html?id=2649704&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Chicago brings good news to cash-strapped vacationers, as a city with one of the country's busiest airports and a lot of good deals that follow. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/get-blown-away-by-windy-city-deals.html?id=2642584&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0400 With hotel rates dropping, and enticing promotions such as Restaurant Week, free nights, and attraction discounts, you won't need Donald Trump's salary. Just $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/snatch-up-new-york-city-deals-before-summer-end.html?id=2635509&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Beaches. Forests. Mountain villages. Casinos. Lake Tahoe has it all. And if you go this summer, you can have it all for under $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/complete-family-vacation-in-lake-tahoe.html?id=2631805&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0400 With higher airfares and more and more airline fees, building a trip for under $500 is becoming much more difficult. Is it possible? Yes. Thank you, Philly! http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/historical-sites-and-low-fares-in-philadelphia.html?id=2617175&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0400 This summer, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is making it a little easier for visitors to cruise the Skyline Drive without running out of gas or paying a fortune. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/ride-shenandoah-skyline-drive-without-running-out-of-gas.html?id=2568752&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Tired of fighting for parking and a tiny patch of sand? Come to Ogunquit in late May or early June, when you can have more of it to yourself and pay less than $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/beat-the-beach-crowds-to-ogunquit-maine-and-save-bundle.html?id=2564990&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400 While gaggles of vacationers flock to busy beach destinations, ski resorts remain relatively low-key. Read on for great deals and tell us about your favorite mountain destination. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/head-for-the-hills-to-find-summer-savings.html?id=2561251&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Looking for a Memorial Day or summer escape, but airfare and gas prices have got you down? Learn how to get a hotel for $70 per night and an entire vacation for well under $500. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/kick-off-the-summer-with-cheap-lake-george-getaway.html?id=2557339&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Slowly but surely, volunteers are helping to transform neighborhoods that sustained the worst flood damage. You can help too. All you need is $500 and your time. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/volunteer-little-time-and-money-to-help-bring-back-new-orleans.html?id=2553683&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0400 New Orleans is open for business, and each and every dollar you spend as a tourist helps boost the economy. Best of all, you don't have to spend a lot to make a difference. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/your-money-goes-far-in-new-orleans-french-quarter.html?id=2549961&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Got $500 and 15 minutes? Book a quick, last-minute getaway to Florida's Anna Maria Island and be rewarded with an affordable, pristine beach destination. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/plan-quick-and-easy-trip-to-florida-anna-maria-island.html?id=2546519&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Stay at a trendy hotel, ride iconic trolleys, and eat farm-fresh food, all while reducing your environmental impact. Plus, offset your carbon emissions and have some cash to spare. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/feel-good-san-francisco-vacation-with-cash-to-spare.html?id=2542257&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Escaping to St. Thomas, USVI, couldn't be easier or more fun. You won't need a passport, airfare remains affordable, and the hotel options are pretty sweet in multiple ways. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/funky-secluded-getaway-on-and-around-st-thomas.html?id=2538384&source=rss_anne anne Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0400