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Luxury Vacations in the Adirondack Mountains Anyone Can Afford

October 26, 2020 by Mandy

When most people think of mountain getaways, they think of famous destinations, such as the Appalachian Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, upstate New York features an incredible and often overlooked mountain range: the Adirondacks.

With over 6.1 million acres of land included in the Adirondack Park, the things you can see are almost limitless. But if it’s your first time going there, what can you expect out of the trip?

Keep reading to learn all about what makes the Adirondack Mountains so great, as well as how you can go about planning a trip there.

Where in the World Are the Adirondack Mountains?

If you’ve never been to New York before, it’s important to first clear something up. In addition to being a city, New York is also a state – and a big state at that.

From cities like Buffalo and Rochester to small towns like Greece and Malone, around 20 million people call the Empire State home. Residents of the state are proud of their heritage, and consider New Yorkers to be an entirely different species.

The Adirondack Park is in upstate New York, well out of the City, and takes up much of the space of northern New York. Canada borders the mountain range to the west, and Vermont to the east.

When you first get to the Adirondacks, the lack of large cities and towns may surprise you. But that’s part of the charm! Lake Placid, Lake George, and Saranac Lake are the population “hubs” of the region.

Country Road, Take Me Home: How to Get There

Regardless of which direction you’re coming from, you’ll find the Adirondacks to be accessible and easy to get to. In fact, 60 million people across the United States can get there within a day’s drive.

If you are coming by car, Interstate 87 and 81 runs right through the park. This makes the park easy and cheap to visit, especially if you’re coming from nearby locations, such as Boston, New York City, or Quebec.

If you don’t own a car, there are many other public transportation options to take advantage of. Train service runs all year from Penn Station and offers service all the way to Montreal. You can also hop on an Adirondack Trailways or Greyhound bus.

If you’re coming from far away, the Adirondacks have three airports to help you get in. For additional flight options, you can also fly to the larger nearby airports of Burlington or Albany.

The Best Time to Visit

Being a place of high elevation in Northern New York State means that the Adirondacks experience a wide variety of weather patterns. Winters are freezing, snow-filled, and long. On the other hand, summers can be short but hot and humid.

Such a variety of weather means that you’ll have plenty of things to do throughout the year. If you’re a fan of winter sports and activities, you’ll have many to enjoy. Snowing, skiing and sledding are some of the many popular ones.

If an average temperature of 3 degrees Fahrenheit in January doesn’t sound appealing, then spring or fall can be great times to find a balance between cold and heat. Fall also lets you see an unimaginable amount of golden, orange, and red leaves.

In the end, deciding when to visit the Adirondacks depends on what you want to see and do, as well as what types of weather you can handle.

Find a Home Away From Home

As the Adirondacks spill across much of northern New York State, you’ll have many different housing options and locations to choose from. These can range from budget bed and breakfasts to luxurious, 5-star lodges.

As mentioned, most people in the Adirondacks live near Lake Placid, Lake George, or Saranac Lake. This means that the majority of the places to stay will be are in these areas. Staying in a hotel there will let you experience small-town charm with scenic mountain vistas.

Renting your own home can also be a great option, especially for groups of people. A rental home gives you extra privacy, space, and the freedom to enjoy the normal amenities of a house, such as a kitchen. To view some great options, check out these weekend getaways.

Outdoor Activities Galore

Whether you’re someone who enjoys being in a big city or comes from a tiny town in rural America, you can find an activity you enjoy in the Adirondacks. Many of the things you can do involve taking advantage of the unrivaled natural elements.

Many of the mountains in the park have miles worth of hiking trails. These range from easy walks to intense paths. As if the sense of accomplishment wasn’t enough, you’ll get to enjoy views that take your breath away once you make it to the top of each mountain.

As the region contains dozens of lakes, you can also try out kayaking or canoeing if you haven’t before. There’s nothing more magical than spending a day on the water, then making your way back to shore to watch the stars over the woods at night.

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love the huge variety of animals that you can see. From predators such as bears, coyotes, and mountain lions, to beavers, turtles, and moose, it’s safe to say that the park is a wildlife haven.

Make Your Dream Mountain Vacation a Reality

Located just a few hours north of New York City, many people overlook the Adirondack Mountains. But as this guide explains, they offer so much for visitors to see and do. Plan a trip there today, and give yourself the quiet escape to nature that you need.

Are you ready to get started planning your dream mountain vacation? Before you go and start packing, take a moment to check out some of our many other articles for more guides and tips.

Beach Vacation: What Should You Pack?

October 23, 2020 by Mandy

You’ve decided to get the kids together and head to the beach for a much-needed vacation. This is your first time taking the kids to the beach, so you’ve done your research and know what to carry with you. Now, all that’s left is figuring out what you should pack for yourself.

You’re going to need essentials for yourself and probably some essentials for the family that you didn’t think of. Read on below for what you should pack to go on that beach vacation.

Waterproof Makeup

While you’re going to be spending the majority of your vacation lounging on the beach, you’re still going to want to look your best. Do that by packing waterproof makeup in a little bag and tucking it into your suitcase for later use. From colored mascara for those nights on the boardwalk to concealer for those days by the pool, you’ll want everything to be waterproof and light.

A Couple of Swimsuits

You’re going to the beach, so you already know that you’re going to need a swimsuit. It’s best to carry a couple of swimsuits for each member of the family. For one thing, no one wants to slip back into a wet swimsuit that’s caked with sand, and you don’t want to spend your whole vacation washing swimsuits every time the family heads to the beach. Pack a couple of swimsuits for each of you, so you don’t have to do laundry as much.

Coverups

A good coverup is necessary for a day at the beach. Make sure you carry one for each member of the family. Not only are coverups super cute, but they also protect you and your family from the harsh rays of the sun and from being a lobster when the day is done. It’s also important to note that some beaches won’t allow you on the beach without a coverup so you want to be prepared.

Change of Clothes

If you’re just going for the day, you’ll want to bring a change of clothes for everyone. If it’s a week’s vacation or a weekend, then pack enough clothes to get you through. You don’t want to spend all of your time at the hotel’s laundry, so plan accordingly.

A Fully-Stocked Kindle/Books

While you’re sure to have fun at the beach, there’s nothing like relaxing with a good book or a fully-stocked Kindle. Check out the bestseller list before you leave, stock up, and enjoy the relaxation on the beach by reading one of your favorite authors. After all, what are beach vacations for, but to read all the best beach novels you need to catch up on?

Plenty of Sunscreen and First-Aid

The sun’s rays can be a killer, and that’s been scientifically proven. Besides, you don’t want to spend the majority of your vacation stuck in the hotel room too burnt to get out in the sun. Bring along plenty of sunscreen for the entire family to avoid burning. The same thing can be said for carrying first-aid stuff with you. You want plenty of band-aids, soothing aloe sprays, and Tylenol just in case a day in the sun is too much for one of you.

Toys for the Kids

Don’t forget to scoop up some shovels, buckets, and other beach necessities for the kids to play with. The beach is fun for kids to begin with, but add in a bucket and a shovel to scoop up and play in the sand, and they’ll be happy for hours on end.

These are just a few of the items you should pack when heading out on a beach vacation. Remember, sunscreen is key and please be careful out there.

Packing Essentials for the Weekend Getaway

October 23, 2020 by Mandy

There are times when packing for that upcoming weekend getaway can be more difficult than packing for longer trips. Most of the time, you end up not packing enough and leaving essential items behind. For the ideal weekend getaway, you’ll need to pack enough clothing without taking your entire wardrobe along. The trick to this is to pack smart. As an example, instead of packing sandals and slippers, pack a pair of sandals that can pull double duty. Here’s a quick look at a few more tips.

For the Night Out

Any weekend getaway might include a night out. For that reason, be sure to pack a plus size little black dress or a nice pair of khakis and a button-down shirt. Come rain or shine, these items are weekend getaway must-haves.

Sunglasses

Another of the must-have fashion items for weekend getaways, or any type of trip, is a great pair of sunglasses. These are critical for eye protection when you’re outside. Additionally, they can add a bit of panache to simple outfits, and are always a fantastic accessory.

Cologne/Perfume

Whether you’re packing light or packing heavy, just because you’ll be away for a couple of days doesn’t mean that you need to be without your favorite scent. If your bottle is a bit bulky, why not purchase a smaller one just to keep in your overnight bag? Just make sure that it’s permissible if you’ll be traveling by air.

Jacket

For fall getaways, a jacket is a necessity – especially anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Keep in mind though that a single jacket is all you’ll need for those nights at outdoor events or even just a night spent on your balcony. Even if you’ll be south of that famous Line, the weather can be a bit damp and chilly at night, so it might be a good idea to have a light jacket just in case. Depending on your destination, you might need just a light one or one that’s a bit bulkier, like a leather one.

White Shirt

It doesn’t matter if you prefer a plain white t-shirt or a button-down, this item is essential for a weekend getaway. This item of clothing is versatile and can look great regardless of what you pair it with. You can dress it up or down with ease.

Swimsuit

If you’re traveling in the warmer months, or to Florida, you might want to remember to pack a swimsuit. The chances are good that there will be a pool at your hotel. Even if you aren’t planning on getting into any water, you might just want to chill by the pool and catch a few rays.

Lounge Clothes

Weekend getaways are typically meant for unwinding and lounging. For that reason, lounge clothes should be right at the top of your list of things to pack. Don’t forget things like sweatpants or leggings and overly large t-shirts. Just be sure not to pack things you wouldn’t want anyone to see you wearing.

Footwear

For shoes, you’ll need something comfortable enough for you to walk around a lot in. Whether these are sandals or sneakers, make sure that they’re both stylish and durable. You also need to remember to pack nicer shoes for your night out.

Finally, pack a nice book for you to get into in your downtime. Also, if you always have a bag of toiletries ready to go, you’ll avoid forgetting the essentials. This bag should contain things like lotion, underwear, toothbrush, brush, shampoo, soap, conditioner, feminine products, etc. Having everything you need will make your weekend that much more relaxing.

Traveling with your family during the pandemic

September 23, 2020 by Mandy

Traveling during the global pandemic is not advisable but it is possible so long as you are cautious. It is critically important that you take every possible precaution in order to keep yourself and your family safe as you travel during these unsafe times. Odds are you will only be able to travel within the United States because international travel is near impossible due to travel bans or restrictions in almost every country.

The one upside to traveling during the pandemic is that travel right now is very affordably priced. Airlines, train companies and the hospitality industry at large are all unfortunately suffering big profit losses because no one is traveling right now. Thus, they are offering big discounts for anyone willing to travel in order to recoup their losses.

You should also consider waiting to travel for a few months. As time has progressed the overall management and rate of the spread of the virus has slowed as the world, the United States included, has gotten a hang of social distancing and overall containment. In a few months’ time it might be even safer to travel

Your options for getting to your destination

As was mentioned earlier, your options for traveling during the pandemic will be cheap but there might be restrictions on where you can travel. Once you figure out where you are going and if you will be forced into a mandatory quarantine when you get there or not, you can look into your travel options.

Many experts say that driving with your family in your own car will be the safest option because that will cause the least amount of potential exposure to other people. With methods of transportation like planes and trains, you will inevitably be exposed to other people. However, you might not want to drive for several hours or days depending on how far you are traveling.

If you choose to travel by plane or train just be sure to follow whatever instructions you are given in terms of safety protocol. All public travel including a train trips or flights are under the strictest supervision to ensure everyone’s safety.

If that is what you end up choosing to do, you can avoid using any public transport, cabs or ride shares at your destination by having your own vehicle to drive. You have two options for this. The first is renting a car. Unfortunately, there are some issues with this. The first is that the car has already been used by other people, so even though the cars get cleaned, you will be at a small risk of exposure to the virus. Also, rentals can get expensive quickly as you have to pay for it every day that you have it.

That is why you should definitely consider shipping your car to your destination instead. This way you will have your own car that has not had any contact from other people. You also will not need to continuously pay for use of your own car.

How to keep yourself and your family safe

Keeping yourself and your family safe as you travel during the pandemic will entail all of the obvious steps as well as a little bit extra. This will include wearing masks any time that you are around other people, keeping yourself and your family socially distant from others, and making sure that you keep your hands washed and sanitized.

You should also only travel to and from states where the covid-19 crisis is under control. You can find more information about that here. In fact, if you travel from a state where cases are on the rise, you might be forced to quarantine for two weeks when you arrive at your destination, so be sure to do your homework before you start traveling.

Conclusion

Traveling at the moment is still not the greatest idea. However, some of you may need to for a variety of reasons. The upside is that travelling is very cheap right now because of the low demand for travel. If you and your family do travel during the pandemic, be sure you take every step possible to keep yourselves safe. If you choose to take a flight or a train ride instead of driving yourself, remember that it will be safer to have your own car when you reach your destination rather than using a rental.

The Best Type Of Vehicle To Travel In

September 16, 2020 by Mandy

Travel is on everyone’s minds lately. This deep-seated urge to go as far away from home as you can until you miss it enough to come back. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to travel and get away from home. The only problem that arises is how to pick which one?

Here’s a list of the top vehicles to travel in and some notes on where you’d go with them.

By Car

This mode of transit is by far the most common type of travel you can do. Most people vacation and trip relatively close to home, which means they don’t have to go far away. The good thing about traveling by car is it’s incredibly inexpensive, which means while you’re checking out St Albert real estate, you’re also ensuring you’re not pouring cash into a plane ticket. Traveling by car also means you can go on your schedule, and stop and sightsee anywhere along the way. You absolutely can’t do that on a plane.

By Bus

Travel by bus has been picking up in popularity again. This mode of transit is more expensive, time-consuming, and less safe than travel by car. The only time this should be taken instead of driving is if you either don’t own a car or can’t drive that far and can’t afford a plane ticket. It’s important to consider how much time you’re giving yourself to travel and if the tradeoff of not working for that day or two is worth it. Buses are fantastic, less expensive than planes, and offer a chance to travel without driving- but they have a lot of cons.

By Plane

Plane travel is the kind most people think of when they’re considering a vacation. This type of travel is a very high-speed option, but it can also be more expensive, and if you’re immunocompromised, there’s a higher risk of coming home with some bug. If you’re traveling with many things, going by plane can rack up an even higher price since you’ll have to deal with luggage fees and overweight fees for large luggage.

By Boat

Traveling by boat isn’t as common as it used to be, but it’s still an option many take on. Whether you’re ferrying from Victoria BC, to Seattle WA, or on a cruise from Alaska to Mexico, this is a prolonged mode of transit that’s more about the trip than the destination. It can be expensive, but it’s also more fun and has views that are far more rewarding.

Other Options

There are, of course, tons of ways you can travel besides these main four. Some travel on their motorcycles from state to state in America, while others take up riding on trains where they’re available. These are less common but still available in some areas. When traveling, you need to balance the amount of time you have, the amount of money you have, and the distance you need to cover. If you can’t afford one mode of transit but are willing to give up time for a lower price point, don’t be afraid to try the bus or a train! They’re great conversation starters, and you’ll still end up at your destination.