vacation Archives - Other CMS

Winter Planning Tips for Your Summer Vacation

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:30:00 +0000

There is a lot that goes into planning summer vacations, why not take this winter to start yours. There are plenty of benefits to planning your summer fun early.

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How to Plan the Perfect MLB Spring Training Trip

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:59:01 +0000

Sure, the calendar might say we are but a few weeks past the official start of winter but don’t be fooled by that. In truth, Major League Baseball spring training is already om the horizon, with players reporting to their respective teams in early February. Cries of “play ball!” will echo from stadiums in Florida and Arizona before you know it.

All of which makes this the ideal time to begin planning your spring training excursion. Whether it’s going to be a few days or weeks, there are some important steps you can take to optimize your winter trip to sunny baseball climes.

Pick Your Time: If the game’s your thing, be aware the actual spring training season runs from late February to mid- to late March, and plan accordingly. Also bear in mind that weekend games tend to draw larger crowds than their weekday counterparts, particularly for teams whose fan bases are near Arizona and Florida. It’s smart to mix and match the games you want to attend.

Get A Room: Spring training is a highly popular winter destination, with more than 3 million Americans making the trip each year. Suffice it to say, hotels and resorts tend to fill quickly, with lodgings near specific stadiums going the fastest and usually at a premium. The solution? Book your accommodations as early as possible.

Don’t Just Root for the Home Team: One of the best things about the way spring training is structured is that is enables you to see your favorite team play at multiple ballparks in one trip. This is particularly true in Arizona, where all 15 Cactus League squads train in or around Phoenix. Try following your team as it makes the circuit so that you can root them on while experiencing each stadium’s individual perks and features.

Choose Seats Wisely: In general, it’s smart to purchase tickets ahead of time, particularly for rival matchups (I’m looking at you, Cubs vs. White Sox) or marquee teams. Also remember that spring training facilities tend to be much smaller and more affordable than regular stadiums, so you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get good seats. One caveat, however: Unlike in the regular season, most spring training games take place during the day, so it can get uncomfortably warm. Look for seats that maximize your time in the shade and always pack a hat, sunscreen and water.

Represent: Be sure to hit the stadium store; is there a better way to commemorate your winter-in-the-sun visit? In addition, the inventory often includes items you can’t get anywhere else, such as spring training-specific jerseys, caps and beer mugs. In some cases, you can even score regular season merch that hasn’t been released to the public yet.

Explore the City: Most spring training games take place during the day, so you’ll probably have plenty of free time at night. You could just head back to your hotel and order room service — or you could use that time to check out some of the local attractions and restaurants. Suffice it say, there is plenty to do off the diamond in both Florida and Arizona to occupy baseball tourists of all stripes.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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How to Save on the Ski Slopes This Winter

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:20:20 +0000

Skiers are known to be particularly avid about their sports, most notably in their willingness to brave freezing temperatures and icy winds for the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with swooshing down alpine hillsides at high speeds. Little surprise, then, that for many of them, skiing is not a pastime but something closer to being a way of life.

And a rather expensive one at that. Long before the recent surge in inflation, skiing carried the reputation of being a pricey proposition given what resorts charge for lift tickets, equipment rentals, overnight stays and meals. There are ways around that, however, and with fall the prime season for planning winter ski getaways, here are a few money-saving tips to consider before you hit the slopes.

Look for Lift Bargains: Yes, lift tickets are expensive but that does not mean there are not bargains out there if you look hard enough. For instance, you can save a substantial amount of money by planning ahead and buying your lift tickets early. Also consider signing up for websites like Liftopia that track lift prices and alert when you a bargain becomes available. In addition, bear in mind that many resorts offer cut rates for students, disabled skiers, families, large groups, seniors and first timers.

Go Small: Let’s face it – skiing North America’s most popular resorts does not come cheap. Keep in mind, however, that the converse is also true, that you can ski smaller, lesser-known destinations for less and enjoy the added benefit of noticeably shorter lift lines. And if you must ski one of the marquee resorts, consider a mid-week visit when you are more likely to find bargains.

Avoid Resort Mark-Ups: Everything is more expensive once you set foot at the resort, so frugal skiers are well advised to rent skis and any other essential equipment before you arrive. Likewise, if you need lodging, you are far better off booking a room nearby and using resort shuttles or public transportation to reach the slopes.

Bring Your Own: The same concept holds true for food. There is no getting around the fact skiing can be hungry work but that does not mean you have to purchase marked-up resort meals. Skiers can save a few bucks by bringing food with them – granola bars are a great choice, or you can even pack a sandwich to fit in your pants pocket.

Half-Day’s the Way: Particularly as you age, it is worth asking yourself: “Do I really have seven hours of skiing in me?” If no, go for the half-day lift ticket, which usually gives you three of four afternoon hours of skiing for significantly less money.

Off-Season Discounts: In certain parts of the country, ski season extends well past winter, as snow can fall in the mountains in March and even into April. Lift tickets, equipment rentals and lodging are all discounted toward the end of the season, so consult your favorite resort to see if it offers a spring pass program.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Plan Now for the Best Fall Getaways

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:53:24 +0000

Autumn looks and feels different depending on which part of the country you call home. In the northern tier of states, the season quickly morphs from sunshine and brisk afternoons to wet days and chilly temperatures that carry more than a hint of the winter to come. In the desert Southwest, by contrast, fall presents an open invitation to get out and enjoy the natural world without fear of having to confront dangerous triple-digit temperatures.

No matter where you live, however, the season offers some of the biggest travel bargains of the year, as airfare, lodging and other costs significantly drop once the kids are back in school. If you’re in a position to access those bargains, here are six fabulous fall destinations to consider.

Leavenworth, Washington: If you’re looking for a taste of Germany but overseas isn’t in the cards, head to Leavenworth. One of the nation’s most authentic Bavarian-style towns, it sits along the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades and ranks among the best destinations for autumn foliage in the West. Not surprisingly, Leavenworth also hosts a world-famous Oktoberfest complete with outstanding brews, German cuisine, live music and a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Taos, New Mexico: Situated at nearly 7,000 feet, Taos is well known for its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty. In fall, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures among a backdrop of multi-colored aspens, golden and red cottonwoods and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. The city also offers the free Taos Fall Arts Festival featuring performances, projection art and installations amid historic adobe buildings.

Brown County, Indiana: Located in south-central Indiana, this rustic destination is a hidden gem well known to Hoosiers but largely overlooked elsewhere. Reputed to have the most stunning fall foliage in the Midwest, Brown County also is home to an acclaimed state park, several quaint towns and a thriving art and music scene in its largest city, Nashville. And visitors are just a short drive from Bloomington, home of Indiana University and one of the nation’s most vibrant college towns.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: For a budget-friendly fall vacation that includes the chance to explore history and haunts, try Gettysburg. Here, 51,000 union and Confederate soldiers died during a three-day battle in July 1863, the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War. Particularly popular in October is the Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour, in which visitors learn more about the battle and the fallen while strolling the grounds by candlelight. You also will find among the changing leaves apple orchards and farmers markets, as well as the opportunity to experience the increasingly popular hard cider scene.

Asheville, North Carolina: Home to one of the nation’s longest and most vibrant fall season, Asheville is a joy to visit, with its mild temperatures and Blue Ridge Mountains setting. Hiking is a way of life in Asheville but the city that gave the world Thomas Wolfe is also known for its dynamic literary, music and arts community.

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Tips for Saving a Few Dollars at Disneyland

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:46:05 +0000

The Western United States is suffering through a severe drought, gas prices have reached unprecedented levels, the economy is flirting with recession and the pandemic isn’t finished with us yet. Sounds like a good summer to stay home, right? Well, don’t tell that to the millions who will crowd Disneyland this season. The Anaheim attraction over the past 70 years has repeatedly demonstrated it’s pretty much impervious to the economic and societal factors that deter visitors bound for less famous theme parks.

Of course, Disneyland this summer is not only very busy but very expensive. There are a few strategies, however, visitors can employ to save a few dollars while wringing maximum enjoyment from their visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Leave the Car at Home: The current price of gas alone should provide all the incentive you need to find alternative Disneyland transportation options but here’s another — higher parking fees the park and area hotels. Do the research and you might find it’s a better bargain getting to Anaheim by train, plane of bus. Also make sure to utilize Lyft or Uber to get to and from your hotel to the park.

Stay Off the Property: To be sure, there is nothing like the experience and perks that come with staying at a Disney-operated hotel but that might be a luxury best postponed for the present. Given the fact you’re making the trip in order to spend your days in the park, it could be all you need at night is a clean bathroom and comfortable bed. Look for lodging bargains (particularly midweek) in area around Disneyland.

Meal Deals: Another perk of staying at a local hotel is that many offer complimentary breakfasts. To save money later in the day, fill up on this free fare before heading over to the park ad make sure to bring snacks to keep you going until the afternoon, when the food lines are shorter. If Disneyland Character Dining is a priority for you, make sure to pre-purchase your vouchers, which saves you about 10% off the list price.

Water, Water Everywhere: It can be warm in Southern California all year round, so you will want to stay hydrated at the park. Smart visitors bring water bottles with them and refill them through the day at easy water bottle fillers or with free ice water. Inside Disneyland, you can find water bottle fillers at Tomorrowland Terrace, Rancho Del Zocalo, the French Market and the Plaza Inn. Disney California Adventure Park does not have any water bottle fillers but cold water is readily accessible in the Wine Country Trattoria bathroom. Visitors also can request a free large cup of water with ice at any counter service restaurant.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.

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Think Ahead to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Summer Vacation

CENTRESTAGEFILMS — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 22:01:13 +0000

Spring is in swing and that means many of us are already actively engaged in planning summer holidays, trips that have taken on additional importance and urgency as the nation emerges from two years of pandemic restrictions. The bad news, of course, is that this summer’s road trips will be complicated by sky-high gas prices and the highest inflation rate in 40 years. It’s enough to harsh your hot-weather mellow.

Given those conditions, it is more important than ever this summer for vacationers to squeeze every cent from their travel dollars in general and fuel costs in particular. Here are a few tips for saving money while still enjoying yourself on the road this summer.

Rethink Your Destination: Suffice it to say, this is probably not the summer to take that gas-guzzler cross country. It’s a safe bet there a plenty of fine and fun destinations you can travel to without needing to take a second out on the house. In addition, this is an ideal time to visit cities in which the major attractions are clustered in one area and/or readily accessible via mass transit or, better yet, on foot. The less driving the better when it comes to summer 2022 vacations.

Tune-Up Time: If this one sounds like common sense, that’s because it is, but there is no more crucial time to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Data reveals that properly tuned cars can increase your mileage by an average of 4%, with correctly aligned and inflated tires adding 3% on top of that. And
don’t forget to check and when needed change that oil before heading out for parts unknown. These are no-brainers, to be sure, but they are also the nagging details too many of us overlook for too long.

At the Pump: The skyrocketing costs of recent months – which have come before the increases that usually accompany the summer driving season – has spurred the popularity of apps and websites to help motorists find the lowest-priced gas. Valuable as these are when you’re tooling around town, they can have an even greater impact when you’re navigating the streets of an unknown city. It also can’t hurt to research the many credit cards offering cash back on gas. Rebates usually run 2% to 5% — not a huge sum, perhaps, but better than nothing.

(Money-Saving) Rules of the Road: Not surprisingly, you’ll find plenty of cost-cutting strategies behind the wheel. Chief among these is avoid speeding, as research confirms fuel economy (to say nothing of motorist safety) drops precipitously after you move beyond 55 m.p.h. (The things Sammy Hagar never told us!). Likewise, run the air conditioner only when absolutely necessary, as it dramatically reduces fuel economy. Most cars’ AC units have an “economy” setting for circulating un-chilled air and that might just be enough to enable you to travel in comfort.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful

The post Think Ahead to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Summer Vacation appeared first on Other CMS.