10 free things to do in Washington state

Austin has been slowly turning the heads of travelers for the last ten years. It first attracted folks with its quirky slogan of "Keep Austin Weird," and this was followed by music lovers who wanted to experience the live music capital of the world. Today, it draws people who love the city's outdoor offerings, want a Tex-Mex and barbecue foodie experience, or just simply want to have a good time.

Austin's incredible live music and culture scene has resulted in skyrocketing popularity in recent years – it's quickly become one of the most visited cities in the US.

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Crisscrossed with an impressive web of highways and byways, Washington is a typical US state. Driving is king for those who can afford it and public transportation outside of cities is relatively meager compared to countries in Europe, Asia or South America. Many visitors elect to rent cars and partake in that most romantic of American vacations: the road trip.

Let me tell you a story about the United Excursionist Perk, the little-known award travel tip even points and miles pros forget about.

Sedona is celebrated for being a luxury haven in Arizona, satisfying the senses with elegant resorts, rejuvenating spas and superb restaurants that blend beautifully into the natural surroundings. Not everything worth seeking out is expensive, which can help you keep your budget in balance after indulging in awe-inspiring experiences like drifting over the desert in a hot-air balloon and bouncing through the backcountry on a Jeep tour. Regardless of the reason, here are 12 free things to do in Sedona.

America's capital city is a fantastic destination to visit with children in tow. It's filled with kid-friendly museums, has an abundance of parks in which younger visitors can burn off excess energy, and a logical, pedestrian-friendly layout (let's not forget that DC was designed to showcase urban planning at its very best). 

Like many South Florida residents, I came first as a tourist before my family made the leap and moved here.

My kids are teenagers now, but we've been taking them on cruises since they were tiny. Each time we returned from our days at sea, I told my husband how much I wanted to take his parents on a cruise with us, as it seemed like the perfect multigenerational vacation to me for a variety of reasons. My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly last year, and the devastating loss made me even more determined to get my mother-in-law, who my kids call Grammy, onto a cruise ship with my family.

If you've grown weary of the urban rat race and yearn for stunning wide-open spaces, it's time to grab your bags and head to Washington State. 

The USA's capital is full of cultural and historical attractions but the gems that lie just beyond the city limits are equally extraordinary.

Washington’s nickname, the Evergreen State, fits it well. This is a place rich in alpine meadows and old-growth forests, lakes and rivers, waterfalls and wildflowers. And what makes all this green beauty possible? Rain – lots of it. This corner of the Pacific Northwest (and its largest city, Seattle) have a well-earned reputation for wet, drizzly weather.