Short-term rental operators including Kasa Living, Placemakr, and AvantStay are taking over properties managed by Sonder.
08.03.2024 - 14:35 / forbes.com
Ever mindful of persistent inflation, travelers seek vacation destinations that are easy on their wallets. Many travelers say rising prices have impacted their plans and are opting for more affordable vacations, which often means staying closer to home.
With over 30 million people residing within a 200-mile radius of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. and its environs serve as ideal destinations for vacations. On the Potomac River waterfront, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect weekend getaway destination for travelers who want convenient access to the nation’s capital via Metrorail, water taxi, bike and more. Those flying into DCA can take a 10-minute Uber ride to Alexandria or a train into Alexandria’s Amtrak station for a more affordable option.
For history buffs, the best way to enjoy Alexandria’s rich culture is with theKey to the Cityattractions pass. For only $20 (a $60 value) the Key to the City pass includes: Access to nine historic sites; 40% off Mount Vernon admission, City Cruises Alexandria roundtrip Potomac Water Taxi pass and Tall Ship Providence;10% off coupon for museum store purchases valid at 11 sites.
AFFORDABLE THINGS TO DO
Tour Tall Ship Providence
Head to the floating visitor experience on Alexandria’s waterfront to explore thetall ship Providence, a full-scale reproduction of the first ship commissioned to the Continental Navy. Take on the role of a sailor during an immersive one-hourdockside tour (adult rate: $24; children $17) or enjoy a seasonal sunset sail beginning April 3, 2024 (weekdays $55; weekend $65).
Stroll the King Street Mile, Sample Delectable Foods
The King Street mile and surrounding brick-lined sidewalks and cobblestone alleys are studded with centuries-old architecture, historic attractions and independently owned restaurants and boutiques. You can also take a ride on the free King Street Trolley which runs from the Metro and Amtrak station down to Market Square, home to the year-round Old Town Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
Explore Free Historical Experiences and Architectural Wonders
Experience history where it happened as you embark on the Courageous Journey African American History Driving Tour. Explore the African American history that shaped Alexandria and the United States featuring the site of one of the nation’s earliest sit-in protests and more. The recently expanded waterfront African American Heritage Trail highlights the people, places and neighborhoods along the Potomac, from the time of Alexandria’s founding through the 20th century.
Explore Mount Vernon
Alexandria has more than 140 locations associated with the nation’s first president. For the quintessential experience, head eight miles south
Short-term rental operators including Kasa Living, Placemakr, and AvantStay are taking over properties managed by Sonder.
A trip to the Maldives — that dreamy equatorial archipelago of white-sand beaches, swaying palms and vibrant reefs — might seem like Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. And its luxury resorts certainly offer plenty of both delicacies. However, there are also affordable all-inclusive options where you won't pay extra for a satisfying meal or a cocktail at the bar, which can be a relief after the time and money spent to reach this far-flung destination.
As Founding Publisher of Live and Invest Overseas, I often get questions from retirees (or soon-to-bes) wondering about how older folks are treated internationally, worried that they might not be as respected in their new home.
When your vacation plans include a lot of time outdoors, you don’t want your favorite four-legged friend to be left behind. According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, about 78 percent of pet owners travel with their dogs each year. It’s no longer uncommon to see dogs accompanying their owners on planes, and it’s estimated that 80 percent of Americans take a yearly road trip, making traveling with pets even easier.
The most difficult leg of a trip—especially on long international journeys—is making that last flight connection or lengthy ground transfer to your final destination. Those final couple hours in transit, when the effects of jet lag are rearing up and patience is running thin, can be laborious and time-consuming, but are often necessary in order to reach some of the world's most remote destinations.
No one in search of a budget city vacation is going to put Tokyo at the top of their list – this incredible city unfortunately comes with some pretty incredible prices.
United announced Thursday it will allow friends and family to create joint accounts to pool frequent flier miles through its loyalty program.
Civil unrest in Haiti has forced the Royal Caribbean Group to cancel all plans to visit its private destination in Labadee.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) continues to push back against American Airlines' controversial New Distribution Capability (NDC) rollout.On Monday, the Alexandria, Virginia-based organization launched a weeklong ad campaign in POLITICO magazine in hopes of influencing lawmakers in Washington, D.C.Beginning May 1, American will stop awarding AAdvantage miles and loyalty accrual points through agencies unless they are deemed "preferred," a status achieved by having a 2024 incentive agreement with the airline or by booking through American NDC channels and reaching progressive sales thresholds of 30 percent by April 21, 50 percent by October 31 and 70 percent by April 30, 2025."This latest development doubles down on American Airlines' clear agenda since last year to force the travel agency industry to adopt immature technology, monopolize distribution channels, and squeeze channel partners and customers for cost-cutting and profit," ASTA stated.Additionally, ASTA is offering a toolkit for travel advisors to reach out to their congressional representatives. The organization is also encouraging members to send their clients to SaveMyMiles.com to take action."Tell them to stop AA from disenfranchising customers who book through travel agencies by telling Congress—don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice," says ASTA.
It has already been a sweet life for Fumihide Oda, chief executive of Rokkatei, one of the oldest confectionary shops in Hokkaido, Japan, and the birthplace of the popular Marusei butter sandwich cookies.
While Baltimore is home to a wealth of fascinating museums, restaurants and historic attractions, there’s a world of opportunity for visiting ecotourists found far beyond city limits. From the heart of Chesapeake Bay to the edge of the Atlantic, Maryland is rife with top-tier birdwatching destinations, each one equipped with a diverse array of species spanning from tiny passerines to fierce raptors. As you plan your next trip to the Old Line State, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for these can’t-miss birdwatching spots.
Just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, northern Virginia is legendary for its Civil War battlefields, Mount Vernon and other historic sites.