Autumn is a big season for hotels, especially those that represent the winds of change. In New York City, Standard International debuts its latest hotel concept, The Manner—which feels less like the hedonistic Standards of yore, and more like any of the city’s growing number of fabulous private-members clubs. Across the country in California, a beloved Laguna Beach icon enters an exciting new chapter. Salt Lake City is finally getting a new lifestyle hotel—just in time for another ski season. And the country’s first ultra-sustainable, “carbon positive” hotel opens its doors in Denver to set an example for hotels everywhere. There’s a lot happening, and a lot to explore—where will you go first? These are the most exciting new hotel openings of fall 2024.
I spent nearly $3,000 on a Disney vacation. I'm canceling all my plans this month to limit my spending.
13.09.2024 - 15:14 / insider.com
I am in the middle of what I'm calling Stay Home September.
It's something I made up — a catchy phrase to distract me from the fact that I have to stay home for the month to save money.
I recently returned from a trip to Disney World, where the cost of lodging, park admissions, food, and transportation reached shocking numbers. After my trip, I calculated I spent nearly $3,000 for six days and five nights at the parks — far more than I could afford.
To earn some of that money back, I've vowed to stay home for most of September and spend as little money as possible.
Every month, my biggest expense (beyond my New York City rent) is food. I often order takeout, go out to eat with friends, and order expensive groceries using InstaCart.
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On average, I spend close to $1,000 on food a month. But during Stay Home September, I have to curb that expense significantly.
I have deleted my DoorDash app, so there will be no last-minute McDonald's orders. I also deleted InstaCart, so I won't be getting my fancy Wegman's hummus this month.
Instead, I will go to my local grocery store, buy food for the week, and cook every meal. I'm a terrible cook, so I am not looking forward to this change, but I hope this measure will cut my biggest expense in half.
My second biggest expense comes from going out with friends — whether that's attending shows, eating out at restaurants, exploring museums, or going to the movies.
This month, I will abstain from all of those activities. I have told my friends not to entice me with invitations, and I've already had to say no to two comedy shows I really wanted to attend.
I also told my friends that if they want to hang out this month, we must do it at my or their house. Some prefer to go out and explore the city, and I don't blame them, so I know that my social life will take a hit during Stay Home September.
It seems that every time I leave my house in New York City, I spend at least $50. To avoid that, I will spend a lot of time alone in my one-bedroom apartment.
As an introverted extrovert, I get a lot of my energy from being with people and hanging out with friends. I'm worried that staying home for most of a month will make me feel isolated and left out.
A small part of me fears my friends will forget about me this month because I can't do everything they want to do. But I keep reminding myself that my friendships aren't based on the amount of money we spend to hang out. My friends will still hang out with me, and we will find free things to do together around the city.
When I do feel that inevitable loneliness this month, I have a support system to fall back on, including a therapist. I also have crafts set up to keep my mind busy while at home.
Since travel is so
I visited New York's largest Halloween festival at a historic mansion with over 7,000 jack-o'-lanterns. Here are the coolest things I saw.
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I'm 57 and finally following my dreams of traveling while my daughter struggles to launch her career. It's hard to leave her behind.
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The Best Apple Picking Near New York City
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I've Traveled Over 400,000 Miles With This Away Carry-On—Here's How It's Held Up
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