Update: This business is now closed. If anyone has information on a possible reopening or relocation, please let me know. I wish Mike all the very best and I hope readers still enjoy this post and having the chance to read about a Kona legend.
When you think about Hawaiian food, what comes to mind? Chances are, you envision beautiful fresh fish, flavorful tropical fruits, and maybe evenexquisite coffee - three of my favourite things! Hawaiian food is all of those things and much more; hand pounded poi, savory roasted breadfruit, and gooey, sugary malasadas are also on my list of Hawaiian loves. But when I'm on Hawaii's Big Island, it's a prosaic pretzel I'm after - and only one place will do.
We found real value in one of the toniest spots in the United States.
Cape Cod is a tiny spit off Massachusetts, just an hour from Boston, where everything seems endless and open and large. There are massive beaches, gorgeous mansions, endless expanses of blue sky. And the friendliness is larger than life too!
I met my new friend Kelly, a former Cape Cod resident, at a cooking class in Prague. We bonded over a mutual appreciation of all things dumplings and goulash and she gave me invaluable advice for exploring Cape Cod. Thanks to her sage insider's perspective we had an unforgettable trip - plus a long list of activities to consider for next time. In the spirit of travel friendships, I feel it's only appropriate to pass along our favourite (affordable) Cape Cod recommendations - and I can't wait to hear if you have any to add to the list! Wondering what to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on a budget? We planned an incredible trip for just $200! Here are our favourite cheap things to do in Portsmouth, NH. (Updated in 2022!)
When we first conceived of the$200 Challenge - can two people travel for two days and spend just $200? - we knew a key factor in our success or failure would lie in our ability to target the right destination. We needed destinations that were slightly overlooked in favor of more popular neighbours. We needed destinations that were a little less trendy and a little less touristy. We needed destinations where our dollar would go just a little bit further. And Portsmouth ticked all those boxes - and a little bit more. If you're wondering what to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and you're on a budget, this is the post for you!
Occasionally in the shadow of its neighbors, Boston and Portland, Portsmouth had been described to me as a city with an actual working port, not just a waterfront attraction. A city where the shoulder season moves at a slow, leisurely pace. A city with loyal fans but also one that plenty of people haven't even heard of. I was immediately drawn to this combination of seaside town, working city, and slowly emerging tourist magnet. I knew I would love Portsmouth - but would my budget? And could the $200 Challenge possible succeed in pricey New England? Updated in 2021! The best Kauai activities for families, including great splurges, amazing savings, and tons of outdoor fun. Do you remember the time we stayed in the cheapest hotel room in London? Our short term pain was definitely worth the long term gain - we saved enough to enjoy some amazing theater tickets! And, of course, our misadventures provided tremendous amusement for all our wonderful readers! That marriage-testing situation was a memorable travel experience - and it perfectly summed up our value travel philosophy. We are all about knowing where to save, when to splurge, and how to get a steal of a deal. And that translates into a TON of fun when it comes to planning out the best Kauai activities for families - whether you're a couple, a family with kids, a family with seniors, or multi-generational.
London may have been our most amusing save, splurge, steal scenario but it's a system we put into action in just about every destination we visit. It's such a part of who we are and how we travel that we wanted to start an entirely new series on the blog dedicated to how we save, splurge, and "steal" all around the world. And there's no better place to kick things off than Hawaii. While Hawaii has plenty of tempting splurges (check out our list of favourite indulgences on the Big Island!) it is also one of the most affordable, value oriented destinations we've ever been to. We love sharing our passion for the more affordable side of Hawaiian life and the island of Kauai in particular is the embodiment of the best of the save, splurge, steal ideals. Here's what earned our money and our affections on the garden isle, staying with kayaking in Kauai. One night in Lake Placid? Here's where we went to stay, eat, shop.
My last time in Lake Placid, New York, I was close to death with undoubtedly a very unusual, very exotic ailment befitting a travel writer. Okay, okay I had an ordinary, everyday, run of the mill virus that I defeated with rest and ginger ale! But I digress...
The gap between what I wanted to do in Lake Placid and what I was actually able to accomplish was so big that the circumstances felt much more tragic than they were. I felt I had spent so much time in the city but I really hadn't had a chance to properly see it, to really connect. So when I had the opportunity for a last minute do-over, I jumped at the chance! And this time, I took Ryan along for the adventure. Budget travel in Providence, Island? This is one city that frugal adventurers need to see! Here's how to save during your visit.
"Um...... Does that include lodgings?" Skepticism and doubt are the hallmark of any good $200 Travel Challenge and when we told people we were planning explore budget travel in Providence, Rhode Island, for two days and spend just $200, they were skeptical. VERY skeptical.
And I was more than a little skeptical myself. This challenge was a last minute addition to a pre-existing trip. I had only a few days to plan, research, and build lists, a sharp contrast to my usual long planning marathons. And while Providence isn't an outrageously expensive city, I worried that true budget travel opportunities would be few and far between. I was sure the trip would be fun, but I didn't know if it would be easy. So how did we do and, more importantly, did we stay on budget? Here's how our weekend went down. (A word about pricing: Past $200 Challenges have been in Canadian funds. Given the fluctuation in currency rates, it seemed easiest to work with US funds for this particular challenge.) Updated 2021! The Big Island creates some BIG memories. If you're planning to travel to Hawaii, you have to check out Big Island helicopter tours - plus these other amazing adventures.
Hawaii's Big Island is one of those places where you just can't find a bad view. It's incredible by the shore. It's so warm and welcoming in the towns. There's as many amazing things to do in-land as there is by the water. And, of course, it's pretty darn fantastic from above! Big Island helicopter tours show you a side to Hawaii that most visitors never see - say, like lava flowing from the Big Island's volcanos or show-stopping cliff-side waterfalls. This post talks about what we loved about our helicopter tour, plus gives you tons of information about other splurges that made our trip - like a gorgeous hotel room, an amazing mountain top, and an unbelievable foodie experience.
And when I say "splurge" - well, let's just say that most things are actually super reasonable. I just mean they're not my usual freebies! When people ask me what I write about, I always say "where to save and when to splurge". I know I cover the savings side of things - A LOT. (Case in point: Check out this piece on how I make Hawaii a truly affordable destination). But I really believe a well timed splurge is just as important. After all, what's the fun in being frugal all the time if you can't let loose every now and then? And Hawaii's Big Island is the perfect place to splurge! Here's what you should not miss. On Hawaii's Big Island, you won't find a 'hotter' hangout than Pahoa and Lava Tree State Monument.
If I told you that Pahoa, Hawaii, was one of the hottest spots on earth, you'd probably think I was exaggerating or that I was describing a spot with a lot of buzz. But Pahoa, on Hawaii's Big Island, is indeed one of the world's hottest spots and it's all thanks to its neighbour, Kilauea Volcano.
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and, as recently as 2014-2015, lava flows threatened to destroy part of the town of Pahoa and surrounding communities. Fortunately, the lava stopped just in the nick of time, but local residents were right to be wary. This region bears the scars - and the beauty - of centuries of volcanic power. From delicate wildflowers to the toughest "trees" you've ever seen, nearby Lava Tree State Monument (sometimes called Lava Tree State Park) is a captivating tribute to the prowess of mother nature. I loved "Snow Days" as a kid. And being an adult is no different - especially in Lake Placid.School age children in Canada and the northern United States know that the two most beautiful words in the world are "Snow Day"! For those unfamiliar, a Snow Day occurs when the winter weather is so inclement it necessitates school closures. This actually happens far less often than you'd imagine, as those of us living in harsh winter climates are pretty hearty folk and we've got the road clearing equipment needed to stare down just about any winter storm.
The winter mornings of my childhood in rural Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, were spent with one ear cocked towards the radio, listening (often in vain) for the coveted Snow Day announcement. But when it finally came, oh, there was much rejoicing throughout the land! I'd immediately head outside to play in the snow. No matter how bad the storm, Snow Days were always the perfect day to play outside. The day would pass in a blur of sodden snow pants, red cheeks, and frozen mittens. Now there's a chance for me and everyone else to recreate that amazing Snow Day feeling in one of my favourite destinations for outdoor adventure: Lake Placid, New York. |
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