Vacation

Not everyone has an unlimited supply of money to pour into their vacation fund. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing places to see that don't cost an arm and a leg. Our friends at DailyWorth know all the best spots!

Got a travel itch but trying to stick to your budget? As it turns out, there’s often an amazing (and cheaper!) alternative to the pricey destination you’ve been dreaming about. For a little inspiration, we turned to Jeralyn Gerba, cofounder and editorial director of the travel website Fathom, who offered up some innovative and inexpensive travel ideas. Read on for some smart swaps that will satisfy your wanderlust but set you back way less, along with her expert tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and shop in each locale.

Seeking Tahitian surf and seclusion? Try Nicaragua.

According to WaterWays Surf Adventures, Nicaragua is one of Surfline’s “Best Bets” for surf travel from anywhere in the US. Gerba agrees: “Flights are cheap from the states, the rural coasts feel just as secluded as the South Seas, and there's consistent beach bum migration because of the great Pacific surf breaks — always a good sign.” There’s much more than surfing here, too. In addition to the dramatic Pacific coastline, Nicaragua offers up tranquil Caribbean beaches, freshwater lakes, verdant hills, and even volcanoes.

Where to stay: La Bahia Beach Hotel is a stylish, laid-back surf lodge that has a pool, a restaurant serving fresh seafood, an open-air lounge, and four breezy cabanas with king-size beds, alfresco showers, and unobstructed views of the ocean. The low-season (May 16 to Oct. 31) rate is $150 per night; the high-season (Nov. 1 to May 15) rate is $180.

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Eat like you're in Paris in . . . Montreal.

There's Old World charm, beguiling accents, and plenty of gourmet items you'll wish you could smuggle through customs (foie gras! confit de canard!). Check out the city’s oldest quarter, Vieux-Montréal, for the most European experience. It’s full of cobble-stoned streets, museums, and restaurants. Don’t miss the revitalized canal district, which you can explore by boat, on foot, or with rented bicycles. Burn off those gourmet calories by strolling through Parc du Mont-Royal, situated on the hill that gave the metropolis its name.

Where to shop: The Jean Talon Market is an open-air market where the surrounding food shops are a gourmet paradise, showcasing a vast array of locally raised meats, farm-fresh produce, artisanal chocolates, and Québécois cheeses, wines, and ciders. Have lunch here or just enjoy the plentiful food samples at the market while mingling with Montrealers.

Read on for more.

Whether you're just traveling one town over or you scheduled a sunny reprieve from your snowy Winter, this long holiday weekend can be a time to rest and relax. But finding time for R&R doesn't mean you have to give up any healthy goals you've made. Here's how to have a healthy getaway this weekend.

Pack something fitnessy: You don't have to devote all of your precious suitcase space to fitness equipment, but you should try to bring something that inspires or reminds you to maintain part of your regular workout routine. Here are some great ideas for space-saving fitness equipment to pack before you leave.

Keep reading for more tips.

It's tempting to make a beeline for the resort pool when you first reach your hotel, but there are a few things you should try to do first if you want to make the most of your vacation. Stay healthy, prepared, and adventure-ready by performing these four must-dos as soon as you arrive.

1. Cozy up to the concierge. Before you race to your room, take the time to meet with the concierge and gather any necessary maps, brochures, and handouts. Avoid spending unnecessary cash by asking about local deals or special offers available through the hotel.
2. Investigate the WiFi situation. Is it free or is there a daily charge? Don't wait until there's a must-get-online crisis to call the operator. Find out the hotel's Internet policy right away and set up all user and password information on each of your devices to dodge any complications or hidden fees.

Read on for more handy hotel tips.