Andirondacks

Whether you're a lover of outdoor activities, sports history or just appreciate beautiful scenery, odds are you'll adore northern New York's Adirondacks region. Situated about 290 miles north of New York City, 250 miles northwest of Boston and 110 miles south of Montreal, the Adirondacks offer a welcome break from the area's bustling metropolises. During the winter months, visitors can participate in an array of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, bobsledding and dogsledding. Once summertime rolls around, travelers can go biking, fishing, hiking, canoeing and whitewater rafting. No matter what time of year it is, you'll have your pick of stunning scenery to explore — like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake — thanks to more than 6 million acres spread across 12 regions.

For those looking to catch a break from the Adirondacks' outdoor adventures, you're in luck: This mountainous area also features plenty of historical treasures. In Lake Placid, travelers can experience all things Olympics while exploring the Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Sport Complex and Olympic Museum. And if sports history just isn't your thing, there's also John Brown Farm State Historic Site, which is the gravesite and former home of abolitionist John Brown. Additional offerings include a variety of seasonal events, boutique shops and Adirondacks-inspired gastropubs and fine dining eateries. And once you're ready to retire for the evening, you'll find a bevy of accommodation options, ranging from traditional campgrounds and quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious cabins and upscale resorts.

How To Save Money in Adirondacks

Avoid peak season

Come after peak season, during the shoulder months of September and October, and you'll battle fewer crowds and find bargain hotel rates.

Plan ahead Instead of purchasing expensive outdoor gear sold in Lake Placid, arrive prepared with plenty of layers, good hiking shoes and ski supplies if you're planning to shred some powder.

Buy an Olympic Sites 

Passport Travelers planning to explore all of Lake Placid's iconic Olympic landmarks should invest in an Olympic Sites Passport. Although it'll set you back $35 a piece, each passport includes access to all of the Olympic sites -Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Sport Complex and Olympic Museum , to name a few – plus reduced rates for bobsledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and other experiences.

Adirondacks Dining

The region's stunning scenery and agricultural traditions are at the forefront of Adirondack cuisine. Whether you're looking to pack a picnic for a hike, enjoy local brews and seasonal flavors at a gastropub or savor fine dining bites in an upscale or family-friendly setting, you'll have plenty to choose from to satiate your appetite.

For some of the best seasonal fare offered in the Adirondacks, former diners say a visit to Five Corners Cafe is a must. Although small, this eatery leaves a big impression with its menu, which includes fan favorites like the rack of lamb and ricotta gnudi. Another budget-friendly option that receives traveler praise is Lisa G's. Known for putting a modern spin on classic comfort foods, Lisa G's is a hit with locals and tourists alike, thanks in part to dishes like meatloaf, beet risotto and chicken parmesan.

If you're willing to spend a bit more coin, travelers recommend treating yourself to a meal at The View. Set within a wood dining room that overlooks the mountains and includes a stone fireplace and antler chandeliers and light fixtures, The View features a seasonal, locally sourced menu, with offerings like foie gras, braised pork cheeks and house smoked trout. Keep in mind, though, that all of the area's fine dining establishments fill up fast, so make your reservations well in advance.

Acadia National Park

Vacationing in Acadia National Park turns you into a pioneer: Each trail leads to rugged, untouched land just waiting to be captured by your camera lens. Cobalt waves crash on the jagged granite slabs topped with spruce trees that jut out from the shore. Harbor seals sun themselves on abandoned chunks of bedrock off the coast as peregrine falcons scream down at you from the skies. Rocky trails and rustic carriage roads thread around the inland trees and ponds, begging for exploring. Needless to say, the park is for your typical outdoor enthusiast, with a huge focus on adrenalin-pumping activities like horseback riding, biking, hiking — even rock climbing. 

For a very affordable fee, you're given free rein to explore Acadia's more than 47,000 acres, including all of its hiking trails and natural attractions. When you need a break from the great outdoors, the quaint New England town of Bar Harbor, Maine, waits for you in the northeast corner of Mount Desert Island. 

How To Save Money in Acadia National Park

Rely on your own two feetWithin Acadia National Park, you'll find 45 miles of carriage roads made for walking and biking, leaving little reason to bring along your own set of wheels to get around. A weekly vehicle will cost you $25, while an individual weekly pass will only set you back $12.

Hop on the Island ExplorerThis free summer shuttle bus service operates from June to early October and will take you to almost any hiking trail, carriage road, beach or town, upon request.

Skip a guided tourWith two resourceful visitor centers open every day during late spring, summer and fall, there's no need to book a tour if you're planning to visit during these seasons. For more information, consult the visitors center's website.

Yosemite

One of California's most formidable natural landscapes, Yosemite National Park features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees, daunting cliff faces and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States. But despite its enormous size, most of the tourist activity takes place within a 7-square-mile area of Yosemite Valley. Here you'll find the park's most famous landmarks – Half Dome and El Capitan – as well as excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments. Even inexperienced hikers can enjoy Yosemite: Guided tours and climbing lessons are available from local adventure outfitters. Just don't expect to experience it by yourself. Like so many other American tourist destinations, crowds are the biggest obstacles to an enjoyable Yosemite vacation – at least 4 million people visit each year. But if you go at the right time (and start your day a little earlier than usual), Mother Nature's wonders will reveal themselves to you in a miraculous and serene way.

How To Save Money in Yosemite

Rough it

Camping in the park (which includes bringing your own tent, food and supplies) is the cheapest way to experience Yosemite.

Stay further away

If camping isn't your thing, there are reasonably priced accommodations outside the park.

Take advantage of public transit Yosemite's bus service is extensive and free.

Yosemite Dining

Yosemite's food choices are mostly practical: Outside and within park ground you'll find a series of small general stores that supply picnic and camping supplies, and a few lodges and snack bars that offer fairly standard fare like burgers, hot dogs and pre-packaged sandwiches. Those who relish fine dining in the heart of the American wilderness will find high-quality American fare at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, the Mountain Room Restaurant and the Wawona Dining Room, which are all located within the park and come highly recommended by travelers.

Yellowstone

With dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, Yellowstone is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Multicolored pools swirl around hot springs; verdant forests weave past expansive meadows; and volatile geysers launch streams of steaming water toward the sky. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, it's no wonder everyone suspected John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark) was embellishing when he first described Yellowstone's geothermal curiosities in 1807. Nowadays, there's no doubt that the park is indeed extraordinary. While you traverse the park's 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies. 

Although Yellowstone attracts about 3 million visitors every year, chances are — unless you spend your entire trip atOld Faithful— you won't see much of them. Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres creep from the northwest corner of Wyoming into the edges of Idaho and Montana, offering plenty of untouched territory to explore. Carve out a day or two to take in the view at Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Spring. But save some time for the trails through lesser-known regions, like the hot springs of the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the untamed wildlife dotting the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop. While the sheer number of trails and wildlife-watching opportunities may seem daunting at first, remember: You can always come back.

How To Save Money in Yellowstone

Bring your own bed.

 A space in a campground is much cheaper than a room in one of the park's lodges. Plus, many campgrounds come equipped with showers, flushing toilets and even laundry facilities.

Skip the summer

Because summer witnesses the largest influx of tourists, hotel and campground rates tend to rise. You'll spend less if you visit during the off-season.

Do your own cooking

Yellowstone does feature several sit-down restaurants, but they can end up putting quite a dent in your savings. Consider bringing your own food.

Yellowstone Dining

Although there are several restaurants, cafeterias and snack shops within the borders of Yellowstone Park, consider bringing along a cooler with lunch items and snacks — so you don't have to worry about staying near one of the park's more developed areas.

Yellowstone is also home to several sit-down restaurants located in the most-visited areas, like mammoth Hot Spring, Canyon Village and Yellowstone Lake. Many eateries found in the more established areas of the park are managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, and infuse local ingredients as well as game meats, like trout, bison, elk and antelope. Cafeterias serve burgers and sandwiches while high-end restaurants like the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room provide selections of game meats. To dig into some sizzling sirloin dished up at upscale restaurants, like the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, which pairs tasty fare with striking scenery, you'll need to make reservations far in advance, especially during the busy summer season. If you plan to enjoy a meal at popular peppering Grant Village or you want to savor a dinner at the Old Faithful Inn, you'll also want to secure reservations in advance, especially in the summertime.

Other dining options can be found in the small towns surrounding the park, including Cody, Wyo., and West Yellowstone, Mont.

Maui

Maui is not nearly as large as the The Big Island, nor is it as small as Lanai, as bustling as Oahu or as quiet as Kauai. For many Hawaii vacationers, Maui is just right — offering a taste of just about everything the Aloha State has to offer, from impressive wildlife to intriguing history and culture. While on a visit here, you can shimmy alongside professional hula dancers, golf along coastal fairways, snorkel alongside five different types of sea turtles or simply lounge along some of Hawaii's most notable beaches.

One of the archipelago's most popular tourism spots, Maui can be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much tinier Molokai. Maui is divided into five distinct regions: Many travelers base themselves along the coasts of South Maui (home to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui, where the sands of Kaanipali and the music from the Old Lahaina Luauare located. But the rest of the island should not be missed. Travel along the Road to Hanna to experience East Maui's scenic coastline, explore Haleakala — the world's largest dormant volcano — in the Upcountry, and explore the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui's Iao Valley State Park.

How To Save Money in Maui

Consider the bus. 

Driving is by far the easiest way to get around Maui, but if you plan on spending most of your time in one single area, you may be able to save on rental fees by relying on the bus. However, if you do decide to rent a car...

Know your insurance policy.

Some car rental agencies will try to convince you that you'll need collision insurance. (This is a no-fault state where you'll have to pay any damages before leaving.) But your personal insurance or your credit card might already cover this.

Forgo the oceanview

It's nice to look out at the ocean, but if you can wait to do so at the beach rather than from your room, you can save a considerable chunk of change.

Maui Culture & Customs

Maui is a great place to go if you're looking to learn more about Hawaii history and culture. In fact, legend has it that it was the demigod, Maui, who pulled the islands from the sea and lassoed the sun from the top of Haleakala. Travelers who are interested in learning more about island lore will have plenty of opportunities to do so: A visit to the scenic Iao Valley will offer a glimpse of the tumultuous era of tribal warfare, while a stroll through the small town of Lahaina will yield a glimpse of Hawaii's whaling, plantation and trade history.

Today, Maui is one of America's most popular vacation destinations — probably because it's so drastically different from any place on the mainland. Vacationers will find all the makings of contemporary luxury at the island's  resorts, but outside the hotel areas, the relaxed "Aloha spirit" permeates. If you're looking to blend in with the locals, you simply need to loosen up: Pack T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops (as well as some light layers) for everyday wear and tone down the road rage (no honking here).

Folklore still plays a large role in day-to-day life, with residents paying tribute to various gods and goddesses in a number of ways — most notably hula dancing. Although visitors to the island see hula performances as entertainment, they are also a type of prayer and should be respected.

Other cultural traditions continue to influence everyday life in Maui, one of the most noticable being language. Unlike many other states, Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian, which is a member of the Polynesian language family. Though you won't have any trouble finding English-speakers, you'll benefit from learning a few basic Hawaiian phrases; "Aloha" means both "hello" and "goodbye," and "mahalo" means "thank you."

The arts are a mainstay on the island, with numerous festivals — like the one held twice a month in Lahaina's Banyan Tree Park — showcasing works by regional craftspeople. And throughout the year, Maui honors its vibrant culture through events like the Maui Steel Guitar Festival and the East Maui Taro Festival (both held in April).

If you're more interested in discovering Maui's natural wonders than its heritage, you'll find plenty of places to do so — from flower-filled jungles to underwater reefs teeming with aquatic life. However, it's important that you leave the island as you found it. Resist the urge to collect living souvenirs or to have a one-on-one encounter with local wildlife, as these could result in hefty fines or even jail time. 

Maui Dining

Maui is quickly earning a reputation as a foodie destination: The island's restaurant scene is as diverse as its visitors with restaurants serving food from around the world. But as long as you're here, you may as well get a taste of the local cuisine.

Like the rest of America, Maui is on board with the local food movement — here, you'll find plates piled high with freshly caught fish and regional produce. To find these ingredients prepared in the island way, you'll want to stray from resort-heavy areas. Maui's towns (and its countryside) brim with local mom-and-pop joints serving such specialties as pork roasted in banana leaves, poi (ground taro root) and haupia, a creamy coconut custard. If you're not quite sure where to start your culinary tour, ask some local residents for recommendations.

One very popular — and very economical — way to get your fill of Hawaiian cuisine is to eat big around noon. Many local eateries served what's called a "plate lunch," which comes piled high with some sort of protein (usually beef, pork or fish), rice and/or macaroni salad and some sort of pickled vegetable. This tradition formed on the sugar plantations, where workers would gather for lunch and share their food. Today, it's common to see residents and visitors alike chowing down on the mountainous servings dished out by plate lunch restaurants and stands.

The Grand Canyon

"Grand" doesn't begin to do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder. For six million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4.5 million visitors per year awestruck.

But if you're seeking a secluded escape to Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded. The South Rim — home to the Grand Canyon Village and the well-worn Bright Angel Trail — is particularly popular for sightseers and hikers. It is on this side that you'll find the most amenities. However, for a true escapist experience, head to the North Rim. This is the place for backwoods camping and hardcore hiking.

How To Save Money in Grand Canyon

Bring your own bed.

Hotel rooms inside the park can be pretty pricey. Instead, reserve a spot in one of the campgrounds or purchase a backcountry camping permit for a fraction of the cost.

Arrive fashionably lateIf you're set on a summer trip, you'll have better luck finding deals on a place to hang your hat if you visit at the end of August.

Shuttle away.

Forget the car. You can save money on rentals, gas and parking by relying on the Grand Canyon's free shuttle bus service. It's the easiest way to explore the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Dining

Many travelers prefer a quick meal at one of the on-site cafeterias in the South Rim, instead of an extended (and expensive) meal at one of the park's restaurants. Whatever you do, avoid the food in the nearby town of Tusayan, Arizona; recent travelers say that the city's restaurants are particularly disappointing. In fact, many recommend packing lunches from local delis.