San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in North America.  The famous Alamo, along with several other lesser-known (but equally old) missions, hearken back to the days when Texas was not yet a state.  Some residential neighborhoods, such as the King William District, are more than a century old.

But San Antonio, like any growing metropolis, has plenty of modern features: a vibrant nightlife, cutting edge music and eating scenes and, yes, lots and lots of free attractions.  Perhaps SeaWorld and Six Flags will not be on a budget traveler’s itinerary, but there are more than enough cost-less sights and sounds to fill a trip to this modern city.

Here’s is a list of all things good (and free) in San Antonio.

1. San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden recently reopened.  The well-manicured, highly-stylized gardens would not be out of place in Tokyo or Osaka.  This authentic feel makes the garden a great place to explore.  In addition to the trees, rocks and pathways, there are koi ponds and a rather impressive 60-foot waterfall.

2. Fiesta San Antonio, held in April, is the city’s biggest festival.  Actually, with more than two and a half million attendees, it is the largest outdoor festivals in the entire US.  The events take place in mid-April (the 15th to the 25th this year).  This year’s festivities will include parades, outdoor concerts, fireworks, cultural performances and food-related events.  Though not all events are free, most of those that take place in public places do not charge admission.  Others, such as the popular Taste of New Orleans ($10 admission), are reasonably priced.

3. The San Antonio Missions Trail is a 6-mile walkway that runs between four of the area’s historic Spanish-built missions.  Yes, it is one of the better places to walk if you are in search of an urban hiking venue, but the missions, which are part of a national historic park, are the real attraction.  They are among the oldest in North America, dating back to the early 18th Century.  These lesser known missions are a great alternative to often-crowded, more touristy Alamo.

4.  When they return home, San Antonio tourists can expect to repeatedly be asked: “Did you see the Alamo?”  It is hard to pass up the mission, even though it is bound to be crowded (2.5 million people pass through the site each year).  Luckily, it is possible to arrive at early, at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, to avoid the peak-time crowds.  Also, during summer weekends, the building remains open until 7 p.m.  Of course, it’s free to enter.
5. The Riverwalk is San Antonio’s lengthy entertainment promenade.  The shaded walkways, water and laid-back atmosphere make is a great place for a stroll.  Of course, the restaurants, bars and shops on the riverbanks aren’t free, but Riverwalk is a great place for window-shopping and there are several art galleries and museums in the area.

6. El Mercado is one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border.  Aside from the virtually unlimited amount of goods up for sale, there are musical and cultural performances, kids’ activities, and crafts during Primer Sabado, First Saturday.  The area in and around El Mercado is a great place to get a taste of the Mexican culture that is so much a part of San Antonio’s identity.

7. Art is a major part of San Antonio’s culture.  San Antonio Art Walk is usually held on the first Friday of every month.  It takes place in the Arts District, which is located in the Southtown area of the city. Aside from the art  (and free snacks, if your lucky), there are usually local bands, of all genres, performing.

8. Though they typically charge admission, several San Antonio museums waive entrance fees at certain times during the week.  Chase Bank sponsors a free night at the San Antonio Museum of Art.  It takes place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. each Tuesday.   The Witte Museum, an exhibit hall featuring the natural history, culture and artifacts of Texas, offers free admission between 3 and 8 on Tuesday evenings.

9. San Antonio Summer Jazz and Art Festival, often shortened to San Antonio Summer Fest (or just SAS Fest) is a three day event that takes place on the first weekend in June.  Though it has not reached to same attendance numbers as springtime’s Fiesta, SAS Fest is worth a visit.  There are a dozen jazz concerts, music workshops, a craft fair and plenty of food.  It’s free to listen to music.

10. San Antonio’s Main Plaza, located in front of the Alamo and near the Riverwalk, is the heart of the city.  There is a series of free concerts held each year.  But it doesn’t stop with music.  There are dances, theater performances, movie screenings and fashion shows.  Most of these events take place during the warmer months, between April and October.

It’s always exhilarating to find a great deal on a hotel in San Francisco but when your travel dates don’t line up with the deals you are finding, these hotels are the best budget hotels in San Francisco based on price (under $150) and guest feedback.

1. Steinhart

$ 149
Just a few blocks from Union Square and the Financial district, the Steinhart is one of the very few intimate hotels that artfully exemplify the essence of the San Francisco residential living. With stunning architecture and sophisticated interiors The Steinhart has recently undergone a total renovation and was featured in House Beautiful magazine. The famed William Sofield who designed for Ralph Lauren and Gucci boutiques designed these spacious and highly stylized apartments reminiscent of a glamorous residence of the 1930’s that celebrate the building original architecture supreme contemporary apartments. Each of the studios and one-bedroom apartments are fully furnished and accessorized .

15 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

2. Columbus Motor Inn

Affordable luxury, outstanding comfort and convenient locations are distinctive of the Columbus Motor Inn. Whether you choose a room with a king size bed, two extra long double beds, or a family suite, you are assured the comfort of a Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress. They can assist you with day trips across Golden Gate Bridge, sightseeing in Sausalito, a hike in the Marin Headlands or enjoying California’s fruit of the vine in Sonoma and Napa Counties’ wine country.

$ 137

19 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

3. Ocean Park Motel

A 1930s streamline modern motor court sleek enough to sail into the nearby Pacific, the Ocean Park features simple, shipshape rooms grouped around a lush interior courtyard. San Francisco’s first motel is an Art Deco beauty! Built in 1936, the same year as the Golden Gate Bridge . . . it offers guests attractive rooms (some with kitchens), an outdoor hot tub, courtyard, and a small playground.

$ 125

22 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

4. Hotel Carlton, a Joie de Vivre hotel

The historic 161-room Hotel Carlton in San Francisco’s Nob Hill section offers an international ambiance with outstanding guest service. Located near City Hall, the Federal building and the Theatre District, this San Francisco hotel has an international vintage style that offers an eclectic and relaxing haven accentuated by exotic travel photographs. Hotel Carlton is also a non-smoking and pet-friendly San Francisco hotel. The Hotel Carlton is one of the few hotels in San Francisco to be equipped with solar panels and is to be certified by the City of San Francisco as a Green Business.

$ 138

24 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

5. Phoenix Hotel

The Phoenix Hotel is a landmark, celebrating over two decades of being San Francisco’s world-renowned “rock ‘n roll hotel.” Funky, irreverent, and young-at-heart, The Phoenix isn’t for everyone. It’s at the edge of the gritty Tenderloin neighborhood. Its central courtyard is a true crossroads for the creative – a good place to check out visiting artists and entertainers, and a bit noisy at times. Our restaurant and bar, Bambuddha, is known to provide a high-energy atmosphere that can occasionally be more “bam” than “Buddha.” Even so, San Francisco’s Phoenix has some of the most loyal guests in the world.

$ 145

37 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

6. Castle Inn

The Castle Inn is located in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood just two and a half blocks from the Powell/Hyde cable car line. There are numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and small retail stores nearby, which give a comfortable, local feel to the area. Attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Crookedest Street, and Union Square are all easily accessible. Hotel staff provides excellent personalized service and is available to book tours, provide maps and recommend restaurants.

$ 141

39 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

7. Coventry Motor Inn

When looking for exceptional value without compromising your comfort, the Coventry Motor Inn is the perfect place to hang you hat. Located in San Francisco’s Marina district, an area noted for its Victorian architecture and neighborhood charm, the Coventry offers the discriminating traveler superior comfort and personal service in an area convenient to all parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.

$ 123

40 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

8. Hotel Mayflower

Hotel Mayflower is a great choice if you are traveling on a budget and want to be close to the center of San Francisco. It is a short walk to Nob Hill, Chinatown, Union Square and all of the public transportation. Booking the hotel is very easy, as was check in, etc – and the price really can’t be beat! Continental breakfast is included with fresh home-made baked goods.

$ 117

42 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

9. Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites

When considering a visit to San Francisco, choose the Cow Hollow Motor Inn & Suites. Centrally located between the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s Cow Hollow district is known for its rich architectural flavor and quaint neighborhood charm. The Cow Hollow Motor Inn offers the discriminating traveler affordable comfort and personal service in a location convenient to all parts of San Francisco.

$ 110

45 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

10. The Mosser

Opened in 1913 as the Keystone Hotel, this historic property has offered a delightful experience for Bay Area visitors for almost 100 years! In 1981, Charles W. Mosser purchased the hotel and after a multi-million dollar renovation in 2003, he renamed it The Mosser. Like San Francisco, The Mosser offers a unique, care free culture mixed with the splendor of yester-year. This is apparent in the fusion of Victorian architecture mixed with modern interior design.

$ 115

46 of 242 hotels in San Francisco

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rainy, gloomy weather, but the region is a different animal in the summer. From roughly June to September, the rainfall ceases, the sun shines bright, and the masses come out to play.

Pacific Northwest summers are pleasantly warm – they lack the mugginess and scorching heat that characterize other parts of the US in the summer. And there’s no better time to enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s colorful cultural events and spectacular outdoor scenery that than in the pleasantly sun-drenched summertime.

The Pacific Northwest is brimming with amusing and scenic vacation destinations, so deciding where to go on your summer trip can be a trying task. Whether you want to unwind and enjoy quaint coastal scenery or savor distinctive gourmet treats at a local market, check out these top 5 summer vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

1. The San Juan Islands, Washington State

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of more than 450 tiny islands between Seattle and Vancouver. An excellent and affordable way to take in the beauty of these islands is by ferry.

The ferries in the San Juan Islands are part of the Washington State Department of Transportation. Although they are primarily used by commuters, these ferries allow visitors to tour this scenic archipelago at a leisurely pace.

A hot spot for orca (killer) whale watching is off San Juan Island, in Friday Harbor. Aboard a whale watching tour boat, there’s a 95% chance that you’ll see one of these beautiful creatures in person.

2. Pike Place Market, Seattle

The Pike Place Market is a bustling marketplace that is as colorful and quirky as Seattle itself. One of America’s premier farmer’s markets, the Pike Place Market is an iconographic symbol of the city of Seattle. Fresh cut flowers, bread, fresh-caught fish, and seasonal produce are a sampling of what you’ll find when you wander through the maze of stalls at the Pike Place Market.

On weekends in the summer, the market boasts lively street performances, cooking demos, and festivals venerating fruits and flowers. And on any day of the week, you can count on receiving great customer service from knowledgeable vendors who are passionate about their produce. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the vendors at the world famous Pike Place Fish Market throw customers’ fish in the air and shout orders in unison.

If you’re a Starbucks fan, you’d surely be delighted to visit the very first Starbucks café, which is located at the Pike Place Market. There are also several delectable eateries hidden in the market that take some exploring to find.

3. Sea Lion Caves, Oregon

Sea Lion Caves, located 11 miles north of Florence on the Oregon Coast, is the world’s largest sea cave. At this cave, which was formed about 25 million years ago, there are – you guessed it – sea lions. But that’s not all. Whales and sea birds are also frequently spotted in the cave, which is as tall as a 12-story building and stretches the length of a football field.

In the summer, the sea lions can generally be seen relaxing on the rocks outside of the cave. Stepping into the cave and hearing the echoes of the wailing sea lions and sea birds as the water crashes against the rocks is nothing short of surreal.

4. Highway 101, Oregon

A Pacific Coast Scenic Byway that spans 363 miles, Highway 101 on the Oregon Coast offers amazing views of coastal scenery and is lined with charming towns, lighthouses, museums, and state parks that deserve more than a quick pit stop. The byway also takes you past dunes that have been sculpted by the wind, estuarine marshes, old-growth forests, and rich, verdant valleys, which makes for a lovely drive.

It takes approximately 12 hours to enjoy the byway by car, but cycling is also a possibility. On bicycle, you’ll likely discover hidden coves and isolated cliffs that are easy to miss when you are behind the wheel.

5. Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington State

Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State is at its most picturesque in the summertime, when its meadows are carpeted with beautiful wildflowers. The scenic hiking trails at the park lead to cascading waterfalls, peaks with breathtaking views of the park, and calming, crystalline streams. Other popular summertime activities at Mt. Rainier National Park include camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing.

FRANKFURT – A four-day walkout by Lufthansa pilots that disrupted travel for thousands of people was cut short after the airline and their union agreed to suspend the strike and hold talks, both sides said Monday.

They reached an agreement after a two-hour long hearing at a Frankfurt labor court, Cockpit union spokesman Joerg Handwerg told The Associated Press.

Lufthansa confirmed the decision and said the walkout would end at midnight (2300 GMT, 6 p.m. EST).

Read rest of story here

Update:

Lufthansa warns there will be travel “irregularities” over the next few days and has published special schedules

Pool at Sandals Dunns River

Booking Window: Now – February 25th, 2010

Travel Window: Now – July 31st, 2010

Blackout Dates: February 13 – 20, 2010

For a limited time, guests will receive one night free and a free Catamaran Cruise when they book minimum six nights or more at Sandals Dunn’s River Villagio Golf Resort & Spa.

Additionally, guests staying for three nights or longer can get up to 65% off this Jamaican resort.

Bordered on one side by a stunning sweep of gorgeous green mountains and on the other by the best stretch of white-sand beach in Ocho Rios, Sandals Dunn’s River represents a melding of Caribbean charm and opulence with an Italian Renaissance style lobby with its vaulted ceilings, marble columns and ornate staircase. The Italian theme is carried through to our staff, bringing nearly two dozen performers, musicians and chefs directly from Italy.

Book here.

Regular rates have been drastically reduced at 5 different OHANA Hotels & Resorts across Waikiki for travel from March – May, regular rates during this time are usually more than $200 per night.

This special offer is available starting at the following rates:

• OHANA Waikiki West … $79
• OHANA Waikiki Malia … $99
• OHANA Waikiki East … $99
• OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber … $125

OHANA Hotels & Resorts provide the perfect way to explore Oahu with convenient locations near the heart of Waikiki and the beach.  Hotel amenities vary by location, most of which include swimming pools, private balconies and optional in-room kitchenettes.

All guests enjoy free wireless Internet access, free long-distance phone calls, free transportation on the Waikiki Trolley and no resort fees.

Book by Feb 28.

The larger of Minnesota’s Twin Cities is known for its cold winters. But there is more to Minneapolis than ice and snow: an energetic theater scene (the city is second only to New York when it comes to number of theater seats per capita), plenty of art on display and an impressive menu of public places to enjoy the urban outdoors. And it’s not cold year round. Swimming and sun-tanning are as much a part of the Minneapolis experience as skating and skiing.

Like many of its Midwest peers, Minneapolis is a cheap travel destination compared to cities on the coasts. With plenty of outdoor options, year round festivities and public art, Minneapolis is also a great place to find free attractions.

1. The Walker Art Center is a modern art museum with galleries that go well beyond the usual array of paintings and sculptures offerings at traditional museums. The exhibit halls host everything from photography to prints to multimedia art. There are also special performances and events. Locally-based corporation Target sponsors Free Thursday Nights.  Anyone can enter the museum between 5 and 9 p.m. on Thursday without having to pay an admission fee.

2. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Many of these waterways sit in the rural portion of the state, but there are several urban lakes that attract thousands of locals (and tourists) daily. The paved pathways around Lake Harriet, Cedar Lake, and Lake Calhoun are filled with joggers, walkers, bikers and rollerbladers on most summer evenings. The lakes have beaches and picnic areas as well.

3. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival, held in late January and early February, is a popular festival that takes place in the smaller of the Twin Cities. Popular events include ice and snow sculptures (on display in Downtown Saint Paul), a torch-light parade, and plenty of offbeat characters.  Downtown Saint Paul is only 15-20 minutes from central Minneapolis by car.

4. Cinco de Mayo is another Saint Paul event worth crossing the river for. Usually held on the weekend closest to May 5th, the event is held in District del Sol, on Saint Paul’s West Side, the city’s Mexican enclave. Attractions include a parade, live music and a car show.  There are lots of food vendors and places to eat in the District del Sol area.  These are not free, but quite cheap, all things considered.

5. Minneapolis parks roll out the entertainment during the summer.  Places like the Lake Harriet Bandshell (see #2) host free concerts and free movies are screened at dusk at parks around the city.  There are even outdoor theater performances, ranging from comedy improvisation to Shakespeare plays.

6. The Minneapolis Institute of Art, in South Minneapolis, offers free admission every day of the year. The museum has an interesting collection of ethnic art and artifacts, as well as paintings, sculptures and modern art installations.   The museum is funded by members.  Current exhibits include a photography show featuring Czech photographers and a collection of Sub-Saharan folk art.

7. Minneapolis does not rival Portland, Oregon in terms of micro-breweries, but there are several regional beer-makers in town who are well-known for producing quality suds. Some offer free tours of their facilities that culminate in free beer tastings. Summit Brewery is arguably the most famous. It offers free brewery tours. The tours only last about 45 minutes, but there is a chance for of-age tourists to sample the company’s products at the end of the tour.

8. The Minneapolis Aquatennial is a 10 day celebration of summer held near Downtown Minneapolis in late July. Aquatennial events include parades, plenty of food, and live music. The most popular feature of the summertime revelry is the nightly fireworks show. In terms of scale, the pyrotechnics at the Aquatennial rival those of any cities’ 4th of July celebrations.

9.  Surdyks is known for being one of the largest liquor stores in town.  It claims to be the largest in the Upper Midwest.  While that fact might be arguable, it is one of the oldest, having been in operation since the early 1930s.  They often put on free wine tastings and it is always fun to simply window shop through the unusual bottles that are found in the isles.

10. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is located on the outskirts of Downtown Minneapolis. It is adjacent to Loring Park (Minneapolis’ Downtown green space) and the Walker Art Center (see #1). Whereas the Walker is free only on Thursday evenings, the Sculpture Garden (most known for the iconic cherry on a spoon installation that sits over a pond) is always free.  Though it is arguably more pleasant to stroll the gardens during the summer, it is possible to visit any day of the year.

Looking for a cheap hotel in Minneapolis?