People in the US are pretty lucky with all the natural beauty that is at their fingertips. Within a day drive, you can hit so many different types of climates and different experiences with them.

I am currently a fan of the Pacific Northwest. More importantly, I have just signed on to a river rafting trip to take me from Idaho to Pacific Ocean through a myriad of beautiful rivers. Though long trips like this with a guide does cost a bit, doing shorter trips are not that pricey. Don’t miss out on all this natural beauty.

Now, there are 3 cities in the US that I really know how to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, so all you need to do is decide between the 3 of them.  There is Boston with it’s large Irish population and love of drinking makes it in the top 3.   Manhattan, being the center of my universe, always seem to do this holiday right.

But, I think the city that really commits to the holiday is Chicago.   I mean look they dye the river every year in celebration.   Now, that is commitment so I must tip my hat to Chi-town.  So if you able to take off work midweek, these cities should be your destination.

To be a good weekend traveler, you need to really prioritize what you need for the trip and pack wisely.  A good large backpack will be the last piece of luggage you will need for a while.   Put the money into a nice one because if you have an ill-fitting one, you will hate it every time, you have it on and that is not a good way to start a trip.

Also, don’t get the biggest pack because you think it will be best.   I find that a heavy bag will cause unnecessary pain and pressure.   A good way to limit the size of your bag until you learn the tactics for reducing weight.   But if you haven’t traveled this way, you have been way too focused on materialistic things and not focusing on the trip itself.   This is just my suggestion.

The Tetons, the Snake River and the Million Dollar Cowboy Club…  those three spots are some have my favorite spots in the world and they are all in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.   This resort town has the diamond in the rough in the state of Wyoming.

I have been in this fine city at least once a year for the last decade and every time I am there, I still get caught up in the beauty of it.   As an added bonus, Jackson is not that far away from the Wyoming portion of Yellowstone.   Make this town a stop on your cheap road trip and bask in the beauty of this rustic cowboy town.

I did a similar thing in 2002 for the Salt Lake Olympics and it was a blast.   We were hanging out with athletes at the bars, we thoroughly enjoyed the Olympic Village and all of this didn’t cost a cent.  So if you have an adventure streak coming up next month, hit up Vancouver and you won’t regret it.

You know the large hotels that you see popping up at base camp at all your favorite resorts, well they are having filling their rooms this winter and are giving amazing ski package as well as reduced night costs to lure customers to their rooms.   This is a great way to see a new resort over a weekend or a comfortable way to visit your usual resort and not having to drive down the mountain at the end of the night.

Now, the best deals I can find is getting either 15 day or 30 pass from Amtrak.  These packages allow 8 to 12 different trips allowed on the train and the price for these are both cheaper then doing the same trip by air or car.  There are also advantages to riding on the rail.

The main advantage for riding the rail is that it can act as your hotel room as well as your transportation.   Have a good day in whatever city you are in, then jump on the train that night, stay in a sleeper car and arrive at your next location the next morning.  It also is a great way to see the nation, if you take the time to relax and watch the world around you.

Mild weather, world-renowned museums, first-class resorts, fabulous dining and close proximity to the Old West towns make this city a premier destination.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a great place to vacation on a budget! It offers fabulous water-based and back country recreation in & around Lake Powell. Glen Canyon stretches for hundreds of miles from Page, Az up to Moab, Ut.