Friday, June 29, 2012

Freebie Friday: Free Advice and Translation Line for Tourists in Italy

With Berlusconi gone, the Italian government can finally turn its attention from illegal wiretaps, tax fraud and orgies to something more practical. Like helping the thousands of non-Italian speaking tourists who vacation on "The Boot" each year.

Many thanks to Dream of Italy for posting a blog on the government's new helpline, Easy Italia. Created strictly for tourists, it will be staffed by  counselors who speak a number of languages, including English, and are willing and able to help on matters large and small. Need some advice for when the line at the Uffizi will be shorter? They should know. Can't understand a word the leather vendor is saying? One of the counselors will translate for you. They will also help out, most importantly, in emergency situations.

The service is free and available 7-days-a-week, from 9am to 6pm (up to 10pm in summer and in December). If you're using a cellphone, and need English-language help, call 039.039.039 (add the prefix 39 if calling from outside of Italy). For payphone and landline calls: 800.000.03 (this toll-free number only works in Italy).

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Save $1000 Per Couple On River Cruise Sailings In the Coming Months (Solo Discounts, Too)

"Float it and they will come."

No, that isn't the motto for the cruise industry, but it should be. More popular than the Kardashians, more numerous than ants at a picnic, cruise ships seem to be taking over the world of vacationing.
Every other month, it seems, a new one debuts. And they're no longer just the choice of American travelers. Board any of the major lines nowadays, and you'll find holidaymakers from around the globe onboard.

That being said, not all fill up consistently. The wallflowers at the party these days seem to be those plying the waters in and around Europe. High airfares from North America across the pond is a real buzz kill for vacationers it seems, and the cruise lines are having to institute deep discounts to pump up business.

I've written in the past about discounts on Mediterranean cruises. Now, it seems, Avalon River Cruises is blue about the Danube. For 11 sailings in summer and October, it'll take $1000 off per couple. Solo travelers are also getting a bone: for those same sailings, the single's supplement will be waived.

But its not just the Danube getting the discount treatment. Avalon has also put Black Sea, Rhine and Rhone sailings on sale (again, by slashing $1000 per couple). For a complete list of the offers, click here.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

To my mind, there's no better way to travel than on the saddle of a bicycle.

I'm not alone in that sentiment. Arthur Conan Doyle once wrote: "When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking."

I think Sir Arthur would also have delighted in the slideshow up on the Mother Jones website about the latest innovations in cycles and cycling gear. From electric bikes (that give you a bit more oomph for the hills) to cycles equipped with detachable umbrellas (for rainy day rides), there's much here to delight the cyclist. Take a peek.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Buy a Book, Support Our National Parks

The First Lady is also the nation's "First Gardener", and she now has a book to prove it. Chronicling the creation of a "kitchen garden" on the lawn of the White House, the reportedly well-written and highly personal book, recounts all the challenges Michelle Obama and her staff faced in reaching the first harvest. The planting project was one the novice gardener undertook to help promote healthy, veggie-rich diets for Americans. Its all part of Obama's important fight against childhood obesity.

So why am I touting the book in a travel blog? Because all of the money from sales go the National Park Foundation!

As one of the many who have enjoyed our wonderful but woefully underfunded National Parks, I'm happy to do anything to see that the rangers and their programs get more cash.

Here's a link to buy the book. I just ordered mine!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Mini Breaks, Major Fun: A Half-Off Discount From Intrepid Travel

Getting away, seeing new things, traveling--those activities are what's important. And not everyone has the time for a vacation that lasts a week or longer.

With that in mind, the good folks at Intrepid Travel are offering a break on, well, mini-breaks. Book one of their shorter programs by the end of June, and you can bring along a pal for half-price. Or look at it as 25% off for each of you.

Among the programs being discounted is a four-day jaunt from New York City to Niagara Falls; a four-day yacht cruise off the cost of Turkey (which before the discount is a still very affordable $110 a day); three days of adventure at Lake Tahoe and Yosemite; and a two-day cooking class in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The range of options spans the globe from North America to Asia to Oceania.

Once again, you'll have to book by June 30th, but you have until the end of 2012 to travel.


Friday, June 22, 2012

UnFreebie Friday: Will Hotels Ditch Free Wifi?

That's the disturbing question posed yesterday by Barbara DeLollis of USA Today.

Thankfully, DeLollis' headline (and mine) turned out to be a bit of an overstatement. Hotels know that consumers want free wifi, and will avoid those properties that don't offer it. So free wifi at those properties that offer it is here to stay.

But a number of large chains are now experimenting with tiered systems. Both Marriott and Carlson Hotels are charging extra for faster wifi, and Wyndham Hotel Group (which encompasses Ramada, Wyndham and Super 8) is also considering putting in a tiered system.

In their defense, the hotels point out that visitor usage has jumped by 50% just in 2011. In addition, a some 40% of guests are dipping into the stream with multiple wifi-enabled devices. Gone are the days when travelers just used wifi to check email. Nowadays they're streaming video, graphics and photos.

I'm a cheapskate, so I'd likely endure slower connectivity to avoid an extra fee. But I can see those wanting to watch movies or doing complex work online anteing up for faster wifi. It'll be interesting to see if this latest trend takes hold.

For DeLollis' complete article, click here.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Two-For-The-Price-of-One on Yangtze River Cruises This Summer

Urban China can be a shocking experience.

In Beijing, one not only smells but tastes the air--the pollution is that thick.

Shanghai looks like a set from a Ridley Scott sci fi thriller, jammed, as it is, with so many dozens of massive and modernistic glass towers one expects to see space ships zooming between them.

Even smaller cities like Xian or Chongquing offer such an overload of  bustle, crowds, noises and smells that they make the visitor's pulse race.

The cities of China are an unmissable, electric and edifying experience for the traveler. It is exciting and exhausting.

But what about the vacationer who wants to enjoy some relaxation while exploring the "Middle Kingdom"? He should head to the middle of the country--for a Yangtze river cruise. A gentle, sometimes almost soporific experience, it takes visitors through the rural China we've all seen depicted on the classic Chinese landscape paintings. As the boat glides by at a gentle 10-miles-per-hour or so, the tourist gazes at the famed and oddly humpy mountains of the region. Often interlaced with little waterfalls, they're covered with elegantly drooping trees, just as they should be. When the boat stops for shore excursions, it's to see handsome and historic temples, massive statuary from the time Emperors ruled this land and pretty pagodas. Modern China is represented by the massive locks of the 3 Gorges Dam, a project that is both impressive and frightening in its scope (and potential problems). Many itineraries spend an entire day simply navigating these humongous locks.

And the life on board ship?  It's just as happily drowsy, consisting of lectures on Chinese medicine and language, talent shows, and teas.

The experience is not for everyone, but as I said, it does make for a relaxing break from the bustle of the usual China tour. And this summer, these floats are going to be unusually affordable, thanks to a promotion being offerred by Victoria Cruises.

The company that pioneered Chinese River Cruising has recently announced a two-for-the-price-of-one deal on all sailings between June 20 and August 31. The promotion is for superior cabins only (which cost $880 per person usually), and will apply to new bookings exclusively. To learn more click on the link above.

Everyone should visit China sometime in their life. Perhaps this discount will encourage some to do it sooner rather than later.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Falling Prices on Fall Travel to Ireland

Here's one to beat: a complete week on the Emerald Isle, visiting four different cities in your own rental car, and airfare from the US for just $899.

That jaw-dropping price is the current promotion from well-regarded Sceptre Tours and its for travel this fall, from October through November. Those who wish to travel in balmy September pay just $99 more for the privilege, still a steal. The promo includes nice hotels in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny. The car's a manual, but that can be changed to automatic for a bit of extra cash. The departure gateway (NY) can also be changed, for some extra change (to Boston for $25 more, Chicago for an extra $50). Sceptre can also offer sightseeing packages and extra nights; ask.

For complete details, click on the link above. This offer must be purchased by June 29.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

But Will It Make the Scenery Spin? River Cruise Company Offers Unlimited Alcohol

Maybe this is "ageist" of me, but I have to wonder who will be intrigued by Scenic Cruise's announcement yesterday that it will be offering unlimited hard drinks (though not top shelf drinks) on its 2013 voyages?

When one thinks of "booze cruises", its the Jersey Shore set, not the AARP gang, that pop to mind. No secret: the vast majority river cruises are populated by seniors...or at least folks who find watching the scenery inch by at two-miles-per-hour enthralling. Its not your typical party crowd.

But some of these folks will appreciate that these cruises will be indisputably all-inclusive. Along with free liquor (with lunch, dinner and in stateroom mini-bars), the cruise line will be throwing in airport transfers, wifi, butler services and GPS-guided shore tours. Since Scenic operates some of the largest river boats on the waters, it also gives its guests a lot more "free space" than the competition (or so they claim).

Of course, all of those "freebies" don't come cheap. A 19-day cruise of the Moselle River starts at nearly $8500, or $440 per day. The Danube for 11 days comes to $4400 in the cheapest cabins, or $400 per day.

By contrast, Viking River Cruises is currently running a two-for-the-price-of-one sale on its 2013 offerings which will drop the cost of a sailing to as little as $150 per person, per day. Which means that, if you don't plan to drink some $200 worth of liquor a day (and you can do without being "butled") these cruises are by far the better value.

I've found similar deals at VacationsToGo, a cruise discounter that's now covering the river cruise segment of the market, as well.

The moral of this blog: all-inclusive doesn't always mean value. Look at all the costs, consider your own vacation needs closely, and then book. Sometimes a la carte vacationing can be just as cost effective (and, in this case, could mean less of a hang-over after the holiday's over).

Monday, June 18, 2012

JetBlue's Current Twist on Miles

For all those frustrated with mileage programs that never seem to work, JetBlue has a new iteration: cold, hard cash back.

Those who book a flight before June 22 can register with the airline to receive money back for a second fall 2012 flight. And that amount can reach as much as $100 (when a $500 flight or vacation package is booked; see below for the other iterations).

The rules of the deal are fairly simple: book before end of day Friday and register your purchase here. Then, on August 30th, the airline will email you a promo code to be used on fall flights (for travel between Sept 1 and Nov 15). You'll enter that code and get the following amount of money back:
  • $10 for those who spent up to $100 on the summer flight
  • $25 for those who spent between $101 and $200
  • $50 for those who spent between $201 and $300
  • $75 for those who spent between $301 and $500
  • $100 for the big spenders who went over $501
The only iffy part about this deal is whether consumers will lose out on early booking discounts by waiting until after August 30th to schedule their fall travel. That's an unknown, though I should think that consumers won't risk much if they're planning to travel in October or early November.


Friday, June 15, 2012

Freebie Friday: Stay Free in London During the Olympics

Though this topic will only be helpful to a small handful of readers, I'm reporting on it anyway because it's such a good lesson in ignoring the conventional wisdom.

For months, the world's press has been screaming about the high costs of lodgings during the Olympics.  In order to get a room in London during the Olympics, they've said, you're going to have to fork over the equivalent of child's college fund.

Turns out that expectation was overblown. Not only have a number of London hotels recently dropped their July and August rates (seems they were unable to fill all their beds at the prices they were charging), but The Guardian newspaper is reporting that the Games are driving so many Londoners out of town, there will be an unusually large number of house-sitting opportunities this summer. That's right: visitors will be able to stay in lovely, private apartments without paying a pence.

Interested? Click here to read the entire article, including the how to's.

All this drives home what I wrote month's ago: wait until the last minute and you will find lodging bargains, really good ones, for the Olympics. It happened in Beijing, Los Angeles, Sydney and at every other Olympic games in recent memory.


Thursday, June 14, 2012

I'lll Be Speaking at the Ketchum ( Idaho) Public Library Tonight!

Apologies for the late notice. I meant to blog about this earlier.

But I'm in beautiful Sun Valley right now (the photo is one I took today during my hike in the Sawtooth Mountains), and will be speaking with my father, at 6pm tonight, at the Ketchum Public Library.

Since the town seems to have a wonderfully well-traveled and sophisticated population, I'm expecting an even better Q&A session after the speech than usual. Hope you all can make it! The event is free, though space is limited.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Aix Marks the Spot: A Must-Visit City in Provence


“You will think that nobody works in Aix because the cafes are always filled” laughed local guide Marie Gutton. “It’s not true but that’s how it seems.”

She was right. On the square all around us were cafes, each with only a few open tables.

And in its ambiance the little square was the modern incarnation of Renoir’s “At the Moulin De La Goulette”--without the frilly dresses, dancers and Parisian setting, of course. The faces at the tables wore the same graceful smiles. Sunlight washed over all, keeping the tiny cups of espresso warmer a little longer than usual, inviting a luxuriant procrastination from all the daily cares.

I hate to use that clichéd phrase, but there are few places in France as overbrimming with “joie de vivre” as Aix en Provence. A university town, with the youthful energy of 40,000 students (in a city of 140,000 total), it may not have the top-drawer museums or Roman ruins of nearby burgs, but it boasts an openness towards strangers, a lightness and happy charm that makes it an immensely satisfying place to visit.

Part of that charm, of course, is in its looks. Ochre stone plates the 17th century buildings of the old town, giving the streets a soothing glow. Aix’ famed promenade, the Cours Mirabeau, wide as Jim Carrey’s grin, is a parade ground for trendy locals, strutting their finest under the sheltering plane trees. (In a piece of ironic symmetry, the cafes fill the sidewalks of the sunny side of Mirabeau, while banks and lawyers offices take up the shady side.) Just off the Place du Ville, a daily open market dazzles the eye (and nose) with voluptuous strawberries, spiky purple and green asparagus, cheeses, charcuterie and the region's specialty: lavender. Lavender, lavender, everywhere lavender--in sachets, dried stalks, soaps, perfumes, you name it. And this being the city of water (Aix comes from the Roman word “aqua”), mannerist fountains speckle the landscape, each more elegant than the next.

“Fun” would be the word that best describes the museums and other sights, especially the Fondation Vaserly (www.fondationvasarely.fr) which houses the  optic art experiments of Victor Vaserly. These consist of 42 massive (8 meters high, 5 meters wide) paintings of optical illusions a la M.C. Escher, but in buzzy, primary colors. Viewers do a slow tango back and forth in front of the works, watching the psychedelic shapes shift.

There’s also a pretty cathedral (www.cathedrale-aix.net) with but one major painting to study; a well-respected Tapestry Museum; The Musee Granet (www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr) which is notable for its exquisite canvasses by Ingres; and the preserved painting studio of native son Paul Cezanne (www.atelier-cezanne.com). The last is a moody place, containing most of the master’s original furnishings but no paintings. 

Where Aix excels is in its cuisine, and that holds in all price categories. At a tiny basement restaurant like L’Alcove (www.lalcove-aix.com) one gets a chatty welcome from the owner/waiter and a daily menu of refined takes on typical Provencal cuisine for 20-35 euros per meal. Venture into one of the town’s temples of fine dining and you’re in for the meal of a lifetime…at prices a third of what you’d find in Paris. At Restaurant Pierre Reboul (www.restaurant-pierre-reboul.com), for example, that might mean a starter of arugula ice cream pops followed by ecstatically delicious “Provencal fish soup” served in solid form, like an energy bar.  Its “molecular gastronomy” at its tastiest, with visual effects that make you feel like you’re at a magic show. And the “Express Menu” starts at just 45 euros (spring for the 84 euro one, though, as this is a meal you won’t want to end too quickly).

Though you may have trouble leaving your seat at that sidewalk café to go and get a real meal. Lingering in the sunshine over a café au lait in Aix is sublime. And one of greatest people watching experiences in a country where staring at strangers is an art form.  Try it, you’ll see what I mean.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic Promise to Waive Premium Seating Fees for Families

Who says government does nothing to make our lives better?

This week, Chuck Schumer proves the naysayers wrong. The Senator from New York has extracted a promise from both JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, that they will waive the new and insidious "premium seating" fees for families, thus making it easier for parents to get seats next to their children.

Senator Charles Schumer (D, NY)
For those who haven't been following this issue: this spring, a number of airlines expanded the number of seats in economy class that require an extra fee to book. On some airlines, these extra fees are being attached to all but the middle seats, making it impossible for families to sit together without incurring huge extra costs (as much as $40 per person per flight), costs which most don't know about until well after they book the ticket.

Ray LaHood, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, announced last week that he couldn't interfere on this issue since airline pricing has not been subject to government oversight since the Deregulation Bill of the late 1970's was passed. 

Schumer is pushing back. He's trying to publicly shame the airlines into doing the right thing by families. And the Senator has asked the DOT to at least require airlines to reveal these extra seat fees at the time of booking. (Right now, when one books, one is simply told that seats can't be reserved at this time. It isn't until well after the 24-hour window for ticket cancellation that most consumers discover they're going to have to pay much more to sit next to their kids).

Thanks Chuck.


Monday, June 11, 2012

A Sneaky Way to Save on Disney World Admissions

I have to thank reader Travel Rob for this helpful tip.

According to Rob, one can get significantly reduced daily admissions to Disney World by buying them through Disney's convention and meeting site. It offers tickets to people attending meeting and conventions in Central Florida. The tickets are usually only good for entry after 2pm or 4pm, but since the parks are open until midnight, this might not be too bad a trade-off. Who turns down an excuse for sleeping late on vacation?

Don't worry about being found out if you're not in Florida on business. Rob says the staff at Disney did not ask what convention or meeting he was attending when he last contacted them to purchase tickets. If you're nervous you might be asked, simply do a bit of advance research about what public meetings will be taking place while you're in the area.

The tickets are open not just to the meeting attendees, but their visiting families and friends, as well.


It seems like Disneyland offers the same type of promotion, but I have no intel on whether or not the tickets in Anaheim are more closely guarded; or linked with conventions only held at Disneyland resorts. Its difficult to tell for the site. Anybody have a guess?

Friday, June 8, 2012

Freebie Friday: A Free Ride In From the Airport

If you're lucky enough to be flying into Boston's Logan Airport, that is.

Seems the "Big Dig" didn't do quite enough to alleviate congestion on the roads in Beantown. So city officials have come up with an innovative solution: free bus rides from the airport into downtown. The three-month pilot project began two days ago.

Traffic into the airport, and parking once there, have been festering problems at Logan for quite some time. Currently, it costs a whopping $27 per day to park at the airport, a price officials hoped would discourage people from driving their own cars to Logan before flights. (The airport is forbidden from building more garages by environmental regulations).

If this three-month pilot program works, the freebie will be extended indefinitely. Let's hope city officials can get the word out so more folks can enjoy this green and generous solution to Boston's problems.


Thursday, June 7, 2012

From the Desk of Ray LaHood: The Good, The Disappointing and The Unexpected

They're not hard to spot, as they drift slowly over the median, weave side to side and abruptly turn without  warning. Not drinking, not injecting drugs as they steer, these drivers are doing something far more dangerous: they're texting. According to AAA distracted driving accounts for some 8000 crashes PER DAY. In 2010 alone, nearly 34,000 people died in accidents caused by drivers who weren't paying attention to the road.

As we approach prime road-trip season, I, for one, am very happy to see that Department of Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood is putting distracted driving on the front burner. He announced today a Blueprint To End Distracted Driving. Among the measures the DOT plans to take:
  • Its pushing the remaining 11 states without distracted driver laws on the books to add them
  • It will be working with the automobile manufacturers to make sure that new devices added to cars don't have the unintended consequence of distracting drivers further
  • The department will be partnering with driver education professionals to incorporate information on distracted driving into their lessons. Data shows that those under the age of 25 are far more likely to text while behind the wheel than older drivers.
  • Give grants of $2.4 million to both California and Delaware for pilot programs testing whether public education campaigns help dissuade people from texting while driving. The money will also allow law enforcement officials in those states to try out new methods of enforcing existing laws involving cellphone use and driving.
Europe's Emission Caps

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood
In a disappoint move, LaHood has joined a number of Senators in opposing the European Union's plan to try and curb greenhouse gas emissions by commercial jetliners with a tax on those emissions. This forward-thinking law would have forced both airlines and airline manufacturers to come up with greener flight technologies, something that's long overdue. Its a shame that LaHood is refusing to take global climate change seriously, and opposing this forward-thinking European rule. For more on that issue, click here.

Priority Seating Fees

You may remember that last week I railed against the priority seating fees that are now making it very difficult for families to sit together without paying a high additional cost for their seats. (On some airlines, to secure any but the middle seats requires the payment of an additional fee).  Its an issue that's gained some political traction, which Senator Chuck Schumer of New York suggesting that the airlines waive priority seating fees for children, so that families can sit together. He cited, quite rightly, I think, the safety issues inherent in dividing parents from their children.

Unfortunately, La Hood does not seem to think that the safety issues override the right, granted by the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 which allows carriers to set their own fees. He testified to that effect before a Senate Panel today. Let's hope that the Senators who have been railing against these fees publicly (its a popular issue) will take the initiative to tweak the law, so something can be done when safety is at stake. Safety first, after all!

Ray LaHood's had quite a busy week, dontcha think?

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Cut Rate Paradise (Island)

Tales of Atlantis Resort's restructured debt (a--gulp--$2.3 billion loan has resulted which must be repaid by September of 2014) have filled the business pages of many major newspapers this past spring. They provide the back story for what has to be the best deal I've ever seen for this usually Tiffany's-priced resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Seems like the Atlantis now needs to keep all its rooms filled, all the time. To do so, its cutting prices by as much as 65%. In fact, some rooms here, in its least expensive tower, will now run just $99 per night, with additional discounts on Atlantis' marquee attractions (such as "Aquaventure" and "Dolphin Cay").  The deal, which promises discounts through the fall (with the exception of Thanksgiving week) is just one of many promotions on the site, which range from 50% off suites, to family packages that include entry to on-site attractions and free breakfasts and dinners for children.

For full information, click here.


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Rail Deals for France and the UK

Just three weeks ago, I was zipping from Aix en Provence to Paris on a high-speed train. My seat was surprisingly comfortable, the train spotless, my fellow passengers delightful to watch (well-dressed and well-behaved, even the children) and the countryside abloom with flowers and newly budding crops. It put Amtrak trips to shame (sigh).

SNCF First Class Seats
But that's how it is in most areas of Europe, a region of the world that values having alternatives to congested highways and is willing to subsidize trains sufficiently to raise the quality of life (and travel) for all.

See for yourself. Experience both the French and the British rail systems for less in the coming months, thanks to a sale by Rail Europe. The promotion is not available to Europeans, but North Americans will be able to shave 20% off the cost of adult rail passes (both first and second class). In some cases that will take nearly $100 off the cost of a five-day pass. Purchase no later than June 14 for this deal.

To learn more, click on the link above.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Savings On Fun in 22 US States

Summer is almost here. Are you stockpiling code-bearing soda cans, scanning your local paper, and going online to cull coupons for theme parks and other attractions?

You should be, if you're coaster-bound this June, July or August. Almost all the theme parks will release special promotions come summer, and they can be real wallet-helpers.

I recently just discovered a site that acts as a good supplement to such major coupon compendiums as RetailMeNot. Called CouponsForFun.com, it focusses on those activities that are good for the entire family. To give some examples, in California, it will get the bearer reduced admissions to the Charles M. Schultz Museum, Legoland, San Francisco's Exploratorium, the San Diego Zoo, Madame Tussaud's (in both Hollywood and San Diego), Knotts Berry Farm, SeaWorld, several Six Flags parks, and Universal Studios Hollywood. That's in addition to savings on whale watching cruises, bike tours, white water rafting adventures and dozens of other attractions beyond the ones listed above.

The site offers coupons for fun stuff in Wisconsin, Washington, DC, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Missouri, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Hawaii, Georgia, and Colorado.

No membership is required to view the coupons, nor does one have to pay to use them.

Get your printer revved up!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Freebie Friday: Into the Woods on Get Outdoors Day!

June 9 is Get Outdoors day.

So follow their acronym and GO. Not only will the National Parks be free next week, but so will all of the National Forests and even some private concessions. That means free entry and special events gratis.

For example, the organization that represents the campgrounds of New York state will be hosting special geocaching activities in a number of areas. At Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina there will be free lessons in fly fishing, trail finding, archery and botany. At Foster Lake, in Oregon, kids will fish for free.

For full information, click here.