Lisa Nicita and Sonja Haller
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 16 2008 9:10 am
An uncertain economy and high gas prices have more people adjusting their summer vacation this year. But great trips and fond memories still can be made, even on a budget. All week, we'll offer budget travel ideas for a family of four and a couple. Today, we loosen the purse strings with three-night trips costing no more than $1,000.
3-night trip for family of 4
If you ask a kid how he or she'd like to spend the summer vacation, expect a shriek of "Disneyland!" Many in Arizona use Southern California as a summertime playground. Disneyland on $1,000 is doable, but not luxurious. But few go to Disneyland for luxury.
Gas: $115. Based on a car that gets 20 miles per gallon and gas at $3.20 a gallon.
Lodging: $258. Skimp as much as you can. It'll give you more money for food and fun. The Best Western Pavilions, a Disney Good Neighbor hotel, is $86 a night. Disneyland is about a mile from the hotel, which is at 1176 W. Katella Ave. in Anaheim, 714-776-0140. Or if you are traveling with kids younger than 10, you can book a stay through Disneyland.com for as little as $660, which includes three-day Park Hopper passes and lodging.
Attractions: $470. To get the most travel bang for your buck, visit the park just one day, purchasing a ticket good for Disneyland and companion park California Adventure ($81 for kids, $91 for adults). The next day, head to Knott's Berry Farm, where there are rides and shows to enjoy. Tickets are $43 for adults and $20 for kids. On the third day, relax at the beach.
Food: $157. The rooms at the Best Western Pavilions have mini-fridges and microwaves. Take along food for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy breakfast in the room each morning. Pack sack lunches each day, leave them in the car in a cooler, and eat at the car while you're at the theme parks. For dinners, you'll have to be frugal, but could handle fast-food joints such as McDonald's and KFC. Besides, you might want to go back into the park after dinner.
3-night trip for couple
The owners bill it as "the Best Kept Secret in Taos," but the Inn on the Rio is on its way to becoming discovered.
More food and travel writers are writing glowing reviews of the bed-and-breakfast on the banks of the Rio Fernando and at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Couples should act now while it's still possible to book one of 12 rooms this summer at an affordable rate. Innkeeper Julie Cahalane, a published gourmet cook, serves homemade breakfast every morning, while her husband, Robert, helps you plan your Taos day.
Gas: $175. Based on a vehicle getting 20 miles a gallon, at a gas price of $3.20.
Lodging: $400. Summer season rates are about $130 per night. The New Mexico-style rooms have bathrooms, cable TV and phones. Local calls are free. The Inn on the Rio, 910 E. Kit Carson Road, Taos, N.M., innontherio.com or 505-758-7199.
Food: $250. Breakfast is a bargain at the inn, where just-baked breads, fresh fruit and an entree are served. For lunch, locals recommend Graham's Grille for the "walking taco," the $9 El Frito Chili Pie made with red sauce, black beans and lean beef. Or, for $10, try the Cranberry Popeye Salad with spinach and a cranberry vinaigrette topped with carrots and dried cherries. Visit Lambert's for dinner, serving lamb taquitos with tomatillo sauce or crab cakes with Thai curry sauce and pickled cucumbers or pistachio crusted chicken breasts. Entrees are $22-$30.
Attractions: $175. Go for a scenic, mellow half-day trip down the Rio Grande or kick it up with some white-water rapids down the river at $49 per person. Los Rios River Runners can help you choose the trip that works for you (800-544-1181, losriosriver runners.com). Also check out Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Some of the adobe buildings most likely were constructed between 1000 and 1450. Adult admission is $10; if you want to take still-camera pictures or use your video camera, it's an extra $5. Handmade jewelry, boots, drums, and pottery and other wares can be purchased there (505-758-1028, taos pueblo.com). Rent a mountain bike for about $25 a half-day at a bike shop and head to the rest area past the Rio Grande Gorge bridge for a bike along the West Rim trail. Be sure to browse the galleries, as Taos is known for its locally created arts.
