If you’re a business traveler looking for a short-term apartment, here’s what you need to know.

Have you ever thought about renting a short-term apartment? Whether you’re seeking short-term accommodation for business or pleasure, here’s what you need to know.

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When
If you’re on the road for work frequently or just love to travel for personal reasons, it may be worth it to you to look into staying at a short-term corporate or vacation rental rather than a hotel. Or, if your situation requires that your living arrangements stay flexible (like if you’re a student, are in between leases or are planning to purchase a house in the near future, etc.) renting a short-term apartment may make sense for you.

Why
While you may not be offered a free continental breakfast or other amenities like housekeeping or room service, the benefits and added perks can often give the advantage to staying in a short-term apartment when you’re vacationing. And, if you’re a business traveler relocating for a few weeks or a few months, the flexibility of staying in a short-term apartment can be worth it.

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What You Get

• The extras. We’re not talking about stale bagels and subpar coffee. Perks like a personal washer and dryer, hot tubs, a luxury fitness center and extra space may not be available in a hotel but can be common in an apartment. When you’re traveling on a budget, having a fully equipped kitchen is a great way to save some money while staying in and cooking a meal. Outdoor amenities like a front porch, balcony or patio can be a nice perk and allow for some fresh air that you might not get in a hotel room.
• Price is right. If you’re staying for an extended amount of time at your destination, hotel fees can be pricey. Even for the most budget-friendly hotels, you can expect to pay up to $800-$1,000 a week. A short-term apartment, however, may charge a similar price for a month’s stay, allowing you to save or spend your money on other things during your trip.
• Location, location, location. Staying in a hotel when you’re traveling may mean you’re relegated to a being in a commercial area rife with chain restaurants and fast food joints. To really immerse yourself in the city, choose a short-term apartment in a neighborhood that is known for its cool location and environment. You’ll have access to public parks, trendy restaurants and unique retail shops that will give you a better sense of the personality of the city while you’re there.

What to Look Out For

• The fine print. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the policies before you sign on the dotted line. Cancellation policies will likely vary by rental, so be aware of the potential penalties for canceling or changing the dates of your visit. If you have young children or pets traveling with you, check ahead of time to ensure they can be accommodated. Smoking is not generally allowed in most apartments, so smokers may need to seek out alternate accommodations.
• Know the details. One of the benefits of staying in a hotel is having access to a concierge desk that is open round-the-clock. In a short-term apartment, that convenience may not be available, so make sure you have the details squared away before arriving. When and where will you pick up the keys? When can you check in? Who is your contact in case your flight is delayed or plans change? Knowing before you go can save you the headache.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/zeelee

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Give your furry friends some love during National Pet Week.

Our pets make us feel special every day with their playful natures, unconditional love and unwavering loyalty, so it only makes sense to show them a little gratitude every now and then.

Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, National Pet Week promotes responsible pet ownership, celebrates the human-animal bond and raises awareness of veterinary medicine. So in honor of National Pet Week, treat your furry friends to a day of love and pampering and show them how much you care. Here’s how.

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Treat Yourself
No, we’re not talking about Pup-Peroni or Beggin’ Strips. It’s now easier than ever to make your pets healthy, delicious homemade treats without spending a lot of money on frou-frou ingredients. For dogs, plain cooked, boneless chicken breast, prepared without seasoning or oil, is a simple and healthy snack, while ice cubes made from chicken or beef broth is a refreshing treat on a hot day. For cats, make catnip biscuits by combining flour, catnip and a few other ingredients. Or, drain the liquid from a can of tuna into a bowl for a simple pick-me-up.

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Toy Story
Take an inventory of your pet’s toys. If you see a lot of beat up, worn-out toys, it may be time to upgrade. While Fido may adore his 5-year-old squeaky porcupine, chances are he’ll also love accompanying you to your local pet store and picking out a few new ones. And if your cat has managed to knock every catnip mouse into the unreachable nooks and crannies of your apartment, he or she would probably appreciate a restock.

Spa Retreat
It’s no secret that your pets need to be cleaned regularly, especially if they play a lot outdoors, but why not make bath time for your pup more like a day at the spa? Help your dog massage and relax before a bath by giving him a massage. If your pup has longer hair, spray a detangling product and let it sit before brushing. After washing, dry your dog with a soft, fluffy towel. If your dog really just doesn’t enjoy bathing or you don’t have the space for it, take him or her to a pet salon for a bath and brushing as well as other perks like treats and social interaction.

Play Date
Just as a human’s mood and happiness can benefit from regular social interaction, your pets can, too. So make sure your dog spends an adequate amount of time at the dog park or other pet-friendly areas to play and meet new friends. If your cat or dog is friendly and gets along with other animals, schedule play dates with a friend or neighbor who also has a four-legged friend.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/GlobalP

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Not sure where to begin organizing? Just take it one room at a time.

Home organization can seem like a daunting task, but when broken up room-by-room, it’s easier to tackle. Here’s how to divide and conquer to tame the mess.

Read on to learn more about our Spring Clean Sweepstakes.

Bathroom

• No nonsense. Space is often at a premium in your bathroom, so it’s important to be firm and decisive about getting rid of things you don’t need. Toss out toiletries and equipment that you rarely use. In your medicine cabinet, limit yourself to just the essentials to keep your organization goals on track. Trust us, you can live without that seventh bottle of nail polish remover.
• Space invaders. Nothing can make a room seem more like a mess than a cluttered countertop. Maximize valuable space on your vanity by utilizing utilitarian storage containers like this 5-in-1 toothbrush holder that also stores toothpaste and other toiletries like hand soap and lotion. Hang a rectangular wire basket (purchased from an office supply store) on the side of your vanity to hold your hair dryer and other gadgets.
• Clean sweep. Keep bottled cleaners organized by hanging a tension rod in your cabinet. These adjustable rods are available for cheap and are a great quick fix to keep tight spaces organized and the cleaners you use regularly within arm’s reach. For cleaning supplies you don’t grab on a regular basis, keep them in an easy-to-reach basket that can be stashed when finished.

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Bedroom

• Bed rest. Make sure to keep your bed made every day. This simple step can work wonders when you’re trying to keep your bedroom organized. Think about it: If you get into the habit of keeping your bed in order, you’ll likely develop a habit of keeping the rest of your room clean, too. That means the pile of dirty clothes in the corner is history.
• Closet case. Even if you consider yourself the most organized of people, your closet often tells a different story. Try this trick: Turn all the clothes hanging in your closet so that the hangers face back-to-front. Over the next six months, if you wear an item of clothing, return it to the closet and turn the hanger around. You might be shocked at how many clothes you never wear. Consider tossing these.
• Storage solutions. Clean up the dust bunnies under your bed – if you’re not utilizing this horizontal space, you’re missing out on a prime storage opportunity. Store your seasonal clothing or bulkier items like backpacks, purses, linens or blankets in flat, clear storage bins that you can label and slide under your bed.

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Kitchen

Keep your kitchen organized by taking advantage of hanging space.

• It’s not personal. Without really knowing it, the kitchen can often accumulate personal items like shoes, keys, pocket change and mail. While you might not be able to avoid it completely, make it easier on yourself by imposing a rule of clearing the kitchen of personal items by dinnertime.
• Keep it together. It may seem like a no-brainer, but things that work together should be stored together, as close as possible to where they are used. Meaning, pots, pans and cooking utensils should be stored near the stove, giving you easy access to what you’ll need while cooking. Plates, dishes, cups and utensils should be kept together, while coffee, mugs and other supplies should be stored near the coffee maker. Keep items that are seldom used on top shelves.
• Nooks and crannies. Take advantage of every square inch of space by utilizing tools that are designed to hang on the back of a cabinet or pantry door. A hanging spice rack can be a real space saver, while canned goods and bottled items can be easily placed into a storage basket rack that is hung over the inside of a door.

Living Room

• Odds and ends. Since the living room is often the room in your house where you spend the most time, it can be easily overrun by items in no time. Inventory the items in your entertainment center and keep only the movies, games, books and music that you use regularly. Photo boxes can be labeled and are a stylish way to store the fun stuff. 
• Zone defense. Be realistic when determining how you want to use the living room, then gather similar things together and place them in specific zones. For instance, all DVDs, CDs and games should go near the entertainment center. Place magazines and books in a rack or storage box near your reading chair.
• Control the cords. Your living room is most likely full of lamps, a television, stereo, DVD player and other electronics, which often means tangled cables and out-of-control cords. Tame the mess by using a cable organizer like Cableyoyo. Or, use a cable zipper to enclose all cables in a tube to eliminate clutter.  

Home Office

• File away. A good filing system is the cornerstone of an organized office. Buy a 12-month expanding file, and keep all bills and receipts organized by month. Revisit these in a year, and if you haven’t needed them, shred them. Organize other important documents by category, such as automotive, education, financial, medical, taxes, etc.
• A home for hardware. If your desk is covered with computers, printers, monitors, phones and other electronics, you might realize you have no space to actually work. Move your computer tower to the floor, and switch to a lightweight, flat-screen monitor if you haven’t already. Purchase a multipurpose machine that incorporates a printer, fax machine and scanner to save space, and use a freestanding light instead of a desk lamp.
• Wheel of fortune. Utilize home office furniture with wheels whenever possible. A wheeled filing cabinet can be brought out during the day, then tucked up under a desk or in a closet at night, minimizing office clutter.

This spring, we want to help you tidy up your apartment — on a budget! That’s why we’ve partnered with LearnVest, an advice-driven financial planning program, to help you organize your apartment and take control of your money. Enter the Spring Clean Sweepstakes for a chance to win a LearnVest Planning 5-Year Planner subscription and $300 you can use toward sprucing up your place!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/jgareri

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Dust is the most common cause of indoor allergies, but make sure you’re not kicking up dirt and debris when you’re cleaning.

Indoor allergies caused by dust mites, pet dander and mold trigger allergy and even asthma symptoms in millions of indoor allergy sufferers each year.

Read on to learn more about our Spring Clean Sweepstakes.

While it is impossible to make your home completely allergen-free, below are a few tips to clear most of the bothersome allergens from your apartment.

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Dusting
Dust is the most common cause of indoor allergies, but be careful how you dust, because you can actually make your allergies worse by kicking up dirt and debris while you’re cleaning. Use a wet or treated cloth that attracts dust, minimize dust-catching clutter and clean dusty surfaces, such as ceiling fan blades, regularly so that dust doesn’t have a chance to accumulate.

Vacuum
To really ensure your space stays allergen-free, any carpet or rugs should be replaced with hard flooring, but that might not be an option in your apartment. Instead, use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter that traps dust mites, pet dander and other allergens, and try to vacuum at least once or twice a week.

Wash Your Bedclothes
Dust mites thrive in bedding, so wash your sheets, blankets and pillowcases once a week in hot water, then dry them in a hot dryer, to kill all the dust mites. Also, encase mattresses, comforters, pillows and other non-washable items in allergen-proof covers.

Go Green
Many cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions in people. Opt for environmentally friendly cleaning products instead. These contain plant-based, natural ingredients. You can also make many common household cleaners using things like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice.

Reduce Pet Dander
A protein found in the saliva and dead skin of dogs and cats is a common indoor allergen. If you have pets, vacuum frequently and wash your pet once a week. You can also keep them off your bed and furniture and even designate certain areas of your apartment as pet-free areas. And if know there’s a certain pet that you know sets off your allergies, don’t get that type of animal. Unfortunately, a short-haired dog or cat will still cause the allergic reaction.

Go on Mold Patrol
Spores from mold and mildew can get into the air and cause allergies and even sickness. Run an exhaust fan after you take a shower, and replace any bathroom wallpaper with tile or mold-resistant paint. Replace moldy or mildewed curtains and moldy carpeting.

Following these guidelines should keep your apartment relatively allergen-free, and you’ll be much more happy and healthy.

This spring, we want to help you tidy up your apartment — on a budget! That’s why we’ve partnered with LearnVest, an advice-driven financial planning program, to help you organize your apartment and take control of your money. Enter the Spring Clean Sweepstakes for a chance to win a LearnVest Planning 5-Year Planner subscription and $300 you can use toward sprucing up your place!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/JulNichols

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Preparing for a move? These mobile apps can do the work for you.

There’s no doubt about it – moving can be a stressful, time-consuming process.

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If you aren’t adequately prepared for it, you can end up dealing with a disorganized mess. Luckily, all the help you need is available right at your fingertips. From finding a place to live to decorating in your new apartment, let these five mobile apps do the heavy lifting for you to help keep all steps of the moving process organized and stress-free.

Apartment Guide Mobile
Why: Before you move, scroll through thousands of apartment listings near you, available either in list or interactive map views, using the GPS feature. See full property details, view photos and floor plans and select amenities to help you find the perfect place to live.
Best feature: Save apartments to your favorites list and call or email properties, all from your phone.
For: iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

Moving Planner
Why: As the move draws closer, keep yourself organized with this app. Create moving checklists for four to six weeks in advance, including tasks such as purchasing moving supplies, setting up utilities and unplugging electronics, or save time by using the pre-populated list of more than 210 house moving-related items.
Best feature: The color coded interface (green, yellow and red) makes it easy to visually determine which tasks are high priority.
For: Android
Cost: $0.99

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Moving Van
Why: Make packing and unpacking a breeze with this app that lets you keep an accurate inventory of every single item that you pack into your boxes. To save time, take photos of the items in each box instead of listing them on the app, allowing you to know exactly where your favorite pair of socks is at all times.
Best feature: Export your inventory list as either a PDF or as text in the body of an email for added security.
For: iPhone
Cost: $1.99

Trucker Tools
Why: So you’ve got everything packed in your U-Haul or other moving truck, but what about the drive? Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll want to make sure the route you take is truck-friendly. Trucker Tools gives you accurate turn-by-turn directions to ensure you don’t end up derailed by a low hanging overpass.
Best feature: The app can also find nearby truck stops, rest areas, fuel optimized routes and weigh scales.
For: iPhone
Cost: Free

Use your phone as a level with the Bubble Level app.

Bubble Level
Why: After you unpack everything, it’s time to add the decorative finishing touches that help make your new apartment feel like home. If you don’t carry around a stocked toolkit, download this virtual spirit level. Hold any of the phone’s four sides against an object to make sure the things you’re hanging up are straight, or place it on a flat surface for a 360 degree level.
Best feature: The level shows the angle or inclination and offers orientation locking, allowing for the most accuracy.
For: Android
Cost: Free

Photo credit: iStockphoto/vgajic

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Keep your apartment medicine cabinet stocked with essentials like cotton swabs, pain relievers and antiseptics.

With spring allergies looming, it’s the perfect time to reassess your medical supplies to ensure you’re prepared for any situation. Check the pulse on the medicine cabinet in your apartment and keep it stocked with these 15 must-have items.

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For Cuts, Scrapes and Burns

• Bandages. Make sure your medicine cabinet is full of bandages of all shapes and sizes protect wounds. This also includes self-adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape and other special bandages.
• Antiseptics. Clean and disinfect minor cuts and scrapes by having some sort of liquid disinfectant on hand. Good options include hydrogen peroxide, which can be used as a stain remover and generally stings less than alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, which can be used as a cleaner.
• Antibacterial ointment. An antibacterial ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin can help with pain relief and often speeds up the healing process.
• Cotton swabs. These are helpful for applying ointments and other medicines in a sanitary manner, and they can also be used for removing makeup and cleaning, making them a versatile investment.
• Tweezers. This tool is useful for removing splinters and ticks. Find sturdy metal tweezers with pointy ends for best results.

For Rashes, Allergies and other Skin Irritations

• Calamine lotion. For many insect bites and plant-based rashes like poison ivy, it doesn’t get much better than being treated by calamine lotion. This old-fashioned pink solution calms itching and can dry up weepy rashes.
• Antihistamines. Most oral antihistamines are available over-the-counter (Benadryl), and can soothe allergies and itching caused by just about anything, like hives, animal allergies and food allergies. Beware of the main side effect of drowsiness.
• Hydrocortisone cream.  A 1 percent topical hydrocortisone cream or ointment relieves persistent itching and inflammation that may not be cured by the above medications.
• Eye drops. Soothe itchy, irritated eyes with eye drops that contain an antihistamine and a decongestant, like Opcon-A and Naphcon A.

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For Digestive Issues

• Nausea and diarrhea aids. While many anti-nausea medications require a prescription, you can purchase Dramamine over the counter and also use it for the prevention of motion sickness. An all-around drug like Pepto Bismol can provide general stomach relief from nausea, heartburn and upset stomach, while something like Immodium is a good option to treat diarrhea.
• Calcium carbonate tablets. Keep these tablets on hand to relieve heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid backs up and causes irritation of the esophagus. Common brands are Tums and Rolaids.

For Pain, Headaches and Fever

• Pain relievers. Cover your bases by getting two types of pain relievers, an acetaminophen and an ibuprofen. Medicines like Tylenol have acetaminophen and are milder on the digestive tract, while ibuprofen-based medications include Motrin, Aleve and Advil, and work better for inflammatory pain and swelling.
• Cold and cough. Over-the-counter medications can work wonders for cold and cough symptoms. A decongestant like Sudafed can relieve a stuffy nose, ear congestion and sinus pain, while an expectorant like Mucinex can help with a wet cough. Dry coughs can be treated by a cough syrup that contains the suppressant dextromethorphan, like Pertussin and Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough.
• Thermometer. An electronic thermometer is usually the sturdiest and most accurate option for checking temperatures, and a good choice if you are worried about the mercury in traditional thermometers.
• Measuring cup. Make sure you have a medical-use, calibrated measuring cup that can accurately dispense liquid medications.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/hillwoman2

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Here’s the dirt on preparing your garden for spring planting.

Early spring can be a time of excitement and release, when the temperatures finally warm up after a long and grueling winter. But if you have a green thumb, early spring might fill you with a sense of dread if you haven’t quite prepared your garden for spring planting. Don’t succumb to garden guilt. Here are five easy tips to get your container or community garden in tip-top shape for the spring planting season.

In the Weeds
If you’ve found that patches of weeds are beginning to grow in your garden, remove them and dispose of them carefully. Pulling or tearing at certain weeds like couch grass causes the roots to spread, so dig them out with a turning fork or trowel. Do not place the weeds in a compost pile, as you won’t want to accidentally spread the seeds around your garden. Once the weeds are clear, do a thorough clean up by removing leaves and other debris from the beds and borders.

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Get the Dirt
Check your soil’s pH levels using a home soil test kit, which you can find at many home improvement or garden stores. Take samples from different areas of the garden to make sure it is balanced. Adding sulfur will lower the pH level, while adding ground limestone will raise the pH. Once the soil is properly balanced, borrow or rent a rototiller to loosen the soil. If you have particularly rocky soil, the tilling process might take longer.

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A Bug’s Life
Identifying and removing garden pests now can save you a lot of trouble later on in the planting and harvesting season. If you have perennial crops, take a close look at the crowns of the plants and you just might find slugs, snails, aphids and other garden pests hiding out for the winter. If you’re averse to using pesticides on your crops, there are several ways to rid your garden of pests organically. Planting garlic or spraying your garden with a garlic spray, made from chopped garlic cloves and water mixed well, deters most insects. Most bugs, like ladybugs, ants and beetles, are harmless and protect your garden by eating other bugs.

Organic Matters
Cover bare soil with three to six inches of organic matter, like compost, which acts as a slow-release fertilizer and provides much-needed nutrients to soil and plants to keep them healthy. Good compost improves soil structure by improving aeration and moisture retention, providing humus and increasing microbial activity. Avoid artificial and chemical fertilizers, which don’t benefit the soil in the long-term. If you don’t have a compost pile, you can often purchase odor-free composted manure at local gardening stores for a low price.

Plan Your Plants
The final step is planning where to plant your crops. Create a diagram of your garden and determine what vegetables and flowers you want to plant where, keeping in mind pH levels and areas of sunlight. Common early spring vegetables are peas, spinach, lettuces and leeks.  Cold weather annual flowers include pansies, violas, calendula and sweet peas.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Jasmina007

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Feeling trapped by stuff in your small apartment? Take control with our storage tips.

Moving into an apartment you can afford sometimes means opting for a smaller space.

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But if you come with a lot of baggage, it can be difficult to figure out where to put all your stuff.

Maximize your storage space by following these simple and clever techniques below.

Free Up Bedroom Space
A small apartment’s biggest challenge can be the bedroom, where you’re trying to squeeze your original bed from another place into a smaller room. Lighten the load by ditching the nightstand. Create a hanging nightstand by installing a closet shelf upside down on the wall next to your bed, or get a bedside table with shelves. Use plastic storage bins or even your luggage to store out of season clothes and baby keepsakes—anything you don’t need access to daily—beneath your bed.

Get creative with storage in the bathroom, where space is often at a premium.

Get Creative in the Bathroom
Your bathroom is probably your smallest space, so storage is definitely at a premium. Get creative by rolling up your towels and wash cloths and stuffing them in a wine rack, and get a storage shelf that sits over your toilet tank for holding your other necessities. Color coordinated baskets can also keep your items neatly sorted and tidy.

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De-clutter the Kitchen
Maximize your kitchen’s useable space by hanging wire organizers on the inside of your pantry door and cabinet doors. Or, turn a wire organizer on its side to stack and organize your pans and baking dishes. Put dry goods like rice, cereal and flour in labeled, sealable, stackable containers to save shelf space and keep everything neat and organized. A rolling table island will add counter space and give you a place for your microwave and extra utensils. Add a magnetic strip to the backsplash to give you easy access to your knives and free up additional counter space.

“Hook” it Up
Adhesive hooks are easy to install and remove, and can add much needed storage to almost any space. Put them on bathroom doors, bedroom closets and inside cabinets. Store placemats in a clip hung from a hook inside the pantry, or use them to organize your pot lids and save cabinet space.

Turn Any Space into Storage Space
Use decorative boxes to store seldom-used items under coffee tables, end tables, desks and even living room tables and couches. If you want your baskets or bins to be out of sight, hide them with decorative fabric or tablecloths. That way your stuff will always be handy yet out of the way.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/gemenacom

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For a quick cabinet fix, experiment with different knobs and pulls.

Even though we’re getting closer to spring cleaning, no need to toss things out and buy new replacements. With a little elbow grease and some inventive TLC, you can have the items in your apartment or home looking like new, without spending a lot to do so.

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Cabinet Couture
Perhaps nothing takes more abuse in your kitchen than your cabinets. All it takes is a fresh coat of paint to make them like new again. Update your kitchen’s look just by removing the cabinet doors and repainting them. For easy-to-reach cabinets, create additional functionality by painting one of the doors with chalkboard or dry erase board paint, turning it into a handy space for jotting notes and grocery lists. Change out the handles and hinges to something more modern, or add a touch of vintage charm. Stores like Anthropologie offer drawer pulls and knobs of all shapes, sizes and price points, so pick a decor style and experiment.

Freshen Up Those Kicks
If you have a worn, dirty pair of sneakers lying around, don’t toss them in the garbage; give them a makeover. Bleach and a toothbrush will make the whitewalls look like new. Replace the laces and insoles if needed. If the exterior soles are hanging open and flopping around, super glue or an automotive adhesive will put them in their place.

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Love Your Loveseat
For an inexpensive update, consider decking out your outdated sofa with a vibrant slipcover. Adding a few decorative throw pillows can breathe new life into an old chair or loveseat. You might be surprised how this simple DIY fix can create a whole new look for your room.

Deal With Baggage
Our luggage gets a lot of wear and tear from moving, vacationing and business travel, so it’s good to give suitcases and travel bags some attention once in a while. Torn exteriors can be glued down with vinyl cement (for vinyl luggage) or fabric glue (for fabric luggage). Loose interior linings can be glued back with fabric glue. For leather luggage, use rubber cement or a vinyl acetate adhesive. Scuffed leather can be buffed out using a matching leather polish. Even the wheels can be repaired with a little ingenuity.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/edoneil

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Being an empty nester gives you a great opportunity to see the country and the world.

You’ve finally got the kids out of the apartment and living independently. But what do you do now that you don’t have to plan vacations around school schedules or research kid-friendly destinations?

Taking vacations without the kids can be an adjustment. Follow our tips below to plan a great trip and have a good time even though your little birds have left the nest.

Go when you want
No kids? No need to plan a vacation around their school’s schedule. Enjoy the peace and quiet—and cheaper hotel rates—of going during off-peak times of the year. Before you go, check out Travelope, a real-time website aggregator that provides customers with the best deals on hotel, airfare, cruises and rental cars.

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Choose grown-up destinations
Theme parks like Disney World bring out the kid in all of us, but sometimes it’s fun to do things a bit more relaxed and laid back. Avoid the kid-crowded beaches and hit up some historic city you’ve always wanted to visit, or take in a museum. Rent a cabin in the mountains and get back to nature. You could also try one of these wonderful tourist cities:

• New Orleans, La. A historic city with French roots and a distinct culture, New Orleans is a great destination for empty nesters. If you’re a music lover, there are a number of venues where you can take in a great jazz show. Don’t miss strolling through the quaint French Quarter.

• Portland, Ore. Pacific Northwestern charm and a vibrant, artistic feel mark this beautiful city. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring this green town and its mountainous environs, as nearby Mount Hood is only 50 miles east. Experience the local farm-to-table food scene at the Portland Farmers Market, which has locations all over the city.

• Charleston, S.C. This popular coastal city boasts live entertainment venues, a gorgeous seaside atmosphere, plenty of shopping and a burgeoning food scene that emphasizes local flavors. Can’t miss stops include Rainbow Row, known for its colorful historic houses, and the Battery, which stretches along the lower shores of the city.

• Raleigh, N.C. Museum-goers will love this beautiful city located in the Research Triangle metropolitan region. Stroll through the permanent collection at the North Carolina Museum of Art, or check out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, now ranked as the top tourist attraction in the state.

Travel
Being an empty nester gives you a great opportunity to see the country and the world. Instead of the usual spring break hot spots, check out Mexico or Europe, or travel to a region you’ve always wanted to see but never had the chance. Websites like Groupon, Vacationist and Jetsetter often offer great deals on exotic travel packages, so keep your options open and be spontaneous, and you might just have the trip of a lifetime.

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