Happy Birthday, George.

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I know Presidents’ Day doesn’t sound all that exciting, but since we can’t make every president’s birthday a national holiday – well, I suppose we could, but then no one would work half the year – we celebrate with the first president’s birthday, George Washington, on the third Monday of the month, which is almost never on his actual birthday. And, I should add, we throw in a bit of honor for our awesome 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, because he freed the slaves and was pretty amazing…and because his birthday is on the 12th, making it an easy tie-in. He may not be the father of our country, but he made the most of his years in office, which I think deserves quite a bit of credit.

If you aren’t plotting your course for hitting as many sales as you can next weekend, then possibly you would rather spend your money on something a little more enriching, like a trip that can be fun and educational (super for kids!). Today is all about things to do for fun and cheap in our nation’s capital: Washington, D.C. I have been there once, in my former years, and it was a disappointing trip all around. We drove from Virginia, mostly without stopping, only to get stuck in rush hour traffic and see very few buildings as we inched along at 3 mph. I did see the White House, but as there were renovations being done, the majority of it was covered in plastic. The next thing I remember was turning around and going back home. I didn’t even get to go to the zoo, which I distinctly recall being asked about before we left. You don’t want your trip to be like mine, and I hope that my next trip – which is something that will happen – is a lot more fun and I even get to get out of the car at some point!

Get half-price and discount theater tickets to performances at the Signature Theatre, the Kennedy Center, Folger Theatre, Imagination Stage and more. You can get them same-day or in advance.

Take a free tour of (some of) the White House. Get there early, though, because this is always a popular activity and wait times can be long. You might even catch a glimpse of Obama doing presidenty stuff: taking phone calls, concurring with people ideas, signing documents, wearing a suit, walking purposefully down the hall. Things like that! Update 3/8/13: due to budget cuts, the White House is no longer offering tours. This is saving them $43,000 a WEEK!

Pay homage to our veterans who have passed on with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. You can visit John F. Kennedy’s grave, along with Jackie O, their two children and his brother Bobby, the Unknown soldier and see the changing of the guard throughout the day.

Wish our 16th president Happy Birthday with a stop at the Lincoln Memorial. Then take a tour of the other famous stops in DC: the Washington Monument (closed for renovations due to earthquake damage), the reflecting pool, the Vietnam Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, DC War Memorial, Eisenhower Memorial, Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Women in Vietnam Memorial and a whole lot more. You could spend three days just visiting these sites. Go here for a map of the most popular and to start planning your trip.

Print out free walking guides for your trip. Almost 20 different guides are available, so whether you want to stroll the Botanic Garden or visit the Smithsonian, you are covered!

Save money and skip the ticket lines by purchasing a DC Power Pass. Valid from 1-5 days, it enables you to see Washington DC to the fullest. Over 20 attractions are included in your price as well as discounts for shopping. Passes start at just $64.99 and if you buy before day end on February 13th, you can receive 5% off!

About.com for DC has some fantastic solutions for dining on the cheap. For info, including addresses and phone numbers, view the whole list here. The following are local favorites, so you won’t be eating at Burger King or similar fast food venues. You’ll be saving money and eating like the locals do:

·         American City Diner

·         Baja Grille

·         Ben’s Chili Bowl

·         Bullfeathers of Capital Hill

·         Cactus Cantina

·         Capital Q BBQ

·         Couscous Café

·         Hanks Oyster Bar

·         Lauriol Plaza

·         Surfside Restaurant

·         Zorba’s Café

·       And if you’re looking for late-night dining: The Diner 2453 18th St NW Washington, DC (202) 232-8800 An upscale diner that’s open 24 hours.

Stroll along the C&O Canal. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal used to be a waterway where goods were shipped to the Potomac River. Historic!

Ever seen an aquatic garden? Technically, it’s a marsh, but Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens sounds a lot better and prettier than Kenilworth Marsh. It’s the last natural marsh in Washington DC and you can see amazing water plants and flowers, as well as dozens of species of birds…and it’s all free!

Let someone else show you around the city with the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley. I’m dying to go on one of these and think that my next trip to a big city that has one at a reasonable price might be reason enough to hand over my hard-earned money. For $35 per person ($25 for kids) you can sit back and take pictures and listen to the narration, then get off and back on at any of the stops all day long. The ride covers over 100 points of interest and stops at 20 locations, including the White House Visitors Center and Ford’s Theatre. The full loop takes 2 hours if you don’t get off anywhere, but why wouldn’t you? Book your tickets before March 15 and get use of the trolley for three days instead of just one!

Here’s one to splurge on: Have you ever wanted to be a spy? I mean, like not get shot at and stuff, but be secretive and carry important information? The Washington DC Spy Tour will have you itching to get your hands on that Top Secret envelope full of the country’s secretest secrets! You’ll discover the city’s spy secrets, mysteries and deceptions on this tour and then take part in a secret “mission”. I’ve been dying to do this tour since I saw Samantha Brown do it on her Weekends show. Your $58.99 will also get you VIP admission to the International Spy Museum for more about espionage, traitors, gadgets and more…if you know the secret password! You even get to meet former intelligence officers. Awesome, right?

Even if you aren’t planning to travel to DC over Presidents’ Day Weekend, don’t forget that there are so many amazing things to see and do there for the next time you’re stumped for an affordable trip. Make DC your home base and then take day trips to Maryland or Virginia, too. But, for the love of travel, wherever you go, get out of the car!

Do you live in the DC area or have you vacationed there? What are your favorite tourist spots and eateries?

Travel with the Hopper

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of DISH for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

By now you’ve probably seen at least one of those DISH commercials where the New England family brags about “The Hoppa” they have that enables everyone in their family to record all their favorite shows and watch them on any TV in the house. Well, DISH has taken the love of the DVR one step further and it’s perfect for travelers, too. Right now you have very few choices when it comes to watching live TV on your trips: you can watch what’s on, you can use a Slingbox to watch shows as they are on in your time zone or you can try to watch network shows the next day online. None of these are ever all that convenient (especially if you’re in another country and can’t get access to U.S. television through your internet). The Hopper Travel DISH is your solution.

There are going to be times on your trip where you have downtime and just want to relax. Or you have an extra-long layover and have already finished your magazines, eaten and made a circuit through the cool airport stuff. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pull up shows you’ve recorded at home and catch up with them? Well, now you can! If you are a DISH subscriber, you already have access to their free DISH Anywhere app. If you don’t, it’s easy to sign up and packages start at just $24.99 per month. (For 12 months with 24 month commitment. Restrictions Apply.) Boredom averted!

Almost every traveler brings along some sort of web-enabled device, and the average family has several, including smart phones, laptops and tablets. All of these can play your favorite shows anywhere you happen to have an internet connection. Hopper lets you record 6 shows at once and up to 2,000 hours of TV and movies. Why pay money to download old shows and movies from iTunes to your devices, which takes up valuable memory, when you don’t have to?

Won’t have an internet connection when you’re traveling? Maybe you’ll be somewhere remote or want to keep yourself and your family entertained in the car or on the plane. That’s okay, too. You can transfer recorded shows to your app before you leave the house and then watch them later when you can’t get online. Awesome, right? It’s called Hopper Transfers. If all you’re getting on your hotel TV is foreign programming and news, pull up recordings from home and fill your downtime with familiar faces that will make you more comfortable wherever you are. I'll tell you, being able to pull up the latest episode of Two Broke Girls is way better than watching election coverage or old episodes of Knight Rider in Spanish.

With DISH Anywhere, you don’t have to just watch things you’ve recorded, but you can choose from thousands of On Demand titles, use the Blockbuster @Home option (if you subscribe to this feature) and even check your recording list and add new recordings as necessary. Maybe you found out about a great show coming on that you don’t want to miss, but you’ve already left home. Just log onto your DISH account and set up that recording. You can also watch it live if you happen to be somewhere at the time it plays and you can get online on any of your devices. After a long day of sightseeing, you may just want to curl up on the couch with a good movie. Being able to watch a new release is better than settling for reruns of soccer games in German or a 3-hour block of Es Incroyable in French.

Are your kids fighting over which show to actually watch and you just want the arguing to stop? You can watch two shows on two different mobile devices. It’s also a great distraction for when you are waiting for things. Maybe it’s a long line at a theme park or waiting for the train to arrive or even just waiting to leave the hotel for the day. There are plenty of times your family may get antsy during a vacation and if you can easily pull up a cartoon or another show they love, that time can fly by. You can even skip commercials on recorded primetime TV, which helps you save time, too. Maybe your wait time is only 20 or 25 minutes. Skipping those ads will allow you to watch that show in less time and see the end before you have to put your device away.

DISH is the only service that allows you to access all of your programming at home and on-the-go, so you never have to worry about missing shows you love just because you’ll be on vacation or traveling for business. Want to Learn more about the Hopper?

You can also LIKE DISH on Facebook and Follow DISH on Twitter for more ways to get the most out of your service or new additions to the Hopper.

Where Will You Go in 2013?

If you’re starting to feel like you’re in a rut and work has you stressing out, then maybe it’s time for a change. Sometimes, the only thing you really need to rejuvenate – besides a trip to the spa – is a quick trip away. Nothing is better for finding yourself again than going somewhere new. Don’t start planning that trip to a theme park or your sister’s house again. The goal is to break out of your same groove and do something different. Discover a new city and discover new things about yourself and your family in the process. The top 10 budget destinations for 2013 will definitely get you thinking about things in a different way.

This photo of Toronto Island Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Toronto, Canada

Our neighbors to the north have something to show you beyond their incredible hospitality. Not only is Toronto full of history, which is a fun way to get some education in for those traveling with kids, but it also has a ton of beautiful open spaces to be explored. You can even spend the day at the beach! It may not be the “put on your bikini and lay out” kind of beach, but there is surf, sand and plenty of shops. The Beaches is a hidden gem of Toronto, so it is rarely overcrowded and especially not with tourists.

Antalya, Turkey

Turkey is just becoming a well-known tourist destination. The affordability is drawing travelers from all over the world. While they are all off discovering the cave dwellings of Cappadocia, you can be sightseeing off the coast of the Mediterranean. If that’s not exotic-sounding enough, you can tell all your friends you’ll be lounging along the Turkish Riviera, browsing the colorful and lively bazaars, visiting Roman ruins and hot air ballooning over breathtaking scenery. Antalya gets over 300 days of sunshine and even the winters are comfortable, so whenever you go, you won’t have to pack your carry-on full of bulky clothing.

This photo of Chateau de Brou is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Loire Valley, France

Get away from the hustle and bustle of busy (and tourist-filled) Paris by spending your time in the Cradle of the French Language. Loire Valley is the perfect getaway for those who love the country, amazing food and a good glass of wine. With so much of the grand architecture still standing, you’ll feel like royalty everywhere you go in this area of central France. If you’re looking for an affordable romantic vacation, then you will want to start planning your trip now, because what more could you want out of time with your sweetie than relaxing at a little bistro after strolling through a fruit orchard right outside of a historic town?

Palm Springs, California

While not as exotic as much of the rest of this list, and known mostly for their golfing, Palm Springs is a nature-lovers’ desert oasis. From hiking, horseback riding and swimming, there is something for everyone who loves to be outside. Steeped in Native American and Mexican culture, the city is now a resort paradise that draws regular travelers and celebrities alike. You can find great deals on accommodations, entertainment and even dining and spa services. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it – and find it for less – in the desert of Palm Springs.

This photo of Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

The Phi Phi islands are where you want to go when you have a tropical locale on the brain. Thailand is notoriously budget-friendly, but most recreational travelers don’t know much about the islands. Ko Phi Phi is becoming a more widely known secret, because it offers everything one could want from an island getaway: beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and perfect for diving and snorkeling. Tourism plays a big part in the economy of Ko Phi Phi and they have rebuilt a more luxurious island experience since the devastation of 2004’s tsunami. You’ll find resorts and restaurants that cater specifically to those looking for a true island experience – in between kayaking and laying out, that is.

Nashville, Tennessee

Known mostly for producing the majority of country music superstars, Nashville might surprise you as being a metropolitan city with so much more to offer besides Taylor Swift and the Dixie Chicks. Did you know that it is also the hometown of Ke$ha? It’s true! You’ll find amazing southern history around Nashville, including Civil War plantations. These grandiose homes are both awe-inspiring and educational. There’s no better way to learn about significant times in American history than to go right to the source. You can top off your days with down-home southern meals out and a vibrant nightlife full of all types of music.

This photo of Walking Tours of Belfast & N. Ireland is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Northern Ireland

After decades of religious battles, Northern Ireland has recently calmed down and become more of a travel destination as the Republic of Ireland. It is one of the poorest economies in the UK, which makes it the most affordable for visitors. If you love sports, then you’ll be able to enjoy watching football, rugby and cricket and also engage in some spectacular golfing as well. Ireland is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re walking in a fairy tale with the rolling hills and lush greenery everywhere. Add that to being pretty much oceanside in many big towns and you’ve got yourself a beautiful and picturesque getaway.

Slovakia

For a more unique European vacation, the Slovak Republic will definitely fit the bill. Not many travelers – outside of backpackers – really think about Slovakia as a preferred destination. It has only gained its independence in the last 20 years and is still finding itself as a tourist spot. The country features wonderful medieval architecture and natural attractions like caves, mountains and lavish green spaces. Even though you may not know anything about Slovakia, it is an incredibly romantic country with its historical landscape dotted with castles. You’ll find old-fashioned and rustic souvenirs to bring home, like ceramics, wooden serving pieces, glass and homemade dolls in traditional dress. It’s certainly made for a vacation to remember.

This photo of Diniwid Beach is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Boracay Island, the Philippines

Wouldn’t you like to visit the “best island in the world”? Travel + Leisure Magazine bestowed this title on Borocay in 2012, which means you know it’s a wonderful place for a vacation. The small island is a magnet for travelers of all kinds, including those who aren’t made of money. Previous visitors claim Borocay is so awesome because you can travel like a VIP on a budget. No matter what time of year you visit, you will always bring a bag full of summer clothes with you. You can fill all that empty space with your snorkel gear, as that is one of the best things to do off the coast, in addition to kiteboarding, scuba diving, windsurfing and cliff diving. The only time the weather isn’t ideal is during a tropical storm, but even then it can still be warm. Pack a rain jacket and you’re good to go!

The Bahamas

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway that is closer to home, then the Bahamas with its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches might be calling your name. Whether you’re excited to lay on the beach drinking something with an umbrella in it or more adventurous and willing to explore underwater gardens, then you will find something for you. The native Bahamians are so welcoming to visitors that you may never want to leave. If beach activities don’t really thrill you, that’s okay. Visit botanical gardens and historical forts from the time when pirates tried to take the islands for themselves. You’ll also experience some of the most interesting and delicious seafood you’ll find anywhere as well as see amazing animals that are native to the islands.

As you can see, there is a huge range of economical destinations to choose from that are further from you than your normal vacation options. They are totally different and will immerse you in cultures you maybe weren’t aware you were missing out on. No matter your budget, you can always find an exotic getaway that suits your needs and wallet. Doesn't this make you excited to start planning your 2013 vacation? I know I am totally looking forward to another trip, wherever it is! Where will you be going in the coming year?