Title: Enjoying Niagara Falls on a Budget: An Easy Guide
My best friend and I wanted to fulfill our summer goal of going on a trip under $500. Close to our departure date, another friend joined us, leading to a week of quick vacation planning!
Here’s a useful tip: avoid last-minute planning. While there could be some late deals, it’s often pricier than planning ahead. Don’t forget to compare bundled prices with individual rates too.
We decided on Niagara Falls, where many things came bundled together. For instance, the Niagara USA Discovery Pass cost $38 per person, covering access to five attractions. Initially, it seemed like a good deal; however, we were only interested in two attractions – Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. The individual cost for these two activities was $31, so we saved $7 by not taking the bundle!
Organized tours often save time and offer guided information, but they might not be the best budget-wise. I came across a day tour for $130 covering several attractions. It seemed perfect, but double-checking individual prices proved to be cheaper. Instead, we allocated that $130 for our sightseeing and planned our day:
– 9:15 AM: Whirlpool Aero Car – $14
– 10:30 AM: Maid of the Mist – $17
– 11:45 AM: Cave of the Winds – $14
– And various other low-cost or free activities, including walking around the falls and sightseeing on both the American and Canadian sides.
Despite spending slightly over our planned budget, it was a full day of personalized enjoyment.
Choosing the right hotel is also important. Our first hotel had bed bugs, despite decent reviews online. We had to switch to the Ramada, which cost an extra $40. So, picking the cheapest hotel might not always be the best decision.
Lastly, as personal advice, never stay at the Niagara Inn.
Despite the hiccups, we successfully enjoyed our 40-hour Niagara Falls trip at a reasonable price. Planning budget vacations can be rewarding, and it feels good when you nail it! So, ever planned a trip that made you feel triumphant? Spread the word about budget travels!